Rhodes: All inclusive Catamaran Escape with Lunch & Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is simple: you get three beautiful swimming spots without arranging boats, food, equipment, or drinks yourself. The Cherry Catamaran spends long enough at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs for you to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or just stretch out in the sun.

I like the small-group feel and the generous onboard food and drink. The catamaran can carry up to 35 people, but departures have sometimes run with roughly 14 to 20 people, leaving plenty of room. The main drawback is wind: the ride out of Mandraki Harbour can feel rough, and the captain may change the route or swimming stops for safety.

Key points to know before you book

• Three east-coast bays: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs each offer a different setting for swimming and snorkeling.
• A proper Greek lunch: Expect chicken, rice, salads, dolmadakia, olives, feta, dips, bread, and fresh fruit.
• Equipment included: Snorkels, paddleboards, noodles, and life jackets are available at the swimming stops.
• Comfortable boat setup: The Cherry Catamaran has shaded seating, open areas, front netting, an outdoor shower, and room to move around.
• Good value at $82: Six hours of sailing, a full lunch, snacks, and local drinks cost less than arranging a private boat with food separately.
• Weather affects the plan: The captain can alter the route, and April, May, and October departures may be moved to another catamaran if numbers are low.

Six hours from Mandraki Harbour to Rhodes’ best bays

You meet at the Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours desk in Mandraki Harbour 20 minutes before departure. That extra time matters because the harbor area has several boats and tour desks, and you do not want to begin the day hunting for the right one.

The cruise begins with a short look at Rhodes Old Town from the water. It is only about five minutes, so do not treat this as a guided Old Town tour. Think of it as a quick orientation before the catamaran turns toward the east coast.

The first long stretch is a sightseeing cruise of roughly 70 minutes. This is when you settle into the boat, find your preferred spot, and watch the shoreline pass. The crew serves a welcome drink and a small Rhodian sesame sweet with honey called melekouni. Local wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are available during the day, with local snacks offered along the way.

The Cherry Catamaran is a good fit if you want the pleasure of being on the water without spending the whole day managing a small rental boat. You can sit in the shade, lie on the front netting, or move around the deck. The boat is described as spacious and clean, and a maximum of 35 people gives the operator a useful limit. Smaller departures feel far more relaxed than a tightly packed excursion boat.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the first long swimming stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is usually the first major stop, with about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. Its emerald-colored water is framed by rocky slopes and thick green growth, giving the bay a more enclosed, wild feel than a broad sandy beach.

The name comes from the actor Anthony Quinn, who became associated with the area after The Guns of Navarone was partly filmed around Rhodes. You do not need to know the film to enjoy the stop, but the story helps explain why this small bay is one of the island’s best-known coastal sights.

The water is the main attraction. Bring your mask if you have a favorite one, but snorkeling gear is provided. Fish can be seen around the boat, and the clear water makes this a good place to try a first snorkel or take a cautious jump from the side.

The paddleboards and floating noodles add choices for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can paddle or snorkel farther from the boat, while children and less confident swimmers can stay close with a noodle or life jacket. There is no need to join every activity. I would use this first stop to test the water, find out how steady the conditions feel, and save some energy for the later bays.

One practical warning: the shoreline and sea floor around the coves can be rocky. Water shoes are useful, especially at stops where you may walk through shallow water or over uneven stone.

Ladiko Bay: lunch beside a calm cove

After a short sightseeing cruise, the catamaran reaches Ladiko Bay for roughly 80 minutes. This stop combines swimming with lunch, so it has a slower rhythm than Anthony Quinn Bay.

Ladiko is smaller and quieter in feel, with attractive rock formations around the water. It is a good place to sit back after the first swim and enjoy the setting without trying to fit in every water activity.

Lunch is more substantial than the usual sandwich handed out on a boat trip. The spread includes traditional Greek salad, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad, dolmadakia, olives, feta, tzatziki, roasted eggplant spread, feta spread, chicken, rice, and fresh bread. Seasonal fruit follows, and the food is prepared onboard.

That menu works well for a mixed group because there are several side dishes even if you do not want chicken. Still, the main meal is not designed as a dedicated vegetarian or vegan menu. If you have a serious allergy or strict dietary need, contact the operator before booking. The crew has catered for dietary issues on some departures, but it is better to arrange this in advance rather than assume.

Drinks are part of the price. You can expect water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer, with drinks offered regularly. One useful detail is that the choice of soft drinks appears limited, mainly to cola and orange juice. That will not matter to most people, but it is worth knowing if you prefer a wider selection.

The alcohol policy is sensible. The crew can stop serving anyone who appears excessively intoxicated. This is a swimming trip, not a floating party boat, and that rule helps keep the mood pleasant and safe for families and quieter couples.

