Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

Rhodes looks best from the water. This full-day cruise links the island’s most famous east-coast stop with two excellent swimming breaks, making it a strong choice if you want more than a simple trip to Lindos. I especially like the three hours of free time in Lindos and the clean, spacious boat with its bar, toilets, air-conditioned area, and sunbeds.

The two swim stops are another real strength. Anthony Quinn Bay gives you emerald water and dramatic rocks early in the day, while Tsambika offers a final turquoise-water stop on the way home. The main compromise is time: three hours in Lindos is enough for the Acropolis, lunch, and a quick look around, but you may wish for another 30 to 60 minutes.

Key details before you book

• Two very different swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay is rocky and enclosed, while Tsambika is a wider, bright-water stop known as the Blue Lagoon.
• Three hours in Lindos: Enough for the Acropolis, a meal, some shopping, and a short beach visit if you plan your time carefully.
• Comfortable boat setup: You get open decks, sunbeds, shaded seating, an air-conditioned section, clean toilets, WiFi, floats, and a snack bar.
• Sunbeds go early: The limited top-deck loungers are popular, so arrive early if stretching out in the sun matters to you.
• Good value at $47: The price includes the cruise, both swimming stops, and Lindos transport by sea, but not food, drinks, towels, or the Acropolis entrance.
• Plan for a long day: The trip lasts about 8 to 8.5 hours, with departure generally in the morning and return to Rhodes Harbor around 17:30.

Why this cruise works so well for a Rhodes day

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ essential sights, but getting there by road can make the day feel like a standard sightseeing transfer. This cruise gives the trip a second purpose. You are not only going to Lindos, you are also spending much of the day on the water and stopping at two of the island’s best-known bays.

I like that the day mixes active sightseeing with easy downtime. You can climb to the Acropolis, walk through the whitewashed village, or eat lunch in Lindos. Then you can return to the boat, claim a seat, and let the sea breeze do the work.

At $47 per person, the value is strong if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to Lindos and a boat trip. You still need to budget for the Acropolis, lunch, drinks, and perhaps local transport to Mandraki Port. Even so, the combination is hard to match at this price.

The experience has earned a 4.6 rating from more than 1,400 bookings, and the most praised features are consistent: the friendly crew, clean boat, smooth organization, useful onboard facilities, and the fun swimming stops. The one repeated reservation is the amount of free time in Lindos. It is generous for a boat excursion, but not generous enough for every possible activity.

Finding the boat at Mandraki Port

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building near the Roda bus stop, and arrive about 30 minutes early.

That early arrival matters if you want to choose a preferred seat. The top deck has a limited number of sunbeds, and they are often taken quickly. Other parts of the boat offer regular seating, shade, and shelter, so you will not be left without a place to sit. But the sunbeds are the prize for anyone hoping to spend the day stretched out above the water.

Pickup is also available from selected hotels and partner locations. If you choose it, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo, and drivers may leave after two minutes, although traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes.

The morning begins with check-in and boarding before the boat follows Rhodes’ east coast. The crew speaks English and Greek, and clear instructions are given for the swimming stops and the return time from Lindos.

The cruise south along Rhodes’ east coast

The first part of the trip is a sightseeing cruise of roughly two hours, including the run to Anthony Quinn Bay. You will see the coast from a different angle than you get from a bus or rental car, with time to settle into the boat and use the bar.

This is also the longest sitting period of the day. Several people have found the outward journey a little long, especially in hot weather. Bring sunglasses, a hat, water, and something light to read or listen to. The boat has WiFi, a full bar, snacks, sandwiches, coffee, ice cream, cocktails, and cold drinks, but food and beverages are extra.

The good news is that the boat is built for a long day at sea. It has several decks, plenty of seating, an open sundeck, shade, air conditioning, toilets, and enough room to move around. The boat is described as stable and spacious, though the upper deck can feel windy when it is moving, especially outside the hottest summer months.

A light jacket is smart in May, October, and at the beginning or end of the season. Even when the air is warm, the breeze on the return journey can feel cool if you are sitting on the upper deck.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a 30-minute first swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first swimming stop, reached after about 45 minutes of sightseeing cruise from the port. The boat pauses for around 30 minutes, giving you time to get into the water, look around, and climb back aboard without the pressure of a full beach day.

The bay is famous for its clear emerald water and rocky surroundings. It is particularly good for a quick swim and snorkeling, though snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if you have it.

You enter the water directly from the boat. Floats and swimming noodles are available, and life jackets are provided for children. That makes the stop more approachable if you are not a strong swimmer. The crew gives notice before arrival, with one useful detail being an announcement about 20 minutes before the stop so you can change and gather your things.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. I would treat this as a refreshing swim rather than a full snorkeling session. Keep your towel ready, avoid leaving valuables loose on deck, and listen carefully for the boarding signal.

Three hours in Lindos, with the Acropolis as the main event

After the first swim, the boat continues to Lindos and arrives just under two hours after departure. You then have approximately three hours to explore independently.

This free time is one of the best parts of the trip. You are not tied to a guide or forced into a group meal. You can choose the Acropolis, the village, the beach, a taverna, or some combination of all four.

The Acropolis of Lindos should be your first priority if you have never visited. It sits above the village and offers striking views over the coast and the bays below. The climb can be hot, and the route includes a steep hill, so sensible shoes, water, and a hat will help. The entrance fee is not included in the cruise price.

