Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Beautiful water, easygoing day. This 5.5-hour Rhodes cruise combines three excellent swimming stops with a Greek buffet, wine, beer, soft drinks, and a friendly crew. I especially like the generous time in the water and the relaxed feel of a traditional wooden boat rather than a fast, flashy speedboat.

The price is $70 per person, which is strong value if you plan to swim, eat lunch, and enjoy several drinks. The main drawback is limited shade, and the best sunbeds or front viewing spots can go quickly, so arriving early matters.

Key points at a glance

• Three well-spaced swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs each offer a different setting.
• Lunch and drinks included: The buffet includes vegetarian choices, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
• A traditional wooden boat: The vessel has character and plenty of appeal for photos, though shade may be limited.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: You can swim from the boat without bringing your own mask and snorkel.
• Theo and the crew get high marks: Friendly, attentive service is one of the strongest parts of the day.
• Come early for the best place: The front pads and upper areas offer better views, while early boarding helps you choose your spot.

A relaxed way to see Rhodes from the sea

Rhodes has plenty of beaches, but a boat lets you reach the coast from a better angle. From the water, the east side of the island feels calmer and less built up. You spend much of the day looking at rocky coves, green hillsides, clear water, and the changing colors of the coast.

This is not a formal sightseeing cruise packed with historical commentary. It is a swimming and eating day with scenery along the way. That makes it a good choice if you want a break from museums, ruins, and hot streets.

The boat leaves from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town. The meeting point is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk. The boat trip begins with roughly an hour of sailing toward Anthony Quinn Bay, giving you time to settle in, find a sunny place, and enjoy the sea breeze.

The wooden boat is part of the appeal. It looks good in photos and gives the outing a more traditional Greek feel than a plain white excursion vessel. One useful detail is the free WiFi, though most people will probably spend more time watching the coast or getting ready for the next swim.

Anthony Quinn Bay: emerald water and a scenic first stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first swimming stop, with about 50 minutes in the water. The bay is known for its emerald coloring and rocky surroundings, with green vegetation reaching down toward the coast. It is the sort of place that explains why a boat trip is worthwhile.

You can swim from the boat and use the provided snorkeling equipment. The clear water makes this a good opening stop for seeing small marine life and getting comfortable with the sea. You can also use the time for photos, a drink, or simply floating beside the boat.

The bay is beautiful, but it is not a private piece of coastline reserved for this cruise. Conditions and the number of boats in the area can change. The stop also favors confident swimmers, although floats are available for people who want extra support.

I like the timing here. Fifty minutes is long enough for a proper swim without turning the first stop into a long wait for everyone else. You get a taste of the water and scenery, then move on before the day feels repetitive.

Afandou Beach: the longest stop and lunch break

After a short cruise of about 10 minutes, the boat reaches Afandou Beach. This is the longest part of the excursion, lasting about 110 minutes in the scheduled program. You have time to swim, snorkel, relax, and return to the boat for lunch.

Afandou gives the day a different rhythm. Anthony Quinn Bay is compact and dramatic, while Afandou feels more open and easier for a relaxed beach stop. You can swim from the boat or spend time on the beach, depending on the conditions and your preference.

Kayaking is also listed among the activities at this stop. The key point is that you are not locked into one way of enjoying the break. You can be active in the water, stretch out on the beach, or stay on board with a drink.

Lunch is served as a buffet after the swimming portion. It includes local-style dishes, vegetarian choices, fruit, and drinks. The food receives especially strong praise, with generous portions and a menu that several people found tastier than expected from a boat excursion.

The exact meal can vary, but you should expect a practical Greek buffet rather than restaurant-style dining. Some diners wanted more specifically Greek items such as gyros or souvlaki, so food expectations are worth keeping sensible. Still, the combination of lunch, fruit, wine, beer, and soft drinks adds real value to the $70 cost.

Red and white wine are included, along with beer and soft drinks. Coffee and tea are also available. Cocktails are not included, although you can buy them separately. That distinction matters because the phrase unlimited drinks can sound broader than it is. The included options are generous, but premium mixed drinks cost extra.

Kallithea Springs: clear water beside the rocks

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, reached after about an hour of sailing from Afandou. You get another 50 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling.

The setting is different again. Kallithea has a long, clear inlet framed by rocks, with ladders leading down into the sea. The ladders make entering the water easier than jumping from the boat, while the rocky edges create a good setting for photographs.

This is a strong final stop because it gives you one last chance to swim before the return to Rhodes Town. The water is clear and calm in the protected area, though sea conditions can still affect the experience. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay close to the boat or use one of the floats.

