From Kos:A full day cruise in the newest luxury vessel!

Music, islands, swimming, and a pirate ship. This 7-hour cruise on Captain Morgan packs Pserimos, Kalymnos, Vathy, Platy, and a surprise swimming stop into one lively day at sea. I like the new 33-meter vessel, with three decks, padded sun areas, shaded tables, and a modern bar. I also like the low price: $35 includes lunch and a full day of island stops.

The main catch is the atmosphere. This is not a quiet sailboat trip. The music can be loud, the bar is active, and the boat may carry up to 300 people. If you want a party at sea with swimming breaks, it is a strong value. If you want silence, solitude, or a serious look at Kalymnos, choose carefully.

Key things to know before boarding

• Captain Morgan is a large new ship: Built in Greece in 2024, the 33-meter vessel has three decks and room for as many as 300 passengers.
• The cruise mixes sightseeing with a party atmosphere: Expect music, an open bar, sunbathing, swimming, and an energetic crew.
• Your $35 covers Greek BBQ lunch: Drinks cost extra, but onboard prices have been described as reasonable.
• Pserimos and Platy are the main swimming rewards: Both offer clear water, beaches, and time to cool off.
• Vathy gives you a short taste of Kalymnos: You can see the port, shop, swim, and learn about sponges, honey, and local orange juice.
• Arrive ready for a full day outside: Bring swimwear, and look for the pirate ship at the Kos Cruise Experts meeting point.

The first look at Captain Morgan

You meet at Kos Cruise Experts and look for the pirate ship, Captain Morgan. The vessel is easy to spot, and its size changes the feel of the trip from the start. This is not a small wooden boat where everyone knows the captain by name. It is a purpose-built day cruiser with several decks, a bar, tables, shaded seating, and broad areas for sunbathing.

I like the choice of seating. You can stretch out on the cushioned sundecks, find shade when the Greek sun gets too strong, or sit at a table with a drink. The ship’s size also gives you room to move around, although the most popular seats can be claimed quickly.

One practical tip matters here: get aboard early if you want a particular place. After a swimming stop, people often return to the same seats, and leaving a towel or personal item behind can help you keep yours. Still, do not leave anything valuable unattended.

The ship can carry 300 passengers, so the experience feels social rather than private. On busy departures, there may not be enough prime seating for everyone. That is part of the tradeoff for the low price and large selection of onboard facilities.

Sailing out from Kos

The opening cruise lasts about 40 minutes. Use it to get settled, check the decks, and decide how you want to spend the day. You can start with the views, order a drink, or find a shaded spot before the strongest sun arrives.

The crew keeps the mood lively. Music is a major part of the experience, and the atmosphere can feel more like a floating beach party than a traditional sightseeing boat. Some people will love that right away. Others may find the sound level tiring, especially during long stretches between stops.

The staff received strong praise for their friendliness, energy, and entertainment. Ariel, who is part of the crew, was singled out for making the day fun and helping keep the program moving. The crew also adds information about the islands, so the trip is not only music and drinks.

You may also see dolphins near Kalymnos. Dolphin sightings are not something anyone can promise, but the route offers a chance to watch for them from the deck.

Pserimos: a gentle first island stop

Pserimos comes early, after roughly 40 minutes of sailing. You get about 45 minutes here for free time and sightseeing. The island is small, and the appeal is simple: a charming port, attractive beaches, and clear water.

This is a good first stop because you can ease into the day. Walk around the port, take photographs, or head toward the water. If you want to swim, have your swimwear ready rather than burying it under your bag.

Forty-five minutes passes quickly. You will not have time for a long walk or a detailed exploration of the island. Think of Pserimos as a short island pause, not a full day on shore. The best use of the stop is to enjoy the setting, take a swim, and return to the ship without rushing.

The water is one of the main rewards. Several people found the stops excellent for swimming and snorkeling, though the experience is built around a quick dip rather than a guided snorkeling session. Bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you, since equipment is not listed as included.

Vathy Port and Rina on Kalymnos

After another sightseeing cruise of about 30 minutes, the ship reaches Vathy Port, also called Rina, for around an hour. This is the most varied stop on the route. You can take photographs, look around the small town, shop, swim, and sample local products.

Kalymnos is famous for its sponge tradition, and the stop gives you a chance to learn about that local trade. Honey and local orange juice are also part of the introduction to the island. These small details add useful character to the trip. You are not simply stepping off at a generic beach.

The hour is enough for a taste, not a full visit. You can walk, browse, and stop for photos, but you will not see much of Kalymnos beyond this part of the island. One important point: the boat stops on the other side of the island from some of the better-known sights, so the visit is limited in scope.

I would treat Vathy as a pleasant port stop rather than the cultural center of the cruise. The swimming, local products, and short walk work well within a seven-hour boat day. If Kalymnos is your main interest, plan a separate visit so you can explore at a slower pace.

Dolphin watching near Kalymnos

The schedule includes about 20 minutes of dolphin watching around Kalymnos. The crew keeps an eye out while the boat moves through the area, so you will want to stay alert and watch from the open decks.

The word to remember is chance. Dolphins are wild animals, and sightings are never guaranteed. When they appear, the moment can be special. When they do not, you still have the sea views and the ship’s outdoor spaces.

This short section also breaks up the day nicely. After time in Vathy, you return to the boat, settle in, and look outward rather than heading straight to another shore stop.

Platy: the best time for a swim

Following another 20-minute cruise, the boat reaches Platy for about 45 minutes. This is one of the strongest parts of the day for anyone who came mainly for the water.

