Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

The best parts of Rhodes may be offshore. This 2.5-hour cruise gives you four chances to swim, snorkel, photograph caves, and enjoy the island from the water. I especially like the small groups of up to eight and the helpful flotation gear, waterproof phone cases, drinks, and snacks.

I also like the timing. This is an afternoon outing, not an all-day commitment, and the $64 price is fair when you consider the boat, captain, swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, and optional hotel-area pickup. The main caution is that this is a fast RIB-style boat, so it may feel lively for young children or anyone prone to seasickness. One guest also reported that the trip ended about 20 minutes early, though that does not appear to be the usual experience.

Key Points Before You Book

• Four coastal stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area create a varied afternoon.
• Small-group feel: The boat is limited to eight people, and some departures have had only four to six passengers.
• Swimming support included: Snorkels, masks, life jackets, and pool noodles are available, useful for children and nervous swimmers.
• Captain-led sightseeing: Captains such as Michael and Lazaros add local information and help people feel safe in the water.
• Practical extras: Soft drinks, bottled cocktails, snacks, Wi-Fi, a restroom, and waterproof phone cases make the trip easy.
• Optional pickup: Transport can be arranged from central areas around Rhodes Town and the east and northwest resort zones.

Why This Short Cruise Works So Well

A boat outing around Rhodes can easily swallow an entire day. This one keeps things focused, with roughly two and a half hours on the water and several swim stops packed into that window.

I like this format for a first visit to Rhodes. You see a famous bay, smaller beaches, rocky coves, and sea caves without spending half the day on a large excursion boat. The trip feels more personal because the group is capped at eight, though actual group size depends on the departure.

The cruise costs $64 per person. That is not the cheapest way to reach the water, but it is a reasonable package for Rhodes. You are paying for a boat ride, a captain, several stops, snorkeling equipment, flotation aids, refreshments, and the chance to avoid arranging beach transport yourself. When only four or six people are aboard, it can feel close to a private charter without the private-boat price.

There is also a useful human touch. Captains have helped nervous swimmers with life jackets and noodles, encouraged children to try the water, and explained the coast at each stop. Michael is praised repeatedly for his friendly manner and calm attention to safety, while Lazaros has also hosted groups warmly. Staff can change, but the service is a major part of the experience.

Meeting the Boat at the Rhodes Marina

The main meeting point is at the port, with the boat moored beside Stama restaurant. Check your booking details carefully, since there are two possible meeting arrangements.

Optional pickup is available from central locations near Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Pickup information is sent separately, so check your email, including the spam folder. Past departures have used an air-conditioned minibus, and drivers such as Harris or Harry have sometimes added scenic photo stops on the way to the marina.

That transfer matters if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. It saves you from arranging a taxi and removes some of the guesswork from finding the boat. If you choose to meet at the marina yourself, go to the port and look for the vessel next to Stama restaurant.

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A small day bag with sun protection and your phone is enough.

Anthony Quinn Bay: The Main Event

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most famous swimming spots on the east coast of Rhodes. The bay is named after actor Anthony Quinn, who bought the area after filming The Guns of Navarone on Rhodes.

The setting is made for photographs. The water is clear, the shore is framed by rough rocky slopes, and the famous Guns of Navarone Pier offers one of the region’s best photo angles. From the boat, you get a different view than you would from the beach, with the cliffs rising around the small bay.

This is also one of the strongest places for snorkeling. Fish gather around the clear water, and the captain may point out marine life or feed a small amount of food to attract fish near the boat. You can swim from the vessel, use the supplied noodle or life jacket, and take your time in the water.

Do not expect a quiet private cove in the middle of summer. Anthony Quinn Bay is famous, and the scenery draws plenty of people. The advantage of arriving by boat is that you can enjoy the water without needing to find a place on the beach, and the captain may position the group away from the busiest areas.

If you do not swim confidently, tell the captain before entering the water. The flotation aids are more than a token gesture. One non-swimmer managed short swims with a life jacket and noodle, while children have also been helped into the water at their own pace.

Ladiko Beach and the Far Side of the Bay

The cruise then moves toward Ladiko, located on the other side of the bay. The stop gives you a change of view without a long ride, and the water remains the main attraction.

Ladiko is a good place to slow down. You can swim, snorkel, sit on the boat’s spacious deck, or simply take photographs of the turquoise water and rocky shoreline. Some people jump directly from the boat, while others prefer to ease into the sea with a flotation aid.

The stop length is generally around 25 minutes, although the exact timing can vary. That is enough for a proper swim and a quick look beneath the surface, but it is not enough for a long beach visit. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a moving coastal tour with several short stops, not a day at one resort beach.

The boat has space to sunbathe, which is useful if not everyone in your group wants to swim. You can also listen to your own music on some departures, a small detail that has made the ride feel more relaxed for private groups.

Traganou’s Rocky Shore and Sea Caves

Traganou offers a rougher, wilder setting. Instead of a soft sandy beach, you find gravel, exposed rock, clear water, and rocky openings along the coast.

This stop is particularly good for people who enjoy seeing how the shoreline changes from one bay to the next. The coast here feels less polished than Anthony Quinn Bay, and the caverns give the scenery more character. You may swim near the rocks or explore the cave entrances with the captain’s guidance.

