Rhodes Town: Fishing Boat Trip with Fish Meal and Swim Stops

Fish, fire, and blue water make a fine Rhodes day. This five-hour outing on Makarounas Fishing Trip uses a traditional 10.5-meter Greek fishing boat, with room for up to 12 people. I like the hands-on fishing lesson, especially for beginners, and the freshly cooked meal served by the crew. The main drawback is simple: open water can be rough, and one passenger reported serious seasickness, so take care if you are prone to it.

The small boat gives you a more personal outing than a large sightseeing vessel. Angelo keeps people laughing and helps with everything from bait and tangled lines to swimming and snorkeling, while the captain handles the boat and barbecue. The water may feel cold outside the hottest months, and catching fish is never guaranteed, but the crew still makes the day worthwhile if your line stays empty.

Quick takeaways before you book

• A 10.5-meter traditional boat: The boat carries up to 12 people, giving the trip a small-group feel without feeling cramped.
• Beginner-friendly fishing: The crew shows you how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in your catch.
• A real meal at sea: Fresh fish is grilled on board with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Chicken or a vegetarian option may be arranged.
• Swimming and snorkeling in a quiet cove: Masks, life jackets, and other equipment are supplied, with an underwater camera provided on some outings.
• A lively crew: Angelo is praised for his humor and practical help, while the captain prepares the boat, fishing, and food.
• Good value at $76: The price includes fishing gear, food, drinks, crew assistance, and five hours on the sea.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbor

Your meeting point is Mandraki Harbor, beside the Evangelismos church, at kiosk 2 for Makarounas. This is a central Rhodes Town location, but allow enough time to find the exact kiosk among the harbor activity. The stated duration is five hours, and the departure time changes, so check the available start time when booking.

The first part of the outing gives you a pleasant view of Rhodes from the water. The boat passes around the city gate area, letting you see the harbor and coastline from a different angle. This is not a dedicated city tour, so do not expect a long commentary on monuments. The appeal is the change of viewpoint: you are already leaving the town behind while the fishing gear is being prepared.

The boat itself is part of the experience. At 10.5 meters long, it is large enough for a toilet, seating, fishing equipment, and a grill, yet small enough to feel connected to the crew. With a maximum of 12 people, you are not one face in a crowd. That matters when you need help with a line or want a quick answer about your catch.

Learning to fish, even if you have never held a rod

The fishing is not just a photo opportunity. The crew explains how to put bait on the hook, how to hold the rod, and how to reel in a fish. Two fishing methods may be used during the day, giving beginners a little variety rather than one long wait with a line in the water.

Angelo is especially helpful with first-timers. He assists children and adults, sorts out tangled lines, and explains the fish you catch. One useful detail is that he can tell you which fish are edible, so you get more than a quick picture before the catch goes on the grill.

Fishing is naturally unpredictable. Some people catch several fish, while others catch none. That is not a flaw in the boat trip, but it is worth understanding before you pay. You are buying time on the water, instruction, swimming, food, and company, not a guaranteed haul.

The relaxed mood helps. You can enjoy the process even when your rod stays quiet. If you are traveling with children, the chance to hold a rod, watch the line, and learn from the crew may be more memorable than the final number of fish.

Fishing spots along the Rhodes coast

The boat stops in areas chosen for fishing rather than simply cruising past the coast. The exact locations are not fixed in the information provided, since conditions and fish activity can affect where the captain goes. That flexibility is useful. A captain who can adjust the route has a better chance of finding suitable water than one locked into a rigid schedule.

You will likely spend time moving between several fishing points. One outing included three fishing areas before the swimming stop. Between casts, you can watch the coastline, talk with the crew, or simply sit with a drink.

Do not expect a quiet luxury cruise. Fishing equipment is in use, lines may tangle, and several people may need help at once. That is part of the charm, especially if you want an active day with a little sea-going mess. The crew’s friendly approach seems to matter as much as the fishing itself.

The boat carries drinks throughout the outing. This is helpful because the sun, wind, and salt water can make five hours feel longer than expected. Food and drinks are included in the price, so you are not constantly calculating extra costs once you are on board.

The onboard barbecue and fresh catch

The barbecue is the heart of the outing. After the fishing stops and during the swimming break, the captain and crew prepare lunch on board. Freshly caught fish is grilled and served with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks.

The meal is more generous than a token snack. The fish is cooked at sea, close to the moment it was caught, which gives the food a clear sense of place. You are not just looking at Rhodes from a boat. You are eating a meal tied directly to the water around you.

Fish is the main attraction, but the crew has shown flexibility. Chicken and vegetarian food can be arranged, and one party was offered chicken because not everyone wanted fish. If you have an allergy, intolerance, or a specific preference, contact the operator in advance. The crew has asked about these needs before departure, which is a good sign, but you should still state your requirements clearly.

Lunch is generally served while taking in the sea views, often on the return journey. The setting is casual. You may be seated close to other people, and the boat’s working areas are nearby. If you want a polished restaurant meal, this is not it. If you like food with a story and do not mind a little spray, movement, and grill smoke, it is excellent value.

