Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

The best thing about this Rhodes cruise is the mix: you get three very different swimming stops, a Greek buffet, and an open bar without being packed shoulder to shoulder on a party boat. Captain Alexander keeps the mood lively, sometimes with impressive dance moves, while the crew handles food, drinks, and swimming gear.

I like the comfortable bean-bag seating and the choice of shady or sunny spots, plus the practical extras such as noodles, floaters, life jackets, and snorkel equipment. I also like the route itself, which begins with views of Rhodes’ medieval walls and the old Colossus site before heading to clear water and rocky coves.

The main thing to consider is the mood. This is not guaranteed to be a quiet sailing day. Music can become loud and festive, so you should book it for swimming, food, drinks, and fun rather than for a peaceful reading retreat.

Key things to know before booking

• Three swimming stops: Spend about an hour at Kallithea Springs, more than an hour around Afandou Beach, and about an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay.
• A real open bar: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, aperitifs, snacks, and signature cocktails are included.
• Captain Alexander sets the tone: Expect a friendly crew and lively entertainment, including dancing when the atmosphere gets going.
• Comfort matters here: The boat has bean bags and sun benches, with allocated seating and a maximum of 40 people.
• Lunch is more than a snack: The Greek buffet may include seafood, pasta, chicken, salads, bread, dips, and dessert, with vegan and gluten-free choices available.
• Bring sun protection: The boat offers shade in some seating areas, but you will spend much of the day exposed to the Rhodes sun.

Why this six-hour Rhodes cruise feels different

At $107.63 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach in Rhodes. It is also not simply a boat ride. The price covers a six-hour outing from Mandraki Harbour, three coastal stops, lunch, unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, and an open bar with cocktails, wine, and beer.

That bundle matters. If you paid separately for a scenic cruise, lunch, several drinks, and access to swimming equipment, the fare would be easier to justify. You are paying for convenience and atmosphere as much as for transport.

The boat is limited to 40 people, which helps explain the repeated praise for the spacious layout. Seating is allocated, and you use your bean bag or sun bench for the cruise rather than competing for a place each time you return from the water. That is a small detail, but it makes a long day at sea much easier.

The mood is social. Music plays through the trip, and Captain Alexander is known for turning the ride into a cheerful party when the group is in the mood. If you want a boat where nobody talks and the captain says little, this is the wrong choice. If you like a drink, a swim, and a bit of dancing between stops, the format works well.

Starting at Mandraki Harbour beside Rhodes Old Town

Meet at 10:00 a.m. at Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise, at Mandraki Port opposite the Bank of Greece. This is a useful starting point if you are staying near Rhodes Town or visiting the medieval center before or after your sailing.

Mandraki Harbour has plenty to look at before the boat moves. It was one of ancient Rhodes’ five ports and served as the island’s naval harbor. At the entrance, two Venetian-era columns carry statues of a stag and doe, symbols closely tied to Rhodes.

Across the water is the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos, which began as a small church and later became a defensive stronghold under the Knights of Saint John. Three well-preserved medieval windmills add another distinctive detail to the harbor view.

As you leave, keep your camera ready. The boat passes the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town from the sea, giving you a view that is hard to get from land. The fortified walls, towers, and waterfront make an excellent opening scene, especially in the morning light.

The route also passes the place traditionally linked with the Colossus of Rhodes. The giant statue of the sun god once stood near the port entrance and was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There is no proof that it actually straddled the harbor, despite the famous image, but the site still gives the cruise a useful connection to the island’s ancient past.

Kallithea Springs: the first swim in a historic setting

The first stop is Kallithea Springs, where you have about an hour for a swim and a look around. The springs were valued in ancient times for their supposed healing qualities, and the setting still has a special character.

The water is associated with reddish mineral springs rising from rocky ground in the Gulf of Kallithea. Italian architects Pietro Lombardi and Alberto Mocci helped shape the formal buildings and decorative work around the springs, creating a place where gardens, stone, and water meet.

From the boat, admission to the area is free. You can swim from the vessel and, if conditions allow, spend time exploring the shore before the cruise continues. The stop is a good introduction to the day because it offers more than open water. You get a scenic cove, a little local history, and a chance to test the snorkeling gear.

