From Kos: 3-Island Pirate Cruise with Lunch and Waterslide

If you’re eyeing a day out on the water while in Kos, the 3-Island Pirate Cruise offered by Barco de Pirata might catch your attention. With its promise of visiting three unique islands, enjoying a traditional Greek BBQ, and having fun with water slides and music, it’s an experience that seems to tick a lot of boxes. We’ve looked into reviews and the details to give you a balanced snapshot of what this tour can deliver — and whether it’s worth your time.

What we love about this experience is how it combines scenic stops with lively onboard entertainment. The boat’s crew is repeatedly praised for their friendliness and energy. Plus, the value for money appears impressive, especially with the inclusion of food, snorkeling gear, and water slides. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the boat can get pretty crowded, which might affect your comfort if you prefer more space. This tour suits travelers looking for a lively day with a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and social fun — great for those who want more than just a quiet cruise.

Key Points

• Visiting Three Unique Islands: Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati each offer different scenery and local flavor.
• All-Inclusive Experience: Lunch (with options), snorkeling gear, and water slides are included, making it good value.
• Lively Atmosphere: The crew keeps the energy high with music, dancing, and fun activities, creating a party vibe.
• Customer Satisfaction: Overall ratings are high (4.5/5 from over 1800 reviews), with many travelers calling it a highlight of their trip.
• Potential Crowding: Some mention that the boat can get quite busy, especially on popular days.
• Flexible Booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance helps you plan with confidence.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on the Cruise

The Barco de Pirata sets sail from Kos Harbour, where you’ll find the boat decorated in true pirate style. It’s a lively scene, inviting you to feel the sense of adventure right from the start. The cruise lasts about 7.5 hours, so it’s long enough to feel like a full day but not so extended that it becomes tiring. Plus, it’s wheelchair accessible, which is helpful for guests with mobility needs.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day begins with a 55-minute transfer to the first island, Pserimos. This small, tranquil island is perfect for swimming and soaking up a bit of local charm. People rave about its peaceful vibe and the chance to swim in clear waters, with some reviews mentioning that the stops are well-paced for relaxing and exploring.

Next, the boat heads for Kalymnos, which takes about 45 minutes. Known for its rugged beauty and sponge diving history, Kalymnos is larger and offers more opportunities for sightseeing and shopping. You might not get a lot of time to explore on land, but the crew does a good job balancing traditional sightseeing with enough time for you to enjoy the local shops.

The third stop is Plati, a tiny island with a church, which takes around 40 minutes. It’s the place where you can jump off the boat or slide into the water, making it a fun finale to your island visits. This final stop is also where many guests take advantage of the water slide, which is a hit with both kids and adults.

Onboard Experience

The boat’s vibe is lively, with music throughout the day to keep the energy high. The crew is consistently praised for being friendly, helpful, and entertaining. Many mention that the staff even joins in the fun, dancing and creating a party atmosphere on deck.

The included lunch is a highlight — a traditional Greek BBQ with three options (Chicken, Pork, Vegetarian). Reviewers say the food is tasty and served quickly, even amid the bustling crowd. It’s a good value considering you’re getting a full meal along with the cruise.

Fun and Activities

Besides the stunning scenery and island exploring, the waterslide is a standout feature. It’s perfect for kids and kids-at-heart, providing a refreshing splash at the end of the day. Snorkeling gear is available onboard, letting you explore the underwater life, although some reviews noted that snorkeling equipment or life vests weren’t always available as advertised — so bringing your own might be wise if you want to go deeper or need safety gear.

Guests often share that dolphins occasionally swim alongside the boat, adding a magical element to the journey. The music and party feel are also key parts of the experience, with plenty of opportunities for dancing and socializing.

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The Real Experience: What Travelers Say

The reviews paint a pretty consistent picture: most guests are highly satisfied, calling it one of the best days of their holiday. They love the friendly crew, the breathtaking views, and the value for money. One guest mentions, “It was well organized and the staff were great fun,” while another says, “This boat tour was the highlight of our vacation.”

Many reviewers highlight the beautiful stops and the swimming opportunities. A common praise is the dolphin sightings, which add a touch of magic. The lunch gets positive remarks, with plenty of guests appreciating the quick, tasty meal served amid the lively party atmosphere.

On the downside, some mention that the boat can get crowded, especially during peak times, which might slightly detract from the comfort. Also, the absence of snorkeling equipment or life vests in some cases led a few to bring their own gear.

The entertainment and lively environment seem to make up for minor inconveniences, especially for travelers looking for a fun, social day at sea.

Is This Tour Worth It?

Given the price point of around $25 per person, you’re getting quite a lot: island hopping, lunch, water slides, snorkeling, and a party vibe. For travelers wanting a combination of relaxation, adventure, and lively onboard entertainment, this cruise offers a compelling experience.

However, if you’re after a more tranquil, less crowded day, or if snorkeling equipment is essential for you and not provided, then it might be worth considering other options or bringing your own gear.

This tour tends to suit those who enjoy a bit of partying, meeting new people, and making the most of their time in the Greek islands with a lively crew and scenic stops.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

• Adventure seekers who enjoy water activities and on-board fun.
• Travelers looking for a good value full-day excursion.
• Those who enjoy lively atmospheres with music and dancing.
• Visitors interested in visiting multiple islands without the hassle of separate bookings.
• People who don’t mind crowds and are looking for a social, energetic experience.
• Anyone wanting a mix of relaxation and entertainment in a beautiful setting.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts around 7.5 hours, from departure to return.

Where does the cruise depart from?
It starts at Kos Harbour, near Jasmine caffe, where you’ll see a big wooden pirate boat with a Barco de Pirata sign.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers visits to Pserimos, Kalymnos, and Plati, onboard lunch (Chicken, Pork, or Vegetarian), snorkeling equipment, water slide access, swim stops, crew service, safety gear, and free Wi-Fi.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are available to purchase onboard. The reviews note that drinks are reasonably priced, and the crew keeps the party spirit alive.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it easier for guests with mobility needs to join.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, it’s not permitted to bring your own drinks onboard.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a T-shirt to stay comfortable in the sun and water.

Is snorkeling gear always available?
While snorkeling equipment is included, some reviews mention it wasn’t always available as advertised, so consider bringing your own if snorkeling is a priority.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Many reviews mention kids having a great time, especially with the water slide. It’s a lively, party-like atmosphere, but overall it’s family-friendly for those who enjoy a fun, energetic environment.

What happens if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

The 3-Island Pirate Cruise from Kos offers a lively, fun-filled way to explore the beautiful Dodecanese islands. With its combination of scenic views, good food, and onboard entertainment, it’s perfect for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a social, party atmosphere. The friendly crew, the water slide, and the chance to spot dolphins all add to its appeal.

If you’re after a full day of adventure with a dash of lively fun, this cruise is likely to suit your style. Just remember, it can get crowded, so if you prefer quiet spaces or more flexibility, you might want to explore quieter options or bring your own snorkeling gear.

All in all, this experience delivers excellent value for money and plenty of memorable moments — especially if you enjoy a bit of dancing and good company while cruising the beautiful Greek waters.

Enjoy your trip, and don’t forget your camera and sun protection!

You can check availability for your dates here: