Rhodes: Beach Cruise with Swimming, Meal, & Unlimited Drinks

Blue water, fast boats, and three swim stops.

This four-hour cruise packs a lot into a short morning or afternoon. I like the small 25-person group, which gives you room to move on the 20-meter Opera Boat, and I like the mix of swimming, cave exploring, lunch, and unlimited drinks. The main thing to consider is the party atmosphere: music can get loud, and the cruise may feel more like a floating social event than a quiet sightseeing trip.

The boat leaves from Mandraki Marina, close to Rhodes Old Town and within walking distance of the cruise port. At $94 per person, it is not a budget boat ride, but the price covers lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, Wi-Fi, and three one-hour stops. That makes it good value if you plan to use the full package.

What makes this Rhodes cruise different

• A rare Opera Boat: Only seven of these boats are said to exist worldwide. This 20-meter power RIB is fast, spacious, and designed for a small group.
• Three full hours in the water: You get about one hour each at Traganou Caves, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs.
• Unlimited drinks included: Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are available during the cruise.
• A social boat with room to spread out: The group is capped at 25 passengers, with sunny and shaded seating areas.
• Useful swim equipment: Snorkels, goggles, noodle floats, and other sea toys are provided.
• Easy for cruise-ship passengers: The marina is roughly a 15 to 20-minute walk from the cruise port, according to several guests who made the walk.

From Mandraki Marina to the east coast

Your meeting point is the final kiosk in Mandraki Rhodes Marina, beside the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. The boat passes Rhodes Old Town and Faliraki as it heads along the east coast.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to reach the marina yourself. That is a small hassle if you are staying outside Rhodes Town, but it is simple if you are near the old harbor or arriving by cruise ship. One cruise passenger walked from the ship to the boat in about 20 minutes and returned with plenty of time to spare.

You take off your shoes before boarding and place them in a crate. Bring swimwear, sunglasses, a towel, and sunscreen. Water shoes are especially useful at the caves, where sharp rocks can make walking uncomfortable.

The boat is the star of the first part of the trip. The Opera is described as the world’s largest power RIB, and its size matters. You get the speed and open-air feel of a rigid inflatable boat without being packed tightly into rows of seats. Several people appreciated the clean condition, wide deck, and choice of sunny or shaded spots.

The ride can be lively. Music starts early, and the crew may offer drinks as the boat gets underway. The mood ranges from relaxed lounge music to louder party tracks, including rap and dance music. If you want a peaceful coastal cruise, this may not be your best pick. If you like music, cold drinks, and meeting people, it fits nicely.

Traganou Caves: your first hour in the water

Traganou Caves is usually the first major stop, with around one hour for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring. The boat anchors near the caves, giving you a chance to see the coastline from the water before entering the rocky openings.

This is not a polished beach attraction with paved paths and facilities. It is a natural stop, and the rocks can be sharp. Bring water shoes if you plan to walk into the caves. The supplied snorkeling equipment is convenient, though serious snorkelers should keep expectations modest.

The water is clear and strikingly blue, but this is not marketed as a major marine-life excursion. Someone accustomed to snorkeling in the Caribbean or Hawaii may find the underwater scenery limited. The real appeal is swimming in a sheltered coastal setting and looking into the caves, not spotting large schools of fish.

An hour gives you enough time to try more than one activity without feeling rushed. You can swim, use a noodle float, take photos, or sit on the boat and enjoy the view. The crew also supplies goggles and snorkels, and some passengers bring their own equipment for a better fit.

Anthony Quinn Bay: beautiful water and lunch onboard

The next stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most scenic parts of the route. The boat pauses for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.

The bay is known for its narrow rocky setting and clear water. From the deck, you get a fine view of the curving shoreline and boats gathered in the protected water. The stop is best enjoyed from the sea. You are not simply looking at the bay from a road or crowded beach, and the boat gives you a different angle on the coast.

Lunch is served onboard during this stop or around this part of the cruise. The advertised meal includes salad and fruit, with a vegan option available. The menu has changed over time. Depending on the date, meals have included chicken with rice, burgers and chips, or vegetarian dishes such as stuffed peppers and potatoes.

That variation is worth noting. Some people found the food tasty and satisfying, while others found it plain or served less warmly than expected. Do not book this as a gourmet food tour. Think of lunch as a practical included meal that lets you stay on the water instead of stopping at a restaurant.

Fruit, including watermelon on some trips, is a welcome touch after swimming. Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks add value, especially if you would otherwise buy several drinks at a beach bar. Nonalcoholic options are included, so you do not need to drink alcohol to enjoy the package.

Kallithea Springs: the final swim stop

Kallithea Springs is the final one-hour stop. You cruise toward the area, take photos, and get another chance to swim and snorkel.

The setting is attractive from the water, with rocky edges and bright sea colors. The stop gives the day a relaxed finish because you already know how the boat works, where to store your things, and which swimming equipment you want to use.

