Rhodes: Full Day East Coast Bay to Bay Boat Trip with Lunch

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this full-day east coast cruise. Its green, clear water, rocky cliffs, fish, sea urchins, and coral make the first swim more than a quick dip. You then get long time at Tsambika, a Greek buffet lunch, and three more coastal stops.

I like the four different swimming settings and the simple transport plan from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, and Faliraki. I also like the price: $68 covers transport, the boat, and lunch, which is fair for a full day. The catch is the boat size, with room for up to 280 people, so this is a social group outing, not a quiet private sail.

Key points at a glance

• Four east coast swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Bay, Afandou Caves, and Kallithea Bay each offer a different setting.
• Two hours at Tsambika: This is the longest stop, with time for swimming, the 800-meter beach, sunbathing, and lunch.
• Greek buffet included: Expect tzatziki, Greek salad, potatoes, moussaka, pasta, beans, beef steaks, and chicken.
• Large three-deck boat: The vessel carries up to 280 people and has toilets, a snack bar, and room to sit in the sun or shade.
• Useful hotel pickup: Transport is available from several resort areas, with early morning pickup times generally between 7:30 and 8:15.
• Best for confident swimmers: The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers, pregnant women, or wheelchair users.

What this Rhodes boat day really offers

This is a water day, not a sightseeing cruise with long commentary or guided walks. You spend most of the time moving between swim stops, sitting on deck, eating lunch, and watching Rhodes from offshore.

That focus is its strength. You get a simple way to reach several well-known bays in one day without arranging taxis, beach rentals, or separate boat trips. It also gives you views of Rhodes Town’s medieval center and the east coast from a useful angle: out on the water, with the island rising behind you.

The day lasts about eight to nine hours. The boat leaves the port at 9:00 AM and returns at about 5:00 PM. That early start matters, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. A pickup bus is scheduled from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, and Faliraki, usually between 7:30 and 8:15 AM.

If you use pickup, wait at your stated meeting point at least five minutes early. Your exact time depends on your accommodation. If you meet in Rhodes Town, look for the Manos Going red buses near the town hall after the boat returns.

Meeting at Mandraki Port before 9:00 AM

The central meeting point is at Mandraki Port on Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation. A Manos Going staff member waits there with a red sign bearing the company logo.

You can arrive from 8:30 AM. Show your booking confirmation to receive your boarding cards and a map with information about the day. This check-in step is worth allowing time for, since you still need to find the staff member, collect your cards, and get aboard before departure.

The port gives you an appealing start. From the boat, you can look back toward Rhodes Town and its medieval buildings as the vessel leaves shore. The first hour is mainly a ferry ride, so use it to settle in, choose your deck, and protect yourself from the sun.

The vessel carries up to 280 people across three decks. That number tells you what kind of outing this is. You will have more space and choice than on a small boat, but the boat will not feel intimate. If you prefer a quiet day with personal attention, the available private-group option may suit you better.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the best first swim

After the opening cruise, the boat reaches Anthony Quinn Bay for about 30 minutes in the water. This is a short stop, so have your swimwear ready and do not wait until the final minutes to get in.

The bay is known for clear emerald-colored water, a sheltered rocky shore, and cliffs above the sea. The underwater setting is the main attraction. You might see fish, sea urchins, and coral formations in the shallow water, along with the rocky shapes that make this bay so photogenic.

This stop works well as an introduction to the day. The water is sheltered, and the bay feels more enclosed than the later beach stop at Tsambika. Bring goggles if you want to see the marine life clearly, though goggles are not listed as part of the provided equipment.

The limitation is time. Thirty minutes goes quickly once you account for getting into the water and climbing back aboard. Treat Anthony Quinn Bay as a brisk swim and a look around, not a full beach visit.

Tsambika Bay: two hours for swimming and lunch

The longest stop is Tsambika Bay, where you have two hours. This is the day’s main beach break and gives you enough time to swim without watching the clock every few minutes.

Tsambika is linked with an 800-meter stretch of fine golden sand. You can swim over to the beach for sunbathing, stay near the boat, or simply relax on deck. That choice makes this stop more flexible than Anthony Quinn Bay, especially if someone in your group wants to dry off while others keep swimming.

Lunch is served aboard the boat during this stop. The buffet includes:

• Tzatziki
• Greek salad
• Oven-baked potatoes
• Moussaka
• Pasta with red sauce
• Beans
• Beef steaks
• Chicken

This is a substantial meal for a day on the water, with familiar choices for mixed groups. You do not need to pack a full lunch, but drinks and snacks are not included. The onboard snack bar sells them, so bring extra money if you want water, soft drinks, coffee, or something between meals.

I see Tsambika as the most useful stop for families and mixed-age groups, provided everyone meets the tour’s swimming requirements. A strong swimmer can spend more time in the water, while someone who prefers a break can use the beach or boat deck. The two-hour window also gives lunch service some breathing room.

Afandou Caves: a short look from the water

The boat then continues to Afandou Beach for a 30-minute swim stop. The shore here is rocky, and the special feature is an outstanding cave that you can explore directly from the water.

This is not a land excursion into a cave. You approach it by swimming from the boat, so you should be comfortable in open water and able to manage the distance without help. The stop offers a change from the sand at Tsambika and the enclosed feel of Anthony Quinn Bay.

Thirty minutes again means you need to stay aware of the departure time. Pool noodles and life jackets are available for small children, but the experience is not suitable for non-swimmers. The supplied information also states that wheelchair users and pregnant women should not take this activity.

