Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board

Cast a line, then swim through Rhodes caves. This five-hour outing mixes simple fishing, a stop at the rocky shores of Kallithea, and a generous BBQ lunch served on board. I like the small group of no more than 12 people, which keeps the mood friendly and gives you room at the fishing stations. I also like the warm crew, especially Angelo, whose humor and help turn the trip into a social day at sea. The main caution is that the fishing can be slow, and three hours may feel long for young children or anyone who is not keen on angling.

The best part is the contrast between the two halves. You get a hands-on lesson with bait, hooks, and reels, then a cool swim and snorkel in clear water by the Kallithea caves. Lunch is another strong point: grilled fish, chicken, Greek salad, bread, fruit, and drinks have earned especially high praise.

This is not a luxury yacht cruise. The boat is older and practical, and the toilet is basic, with no sink and, according to one account, a lock that needed attention. Still, at $78.60 per person, the combination of food, fishing, swimming, drinks, and a small group offers good value if you want an active local outing rather than polished resort service.

What makes this Rhodes boat trip worth considering

• Fishing time for beginners and regular anglers: The crew helps with baiting hooks, handling the reel, and sorting tangled lines.
• Kallithea Caves swim stop: You can swim and snorkel beside rocky beaches and through the clear water around the caves.
• A proper meal on a small boat: Lunch may include grilled fish or chicken, Greek salad, bread, and fresh fruit.
• Angelo brings the fun: His easy humor and practical help are a major part of the day’s appeal.
• A group capped at 12 people: You get a more personal outing than on a large sightseeing boat.
• A useful cruise-port warning: The meeting point is on the waterfront at 25is Martiou 2, not exactly where Google Maps may send you.

Starting at 25is Martiou 2 in Rhodes

The trip begins at 25is Martiou 2 in Rhodes town, and it returns to the same meeting point. The location is on the waterfront, so I would allow extra time to find the actual boat rather than relying only on a map pin. One person specifically found that Google Maps directed them away from the correct waterside spot.

That detail matters most if you are arriving from a cruise ship. The outing lasts about five hours, but a late start can create a serious problem if your ship has a fixed departure time. One party had to abandon the excursion because the boat was running late and the captain could not shorten the trip for one group while other people were still on board.

If you have a ship to catch, treat the five-hour duration as a firm block of time, then add a generous cushion for walking back to the port and any delay on the water. The operator does not promise a private schedule, so this is safer for a relaxed day in Rhodes than for a tight port call.

Three hours of fishing off the Rhodes coast

The fishing session takes up about three hours, making it the longest part of the outing. The crew sets up the equipment and helps you bait the hook, cast, reel in, and untangle lines. That makes the trip suitable for someone who has never fished before, including children old enough to follow basic instructions.

You may stop at more than one fishing position. Some outings have used two spots, while another account describes three. The point is not to expect a nonstop haul, but to enjoy the process of fishing from a small boat with the coast around you.

The catch can be unpredictable. A beginner has caught a large fish, while other people have landed only a few tiny fish or nothing at all. The fish displayed in promotional photographs should not be treated as a promise of what you will catch on your particular morning.

That uncertainty is the key to deciding if this suits you. If you need a guaranteed catch, I would choose another activity. If you enjoy the feel of the rod, the waiting, and the fun of seeing what happens, the fishing can be a pleasant way to spend the morning.

The crew makes a difference here. Angelo and Vasili have helped people with bait and tangled lines, and the friendly tone keeps a slow fishing session from becoming dull. Still, three hours is a long time for a child who has never fished. Families with younger children should think carefully about that balance, even though a group with six children aged seven to fourteen had a very good day overall.

Kallithea Caves and the one-hour swim

After fishing, the boat heads to the rocky beaches and caves around Kallithea Springs. The swimming stop lasts about one hour, and it is the part that can rescue the day if the fish are not cooperating.

The water around the caves is described as clear and cool, with good conditions for swimming and snorkeling. You can enjoy the scenery from the boat, then enter the water near the rocks. This is not a guided archaeological visit or a long shore excursion. It is a simple stop to swim, look beneath the surface, and enjoy the coast.

Bring your own towel, swimsuit, and anything you need for sun protection. The supplied information does not promise snorkel equipment, so you should confirm what is provided before setting off if snorkeling is important to you.

The timing works well because the swim breaks up the fishing. You get a change of pace, a chance to cool down, and some of the prettiest scenery of the day. I would not book this solely as a cave tour, though. The main experience is still fishing from the boat, with swimming added as a very good second act.

The BBQ lunch is more than a snack

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. The captain prepares a BBQ on board, and the meal has included grilled fish, chicken, Greek salad, bread, and fresh fruit. Some people have found the portions large enough that they could not finish everything.

