Sun & Sea All Inclusive 3 Hour Swimming Cruise (WITH PICK UP SERVICE)

Three bays, one short afternoon, plenty of blue water. This three-hour Rhodes cruise takes you to Afandou, Ladiko, and Anthony Quinn Bay, with drinks, fruit, snorkeling gear, and hotel transport from Faliraki. I like the easy swim-stop format and the comfortable couch seating, plus the chance to swim into the Traganou Caves. The main catch is that the boat may feel older than the photos suggest, and the stops are from the boat, not sandy beaches.

For $66.51, this is a fairly priced way to spend a hot Rhodes morning or afternoon without committing to a full-day sailing trip. I especially like the open drink service and the short three-hour schedule. You should know, though, that this is primarily a swimming outing, not an island tour with a talkative guide.

Key things to know before you book

• Three swim stops: Afandou Beach, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay, with roughly 30, 30, and 45 minutes at each.
• The Traganou Caves are the highlight: You can swim from the boat into the caves near Afandou.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a fresh-fruit cocktail of the day are available.
• This is a boat swim, not a beach visit: You enter the sea from the boat rather than walking ashore at each stop.
• Faliraki pickup needs advance arranging: Contact the operator at least one day before the cruise.
• Expect a relaxed group outing: The maximum listed group size is 28 people, though some departures may feel busy.

A short cruise built around swimming

This outing is simple in the best sense. You board at Faliraki Harbor, settle onto the catamaran’s outdoor couch seating, and spend the next three hours moving between attractive coves along the eastern coast of Rhodes.

The advertised boat is a 36-foot catamaran, but you should keep expectations flexible. Some departures have used an older boat, and the vessel may not look exactly like the promotional photographs. One important detail is that some passengers have found the boat closer to a traditional wooden boat than a modern catamaran.

That does not automatically ruin the trip. The swimming spots are the main attraction, and the couch-style seating can be comfortable. Still, if the boat itself is a major part of your holiday dream, this may feel less polished than expected.

The group size is listed at up to 28 people. That is small enough to avoid a giant party boat, but the experience can still feel full, especially when everyone is seated or getting back aboard. One particularly unhappy departure had no seats available for a group that arrived, so it is sensible to arrive promptly and follow the operator’s meeting instructions carefully.

Afandou and the Traganou Caves

The first stop is near Afandou Beach, beside the Traganou Caves. The boat anchors in the water, and you swim from the stern toward the caves. This is the most distinctive part of the first stop because you are not simply floating beside the boat. You have a small place to explore.

You receive snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles, although bringing your own mask may be wise if snorkeling matters to you. Some equipment has been reported as worn or broken, and a few people have preferred using their own gear for cleanliness and comfort.

The scheduled stop lasts about 30 minutes. That sounds generous until you allow time to get into the water, swim to the caves, look around, and return to the boat. If you are a confident swimmer, you can make good use of it. If you are traveling with a child or are not comfortable in open water, the time may pass quickly.

There is no sandy beach stop here. You will not be wandering along Afandou Beach or buying a drink from shore. Instead, the boat anchors near the caves, and the attraction is the clear water and the swim itself.

Ladiko Bay and calm water

The second stop is Ladiko Bay, a compact cove known for calm, clear water. The name is linked to the Greek word ladi, meaning oil, a reference to the smooth quality of the bay.

Ladiko is a good place to slow down after the first swim. You can use a noodle, snorkel near the boat, or simply float and look back toward the shore. Water conditions can vary, though. On some days, the first two stops have been described as choppier, which can make swimming less appealing for anyone who prefers perfectly calm water.

The stop is scheduled for another 30 minutes. That keeps the cruise moving, but it also means this is not a leisurely beach day. You will not have time to settle into one cove for hours. I see that as part of the appeal for visitors with limited time in Rhodes, but it may disappoint you if you want long, unhurried swims.

Anthony Quinn Bay is the big finish

The final stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, often considered one of the most attractive bays on Rhodes. Pine-covered slopes surround the cove, and the water is known for its clear color. This is also the location most likely to leave a lasting impression.

The cruise allows about 45 minutes here, longer than at the first two stops. That extra time matters. You can swim farther from the boat, look beneath the surface, and enjoy the setting without feeling quite as rushed.

The bay is linked with the film The Guns of Navarone, which adds a bit of movie history to the view. The real pleasure, however, is the combination of rock, trees, and transparent water. If you only have enough energy for one excellent swim, save some for this stop.

Anthony Quinn Bay can also be busy, especially during the high season. You are seeing the bay from the water, not arriving at a quiet private cove. Even so, the boat-based view gives you a different perspective from a standard beach visit.

What you get to drink and eat onboard

The open drink service adds real value to a short cruise. Available choices include beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and a cocktail of the day made with fresh fruit. A strawberry daiquiri received especially warm praise, and the drink service is one of the strongest parts of the outing for many people.

Keep the food expectations modest. The snacks include local melekouni, a Rhodian honey and sesame bar, plus a fruit platter made with local produce. Some departures have offered a pleasant fruit selection, while others have provided only a small portion.

This is a snack, not lunch. I would eat before boarding, especially if you plan to drink or are traveling with children. The food is a nice extra, but it should not be the reason you book.

