Rhodes: Gulet Trip with Food, Drinks, SUP, Kayak & Swimming

Rhodes’ eastern coast is at its best from the water, and this six-hour gulet trip gives you three very different swim stops without the bother of arranging gear or finding a beach. You get the emerald water of Anthony Quinn Bay, a floating activity area at Ladiko, and the striking curves of Kallithea Springs, all for $78.

I like the generous two-hour stop at Ladiko, where you can switch between SUP, kayaking, and snorkeling instead of simply sitting on a boat. I also like the easygoing food-and-drink setup: a traditional Greek lunch, fresh fruit, soft drinks, water, and local wine are included. The main caution is that the boat can feel busy, and you should arrive early if a prime sunbed matters to you.

Key things to know before you book

• Three water stops: Swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, spend two hours at Ladiko’s Fun Island, and stop again near Kallithea Springs.
• Free equipment: SUP boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and water platforms are included.
• Traditional gulet setting: You sail on El Greco, a wooden Greek boat departing from Mandraki Port.
• Lunch and wine included: Expect Greek dishes, salad, seasonal fruit, unlimited soft drinks, water, and wine.
• Arrive early for outdoor seating: Several people recommend arriving 35 to 60 minutes before departure to claim a sunbed.
• Beer costs extra: Beers, cocktails, slushies, and coffee are not part of the included drinks.

Setting off from Mandraki on El Greco

The meeting point is straightforward: look for the wooden gulet El Greco opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki Port. The activity returns to the same place, which makes planning your day in Rhodes Old Town or Mandraki fairly simple.

The boat ride is not just transport between stops. You spend about an hour and a half cruising beside Rhodes’ eastern shore, with time to sit on the sun deck, take photographs, and watch the coastline pass. The traditional wooden design gives the trip more character than a plain motorboat, while the open decks make it easy to enjoy the sea air.

I would arrive about an hour before departure if you want a good outdoor spot. The sunbeds can fill early, and arriving only 20 or 25 minutes before sailing may leave you with an indoor chair and table. A 35 to 45-minute head start is a more realistic minimum if you want to choose from the better places.

This matters because six hours is a long time to spend onboard. The boat has plenty of seating, but not every place offers the same access to sun, shade, views, or a comfortable place to stretch out. If you prefer shade, arriving early still helps you choose rather than accept what remains.

The first swim at Anthony Quinn Bay

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the prettiest coves on Rhodes. Green hills surround the small bay, helping give the water its famous emerald tone. From the boat, you get a strong photo view of the cove and its rocky shoreline before cooling off in the sea.

You have about 40 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a quick look below the surface, but it is not a long beach visit. The boat does not turn this into a full shore excursion, so think of Anthony Quinn Bay as a scenic water stop rather than a chance to settle on the beach.

The water is the star. On a hot Rhodes day, the timing works well: you have spent time cruising, then get a short swim before the longer activity stop later. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, though conditions and visibility can vary with wind and sea movement.

If you want a quiet, empty cove, adjust your expectations. Anthony Quinn Bay is a well-known Rhodes sight, and the boat visits it for its beauty rather than solitude. Still, seeing the bay from the water is a useful part of the experience, especially if you want photographs without arranging a separate trip.

Two hours at Ladiko’s Fun Island

The main event is Ladiko Bay, where El Greco uses a floating Fun Island that is accessible only by the boat. This is where the trip becomes more active. You can take a canoe or SUP, snorkel, swim, or lounge on floating sofas and platforms with a drink nearby.

The two-hour stop is the strongest feature of the trip. It gives you enough time to try more than one activity without rushing from one piece of equipment to the next. You can paddle first, swim later, then spend a few minutes drying off on the floating structure. Families and mixed-age groups benefit from this flexibility because not everyone needs to do the same thing.

The equipment is included, which improves the value of the $78 fare. You do not need to rent a kayak or paddleboard at the bay, and you can try an activity without committing extra money. The crew is available to help, and one staff member has been known to show people nearby caves, adding a small exploratory element to the stop.

Bring patience during the busiest periods. The floating area and equipment can feel crowded when the boat is full, and some people may hold onto the best spots longer than they should. The available gear has generally been sufficient, but the experience is smoother if you are ready to use whichever board or kayak becomes available.

One useful equipment tip: if you want fins for snorkeling, ask the crew directly. They may not hand them out automatically. That small request can make a noticeable difference if you plan to spend much time looking underwater.

Greek lunch, wine, and what to expect on the plate

Lunch is served onboard during the Ladiko stop, with food designed around familiar Greek flavors. The meal includes salad, seasonal fruit, and traditional dishes such as chicken, beans in tomato sauce, and stuffed tomatoes or peppers with rice. Portions have been described as generous, which is welcome after swimming and paddling.

The drink arrangement is one of the better parts of the price. Water, soft drinks, juices, fizzy drinks, and local white and rosé wine are included throughout the trip. You can keep your drink topped up without paying each time, though responsible drinking is still important on a sunny boat day.

