Rhodes: Pleasure Cruise for Swimming and Snorkeling

Clear water, three good swim stops. This six-hour cruise follows Rhodes’ east coast aboard a traditional Greek wooden boat, with time at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay. I like the simple plan: sail, swim, snorkel, rest, then sail again. I also like that snorkeling gear, swimming noodles, seasonal fruit, and music are included. The main caution is the boat itself. One recent account found it dirty and in poor condition, with an unpleasant lower toilet, so you should book this for the sea stops rather than for polished onboard comfort.

You meet at Mandraki Harbour near the Alexander statue, beside the Alkmini boat, and return at about 4:00 p.m. The price of $47 is fair if you want a full day on the water without arranging separate transport to three coastal spots. Food and drinks cost extra at the bar, and one account found those prices high, so bring your own expectations and budget.

Key points at a glance

• Three separate swimming stops: You get about an hour at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
• A useful Mandraki departure: The cruise begins and ends at Rhodes Town’s central harbour, with no hotel pickup included.
• Best for water time: Around three hours are set aside for swimming and snorkeling, with sailing and rest between stops.
• Snorkeling gear is provided: You do not need to pack your own mask or equipment, though fish sightings are never guaranteed.
• Traditional boat atmosphere: The wooden boat, onboard music, fruit, and open-air rest areas give the trip a relaxed Greek feel.
• A practical price point: At $47, the cruise offers a full six-hour outing, but meals and drinks are extra.

Leaving Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 a.m.

The day begins at Mandraki Harbour, one of the easiest places in Rhodes Town to reach on foot. Look for the Alexander statue and the Alkmini boat. Since hotel pickup and transfers are not included, you need to make your own way to the port and arrive on time. The boat will not wait for late arrivals.

The cruise starts at 10:00 a.m. and returns around 4:00 p.m., making it a useful choice for a full morning and afternoon on the coast. It can also work well around accommodation plans. One person used the cruise before checking in and was able to leave a backpack onboard while going for coffee, but you should confirm any luggage arrangement directly with the crew rather than assume it is guaranteed.

The first part of the trip follows the east coast of Rhodes. The published schedule describes a first stop at Kallithea Bay after roughly 40 minutes, followed by Afandou Beach and Anthony Quinn Bay. The stop order can vary, since the listed route information also presents Anthony Quinn Bay first. The important point is that you should expect all three places, with roughly an hour at each, rather than rely too closely on the exact sequence.

Kallithea Bay and its snorkeling water

Kallithea Bay is known for its clear water and is presented as a major snorkeling stop. Here, you have about an hour to get into the sea, use the supplied equipment, and look below the surface.

I would treat this as a relaxed first swim rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The operator clearly notes that it cannot promise fish sightings. One person saw only a single small fish, so the real reward is the clear water, the chance to snorkel from the boat, and the ease of having equipment already available.

The stop also gives you a good early test of the sea conditions. If the water feels cool or you are not a confident swimmer, the noodle supplied onboard can help you stay comfortable. Bring a towel and swimwear in an easy-to-reach bag, since this is not the sort of trip where you want to unpack everything at the first stop.

Kallithea is especially useful for people who want to spend more time in the water than on sightseeing commentary. The tour is not built around long walks or historical visits. You stay near the boat, swim, snorkel, take photos, and return onboard when the crew calls time.

Afandou Beach for a longer, easygoing swim

The boat then continues to Afandou Beach for another stop of about an hour. This is one of the best parts of the route for anyone who wants a straightforward swim without complicated arrangements on land.

You can snorkel, take photographs, float with a noodle, or stay onboard in the sun or shade. The pace is deliberately loose. Music plays on the boat, and the crew serves seasonal fruit, including refreshing watermelon. That small touch matters after repeated swims, especially on a hot Rhodes day.

Afandou also breaks up the trip nicely. After the first swim, you may prefer to sit back and let the boat carry you along the coast rather than rush into another activity. The cruise gives you that choice. You are not being moved from one formal attraction to another with only a few minutes at each place.

Food is available for purchase at the onboard bar, along with drinks. I would regard this as convenient rather than part of the value calculation. One account found the prices too high, so consider eating before departure and bringing whatever the rules allow for personal drinks or snacks. The supplied information confirms the bar and seasonal fruit, but not the full food menu or pricing.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the bright blue sea

Anthony Quinn Bay is the most famous name on the route and the stop most likely to fill your camera. The water is described as green-blue and exceptionally clear, with a bright sky above the rocky cove. You get about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs.

The bay’s appeal is visual as much as practical. Even if you see little marine life, the colors of the water make this a rewarding place to get in. The cruise lets you enjoy the cove from the sea, which gives you a different view than simply arriving by road and standing on shore.

You should expect the area to feel popular and scenic rather than secluded. The supplied information does not give crowd levels for your sailing, so I would not book this expecting a private cove. Instead, come for the chance to swim in one of Rhodes’ best-known bays without arranging another excursion.

The timing is sensible. An hour gives you enough time to swim and take photos, but not so long that the day becomes repetitive. After two earlier stops, some people may feel tired by this point. Others find the final bay special enough to get back in the water one more time. That makes the stop a strong finish for swimmers, though less appealing if you would rather spend the afternoon on dry land.

