Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Clear water, small boat, big scenery. This 2.5-hour cruise packs Rhodes’ east coast into a lively afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, beach views, and cave exploring. I especially like the small-group setup, limited to eight people, and the easy mix of guided information with free time in the water. The main consideration is that the RIB boat can move quickly and the sea may not suit anyone prone to motion sickness.

You’ll visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves, with drinks available onboard and a restroom and Wi-Fi for comfort. I also like the practical touches reported by guests, including snorkel gear, pool noodles, life jackets, and waterproof phone cases. Just remember that towels are not included, and the stops can feel brief if you want a long, leisurely swim.

Key points at a glance

• Anthony Quinn Bay: Swim among clear water, fish, rocky cliffs, and one of Rhodes’ most photographed coastal settings.
• Four coastal stops: The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area.
• Small RIB boat: The group limit is eight people, though many departures have had only four to six passengers.
• Helpful captain: Michael is frequently named for his friendly manner, safety care, local stories, and patience with nervous swimmers.
• Included refreshments: Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included, with snacks available on some trips.
• Short afternoon format: You get a sea outing without giving up the whole day, but some people may want more time at the final stop.

Why this Rhodes boat trip works so well

At $64 per person, this sits above the price of a basic shared boat ride, but the small group changes the feel of the outing. You are not packed onto a large excursion boat with dozens of other people. With a maximum of eight passengers, the captain can give more direct help, adjust the pace, and keep the atmosphere relaxed.

The boat itself is one of the main attractions. It is described as modern, clean, and comfortably furnished, with a spacious deck for sitting or sunbathing. A restroom and Wi-Fi are available onboard, useful comforts on a small craft where facilities are not always guaranteed.

I would think of this as a coastal sampler rather than a serious snorkeling expedition. You get several chances to enter the water and see fish, but each stop is roughly 25 minutes on many departures. That is enough for a swim and a look around, though not enough for slow underwater photography at every bay.

The afternoon timing is another strength. Many boat outings occupy most of the day, while this one takes about two and a half hours. You can fit it around sightseeing in Rhodes Town, a beach morning, or dinner plans. The tradeoff is simple: you see a lot in a short period, but you do not linger at every place.

Meeting the boat near Stama restaurant

The listed meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. If you choose pickup, transport is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

The pickup option has received particular praise for being prompt and easy. Transfers have been handled in an air-conditioned minibus, with passengers taken directly to the marina. Some drivers have also stopped at scenic points for photographs, though I would treat that as a pleasant extra rather than a guaranteed part of every transfer.

You receive separate pickup information, so check your email and spam folder before the outing. If you are meeting at the port, arrive ready to board and avoid bringing large bags. Luggage is not allowed, and the boat is better suited to a small day bag, phone, sunscreen, and towel.

The tour is conducted in English. The captain also provides safety equipment and explains the stops, so you do not need to know much about the coast before setting off.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

Anthony Quinn Bay is the headline stop, and for good reason. The name comes from Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby. The story gives the bay a touch of film history, but the setting itself is the real draw.

Expect turquoise water enclosed by rugged rock. The Guns of Navarone Pier offers a strong viewpoint and is one of the best places for photographs. From the boat, you can take in the curved shoreline and steep cliffs before getting into the water.

This is also one of the stronger snorkeling areas on the route. Fish gather around the rocky edges, and the water is clear enough for you to see marine life below. The captain may point out features of the bay and, according to the supplied experience details, has sometimes fed fish so passengers could watch them gather near the boat. That makes this stop especially good for children and first-time snorkelers.

You can enter the water from the boat or stay on deck. Pool noodles and buoyancy aids are available, which is important if you are not a confident swimmer. One particularly useful detail is that Captain Michael has helped nervous adults and children build confidence gradually rather than pressuring them to jump in.

The drawback is popularity. Anthony Quinn Bay is famous, and the scenery attracts more than just this cruise. A small boat helps you avoid the feel of a large organized outing, but you should not expect complete solitude.

Ladiko, the quieter side of the bay

The cruise then heads toward Ladiko, another attractive beach area on the east coast. It lies on the other side of the bay and gives you a different view of the same rocky coastal character.

This stop is about swimming, floating, and taking in the cliffs from the water. The color of the sea is a major part of the appeal, so bring a waterproof phone case if you want photographs while you are in the water. Waterproof cases have been supplied on some departures, but I would still bring your own if you already have one.

Ladiko is a good place to slow down after the first stop. You have already heard the Anthony Quinn story and seen its famous viewpoint. Here, the focus shifts back to the simple pleasure of being offshore, with time to swim and sit on the boat’s deck.

The boat can move quickly between locations. That is exciting for some passengers, but families with very young children should be aware of it. One family-oriented account described the speed as something to keep in mind, while suggesting a larger cruise ship for those who prefer a slower, steadier ride.

Traganou’s gravel shore and rocky caverns

Traganou brings a rougher, wilder setting. The beach has a gravelly and rocky surface, with clear water and caverns cut into the shoreline. This is less about a broad sandy beach and more about rock, texture, and sheltered coastal formations.

