Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks

Anthony Quinn Bay, clear swimming stops, and a steady supply of Greek food make this six-hour catamaran day one of Rhodes’ easiest ways to get out on the water. You leave from Mandraki Marina, visit three attractive bays, and return to the same pier without arranging separate beach transport.

I like the generous food schedule, from coffee and donuts in the morning to souvlakia, salad, tzatziki, and waffles later on. I also like the crew’s friendly, watchful approach, especially for nervous swimmers. The main caution is comfort: the upper deck beanbags cost extra, the lower deck uses benches and tables, and the open deck can become fiercely hot.

Key points at a glance

• Three one-hour swimming stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach are the main water breaks.
• A full food day: Coffee and sweet donuts, a hot dog break, Greek BBQ, and waffles with chocolate sauce are included.
• Unlimited drinks: Beer, wine, soft drinks, and iced frappe are available throughout the cruise.
• Snorkeling equipment provided: You can use masks, snorkels, noodles, and life vests without bringing your own.
• Top-deck seating matters: Beanbags give you a more comfortable place to sunbathe or find shade, while the standard area has benches and tables.
• Friendly, safety-minded crew: Staff members such as Thanos and Vamos have been singled out for their warmth and care in the water.

A six-hour day built around swimming and snacks

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise with a few minutes of swimming tacked on. The day is built around getting into the Mediterranean, drying off in the sun, eating, and doing it again.

The catamaran leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Rhodes Sea Lines at Platia Eleftherias, near Mandraki Marina. Cruising between the port and bays takes about three hours in total, leaving roughly an hour at each swimming stop. The schedule gives you enough time to get properly wet, use the snorkel gear, and relax afterward rather than rushing through a short photo stop.

The group can reach up to 75 people. That is a sizeable boat outing, though the catamaran layout and open deck can make it feel less cramped than a small single-hull boat. If you want a particular seat, arrive early and make sure you know where the operator’s reception desk is. The pier has several booths, and finding the right one has caused confusion.

The crew keeps the day social. Music plays during the cruise, and the mood is lively rather than hushed. If you want six hours of silence and gentle engine noise, this is the wrong boat. Some music may include explicit lyrics, so families should keep that in mind.

Anthony Quinn Bay and Rhodes’ clearest water

Anthony Quinn Bay is often treated as the star of the route, and it is easy to see why. The cove is named for actor Anthony Quinn, who appeared in The Guns of Navarone and Zorba the Greek. Some scenes from The Guns of Navarone were filmed in the area, giving the bay a small connection to film history as well as its natural appeal.

The water here is clear and inviting, with attractive coastal views from the boat. This is a good place to try the provided mask and snorkel, though the quality of underwater sights can vary. You might see fish, but you should not book this as a dedicated marine-life excursion.

Swimming takes place from the catamaran, not from a sandy beach. That matters if you prefer to stand in shallow water or simply float close to shore. Noodles and life vests help, and the crew watches swimmers carefully, but you should be comfortable entering open water or be ready to use the flotation equipment.

For many people, this is the most beautiful stop. It is also likely to be the busiest-feeling bay visually, since its fame attracts boats and beachgoers. The best views come from the upper deck, but the lower deck gives you a cooler retreat when the sun gets strong.

Kallithea Springs for a quieter swim

Kallithea Springs offers another handsome bay, with a quieter feel than Anthony Quinn Bay. The stop is useful early in the day because you can settle into the boat’s routine before the larger meal and later swimming breaks.

The water is the main attraction here. You will have about an hour for swimming, with the crew handling the safety instructions and access to the equipment. If you are not a strong swimmer, tell a crew member before entering the water. The staff have shown particular patience with nervous swimmers, checking on them and encouraging them without pressure.

The exact order of the bays may vary. The published route lists Anthony Quinn Bay first, followed by Kallithea Springs and Traganou Beach, while the day can also be described with Kallithea before Anthony Quinn and a final stop around Faliraki. Plan around the three swimming breaks rather than a fixed order.

Traganou Beach and its 30-metre caves

Traganou Beach brings a different feature to the day. Here, you can swim into caves said to reach about 30 metres, with a tiny beach at the far end. This gives the stop more of an exploring feel than a simple open-water swim.

The cave visit is optional, and you should judge it by your comfort in the water. A mask and snorkel can help you see where you are going, while a noodle or life vest can make the swim less tiring. The boat’s equipment is especially useful here because you do not need to pack a full set of beach gear.

The cave area can also be the most memorable part of the route for anyone who likes a small challenge. It is less appealing if you prefer a shallow, sandy shoreline or find swimming from a boat uncomfortable. The supplied itinerary describes the stop as one hour, so you have time to swim, enter the caves, and return without having to hurry.

Some descriptions of the route refer to Faliraki Bay as the final swimming stop. The important practical point is that the cruise includes three water breaks, with the third stop offering another chance to swim before the return run to Rhodes.

Greek BBQ, hot dogs, and waffles

The food is a real part of the experience, not a token snack. Breakfast starts with sweet donuts and coffee. Later comes a hot dog hour, followed by the main Greek BBQ meal of meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread.

The souvlakia are the heart of lunch. Chicken skewers have been particularly well received, and the meal gives you a proper break after swimming. Fresh salad, bread, and tzatziki keep it simple and recognizably Greek. You are not getting a restaurant tasting menu, but you are getting enough food to fuel a long day in the sun.