Do not expect a long land visit. The stop lasts roughly one hour, so you will need to decide how you want to use it. If swimming is your priority, stay near the boat. If you want to see the springs’ architecture, leave enough time to get back aboard.

Passing Faliraki on the way to Afandou

After Kallithea, the boat passes Faliraki Beach. Faliraki is one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal resorts, with a long beach, clear water, hotels, and active nightlife.

From the water, you see the resort in a different way than you would from the road. This is mainly a scenic pass rather than a scheduled shore stop, so do not plan on getting off here. It adds a useful view of the island’s more developed beach side before the boat reaches the quieter-feeling swimming areas around Afandou.

Afandou Beach: a long coast and room to explore

Afandou is known for its broad, roughly six-kilometer pebble beach and clear water. You have more than an hour here, with time to swim and explore the shoreline and nearby caves before lunch is served back on the boat.

The pebbles are part of the area’s identity. Some were used in the paving of Rhodes Old Town, linking this ordinary-looking beach to the island’s famous historic center. The name Afantou means invisible in Greek, a reference to the original settlement being moved inland, behind rocks, to make it harder for raiders approaching from the sea to see.

That history gives the stop a little more substance than a standard swim break. The coast around Afandou also has tombs and foundations connected with earlier settlements, though the time available is limited and the cruise is built around swimming rather than a formal archaeological visit.

The shoreline can be less comfortable underfoot than a sandy beach. Water shoes could be useful, but the tour information does not list them as supplied, so bring your own if you prefer extra protection. The boat provides floaters, noodles, and life jackets, which makes the stop workable even if you are not a confident swimmer.

Lunch is served after this stop, back aboard. That timing is sensible: you can swim first, then dry off and eat rather than carrying food ashore.

The Greek buffet and cocktail bar

The meal is one of the stronger reasons to consider this cruise. The buffet is prepared by the onboard chef and includes Greek-style food, with vegan and gluten-free options available.

The exact menu can vary, but the spread may include shrimp pasta, mussels, chicken, salads, bread, tzatziki, spanakorizo, and a brownie-style dessert with sauce. The food is substantial enough to count as lunch, not just a plate of snacks between swims.

You may also encounter dakos, a Cretan dish made with a barley rusk, tomato, cheese, oregano, capers, and olive oil. It can be firm and crisp, so do not mistake its texture for stale bread. This is the sort of traditional food that rewards a little curiosity.

The open bar includes beer, wine, aperitifs, snacks, cocktails, signature cocktails, water, sodas, and other nonalcoholic drinks. Beer is served chilled, and the bartender prepares preset cocktails. Some drinks may be lighter than you expect, and cocktail choices are not unlimited in the sense of ordering any drink imaginable. Still, the range is generous for a day cruise at this price.

Drink responsibly. The boat combines alcohol, sun, swimming, and movement, so water between cocktails is a very good idea. Bottled water is available, and you should use it often.

Ladiko and Anthony Quinn Bay: the visual high point

The final part of the route takes you toward Ladiko and Anthony Quinn Bay. Ladiko sits behind Anthony Quinn Bay and is linked to the olive-oil trade. Ships once loaded olive oil here for routes toward Egypt and the Middle East, and local fishermen have found clay containers from shipwrecks in the area.

The main scheduled stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, a small cove enclosed by high rocks. Its water is deeper than at Afandou, and the rocky setting gives it a more dramatic look. This is where the complimentary snorkel equipment is most useful.

Small fish gather around the boat, and you can watch them in the clear water. Bread may attract them closer, though the playful onboard joke is that the fish have never bitten a swimmer. Use normal care around the rocks and follow crew instructions when entering the water.

The bay takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who came to Rhodes while filming The Guns of Navarone in the 1960s. He liked the cove and tried to buy it, but the agreement was never completed. The local name remains as a nod to his connection with the film and the island.

This is often the most memorable stop because the water is deep, the rocks rise sharply around the cove, and snorkeling feels more rewarding than at a broad beach. You can use a life jacket or noodle if you want support. Strong swimmers may enjoy the open water, while cautious swimmers can stay close to the boat.

At times, the crew brings cold beers out to people in the water. That is fun, but it also makes the final stop particularly social and noisy. You might see people jumping from the upper deck, but only do so if the crew allows it and you are comfortable with the conditions.

