Kardamaina: 3-Bay Pirate Boat Cruise with BBQ Lunch

Kardamaina: 3-Bay Pirate Boat Cruise with BBQ Lunch — An Authentic Day on the Water

If you’re dreaming of a laid-back day exploring Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coastline, this 3-Bay Pirate Boat Cruise offers a fun, relaxed way to soak up the sun, swim in crystal-clear waters, and enjoy a traditional Greek meal. Operated by Sail Away Tours, this experience combines the playful vibe of a pirate ship with genuine scenic beauty and authentic flavors.

One thing we love about this cruise is how it balances adventure, relaxation, and cultural flavor. With ample swimming opportunities and a delicious BBQ on board, it’s a solid choice for those who want a hassle-free, scenic day at sea. A potential snag? The excursion lasts around 6.5 hours, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with full-day activities. This tour tends to attract families, groups of friends, and anyone eager to enjoy the picturesque bays from a unique perspective.

If you enjoy leisurely days on the water, love exploring unspoiled beaches, and appreciate local food, this cruise will suit you well. It’s particularly appealing if you’re traveling on a budget, given the great value at just around $34 per person, especially considering the included BBQ lunch, boat ride, and swimming stops.

Key Points

• Scenic Stops: Visit three distinct bays — Kefalos Beach, Camel Bay, and Bubble (Paradise) Beach — each offering its own unique charm.
• All-Inclusive Value: The ticket includes boat transport, a Greek BBQ lunch, and insurance, making it a convenient, no-hidden-fees option.
• Perfect for Relaxers and Swimmers: Plenty of opportunities to sunbathe, swim, and even jump from the boat at each stop.
• Authentic Flavors: Enjoy a flavorful Greek BBQ with options for vegetarians, alongside fresh salads and bread.
• Guided Experience: The crew is knowledgeable, and reviews praise the friendly, attentive staff, making the day even more enjoyable.
• Ideal Duration: With a 6.5-hour schedule, it suits travelers who want a full but manageable day on the water.

What to Expect on the 3-Bay Pirate Boat Cruise

Departure & First Stop: Kefalos Beach

The fun begins at 10am from Kardamena port, where you’ll find the Maria Magdalini, a pirate-themed vessel ready for adventure. As soon as you board, you’ll notice the open deck equipped with sun mats — perfect for lounging in the sun and catching the sea breeze. The first stop is at Kefalos Beach, situated northwest, where you’ll have about 1.5 hours to explore.

Guests frequently mention how beautiful Kefalos is — with its small bays and turquoise waters. You can stroll along the sands or simply relax and watch the water. One reviewer mentioned that “the waters and small bays were just fantastic,” emphasizing how this area feels untouched and peaceful. It’s a prime spot for taking in the scenery or snapping photos.

The Greek BBQ Lunch

After soaking up Kefalos’s beauty, you’ll return to the boat for a hearty Greek BBQ meal. The onboard crew serves up souvlaki, Greek salads, and fresh bread — satisfying and flavorful, especially after a morning in the sun. Vegetarian options are available upon request, which is a thoughtful touch that caters to different dietary preferences.

Camel Bay: The Camel-Shaped Beach

Next, the boat heads to Camel Bay, so named due to its shape resembling a camel. Here, you’ll spend about 30 minutes swimming, sunbathing, or jumping from the boat. Views of the clear waters and the unique shape make this stop memorable. Several reviews noted how perfect the water is for swimming and how much fun it is to dive from the boat into the inviting sea.

Bubble Beach (Paradise Beach): The Final Stop

The last destination is Bubble Beach, also known as Paradise Beach, where you’ll stay for around 2 hours. This beach takes its name from veins of the volcanic island Nisyros, which give the water a warming effect — ideal for swimming in comfortable, warm waters.

Guests have enjoyed the organized beach with its bars and water activities, making it a lively spot to unwind. One reviewer described it as a place with “veins of the Nisyros volcano,” adding a unique geological twist to the experience. You can choose to swim to the shore, explore the beach, or simply relax on the boat.