You may swim from the boat or explore near the shore, depending on sea conditions and the captain’s instructions. Wear secure, comfortable footwear for the beach and rocky areas. The recommended packing list includes comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.

This stop suits people who like a little variety. Anthony Quinn Bay is the famous scenic stop, while Traganou feels more rugged and less polished. The rocky bottom can be uncomfortable for bare feet, so water shoes would be useful if you have them, though they are not specifically listed as supplied.

Snorkeling here can be enjoyable, but conditions affect visibility. On a calm day, the clear water and rock formations make a good setting for looking below the surface. On a choppier day, you may prefer staying close to the boat and using a noodle or life jacket.

The Alikies caves and the last swim

The final coastal area is home to the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can venture toward the cave area or remain on the beach and relax. This is the stop that often creates the strongest urge to stay longer, because caves and clear water make a particularly photogenic combination.

Some passengers have wished for more time at the final bay, especially when the fish were active and the setting was especially attractive. Keep that in mind when you plan your expectations. The cruise covers several locations, so the schedule is designed for variety rather than extended time at one favorite spot.

The captain’s local commentary adds value here. You get more than a boat ride past cliffs, but the amount of information can vary with the captain and the day. Michael has been especially appreciated for telling stories about the locations without turning the trip into a long lecture.

If you are comfortable in the water, this is a good point to make the most of your remaining swim time. If you are less confident, stay near the boat, use the provided flotation aids, and ask the captain for help. The crew’s calm approach is one of the reasons this outing works for mixed groups.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and the small-boat feel

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Some departures also have snacks onboard, and the cold drinks are welcome after time in the sun. Older experience details have differed on the exact drink selection, so I would not book this specifically for a particular cocktail.

Snorkels, masks, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids have been available on many departures. Waterproof phone cases have also been supplied, a smart touch that lets you take pictures without risking your phone. Still, bring your own equipment if you rely on a particular mask or need a specific size.

The small boat is best for people who enjoy a social but not crowded outing. With four passengers, it can feel almost private. With six or eight, there is still room to sit and move around, but the experience becomes more communal.

You can sunbathe on the spacious deck between stops. The boat also has a restroom and Wi-Fi, though the main reason to choose it is the access to swimming spots, not onboard technology.

Is $64 good value?

I think $64 is fair value if you want several swim stops, a small group, a modern boat, refreshments, and the option of hotel-area pickup. A basic beach visit costs less, but it does not give you access to the caves, offshore views, or multiple bays in one short outing.

The value is strongest for couples, families with confident children, and small groups who want a personal feel without paying for a fully private charter. It is also useful if your holiday schedule is tight. Two and a half hours leaves most of your day free.

The value is weaker if you want a full-day sea adventure, long snorkeling sessions, or extensive time at each beach. You may also prefer a larger vessel if you get seasick or dislike the quick movement of a RIB boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated on this activity. Towels and personal expenses are not included.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Bring swimwear under your clothes, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a phone in a waterproof case. Avoid large bags, since luggage is not allowed onboard.

If you are a weak swimmer, say so before entering the water. Life jackets and noodles are available, and the captain can help you choose the right support. You do not need to prove anything by swimming far from the boat.

Families should consider the speed of the RIB and the short length of the stops. The experience has worked well for children as young as almost three, but each child’s comfort on a fast boat and in open water will differ.

If you suffer from seasickness, sit where the captain advises, keep your eyes on the horizon, and bring any remedy you normally use. The route is scenic, but the boat’s movement can be noticeable.

For photographs, Anthony Quinn Bay and the Alikies caves deserve priority. Use the Guns of Navarone Pier for broad coastal views, then save your phone for underwater shots if a waterproof case is available.

Who should book this cruise?

I would book this for anyone who wants a short, scenic sea outing rather than an all-day cruise. It suits couples, small families, friends, and mixed swimming abilities. The flotation equipment and patient captain make it more approachable than the word snorkeling might suggest.

I would hesitate if you need wheelchair access, dislike fast boats, or want guaranteed long stays at one beach. I would also choose a larger cruise vessel if your children are very sensitive to movement.

For most visitors staying near the listed pickup areas, the combination of four coastal settings, a small group, friendly hosting, drinks, and straightforward transport makes this a strong use of an afternoon. Michael and Lazaros have both been singled out for warm hosting, while the transfer team has helped make the trip easy from hotel pickup to return.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want clear water, fish, caves, and the famous Anthony Quinn coastline without surrendering a full day. The strongest reasons are the small group, helpful safety gear, comfortable boat, and captain-led atmosphere.

Skip it if you need a slow pace, full accessibility, or extended snorkeling at one site. For everyone else, $64 buys a well-packed taste of Rhodes’ east coast, with enough free time to make the swimming feel like the main event rather than an afterthought.

FAQ

How long is the Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $64 per person.

Where do I meet the boat?

Go to the port and find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Snacks may also be available onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids have been available on departures. Waterproof phone cases have also been provided on some trips.

Can non-swimmers join?

Non-swimmers can use life jackets or pool noodles, and the captain can help passengers feel more secure. You should tell the crew about your swimming ability before entering the water.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.