On the return journey, waffle hour adds a sweet finish, often with chocolate sauce. The food arrives at several points, so you are not expected to carry lunch, buy anything at a stop, or spend the day rationing a single sandwich.

Food service can make the cruise feel busy at times. If you want the best chance of eating comfortably, pay attention to the crew’s instructions and do not disappear into the water just before a meal is served. Also bring your own water bottle if you prefer to keep water beside you, even though soft drinks and other beverages are included.

What unlimited drinks really means

The drinks package includes beer, wine, soft drinks, and iced frappe. The supply is generous, and drinks are available across the day rather than only with lunch.

It is worth setting expectations correctly. The bar selection is casual: canned beer, cask wine, and two cocktail flavors have been noted, with the cocktails described as juice-heavy. This is an all-inclusive boat bar, not a cocktail lounge. For most people, the value comes from convenience and quantity, not premium labels or carefully mixed drinks.

The iced frappe is a welcome Greek touch on a hot morning. If you plan to drink alcohol, remember that the combination of sun, swimming, and sea movement can catch up with you quickly. Pace yourself, use the shaded areas when possible, and keep an eye on children or less confident swimmers in your group.

Choosing between the lower deck and beanbags

Seating can shape your whole day. Standard seating is on the lower deck, with benches and tables. It gives you a practical place to sit and eat, but it may feel plain during long stretches of cruising.

The upper deck beanbags are an additional option and have been described as a major comfort upgrade. You can choose sun or some shade, stretch out, and get a better view of the coast. If you are treating this as a full day at sea rather than simply a transport ride, the extra cost may be worthwhile.

Do not assume that booking early automatically guarantees a shaded place unless your booking clearly says so. One poor experience involved a reserved shaded expectation that did not match the seating available on arrival. Arrive early, confirm your seating arrangement, and ask staff directly where you should go.

The top deck has its own drawback: it gets extremely hot. The lower deck is the better refuge when the sun is high, and anyone prone to heat exhaustion should make regular breaks below. Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a cover-up. The boat provides food and snorkel gear, but it cannot provide shade for every seat.

The crew and the practical safety picture

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Staff members are friendly, involved, and willing to help. Thanos has been praised for keeping the mood fun, while Vamos has been remembered for taking time with a nervous swimmer and checking on them in the water.

That personal attention matters because the swimming is from the boat in open water. The crew gives safety instructions, watches for hazards, and helps keep swimmers clear of other boats and obstacles. You still need to follow directions and make an honest assessment of your ability.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, and it ends where it starts. Hotel transfer is not automatically included unless you choose that option, but a transfer can be arranged by messaging the operator on WhatsApp.

Sea movement is another consideration. The catamaran may feel steady to some people, but anyone prone to motion sickness should bring suitable medication and avoid drinking heavily before the boat gets underway. The three-hour total cruising time is long enough for nausea to become a problem if you are sensitive.

Is $78.60 good value for Rhodes?

At $78.60 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near the sea, but the package covers a lot. You receive about six hours on the water, transport between three bays, a Greek BBQ, several extra food servings, unlimited listed drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, beach transport, and snorkel hire. It also saves the trouble of planning a route to Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea, and the caves at Traganou on your own. You get an easy day with the major costs known in advance.

The value drops if you dislike group boats, loud music, open-water swimming, or fixed meal times. It also drops if you expect premium alcohol, a quiet sail, or a soft sunbed included in the base price. The top-deck beanbag option can change the cost, so check exactly what your booking includes.

With a 4.8 rating from 671 reviews and 95 percent recommendation, the overall record is strong. Still, the lower ratings point to real issues: unclear check-in directions, one missed departure after a confusing walk to the pier, heat on the upper deck, and disappointment with the simple bar selection. Those are not reasons to reject the cruise, but they are good reasons to prepare properly.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want swimming, sunshine, food, and a social atmosphere in one package. It is also a good choice for a cruise-port day, since the boat returns to the meeting point with time to walk back toward the cruise dock.

Confident swimmers will get the most from the bays and caves, but less confident swimmers can still take part with noodles or life vests and help from the crew. Tell staff about your concerns before you enter the water rather than trying to manage alone.

I would not choose it for someone seeking a quiet sailing trip, a luxury yacht atmosphere, or a serious snorkeling program. The boat can hold 75 people, music runs through the day, and the water stops are active rather than secluded beach visits.

Book at least a little ahead if your dates are fixed. The activity is often reserved about 18 days in advance, and weather or minimum group requirements can affect departures. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book Sun & Sea?

Book it if you want an easy, food-filled day of swimming at Rhodes’ best-known bays and you are happy with a lively group setting. I would pay close attention to the seating option, arrive early at the marina, and bring sun protection plus motion-sickness medication if needed.

Skip it if your ideal day means peace and quiet, luxury drinks, or plenty of shallow beach time. For everyone else, the combination of clear water, three substantial swim stops, generous food, and a genuinely attentive crew makes the $78.60 price fair.

FAQ

How long is the Sun & Sea cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours, including travel from Rhodes harbor to the bays and back.

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at Rhodes Sea Lines, Platia Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece, near Mandraki Marina.

What time does the cruise leave?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Which swimming locations are included?

The published route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach. Some route descriptions also refer to a final stop around Faliraki Bay, so the exact order or naming may vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a Greek BBQ with meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread.

What other food is served?

The included food schedule features sweet donuts and coffee, a hot dog hour, and waffles as a snack on the return journey.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, and iced frappe are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and noodles and life vests are also available according to the experience details.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.