Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this half-day cruise gives you three chances to swim along the island’s calmer east coast. You’ll ride a handsome traditional wooden boat from Mandraki Port to Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs, with lunch and drinks built into the $70 price.

I like the small-boat feel and the generous time at each stop. I also like the simple value: a buffet, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and a shower are included. The main catch is sun exposure, since shade can be limited, and an early arrival helps you claim a better seat.

At a glance

• Three swim stops: Spend about 50 minutes each at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.
• Traditional wooden boat: The older-style vessel adds charm and gives you good photo opportunities, with open areas for sunbathing.
• Lunch at Afandou: A Greek buffet with vegetarian choices is served on board, along with fruit and included drinks.
• Snorkeling equipment provided: You can use the gear at all three stops, and floats are also available.
• Friendly onboard service: Theodore and the crew are known for keeping the mood warm, attentive, and easygoing.
• Good package value: At $70 per person, the food, drinks, boat ride, and three swim breaks make this a strong choice for a relaxed day at sea.

A morning from Mandraki Port

The meeting point is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk. From there, the boat heads out from Mandraki Port for a 5.5-hour round trip along Rhodes’ east coast.

The first hour is sailing time. This is not wasted transport. You get open views of the coast, time to settle into the boat, and a chance to choose your preferred place before the swimming begins. The boat has free WiFi, though most people will likely spend the crossing watching the sea, taking photographs, or finding a sunny patch on deck.

The vessel is a traditional wooden boat rather than a sleek modern yacht. I see that as part of the appeal. It has character in photographs and a more relaxed feel than a large excursion ship. The tradeoff is that open wooden boats can feel warm in full sun, and one person specifically wished for more shade cover.

Arrive early if your seat matters. The boat may have plenty of room even when full, but the best front spots can go quickly. The forward pads offer particularly good views, while the rear of the boat may be less desirable if you want a clear view ahead. Boarding instructions have not always felt perfectly clear, so it is sensible to be at the meeting point with time to spare.

Anthony Quinn Bay: emerald water and a dramatic first stop

After roughly an hour, the boat reaches Anthony Quinn Bay for about 50 minutes. This is the most immediately scenic stop, with emerald water, rocky edges, and thick green vegetation around the cove.

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, so you can swim straight from the vessel and look beneath the clear surface. You can also use the stop for a relaxed swim, a short photo session, or an aperitif on deck. The water is the star here, and the setting feels more enclosed and picturesque than a long open beach.

You should not expect a long shore visit at this stop. The cruise is built around swimming from the boat, so your time is spent in and around the cove rather than walking through town or exploring a beach promenade. If you prefer sightseeing on land, this will feel brief. If you want clear water and a quick swim, 50 minutes is a useful amount of time.

The snorkeling is a nice extra, but this is not presented as a specialist marine-life excursion. You’ll have equipment and clear water, yet conditions and visibility can vary. Bring your own mask if you care about a precise fit, though the provided gear makes the activity easy for most people.

Afandou Beach: the longest stop and lunch break

A short 10-minute cruise brings you to Afandou Beach. The boat anchors here for about 110 minutes, making this the longest stop of the day.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel, or relax on the quiet beach. The extra time matters because you are not forced to rush from the water straight to lunch. This is also the stop where the itinerary lists kayaking, though the included equipment specifically covers snorkeling, so confirm the kayaking arrangement if that activity is important to you.

Lunch is served on board after the swimming time. Expect a buffet with local flavors and vegetarian options, followed by fruit. Red and white wine are included, as are beer, water, and soft drinks. The food has received especially strong praise, with several people describing the portions as generous and the meal as much better than expected for a boat trip.

The meal is not a restaurant tasting menu, and one person would have preferred more classic choices such as gyros or souvlaki. That is useful context. You get a plentiful buffet and a Greek-style meal, but the exact dishes can vary, and you should not book this expecting a formal culinary tour.

The drink package is one of the clearest reasons the price works. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruit are included throughout the outing. Cocktails are not part of the standard price and can be purchased separately. If you want mixed drinks, budget extra. If wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are enough, you can spend most of the day without adding much to the booking cost.

Kallithea Springs: clear water below the rocks

After lunch, the boat spends about an hour reaching Kallithea Springs, the final swimming stop. Here, clear blue water sits inside a long rocky inlet with ladders leading down into the sea.

The ladders make entry simple at the right point, while the boat gives you the option of swimming directly from its deck. You can snorkel, take photographs, or stay on board and enjoy the view. The setting is different from Anthony Quinn Bay, so the three stops do not feel like identical versions of the same beach break.