What the boat setup means for your day

The boat has two decks and is arranged to give you room to sit or stretch out. Bean bags and sun benches are more comfortable than hard deck chairs during a six-hour outing, especially after swimming.

Allocated seating removes one common problem on popular cruises: spending the first minutes of every stop trying to save a place. If you want shade, ask the crew early. The crew can help you choose a suitable area, though shade availability depends on the boat and the sun’s position.

There are clean toilets onboard, according to the tour details and direct experience described by passengers. Snorkel equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are included, so you do not need to rent those items separately.

The maximum group size is 40. That is not a private yacht charter, but it is modest for a popular Rhodes excursion. The space feels especially valuable when the cruise is fully booked.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cover-up. You will want sturdy footwear for a pebbly shore and a dry bag or waterproof phone case for the swim stops. These items are not listed as provided, so pack them yourself.

The music, crew, and overall atmosphere

The crew is central to the experience. Captain Alexander is friendly, energetic, and comfortable entertaining the group. His dancing has become part of the cruise’s personality, and he may get people up from their sun beds for a short dance session.

The rest of the crew handles drinks, lunch, seating, and safety. The strongest praise centers on their helpful attitude and the way they keep service moving while still joining the fun.

The tradeoff is clear. Music that feels like pleasant background sound to one person may feel too loud to another. At times, conversation can be difficult, especially on the upper deck or when the captain is performing.

If you want a calm day with a book and long stretches of silence, choose another sailing or a quieter beach outing. If your ideal day includes a playlist, cold drinks, swimming, and a captain with comic timing, this cruise is a good match.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy social settings, and families with older children who can safely manage a boat and swimming stops. The life jackets and floaters help non-swimmers take part, though every person entering the water should still follow crew guidance.

It also suits cruise passengers because the start and end point are both at Mandraki Harbour. Hotel transfers are optional and cost extra, so you will need to arrange your own way to the port unless you add that service.

This is less suitable for anyone seeking a formal guided history tour. The old town, Colossus site, fortress, windmills, and coastal settlements are presented as passing context rather than through long talks. One practical weakness is that announcements may be hard to hear from some seats, so you may miss parts of the commentary.

The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Is $107.63 good value?

At $107.63, the cruise offers solid value if you will use the included food, drinks, and equipment. Three swim stops alone do not tell the full price story. Add a full buffet, cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, comfortable seating, and six hours on the Rhodes coast, and the fare becomes reasonable.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, do not care about lunch, or want only a short boat ride. It is also not the best fit if you want a quiet luxury sailing experience. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but the entertainment style is lively rather than refined and hushed.

The excellent 4.8 out of 5 rating from more than 1,200 ratings, along with a 96 percent recommendation rate, suggests dependable appeal. I would still read the atmosphere correctly before booking: the strongest feature is the combination of swimming, hospitality, food, and party energy.

Should you book the Romantika swim cruise?

Book it if you want to see several of Rhodes’ prettiest coves in one day without arranging transport, lunch, drinks, and water equipment separately. Anthony Quinn Bay is the highlight for clear water and snorkeling, while Kallithea Springs adds history and Afandou gives you a long, open stretch of coast.

Skip it if silence matters more than social energy. The smart choice is to arrive at Mandraki with sunscreen, swim gear, and an appetite, then tell the crew early if you prefer a shady seat. For a full day of swimming, Greek food, open-bar drinks, and Captain Alexander’s dancing, this is one of the better-value ways to spend six hours around Rhodes.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes swim cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours. It starts at 10:00 a.m. and returns to Mandraki Harbour.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

You meet at Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece in Rhodes Town. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Which swimming spots are included?

The route includes Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay. The cruise also passes Faliraki Beach and coastal sights near Rhodes Town.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek gourmet buffet prepared by the onboard chef is included. Vegan and gluten-free choices are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes an open bar with cocktails, signature cocktails, wine, beer, aperitifs, snacks, water, sodas, and other nonalcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are available at no extra cost.

How many people can join the cruise?

The activity has a maximum of 40 people. Seating is allocated, with bean bags and sun benches available onboard.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and poor weather may result in a choice of a new date or a full refund.