Beer, cocktails, slushies, and coffee cost extra. That is easy to overlook if you assume all drinks are covered, so budget a little more if beer is important to you. The included wine and soft drinks make the package more useful for families and mixed groups.

The food is the one area where I would keep expectations measured. Many people enjoy the meal, but it may not suit every palate, especially if you are a selective eater. The lunch is described as suitable for vegan and non-vegan diets, yet a vegetarian serving may need to be requested and can be less substantial than the meat option.

If you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, tell the crew before or during service and confirm what is available. If you are particular about food, bringing your own food is not permitted, so the meal should be part of your booking decision rather than an afterthought.

Kallithea Springs and the final swim

Near the end of the outing, the boat stops at Kallithea Springs for about 30 minutes. This is a shorter stop, combining photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and local snacks. The appeal here is the meeting of sea and architecture.

Kallithea Springs is known for its elegant historic spa buildings and curved forms beside the water. From the boat, you get a good look at the setting and a chance to photograph it from an angle that is different from a land visit. The stop is not long enough for a full architectural visit, so treat it as a scenic pause and final swim.

Afterward, the gulet cruises back toward Mandraki. The return stretch gives you another 45 minutes on the water, useful for drying off, taking final photographs, or simply enjoying the sun deck. The music adds to the holiday mood, though the atmosphere is more social than quiet.

Comfort, music, and the pace of the day

This is an active day, but it is not a nonstop sports trip. You alternate between cruising, swimming, eating, and resting. That rhythm works well in Rhodes’ hot weather because the swim stops break up the time in the sun.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Nikos and Stephanos are specifically praised for being attentive and helpful, and the broader crew helps with the activities and keeps the day moving. They have also offered suggestions about places to enjoy cocktails in Rhodes, which is a nice extra if you want local tips after the cruise.

Music plays onboard, adding energy during the sailing sections. If you are hoping for a silent nature cruise, this may not be your style. If you want a relaxed social outing with music, wine, swimming, and water sports, the atmosphere fits well.

The boat is suitable for children, teenagers, couples, and older adults who are comfortable using steps and participating around the water. It is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed.

Is $78 good value for Rhodes?

At $78 per person, the value comes from the combination rather than any single feature. You get a six-hour cruise, three swim stops, a traditional wooden boat, lunch, fresh fruit, unlimited soft drinks and wine, plus SUPs, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and floating platforms.

A simple boat ride with no included equipment might cost less, but it would not offer the same range of activities. On the other hand, this is not a private charter, and the shared setting means you trade personal space for a lower price and a fuller program.

The fare is especially useful if you would otherwise pay separately for water sports, drinks, and lunch. Families can also find it practical because children have something to do beyond sitting on the boat, while adults can relax with a drink and watch the coastline.

The value drops slightly if you do not drink wine or soft drinks, do not care about paddleboarding or kayaking, or prefer a quiet, lightly populated boat. Beer drinkers should also remember that beer is extra. Still, the included gear and two-hour Fun Island stop make this a strong full-day water outing at the price.

Who should book this gulet trip?

I would choose this cruise if you want a single, easy day that combines Rhodes scenery, swimming, Greek food, and simple water sports. It is particularly good for families, couples, and groups with different ideas about fun because one person can paddle while another rests on the floating sofas.

It also suits you if you like a social boat atmosphere. The music, open wine service, sunbeds, and shared activity area create a holiday feel rather than a formal sightseeing tour.

I would think twice if your main goal is peaceful sailing, an uncrowded beach, or a serious snorkeling session. The swim stops are enjoyable but time-limited, and the boat can become busy. Likewise, selective eaters and guests with strict dietary needs should confirm the lunch arrangement before paying.

Book only if you are willing to arrive early. The difference between getting an outdoor sunbed and sitting inside for much of the day can shape your whole experience.

Should you book El Greco’s Rhodes boat trip?

Yes, if you want good value and variety. The best parts are the long Ladiko stop, the free SUP and kayak use, the friendly crew, the wooden gulet, and the steady supply of soft drinks, wine, and water. Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea Springs give the route memorable scenery, while the lunch keeps the day simple.

Go in knowing that this is a popular shared excursion, not a private escape. Arrive 35 to 60 minutes early, ask for snorkeling fins, remember that beer costs extra, and keep your food expectations sensible. With those details in mind, this is a lively and practical way to experience Rhodes from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes gulet trip start and finish?

The trip starts opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki Port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet El Greco. The cruise returns to the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes about 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, two hours at Fun Island in Ladiko Bay, and about 30 minutes near Kallithea Springs.

Are kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling included?

Yes. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling equipment are included, along with floating sofas and platforms.

What food and drinks are included?

You receive a traditional Greek lunch, morning treats, seasonal fresh fruit, unlimited soft drinks, water, and wine. Lunch is described as suitable for vegan and non-vegan diets.

Is beer included?

No. Beer, slushies, cocktails, and coffee are not included and cost extra.

What should I bring, and is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.