Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

The best part of this Rhodes boat trip is the variety packed into 2.5 hours. You move from the famous Anthony Quinn Bay to Ladiko, Traganou’s rocky coves, and the Alikies caves, with time to swim from the boat or relax on deck between stops.

I like the small group of up to eight people, which gives the trip a friendly, almost private feel. I also like the practical touches: snorkels, masks, pool noodles, buoyancy aids, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a restroom are available onboard. The main drawback is the short running time. Four stops make for a lively afternoon, but you may wish for more time at the most scenic bay.

Key points to know

• Four east-coast swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves each offer a different setting.
• A small RIB with room for eight: This feels more personal than a large sightseeing boat, but the ride can be fast and lively.
• Anthony Quinn Bay has a film connection: The bay was used during filming of The Guns of Navarone, and the nearby pier is a prime photo spot.
• Snorkeling equipment and floats are supplied: Pool noodles and buoyancy aids help less confident swimmers enjoy the stops.
• Pickup can be arranged: Hotel-area pickup is available from several parts of Rhodes, including Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, and Kremasti.
• Drinks are included, but keep expectations modest: Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are listed, though one account described only fizzy drinks and water onboard.

Why This Short Cruise Works

Rhodes has plenty of full-day boat outings, but this one suits you if you want sea time without giving up an entire day. The route stays along the east coast, where the water is clear and the coves are easy to reach by boat.

The RIB is comfortably furnished, with a spacious deck for sunbathing and seating for a small group. It is not a silent sailboat. The motor gives the journey energy, and some children may find the speed exciting while others may prefer a larger, slower vessel.

The small capacity matters. A group of eight means you are not sharing the swim stops with a whole busload of people from your own boat. Families, couples, and small groups can spread out a little, ask the captain questions, and get help with swimming equipment.

The crew has received especially strong praise for being warm and attentive. Captains Michael and Lazaros are named in the feedback, while Harry is praised for handling hotel transfers and helping guests reach the boat. Crew members have helped nervous swimmers, explained the stops, offered floats, and even let a child briefly pretend to steer.

That personal approach is one of the main reasons this outing offers good value at $48 per person. You are not paying for a meal or a full-day excursion. You are paying for a compact coastal cruise, four water stops, equipment, a small group, and transport options. For an afternoon activity, the price is fair, especially if you will actually swim and snorkel.

Finding the Boat at the Marina

The main meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. The activity finishes at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the marina.

Pickup is optional. If you choose it, it can be arranged from a central point near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, or Ammoudes. The exact pickup information is sent separately, so check your email, including the spam folder.

The transfer can add useful convenience. Harry is specifically praised for arriving on time, using a comfortable vehicle, and taking people directly to the boat. Some pickup arrangements may include scenic stops for family photographs on the way, but do not treat this as a separate sightseeing tour. The main event begins once you are on the water.

Bring only what you need. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and there is no reason to haul them onto a small RIB. Pack swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. A waterproof phone pouch is worth bringing if you want photos from the water, although waterproof phone covers have also been available onboard.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone Pier

Anthony Quinn Bay is the headline stop. The bay takes its name from the Hollywood actor, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone on Rhodes. You get a little local film history along with the swimming, rather than simply being dropped at another attractive beach.

The boat heads toward the Guns of Navarone Pier, a particularly photogenic place with views over the bay. Bring your camera, but protect it carefully. The best views come with salt spray, wet decks, and the temptation to take your phone into the water.

This is a good place to snorkel. The water is described as clear, and fish can be seen around the swimming areas. You can jump directly from the boat or use the supplied pool noodles and buoyancy aids if you are not a confident swimmer.

The wording of the timing deserves attention. The route information gives Anthony Quinn Bay as a two-hour stop, but the whole cruise is listed as 2.5 hours and includes three more areas. Treat the schedule as flexible rather than assuming you will receive two full hours in the water here. The captain controls the timing according to the day’s conditions and the route.

Anthony Quinn Bay can be the busiest and most recognizable stop, so its appeal is partly visual. If you want the classic Rhodes photo, this is likely the place to take it. If you prefer quiet swimming, the later coves may feel more relaxed.

Ladiko: Turquoise Water Across the Bay

Next comes Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. The setting is marked by turquoise water and rough cliffs, with the boat providing a good view before you get in.

Ladiko works well as a swimming stop because you can choose your level of activity. Swim and look for fish, jump from the boat, or stay on the spacious deck and enjoy the view. The crew can provide masks, snorkels, noodles, and buoyancy aids, so you do not need to pack a full set of water gear.

You should still bring your own towel. Towels are not included, and repeated swims without one can make the rest of the trip less comfortable. A cover-up or dry shirt is also useful, though it is not listed as a required item.

