Rhodes Town: Anthony Quinn, Kalithea & Afandou Boat Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea make a fine trio for a day on the water. You sail from Rhodes Town aboard the traditional Greek boat Alkmini, then stop for three separate swim and snorkel sessions, each with about an hour to enjoy the sea.

I like the easy port location and the generous six-hour schedule. I also like that snorkeling gear and music are included, and that Markos and his family are involved in running the boat. The main consideration is simple: lunch, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included, and windy weather can change the swimming plan.

Key points to know before you book

• Three one-hour water stops: Swim and snorkel at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea.
• Easy meeting point: Find the Alkmini near the Alexander Statue at Mandraki Harbor.
• Traditional boat setting: The cruise gives you open-water views from a Greek-style vessel rather than a bus or minivan.
• Snorkeling gear included: You do not need to arrange basic equipment separately.
• Family-friendly atmosphere: The crew is described as welcoming to children of different ages.
• Bring your own food and drinks: Snacks, lunch, and beverages are not part of the price.

A six-hour view of Rhodes from Mandraki Harbor

This cruise is a good choice if you want to see Rhodes from the sea without paying for a full private charter. At $32.57 per person, the price covers the boat trip, crew, three swim and snorkel stops, equipment, and music. That is solid value for six hours, especially if you plan to spend much of the day in the water.

You meet at Mandraki Harbor, near the Alexander Statue. The boat is named Alkmini, so look for that name rather than relying only on a general harbor meeting point. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, the port location can be reached on foot, though you still need to arrive on time. The boat will not wait for late arrivals.

The cruise begins with coastal views as you leave Rhodes Town. This part matters because the day is not just a series of beach stops. You get a changing view of the island, the Aegean, and the shoreline from a traditional Greek boat. The crew speaks English, German, and Greek, and guided commentary includes information about the beaches and Rhodes.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the first swim stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop, with about one hour set aside for photographs, swimming, and snorkeling. The bay is known for clear blue water and a striking setting, so it works well as the opening stop while everyone is still eager to get in the sea.

You can use the time in different ways. Swimmers can stay close to the boat and enjoy the water, while snorkelers can look for fish and other marine life. If you prefer to stay dry, the boat gives you a good place to photograph the bay and the surrounding coast.

The one-hour limit is worth keeping in mind. It gives you enough time for a proper swim, but not enough for a slow beach day. Since the stop is from an anchored boat, you should not expect a long walk along the shore or a café break. This is a water-focused visit.

I like the order of the stops here. Anthony Quinn Bay gets you into the sea early, and the bay provides a memorable first setting. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew and stay within your comfort level. The activity information does not specify flotation equipment, so bring any personal aid you need.

Afandou Beach for a broader stretch of coast

Afandou Beach follows with another hour for swimming and snorkeling. The beach is presented as a place to lie back in the sun as well as enjoy the water, so this stop offers a slightly slower rhythm than the first bay.

You should think of Afandou as the best stop for balancing water time with rest. After snorkeling at Anthony Quinn Bay, you can sit back, dry off, and enjoy the open coastal view. The boat also provides a base for photographs, and the crew offers information about the area.

The schedule includes snorkeling and scuba activity at Afandou, but the included equipment is specifically snorkeling gear. If scuba activity is important to you, check the arrangements before booking rather than assuming a tank, instructor, or full equipment setup is included.

As with the other stops, this is not a full beach day. You have roughly one hour, and the exact experience can depend on sea conditions. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses, since the day combines water time with long periods in bright sun.

Kallithea for the final look beneath the surface

The last water stop is described as Kallithea Bay and Kallithea Springs. The name can be a little confusing, but the plan is clear: you stop in the Kallithea area for about an hour of swimming and snorkeling.

This is the stop to save some energy for. The water is described as a place to spot colorful fish, squid, and other sea creatures. You might find it particularly rewarding if you enjoy looking below the surface rather than simply swimming for a few minutes.

The boat plays music on the way to Kallithea, which helps make the longer stretches between stops feel relaxed. The music also gives the trip a social, holiday feel. If you prefer a quiet cruise, this is one detail to consider, though the supplied information does not suggest that the music is constant.

Kallithea completes the day neatly. You have visited two named bays and a third coastal swimming area, then return to Mandraki Harbor by boat. The trip back gives you one final chance to watch Rhodes from offshore instead of rushing straight into town.

What the boat atmosphere is like

Alkmini is described as a traditional Greek boat, not a high-speed transfer vessel. That means the journey itself is part of the outing. You can settle in, listen to music, watch the coast, and enjoy the pace of a day at sea.

The available feedback describes the boat as spacious and not over-packed on one departure. That is useful, but it should not be treated as a guarantee for every date. Boat capacity and the feel of the trip may vary with demand.

