Rhodes: Pleasure Cruise for Swimming and Snorkeling

Clear water comes first. This six-hour cruise gives you an easy way to reach three of Rhodes’ best-known swimming spots without arranging separate transport. I like the three one-hour stops and the mix of swimming, snorkeling, music, and shaded rest on a traditional wooden boat. I also like the sensible $47 price, especially since snorkeling gear, a swimming noodle, fruit, and the boat ride are included. The main caution is the boat itself: some passengers have found it worn and less clean than expected, while the bar prices may feel steep.

From Mandraki Harbour, you sail along Rhodes’ east coast and return around 4 p.m. The day is built for people who want plenty of water time rather than a packed sightseeing program. You get roughly three hours to swim and snorkel, with the remaining time spent sailing, taking photos, listening to music, and enjoying the view.

Key Points Before You Book

• Three one-hour swimming stops: Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay each receive about an hour.
• Traditional wooden boat: The boat provides an old-fashioned Greek setting, with music, shaded areas, a bar, and room to relax between swims.
• Snorkeling gear included: Masks and related equipment are supplied, along with a swimming noodle.
• Good central departure: The meeting point is at Mandraki Harbour near the Alexander Statue, making it convenient if you are already in Rhodes Town.
• A water-focused day: This is best for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing, not for long guided visits ashore.
• A few practical compromises: Hotel pickup is not included, fish sightings are not guaranteed, and the boat’s condition has received some criticism.

Setting Sail From Mandraki Harbour at 10 a.m.

The meeting point is Mandraki Harbour, by the Alexander Statue and the Alkmini boat. You need to arrive on time because the boat does not wait for late arrivals. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included, so plan your route to the harbour yourself.

The cruise begins at 10 a.m. and returns at about 4 p.m., giving you a full half-day on the water. That timing works well if you are staying in Rhodes Town, have a free afternoon afterward, or want an activity before checking into accommodation. One passenger found the boat useful for keeping a backpack onboard before check-in, but you should confirm your own storage needs with the crew rather than assume this service.

The traditional wooden boat gives the trip a more local feel than a large modern excursion vessel. You can sit in the sun or find shade, listen to music, and buy drinks or something to eat from the onboard bar. Seasonal fruit is included, and watermelon is a particularly welcome refreshment after swimming.

I would bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a camera. Your phone or camera should be protected from splashes, since the day revolves around getting in and out of the sea.

Kallithea Bay: Your First Water Stop

After roughly 40 minutes of sailing, the first stop is Kallithea Bay. The stop lasts about an hour and is intended for swimming and snorkeling. The water here is known for its clear conditions, making it a strong opening stop for anyone keen to see what is below the surface.

The area is also associated with Kallithea Springs, a well-known Rhodes sight. On this cruise, though, the emphasis is on the sea rather than a long visit to the springs complex. You should expect time for photographs, a swim, and snorkeling, not a detailed land tour.

The crew provides snorkeling equipment, which keeps you from having to pack your own mask and snorkel. Still, equipment supply does not guarantee a busy underwater scene. Fish sightings vary, and the operator clearly states that it cannot promise you will see fish. Think of snorkeling as a pleasant extra, not the main reason to book.

This first stop also helps you settle into the rhythm of the day. You swim, climb back aboard, dry off, and have time to rest while the boat moves to the next bay. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew about the safest place to enter and remain close to the boat.

Afandou Beach: Space for Another Long Swim

The cruise continues to Afandou Beach for another stop of about one hour. Like Kallithea, this is free time for swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos. The repeated format may sound simple, but it gives you something many short boat trips do not: enough time in the water to relax instead of rushing through a ten-minute stop.

Afandou is a useful middle stop because you have already had one swim and can choose how active you want to be. You might snorkel for part of the hour, float with the noodle, or stay aboard in the shade with a drink. The music continues on the boat, adding a casual holiday mood rather than a formal sightseeing atmosphere.

The tradeoff is that you do not get a long visit on land. There is no separate beach excursion or extended walk described here. If you want to explore Afandou village or spend an afternoon on the sand, this cruise will not replace that experience. It is a sea stop viewed from the water, with swimming as the main event.

I like the way this stop breaks up the day. Three swimming locations can become tiring, particularly in strong sun, so use this hour to pace yourself. You do not have to swim continuously just because the boat has stopped.

Anthony Quinn Bay: The Most Photogenic Stop

The final major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, where you get about an hour to swim, snorkel, and take photographs. The bay is famous for its green-blue water and bright coastal setting, and it is likely to be the visual highlight of the cruise.

This is the place to bring your camera, though protect it carefully while boarding and swimming. The water color is the main attraction, and the bay offers the kind of scene that makes a boat trip worthwhile even if you spend only part of the hour in the sea.

