Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

Lindos is the star here, but the boat journey makes the day more than a simple town visit. You get roughly three hours to wander the whitewashed streets, climb toward the Acropolis, eat lunch, and return to the harbor before sailing back along the Rhodes coast.

I like the two swimming stops, especially Anthony Quinn Bay, where clear water meets steep rocky cliffs. I also like the practical value: a skipper, onboard restroom, bar, snacks, and possible hotel transfers are included in a day priced at about $60.46.

The catch is time and crowds. You may spend more than two hours getting to Lindos, and the boat can feel full, with a maximum group size of 180 people. Lindos itself is hot and hilly, so this is not a lazy cruise from start to finish.

Key points to know before booking

• Three hours in Lindos: Enough time for the town, lunch, and possibly the Acropolis, but not enough for a slow, unplanned visit.
• Two 30-minute swims: Tsambika Bay comes first on the return route, followed by Anthony Quinn Bay.
• Early pickup may apply: Harbor departure is listed as 8:40 am, but hotel pickups can begin around 7:30 or 7:45 am.
• Acropolis costs extra: Admission is not included, and the climb is steep, hot, and exposed.
• Bring your own swim gear: Swimming stops are included, but snorkeling equipment is not guaranteed and may only be available for purchase onboard.
• Good value, with limits: The price covers the cruise and facilities, but lunch, drinks, Acropolis admission, and possibly snorkeling gear cost extra.

Why Lindos makes this boat trip worthwhile

Rhodes has plenty of easy beach days, but Lindos gives you something different: a compact old town, a hilltop ancient site, and a beautiful bay below. Arriving by sea also gives you a pleasant first look at the white buildings climbing the slope.

The boat leaves Rhodes harbor on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at about 8:40 am. If you use hotel pickup, your morning may begin much earlier. One pickup was reported at 7:45 am, and another account described a 7:30 start, so check the exact pickup time rather than relying only on the harbor departure.

The trip to Lindos takes about two and a half hours. That is a long time on the water, but it is also part of the point. You can settle into a seat, watch the coast, buy a drink, and enjoy the ride without arranging buses or driving on unfamiliar roads.

The boat has a restroom and a bar selling snacks and drinks. Seating includes regular seats and, on some boats, sunbeds or places to lie near the front. Arriving early helps if you care about finding a particular spot, especially on a busy sailing.

The main weakness is capacity. With up to 180 people, the boat may feel crowded, and chairs can fill much of the available space. Some departures feel comfortable enough, while others leave you searching for a good seat. For a quieter trip, this is not the right format.

Three hours to explore Lindos

The boat reaches Lindos harbor at about 11:00 am. You then have free time until roughly 1:45 pm, with departure around 2:00 pm. That gives you a clear block of about three hours, which is useful but needs planning.

Lindos is easy to enjoy at street level. Its white buildings, narrow lanes, small shops, cafes, and harbor views make wandering pleasant. You can stop for lunch, find a drink in the shade, or head uphill to the Acropolis.

The Acropolis is the main reason many people choose this excursion. It sits above town and offers broad views over Lindos Bay and the surrounding coast. Admission is not included, and one price mentioned for entry was €12 per person, payable by card. Prices can change, so check before your visit.

The walk uphill is the part to take seriously. The route is steep, the paving can be uneven, and shade is limited. On a very hot day, even fit walkers may find the climb tiring. Wear trainers or other sensible footwear rather than delicate sandals, and carry water.

You might encounter a queue at the Acropolis entrance. Buying an admission ticket online can help you avoid the ticket line, but a timed ticket creates a problem if the boat schedule changes or an unexpected swim stop happens before Lindos. The safest plan is to allow plenty of flexibility, or buy your ticket locally if available.

Three hours is enough for a brisk Acropolis visit followed by lunch, but it is not enough to see every corner slowly. If you want a relaxed beach stay, a long meal, and the ruins, you will have to choose your priorities.

You can skip the Acropolis and stay closer to the harbor or beach. That works well if steep walking is difficult, if you have already seen the site, or if you want a cooler day. Lindos is still attractive without climbing the hill.

The first swim at Tsambika Bay

After leaving Lindos, the boat stops at Tsambika Bay for about 30 minutes. This is a swim from the boat rather than a long beach visit, so you should be ready to enter the water and return when called.

The stop gives you a useful break after the heat of Lindos. The water is described as clear and warm, and swimming from the boat lets you cool off without spending time looking for a sunbed or walking across a beach.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep a towel handy. If you wait until Lindos to change, you may find yourself returning to the boat in damp clothes. Sunscreen is essential, since much of the day is spent in open sun.

Snorkeling is advertised as part of the stops, but equipment is not listed among the included items. Some passengers found that gear could be bought onboard if available, while others felt the seabed offered little to see. If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own goggles and mask rather than counting on the boat stock.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. This is a refreshing stop, not a full snorkeling session with time for extended exploration. If you prefer long beach visits, the short format may feel rushed.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the best water stop

The final stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, also around 30 minutes. This is often the visual highlight of the return journey, with rocky sides, clear water, and a dramatic setting associated with the film The Guns of Navarone.

The bay is especially good for a quick swim from the boat. You can look down into the water, see fish among rocks and seaweed, and enjoy the striking cliffs around you. Conditions vary with the weather and the number of boats, but the setting gives this stop more character than an ordinary swim break.