Markos and his family are associated with the cruise, and their role is one of the more personal features of the day. The crew takes time to explain the beaches and Rhodes, and the atmosphere is described as friendly for children across different age groups. That makes this a practical option for families who want something more active than a beach day but less demanding than a long land excursion.

The cruise also includes interactive initiatives and games, including activities connected with onshore stations. The precise format is not explained, so I would not book solely for this feature. Still, it suggests that the crew tries to keep the day engaging between swimming stops.

The real value at $32.57

At $32.57, this is priced as an accessible shared boat outing rather than a luxury cruise. The strongest value comes from the time included: six hours is long enough to make the journey feel like a main day activity, not a quick two-hour ride.

Your price includes:

• The boat cruise
• The experience crew
• Three swim and snorkel stops
• Snorkeling gear
• Music on board

You need to budget separately for food and drinks. Lunch, snacks, and beverages are not included, and there is no hotel pickup or drop-off. Pack what you need or arrange food before meeting the boat, since the activity details do not promise onboard catering.

The value is best if you already plan to spend time swimming and snorkeling. If you mainly want to sightsee from the deck, you may find three water stops more than you need. If you love the sea, the format is much stronger: you get repeated chances to swim, instead of putting all your hopes on one beach.

A full refund is available if you cancel at least 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Rhodes schedule is still moving around, but they do not change the need to arrive on time at the harbor.

Weather, comfort, and practical limits

You should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. These are basic items, but they matter on a six-hour boat trip with three water stops and long exposure to the sun.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Bikes are not allowed. The information does not describe a specific accessibility setup, so you should contact the operator directly if you have mobility needs that are not covered by that broad restriction.

Wind can affect the plan. From September 20 through October 15, strong or unsuitable conditions may lead the boat to change the swimming-stop program during the voyage. This is an important seasonal note because the three named stops are a major reason to book. The cruise still offers a day on the water, but the exact order or locations may shift.

The crew speaks English, German, and Greek. Live guidance is useful when you want background on the beaches and Rhodes, though the main appeal remains the scenery and water time rather than a long formal lecture.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a low-cost way to combine sightseeing and swimming. It suits couples, families, and cruise-ship passengers who can walk to Mandraki Harbor and have enough time before returning to their ship.

It is also a good fit for independent visitors staying in Rhodes Town. You do not need to arrange a private boat, find three coastal stops yourself, or carry your own snorkeling equipment. The shared format keeps the price down and leaves the crew to manage the route.

Families may appreciate the friendly tone and the chance to choose between swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, music, and photographs. Children should still be comfortable around open water, and parents should bring any safety items their children need because the available details do not list them.

I would be more cautious about booking if you dislike group outings, need a quiet luxury setting, or want a meal included. The cruise is built around a set schedule, and each stop lasts about an hour. You get variety, but not unlimited time at one favorite bay.

How to make the most of the six hours

Arrive early enough to locate the Alexander Statue and the Alkmini without a last-minute search. Mandraki Harbor is the starting and ending point, so you do not need to organize separate transport between the boat and Rhodes Town.

Wear swimwear under your clothes if that makes changing easier. Keep sunscreen, sunglasses, and your towel handy rather than buried in a bag, since the first swimming stop comes after the boat leaves the harbor.

Pack snacks and drinks because they are not included. Also bring a small bag that can cope with water, though the tour information does not specify storage arrangements.

Use the first stop to understand how you feel in the sea. You can then decide how much snorkeling to do at Afandou and Kallithea. Save some energy for the last stop, where fish, squid, and other sea life may reward a patient look beneath the surface.

Should you book the Alkmini cruise?

Book it if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three different coastal stops, a traditional boat, and a price that leaves room in your budget for other activities. The combination of three one-hour swim sessions, included snorkeling gear, and a walkable Mandraki Harbor meeting point is the strongest reason to choose it.

Skip it if you want a private itinerary, included lunch, hotel transport, or a guaranteed fixed route in windy weather. For everyone else, this is a practical six-hour introduction to Rhodes from the sea, with enough free time to make the day feel relaxed rather than rushed.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes boat cruise start?

The cruise starts at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town. Look for the Alexander Statue and the traditional Greek boat named Alkmini.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at Mandraki Harbor, the same place where you meet the boat.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Which locations does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay, also referred to as Kallithea Springs in the stop details.

How long do you stay at each swimming stop?

You have about one hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, one hour at Afandou Beach, and one hour at Kallithea.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with the boat cruise, crew, three swim and snorkel stops, and music on board.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, drinks, and lunch are not included in the price.

What languages are available on the cruise?

Live guidance is available in English, German, and Greek.