Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

Rhodes’ east coast looks best from the water, and this trip combines its most famous village with two beautiful swimming stops. You sail to Lindos, get about three hours on shore, then return by boat with time for a swim at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Blue Lagoon.

I like the clean, spacious boat, the useful onboard bar, and the simple freedom of exploring Lindos without a guide. I also like the small touches: the crew gives advance notice before each swim stop, provides noodle floats, and keeps the boat tidy after people return from the water.

The main drawback is time. Three hours in Lindos is enough for the Acropolis, lunch, and a quick look around, but it can feel tight if you want a slow meal, shopping, and beach time. The top deck sunbeds also go early, and the ride can feel cool and windy in spring or autumn.

Key points before you book

• Two well-placed swim stops: Spend about 30 minutes in the clear water at Anthony Quinn Bay and another 30 minutes at Tsambika Beach.
• Three hours in Lindos: Visit the Acropolis, walk the whitewashed lanes, eat in a taverna, or head to the beach.
• A comfortable boat for a long day: You get several seating areas, an open sundeck, sunbeds, shade, air conditioning, toilets, and WiFi.
• Reasonable onboard food and drinks: The bar serves coffee, cold drinks, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and simple food such as sandwiches.
• Good value at $47: The cruise and two swimming stops cost less than many land based day tours, though food, drinks, transport, and the Acropolis entry are extra.
• Plan for an early start: Meet at Mandraki Port around 8:00 to 8:30, or use the optional hotel transfer if your accommodation is covered.

Why this cruise works so well for Lindos

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ essential stops, but reaching it by road can mean a hot coach ride and a busy day on land. This cruise makes the journey part of the outing. You spend the morning looking along the east coast, stop for a swim, and arrive in Lindos from the sea.

That change of pace matters. Instead of treating transport as dead time, you can sit outside, buy a cold drink, read, sunbathe, or watch the coastline pass. The trip takes roughly two hours to reach Lindos, including the first sightseeing sections and swim stop, so the boat’s comfort becomes important.

At $47 per person, the price is strong for an eight to eight-and-a-half-hour day. You receive the cruise, two swim stops, use of the sun deck and floats, and three hours in Lindos. You still pay separately for drinks, food, hotel transfers if selected as an extra, and entry to the Acropolis, but the base cost covers the main experience.

This is not a private sailing trip. The boat carries a full group, and the most popular sunbeds are limited. Still, the vessel has several decks, comfortable seats, shaded areas, and an air-conditioned section, so you are not forced to spend the whole day in the sun.

Boarding at Mandraki Port

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building. Look for the DISCOVERY boat, with the Roda bus stop nearby, and arrive 30 minutes early.

Arriving early is useful for two reasons. First, you can find the boat without a rushed walk around the harbor. Second, the top deck sunbeds are popular and limited. Several people who secured them arrived around 8:00, so do not plan to turn up at the last minute if a lounger is important to you.

An optional transfer service covers selected hotels and pickup points around Rhodes. The transfer details are sent by phone or WhatsApp, so enter your number correctly when booking. At the pickup point, wait 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The Rizos Cruises vehicle carries its logo on the windscreen, and drivers wait no longer than two minutes after the pickup time, though delays of up to 15 minutes can happen because of traffic.

The boat itself has three main types of space: an open upper deck, more sheltered seating, and an air-conditioned indoor area. The top deck is the place for sun and views, but it can be windy when the boat is moving. Bring a light jacket at the beginning or end of the season, even if the forecast looks warm.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the first 30-minute swim

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached after about 45 minutes of coastal sailing. The boat pauses for roughly 30 minutes, giving you time to get into the water from the boat rather than walking onto a beach.

The bay is known for emerald colored water and rocky surroundings. It is a good place for snorkeling if you bring your own equipment, and the clear water makes the short stop feel worthwhile. The crew gives notice before arrival, which helps you change and gather your things without missing the chance to swim.

