Kardamaina: Pirate Boat Cruise to 3 Bays with BBQ Lunch

A pirate boat turns beach time into a plan. I love the Kefalos Beach break for easy swimming and strolling, and the onboard BBQ souvlaki lunch that hits right after the first swim.

One thing to keep in mind, though: the stops require active movement on and off the boat, so it may not suit anyone with limited mobility.

Maria Magdalini, 3 bays, and a Greek BBQ on Kos

This is the kind of trip that feels like you bought a whole day’s worth of summer in one ticket. You sail out from Kardamena on the pirate ship Maria Magdalini, then work your way through three swim-friendly locations around the Dodecanese side of the Kos region. Expect salt air, music on board, and plenty of time that is not scheduled down to the minute.

The best part is how the cruise mixes “get out there” time with “sit back and recover” time. You get that first proper beach break at Kefalos Beach, then later you spend real time in the water at Kastri Island and at Paradise Beach (often called Bubble Beach). Add the included Greek BBQ lunch and you’ve basically got a full beach day without needing to plan transport, find parking, or hunt for an open restaurant.

There is also a lighter, social vibe on board. The music and dancing are part of the experience, but there are calmer zones if you want to watch the fun from a quieter spot.

Quick Snapshot: timing, price, and what’s actually included

You leave Kardamena port at 10:00 am and you’re back by about 4:30 pm. That’s roughly 6.5 hours on the water, with beach and swim breaks built in.

Price is listed around $35 per person, and what you get is not just a boat ride. You also get an onboard lunch (with vegetarian options), insurance coverage, and sunbathing mats on the open deck. Extra snacks and drinks are not included, so if you like snacking or you drink a lot of water during hot hours, plan to budget a bit more.

If you’re the type who would normally pay for a boat transfer plus lunch, the math starts to look reasonable. If you’re expecting a big restaurant-style BBQ feast, you might be surprised.

Finding the boat in Kardamena and getting your day started

Your meeting is simple: just look for the pirate boat Maria Magdalini in Kardamena port. The crew and locals can help if you get turned around, so don’t panic if you don’t spot it instantly.

A practical tip: arrive with a few minutes to spare and use that time to get your essentials ready. You’ll be in sun and near water fast. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a sun hat, and beachwear. Since there’s an open deck, you will also appreciate having what you need to sit comfortably and reapply sunscreen without improvising.

Language is English, with an English-speaking host or greeter.

Kefalos Beach: the 1.5-hour break that sets the tone

Kefalos Beach is the first land stop, about 1.5 hours of free time once you reach the area northwest of Kos. This is your chance to stretch your legs, walk a stretch of shoreline, and enjoy the kind of clear water that makes you want to keep lingering.

What you get from this stop is freedom. You can go right for the water, or you can keep it slow: photo breaks, a stroll, and time to just relax and pick a spot that looks good to you. Some people appreciate this beach time a lot because it’s long enough to feel like a real stop, not just a quick pull-in and go.

Possible consideration: this break can feel like more time than you want if you prefer faster switching between swim spots. If you’re more of a “jump in, swim, then move on” person, you may want to plan a shorter routine for yourself before you get tempted to spend the whole hour just lounging.

Kastri Island and the BBQ lunch on board

After Kefalos, the cruise heads toward Kastri Island. This is one of the key swim moments of the day because the water is described as clear and ideal for relaxing and swimming. Think sunscreen, swim time, and that moment where you climb back on board with that “okay, I’m done being hot now” feeling.

Right around this part of the day, you’ll have lunch onboard the Maria Magdalini. The included meal is a Greek BBQ-style spread with BBQ souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. Vegetarian options are always available.

Now, I’d set expectations honestly. The BBQ is not a giant banquet. It tends to be simple and pretty basic, and some diners find the portion size smaller than they hoped. If you want a heavier meal, eat a proper breakfast before you head to the port, or bring a little extra snack for yourself later (since extra snacks and drinks are not included).

That said, the timing works well. You’re not stuck eating on land while everyone else enjoys the sea. You eat while you’re still part of the day’s momentum, and you can keep your rhythm instead of searching for a restaurant.

A swim pause in the Dodecanese waters

Between the lunch and Paradise Beach, there’s another break with swimming time. It’s scheduled as a swim opportunity in the Dodecanese waters, and it functions like a “second chance to play in the water” before you hit the next beach.