If your goal is to see the cave, listen carefully to the crew’s instructions and keep your time in mind. You do not want to be far from the boat when boarding begins.

Kallithea Bay: a calm final swim

Kallithea Bay is the final stop, with about 20 minutes for swimming or sunbathing on the boat. It is sheltered, making it a gentle way to finish the swimming portion of the day.

After three earlier stops, you may prefer to stay dry here. The boat lets you choose between one last swim and a quiet rest on deck. That flexibility is useful because the last stop comes after a full day of sun, water, and movement.

The short time also means you should treat Kallithea as a final refresh rather than another major beach visit. Afterward, the boat begins the return trip to Rhodes, with arrival expected around 5:00 PM.

The food, boat, and onboard practicalities

The meal is included in the $68 price, which improves the value of the trip. A full day at four bays would otherwise mean arranging food and carrying it through several swim stops. Here, you can eat aboard during the longest break.

The buffet is Greek-leaning but broad enough for different tastes. Moussaka, tzatziki, salad, potatoes, beans, pasta, meat, and chicken make it more than a light snack. Drinks are separate, and the snack bar is your source for beverages and extra food.

The boat has three decks, toilets, and a snack bar. You can expect a group atmosphere and regular movement as people head to the water, lunch, or different seating areas. On a sunny Greek day, the practical challenge is finding the right balance between sun and shade. Sunscreen is essential, and a towel is just as important as your swimsuit.

Bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Money for drinks and snacks
• Booking confirmation for check-in

Pool noodles and life jackets are available for small children. They do not turn the outing into a beginner swimming lesson, so parents should still judge the water activities carefully.

Is $68 good value for Rhodes?

At $68 per person, this is a reasonable package for an eight to nine hour day. You receive transport from several resort areas, the boat trip, four swim stops, and a buffet lunch. The convenience is a large part of the value.

The comparison depends on what you want from the sea. If you tried to reach Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika, Afandou, and Kallithea separately, transport would take time and planning. The boat handles the route in one day and lets you see each bay from the water.

You are paying for access and variety, not luxury. The boat can carry 280 people, drinks cost extra, and most stops are short. The private-group option may change the feel of the day, but the standard outing is designed for a large shared group.

For someone staying in Rhodes for only a few days, the trip can be a smart use of time. You get several popular coastal spots without giving up separate days to each one. For someone who already has easy access to a favorite beach and wants peace and quiet, the large boat may feel less worthwhile.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a full day on the water, enjoy swimming, and prefer a planned route over making your own beach schedule. It suits couples, families with capable swimmers, and groups of friends who like a lively boat setting.

It is especially useful if you are staying in Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, or Faliraki, since pickup is provided from those areas. You do not have to make your own way to Mandraki Port, though the exact pickup details arrive from the provider and should be checked carefully.

You should think twice if you dislike large groups, have limited mobility, are pregnant, or do not swim. The tour includes water access at every major stop, and the activity information specifically says it is not suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users.

It also may not suit anyone looking for archaeological sites, village visits, or a guided explanation of Rhodes. The focus is bays, beaches, food, and the view from the sea.

Tips for getting more from the day

Arrive ready to swim. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you do not lose time at the short stops.

Use the first ferry ride to decide how much sun you want. The Greek sun can feel pleasant early in the day, then become tiring after several hours. Sunscreen, water, and a towel will make the return trip much easier.

Keep your belongings organized. A large boat means many people are moving around, and the day includes repeated transitions between deck, water, beach, and lunch.

Save your longest beach time for Tsambika. Anthony Quinn Bay and Afandou are quick swims, while Tsambika gives you two hours and the widest choice of activities.

Do not assume drinks are included with lunch. The buffet is part of the price, but beverages and snacks are purchased separately at the onboard snack bar.

Check your email for the exact pickup time, including the spam folder. The activity start time is not necessarily your hotel pickup time, and you need to be waiting at least five minutes early.

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Rhodes plans are still shifting, though you should still confirm the current availability and start time before booking.

Should you book the east coast bay cruise?

Book it if you want four famous Rhodes swimming stops in one organized day, with lunch and transport included. The mix of Anthony Quinn Bay’s rocky clear water, Tsambika’s long sandy beach, Afandou’s water-access cave, and sheltered Kallithea gives the day enough variety.

Skip it if you want a small, quiet sailing trip or if swimming is not central to your plans. The 280-passenger boat and short stops make this a practical group excursion rather than a private coastal escape.

For $68, I think the strongest value lies in the route. You cover a lot of the east coast, avoid arranging separate transfers, and get a proper Greek buffet before the final swims. Pack lightly, bring sun protection, and think of the boat as your comfortable base for a busy day in the Mediterranean.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes boat trip last?

The activity lasts about eight to nine hours. The boat leaves Mandraki Port at 9:00 AM and is expected back in Rhodes at approximately 5:00 PM.

Where does the tour start?

The central meeting point is Mandraki Port on Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation. A Manos Going staff member waits there with a red company sign.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Transportation is provided from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, and Faliraki. Pickup is generally scheduled between 7:30 and 8:15 AM, but your precise time and location depend on your accommodation.

Which bays does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Bay and Beach, Afandou Beach and its caves, and Kallithea Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included and features items such as tzatziki, Greek salad, oven-baked potatoes, moussaka, pasta, beans, beef steaks, and chicken. Drinks and snacks are not included but can be purchased from the snack bar.

Is the boat suitable for children?

Pool noodles and life jackets are available for small children. However, the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers, so children taking part in the swimming stops must be able to manage the water safely.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also bring money for drinks and snacks, since those are available to buy but are not included in the price.