You can use the provided floats, including noodle floats for anyone who is not a confident swimmer. Life jackets are available for children. The crew also gives clear instructions, and the swim stop is designed for a quick, safe break rather than a long beach session.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. You will have time for a swim and a few photographs from the boat, but not an extended snorkeling session. Keep your towel and swimwear easy to reach, and use a waterproof pouch for anything you bring near the water. You can leave larger bags aboard while you swim.

After the stop, the boat is cleaned before continuing. That practical routine helps keep the decks and seating pleasant through a long day.

The long sail south to Lindos

From Anthony Quinn Bay, expect about 70 minutes of sightseeing cruise before reaching the Lindos area. This is the longest quiet stretch of the trip, and it is worth planning for.

If you enjoy watching the coast, choose an outside seat. If you are prone to sun or wind, the shaded or air-conditioned areas will be more comfortable. A book, downloaded music, or a simple card game can help pass the time. One useful advantage of the boat is the café, which sells coffee, soft drinks, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and sandwiches. Simple food such as a sandwich has been available for around $3, making the bar a practical option rather than just a place for drinks.

The boat has WiFi, though you should not rely on it for anything important. The toilets are onboard and kept in good condition, which is especially useful when you are spending most of the day at sea.

Three hours to explore Lindos

The boat arrives in Lindos after just under two hours from departure, depending on the sailing schedule and the first stop. You then have approximately three hours of free time. There is no fixed walking tour, so you set the pace.

Start with the Acropolis if it is a priority. The climb leads to one of the best-known views in Rhodes, with white buildings, the sea, and the curving bay below. The walk is uphill and exposed, so take water, wear sensible shoes, and avoid carrying more than you need. Acropolis admission is not included.

Lindos village itself is a pleasure to wander. Its whitewashed lanes are made for slow walks, small shops, photographs, and a stop at a traditional Greek taverna. The route between the waterfront and the upper village includes a substantial hill, so allow time to get back down and return to the boat.

You can also use the time for Lindos Beach, a meal beside the bay, or a combination of all three. The hard choice is fitting everything in. Three hours is enough for the Acropolis plus lunch, or the village plus a swim at the beach. It is less generous if you want a full Acropolis visit, relaxed shopping, and an unhurried meal.

Keep a close eye on the return time. The boat leaves on schedule, and getting lost in Lindos is possible because the lanes and slopes can be confusing. If you want a particular seat on the return journey, head back to the boat about 40 minutes early. That also gives you time to buy a drink or snack before departure.

Leaving larger bags on the boat can make the Acropolis walk easier. Use ordinary care with valuables, but you do not need to carry every beach item up the hill.

Tsambika Blue Lagoon on the way back

The second swim stop is at Tsambika Beach, often presented as the Blue Lagoon stop. It comes on the return journey and lasts about 30 minutes.

Here you again enter directly from the boat into turquoise water. After the heat and uphill walking in Lindos, the stop is well timed. You can cool off, use a float, listen to music from the boat, or simply sit on deck afterward while the crew cleans the swimming area.

As at Anthony Quinn Bay, this is a short swim rather than a full beach visit. There is no long period to explore the shoreline because you remain with the boat. Bring snorkeling gear if you want to look below the surface, but keep your expectations focused on a refreshing swim.

Some people would prefer longer swimming stops. That is the tradeoff for fitting both bays and Lindos into one day. You get variety, but each water stop is brief.

The ride back to Rhodes

After Tsambika, the final sightseeing section lasts about an hour before returning to Rhodes Harbor at roughly 17:30. The sea breeze can feel especially welcome after a hot visit to Lindos.

Choose your return seat with the weather in mind. The upper deck gives you sunbeds and open views, but it is windy underway. The lower air-conditioned area is a better retreat if you are tired, sunburned, or feeling seasick. The boat has a stable feel according to the supplied trip details, though anyone sensitive to motion should still prepare sensibly.