This is where a lot of the fun happens. You can jump into the turquoise water from the boat, swim around for a while, then come back and cool down with a drink and a breather. If you like that rolling, beach-day momentum, you’ll appreciate this stop because it keeps the water time frequent rather than making you wait until the final beach.

Paradise Beach (Bubble Beach): warm water and a shorter hang

Paradise Beach is the last main swim-and-beach stop. You’ll have time for a beach break, plus another chance to swim, take photos, and enjoy warm water.

In the run-of-day schedule, this stop is around an hour. Some descriptions talk about a longer stay, so treat it as flexible depending on how the day flows, boat timing, and the sea conditions. Either way, it’s enough time to get your final swim in, and it’s a good place to decide whether you want to keep things active or simply lie back and soak up the sun.

A note worth taking seriously: the upper deck may not have much shade. One person called it out as an issue, and it makes sense. Bring a hat, and use sunscreen early so you are not scrambling later when you finally realize you’re getting sunburned while trying to “just lie for a minute.”

Onboard music, dancing, and quiet areas when you need a break

This is not a silent, contemplative boat ride. Music is part of the experience, and there’s a lively onboard feel with dancing and singing encouraged. If that’s your vibe, you’ll have fun quickly.

If it’s not your vibe, you’ll still be okay. The boat has designated areas where you can relax away from the louder music. That makes a big difference on a day like this because you can switch gears when you want to.

Also, there’s a real social energy. You’ll share the deck with people of different ages and types of travelers, from couples to families. Just remember the boat is made for moving and enjoying the day, not for slow, careful steps.

Price and value: is $35 worth it for this kind of day?

For $35 (or around 30 euros in some cases), you’re paying for a few things at once:

• Transportation by boat from Kardamena with multiple stops
• Swim time at more than one location, including swimming from the boat
• A lunch onboard with BBQ souvlaki, salad, and bread
• Insurance coverage and legal fees included
• Sunbathe mats on the open deck

Where value can wobble is expectations. Some people love the BBQ for what it is, others think it’s light. If you want a lot of food, go in fed. If you’re more focused on sea time and beaches, the lunch hits the spot because it keeps you from spending extra time and money on land.

Also remember: extra snacks and drinks are not included. If you plan to eat and drink like you’re at a beach club, you’ll spend more. If you treat the lunch as your main meal and bring refillable water or plan to buy what you need, the overall price feels more fair.

Who should book, and who might want a different plan

I think this cruise is best for people who:

• Want a group boat day with built-in swimming and clear-water moments
• Like music and a social vibe, or at least don’t mind it
• Are comfortable climbing on and off the boat during stops
• Don’t need a fancy, huge buffet lunch

It may be less ideal for anyone who:

• Struggles with getting on and off the boat at each stop
• Wants lots of shade on board
• Expects a big BBQ feast with many add-ons

One more practical point: this is a day in sun. Even if you’re not a “beach person,” you’ll still spend hours outdoors. If you’re prone to burning, treat this like a real sun day, not a casual one.

Should you book the Kardamaina pirate boat cruise to 3 bays?

If you want an easy, affordable way to see Kefalos Beach, swim at Kastri Island, and finish at Paradise Beach, this is a good bet. The structure is simple and the day stays active without feeling like you’re constantly rushing.

I’d book it if your priority is:

• water time from the boat
• beach breaks with breathing room
• an onboard Greek lunch that is included and convenient

Skip it or choose carefully if your priority is:

• a quieter, fully shaded experience
• a big, restaurant-level BBQ meal
• trouble-free boarding with limited mobility

For most people who are fit enough to enjoy a deck day and want the sea to be the main event, this cruise delivers a solid amount of fun for the money.

FAQ

What bays does the pirate boat cruise visit?

The cruise visits Kefalos Beach, Kastri Island, and Paradise Beach (also known as Bubble Beach).

What time does the cruise depart and return?

It departs at 10:00 am from Kardamena port and returns to port at about 4:30 pm.

What is included in the onboard BBQ lunch?

Lunch onboard includes BBQ souvlaki, Greek salad, and bread. Vegetarian options are available.

Are drinks included with the ticket?

Extra snacks and drinks are not included, so you should plan to cover them separately if you want more than the included lunch.

Is there a quiet area if I do not want loud music?

Yes. While the onboard music and fun are part of the experience, there are designated areas where you can relax away from the louder music.

Where do I meet the boat?

Go to Kardamena port and look for the pirate boat named Maria Magdalini. If you have trouble finding it, you can ask locals for help.