The water may feel cold, especially outside the peak summer months. Several people enjoyed the clear water but noted the temperature. Pack a towel and a dry layer for the ride back. The fast boat and warm sun can dry you fairly quickly, but you will still want something comfortable after the last swim.

Kallithea Springs is not presented as a long land visit. This is mainly a sea stop, so do not expect an extended walk through the spring complex or a detailed historical tour. If your priority is swimming in a scenic place, the hour works well. If you want to visit the springs on foot, plan a separate trip.

How the boat feels after three swim stops

The cruise returns to Mandraki Marina after the Kallithea stop, completing roughly four hours on the water. The timing is efficient: each stop gets about an hour, and the boat moves quickly between them.

That schedule is one of the strongest parts of the experience. You are not spending most of the day in transit. You get three different coastal settings and enough time at each to swim, snorkel, take photos, eat, and relax.

The crew is another major strength. Names that come up from the crew include Georgia, Carolina, Violeta, Charlie, Captain Giannis, and others. The staff are often praised for keeping an eye on older passengers, children, solo passengers, and anyone who needs help. Birthday surprises, music, and friendly conversation are part of the boat’s social style.

That friendliness can make the cruise feel personal, but it also contributes to the party character. The crew may encourage dancing or group participation. Solo passengers can fit in easily, while couples and groups celebrating a birthday or hen party may especially enjoy the mood.

The food, drinks, and equipment

The all-inclusive setup is easy to understand. You receive:

• Lunch with salad and fruit
• A vegan meal option
• Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water
• Snorkeling equipment and goggles
• Noodle floats and other sea toys
• Wi-Fi
• An onboard toilet

The food is prepared onboard or brought out for the group, but the exact presentation can vary. Some meals have arrived in individual tin boxes rather than as a buffet. If you have dietary needs, check the current menu before booking rather than relying only on older descriptions.

The drinks are one of the clearest value points. On a four-hour boat trip, buying several drinks separately could add up quickly. Here, you can enjoy a beer, wine, or soft drink without keeping track of every purchase.

The Wi-Fi and toilet are small but useful comforts. Wi-Fi will matter most if you want to send photos or stay connected. The toilet means you do not need to wait until the boat reaches shore.

Price, comfort, and who gets the most value

At $94 per person, this is a premium half-day outing. You are paying for a distinctive boat, a limited passenger count, three swim locations, a meal, drinks, and equipment.

The value is strongest for anyone who wants a complete package. If you would otherwise rent a boat, buy lunch, pay for drinks, and hire snorkeling equipment, the price becomes easier to justify. It is also a good use of time for a cruise passenger with only a short stop in Rhodes.

The value is weaker if you dislike loud music, do not drink, prefer a small quiet sailing trip, or want serious snorkeling. You may pay for features you do not use. The food also seems to be the least consistent part of the package, so keep your expectations sensible.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which is useful, though the swimming stops naturally involve getting into the water from the boat. Ask the operator about the exact help available if you need assistance with boarding or water access.

Practical advice before you go

Arrive at the Mandraki kiosk with enough time to find the boat and settle in. Boarding early may help you choose a preferred seat, especially if you want a particular balance of shade and sun.

Wear swimwear under your clothes. You will spend a large part of the trip in or near the water, and changing on a boat is less convenient than changing before departure.

Bring:

• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Water shoes for the caves
• Your own snorkel if you prefer a personal fit

Shoes are not worn inside the boat, so wear something easy to remove. Protect your phone if you plan to take photos near the water. Some trips have provided phone covers, but you should not assume one will always be available.

Weather matters. A windy day can make the ride less comfortable and may cause motion sickness. The crew can help, but anyone prone to seasickness should consider taking normal precautions before departure. Bad weather has led to trip changes, so keep a little flexibility in your schedule.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when you book.

Is the Rhodes Opera Boat cruise worth booking?

I would book this cruise if you want a lively half-day on the sea, with swimming, good coastal views, lunch, and drinks handled in one price. It is particularly practical for cruise passengers, couples, groups of friends, solo passengers, and anyone who wants more comfort than a crowded large tour boat.

I would skip it if you want silence, a serious snorkeling trip, or a long visit on land at Kallithea Springs. The food is serviceable rather than the main event, and the music may be louder than expected.

For most people who enjoy swimming and a social boat atmosphere, the combination of a rare high-speed boat, three beautiful stops, and attentive crew makes the $94 fare reasonable. Bring water shoes, claim a good seat early, and expect a fun boat party with plenty of time in Rhodes’ clear coastal water.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes Opera Boat cruise meet?

The meeting point is the final kiosk at Mandraki Rhodes Marina, next to the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts four hours. The route includes about one hour at Traganou Caves, one hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, and one hour at Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, salad, and fruit are included, along with a vegan option. The exact meal can change, with past menus including chicken with rice, burgers and chips, and vegetarian dishes.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and goggles are provided. Sea toys, including noodle floats, are also available.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Mandraki Marina.