Lindos,Pefkos: All inclusive Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise

Crystal water, caves, and three easy swim stops make this a fine way to see Rhodes from the sea. I like the excellent value at $64 and the generous time in the water, especially at the cave and St. Paul’s Bay. The main drawback is that a three-hour trip can feel short if you want a long snorkel session at every stop.

This cruise is relaxed rather than fancy, with a comfortable boat, snorkel gear, noodles, drinks, and fruit included. Guide Michael receives repeated praise for his safety briefings and friendly manner, but departure times can change if numbers are low, and the boat may feel busy on a full departure.

Key things to know before you book

• Three swim stops in three hours: You visit a Lindos cave, Navarone Bay, and St. Paul’s Bay, with about 30 minutes in the water at each.
• The cave is the highlight: You can swim directly inside and see the rock formations from water level.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and cocktails are available during the cruise.
• Fresh fruit breaks up the swimming: A Rhodian fruit bowl or fruit salad is served, usually after one of the main swim stops.
• Good for mixed-age families: Noodles and masks help less confident swimmers, and families with young children have found the trip manageable.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel pickup is available from Kiotari when you select that option. The standard meeting point is in the middle of Vlycha Beach.

Why this short Rhodes cruise works so well

This is a simple idea done in the right order: cruise along the coast, stop somewhere beautiful, let everyone swim, then offer a cold drink before moving on. You are not trapped on the boat for hours waiting for one swim break. Around half the trip is spent moving between coves and taking in the coast, while the rest is given to swimming and snorkeling.

The price is strong for what is included. At $64 per person, you get three hours on the water, snorkel equipment, swimming noodles, fruit, and drinks ranging from water and soft drinks to beer, wine, and cocktails. That matters in Rhodes, where a shorter boat outing can quickly become expensive once you add refreshments and equipment.

The cruise has a friendly, informal feel. Music may play, the crew keeps drinks moving, and the guides give short explanations before each stop. Michael is often singled out for making people feel safe without turning the day into a lecture. Captain Kostas is also praised for his experience and calm handling of the trip.

You should think of this as a swim cruise, not a full sightseeing tour of Lindos. You will see white buildings and rugged coastal cliffs from the boat, but you will not have time to visit the Acropolis or walk through Lindos village. The main event is the water.

Starting at Vlycha Beach

The regular meeting point is in the middle of Vlycha Beach. Look for the red stairs and the hut with seats marked for Lindos boat cruises. That detail is worth knowing because the beach meeting area can cause confusion, particularly if you arrive without much time to spare.

If you choose pickup, transport is available from Kiotari hotels. Several families found the transfer clean and well managed, and the trip can end with a return to your hotel. The listed drop-off choices include Lindos, Kiotari, and Lindos Sea Cruises, depending on the option you book.

The cruise lasts three hours, but allow extra time around pickup and drop-off. One family had a short wait for its return vehicle after the cruise because of a drop-off mix-up. It was resolved, but this is a useful reminder not to schedule an important dinner or airport transfer immediately afterward.

Wear your swimwear under your clothes. The boat gets wet, and one particularly practical tip is to keep bags off the floor. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof phone pouch if you have one. The crew once helped retrieve a phone dropped into the sea, but that is not a service you should plan on testing.

First stop: swimming through the Lindos cave

The first stop is a cave near Lindos. After roughly 25 minutes of cruising, the boat anchors and gives you about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel.

This is the most distinctive part of the outing. Instead of looking at a cave from the deck, you can swim directly inside. The water lets you see the rock shapes close up, and the enclosed space gives the stop a cool, slightly eerie feel. It is an easy moment to remember because it feels more personal than simply pausing beside a famous bay.

The cave stop suits confident swimmers, but you do not need to be an expert. Noodles are available, and several less confident swimmers found that the extra support made it easier to move away from the boat. Still, you should be comfortable entering open water and following the crew’s directions.

Masks and snorkels are provided, although you can bring your own equipment if you prefer. The water is clear, and you might see small marine life, but this is not a dedicated wildlife expedition. One family spotted puffer fish and cornet fish, while another hoped to see more fish. Go for the rock formations and clear water first, and treat marine life as a bonus.

Navarone Bay and its clear turquoise water

After another short sightseeing cruise, the boat heads to Navarone Bay. The boat spends about 20 minutes reaching this section of coast, then you get another 30 minutes for swimming.

Navarone Bay is a strong stop for anyone who likes bright, clear water and open views. The cliffs rise around the bay, giving you a good sense of Rhodes from sea level. From the deck, the rocky coast looks more dramatic than it does from the road, and the boat gives you a quiet view of the cliffs without asking you to hike anywhere.

The water here is particularly attractive for a relaxed swim. You can use the noodles, borrow a mask, or simply float and look down through the surface. The crew gives safety instructions before each stop, then leaves you room to swim at your own pace.

After roughly 45 minutes of swimming across the first two stops, the cruise pauses for refreshments. This is where the all-inclusive setup earns its keep. A bowl of fresh Rhodian fruit, often served as a fruit salad, is a welcome change after salt water and sun. Watermelon cocktails are a popular touch, with beer, wine, and soft drinks also available.

The food is not a meal, so do not board expecting lunch. It is a fresh snack that keeps the outing comfortable, especially for families. If you need a proper meal, eat beforehand.

St. Paul’s Bay for the final swim

The last stop is St. Paul’s Bay, reached after another short cruise. You get about 30 minutes in the water here, surrounded by rocky formations and the bay’s blue-green water.

