Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide

Fishing tastes better at sea. This five-hour Rhodes outing pairs local fishing instruction with swimming, snorkelling, and a fresh onboard lunch. I especially like the small group of up to 10 people and the warm father-and-son team of Captain Mike and Skevos. The main consideration is that fishing depends on weather, sea conditions, and the habits of the fish, so a big catch is never guaranteed.

The traditional wooden boat gives this trip more character than a standard sightseeing cruise. I also like that the price includes fishing gear, bait, snorkelling equipment, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a full fish lunch. If you do not eat fish or Greek salad, bring a snack, since those dishes form the heart of the meal.

The boat leaves from Kolona port outside Rhodes Old Town. Parking can be difficult when the town is busy, so allow extra time if you are driving. The trip runs rain or shine, except in storms, and you should expect some spray, wet decks, and a real working fishing experience rather than a polished resort outing.

Key details before you book

• Captain Mike and Skevos lead the trip: Mike brings more than 35 years of professional fishing experience, while Skevos teaches fishing and prepares the meal.
• You fish in two different ways: The first hour uses trolling gear for predator fish, followed by about two hours of ground fishing near the seabed.
• Lunch is cooked on board: Your catch is grilled with extra fish, Greek salad, bread, olive oil, salt, herbs, and unlimited drinks.
• The group stays small: The boat takes no more than 10 participants, which makes instruction and conversation much easier.
• Swimming comes after the fishing: The crew anchors in a quiet bay, often near Kallithea Springs, Santa Marina, or a shallow sandy beach.
• The price covers nearly everything: At $88 per person, the outing includes equipment, bait, food, beer, soft drinks, water, snorkel gear, and use of the boat facilities.

Setting out from Kolona port near Rhodes Old Town

You meet the boat in the port of Kolona, just outside the walls of Rhodes Old Town. This is a useful location if you are staying in Rhodes Town, but it is worth planning your arrival carefully if you have a rental car. One person specifically found parking busy, so do not arrive at the last minute.

The boat is a 10-meter handcrafted wooden fishing vessel. It has a separate fishing area for up to 10 people, along with a dining and relaxation area, toilet, freshwater shower, Wi-Fi, and certified radio communication equipment.

That mix matters. You are not squeezed onto a bare fishing platform with nowhere to sit, but you also should not expect a luxury yacht. The appeal is the working-boat feel, with a proper place to fish and a separate area where lunch can be prepared and eaten.

The vessel carries a Lowrance 1000W fish finder, GPS, depth sounder, and radar. The fishing equipment comes from brands including Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi. For you, that means the crew can accommodate beginners while still offering serious gear for people who already know how to cast and handle a rod.

The first hour: trolling for faster fish

The first part of the cruise takes about an hour as the crew heads toward one of the day’s selected areas. The exact destination depends on weather and sea conditions, with possible stops near famous Kallithea Springs, the quieter bay of Santa Marina, or a shallow sandy beach.

During this run, you try trolling. The lines are worked behind the moving boat, and the goal is to attract predator fish such as small tuna, mahi mahi, amberjack, barracuda, trumpetfish, and great trevally.

This is an exciting introduction because you do not need to arrive with fishing experience. Skevos explains the basic technique and helps you handle the equipment. Several people with no previous sea-fishing experience managed to catch fish after receiving simple instructions and hands-on help.

The pace can change from one trip to another. August, in particular, may not offer ideal fishing conditions, and strong wind can make the work harder. The crew still adjusts the plan and keeps trying different spots, but you should book this as a sea outing with fishing, not as a guaranteed trophy catch.

The unpredictable part is also part of the fun. You may feel a sudden pull while the boat is moving, or spend time waiting for the equipment to produce a result. The guides are candid about conditions, which is much better than promising a catch that the sea cannot provide.

Two hours of ground fishing near the seabed

After trolling, the boat moves on to ground fishing for roughly two hours. This method targets fish close to the seabed and gives beginners another chance to learn without the pressure of managing a fast-moving predator.

The two styles of fishing make the outing feel varied. Trolling offers speed and surprise, while ground fishing is slower and more controlled. Skevos and Captain Mike work closely together, especially when someone hooks a larger fish. Their coordination is one of the most entertaining parts of the trip, since you can watch a real family fishing partnership at work.

Some outings produce several species. One person caught four different kinds of fish, while another caught tuna and two fish in total. Other trips may be quieter. The crew makes a clear effort to help everyone catch something, but the final result remains subject to the sea.

If you are an experienced angler, you may enjoy the quality rods, the fish-finding equipment, and the chance to learn local methods. If you are new to fishing, you get patient instruction without needing to bring tackle or bait.

Anchoring for swimming and snorkelling

Once the fishing is finished, the boat anchors in a quiet bay. This is your time to swim, snorkel, or simply sit back while the meal is prepared.

The swimming stop balances the fishing well. After several hours of handling rods, you get a change of pace and a chance to enjoy the coast from the water. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and pool noodles are available for people who feel uncertain in the sea. One nervous swimmer found the flotation aid especially useful.

The exact bay depends on the conditions, so do not book this expecting one fixed beach or one guaranteed view. You might stop near Kallithea Springs, Santa Marina, or a shallow sandy area. The point is quiet water and a pleasant break, rather than a formal shore visit.