The combination of fruit, cold drinks, and sea views works well in the Rhodes heat. Bring sunscreen and use it often. One person specifically noted how intense the sun felt, and there is limited relief when you are spending most of the afternoon on open water.

Pickup from Faliraki and the meeting point

The cruise begins and ends at Faliraki Harbor. If you are staying in Faliraki, hotel transfer is available for the three-hour cruise, but you need to arrange it the day before.

That last detail matters. Do not assume pickup is automatically attached to your reservation. Confirm it in advance with the operator, Faliraki Fun Club, and make sure they have the correct hotel details.

Transfers from Rhodes Town, Ixia, or a cruise ship are handled differently and carry a $10 per-person charge. The service is described as a luxury minibus, though one transfer was described as cramped, overfilled, and poorly cooled. Conditions may depend on the vehicle and the number of people booked that day.

If you are arriving from a cruise ship, leave extra time. The journey from the ship to the harbor can take 20 to 30 minutes, and a delayed transfer could put the whole outing at risk. Confirm exactly where and when you will be collected instead of relying on a last-minute message.

Crew style and the level of information

The crew is generally described as friendly and safety-minded, but the guiding element is light. You should expect basic instructions about the next stop rather than a detailed account of Rhodes, local geography, or the history of each bay.

That is fine if you want a quiet swim and a drink. It is less satisfying if you are hoping for an entertaining host who explains the island as you go. A few passengers wished the crew had spoken more and created more energy onboard.

The tone can also vary. Some departures feel laid-back and relaxed. Others may include loud music or a younger party crowd. If you want a silent, private sailing experience, this is not the right product. If you want a casual group outing with swimming and unlimited drinks, it may fit well.

Safety details deserve attention. The supplied equipment includes snorkeling gear and noodles, but not every piece of gear may be in perfect condition. One account also raised concerns about life-jacket availability and the boarding steps. Ask the crew where the safety equipment is before entering the water, and take your time climbing back aboard.

How the timing works in real life

The advertised duration is about three hours. With three stops lasting approximately 30, 30, and 45 minutes, a substantial part of the trip is spent swimming rather than cruising.

That schedule makes this a good choice for a port day or a morning when you still want time for Rhodes Town, a meal, or another activity. You get a taste of several coastal spots without giving up the entire day.

The tradeoff is that none of the stops feels spacious in time. You may find yourself watching the clock as you swim back to the boat. Families with children may appreciate the shorter sessions, while serious snorkelers may want longer at each location.

The water can also feel chilly, even in sunny weather. You can use the noodles, but the cruise is best for people who are comfortable entering open water from a boat. It is not an ideal choice if you need a shallow, gradually sloping beach.

Is $66.51 good value?

At $66.51 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the included drinks, equipment, and transport from Faliraki. A three-hour boat trip with three coastal stops would already have appeal, and the open bar adds practical value for a hot day.

The value drops if you are mainly paying for a modern catamaran, a large meal, or expert commentary. The boat may be older, the snacks are small, and the crew may say little beyond the stop names.

I would compare it with the cost and effort of visiting the bays independently. A land visit may give you more time on a beach, but it will not give you the same view from the water or the chance to reach the caves by boat. For a short, low-effort swim outing, the price works.

The 4.8 rating from 817 reviews and 95 percent recommendation rate point to a strong overall experience, but the uneven comments explain why you should read the description carefully. This is a practical swimming cruise, not a luxury yacht charter.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you:

• Want three scenic swim stops in a single short outing
• Enjoy swimming directly from a boat
• Like casual group trips rather than private tours
• Are staying in Faliraki and want hotel pickup
• Appreciate included beer, wine, soft drinks, and a cocktail
• Want time left over for other Rhodes plans
• Are comfortable with a boat that may show some age

I would be cautious if you:

• Need a sandy beach at every stop
• Want a quiet, polished luxury cruise
• Expect a full lunch
• Need extensive commentary about Rhodes
• Are uneasy entering deep water from a boat
• Require pristine, modern snorkeling equipment
• Want guaranteed space and a calm, uncrowded atmosphere

Should you book the Sun & Sea cruise?

Book it if your main goal is to swim in beautiful Rhodes coves without spending a full day at sea. The Traganou Caves and Anthony Quinn Bay give the trip two strong highlights, while the included drinks, fruit, snorkeling equipment, and noodles make the outing easy.

Skip it if the boat’s appearance, beach access, or detailed guiding matters more to you than the water. Before paying, confirm the boat arrangement, pickup location, and transport fee. Also remember that pickup from Faliraki must be arranged the day before.

For a straightforward three-hour escape from the heat and ruins, I think this is a good-value choice. Just picture yourself swimming from the boat, not strolling onto three beaches, and you will have the right expectations.

FAQ

How long is the swimming cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and returns to Faliraki Harbor.

Where does the cruise begin and end?

It begins at Faliraki Harbor in Faliraki and ends back at the same meeting point.

Which swimming spots does the cruise visit?

The stops are Afandou Beach near the Traganou Caves, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is available from Faliraki hotels for this three-hour cruise, but it must be arranged at least one day before the trip.

Is there an extra fee for pickup outside Faliraki?

Yes. Pickup for cruise ship passengers and people staying in Rhodes Town or Ixia costs $10 per person.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open drink service includes beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a cocktail of the day made with fresh fruit.

Is food included?

Light snacks are included, such as melekouni honey and sesame bars and a fruit platter.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles are included.