This stop feels different from the cave. The cave is close and enclosed, while St. Paul’s Bay gives you a broad setting with craggy rock and open water. You can swim, snorkel, or stay near the boat and enjoy the view. The bay is also a good final stop because the crew can serve drinks while you relax before the return journey.

You will not have unlimited time at any one location. Thirty minutes goes quickly once you have collected equipment, entered the water, swum around, and climbed back aboard. One family would have preferred more time for exploring, but still found the overall length about right. That is the fair trade here: three different locations instead of one long stop.

The final cruise back takes about 30 minutes. It gives you time to dry off, finish a drink, and look back toward the coast before returning to the selected drop-off point.

What the boat and crew add to the day

The boat is described as simple, clean, comfortable, and spacious enough for the outing. It is not a luxury yacht, and you should not book it expecting private space or a quiet sailing experience. Depending on the departure, the group may be around 20 to 25 people, and one passenger found it a little crowded.

Most of the feedback about the crew is especially warm. Michael is praised for clear communication, local information, and safety checks at each stop. The explanations are brief enough that they do not steal time from swimming. Captain Kostas and other crew members also help people on and off the boat and provide equipment as needed.

That practical care matters if you are traveling with children, older relatives, or someone who needs help moving between the boat and the water. One family specifically appreciated the assistance given to a disabled passenger. The trip is not described as fully wheelchair accessible, so you should confirm your needs before booking, but the crew has shown a helpful attitude.

The atmosphere is lively but not wild. Music, drinks, and friendly hosting keep the cruise social. If you want complete silence and a private swim, this is not the right boat. If you like a relaxed group outing with a little music and easy conversation, it fits well.

Is this a good family activity?

Yes, for families who are comfortable around open water. Children aged four and five have taken part, and families with children around six, nine, ten, twelve, fourteen, and teenagers have enjoyed the stops.

The swimming noodles make a real difference. A nervous swimmer can float rather than struggle, and parents can stay close without needing to carry extra equipment from the hotel. The crew also gives safety guidance before the stops, which helps children understand where and how to swim.

You still need to supervise children closely. The activity involves boarding a boat, entering the sea, swimming near caves, and using snorkeling equipment. The experience is family-friendly, but it is not a supervised children’s club.

The trip also works for solo visitors and couples. One solo woman found it safe, social, and easy to enjoy alone. Couples have returned with their children after enjoying it on an earlier visit, which says something about the cruise’s broad appeal.

Timing, weather, and changing departure options

The cruise runs at different starting times, subject to availability. Morning trips offer a fresh start to the day, while later departures can provide softer light and, in some cases, views of the sun beginning to set.

Do not assume that the departure time you first prefer is guaranteed. One group booked a later option that was changed to an earlier departure because too few people were booked. The change did not ruin the outing, but it could affect your plans.

Sea conditions and weather will shape the experience. The supplied details do not promise calm water, so check the forecast and be realistic if you are prone to seasickness. The boat spends a meaningful amount of time cruising between stops, and the open sea can feel different from swimming at a sheltered beach.

The value at $64 per person

I consider $64 a fair to very good price for this outing. You are paying for a full three hours, three separate swimming locations, boat transport, equipment, fruit, and a useful range of drinks. The cave alone gives the cruise something more memorable than a standard coastal ride.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the included gear and drinks. Buying a separate snorkeling trip, renting equipment, and purchasing refreshments on board or at the beach could easily narrow the price difference.

It is less compelling if you want a long snorkeling session, a full meal, or a small private group. The trip gives you variety and convenience rather than maximum time in one bay. At a rating of 4.8 from 730 bookings, it has a strong record, but the few cautions are clear: the boat can feel busy, fruit may not always be available, and timing can change.

One Sunday departure had no fruit because the supplier was closed. Drinks were still available, and the missing fruit did not affect the family’s enjoyment, but it shows that the food portion is subject to availability.

Who should book it?

Book this cruise if you want to see the Lindos coast from the water, swim in clear sea, and enjoy a friendly half-day activity without complicated planning. It is especially good for families, couples, solo visitors, and mixed groups with different swimming abilities.

Book it if the cave is the part that catches your attention. Swimming inside it is the most unusual feature and gives the trip a clear reason to choose it over a basic beach day.

Think twice if you dislike group excursions, need a completely fixed schedule, or want serious marine-life spotting. You will get beautiful water, some fish, and good snorkeling conditions, but not a specialist wildlife trip.

For most people staying around Lindos, Pefkos, or Kiotari, I would book it. Choose a departure that fits your plans, arrive ready to get wet, keep your phone and bag protected, and use the noodles even if you are a strong swimmer. At this price, three scenic swim stops, drinks, and the cave make the cruise an easy recommendation.

FAQ

How long is the Lindos swim and snorkel cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $64 per person.

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is in the middle of Vlycha Beach. Look for the red stairs and the hut with seats marked for Lindos boat cruises.

Which places does the boat visit?

The cruise visits a hidden cave near Lindos, Navarone Bay, and St. Paul’s Bay.

How long do you swim at each stop?

The planned swimming time is about 30 minutes at each of the three stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and swimming noodles are also available.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks can include wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and cocktails.

Is food included?

Fresh fruit is included, usually as a Rhodian fruit bowl or fruit salad. Availability can vary, and one Sunday trip did not have fruit.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional. The available pickup option includes transport from Kiotari hotels.

Can I cancel the booking?

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