Rhodes: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this six-hour catamaran cruise makes a full day of it. You move between famous east-coast bays, stop for long swims, and eat lunch onboard instead of losing time at a crowded beach taverna. The boats carry no more than 24 passengers plus crew, so this feels more like a small outing than a floating bus.

I like the generous one-hour swim stops, which give you time to snorkel, use a pool noodle, or simply sit on the boat’s edge. I also like the food and drink setup: a proper Mediterranean buffet, fresh fruit, breakfast tortilla, and unlimited water, soft drinks, juice, beer, and wine from noon. The main catch is simple but important: the boat anchors offshore, so you must swim to reach the beaches. This is not a good fit if you have limited mobility or do not feel comfortable in open water.

Key points to know before you book

• Three long swimming stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs each receive roughly 45 to 60 minutes.
• Power catamaran option: This route adds Afandou Beach and its caves, making four scenic stops instead of three.
• Small-group feel: The maximum is 24 passengers plus crew, with room to sit, move around, and find a good view.
• Real food, not just snacks: The buffet includes grilled chicken, salads, feta, hummus, tzatziki, olives, local bread, and more.
• Bring a towel and sun protection: There is an outdoor shower, indoor toilet, snorkeling gear, noodles, and life jackets onboard.
• Be early for the 10:00 departure: Missing the boat can mean a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

Why Rhodes looks better from a catamaran

The east coast is lined with small coves, rocky headlands, and clear water that is hard to appreciate from a road or hotel pool. From the catamaran, you get a changing view as the boat moves between bays, with plenty of quiet time between swim stops.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of monuments and a running commentary. Its appeal is more direct: sit in the sun, watch the coast slide past, then jump into the sea when the captain drops anchor.

The six-hour length is well judged. You have enough time to reach several bays without rushing each swim, yet the day does not become an endurance test. Some passengers initially worry that six hours at sea will feel too long. The schedule breaks it into cruising, swimming, eating, and relaxing, which keeps the pace easy.

The small passenger limit matters. A full boat can still feel comfortable, but this is not designed as a private charter. You may want to claim a good seat early, especially if you prefer the upper deck or front area. The front gives you a fine view, though it may also receive more wind and spray as the boat moves.

Choosing sailing or power for the east coast

You can choose between sailing and power catamarans, with the route differing slightly.

The sailing catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. This gives you three main swimming stops, usually around an hour each. The sailing option suits you if the journey itself matters as much as the number of locations. The ride is described as smooth and relaxing, with a calm pace that works well for people who want a restful day.

The power catamaran generally adds Afandou Beach and the nearby caves. That means four notable stops, including the cave area, and more time spent moving along the coast. Choose this option if you want to see more of the shoreline and prefer a powered boat.

The route can change. The captain may alter the swimming bays according to wind and sea conditions, so do not treat the named stops as an absolute promise. That flexibility is sensible on the water, especially when a sheltered bay offers a safer and more pleasant swim than the original plan.

In April, May, and October, the operator may move you to another catamaran if one boat does not reach its minimum passenger number. You should receive a message if that happens. It is a minor seasonal point, but worth knowing if you are booking outside the busiest summer months.

The 10:00 departure at Mandraki Harbor

You meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor. The boat leaves at 10:00, and you should arrive early rather than trying to cut it close.

This is especially important because the stated rebooking fee for missing the departure is €25 per ticket. A few people have received help after calling ahead when delayed, but you should not rely on the boat waiting. Listen carefully to crew announcements during the day, since they will give the correct return-to-boat times.

The cruise includes a live English-speaking guide or crew commentary. Names that come up in the onboard team include Andreas, Hope, and Dimitri. Their role is practical as much as informative: helping people with equipment, explaining the stops, handing out drinks, and taking photos for passengers who ask.

Anthony Quinn Bay, a strong first swim

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached after roughly 70 minutes of sightseeing cruise. The bay is known for its dramatic rocky setting and clear water, and it makes an impressive introduction to the day.

