Rhodes Day Cruise (with lunch & unlimited drinks) 5,5 Hours

Three beautiful swimming stops, a Greek lunch, and drinks served throughout make this Rhodes day cruise a strong value for a half-day at sea. You sail from Rhodes Town on a traditional wooden boat, with a maximum of 35 people and plenty of time to swim, snorkel, or simply stretch out in the sun.

I like the relaxed pace and the care from host Theodore and his crew. I also like that the price covers lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit, water, and snorkeling gear, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet. The main drawback is that the boat moves slowly, and some people may find the 50-minute swimming stops too short.

Key points to know

• Three swimming stops: Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs each offer about 50 minutes in the water.
• A real lunch onboard: Expect chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread, with vegetarian choices included.
• Drinks keep coming: Beer, red and white wine, water, Pepsi, Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea are included. Cocktails cost extra.
• Traditional wooden boat: The boat has padded seating, bean bags at the bow, a restroom, shower, and WiFi.
• Arrive early: The meeting point is the Royal Sailing Rhodes booth at Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. Arriving at least 30 minutes early helps you find the boat and choose a good seat.
• Best for a relaxed day: This suits families, couples, friends, and cruise passengers who want swimming and food rather than a fast, action-packed boat ride.

What this Rhodes boat cruise is really like

This is a slow, social day on the Aegean, not a high-speed tour that races from one bay to another. The wooden boat gives you room to sit, eat, talk, and enjoy the coast between swimming stops.

The cruise lasts about five and a half hours. It begins at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point in Rhodes Town at around 3:30 p.m. One useful detail for cruise passengers is the scheduled return time, since a late afternoon departure from port can make a day excursion risky.

The boat carries no more than 35 people. That is not a tiny private outing, but it is a manageable group for a shared cruise. You will have a mix of seating, including padded areas and large bean bags toward the front. If you want one of those more comfortable spots, arrive early rather than strolling up at the last minute.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Theodore is the host most often singled out by name, and the service style is friendly and attentive. Drinks are offered throughout the day, and the crew checks that people have what they need. The mood can be lively, with music onboard, but the overall feel is more relaxed than formal.

Setting out from Rhodes Town

The meeting point is Royal Sailing Rhodes at Platia Eleftherias, near the harbor in Rhodes Town. The location is close to public transportation and is also within walking distance of Rhodes’ medieval old town, making it easy to combine the cruise with sightseeing before or after.

The exact check-in routine deserves attention. The published start time is 10:00 a.m., but the practical advice is to arrive at least 30 minutes early. Look for the Royal Sailing booth along the marina and allow time to find the correct boat. One person missed the departure after arriving late, so do not treat 10:00 as the moment to appear at the dock.

Once underway, you can settle into the boat’s slower rhythm. The pace is part of the appeal if you want a calm morning at sea. It is less appealing if your top priority is covering a large stretch of coast or reaching each bay as quickly as possible.

Afandou Beach: the first swim and lunch

The first stop is Afandou Beach, where the boat anchors for about 50 minutes. This is your chance to get into the water early, before the day becomes too warm, or to stay onboard and enjoy the view if you are not ready to swim.

The water is suited to swimming and snorkeling, and equipment is provided. Floats are also available, according to the experience details, though flippers are not included. Bring your own if you prefer using them.

Lunch is served during this stop. The buffet has a Greek flavor without being too complicated: chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread. Vegetarian dishes are included, which is useful for a mixed group with different eating habits.

The meal is one of the better value points here. A separate waterfront lunch in Rhodes can quickly add to the cost of a day out, while this cruise combines food with the boat ride and swimming. The food is described as fresh and satisfying, though you should keep expectations sensible. This is a casual buffet prepared onboard, not a restaurant meal with made-to-order dishes.

Red and white wine are served with lunch. Beer, bottled water, soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea are also included. Fruit and snacks are available between meals, so you are not limited to the main buffet.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the prettiest water of the day

The second stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most striking coastal spots near Rhodes. The bay is known for clear water and a sheltered feel, and it is a natural place for swimming and snorkeling.

You get about 50 minutes here. That is enough time for a good swim and a look beneath the surface, but it may feel brief if you want to spend the whole afternoon in one cove. The boat is designed to show you several places rather than give you a long stay at one beach.

Anthony Quinn Bay is likely to be the highlight for anyone who values clear water and attractive coastal views. The calm conditions described for this stop make it a good choice for casual swimmers, though sea conditions can vary and the tour depends on suitable weather.

Snorkeling gear is supplied, which saves you from packing a mask and snorkel. Towels are not provided, so bring your own beach towel. There is a shower onboard, useful after each swim, but the supplied details do not promise changing facilities, so wear swimwear under your clothes if that makes your day easier.