Platy is known for clear, calm-looking water and a peaceful beach setting. You can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the contrast with the louder ship. The stop is brief, so listen for the return instructions and keep track of the boat’s departure time.

Cliff jumping is also promoted as part of the fun. You should only do this if the crew indicates that the spot is safe and you feel fully comfortable. The activity is optional, and you can have a good time simply swimming or sitting by the water.

Platy gives the cruise its classic Greek island appeal: bright water, a short shore break, and no need to organize transport or ferry connections yourself. The limitation is again time. You get a taste, not a private beach day.

The surprise swimming stop

The cruise includes one additional stop chosen as a surprise. Its exact location is not fixed in the information provided, so you should think of it as a flexible part of the route rather than a named island attraction.

That flexibility can work in your favor. The crew may take you to another attractive place for swimming or relaxing, adding variety to a route that already includes Pserimos, Vathy, and Platy. It also gives the captain room to shape the day around conditions.

Do not plan your day around a particular fourth island or landmark. The pleasure is in not knowing exactly what comes next. The stop is best viewed as an extra chance to swim, take photographs, or enjoy the Dodecanese from the water.

Food, drinks, music, and the party-boat question

A Greek BBQ lunch is included in the $35 price. That makes a real difference to the value, since you do not need to arrange a separate meal during a long day on the water. The food has been described as passable rather than a major culinary event, so come for the convenience and fuel, not a restaurant meal.

Drinks are not included. The bar serves cocktails and other refreshments, and prices have been described as reasonable. Cocktail quality can vary, so I would not book this cruise mainly for the drinks. You can simply buy what you want and keep your spending under control.

Music is central to Captain Morgan. Some departures feel like a full party cruise, with loud sound, energetic announcements, and a crew that encourages people to join in. This makes the boat appealing for birthdays, groups of friends, couples who enjoy a social day, and families with older children or teenagers.

The same feature can be a drawback. If you want to read, nap, hear the engine and sea, or enjoy a quiet conversation, the music may wear you down. The ship is comfortable, but comfort does not make it quiet.

The atmosphere can also change depending on the mix of people onboard. Hotel groups and large parties may make the mood louder and less personal. Go expecting a floating bar with island stops, not a peaceful sailing lesson.

What the $35 price really buys you

At $35 per person, this is one of the easier Kos activities to recommend on value alone. You get about seven hours on the water, several island stops, swimming time, a Greek BBQ lunch, crew entertainment, and the chance to see dolphins. A modern ship with three decks and a bar would usually make a day trip feel more expensive.

The price becomes even better if you plan to spend most of the day swimming and relaxing. You do not need to book separate transport to Pserimos or Kalymnos, find lunch at each stop, or work out your own route between the islands.

The value is less obvious if your main goal is in-depth sightseeing. Shore time is short, and Kalymnos receives only a brief visit. Drinks are extra, and frequent bar purchases can quickly raise the final cost.

I would bring a budget for refreshments, but you do not need to buy cocktails all day. The included meal and the ship’s seating areas make it possible to enjoy the cruise without spending much beyond the ticket.

Who will enjoy Captain Morgan most

I would choose this cruise if you want several swimming opportunities in one day and enjoy meeting a lively crowd. It also suits families, since the mix of swimming, music, food, and island visits gives different age groups something to do. One family group reported that adults, teenagers, and a six-year-old all enjoyed the day.

It is a good birthday choice, too. The crew has helped make celebrations feel special, and the professional photographs offered onboard can provide a keepsake. Prints have been offered for €5, with no pressure to buy.

You should think twice if you dislike crowds or loud music. A large vessel can feel busy, and the most popular seating may fill quickly. This is also not the right trip if you want hours of quiet walking around Kalymnos or a small-group conversation with a local guide.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. The official information specifically lists swimwear, but you will also want practical beach clothing and something to cover up between swims. Keep your valuables secure, and arrive early if seating matters to you.

The experience has earned a 4.6 rating from 271 bookings, which fits its strengths: friendly staff, attractive swimming stops, a fresh-looking boat, included lunch, and strong entertainment. The lower scores center on predictable issues: loud music, crowded seating, average food, and mixed cocktail quality.

Booking details that matter

The cruise lasts seven hours, with starting times available according to the date you choose. The meeting point is Kos Cruise Experts, where you should look for Captain Morgan.

Live guiding is offered in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Because the route includes several swims, check the weather and sea conditions before you go. The exact timing of the surprise stop may change, and dolphin watching depends on nature rather than the crew.

Should you book the Captain Morgan cruise?

Book it if you want a high-energy island day with swimming, lunch, music, and a modern ship at a very low price. The strongest reasons are the new vessel, the number of water stops, the friendly crew, and the easy chance to see several Dodecanese islands without planning the transport yourself.

Skip it if your ideal boat trip is quiet, intimate, and focused on detailed sightseeing. Captain Morgan is a party boat first and an island tour second. Arrive early, claim a comfortable place, pack swimwear, keep your drink spending sensible, and you will get a lot for $35.

FAQ

How long is the Captain Morgan cruise?

The cruise lasts seven hours, including sailing time, island visits, swimming, sightseeing, and the return to Kos.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $35 per person. Drinks are not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek BBQ lunch is included in the cruise price.

Which islands does the cruise visit?

The route includes Pserimos, Kalymnos, Vathy Port at Rina, and Platy. It also includes a surprise stop for swimming or relaxing.

What languages are available from the guide?

Live guiding is available in English, French, German, Italian, and Polish.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Kos Cruise Experts and look for the pirate ship, Captain Morgan. The stated meeting-point location is available through the provided Google Maps link.