Rhodes Town: Scenic Cruise to Lindos with Swim Stops

The best part of this full-day Rhodes cruise is the mix: you get two sea swims and three hours to explore Lindos without giving up a whole day to a bus. I like the easy hotel pickup and drop-off, and I like that the boat lets you see coves and coastline that are hard to reach by road.

The main drawback is time. Three hours sounds generous, but Lindos can swallow it quickly if you want to climb to the Acropolis, eat, and visit a beach. The boat carries up to 280 passengers, so this is a well-organized large-group outing, not a quiet private sail.

Key points at a glance

• Two 20-minute swim stops: Cool off at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Three hours in Lindos: Explore the village, beaches, tavernas, and Acropolis area at your own pace.
• Mandraki Port departure: Meet the Manos Ggoing staff by the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation.
• Three-deck boat: Choose from several outdoor levels, with a snack bar and bathroom onboard.
• Hotel transfers included: Pickup and return service covers Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki.
• Good value at $50.82: The price covers the boat, transfers, swim stops, and Lindos map, but not food, drinks, or site tickets.

Why this Rhodes cruise works so well

Rhodes has two big day-trip pleasures: seeing Lindos and getting into the clear water along the east coast. This cruise joins both in one long day. You are not simply ferried to Lindos and brought straight back. The route gives you a scenic ride, a swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, free time in the village, and another swim at Tsambika Bay.

I especially like the balance between structure and freedom. The boat handles the transport, while Lindos is yours to plan. You receive a village map with directions and information, but there is no tour guide leading you from shop to shop or site to site. That suits you if you prefer to choose your own lunch, beach, and walking route.

The cruise lasts about eight to nine and a half hours, depending on the selected option, pickup arrangements, and conditions at sea. You should treat it as a full-day commitment. It is not a quick outing that leaves plenty of time for another major attraction in Rhodes Town.

Getting from your hotel to Mandraki Port

Pickup is available from hotels and designated points in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. Your precise pickup time depends on your accommodation, and the advertised activity start time is not necessarily the time the vehicle reaches your hotel. Watch for the provider’s message, including the spam folder if needed.

If you meet at the port yourself, go to Mandraki Port on Elefterias Avenue. A Manos Ggoing staff member waits in front of the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation, also called Evangelismos. Look for the red sign with the Manos Ggoing logo.

You can arrive at 8:30 AM. Show your booking confirmation to receive your boarding cards and the Lindos map. The activity ends back at this meeting point, unless your selected option includes the return transfer.

The transfer is a real convenience, especially if you are staying outside the old town or do not want to sort out a taxi before an early departure. The return vehicles can include a minibus, and the pickup operation is designed around many hotels. Still, allow extra time in the morning. With numerous pickup points, your vehicle may not arrive at exactly the same time as another passenger’s.

Sailing past Rhodes’ east-coast sights

Once aboard, the boat heads south along the east coast. From the water, you pass several recognizable sights around Rhodes Town, including the Dama Dama deer statues, St. Nicholas Lighthouse, and the Church of the Annunciation.

The first part of the cruise also takes you past the resorts of Kallithea and Faliraki. The scenery here is pleasant, but it is worth setting expectations correctly. The coastline before Lindos is attractive rather than nonstop spectacular. The special moments come when the boat reaches the bays, and when Lindos begins to appear ahead.

This is where the boat’s size has both advantages and limits. A vessel with three decks gives you room to move around and several ways to view the coast. It also means you are sharing the ride with a large group. If you want a seat at the front or on the roof, arrive early and claim one. The upper levels offer better open views, while lower seating may feel more sheltered when the wind picks up.

Bring a light layer even on a hot day. The sea breeze can feel strong while the boat is moving, and one passenger described very powerful winds during the ride. Sunglasses and a hat are useful, but secure both carefully.

The first swim at Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop, with about 20 minutes for a swim. The boat pauses in the bay rather than simply passing by, giving you a chance to jump into the sea and cool off.

This is a short stop, so change into your swimwear before reaching the bay. You will not have much time to search through a day bag, dry off, and still enjoy the water. Pack your towel, sunscreen, and goggles where you can reach them easily.

The water is clear enough for snorkeling, and the bay is one of the visual highlights of the route. You can swim from the boat and look for marine life below the surface. A 20-minute stop is enough for a brisk swim, but not for a long floating session or a relaxed beach visit. This is a boat swim, not a stop where you walk ashore.

The order of the day matters here. A morning swim breaks up the longer ride to Lindos and makes the cruise feel more active. If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on deck and enjoy the cove from above, but bring sun protection because shaded seating may be limited.

Three hours to make your own Lindos plan

Lindos is the heart of the outing. You have approximately three hours on land, with a map to help you find your way through the village and toward the main sights.

Lindos is compact but not simple. Its white buildings, narrow lanes, shops, tavernas, and stairways make wandering part of the pleasure. You can explore at street level, eat near the village, walk toward the beaches, or spend your time at the Acropolis above town.

If the Acropolis is your priority, move quickly after leaving the boat. Queues can take more than an hour in hot weather, leaving little time for anything else. One practical approach is to go directly to the historic site first, then return to the village for food or a walk. You may also want to check the current site entry arrangements before the day of your cruise, since admission is not included.