If the catch is suitable, fish caught during the morning may be grilled and served with lunch. That gives the meal a pleasant connection to the fishing, though you should not count on catching your own lunch. The food is described as basic rather than fancy, but well-cooked and fresh.

The meal is also part of the social side of the trip. People have enjoyed sitting together after the swim, sharing food, and watching the crew work in the small galley area. Free soft drinks, beer, and wine have also been available on board, adding value to the $78.60 price.

Food can make or break a boat trip. Here, it appears to be a dependable highlight rather than an afterthought. If you have dietary needs, mention them before booking. One person received gluten-free bread, but the information does not establish a standard menu for every dietary request.

Angelo, the captain, and the feel of the boat

The crew receives unusually warm praise. Angelo is often described as funny, helpful, and full of energy. His laugh and friendly approach help people relax, especially first-time fishers who might otherwise feel awkward handling bait or equipment.

The captain also prepares the BBQ and helps keep the day moving. The overall mood is informal and welcoming, closer to spending a morning with a local boating family than joining a formal sailing lesson.

Do not expect a sleek yacht. The boat is older, and one person called the setting primitive. That is not necessarily a problem if you value atmosphere over polish. The small size can actually make the meal and fishing feel more personal, but you should be comfortable with simple facilities.

There is a toilet on board, which is useful during a five-hour trip. It is downstairs, and accounts describe it as needing a better clean and a proper lock. There is no sink, so carry hand wipes. That is a small preparation step that will make the day more comfortable.

Is $78.60 good value?

At $78.60, the cost is reasonable for a five-hour outing that includes fishing instruction, a swimming stop, a BBQ lunch, and drinks. You are paying for several separate experiences in one half-day, rather than only for transport on a boat.

The value is strongest if you enjoy the full package. A person who fishes, swims, eats lunch, and appreciates a small group is likely to feel the price is fair. The trip also works well for a mixed party, since one person can enjoy fishing while another looks forward to the caves and meal.

The value is weaker if you mainly want serious fishing. Catch numbers are not reliable, and several people have caught little or nothing. You are also paying for crew service, food, and the swim stop, not a specialist fishing charter designed around maximum time with the rod.

The group limit of 12 is important. A small boat may lack the polish of a large cruise vessel, but it gives the crew more time to help each person. You also avoid the crowded feel of a big excursion, which makes the meal and swimming stop more pleasant.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a relaxed day on the water. It is especially good for first-time fishers because the crew provides hands-on help without making the activity feel like a serious lesson.

It also suits people who care as much about lunch and swimming as the catch. The caves, clear water, and BBQ give you several ways to enjoy the day.

You may want to skip it if you need a luxury boat, a spotless modern bathroom, or a tightly controlled schedule. It is also a poor choice for a cruise passenger with only a narrow gap before departure. The late-running account is a useful warning: never book this with no spare time before your ship sails.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book. Most people can take part, but the information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so contact the operator if you need specific assistance.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Arrive at the waterfront meeting point early and do not rely blindly on Google Maps.
• Bring sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and hand wipes for the basic toilet.
• Pack a waterproof phone case if you want photos near the caves.
• Expect fishing to be fun but not guaranteed to produce a meal.
• Tell the operator about food needs before the day of departure.
• If you are on a cruise, leave a large buffer before sailing.
• Check the weather forecast. The trip needs good weather to operate.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

I would book it if you want a friendly, small-group day that combines simple fishing, a beautiful swim, and a generous Greek-style lunch. The crew, especially Angelo, appears to be the heart of the experience, and the meal and Kallithea stop give the trip value even when the fish are not biting.

I would not book it for guaranteed catches or luxury facilities. Think of it as a social boat outing with fishing at its center, not a high-end angling charter. Get to the waterfront early, bring wipes, protect your cruise schedule, and keep your expectations realistic. With those points in mind, this is a very appealing way to spend five hours around Rhodes.

FAQ

How long does the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. About three hours are set aside for fishing, followed by about one hour at Kallithea Caves for swimming and snorkeling, with time also used for travel and lunch.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at 25is Martiou 2 in Rhodes, Greece, and ends back at the same meeting point. The actual meeting place is on the waterfront, so do not rely only on the Google Maps location.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $78.60 per person.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 12 people.

Can a beginner take part in the fishing?

Yes. The crew helps beginners bait the hook, use the reel, and manage fishing lines. People with more experience can begin fishing without the same level of instruction.

Is lunch included?

A BBQ lunch is served on board. Food described for the trip includes grilled fish or chicken, Greek salad, bread, and fresh fruit. Free soft drinks, beer, and wine have also been available.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a full refund after a personal cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.