The bar remains useful on the return. A cold drink, coffee, snack, or ice cream can turn the last hour into a relaxed finish rather than a wait for arrival.

Food, comfort, and onboard facilities

The boat is designed for a full day, not just a short transfer. You get toilets, an air-conditioned indoor area, an open sundeck, sunbeds, floats, and WiFi. The seating is spread across several decks, which helps the boat feel less cramped even when many people are aboard.

The snack bar is one of the better practical features. Food and drinks are not included, but prices are described as reasonable, and the choice includes more than bottled water. You can buy coffee, cocktails, cold drinks, sandwiches, snacks, and ice cream.

Sunbeds are the weak point simply because there are not enough for everyone to claim one at once. They have no shade, too, so they are best for people who want to sunbathe. Other seats offer shade, and the indoor area provides air conditioning.

Bring your own towel. Sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, cash, and snorkeling equipment are also useful. A light jacket is a smart addition in May, October, or other cooler periods, especially if you plan to sit on the top deck during the crossing.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this cruise if you want to see Lindos but do not want to spend the whole day on a coach or in a guided group. The free time gives you control, while the boat adds two attractive swimming stops.

It works particularly well for couples, families, and mixed groups where some people want the Acropolis and others mainly want the sea. Children can use life jackets, and noodle floats are available. The boat’s shade, toilets, and air conditioning also make the day easier for families.

It suits confident walkers who can manage Lindos’ uphill streets, but the Acropolis visit may be tiring in hot weather. Anyone seeking a quiet private boat or long snorkeling sessions should choose a different type of outing.

The experience is also a good fit if value matters. For $47, you get a full day, a major Rhodes sight, two swims, and basic onboard comfort. The extra costs are easy to understand, but you should budget for lunch, drinks, and the Acropolis fee.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve now, pay later option keeps your plans flexible. The host or greeter speaks English and Greek.

The main day begins between 8:00 and 8:30, with the return to Rhodes at about 17:30. Pickup is optional and only applies to selected locations. If you choose it, confirm the pickup point and time carefully, then wait at the stated location.

The activity has a 4.6 rating from 1,404 reviews, and the repeated strengths are clear: friendly staff, a clean boat, good organization, comfortable seating, reasonable bar prices, and enjoyable swim stops. The repeated cautions are just as useful: arrive early for a sunbed, expect wind on the top deck, and do not assume three hours in Lindos will feel generous if you want to do everything.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want a balanced Rhodes day with sightseeing, swimming, and plenty of freedom. The best part is the combination: you see the Acropolis and village, then cool down in two clear-water bays without arranging separate transport.

I would not book it if your priority is a long, relaxed visit to Lindos alone. A land tour or independent visit would give you more time there. But for a first Rhodes trip, a family day, or anyone who wants the journey itself to be part of the fun, this Rizos Cruises outing offers very good value.

Arrive early, bring a jacket and towel, save room in your day for the Acropolis hill, and return to the boat well before departure. Do that, and the day should feel well paced rather than rushed.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes Lindos cruise last?

The cruise lasts about eight to eight and a half hours, with return to Rhodes Harbor at approximately 17:30.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building. Look for the DISCOVERY boat.

How early should I arrive at Mandraki Port?

You should arrive 30 minutes before departure. The meeting information also asks you to be at the port between 8:00 and 8:30.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Lindos.

Is the Acropolis of Lindos included in the price?

No. The Acropolis entry fee is not included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks cost extra, but the onboard bar sells coffee, cold drinks, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and sandwiches.

Are towels provided?

No. You need to bring your own towel, along with swimwear, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Are floats available for the swim stops?

Yes. Floats are provided, including noodle floats. Life jackets are also available for children.

Can I book a hotel transfer?

Pickup is optional and available for selected hotels and locations. If you choose a transfer, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes early and look for the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the vehicle.