Again, do not expect a full beach afternoon. The boat pauses for about half an hour, and you need to be back onboard promptly. Keep your belongings secure and listen for instructions from the crew.

Some people may find the snorkeling modest rather than spectacular. The tour gives you access to attractive water and a chance to swim, but it does not promise specialist guiding, underwater equipment, or a long visit. Think of snorkeling as an added option, not the central purpose of the excursion.

The return to Rhodes is scheduled for about 5:30 pm. With hotel transportation, you may reach your accommodation later. The total day can run from an early morning pickup to early evening, so plan this as your main activity for the day.

Food, drinks, and onboard comfort

Lunch is not included. Your best choices are to eat in Lindos or buy snacks and drinks from the boat bar. Lindos has cafes and restaurants, and one particularly useful suggestion was the Lindos Yacht Club for food. Prices and availability can change, so keep some flexibility in your budget.

The onboard selection is reported to be reasonably priced for a captive setting. That matters on a seven-and-a-half-hour outing, since you may not want to carry all your food and drinks from Rhodes.

The restroom is a practical benefit. You are spending hours at sea, and having facilities onboard makes the long crossing easier, especially for families and anyone who prefers not to wait for the next shore stop.

The boat itself is clean and well maintained according to the supplied information, and the crew is generally described as friendly and helpful. Staff assisted one passenger who felt unwell by finding a more comfortable place to sit. That sort of small, human service can make a long day feel much easier.

Music may play throughout the trip. Some people enjoy the holiday mood, while others find constant music irritating. If you are sensitive to noise, bring headphones for the longer sailing periods.

Transfers and the morning meeting point

The listed meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. The activity ends back at the meeting point, though hotel pickup and drop-off are offered for selected areas.

When booking, enter your hotel name in the special requirements field. The operator will then confirm the pickup time. Do not assume every hotel has the same arrangement, and do not confuse the pickup time with the boat’s 8:40 am departure.

Transfers are a real part of the value. A clean, air-conditioned minibus and a polite driver named George made the start and end of the day easier for some passengers. But vehicle quality may vary, and one return transfer was criticized for having poor air conditioning. If you are staying outside Rhodes Town, confirm the pickup details carefully.

At the harbor, allow time for ticket collection and boarding. Some passengers had to queue first to receive boat tickets and then queue again to board. Getting there early gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable seat.

What the $60.46 price really covers

At about $60.46 per person, this is a fair price if you want Lindos and the two bays in one day. You are paying for the skipper, a full-day boat journey, swimming stops, the onboard restroom, and possibly transport from your hotel.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange separate transport to Lindos, find parking, and organize your own return. The boat also removes the stress of driving through Rhodes and gives you a coastal view that a bus cannot provide.

The price does not cover lunch, drinks, Acropolis admission, or snorkeling equipment. Add those costs before comparing it with a land excursion. You also need to accept the time spent onboard and the possibility of crowded seating.

This is a good budget choice for a first visit to Lindos. It is less appealing if your main goal is serious snorkeling, a quiet sailing, or a long stay at one beach.

Who should book this excursion

I would choose this trip if you want to combine three classic Rhodes experiences in one day: Lindos, a boat ride, and clear-water swimming. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who like having free time rather than following a guide through every street.

It also works for people who want a straightforward day with limited planning. You receive transport, a boat ticket, a clear timetable, and access to basic facilities. The crew handles the route while you decide how to use your time in Lindos.

I would think twice if steep hills, heat, or long boat rides are difficult for you. The Acropolis climb is not gentle, and sitting on a busy boat for several hours may be tiring. You can stay near the harbor instead of walking uphill, but the day remains long.

I would also avoid choosing it solely for snorkeling. The swim stops are pleasant, yet short, and gear may not be supplied. For underwater exploration, a dedicated snorkeling trip would be a better match.

Booking details and cancellation

The experience is offered in English and is rated 4.8 from 557 ratings, with 96 percent of customers recommending it. Confirmation is provided at booking, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The trip depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation by the operator may result in another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Lindos boat trip?

Book it if you want an efficient Rhodes highlight day with three hours in Lindos and two chances to swim in scenic bays. Bring water, sunscreen, a swimsuit, goggles, a towel, and sturdy shoes. Arrive early for the best seating, and keep your Lindos plans flexible.

Skip it if you want a quiet cruise, a slow beach day, or serious snorkeling. The boat can be crowded, the schedule is long, and the Acropolis climb is hot. For most people who want to see Lindos without arranging the details themselves, though, the combination of scenery, free time, and swimming makes the price reasonable.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The listed meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rhodes 851 00, Greece. The boat departs from the harbor at about 8:40 am.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered for selected hotels and areas. Enter your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking, and the operator will provide the pickup time.

How long do I get in Lindos?

You have about three hours in Lindos. The boat arrives at approximately 11:00 am, and you must return by about 1:45 pm for the 2:00 pm departure.

Is Acropolis admission included?

No. The Acropolis ticket is not included in the tour price. One supplied price was €12 per person, payable by card.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. You have free time in Lindos to buy lunch, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase from the bar onboard.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Stops for swimming and snorkeling are included. Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, so bring your own gear or ask onboard about purchasing it.

How long are the swimming stops?

The stop at Tsambika Bay lasts about 30 minutes. The stop at Anthony Quinn Bay also lasts about 30 minutes.

Does the boat have a restroom?

Yes. A restroom is available onboard.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. A different date, another experience, or a full refund may also be offered if the minimum number of participants is not reached.