The coastline here is rocky rather than sandy. That makes it attractive from the water, but it also means you should wear suitable footwear while boarding and moving around the boat. Comfortable shoes are recommended for exactly this reason.

Traganou’s Rocky Shore and Caves

Traganou offers a change of mood. Instead of focusing only on a famous beach, the boat visits a gravel shore with a rocky surface, clear water, and caverns cut into the coast.

This is one of the more interesting stops if you enjoy exploring rather than simply floating. The hidden openings create a wild setting, and you may be able to swim toward the cave areas with guidance from the captain. The trip description calls for another beach stop here, so do not expect a formal cave tour with paths, lighting, or a long land visit.

The swimming can be more demanding at rocky locations. You may need to enter from the boat, and the surface is not the place for bare feet if you go ashore. Use the available floats if needed, and listen carefully to the crew before leaving the boat.

Traganou is also a good reminder of what this experience is, and what it is not. It is a quick-moving coastal outing with several water breaks, not a slow archaeological cruise or a beach day with hours on one stretch of sand.

The Alikies Caves and the Final Swim

The last area is the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can explore the cave area from the water or relax on the beach, depending on your energy and the conditions.

This stop may appeal most to photographers and snorkelers. One account specifically wished for more time at the final bay because it offered striking views and plenty of fish. That is useful advice: if the final stop is your priority, ask the crew early how much time will be available, since a 2.5-hour outing has to keep moving.

The caves also give the trip a satisfying finish. You have seen a famous bay, a second beach, a rocky coastline, and a less familiar cave area. The route does not rely on one attraction alone.

At the end, the boat returns to the marina. Keep watch for dolphins along the way. Dolphin sightings are possible, not promised, so consider them a bonus rather than a reason to book the trip.

Drinks, Snacks, and Onboard Comfort

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included, and the boat is described as carrying snacks as well. Some people have reported receiving a cocktail, while another account noted fizzy drinks and water instead of cocktails. If the drink matters to your decision, confirm the current offering when you book.

The practical facilities are better than you might expect on a short RIB outing. Wi-Fi and a restroom are available onboard, and the deck has enough space for sunbathing. The boat also carries swimming aids and snorkeling equipment.

Do not expect a full lunch. The included food is described as snacks, so eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal. Personal expenses are not included, and you should bring only a small amount of what you need because large bags are not allowed.

The crew has also provided smoking equipment, according to one account. That detail may matter to smokers, but the main point is that this is a compact boat with limited space. Be considerate of other people onboard and follow the crew’s instructions.

Who Should Book This RIB Cruise?

I would choose this for couples, friends, and small families who want several swim stops without spending a full day at sea. It also suits a group celebrating a birthday or another special occasion, since the boat can feel private when only a few people book.

The experience can work for children, too. Pool noodles and buoyancy aids are supplied, and the crew has helped young swimmers gain confidence. Still, the RIB can move quickly. If your child dislikes speed, spray, or jumping into open water, a larger cruise boat may be more comfortable.

This is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not the best fit if you want long beach visits, a formal meal, or a slow cruise with extensive historical commentary. The guide speaks English, and the focus is on the coast, swimming, snorkeling, and a few short stories about the places you visit.

The boat’s speed is part of the fun, but it can also be tiring. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider eating lightly before departure and bringing any personal remedy you normally use. That suggestion is practical rather than a claim about the boat’s motion, since conditions can vary.

Booking Details and Value

At $48 per person, the price sits comfortably in the reasonable range for a small-group boat activity. The four swim areas, transport option, equipment, drinks, and restroom add real value. The strongest value comes when you want an active afternoon rather than a sightseeing ride.

The flexible booking terms help if your Rhodes plans are still shifting. You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Check the available start times before booking, since the cruise is offered at selected times rather than as an all-day open departure.

The meeting point and pickup details deserve attention. Select the right pickup option, read the separate instructions, and allow time to reach the marina. If you are staying outside the listed pickup areas, plan to make your own way to the port.

Should You Book It?

Book this cruise if you want four chances to swim, enjoy a fast boat, and prefer a small group over a large deck packed with people. Anthony Quinn Bay provides the famous setting, while Traganou and Alikies offer more rugged scenery and cave exploration.

Skip it if you want a leisurely full-day outing, long time on a single beach, or guaranteed cocktails and dolphin sightings. For everyone else, the combination of friendly crew, useful swimming equipment, clear water, and a compact route makes this a strong way to spend an afternoon on Rhodes’ east coast.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes RIB cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $48 per person.

Where does the boat depart?

You meet the captain at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant.

Where does the cruise finish?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point at the marina.

Which places does the boat visit?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included in the activity details. The exact drink selection can vary, so confirm the current offering when booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available onboard, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.