Return to Kardamena

By 4:30pm, the boat will head back, wrapping up a day filled with scenic views, swimming, and delicious food. The return journey offers more chances to relax and soak up the sunset views as you cruise back to the port.

The Practical Details

Price and Value

At just $33.88 per person, this cruise offers excellent value, especially considering the included lunch, boat ride, and swimming stops. Many reviews highlight how fair the price feels for the experience delivered — one guest called it the “best €22 spent,” emphasizing that the combination of scenic beauty and relaxation was worth every penny.

Duration and Timing

The 6.5-hour cruise starts at 10am, which gives plenty of time to enjoy the bays without feeling rushed. It’s ideal for travelers who want a full day of activity without exhausting themselves. The tour operates with flexible start times (check availability), and the trip ends around 4:30pm.

Group Size and Guides

While specific group sizes aren’t detailed, the reviews point to a friendly, attentive crew, with guides speaking English. The crew’s warmth and knowledge seem to be key highlights, making the experience more engaging.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The ticket covers the boat ride, lunch, insurance, legal fees, and sun mats — a good package for the price. However, snacks or drinks are not included, so you might want to bring your own or purchase them on the boat or at the beaches.

Meeting Point

You’ll find the Maria Magdalini docked at Kardamena port. Simply show your mobile voucher to the crew when boarding. The activity concludes back at the same spot, making logistics straightforward.

Authentic Reviews and Insights

Guests consistently mention the friendly crew and the stunning scenery. One reviewer described the experience as “fabulous and fantastic,” emphasizing the variety of places visited and the overall value. Another highlighted the opportunity to swim in the sea, which is a central part of the appeal.

Several reviewers pointed out how well the crew sticks to the itinerary, ensuring you visit every advertised bay, which adds a sense of reliability to the trip. The quality of the BBQ also receives praise, with guests enjoying the flavors and the option for vegetarian dishes.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect for families, friends, or solo travelers seeking an affordable, scenic day. If you enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and good food in a relaxed environment, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s also suitable for those wanting a lighthearted, fun adventure on the water without the hassle of planning multiple transport or meal arrangements.

It might not be ideal if you prefer longer excursions with cultural or historical commentary, as the focus is on natural beauty and leisure. However, the friendly guides and beautiful scenery make it an experience worth considering.

The Sum Up

This Kardamaina pirate boat cruise offers a genuine and enjoyable way to explore Turkey’s stunning bays. The combination of swimming opportunities, scenic views, and a tasty BBQ makes it a fantastic value for a full day out on the water.

The experience is especially well-suited for travelers who want a relaxed, fun-filled day with easy logistics and memorable scenery. The friendly crew, reliable itinerary, and affordability make it a standout option for those visiting Kardamena and nearby islands.

For anyone looking to combine adventure, relaxation, and authentic local flavors, this cruise hits the mark. It’s a simple, enjoyable day that leaves plenty of room for sun, swim, and smiles.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 6.5 hours, starting at 10am and returning around 4:30pm, giving you plenty of time at each bay and for lunch.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride to three bays, a Greek BBQ lunch, insurance, taxes, and sun mats on the deck. Snacks or drinks are not included.

Where do I meet the boat?
You’ll find the Maria Magdalini docked at Kardamena port. Just show your mobile voucher to the crew when boarding.

Is vegetarian lunch available?
Yes, vegetarian options can be requested in advance, ensuring all dietary preferences are accommodated.

Can I swim at each stop?
Absolutely. Guests often swim, sunbathe, or jump from the boat at Kefalos Beach, Camel Bay, and Bubble Beach. Many reviews praise the warm, clear waters.

Is there a guide or crew narration?
While specific guides aren’t mentioned, the crew is friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience engaging and informative in English.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. You might also want to carry some water or snacks, as they are not provided on board.

This cruise offers a relaxed, scenic escape with plenty of opportunities for fun, making it a perfect addition to your Kardamena itinerary.