A secluded cove for swimming and snorkeling

The second half of the trip centers on a swim stop in a secluded cove. The crew provides the basic equipment needed for the water, including masks and life jackets. An underwater camera has also been available on outings, which can make the stop more enjoyable if you want photos beneath the surface.

The cove gives the trip a useful change of pace. Fishing requires patience and attention. Swimming lets you stretch, cool off, and see the coast from water level. The underwater area may include colorful fish, coral, and other marine life, though the exact conditions depend on the day.

Water temperature is worth considering. In late spring or autumn, it may feel cold, and one person chose not to swim for that reason. You can still enjoy the stop from the boat, but do not book this solely for warm-water swimming outside the hottest part of summer.

Life jackets are available, and crew members help people in the water. Still, you should be comfortable with basic boat and sea conditions. The activity is suitable for a mix of abilities, but the sea is not a swimming pool. If you are uncertain, ask the crew for help and use the safety equipment provided.

Angelo, the captain, and the easygoing atmosphere

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Angelo is often the public face of the outing, helping with fishing, explaining the catch, looking after swimmers, and keeping the group entertained. His joking style is a big part of the mood. He is happy to call himself an expert at almost everything, which can become a running joke during the day.

The captain, identified by several passengers as Vassilis or Vanasis, handles the boat and also helps prepare the food. Another crew member, Mike, has assisted with fishing and worked behind the scenes on the barbecue. The result is a hands-on operation rather than a polished production with separate staff for every task.

That atmosphere will suit you if you like friendly banter and direct contact with the people running your excursion. It may be less appealing if you want silence, formal service, or a carefully controlled schedule. The humor is part of the appeal, but the crew still takes practical matters seriously, including helping with sea sickness and making sure people have food they can eat.

The crew speaks Greek and English. That is enough for fishing instruction, safety guidance, food choices, and general conversation.

What the $76 price really includes

At $76 per person, this is a strong value for a five-hour outing if you plan to eat, fish, and swim. The fee includes the boat trip, fishing gear, crew assistance, a fresh fish meal, other food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment.

A comparable day can become expensive if you pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, equipment rental, and a swim cruise. Here, the cost is bundled into one activity. The small group size adds value because you get more direct help than you might on a large vessel.

The price makes less sense if you dislike fish, do not want to enter the water, and have little interest in fishing. You can still enjoy the scenery and meal, especially with a chicken or vegetarian option, but the core of the outing is the sea, the rod, and the barbecue.

The trip offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Rhodes schedule is still shifting. The start time depends on availability, so check it before arranging another activity on the same day.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring clothes that can handle sea spray, a swimsuit, and a towel. A change of clothes is sensible after swimming, though the supplied information does not specify storage or changing facilities.

If you suffer from motion sickness, take your usual precautions before leaving. One passenger had a difficult time with sea sickness, and the crew tried to help. That kindness is useful, but it cannot remove the movement of a small boat.

Tell the operator about allergies, food restrictions, or meal preferences ahead of time. Fish, chicken, and vegetarian choices have all been accommodated, but advance notice is the smart way to avoid confusion.

Do not judge the day only by your own catch. Fishing luck varies from person to person. The boat ride, instruction, swim stop, meal, and conversation remain part of what you paid for.

The trip is also a good choice for families, provided children are comfortable around open water and can follow crew instructions. The crew assists both children and adults, and the fishing lesson is simple enough for beginners.

Who should book this Rhodes boat trip?

I would choose this outing if you want a small-group sea day with real participation. You fish instead of only watching the coast, eat a meal prepared on board, and get time to swim and snorkel. That mix gives the day more substance than a short harbor cruise.

It is especially well suited to families, couples, first-time fishers, and anyone who likes relaxed company. Experienced anglers may enjoy the chance to show their skills, but should keep expectations modest because this is a five-hour recreational trip, not a specialist fishing charter.

I would think twice if you are highly sensitive to motion, dislike communal meals, or need a fixed timetable. The water may be unsettled, the boat is small, and the activity depends on sea conditions and fishing luck.

Should you book it?

Book this Rhodes fishing trip if you want a friendly, hands-on outing rather than a passive boat ride. The best reasons are the crew’s personal help, the fresh barbecue, and the easy combination of fishing, snorkeling, and swimming for $76.

Take motion sickness seriously, and do not assume you will catch a fish. If you accept those two points, Makarounas Fishing Trip offers a generous half-day on the Mediterranean with food, equipment, and plenty to do.

FAQ

Where does the fishing boat trip meet?

The meeting point is Mandraki Harbor, beside Evangelismos church, at kiosk 2 for Makarounas.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts five hours.

How many people can the boat carry?

The traditional fishing boat is 10.5 meters long and has capacity for up to 12 people.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing gear is included, and the crew helps children and adults use it.

Do beginners need fishing experience?

No. The crew explains how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in a catch.

Is food included?

Yes. Food and drinks are included, with freshly caught fish prepared on board. The meal also includes Greek salad and garlic bread.

Can I request chicken or vegetarian food?

Chicken and vegetarian options have been available. Contact the operator in advance about meal preferences, allergies, or intolerances.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The crew provides the equipment needed for the snorkeling stop. Masks and life jackets have been provided, and an underwater camera has also been available.

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.