Kolymbia: All Inclusive Cruise to Stegna & Tsambika Beach

Two beautiful Rhodes bays, 70 minutes of swimming time, and an open bar make this a simple, easygoing way to spend part of a holiday. Tsambika Bay is the photogenic first stop, while Stegna gives you another chance to swim and follow your host to a good snorkeling spot.

I like the small-group limit of 28 passengers, even though Aphrodite Breeze is licensed for 49. I also like the relaxed setup: a comfy sofa, cold drinks, and no long sightseeing program to rush through. The main drawback is that this is a short sea outing, not a full-day cruise, and wind can make the ride choppy.

Key points to know

• Two swimming bays: Enjoy about 40 minutes at Tsambika Bay and 30 minutes at Stegna Bay.
• A small wooden boat: Aphrodite Breeze is 36 feet long and capped at 28 passengers for comfort.
• Drinks included: Beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available without extra charges.
• A useful snorkeling stop: Your host points out a good place to snorkel at Stegna Bay.
• Easy departure: Meet Kolymbia Sea Lines in the middle of Kolymbia Harbour.
• Bring beach basics: Sun protection and a towel are advised, and hotel transport is not included.

A relaxed three-hour cruise from Kolymbia

This trip is built around a clear idea: spend less time on formal sightseeing and more time in the water. You board Aphrodite Breeze at Kolymbia Harbour, settle into a sofa, and cruise along the Rhodes coast toward two well-known bays.

I like this format because it does not ask you to give up an entire day. Three hours is enough time to get out on the water, swim in two different places, and enjoy the coast without turning the outing into a major production.

The boat is licensed for 49 passengers, but the operating limit is 28. That difference matters. A boat can feel very different when you have room to sit, move around, and get to the water without lining up behind a large crowd.

The experience is hosted in English. You should expect a friendly, informal boat outing rather than a formal guided tour packed with historical commentary. The focus is the sea, the bays, and the simple pleasure of being looked after for a few hours.

Leaving Kolymbia Harbour aboard Aphrodite Breeze

You meet at Kolymbia Sea Lines, in the middle of Kolymbia Harbour. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, you need to arrange your own way to the port and arrive ready to board there.

Aphrodite Breeze is a 36-foot wooden boat. That gives the trip a more personal feel than a large excursion vessel, though it also means the boat will respond more noticeably to wind and waves.

Choose your seat early if having a particular spot matters to you. The onboard sofa is one of the appealing features, especially for the cruising sections between the bays. You can settle in with a beer, wine, soft drink, or water while the coast passes by.

The boat is licensed for more people than the tour plans to carry. I see that as one of the strongest practical details here. A smaller passenger count usually means less crowding around the seating and boarding areas, and it makes the short cruise feel more like a friendly outing than a floating bus.

Tsambika Bay: the longer swim stop

The first stop is Tsambika Bay, with about 40 minutes set aside for swimming. That is the longest water break of the trip, so it is the place to make the most of your first swim.

Tsambika is presented as one of Rhodes’ most photogenic bays. From the boat, you can take in the natural setting before getting into the water. The appeal is not a list of monuments or a long shore excursion. It is the contrast between the wooden boat, the open sea, and a clear-looking bay suited to a quick swim and snorkel.

You can choose how active you want to be. Swim, snorkel, or stay on board with a drink. The trip does not force everyone into the water, which is useful for couples or families with different energy levels.

Forty minutes is enough for a proper swim, but it is not a full beach afternoon. If you like taking your time with snorkeling, photography, and a long floating session, the clock may feel a little tight. I would have your towel, goggles, and sun protection ready before the stop begins.

The included drinks continue to be part of the experience. You are not paying separately every time you want water or a soft drink, and the open bar makes the trip feel pleasantly uncomplicated.

Stegna Bay and the best place to snorkel

After Tsambika, the boat heads toward Stegna Bay for another swimming stop. The planned time here is about 30 minutes, giving you a second chance to cool off and see a different part of the coast.

Your host shows you a good place to snorkel in Stegna Bay. That small piece of guidance is useful because a short stop can otherwise turn into a few minutes of swimming around without knowing where to look.

Stegna works well as the second stop because you have already had time to get comfortable in the water at Tsambika. You can use this break for another swim, a quick snorkel, or a quieter spell on the boat.

The shorter stop also means you need to keep an eye on time. Thirty minutes passes quickly once you have entered the water. If snorkeling is your main goal, listen carefully to the host’s directions and head straight to the suggested area rather than spending too long deciding where to start.

The two bays give the cruise a useful rhythm. Tsambika offers the longer first swim and Stegna adds variety without extending the trip into a full-day commitment.