You get about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling. The crew may scatter bread into the water, which attracts colorful fish close to swimmers. It is a simple touch, but it gives first-time snorkelers something to see almost immediately.

The boat remains at anchor. You do not step directly onto a sandy beach from a gangway, so you need to swim from the catamaran if you want to get closer to shore. Pool noodles and life jackets help, but you should still be comfortable entering open water.

Anthony Quinn Bay can be the most exciting stop for photographs and fish. It is also a place where many people want to stay in the water for the full hour. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain onboard and enjoy the view, though you will miss the main reason for stopping.

Afandou Caves, available on the power route

The power catamaran can include an extra stop at Afandou Beach and its caves. This adds variety to the day, since you get a different type of coastal setting rather than three similar swimming sessions.

The provided schedule places lunch, swimming, and snorkeling around this part of the cruise, though the exact order can vary with the boat and conditions. You can expect time to explore the water near the caves and enjoy the boat’s facilities before moving on.

If caves are high on your list, the power option is the clear choice. If you mainly want long swims and a quieter sailing rhythm, the three-stop sailing route may be enough. The difference is less about quality than about what you want from the day: more coastline and an extra feature, or a slower outing with three well-spaced stops.

Ladiko Bay and the clearest water of the day

Ladiko Bay is another hour-long swimming and snorkeling stop. It is smaller and quieter in feel than the broad idea of a beach day, with clear water and a sheltered setting that makes it good for a relaxed swim.

This is a useful place to try the snorkeling equipment. The boat supplies masks and snorkels, so you do not need to bring your own. You will also find floating noodles and life jackets, which make the water easier for less confident swimmers.

The boat’s position offshore means you can choose your level of activity. Swim out and look for fish, float beside the catamaran, or stay on deck with a cold drink. The hour gives you room to change your mind without feeling pressured.

Ladiko is also a good reminder that this cruise is not a conventional beach excursion. There is no promise of walking ashore, browsing shops, or finding a beach chair. You are here for the cove, the water, and the view from the boat.

A Mediterranean buffet served at sea

Lunch is one of the better reasons to choose an all-inclusive cruise rather than piecing together a beach day on your own. The buffet includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread.

The food is straightforward Mediterranean fare, which is exactly right for a warm day on the water. You can build a light plate or return for more, and there is enough variety for people who want meat, salad, dips, or vegetarian side dishes.

The day begins with a breakfast tortilla snack, and fresh seasonal fruit is served later. Drinks include bottled water, juice, soft drinks, and unlimited beer and wine from 12:00. The selection is not a cocktail-bar experience, but it covers the basics well and keeps the day feeling genuinely all-inclusive.

If you have dietary needs, tell the crew before or at the start of the cruise. The team has accommodated special requests in the past, but the advertised main dish is grilled chicken, not fish. If you strongly prefer seafood, bring that expectation down before booking.

Alcohol is available in moderation. The crew can stop serving alcoholic drinks if someone appears intoxicated. That is a reasonable rule on a moving boat, where safety matters more than keeping the bar open.

Kallithea Springs for the final swim

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, with about 45 to 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The area is known for its striking coastal setting and a lagoon that some swimmers reach from the anchored boat.

This stop works well late in the day. You have already had time to settle into the rhythm of the cruise, and the final swim gives you one more chance to get in the water before the return to Mandraki Harbor.

Kallithea may appeal most to families and casual swimmers because the stop offers more than an open-water view. Children have enjoyed jumping in and swimming here, while adults can use the time for photographs, snorkeling, or a last float.

Again, you must swim from the catamaran to the swimming area. If you have young children, stay close and use the supplied life jackets or noodles as needed. The crew is there to help, but parents remain responsible for supervision.

Comfort, space, and the practical boat details

The catamarans are described as clean, well maintained, and spacious for their size. One boat is around 41 feet long, which gives you a useful sense of scale: this is a proper cruising catamaran, but not a giant vessel with endless room.

