Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

Blue water, cold drinks, and three beautiful bays.

This six-hour cruise from Mandraki Harbour combines swimming, snorkeling, a Greek buffet, and an open bar into one easy day on the coast of Rhodes. I like the small maximum group of 40 and the comfortable bean bags and sun benches, which help it feel less packed than many boat outings. I also like the range of included drinks, from beer and wine to signature cocktails. The main drawback is the mood: music and dancing can become lively, so this is not always a quiet cruise for reading or long conversations.

The route gives you a good mix of Rhodes scenery and swimming time. Kallithea Springs brings history and a calm first swim, Afandou offers a long beach and caves, and Anthony Quinn Bay delivers the clearest snorkeling stop. If you want a relaxed but social day on the water, this is a strong choice. If you want silence and a formal gourmet meal, choose carefully.

The cruise in six useful points

• Three swimming stops: Spend about an hour at Kallithea Springs, more than an hour around Afandou Beach, and about an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay.
• A genuinely useful open bar: Beer, wine, ouzo, cocktails, water, soft drinks, and snacks are included.
• A boat with room to spread out: Seating is allocated, with bean bags and sun benches rather than a packed row of deck chairs.
• Snorkeling is made easy: Masks and snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are supplied.
• A lively captain-led atmosphere: Captain Alexander is known for dancing, music, and keeping the mood going.
• Good value at $107.63: The price covers the six-hour cruise, buffet, drinks, equipment, and three scenic bays.

Starting at Mandraki Harbour with Rhodes in view

The cruise leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece. Finding the boat can take a little effort, so allow time to locate the meeting point rather than arriving at the last minute. The activity ends back at the same harbour.

Mandraki is a fine place to begin. In ancient times, it was one of Rhodes’ five ports and served as the naval harbour. The name comes from the Greek word mandri, meaning a small enclosure or sheep pen. Today, the harbour entrance is marked by columns topped with statues of a Rhodian stag and doe.

Look across the water for the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos, first built from a small church and later strengthened by the Knights of St. John. Three old windmills add another memorable detail. This is also the traditional setting linked with the Colossus of Rhodes, though there is no proof that the huge statue actually stood across the harbour entrance.

As the boat leaves, you get a fine sea view of the medieval old town. The stone walls and towers of this UNESCO World Heritage Site look particularly good from the water. Have your camera ready early, since this opening stretch gives you one of the best city views of the day.

Kallithea Springs brings history to the first swim

The first stop is Kallithea Springs, about an hour from the boat. You can swim in the bay, use the supplied equipment, or go ashore to explore the spring complex. Admission from the sea is free.

Kallithea’s reddish mineral water attracted people long before modern tourism. The springs were once associated with physical and mental cleansing, and the site later became a carefully designed spa complex. Italian architect Pietro Lombardi created the buildings, while Armando Burnaby handled the decorative work with attention to the natural setting. An international hydrological conference held here drew more than 200 scientists.

You should not think of this as a long archaeological visit. The stop is primarily a swim break with the chance to see the buildings from shore. Still, the setting gives the first stop more character than an ordinary beach pause. The water is clear, and you can choose between a refreshing swim and a short look around.

The timing works well. Kallithea is the morning stop, before lunch and before the day’s strongest party energy usually takes over. If you want photographs of the architecture, go ashore soon after arrival. If swimming is your priority, claim your water time first.

Afandou Beach offers a longer, more open stop

The second stop is Afandou Beach, known for its long stretch of pebbles and clear water. The beach extends for about six kilometres, and the surrounding area includes caves, old tombs, and foundations linked to earlier settlements.

Afandou’s name comes from afando, the Greek word for invisible. Local people moved inland behind the rocks after repeated attacks from pirates, Persians, Arabs, and Turks. From the sea, the inland settlement could not easily be seen. That small piece of history explains why the modern coastal area and the older village feel separate.

You have more than an hour here, which makes it the most flexible stop. Swim from the boat, explore near the shore, or look for the caves. The pebbles can be hard on bare feet, so water shoes may be useful, though they are not listed as supplied equipment.

The open setting also changes the rhythm of the cruise. Kallithea feels more like a historic cove, while Afandou gives you room to move. The water is the main attraction, but the beach and caves provide a reason to stay out of the sea for a while.

After this stop, lunch is served back on board. That arrangement is practical: you can rinse off, settle into your seat, and eat without carrying food onto a beach. It also means the meal becomes a social part of the cruise rather than a rushed snack between swims.

Anthony Quinn Bay is the snorkeling highlight

Anthony Quinn Bay is the final scheduled swimming stop, and for many people it is the best one. High rocks surround this small bay, and the water is deep, clear, and filled with small fish. The boat carries complimentary snorkeling gear, so you do not need to bring your own mask and equipment.

Pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are also available. That matters if you are not a confident swimmer. You can enjoy the water without feeling that you must swim far from the boat, and the floatation equipment makes the stop friendlier for mixed-ability groups.

The bay takes its name from Mexican actor Anthony Quinn, who filmed The Guns of Navarone in Rhodes during the 1960s. He reportedly loved the cove and sought to buy it, but the agreement was never completed. The court later ruled that the arrangement could not be enforced. Locals continued using his name in his honor.

The nearby Ladiko area adds another layer. Its name refers to oil containers, since the bay once served as a loading point for olive oil shipped toward Egypt and the Middle East. Clay containers from shipwrecks have been found around the area.

The practical point is simple: Anthony Quinn Bay is beautiful, but it can feel more enclosed and deeper than Afandou. Use the life jacket if you need it, and take the snorkeling gear early if you want the best choice of equipment. The fish gather close to the boat, and bread may be offered to attract them. No fish has ever mistaken a swimmer for lunch, which is reassuringly clear.