Kallithea Springs: a final clear-water stop

The last stop is Kallithea Springs, with another 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water here is described as crystal clear, making it a fitting final stop when you want one more chance to get in before heading back to Rhodes Town.

The three-stop plan gives the day a pleasant shape. Afandou combines swimming with lunch, Anthony Quinn Bay brings the most scenic stop for many people, and Kallithea Springs finishes with another period in the water. You are not stuck on deck for long stretches with nothing to do.

Still, timing matters. Travel between the bays uses part of the five-and-a-half-hour day, and the traditional boat is not built for speed. A few people have found the swimming periods shorter than expected, while another complaint focused on the boat’s slow top speed and a late return. Those points do not cancel out the appeal of the trip, but they matter if you want maximum time in the water.

Food, drinks, and what all-inclusive means here

The phrase all-inclusive is useful, but you should read it carefully. The standard price includes lunch, snacks, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea. It does not include cocktails, which are available to buy separately.

The lunch menu covers familiar Greek flavors and simple comfort food. You can expect chicken, rice, pasta, salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread. Vegetarian dishes are available, but the supplied information does not describe special menus for other dietary requirements, so contact the operator before booking if you need something specific.

The open drink service adds real value, especially on a sunny day. Beer and wine are included, along with Pepsi, orange and lemon Fanta, juice, water, coffee, and tea. The crew keeps drinks moving, and fruit is offered as a snack.

Use some common sense with alcohol. You are still on a moving boat, and you will be climbing in and out of the sea. The great majority of the feedback praises the crew’s service, but one complaint raised a serious concern about a host drinking onboard. That is a single negative account among many positive ones, yet it is worth acknowledging because safety matters more than a free drink.

Comfort, facilities, and swimming access

The boat has a restroom, shower, WiFi, and seating with padded cushions. The bow has large bean bag chairs, which can be a pleasant place to settle during the cruise. Early arrival can make a real difference if you want the more comfortable seats.

Snorkeling equipment is included, but flippers and towels are not. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a dry bag or other waterproof way to protect small valuables. Your belongings remain onboard while you swim, but you should still keep passports, phones, and cash secured.

Getting back onto the boat may require some effort. One person found the staircase a little short and would have preferred an extra step or two. If you have limited mobility, ask the operator for current boarding details before paying. The activity states that most people can participate and that service animals are allowed, but it does not promise step-free access or special assistance.

The sea can also change during the day. Most people describe pleasant swimming conditions, but one account refers to choppy water and a rescue by the crew. Follow instructions, use the supplied floats sensibly, and do not swim farther from the boat than you can comfortably manage.

Is $72.56 a fair price?

At $72.56 per person, the cruise offers solid value if you plan to use the inclusions. You are paying for five and a half hours on the water, three swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, and a broad range of drinks.

The value is strongest for people who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, and drinks. Families and groups can also appreciate the simple budgeting. You know most of the day’s costs before you arrive.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a fast ride or a private boat. This is a shared cruise with up to 35 people, and the wooden boat’s relaxed speed means some of your time is spent traveling between bays. A private charter or speedboat trip may offer more control, but it will usually cost more and may not include the same food and drink package.

The tour is often booked well ahead, with an average booking lead time of about 20 days. That does not guarantee it will sell out on your dates, but it is a good reason to reserve early during busy summer periods.

Who should book this cruise?

I would point this cruise toward you if you want a social, easygoing sea day with food included. It works especially well for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and cruise passengers who need a clear return time.

It is also a good fit if you want to see several Rhodes bays without arranging separate transport. You can swim, snorkel, eat, and relax without carrying beach gear from one beach to the next.

You may want another option if you dislike shared activities, need a completely private setting, or want long swimming periods at each stop. Strong swimmers should also remember that the schedule allows about 50 minutes per bay, not an unlimited stay. If you are bringing an older relative or anyone who finds ladders difficult, check the boarding arrangement before booking.

The operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Final verdict: a good-value Rhodes sea day

I would book this cruise for a relaxed day that combines Rhodes’ coastal views with simple pleasures: clear water, a plate of Greek food, cold drinks, and a friendly crew. Theodore and the staff appear to put real effort into making people feel welcome, and that personal service is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat.

Go in knowing what you are buying. This is not a speedboat adventure, a private charter, or a full-day beach stay. It is a comfortable shared outing with three short swimming stops and a generous food and drink package. Arrive early, pack a towel and sunscreen, and choose this trip if you value atmosphere and convenience as much as time in the water.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes day cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. It starts at 10:00 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point in Rhodes Town.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts and finishes at Royal Sailing Rhodes, Platia Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

Which swimming stops are included?

The cruise stops at Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs. Each stop lasts about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread. Vegetarian dishes are also included.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Beer, red and white wine, bottled water, Pepsi, orange and lemon Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea are included. Cocktails cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included. Flippers and towels are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.