What the traditional wooden boat is really like

The boat is part of the experience, not just transportation. A traditional Greek wooden boat gives the trip more character than a plain modern ferry, and onboard music helps create a relaxed holiday mood.

Still, you should keep your expectations practical. A recent account described the vessel as dirty, worn, and in poor condition, with a particularly unpleasant lower toilet. That is a serious consideration for anyone who cares about facilities. The information provided does not promise luxury seating, a modern bathroom, or hotel-like service.

You can rest in the sun or shade between swims, but the details of seating are not specified. If you are sensitive to heat, bring sun protection and a towel that can double as a cushion. The six-hour length means the boat itself becomes your base for most of the day, so comfort matters almost as much as the swim stops.

The crew is described as experienced, and a live guide is available in English and Greek. Do not expect a major guided sightseeing program. The focus is on getting you safely between the bays and keeping the swimming schedule moving.

Three hours of water time for $47

At $47 per person, this is a solid value for a six-hour coastal outing if you plan to use all three swimming stops. You get the boat ride, three locations, snorkeling equipment, a swimming noodle, music, crew assistance, and seasonal fruit. Reaching three separate coastal spots independently could take more planning and transport costs.

The value is strongest for people who want a water day. You are paying for repeated access to the sea, not for an elaborate meal, a luxury vessel, or a long cultural tour. If you would only swim once and prefer guided history, the price may feel less attractive.

The cruise also saves you from hiring equipment. That is useful if you are packing lightly or do not want to carry a mask and fins around Rhodes. The description says snorkeling equipment is provided, though it does not specify the exact type or whether fins are included. If you have your own well-fitting mask, you may prefer to bring it.

Food and drinks are not included. Seasonal fruit is included, but bar purchases cost extra. A practical budget is therefore $47 plus whatever you choose to buy onboard. Since one account found the food prices high, have a meal before departure and treat the bar as an optional convenience.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack lightly, but prepare for repeated time in the water. You should bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• A camera
• Sun protection
• A dry bag or waterproof pouch for small valuables

The official information specifically asks you to bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera. A waterproof phone case is a sensible addition if you want pictures from the water, though it is not listed as included.

Wear something easy to change in and out of. You will have three swim stops, so a complicated outfit becomes annoying by midday. Keep your towel and dry clothes where you can reach them without unpacking a full bag.

The boat has a bar, but the information does not confirm that outside food or drinks are allowed. Ask the crew before bringing them onboard. Also note that scooters are not allowed. This matters if you are planning to arrive with a scooter and leave it nearby, since you should not expect to take it onto the boat.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple day of swimming with very little planning. It suits confident swimmers, casual snorkelers, couples, families who can manage a full six-hour boat outing, and anyone staying near Rhodes Town who wants to reach several coastal bays in one go.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy variety. Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay give the day three different settings, even though the main activity remains the same. You can swim at one stop, snorkel at the next, and spend more time relaxing onboard when you need a break.

I would be more cautious if you need a spotless boat, a comfortable modern toilet, or premium food service. The negative comments about cleanliness and the bathroom are specific enough to take seriously. This is a sea excursion with basic facilities, not a luxury yacht outing.

You should also think about your energy. Three swimming stops sound easy on paper, but repeated time in the water can be tiring. The schedule allows you to rest onboard, and you are not required to swim at every stop, but the experience makes most sense if you want an active day.

Practical booking advice from Rhodes Town

Arrive early enough to find the Alexander statue and the Alkmini boat without rushing. Everyone must be onboard on time, and there is no hotel pickup to absorb delays.

The tour has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability, but the described cruise runs from 10:00 a.m. to about 4:00 p.m.

Weather and sea conditions can affect how enjoyable the day feels, though no specific weather policy is provided. If swimming is your main reason for booking, check the forecast before you commit. Clear skies and calm water will make a much better day than rough conditions, especially since the tour is built around three water stops.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three swims, easy snorkeling, music, and a relaxed boat ride for $47. Anthony Quinn Bay provides the best photo setting, Kallithea is the main snorkeling stop, and Afandou gives you another hour to float and unwind.

Skip it if you want a spotless, modern vessel, a substantial included lunch, or a detailed cultural tour. The boat may be worn, the lower toilet may disappoint, and fish sightings are not promised.

For most people who value time in the sea over luxury onboard, the route offers good value. Pack your swimwear, towel, and camera, arrive on time at Mandraki Harbour, and treat the boat as a practical base for seeing three beautiful parts of Rhodes from the water.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes pleasure cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours. It starts at about 10:00 a.m. and returns to Mandraki Harbour around 4:00 p.m.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Mandraki Harbour near the Alexander statue, beside the Alkmini boat.

Which swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes swimming and snorkeling stops at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a swimming noodle are included.

Is food included in the price?

Seasonal fruit is included. Drinks and additional food can be bought at the onboard bar, but they are not included in the $47 price.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included. You must reach Mandraki Harbour yourself.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide and crew support English and Greek.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.