The Greek buffet is better than a basic boat lunch

Lunch is freshly prepared by the onboard chef and includes Greek dishes, with vegan and gluten-free choices available. The exact spread can vary, but the meal has included shrimp pasta, mussels, chicken, salads, bread with tzatziki, spanakorizo, Dakos, and a brownie-style dessert.

I like that the food is more substantial than the usual sandwich or cold pasta found on many day cruises. You can expect a proper buffet rather than a token meal. The inclusion of vegan and gluten-free options is useful, though you should still make your dietary needs clear when booking or boarding.

One point deserves a little balance. The word gourmet sets a high bar. The food has been praised as fresh, authentic, and plentiful, but not every dish will suit every palate. Some people may find certain salads or prepared dishes heavily seasoned, and the barley rusk in Dakos is meant to be firm and crunchy. That is part of the dish, not stale bread.

The buffet is served on board after the Afandou stop, when you are likely to be ready for a proper meal. Keep a drink nearby and take your time. With six hours on the water, there is no need to eat in a hurry.

Open-bar value is a major part of the price

At $107.63 per person, the cruise costs more than a simple short boat ride, but the inclusions make the price easier to justify. You receive about six hours on the water, three swim stops, a full buffet, snacks, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, and seating that is not designed to cram in the maximum possible number of people.

The bar includes beer, wine, aperitifs, ouzo, soft drinks, bottled water, and signature cocktails. Several drinks can be prepared from the cocktail menu, though the selection is set rather than unlimited in every possible spirit or recipe. One direct piece of advice: if you prefer strong drinks or a specific cocktail, ask the bartender what is available before ordering.

The value depends on how you use the boat. If you swim, eat a full lunch, and enjoy several drinks, the package compares well with paying separately for a cruise, beach access, lunch, and refreshments. If you do not drink alcohol, the price is still supported by the food, equipment, seating, and length of the outing, but it may not feel as exceptional.

Drink responsibly. You are still on a boat, and the day includes swimming. The crew supplies life jackets and flotation aids, but no open bar can replace sensible decisions in the water.

Comfortable seating makes the boat feel less crowded

The boat uses allocated seating with bean bags and sun benches. Many people prefer this to the standard arrangement of narrow seats or rows of fixed loungers. Double sunbeds and spacious deck areas have also been praised, and you can ask the crew for a shady place if you do not want full sun all day.

The maximum capacity is 40 people. That is not a private charter, but it is a modest group for a cruise with an open bar and three swimming stops. The limited number helps explain why the boat can feel spacious even when fully booked.

You will find seating on more than one level. The upper deck gives better views and more sun, while the lower deck is closer to the bar and may offer easier shelter. Music carries differently around the boat, so if you want to hear announcements, stay near the main deck rather than settling far away.

The crew’s service is a big part of the experience. Captain Alexander is known for dancing and playful performances, while the wider crew keeps drinks moving, helps with seating, and brings flotation equipment into the water. This is not a formal yacht setting. It is friendly, social, and sometimes a little theatrical.

Music and atmosphere: festive, not always peaceful

The cruise’s mood can shift during the day. It may begin as a comfortable coastal ride, then become more animated as the music picks up and the captain dances. Rock music, group dancing, and playful moments in the water are part of the appeal.

That atmosphere explains the very strong 4.8 out of 5 rating from 1,230 ratings and the 96 percent recommendation rate. People who want fun, drinks, swimming, and easy conversation with fellow passengers tend to fit the mood well.

Still, you should know the trade-off. Music can become loud enough that a quiet conversation is difficult, especially during the captain’s performances. If your dream cruise involves reading in silence, listening to the sea, or enjoying a polished fine-dining setting, this may not be the right boat.

I would describe it as a party-friendly swim cruise with comfortable seating, not a silent luxury sailing. That is not a criticism. It is the most useful way to set expectations before you pay.

Practical details for a smoother day

The cruise starts at 10:00 a.m. and lasts about six hours. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra, so check that arrangement if you are not already near Mandraki Harbour. The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Bring strong sun protection. The boat offers shade in some seating areas, but you will spend time in open water and on bright decks. A swimsuit, towel, sandals or water shoes, and a dry cover-up will make the day easier.

The experience is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. Life jackets and floaters are provided, but the activity still depends on good weather. If poor conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Normal cancellation allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would recommend it for couples, friends, families with older children, and cruise passengers looking for one well-organized day away from the city. It works especially well for people who want swimming without arranging equipment, lunch, drinks, and transport between separate beaches.

It is also a good option if you have only one free day in Rhodes. You get old-town views, the Colossus story, Kallithea’s springs, Afandou’s long shore, Anthony Quinn Bay, and a full meal without changing hotels or organizing several transfers.

I would hesitate if you dislike loud music, do not want alcohol around the swimming program, or expect a quiet luxury sailing. The food is enjoyable and plentiful, but the tone is casual and festive rather than formal.

Should you book the Romantika swim cruise?

Book it if you want good swimming, generous drinks, solid Greek food, and a lively crew in one package. The combination of three bays, supplied snorkeling gear, comfortable seating, and a 40-person limit gives it strong value at $107.63.

Skip it if peaceful sailing matters more than entertainment. For everyone else, this is one of the easier ways to turn a Rhodes sightseeing day into a full coastal outing, with enough history and scenery to keep it from becoming just a floating bar.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes swim cruise start and finish?

It starts and ends at Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise in Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece in Rhodes Town.

What time does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at 10:00 a.m. and lasts approximately six hours.

Which swimming stops are included?

The cruise stops at Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay. Each stop lasts about an hour, with more than an hour available at Afandou.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes a Greek buffet, aperitifs, snacks, cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and signature cocktails. Vegan and gluten-free food choices are available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are provided for use during the swimming stops.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If poor weather causes the cruise to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.