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

Bring your swimsuit and appetite. This six-hour catamaran trip packs three swimming stops, a Greek BBQ, snacks, and free-flowing drinks into an easy day from Mandraki Marina. I especially like the chance to see Anthony Quinn Bay from the water and the friendly crew, who keep a close eye on swimmers. The main catch is comfort: the upper deck bean bags cost extra, and the lower deck can feel plain and crowded.

At $78.60 per person, this is a strong value if you want your food, drinks, snorkel gear, and sightseeing handled in one package. You should also know that music plays for much of the trip, shade may be limited, and the check-in point at the pier can be confusing.

Key things to know before you book

• Three swimming stops: Plan on about an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach, though the exact order and final stop can vary.
• Food arrives throughout the day: Expect donuts and coffee, a hot dog snack, Greek BBQ with souvlakia, salad, tzatziki and bread, then waffles on the return.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, iced frappe, and mixed drinks are available during the cruise.
• Upper-deck seating matters: Bean bags offer a more comfortable place to sunbathe, but you should confirm the upgrade price and availability before booking.
• Mandraki Marina is central: The boat leaves from Rhodes Sea Lines at Plateia Eleftherias and returns to the same meeting point.
• This is an active, social day: You will swim from the boat, use ladders or jump from the deck, listen to music, and share the catamaran with up to 75 people.

Six hours along the Rhodes coast

The appeal here is simple. You board near Rhodes Town, leave the harbor behind, and spend the day stopping in clear water rather than sitting on a beach or packing several separate activities into one day.

The advertised duration is about six hours, with a 10:00 a.m. start. Roughly three hours are spent cruising between the marina and the bays. The other three hours are divided between swimming, eating, and relaxing on board.

That balance matters. This is not a quiet sailing trip where you spend all day watching the coast from a deck chair. It is a swimming cruise with food and music wrapped around it. If you like getting in the water, you will have plenty to do. If you dislike boat movement, loud music, or swimming in open water, the day may feel long.

The catamaran can carry up to 75 people. That is a fairly large group, but the open deck and several swimming stops help spread people out. The strongest praise goes to the crew, who are described as warm, funny, helpful, and safety-conscious.

One especially nice touch is the attention given to less confident swimmers. A crew member called Vamos encouraged a nervous swimmer to try the water with pool noodles and checked back several times. That does not replace sensible caution, but it gives the day a more welcoming feel than a simple jump-off-the-boat excursion.

Boarding at Mandraki Marina

The meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines, at Plateia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. The cruise starts and ends there, which makes it convenient if you are staying near the old town or arriving by cruise ship.

Allow extra time to find the correct desk. Several booths operate around the pier, and the reception point is not always obvious. One of the few consistent complaints concerns the start of the day, with confusion over where to check in and how the queue works.

If you have arranged hotel transport, confirm the details in advance. If you have not selected a transfer, the operator says you can arrange one by contacting them through WhatsApp. The transport option is useful if you are staying outside central Rhodes, but it is not included automatically unless chosen.

The boat departs at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point. You receive booking confirmation at the time of purchase, and the tour is offered in English.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the scenic high point

Anthony Quinn Bay is often the most memorable stop. The small bay is named after actor Anthony Quinn, who appeared in The Guns of Navarone, with some filming connected to the area, and in Zorba the Greek.

From the boat, the setting is especially attractive. Rocky hills frame the water, and the bay has a more enclosed feel than a wide open beach. You get about an hour here, including time in the water and time to look back at the coast from the catamaran.

Bring the provided snorkel equipment into the water if conditions are clear. One detailed account noted seeing fish here, while another praised the color and clarity of the sea. Visibility can change with weather and boat traffic, so do not expect a full marine-life excursion. The main attraction is swimming in a striking coastal setting.

The drawback is that Anthony Quinn Bay is popular. You will not have the place to yourself, and the swimming area is open water rather than a shallow, sandy pool. If you are not a strong swimmer, use a noodle or life vest and stay close to the boat or other swimmers.

Kallithea Springs for a quieter swim

Kallithea Springs is described as similar to Anthony Quinn Bay but quieter. That makes it a good contrast to the more famous first stop, with about an hour set aside for swimming.

The name can be slightly misleading if you expect to tour a spring complex on land. On this cruise, the focus is the bay and the water, not a long visit to buildings or gardens. You remain on the boat and swim from the catamaran.

The crew uses the swimming stops to keep the day moving. You have enough time for a proper swim, but not so much that the schedule becomes loose. One account describes about 45 minutes in the water at several stops, with food served before or after the swim.

Traganou Beach and the sea caves

At Traganou Beach, the special feature is the caves. You can swim into openings said to reach about 30 meters, with a tiny beach at the far end.

This is the most distinctive stop for anyone who enjoys exploring from the water. The cave visit gives you something different from simply swimming beside the boat, though conditions and comfort in open water will shape how much you enjoy it.

The supplied schedule names Traganou Beach as the third stop. Some detailed accounts describe Faliraki Bay instead, so the route may change with the day’s conditions or operating plan. If the caves are important to you, ask Rhodes Sea Lines to confirm the exact stops before departure.

The same practical rule applies here as at every stop: use the safety equipment if needed. Snorkels, masks, noodles, and life vests are available on board. You may bring your own full-face snorkel if you prefer familiar equipment, but it is not required.

