Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

Rhodes’ east coast is at its best from the water, where the cliffs drop into clear blue bays and a fast RIB can reach coves that are awkward to visit by road. This 2.5-hour cruise packs in four swim stops, including Anthony Quinn Bay and the lesser-known Alikies caves.

I like the small group of up to eight because it gives the trip a friendly, almost private-boat feel. I also like the useful extras: snorkels, masks, pool noodles, buoyancy aids, Wi-Fi, a restroom, drinks, and a spacious deck. The one catch is that the boat moves quickly and the stops pass fast, so families wanting a slow, broad sightseeing cruise may prefer a larger vessel.

Key points to know before you book

• Four east-coast swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area give the short trip plenty of variety.
• Small RIB, maximum eight people: You get more room and personal attention than on a large day boat, but the ride can feel lively.
• Snorkeling gear and floats included: Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids are available for confident swimmers and beginners.
• The Anthony Quinn Bay story: You hear how the Hollywood actor became linked to this famous Rhodes location after filming The Guns of Navarone.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Soft drinks, bottled cocktails, and water are supplied, although cocktail availability can vary.
• Optional hotel-area pickup: Transfers can be arranged from central points around Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

Why this short RIB cruise works so well

At $48 per person, this is priced as an accessible half-day outing rather than a luxury charter. The value comes from the number of stops and the small boat, not from a long day at sea. In two and a half hours, you get a fast coastal ride, four chances to swim, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a captain who can spend time helping people in the water.

I see this as a good choice for couples, friends, older children, and anyone who would rather swim in several pretty places than sit on one beach all afternoon. The limited group size matters. A boat carrying eight people feels more personal, and the captain can offer practical help with masks, floats, and jumping from the boat.

The tradeoff is simple: this is a highlights trip. You will not spend a whole afternoon at every bay, and the exact time at each stop can change with conditions and the pace of the group. If you want long periods of quiet sunbathing, a beach day may serve you better.

Finding the boat beside Stama restaurant

The standard meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. Check your booking details carefully, since there are two possible meeting points and pickup options vary according to the area you select.

Pickup is available from a central point near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. It is not described as door-to-door service, so look for the separate pickup message and read it closely. If it does not appear in your main inbox, check your spam folder.

The transfer adds real value if you are staying away from the port. One driver called Harry was praised for arriving on time, using a comfortable vehicle, and pointing out scenic places on the way to and from the boat. That makes the outing easier for families and visitors without a rental car.

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Leave large luggage and oversized bags behind. You need both hands free when boarding a small boat, and there is no reason to bring anything beyond the basics.

Setting off on the modern RIB

Once aboard, you settle into a comfortably furnished RIB with a roomy deck. It is built for speed, so the ride between stops is part of the fun. You get open views along the east coast, with rocky cliffs and bright water passing quickly on both sides.

The boat has a restroom and Wi-Fi, useful touches on a small vessel. Drinks include soft drinks and bottled cocktails, and water is available. One family reported receiving fizzy drinks and water rather than cocktails, so I would treat the advertised cocktails as included bottled drinks, not a full bar service with a wide choice.

The crew also keeps safety equipment available. You can use a buoyancy aid or pool noodle, and snorkeling equipment is supplied. This is especially helpful if you are not a strong swimmer or if a child needs a little support before getting comfortable in the sea.

The boat’s speed deserves a clear warning. One couple felt it suited younger adults and couples better than very young children, while also noting that a larger cruise ship might be calmer for some families. That does not make the RIB unsuitable for children, but you should expect motion and a brisk ride rather than a slow, steady ferry crossing.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most famous coastal spots. Its appeal is easy to understand from the water: turquoise sea, rugged rock, and a tight bay that feels more dramatic when seen from a boat.

The name connects the place to actor Anthony Quinn, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone there. The cruise includes this story, giving the stop a little context beyond the usual swim and photograph routine.

A particularly good viewpoint is the Guns of Navarone Pier, described as one of the most photogenic spots in the area. Have your camera ready, but protect your phone from spray and keep a firm grip when moving around the boat. Some trips have offered waterproof phone covers, although you should not assume this is guaranteed on every departure.

This is also a key snorkeling stop. The clear water can make it possible to see fish near the rocks, and masks and snorkels are available. You can enter directly from the boat, which saves time and gives you a different view from swimming in a crowded beach area.

Do not expect Anthony Quinn Bay to feel private. It is a famous place, and its popularity is part of the reason it is included. The boat lets you enjoy the view without having to spend the whole visit on the beach, but the stop can still feel busy during the afternoon.

Ladiko, across the bay

The cruise then heads toward Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. This stop changes the mood slightly, with another view of clear water and rocky coastal forms.

Ladiko is a good place for photographs because the contrast is strong: bright sea, rough cliffs, and the clean lines of the small boat. You can swim, snorkel, jump from the side, or stay on the deck and sunbathe.

I like the choice here because you are not simply repeating the same stop. Anthony Quinn Bay offers the famous name and film connection, while Ladiko gives you another angle on the coast. On a short cruise, that variety keeps the outing from feeling like one long swim break.

The captain can help you with equipment and explain how to use the floats. Michael, also referred to as Mike, has been especially good at helping nervous swimmers, including a child who needed encouragement before jumping into the water. That kind of patient guidance can make a big difference if you are unsure about entering from the boat.