The three stops are not interchangeable. Anthony Quinn Bay offers the most striking color and compact scenery. Afandou provides the most time and the lunch break. Kallithea Springs adds ladders, rocks, and a different kind of swimming setting. That variety keeps the half-day outing from feeling like three versions of the same beach stop.

The boat, seating, and shade

The traditional wooden boat gives the cruise much of its personality. It is comfortable enough for sunbathing and offers a pleasant place to watch the coast between stops. Several accounts describe the vessel as spacious, with some departures carrying around 18 people and feeling closer to a small private charter than a crowded excursion.

That is not a guarantee that every sailing will feel identical. The boat can sell out, and seating is not necessarily assigned. Arriving early is the best practical move. The front pads offer some of the best views, while upper areas can be good for photographs and open-air sunbathing.

There is a tradeoff. The boat has limited shade cover, so you should bring sunscreen and be prepared to spend time in direct sun. If you burn easily, plan your seating carefully and take breaks inside or under whatever shade is available.

One minor organizational issue is worth noting. Boarding instructions may not always feel perfectly clear, and arriving just before departure could leave you with fewer seating choices. The safest plan is to reach the meeting point early rather than relying on the last boarding time.

Crew service and the mood on board

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to book this cruise. Theo is singled out as an especially warm host, and the wider team is regularly praised for being attentive, funny, and quick to help. Drinks are offered throughout the day, and the crew checks on people who feel unwell when the sea becomes choppy.

The mood is easygoing rather than formal. Music is played at a comfortable level, and the atmosphere suits couples, families, and small groups of friends. You can sunbathe, swim, eat, listen to music, or simply sit with a drink and watch Rhodes pass by.

The crew also helps the day run on time. Each swimming stop lasts long enough to be useful, but the schedule keeps the boat moving. That balance matters. A boat trip can become dull if every stop is too short, or tedious if one long pause dominates the day. Here, the breaks are reasonably even, with Afandou receiving extra time for lunch and beach activities.

Is $70 good value?

For a 5.5-hour cruise, $70 is a fair price. You are not only paying for the boat ride. The cost also covers three stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, an onboard shower, and a first aid kit.

The drinks make the biggest difference to the value. Buying even a few drinks separately during a day on the water can add up quickly. Here, you can stay refreshed without reaching for your wallet every hour.

The value is strongest if you plan to swim and drink. If you prefer to remain dry, avoid alcohol, and eat very little, the package may feel less worthwhile. For most people looking for a simple full-day-style outing without a full-day commitment, the inclusions are generous.

The lunch is filling and widely enjoyed, but it should not be confused with a special restaurant meal. The appeal is the full package: food, drinks, scenery, service, and three swim stops in one outing.

What to bring for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not supplied, so this is an easy item to forget if you leave your hotel in a hurry.

I would also bring a phone case or small dry bag if you want to take photos near the water. Only the listed essentials are guaranteed, so avoid assuming that every personal item will be protected from spray or splashes.

Arrive early at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk by Evangelismos Church. Early arrival gives you a better chance of choosing a front or upper seating area. If you want shade, look for it as soon as you board rather than waiting until the boat is underway.

The cruise is offered in English with a live English-speaking guide. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples who want an easy day on the water, families who enjoy swimming, and anyone staying in Rhodes Town who wants to see the east coast without arranging several separate trips.

It also works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel and jump into the sea, while less confident swimmers can use floats, ladders, or simply relax on board. The three stops give people room to choose their own pace.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet sailing trip with very little activity. Swimming is the focus, and the boat spends a fair amount of time in the sun. It may also disappoint anyone expecting a private charter or an advanced snorkeling excursion with specialist instruction.

Sea conditions can change. The boat may feel choppy on some days, and anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully before booking. The crew has shown care when passengers feel rough, but no boat can guarantee calm water.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a friendly, good-value day combining Rhodes scenery, swimming, lunch, and drinks. The biggest strengths are the beautiful stops, well-spaced timing, generous food and drink package, and the crew’s warm service.

Book it with realistic expectations. You are choosing a social excursion on a traditional wooden boat, not a private yacht charter. Arrive early for a good seat, bring your own towel and sunscreen, and remember that cocktails cost extra.

For many people, this will be one of the easiest ways to turn a day in Rhodes into a proper seaside outing without spending time planning every beach stop yourself.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes boat cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 5.5 hours, including the sailing time and stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk in Rhodes Town.

What food and drinks are included?

The price includes a buffet lunch with vegetarian options, fruit, red and white wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

Are cocktails included?

No. Cocktails are available to purchase separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it at the swimming stops.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own along with swimwear and sunscreen.

Is the cruise conducted in English?

Yes. The tour has a live English-speaking guide.