The surface can be uneven, so water shoes or comfortable footwear are sensible. The supplied list recommends comfortable shoes, and this is the stop where that advice matters most. Do not assume every cave is suitable for walking far inside. Conditions and access can vary, so follow the captain’s instructions.

For photographers, Traganou is worth keeping your phone ready. The rocky walls, pale gravel, and clear water create a different picture from the more famous bay. A waterproof phone case is especially useful here. Some trips provide cases so you can take photographs without risking your phone.

The Alikies Caves and Final Swim

The final coastal stop brings you to the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can enter the cave area, look around from the water, or stay near the beach and relax.

This is often the most memorable section for people who enjoy unusual swimming places. The caves give you shade, rock formations, and a sense of discovery without requiring a long walk or a separate excursion. One couple described swimming inside a cave, while others preferred to remain outside and snorkel near the boat.

The time here can feel short because it comes near the end of the route. One guest specifically wished for more time at the final bay, where there were many fish and especially good photo opportunities. If Alikies is your priority, get ready before the boat arrives and enter the water promptly, but do not rush yourself.

After the final stop, the boat returns to the marina. Keep an eye on the water for dolphins, which may appear playing in the surf. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, so treat this as a pleasant possibility rather than a promised feature.

What the Boat Provides Onboard

The boat is modern, clean, and comfortably furnished, with a spacious deck. The small size gives you a better chance to chat with the captain and ask questions than you would on a large sightseeing vessel.

Snorkels and masks are provided, along with life jackets and pool noodles. This is a real benefit for families and mixed-ability groups. A child who is happy to float can enjoy the stop without needing to swim far, while stronger swimmers can move around the rocks and fish.

Refreshments include soft drinks and bottled cocktails. Snacks are also available onboard, although the exact drink selection can vary. Several people appreciated having a cold drink after swimming, and cocktails have been included on many departures. One past trip provided only fizzy drinks and water, so do not book this solely for the cocktail.

There is a restroom and Wi-Fi onboard. Those details may not sound exciting, but they make a difference on a small boat, especially for families. The boat also has safety equipment, and the captain watches the group during the swimming stops.

The vessel can move quickly. That gives you more time at the bays, but the ride may be bumpy or windy. If you suffer from seasickness, sit where the captain recommends, keep your eyes on the horizon, and ask about practical help before setting off.

The Captain Makes the Difference

The route is attractive on its own, but the captain shapes the day. You are not simply dropped at a swimming spot and left to figure things out. The captain explains the locations, gives basic instructions, watches for comfort and safety, and adjusts the pace when possible.

Michael has been singled out for being friendly, patient, and attentive. He has helped children gain confidence in the water, assisted non-swimmers, and shared stories about the coast. Lazaros has also been praised as a warm host who supplied flotation aids and made groups feel welcome.

The personal attention is easier because the group is small. With four people onboard, you may feel as if you have hired a private boat. With eight, it will feel less exclusive, but still far more personal than a large cruise.

The trip is conducted in English. If you want detailed cultural or historical commentary, this is not a formal shore tour. The information is more informal and connected to the bays, filming location, caves, and local coast.

Is $64 Good Value?

For a basic boat ride, $64 may seem high. For this particular package, I think the price is justified if you plan to swim and snorkel.

You receive approximately 2.5 hours on the water, several stops, a small group setting, equipment, flotation aids, drinks, and sometimes snacks and bottled cocktails. Optional pickup adds convenience for people staying in the listed resort areas. The alternative is arranging transport to beaches, renting or carrying snorkeling gear, and trying to fit four coastal stops into one afternoon on your own.

The value is strongest for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a relaxed boat outing without paying for a private charter. It is less appealing if you dislike swimming, want a full beach day, or prefer a slow cruise with extensive historical commentary.

A rating of 4.8 from 341 ratings suggests the experience has been consistently well received. The most common praise centers on the captain, the clean boat, the small groups, the scenery, and the practical equipment. The main cautions are the quick boat ride, limited time at each location, possible seasickness, and one report of an early finish.

Who Should Book This Rhodes Cruise?

I would choose this trip for a family with children who can follow water-safety instructions, especially because noodles and life jackets are available. It also suits couples who want clear water, photographs, and a more intimate boat setting.

It is a good fit for confident swimmers who want several different coves rather than one long beach stop. It can also work for non-swimmers, provided you are comfortable staying close to the boat with flotation support and telling the captain what you need.

You should think twice if you need wheelchair access, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. People with serious seasickness concerns should also consider the speed and movement of the RIB. This is a small, active boat trip, not a smooth, slow ferry ride.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Rhodes schedule is still changing.

FAQ

How long is the Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including the boat ride, swimming stops, snorkeling, cave exploration, and return to the marina.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The small group is limited to eight participants. Some departures have had only four to six people onboard.

What locations does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area along the east coast of Rhodes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels and masks are provided, along with life jackets and pool noodles. Towels are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Pickup details are sent separately after booking.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Large bags and luggage are also not allowed onboard.

Should You Book It?

Yes, if you want a compact afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, caves, and coastal views without joining a large boat crowd. The strongest reasons to book are the small group size, thoughtful flotation equipment, friendly captains, and good mix of famous and quieter stops.

I would book it early if Anthony Quinn Bay and a personal boat atmosphere are priorities. Just bring a towel, pack light, prepare for a fast ride, and remember that the caves and swim stops are short visits rather than full beach days. For $64, this is one of the better ways to turn a few hours in Rhodes into a proper sea adventure.