A full day of food, not just a sandwich

The food is one of the best reasons to consider this cruise. You are not simply given one lunch and left to manage the rest of the day.

The schedule begins with sweet donuts and coffee. A hot dog snack follows, then the main Greek BBQ meal includes meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread. On the way back, waffles with chocolate sauce provide a final sweet snack.

The souvlakia and tzatziki receive particularly strong praise. The food is described as fresh, plentiful, and tasty, with chicken skewers appearing in several accounts. It is straightforward Greek holiday food rather than a formal meal, but it suits a day in the sun.

Food timing may vary slightly with the route. A detailed schedule had donuts during the first sailing, hot dogs after an early swim, BBQ after the second stop, and waffles on the return. That spacing works well because you are rarely far from the next snack.

If you have dietary restrictions, ask before booking. The supplied information does not give a vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or gluten-free menu.

What unlimited drinks really means

Drinks include beer, wine, soft drinks, iced frappe, and two cocktail flavors. The bar is open during the cruise, which is useful on a hot day when you are swimming and sitting in direct sun.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is an included boat bar, not a premium cocktail program. The beer may be served in cans, the wine may be cask wine, and the mixed drinks are reported to be juice-heavy. For many people, that is perfectly adequate. You get refreshment without paying for each drink, and iced frappe is a welcome Greek touch.

Alcohol and strong sun require care. It is easy to drink more than planned when refreshments are continuously available, especially after swimming. Alternate with water or soft drinks, use sunscreen, and take breaks from the top deck.

Upper deck bean bags versus lower deck benches

Seating can make or break this trip. An upper-deck bean bag option is available for an additional charge, according to the supplied information and booking accounts. Several people say it is worth paying extra, especially because you can choose sun or some shade and stretch out more comfortably.

The lower deck has tables and wooden benches. That is practical for eating, but it can feel less relaxing during the long sailing periods. One account compared the two areas to different travel classes, with the upper deck providing a much better view and more comfortable place to settle.

Do not assume that booking early guarantees a shaded seat. One person arrived early but still ended up in direct sun near an overloaded bin. If shade matters to you, ask exactly how seats are assigned and whether the bean bag area is reserved.

The top deck can become extremely hot. You will want a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cover-up. The lower deck gives you somewhere to escape the heat, even if it lacks the same open-air feel.

Music, motion, and the social atmosphere

The crew creates a lively mood. Expect music for much of the cruise, plenty of conversation, and a social rather than silent atmosphere. The music helps make the boat feel festive, but one complaint concerned loud songs with explicit lyrics.

If you want a peaceful sailing with only the sound of the water, this is probably not the right choice. If you enjoy meeting people, swimming from the boat, and having the crew keep the energy up, the atmosphere should suit you.

Motion sickness is another practical concern. The boat spends about three hours cruising between the marina and the bays, and one account specifically recommends taking motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to it. Sit where you feel most stable, focus on the horizon, and avoid drinking heavily before the longer crossings.

Is $78.60 good value?

At $78.60, the price is reasonable for a six-hour outing that includes three swimming stops, a BBQ lunch, several snacks, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, and snorkel equipment.

You are also paying for convenience. There is no need to plan transport between bays, rent gear, buy lunch, or keep track of drink costs. For a family group or a pair of friends, that fixed price makes budgeting easy.

The value drops if you do not like swimming or will spend most of the day below deck. It also drops if you expect premium spirits, a quiet boat, or a private coastal tour. The maximum group size of 75 means this is a shared experience, not a small sailing charter.

The upper-deck upgrade may improve the day considerably, but the exact cost is not provided here. Ask about it before paying, especially if you are sensitive to heat or want a comfortable place to rest between swims.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would choose this cruise for a group of friends, couples, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants a simple full-day water outing from Rhodes Town.

It is also a good choice if you want to try snorkeling without bringing equipment. Life vests and noodles make the swimming stops more accessible, and the crew appears willing to help nervous swimmers.

I would think twice if you want a quiet boat, a private experience, shallow beach swimming, or a carefully managed check-in process. People who burn easily should plan for shade and breaks. People prone to seasickness should prepare before boarding.

The activity is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It requires good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and changes are not refunded or accepted.

Should you book the Sun & Sea cruise?

Yes, if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three swimming stops, generous food, and a friendly crew rather than quiet sightseeing. The best parts are the beautiful bays, the fresh souvlakia and tzatziki, the steady supply of drinks, and the crew’s care around the water.

Book the upper deck if comfort matters, confirm the meeting desk and exact route, and bring sun protection plus motion-sickness medication if needed. Skip it if loud music, open-water swimming, or shared seating sounds tiring. For most people who want an easy, social day at sea, $78.60 buys a lot of Rhodes sunshine.

FAQ

How long is the Sun & Sea swimming cruise?

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

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Rhodes Sea Lines at Plateia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town and returns to the same meeting point.

Which swimming locations are included?

The scheduled stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach. Some operating accounts describe Faliraki Bay instead of Traganou Beach, so you should confirm the exact route before departure.

Is lunch included?

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

What other food is served?

The day includes sweet donuts and coffee, a hot dog snack, and waffles on the return journey.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks are beer, wine, soft drinks, iced frappe, and mixed drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with noodles and life vests for use in the water.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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 or refunded.