There are seating areas on deck, and some boats have an upper deck that is popular for views. Arriving early helps if you want a particular spot. The boat can be full in high season, but the 24-passenger limit keeps the atmosphere more manageable than on large excursion ships.

An outdoor shower lets you rinse off saltwater after each stop. Indoor toilets are provided, though toilet cleanliness has been a minor weak point on an otherwise well-run day. It is a functional boat toilet, not a polished marina restroom, so keep your expectations sensible.

Snorkels, masks, floating noodles, and life jackets are included. Bring your own towel, swimsuit, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. Shade and sun exposure can vary by seating area, so reapply sunscreen even if you spend part of the day under cover.

How much value do you get for $83?

At $83 per person, the price is fair for a six-hour small-group cruise with several swim stops, lunch, equipment, and drinks. Buying those parts separately would quickly add up, especially in a popular resort area.

The best value comes if you plan to use the inclusions. If you swim, snorkel, eat lunch onboard, and enjoy the drinks, the package covers most of your day’s spending. You also avoid arranging transport between several coastal bays, where access can be awkward.

The value is weaker if you dislike swimming, do not drink, or mainly want a beach you can walk onto. In that case, much of the experience is built around activities you may not use.

I would also view the price as payment for convenience and pacing, not just transport. The crew handles the route, equipment, food, drinks, and timing. You can spend the day looking outward instead of organizing each part yourself.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This trip suits couples, families with confident children, solo visitors, and small groups of friends. The friendly crew and open seating make it easy to enjoy alone, while the swim stops give families something active to do.

It is especially good for first-time boat passengers because the schedule is clear and the equipment is supplied. You can try snorkeling without buying gear, and you can use a noodle or life jacket if you prefer extra support.

It is less suitable for anyone with mobility impairments, anyone who needs step-free access, or anyone who dislikes entering the sea from a boat. The cruise also may not suit you if you want a quiet, private charter. Twenty-four passengers is a modest group, but you are still sharing the boat.

Weather matters. A rainy spell or rough conditions can change the mood and route, and the captain may adjust stops for safety. The crew has handled poor weather by waiting for conditions to improve and trying to add time or another stop, but no sea excursion can guarantee perfect sunshine.

Should you book it?

Book this Rhodes catamaran cruise if you want a full, easy day on the water with three strong swimming stops, a good buffet, and drinks included. The friendly crew and generous stop times are the main reasons I would choose it over a quick coastal boat ride.

Pick the sailing catamaran for a calmer three-bay outing. Pick the power catamaran if Afandou Caves and a fourth stop matter more to you. Arrive well before 10:00, claim your preferred seat, pack sun protection, and be honest about your comfort in open water.

I would skip it only if you need to walk directly onto beaches, have limited mobility, or want a land-based tour. For everyone else, $83 buys a well-paced introduction to Rhodes’ east coast, with enough food, swimming, and sea time to make the day feel worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes catamaran cruise start?

Meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

What time does the boat depart?

The catamarans depart at 10:00. Arrive earlier so you have time to check in and board.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including sightseeing cruises, swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Mandraki Harbor.

Which bays does the sailing catamaran visit?

The sailing catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Bay or Kallithea Springs.

Which places does the power catamaran visit?

The power catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and its caves, Kallithea Bay or Springs, and Ladiko Bay.

Can I reach the beaches from the boat without swimming?

No. The boats stay at anchor in each bay, so you need to swim from the catamaran if you want to reach the shore or swimming area.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, floating pool noodles, and life jackets are included.

What food is served?

The Mediterranean buffet includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread. A breakfast tortilla snack and seasonal fruit are also provided.

Which drinks are included?

Bottled water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included. Beer and wine are available from 12:00, and the crew may stop alcohol service if a passenger appears intoxicated.

Can I cancel the booking?

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