Rhodes Town: Anthony Quinn, Kalithea & Afandou Boat Cruise

Three bays, one slow boat, six sunny hours. This cruise gives you a simple way to see Rhodes from the water, with stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay. I like the traditional Greek boat called Alkmini, the included snorkeling equipment, and the chance to swim in three different settings without arranging transport between beaches.

I also like the price: $48 for six hours is fair if you want a full day on the sea rather than a short harbor trip. The main drawback is the amount of sailing. The boat moves slowly, and one passenger estimated that about three hours of the day is spent underway. You should also expect limited commentary, despite the advertised live guide.

Key points at a glance

• Three one-hour swim stops: You get roughly an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay.
• Find Alkmini by the Alexander Statue: The boat leaves from Mandraki Port in Rhodes Town.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You do not need to bring your own mask or equipment, though you should bring a towel and swimwear.
• The sailing is part of the experience: The boat travels slowly, giving you broad coastal views, but the journey can feel long if you want nonstop swimming.
• Kallithea is the best wildlife stop: Clear water may reveal fish, squid, and other sea life, though sightings are never guaranteed.
• Good value for active beach time: At $48, the trip suits swimmers who want three coastal stops without paying for private boat hire.

Starting at Mandraki Port beside the Alexander Statue

Your meeting point is easy to identify: look for the Alexander Statue in Mandraki Harbor and then find the boat named Alkmini. Since hotel pickup is not included, you need to make your own way to Rhodes Town and arrive ready to board on time.

That timing matters. The operator states that everyone must be on the boat at the required time, and the cruise does not wait for late arrivals. One useful detail comes from a passenger who missed the first departure because of a delayed bus. The crew arranged another trip for the following day using the same ticket, which shows some practical goodwill, but you should not rely on that outcome.

Alkmini is described as a traditional Greek boat rather than a fast modern speedboat. That gives the cruise a relaxed feel and lets you watch the coast as you leave Rhodes Town. It also explains the main criticism: the trip takes its time. If you enjoy sitting outside with music and sea views, the pace can be pleasant. If you measure a boat trip by the number of minutes spent swimming, the slow crossing may test your patience.

The first hour at Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop. The boat pauses for photos, free time, swimming, and snorkeling, with about an hour available at the bay.

The water here is the main attraction. You can swim in clear blue water beneath the open sky, then use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look below the surface. The stop works well as an introduction because you can choose your own pace: take photos from the boat, sit back, or get into the water.

You should not expect a long guided visit on land. This is a boat-based stop, not a walking tour of the bay. The value comes from seeing the cove from the water and having a fixed block of time to swim.

An hour sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you allow time to prepare, get into the water, snorkel, and return to the boat. If you want photographs, take them early. Once you are in the water, you may prefer to spend the rest of the stop swimming rather than searching for the perfect angle.

The bay can also be a good choice for anyone who does not want a demanding activity. You can use one of the swimming noodles provided, float near the boat, and enjoy the water without needing strong swimming skills. Still, the cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, and entering the water from a boat requires a level of mobility.

Afandou Beach brings a different kind of break

The second stop is Afandou Beach, where you get another hour for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and free time. This is the broadest change in scenery during the day, since the stop gives you a chance to relax beside a beach rather than focusing only on a small bay.

The supplied description presents Afandou as a place to bask in the sun and enjoy the warm shore. If you prefer a beach break after swimming around the boat, this may be your most comfortable stop. You can slow down, listen to the music onboard, and enjoy the coastal setting before the next stretch of sailing.

The stop also includes snorkeling, and the activity details mention the option of scuba activity. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, but no lunch, snacks, or drinks. Bring your own food and water if you need more than the boat provides.

Afandou is also where the lack of shade may matter most. One passenger found that there were few shaded places on the boat during the heat. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat if you use one, and think carefully about how much time you want to spend in direct sun. A six-hour trip can feel much hotter than a short beach visit.

Kallithea Bay offers the best chance to see sea life

The final swimming stop is Kallithea Bay, near Kallithea Springs. Again, the planned stop lasts about an hour and includes photos, swimming, snorkeling, and free time.

This is the stop to watch for fish, squid, and other marine life. The water can be remarkably clear, and you may see colorful fish below the surface. The operator makes no promise about sightings, so treat the snorkeling as an opportunity rather than a guarantee. Sea life does not follow a timetable, and the crew cannot control what appears.

That honest expectation will help you enjoy the stop. Bring patience, keep your face in the water for a while, and pay attention to the area around the boat. You might find the visibility excellent, but you might also see fewer animals than hoped.

Kallithea works well as the final water stop because you can finish the active part of the day with a quiet swim. By then, you will have had two earlier chances to practice with the mask and snorkel. If you are tired, the noodles make it easy to float instead.

Three hours of sailing changes the pace

The cruise lasts six hours, but the three one-hour stops account for only about half the schedule. The remaining time is spent traveling between Rhodes Town and the bays.