Start early in your free period if you want to visit the Acropolis. Crowds can build when several boats and buses arrive at the same time, and waiting until the final hour may leave you rushing. The views are worth the effort, but you should allow time to come back down and find the harbor.

After the Acropolis, Lindos gives you plenty of slower options. Walk the narrow whitewashed lanes, browse the shops, eat at a traditional taverna, or spend some time at the sandy beach. Several people manage the Acropolis, lunch, and a short beach visit within three hours, but you will need to keep an eye on the clock.

Do not let the beauty of Lindos make you forget the departure time. The boat leaves on schedule, and losing your way down the hill can create an unpleasant final dash. Take note of the route back to the harbor before wandering off, especially if you plan to shop or eat away from the waterfront.

You can leave bags safely on the boat while exploring Lindos, which is useful in the heat. Still, carry the essentials with you, including money, sunscreen, water, and anything needed for the Acropolis.

Tsambika Blue Lagoon on the way home

The final swimming stop is at Tsambika Beach, often called the Blue Lagoon. It takes place on the return journey and lasts about 30 minutes.

This stop is a fine way to cool off after Lindos. The water is turquoise, and you again jump from the boat rather than setting up on shore. Music may play from the boat during the swim, adding a cheerful holiday feel, while the crew keeps an eye on the activity and cleans the boat afterward.

Some people wish both swimming stops lasted longer. That is fair, especially if you enjoy snorkeling or simply want time in the water. Still, the two stops are long enough for a proper swim, and they break up the journey home at exactly the right point.

After Tsambika, the boat continues toward Rhodes Harbor for about an hour. You can use the bar, relax in the shaded areas, or sit outside and watch the coast pass by. The return is expected around 17:30, though sea and traffic conditions can affect the exact timing.

Boat comfort, food, and sunbed strategy

The boat is one of the strongest parts of this outing. It has an open sundeck, multiple seating levels, air conditioning, clean toilets, WiFi, and floats. The combination gives you options: sunbathe up top, sit in shade, or retreat indoors when the heat becomes too much.

The top-deck sunbeds are limited. If you want one, arrive early and board promptly. An alternative strategy is to return to the boat around 40 minutes before the Lindos departure, when some seats and loungers may become available.

The bar sells cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and sandwiches. Prices are described as reasonable, with sandwiches available for about €3. This is handy because three hours in Lindos does not leave much time for a long meal if you also want the Acropolis and beach.

Food is not included, so bring cash. You should also bring a towel, as towels are not supplied. Swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, and snorkeling gear are useful additions.

The boat provides plenty of shade, which matters in midsummer. In cooler months, the opposite problem appears: the upper deck can feel chilly while the boat is moving. A thin jacket takes almost no room in your bag and can save the long cruise home.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this cruise to anyone who wants to see Lindos without giving up a day at sea. It suits couples, families, and mixed groups where one person wants history and another mainly wants swimming and sunshine.

Families benefit from the stable boat, air-conditioned area, clean toilets, floats, and child-friendly swimming setup. A nine-year-old can enjoy the bays, while older children may appreciate the freedom to explore Lindos. Parents should still plan the Acropolis visit carefully because of the heat and steep walk.

It is also a good option if you dislike rigid guided tours. Your time in Lindos is your own, and you can decide how much culture, food, shopping, and beach time you want.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet small-boat trip or a long, relaxed swim at each stop. The boat can feel busy, and the popular sunbeds go quickly. You should also think twice if climbing to the Acropolis is difficult for you, since Lindos involves hills and walking.

Is the $47 price good value?

For $47, you receive an all-day cruise, transport to Lindos by sea, two swimming stops, use of the boat’s seating and facilities, floats, WiFi, and insurance. That is a lot for the price, especially when the cruise itself replaces a separate day trip.

The extras are predictable. You pay for the Acropolis entrance, food, drinks, towels, and any transport to the port if you do not use an optional pickup. The final cost will rise, but the basic excursion remains affordable.

I see the value most clearly if you plan to visit Lindos anyway. You get the famous village and Acropolis, plus two scenic bays, without having to arrange separate transport. The cost is less persuasive if you only want a short swim trip or only want to visit the Acropolis, since the eight-hour day is built around both.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option also make planning easier. Check the available start time when booking, since schedules can vary.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want a full Rhodes day with variety: an important historic sight, free time in a beautiful village, two swims, and a comfortable boat ride. Arrive early for the best chance at a sunbed, bring a towel and cash, and go straight to the Acropolis when you reach Lindos.

Skip it if you want a private boat, extended snorkeling, or more than three hours in Lindos. For most visitors staying in Rhodes City or nearby resort areas, though, this is a well-priced and nicely balanced way to combine Lindos with the sea.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Lindos cruise last?

The experience lasts about 8 to 8.5 hours. The boat is expected to return to Rhodes Harbor at approximately 17:30.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, near the Roda bus stop.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time. This is enough for the Acropolis, lunch, village streets, shopping, or the beach, but you may need to choose your priorities.

Are the Acropolis entrance fees included?

No. The Acropolis entrance fee is not included in the cruise price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, cash, and snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The onboard bar sells cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, sandwiches, and ice cream, but these cost extra.