The name comes from the actor Anthony Quinn, who was connected with the area through the film The Guns of Navarone. You do not need a long lecture to appreciate the bay, but knowing why it carries that name adds a little context to the stop.

Anthony Quinn Bay can also be the busiest-feeling part of the route, particularly because it is famous. The supplied information does not give a crowd forecast or exact boarding conditions, so keep expectations practical. You are visiting a popular Rhodes sight, not a private cove.

By the third swim, many people may feel tired. One passenger described being worn out after two stops but still finding the final bay special enough to get back into the water. That is a good guide to pacing: save some energy, drink regularly, and use the boat’s shaded area between stops.

What the Six Hours Feel Like Onboard

This is a relaxed cruise, but it is not a silent one. Music plays onboard, and the crew creates a social holiday setting rather than a quiet sailing experience. If you enjoy a little atmosphere between swims, that is a plus. If you want a peaceful boat ride with detailed commentary, the limited information points to a different kind of outing.

English and Greek are available, and the activity includes a live guide. The focus appears to be practical guidance and route information rather than a long historical presentation. You will receive time to swim and snorkel at each location, with photo opportunities and free time built into the stops.

The boat has a bar where you can buy drinks and snacks. Seasonal fruit is included, which helps, but you should not assume all food and drinks are covered by the ticket. One passenger found the onboard prices too high, so I would bring water if permitted and check prices before ordering.

The boat’s traditional character is part of its appeal, but it is also the largest uncertainty. Some passengers found it surprisingly worn, dirty, or in poor condition, including the lower toilet. That does not mean every departure will feel the same, but you should book this for the swimming route, not for polished facilities. If a spotless vessel and comfortable restroom matter greatly to you, this is a real consideration.

Is $47 Good Value for Rhodes?

At $47 per person, the cruise offers a strong amount of scheduled activity. You receive six hours on the water, transport between three coastal locations, a traditional boat, an English or Greek-speaking crew, snorkeling equipment, a swimming noodle, music, and seasonal fruit.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for boat transport or beach access. You also avoid the effort of arranging your own route along the east coast. For someone staying in Rhodes Town, the direct departure from Mandraki Harbour makes the calculation simple.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want to see the coast from the boat and do not plan to swim. Almost half the experience is built around three water stops, so non-swimmers may spend much of the day waiting onboard. The bar is available, but extra purchases can raise the total cost.

I would call this good value for an active beach day, with the condition that you accept basic boat facilities. The ticket pays for time in the sea more than luxury. That is a fair deal for many people in Rhodes, especially during warm weather.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want an uncomplicated day with repeated swimming stops and minimal planning. It suits couples, friends, solo visitors, and families with confident swimmers who enjoy being on a boat for several hours.

It is also useful if you are based in or near Rhodes Town and want to reach famous bays without renting a car. The route gives you three different settings in one day, while the crew handles the sailing.

You may want to choose another activity if you need hotel pickup, a detailed cultural tour, luxury facilities, or guaranteed marine life. The operator makes no promise about fish sightings, and snorkeling conditions can vary. You should also think twice if you dislike boarding from a boat or find basic restrooms uncomfortable.

The trip is not designed around scuba activities, shore walks, or long time at one beach. It is a straightforward sea day: swim, snorkel, rest, eat or drink, and repeat.

Timing, Cancellation, and What to Bring

You must be at the boat on time at Mandraki Harbour. Since no hotel transfer is included, leave enough time to reach the Alexander Statue and locate the Alkmini boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which may help if your Rhodes plans are still changing. Check the available start time when booking, since operating times can vary.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sun protection
• A secure bag for small personal items

The stated restrictions include scooters, which are not allowed. The available information does not give further details about luggage, so ask the provider if you plan to bring a large bag.

Should You Book the Rhodes Swimming Cruise?

Book it if your ideal Rhodes day means three long swims, clear coastal water, and a relaxed wooden boat ride for $47. Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay give you a useful mix of famous and scenic stops, while the included gear keeps preparation easy.

I would not book it for spotless facilities, premium food, or guaranteed fish. The boat may feel basic, and the lower toilet has been criticized. But if you can accept those limits, the route offers a practical way to spend six hours in the sea and see some of Rhodes’ best-known bays from the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Mandraki Harbour near the Alexander Statue, at the Alkmini boat.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 10 a.m.

What time does the boat return?

The boat is scheduled to return to Mandraki Harbour at about 4 p.m.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts six hours.

Which swimming stops are included?

The stops are Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

You receive about one hour at each stop for swimming, snorkeling, and free time.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is a swimming aid provided?

Yes. A swimming noodle is included.

Are food and drinks included?

Seasonal fruit is included. Drinks and additional food can be purchased from the onboard bar.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included.

Can you cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.