The Acropolis rewards the climb with broad views over Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay. Several people fit both into the three-hour stop, but that requires a focused plan and a willingness to keep moving. The climb and uneven streets are important considerations if you have mobility limitations. This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

If history is less important to you, Lindos gives you other good choices. You can stroll through the lanes, eat at a local taverna, or visit one of the white sandy beaches. A beach meal and a quick paddle in the water can make a fine use of the stop, especially if you have already visited archaeological sites elsewhere on Rhodes.

The repeated request for more time in Lindos is understandable. Three hours is enough for a useful first visit, but it is tight if you want the Acropolis, St. Paul’s Bay, a proper meal, and relaxed shopping. Families and couples who want an unhurried beach afternoon may find the schedule restrictive.

The second swim at Tsambika Bay

After Lindos, the boat heads to Tsambika Bay for the final 20-minute swim stop. Like Anthony Quinn Bay, this is a jump-from-the-boat stop, so it works best for confident swimmers who enjoy getting straight into the sea.

The water is described as crystal clear, making this the better moment to bring out a mask and look for small, colorful marine life. Keep your snorkeling expectations modest. The stop is short, and this is not a guided marine tour, but you can still enjoy a refreshing look below the surface.

Tsambika Bay also provides a useful reset after walking around Lindos in the heat. Bring a towel and a dry change of clothes for the ride home. The schedule allows you to swim, but not necessarily to dry completely before the boat gets underway again.

The two swim stops are among the most praised parts of the experience because they break up the long sailing periods. One point to clarify before booking: the program includes one swim stop on the way to Lindos and one on the return, not two stops in each direction.

Life aboard the 280-passenger boat

The boat has three decks, a snack bar, and a bathroom. Food and drinks are not included, but onboard purchases are available, and prices have been described as reasonable. This means you do not need to carry a full picnic unless you prefer to control your meals and spending.

Arrive early if seating matters to you. The front and upper deck are the obvious choices for open views, but they are also the spots most likely to fill first. A seat near the edge can be great for photographs, though you should expect more wind and sun.

A large boat can feel less personal than a small sailing trip. On the other hand, it offers stability, toilets, a snack counter, and room to spread out. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a lower central position when possible and avoid reading during the moving sections. The supplied information does not promise a quiet or luxury vessel, so book this for the route and swimming rather than for an intimate sailing atmosphere.

The crew and transport operation are key parts of the experience. Staff are described as friendly and approachable, and the day is run to a clear timetable. A driver named Manos received special praise for being accommodating and pleasant. Do not expect a historical guide throughout the day, though. The trip is largely self-guided once you have your boarding cards and map.

Is $50.82 good value?

At $50.82 per person, this is strong value if you want to combine transport, a Lindos visit, and two swim stops. A separate journey to Lindos would still require transport, and this cruise adds a full day on the water without charging extra for the boat ride or hotel transfer within the covered zone.

The price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the stated Rhodes areas
• The boat trip
• Two 20-minute swim stops
• A Lindos map
• About three hours of independent time in the village

You pay separately for food, drinks, and tickets to Lindos sites. That is important if you plan to enter the Acropolis. Your total cost will rise if you also buy lunch, beach refreshments, or snacks onboard.

I see the value most clearly for first-time visitors with one free day. You get an overview of the east coast and a chance to sample Lindos without arranging several separate bookings. If Lindos is your only goal and you want maximum time there, a direct transfer may suit you better. If a small boat and personal guide are essential, this large-boat cruise is also the wrong match.

Who should book this day out?

I would choose this cruise if you want a straightforward Rhodes day with scenery, swimming, and independent sightseeing. It suits couples, families with older children, and friends who enjoy a full schedule but do not need a guide beside them all day.

It is especially useful when you are staying in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, or Faliraki and want pickup handled for you. The boat’s bathroom and snack bar also make the long day easier than a basic open-deck transfer.

Think twice if you dislike crowds, struggle with stairs, or want a slow day at one beach. Pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, and people with heart problems are specifically advised not to take this activity.

The cancellation terms are traveler-friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Weather can change the exact timing, so keep some flexibility in your holiday plans.

What to pack for the full day

Wear comfortable shoes for Lindos, where streets and routes toward the Acropolis can be uneven or steep. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

A dry bag or waterproof pouch is useful for your phone and booking confirmation during the swim stops. Also bring comfortable clothes for the boat ride and a light layer for the wind. If you plan to eat in Lindos, keep your spending money separate from the items you take into the water.

Should you book the Rhodes to Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want the best mix of Lindos and swimming for about $50.82, and you are comfortable sharing a large boat. The hotel transfer, clear timetable, two swim stops, and free time in Lindos make this an easy choice for a first Rhodes visit.

Do not book it expecting a private sailing trip, a guided history tour, or enough time to do every Lindos sight at a relaxed pace. Arrive early for the best deck seats, go straight to the Acropolis if it matters to you, and save time for a swim at the end. With those expectations, this is a practical and enjoyable way to spend a full day on Rhodes.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is at Mandraki Port on Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation, also called Evangelismos. Look for a red Manos Ggoing sign. You can arrive at 8:30 AM and must show your booking confirmation.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. The precise pickup time and location depend on your accommodation, so check the provider’s message.

How long do you get in Lindos?

You receive approximately three hours of free time in Lindos Village. You can use the map provided to explore the village, visit beaches, eat, or go toward the Acropolis. Entry tickets are not included.

How many swimming stops are included?

Two swimming stops are included. Each lasts about 20 minutes, with one at Anthony Quinn Bay and one at Tsambika Bay. Both are stops for swimming from the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price. The boat has a snack bar where you can purchase refreshments.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or people with heart problems.