You get another 50 minutes here. That is enough for a proper swim, but not enough for a slow visit to every part of the area. The activity focuses on the water and the coastal setting rather than a full visit to the springs complex on land.

By this point, the rhythm of the cruise is clear: sail, swim, dry off, eat, and repeat. That structure suits you if you want variety without a packed schedule. It may feel too repetitive if you are not keen on swimming, since every main stop is built around time in the sea.

What the boat day feels like

The atmosphere is relaxed rather than formal. Easy-listening music plays at a comfortable level, and the crew keeps drinks moving without making the trip feel like a party boat. Theodore is singled out for warm hosting, while the wider crew is described as friendly, attentive, and well organized.

That service matters on a boat. Staff help make the swimming stops feel straightforward, check on people when the sea becomes choppy, and provide floats for those who are not strong swimmers. A first aid kit and onboard shower are also included.

The sea can be unsettled at times. One person felt rough during a choppy outing but was checked on and looked after by the crew. If you are prone to motion sickness, remember that this is a boat day with several long sailing stretches. The supplied information does not state that motion-sickness medicine is available, so bring anything you normally use.

The boat has open areas for sunbathing, but shade is not its strongest feature. You’ll want sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a light cover-up. Towels are not included, so bring your own. Swimwear is essential, and a dry change of clothes may be useful even though it is not specifically listed.

Is $70 good value?

At $70 per person, this is a solid package for a 5.5-hour outing. You are paying for the boat, three scenic swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and onboard facilities. Buying each part separately would be difficult, but the real value is the amount of time on the water and the fact that food and standard drinks do not require constant extra spending.

The price makes the most sense if you plan to swim and drink the included beverages. It is less compelling if you want a sightseeing cruise with little water time, since the main activity at all three stops is swimming or snorkeling.

The group atmosphere also affects the value. The boat is not described as a huge, crowded vessel, and one outing had about 18 people, creating a near-private-charter feel. That number may not apply to every departure, but the boat’s size and layout can feel more personal than a large ferry-style excursion.

There are a few limits. Cocktails cost extra. Towels are not supplied. Shade can be limited. The buffet is generous and tasty, but the exact menu may not satisfy someone looking specifically for a full spread of classic Greek street food.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for couples, families, and friends who want a full sea day without committing to a long sailing trip. It works especially well for people who enjoy swimming, casual snorkeling, sunbathing, and an easy social atmosphere.

Families can benefit from the floats, calm structure, and onboard food. Strong swimmers will enjoy jumping from the deck and exploring each bay. Less confident swimmers can stay near the boat, use the floats, or simply relax on deck, though you should still be comfortable around open water.

This is also a good option for a birthday or a low-key special occasion. The boat looks attractive in photographs, the stops provide variety, and the included drinks make the day feel more festive without requiring a luxury-cruise budget.

I would think twice if you dislike direct sun, get seasick easily, or want extensive time ashore. You will spend long stretches sailing, and the cruise does not offer a deep historical tour of Rhodes. The live guiding is in English, so that is the language to expect for explanations and service.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Arrive early: The front pads offer excellent views, and early arrival can help you avoid an unwanted rear seat.
• Bring a towel: Towels are not included, even though you will swim at three stops.
• Pack serious sun protection: Shade may be limited, so use sunscreen and bring a hat or cover-up.
• Use the provided gear: Snorkeling equipment is included, and floats are available.
• Know what drinks are covered: Wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruit are included. Cocktails cost extra.
• Keep expectations realistic: This is a swimming cruise with lunch, not a full coastal history tour.
• Plan around the sea: The crew can assist if conditions become choppy, but anyone prone to seasickness should prepare in advance.
• Check the date: The cruise operates seasonally, and starting times vary, so confirm availability before booking.

Booking flexibility and meeting details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. The listed meeting point is the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks.

The activity lasts 5.5 hours, but the precise departure time depends on the date. English is the stated tour language. Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen, and remember that lunch, fruit, wine, beer, and soft drinks are included while cocktails are not.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes boat cruise start?

It starts at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at Mandraki Port in Rhodes Town.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours, with departure times varying by date.

Which places does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You receive a buffet lunch with vegetarian options, plus fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruit are included in the price. Cocktails are available to buy separately.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included. You should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a relaxed, good-value day built around three beautiful swims, a traditional wooden boat, and generous food and standard drinks. The strongest reasons to choose it are the friendly crew, the attractive bays, the long Afandou stop, and the fact that the day feels more personal than a large-group boat outing.

Skip it if you want museums, guided history, or lots of time walking ashore. For most people who see Rhodes as a place to enjoy the sea, however, the $70 package is an easy choice. Arrive early, claim a good seat, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the day as a simple Greek escape on the water.