Bring a swimsuit and towel. The boat can get wet from spray, and you may be splashed while fishing. A few people specifically advised wearing clothes that can handle seawater. The trip is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

The onboard BBQ is the real reward

Lunch is served on the wooden boat after the swim. The fish you catch is grilled on a custom BBQ built by Skevos’s father. The meal also includes fresh gold seabream and sea bass weighing at least 250 grams, so your lunch does not depend entirely on your own fishing success.

The preparation is simple and Greek: extra virgin olive oil, coarse sea salt, grilled fish, charcoal bread, and fresh Rhodian oregano. The Greek salad is a major part of the meal, made with herbs that give it a distinct flavor. Skevos also prepares a homemade lemon sauce that received special praise.

This is not a snack served in a plastic box. It is a proper social meal, eaten at sea, with the catch connected directly to the activity you have just completed. That connection gives the lunch much more meaning than a standard buffet stop.

Drinks are included throughout the outing: bottled mineral water, cola, lemonade, and beer. You get unlimited amounts of each. If you dislike fish or Greek salad, plan ahead and bring something extra, since those are the central dishes.

A relaxed small-group atmosphere

The group limit of 10 people is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat. Everyone has room to take part, ask for help, and speak with the crew. A larger boat would make the fishing more anonymous and could leave beginners waiting for attention.

The atmosphere is informal and social. You may share the rods, fishing stories, drinks, and lunch with people from several countries. Solo visitors can fit in easily, while couples and families also get enough space to enjoy their own time together.

The father-and-son setup adds personality. Captain Mike has more than 35 years of professional fishing experience. Skevos grew up on the boat, teaches the fishing techniques, and is also a certified professional chef. Both are trained in lifeguarding.

Their style is friendly and humorous, but still practical. Beginners receive encouragement rather than criticism, and children can receive extra attention. One family was especially pleased by the patience shown to a young fishing enthusiast. At the same time, experienced anglers are not treated as complete novices.

What the $88 price really includes

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Rhodes. It is a much better value if you plan to use the equipment, eat lunch, swim, and enjoy the drinks.

A basic boat ride may cost less, but you would normally pay separately for a meal, fishing gear, bait, snorkelling equipment, and drinks. Here, those elements are combined into five hours, with a maximum of 10 people and two experienced hosts.

The value also comes from the format. You are not simply watching the coastline from a seat. You are learning a skill, handling the rods, sharing in the catch, swimming from the boat, and eating food prepared on board.

The cost is less appealing if you do not like fishing, seafood, or swimming. It is also worth remembering that fish numbers vary. The crew works hard to find them, but no responsible fishing captain can promise a particular species or a certain number of catches.

Practical advice for a smoother morning or afternoon

Eat breakfast before you arrive. The trip lasts five hours, and lunch comes later after the fishing and swimming. If you do not eat fish or salad, bring a small snack as a backup.

Pack beachwear and a towel. Add sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that can get wet. Those last items are sensible choices for any boat trip, especially since sea spray can reach the fishing area.

If you are driving from another part of Rhodes, allow time to find parking near the port. The meeting point is outside Rhodes Old Town, at Kolona port, where the boat returns at the end.

The trip operates in rain unless there is a storm. Weather and sea conditions also affect the route and fishing locations. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option may help if your plans are still changing.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes fishing trip?

This outing suits couples, families, solo visitors, and first-time anglers who want more than a standard coastal cruise. It is especially good for people who enjoy relaxed social activities and do not mind that nature controls the timetable.

You should choose it if you want:

• A small group instead of a large sightseeing boat
• Friendly instruction for complete beginners
• A chance to catch fish and eat some of it
• Swimming and snorkelling in a quiet bay
• A substantial meal with beer and soft drinks included
• A local family connection rather than a scripted tour

You may want another activity if you need guaranteed fishing results, accessible facilities, a luxury vessel, or a fixed beach itinerary. Pregnant women and wheelchair users should not book this experience.

Should you book it?

I would book this trip if you want a hands-on half-day at sea and like the idea of lunch made from fresh fish. The small group, father-and-son crew, and excellent food make it more personal than a routine boat excursion.

Book with realistic expectations about the fishing. Some days bring tuna, several species, or a strong fight with a larger fish. Other days are slower, especially when the wind or season works against you. The crew can improve your chances, but they cannot control the sea.

For $88, the combination of equipment, instruction, swimming, snorkelling, lunch, and drinks is strong value. If your ideal Rhodes day includes saltwater, simple food, good company, and a little uncertainty, this is an easy choice.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

The boat is located at Kolona port outside Rhodes Old Town.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts five hours, including the boat cruise, fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and lunch.

How many people can join?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

What fishing equipment is provided?

The boat provides fishing rods, tackle, and bait. The equipment includes gear from brands such as Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi.

What kinds of fish might we target?

Trolling may target small tuna, mahi mahi, amberjack, barracuda, trumpetfish, and great trevally. Ground fishing targets fish near the seabed.

Is fishing suitable for beginners?

Yes. Skevos and Captain Mike explain the techniques and provide help throughout the fishing session.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes the fish you catch, additional gold seabream and sea bass, Greek salad, grilled bread, and drinks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited bottled water, cola, lemonade, and beer are included.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is provided for the swimming stop.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel. It is also sensible to wear clothing that can get wet because the boat may receive sea spray.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

The trip operates in rain but does not run during storms. The destination may change according to the weather and sea conditions.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.