Traganou’s rocky shore and sea caves

Next comes Traganou, a gravel beach with a rocky surface and clear water. It has a wilder feel than the more famous bays, with rocky scenery and caverns along the coast.

This is one of the best stops for exploring rather than simply floating. You can swim toward the hidden caverns, look into the rock formations, or stay near the boat with a mask and snorkel. The water clarity is a major part of the appeal.

The beach itself is not a soft-sand setting. If you plan to go ashore, comfortable water shoes are a smart choice, which is why they appear on the recommended packing list. Standard sandals may be awkward on a rough, stony shoreline.

Traganou also shows why the RIB format is useful. The boat can take you directly to coastal spots where the main pleasure is looking into the rocks from the water. You spend less time walking and more time seeing the coast from its natural angle.

Alikies caves, the most atmospheric stop

The final beach area is home to the Alikies caves, a lesser-known part of the route. You can swim into the cave area, explore from the water, or simply relax on the beach while the boat remains nearby.

This stop may be the most rewarding for anyone who wants something beyond the standard Rhodes beach circuit. The caves give the trip a sense of discovery without requiring a difficult hike or a separate excursion.

It is also worth managing your expectations. The exact amount of time at Alikies depends on the overall schedule, and several passengers have wished for longer at the final bay because it offered especially good views and plenty of fish. If you enjoy snorkeling, this is a good reason to get your mask ready before the boat arrives rather than searching through your bag at the stop.

The crew can help with floats and buoyancy aids, so you do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the cave area. Still, entering a cave by water requires care. Listen to the captain’s instructions, stay with the group, and do not treat the safety gear as an invitation to swim beyond your comfort level.

Drinks, snacks, and time on deck

The boat is not only a transport link between swim stops. It also gives you a place to dry off, sit in the sun, and enjoy a drink between swims.

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included, along with bottled water. Some trips have also included snacks. The offering is simple, not a full lunch, so eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal.

The spacious deck is useful for people who do not want to swim at every stop. You can photograph the cliffs, watch friends in the water, or simply enjoy the ride. That flexibility is important on a compact outing, since not everyone in a group will want the same amount of time in the sea.

Birthday groups have also received extra drinks to mark the occasion, but I would not book this expecting a formal celebration package. It is better viewed as a thoughtful gesture when the crew has the chance to offer it.

The captain makes the difference

The route is attractive, but the crew shapes how relaxed the afternoon feels. Captains including Michael, Mike, and Lazaros have been singled out for friendly service, clear instructions, conversation, and help with swimming equipment.

Lazaros has been praised as both guide and host, while Michael has helped children build confidence in the water and even let one child pretend to drive the boat. Those personal touches are not guaranteed on every departure, but they show the kind of small-group atmosphere the operator aims for.

The guide speaks English. You can expect stories about the places you pass, including the Anthony Quinn Bay connection, along with practical instructions for getting safely in and out of the water.

The crew may also point out fish and help children or hesitant swimmers use the floats. That is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over an ordinary boat transfer. You are not left to manage the equipment alone.

Dolphins on the return to the marina

The ride back follows the east coast toward the marina. Keep watch for dolphins playing in the surf, but remember that wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

This final stretch is a pleasant way to finish, particularly if you sit where you can see beyond the boat’s wake. After four swim stops, you may be ready to dry off and enjoy the ride rather than jump back into the water.

The tour ends at the same meeting point, about two and a half hours after departure. That compact timing makes it easy to combine with an evening meal, a walk through Rhodes Town, or another afternoon plan.

What the $48 price really buys you

At $48, the experience offers good value if you would otherwise pay separately for beach transfers, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. The small group is the main advantage. A larger cruise may cost less per person, but it will not usually give you the same quick access to several swim spots or the same level of direct help from the captain.

The price does not include towels or personal expenses. Bring your own towel, and keep spending money to a minimum because large bags are not allowed aboard.

The fare makes most sense for people who value variety. You are paying for four coastal stops, the RIB ride, use of swimming equipment, and a hosted experience rather than a simple point-to-point boat journey.

Who should book this Rhodes boat trip?

I would choose this cruise if you want:

• Several swim and snorkeling stops in one short outing
• A small group instead of a large party boat
• Help with floats, masks, and water confidence
• A quick ride along the east coast
• Pickup from a central hotel area
• A flexible activity that fits around other Rhodes plans

I would think twice if you want a very calm boat, long time at one beach, or a full meal at sea. The RIB is fast, the schedule is compact, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible.

For families, the decision depends on the children. Safety aids are available, and the crew can be patient with young swimmers, but the speed and movement may suit older children better. Couples and younger adults are likely to appreciate the pace and the open deck most.

Should you book it?

Book this RIB cruise if swimming in clear water, visiting several coves, and keeping the group small matter more to you than spending hours at one beach. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou’s rocky caverns, and Alikies caves gives you a useful taste of Rhodes’ east coast without taking up a full day.

If you are unsure about swimming from a boat, the available masks, floats, and buoyancy aids make this a practical introduction. Just bring a towel, wear suitable shoes, protect your phone, and remember that the best stop may pass before you are ready to leave.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes RIB cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The main meeting point is at the port, beside Stama restaurant, where the boat is moored. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area. The trip includes swimming, snorkeling, and marine-life viewing.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Bottled water is also available, and snacks may be provided.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Personalized pickup information is sent separately.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.