That is not a flaw by itself. The route is designed for coastal views, and the slow boat lets you watch Rhodes from the Aegean rather than rushing from one stop to the next. You can sit back, listen to music, take photographs, and enjoy the open water.

Still, you need to choose this trip for the right reason. It is not a fast swimming shuttle. A passenger found the trip a little boring compared with other boat outings because of the long sailing periods and limited explanation. That criticism is useful: if you want constant narration about Rhodes, this may not be your best choice.

The live guide is listed as speaking English and Greek, but communication may be brief. One passenger reported little conversation beyond boarding and leaving the boat. I would treat the crew mainly as practical support for the cruise rather than as a full-time cultural guide.

What the boat provides, and what you need to bring

The included equipment keeps the price reasonable. Your ticket covers:

• The boat cruise
• The experience crew
• Three swim and snorkel stops
• Snorkeling gear
• Music onboard
• Swimming noodles

That is a useful package for a day built around water activities. You do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately, and the noodles are handy if you want to float without constant effort.

The exclusions are just as important. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Neither are lunch, snacks, or drinks. Bring your own refreshments and remember that six hours in the sun can create a bigger appetite than expected.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Comfortable sun protection matters because shade may be limited. A waterproof pouch for small valuables would also be sensible, though it is not specifically listed as a requirement.

Bikes are not allowed. The cruise is also not suitable for wheelchair users. These restrictions are worth checking before you pay, especially if you need step-free access or plan to reach the harbor by bicycle.

Is $48 good value for six hours?

At $48 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to spend most of a day on the water. You receive a traditional boat ride, three coastal stops, snorkeling equipment, crew support, music, and swimming noodles. A private boat would cost much more, while a shorter cruise would give you less time to swim.

The value depends on how you count the hours. If you see the sailing as part of the holiday, the price is strong. You get a broad view of the Rhodes coast and a calm ride between the bays. If you only want water time, you may feel that too much of your ticket pays for slow transport.

Food and drinks are not included, so add those costs to your plan. You also need to reach Mandraki Port yourself. Even with those extra details, $48 remains fair for a six-hour group cruise with three stops.

The rating of 4.3 from 83 ratings supports a generally positive impression, but it also fits the mixed picture. The best comments praise the price, clear water, polite crew, and flexibility after a missed departure. The weaker points are limited shade, little communication, and long sailing time.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most?

I would choose this cruise if you want an easy way to visit several popular swimming spots in one day. It suits couples, friends, and families who are comfortable boarding a boat and spending time in direct sun.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want three chances to swim without arranging separate transport.
• You enjoy a slow cruise with coastal views.
• You are happy with light commentary rather than a history lesson.
• You want snorkeling gear included in the ticket.
• You care about price and do not need a private boat.
• You can bring your own drinks, food, towel, and sun protection.

I would think twice if you dislike long boat crossings, need plenty of shade, or want a guide talking throughout the day. Strong swimmers may enjoy the freedom, while anyone nervous in open water should appreciate the swimming noodles and remain within their comfort level.

The tour is also a poor match if accessibility is a concern. Wheelchair users should not book it based on the information provided.

Practical advice for making the day better

Arrive early at Mandraki Port and locate the Alexander Statue before you start looking for Alkmini. That gives you time to find the right boat without rushing.

Use the first stop to work out how the snorkeling gear fits. That way, you can spend more of the later stops in the water. If you see fish or squid at Kallithea, stay patient and keep looking rather than expecting wildlife to appear immediately.

Protect yourself from the sun from the moment you board. There may be few shaded places, and the open-air ride can make the heat feel constant. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel are not optional extras for this trip.

Bring water and snacks. There is no lunch, snack, or drink included, and the full six-hour schedule leaves plenty of time to get hungry. Keep your belongings compact since the cruise is focused on swimming and movement rather than personal storage.

Finally, be realistic about the guide service. You will have an English and Greek speaking crew, but the experience may not include detailed information about each bay. If you want facts about Rhodes, read up before you go. Then you can use the cruise for what it does best: showing you the coast and giving you three chances to get into the sea.

Should you book the Alkmini cruise?

Book it if you want good-value beach time, clear water, and a relaxed ride from Rhodes Town to three well-known bays. The combination of included snorkeling gear, swimming noodles, and a $48 price makes it a practical choice for a full day outdoors.

Skip it if you want a fast boat, strong narration, guaranteed sea life, or lots of shade. The long sailing sections are the key decision point. For the right person, they are part of the pleasure. For someone seeking nonstop activity, they may be the day’s biggest annoyance.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes boat cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from Mandraki Port in Rhodes Town. Look for the Alexander Statue and find the boat named Alkmini.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours. The schedule includes about one hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, one hour at Afandou Beach, and one hour at Kallithea Bay, with the remaining time spent sailing.

Are snorkeling equipment and swimming aids included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swimming noodles are included in the price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are not included, so you should bring what you need for the six-hour outing.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also plan for limited shade and bring food or drinks if required.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, subject to the booking conditions.