What the open bar really adds

The unlimited drinks are not just a minor extra. They shape the mood of the cruise. You can have an ice-cold beer, wine, a soft drink, or water without carrying a wallet around the boat or worrying about each purchase.

I would still treat the open bar as a comfort feature, not the main reason to book. The real value is the combination of drinks, seating, and swimming stops. If you only want a party boat, this outing may feel too gentle. If you want a calm coastal trip with a drink in hand, it fits better.

Water is included, which matters in the Rhodes sun. You should still bring sun protection, since the boat and swim stops put you outdoors for much of the three hours. A beach towel is also advised.

The wording around unlimited drinks means you can expect beer, wine, water, and soft drinks to be available during the cruise. The information does not specify particular brands, cocktails, or a full food service, so I would not book this expecting meals or a cocktail menu.

Comfort, group size, and the feel on board

The strongest comfort point is the passenger cap. With no more than 28 people planned on a boat licensed for 49, there should be more breathing room than on a fully loaded excursion.

The comfy sofa is another welcome touch. It gives you somewhere to relax during the cruise between the bays, rather than treating the boat only as a transfer platform. I would expect the seating to be popular, so arrive prepared to share the space rather than assuming one sofa will be reserved for your party.

A smaller wooden boat can also make the sea feel more immediate. You are closer to the water and more aware of the conditions. That is part of the charm on a calm day, but it can be less comfortable when the wind picks up.

The trip has received a current rating of 4.8 from 73 ratings, with particularly strong praise for the friendly crew, comfortable boat, drinks, and swim stops. I would place most weight on those points because they are central to the actual experience and within the operator’s control.

Wind, waves, and choosing the right day

Conditions matter on any short boat trip. The cruise runs on the sea, so the ride may be smooth or noticeably wavy depending on the day.

You should not assume that every part of the journey will feel equally calm. The ride out can be choppier, while the return may feel smoother, or the pattern may be different. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you feel most stable, look toward the horizon, and avoid overdoing the drinks before the swimming stops.

The route is designed around bays, not a promise of perfectly flat water. That is why I would choose this trip when the forecast looks pleasant and keep expectations flexible. A calm day could make the three hours feel wonderfully easy. A windy day may make the cruise less restful, even if the swim stops remain enjoyable.

Sun protection is essential. Bring a towel, use sunscreen, and remember that the breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it is.

Who gets the best value from this cruise

I think this outing suits you if you want a short, social sea trip with swimming built in. It works especially well when you have only part of a day available or when you want a break from road trips and town sightseeing.

It is also a good choice if you value a smaller group. The limit of 28 passengers gives the experience a more comfortable scale than a large harbor boat carrying its full licensed capacity.

Families, couples, and friends can all make use of the flexible pace. One person can swim while another stays on the sofa with a soft drink. The included water and other drinks simplify things for a mixed group.

You should think twice if you want a long snorkeling session, a meal, hotel pickup, or a full-day coastal itinerary. None of those is part of the stated plan. You get two swim stops, a three-hour cruise, and drinks, not a full sightseeing day.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which makes it a useful option for people checking access before booking. The provided information does not explain the exact boarding arrangements or water access, so you should confirm any specific mobility needs in advance.

Timing, cancellation, and practical planning

The total duration is three hours, but starting times vary. Check the available departure time when you book, then allow enough time to reach Kolymbia Harbour.

The meeting point is Kolymbia Sea Lines in the middle of the harbor. This is a harbor departure, not a hotel pickup service, so transport planning is part of your job.

The activity ends back at the same meeting point. That makes it easy to plan a meal, beach time, or another activity afterward, provided you leave yourself a little breathing room in case the boat returns later than expected.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which can help if your Rhodes plans are still shifting.

My verdict: book it for the water, not a packed program

I would book this cruise if I wanted a comfortable half-day break with two attractive swimming bays, friendly hosting, and drinks included. The 28-passenger limit and the 36-foot wooden boat give it a more personal feel, while the two swim stops keep the outing active enough.

I would skip it if I wanted a full-day cruise, extensive snorkeling, lunch, or guaranteed calm seas. For most people seeking an easy three-hour escape from Kolymbia, though, the mix is well judged: 40 minutes at Tsambika, 30 minutes at Stegna, and plenty of relaxed time aboard Aphrodite Breeze.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Kolymbia Harbour. Look for Kolymbia Sea Lines in the middle of the harbor.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How much swimming time is included?

You get about 40 minutes at Tsambika Bay and 30 minutes at Stegna Bay.

Are drinks included?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to Kolymbia Harbour.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What should I bring?

Bring sun protection and a beach towel. You should also wear or bring suitable swimwear for the two swimming stops.