Kallithea Springs: the prettiest final stop

The final major stop is Kallithea Springs, reached after about 30 minutes of sailing. You have around an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, cocktails, and sightseeing.

Kallithea is known for its striking old spring buildings, including formal structures with a distinctly Italianate, almost Vatican-style appearance. The architecture gives this bay a different character from Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko. You are not just stopping at another patch of water; you also get a memorable coastal setting to photograph from the boat.

The sea here is clear and well suited to snorkeling. The bay also has caves and rocky edges, so water shoes are sensible. One account of the stop noted sharp rocks near a small cave, a useful warning for anyone who expects an easy walk in and out of the water.

This last swim is a good chance to slow down. By this point, you have had lunch, spent time in the sun, and used the equipment. You can take a cocktail, float close to the catamaran, or enjoy the view of the spring complex instead of forcing yourself into another energetic paddleboard session.

The return cruise takes about 20 minutes. That is enough time to rinse off with the outdoor shower, dry out, and settle into the ride back to Mandraki Harbour.

Food, drinks, and the value of an all-inclusive boat day

At $82 per person, this cruise is priced well for what it includes. The value comes from the combination of transport by sea, three swimming stops, a full meal, drinks, snacks, and water equipment. You are paying for a complete six-hour outing rather than just a seat on a boat.

The comparison with a self-drive rental is useful. A three-hour rental boat can cost about £170 for friends, before adding lunch, drinks, and equipment. This catamaran trip gives you roughly twice the time on the water, plus a crew, food, and beverages, though you give up the privacy and control of having your own boat.

The food is also a real part of the experience rather than a token inclusion. Greek dips, feta, olives, salads, dolmadakia, chicken, rice, fruit, and fresh bread make it easy to treat the day as lunch with a cruise attached. If you have a large appetite after swimming, the meal should feel filling. If you prefer seafood, note that fish is not listed as a main option.

Drinks are served throughout the day, and you can choose between alcoholic and nonalcoholic options. I like that the package removes the need to carry a cooler or buy drinks at each stop. Just remember that the sun, swimming, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly, so keep drinking water too.

What the crew and boat add to the day

The crew is a big part of the appeal. Summer and Elli are specifically mentioned as friendly, welcoming crew members, and the service style is attentive without forcing constant interaction. Drinks are offered regularly, but you also have room to relax.

That balance matters on a six-hour boat trip. Too little service leaves you searching for basic items. Too much service turns a peaceful cruise into a sales routine. Here, the crew also helps with equipment, answers questions, and pays attention when someone feels unwell.

The catamaran has shaded areas, front netting, open deck space, and room to move. That gives you several ways to handle the strong Rhodes sun. If you want shade, claim it early. If you prefer the front net, use it when the sea is calm and follow the crew’s instructions.

The boat can feel windy when leaving the harbor, especially in less settled weather. Some departures have had cold or rough conditions late in the season. People prone to seasickness should sit near the center of the boat, watch the horizon, and avoid a heavy meal before sailing. The wide catamaran design may feel steadier than a smaller boat, but no sea trip can promise perfectly calm water.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes catamaran cruise

I would choose this trip for couples, families, and friends who want an easy day on the water with enough structure to keep things moving. It works especially well for mixed-ability groups because you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, float, or remain on deck.

Families should appreciate the life jackets, noodles, paddleboards, and long stops. Children who tire of swimming can return to the boat for lunch or shade. Older adults can enjoy the views and meal without needing to take part in every water activity.

It is also a good choice if you are staying in northern Rhodes and want to see the east coast from the water. The pickup point is at Mandraki Harbour, so you need to arrange your own way there, but the central location is practical for people based around Rhodes Town.

I would think twice if you want a quiet private charter, a sandy-beach day, or a seafood-focused menu. This is a shared cruise, the route depends on the weather, and the swimming areas can have rocky entries. It is also not the right pick if you want a strict sightseeing tour with detailed commentary in several languages. The live guidance is in English and Greek, while the main focus is sailing, swimming, and casual service.

Practical details that make the day easier

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, and strong sunscreen. You will spend long periods in direct sun, even if the boat has shaded areas.

Pack water shoes if you own them. They are especially helpful at Kallithea Springs and any rocky swimming entry. A dry bag or sealed pouch is also useful for phones and small valuables, though the supplied information does not specify onboard storage.

Arrive at the Mandraki Harbour desk 20 minutes before departure. The listed duration is six hours, and the route includes sailing time as well as swimming stops. The schedule can change if wind or sea conditions make a planned bay unsafe.

In April, May, and October, the operator may move you to another catamaran if the Cherry Catamaran does not reach its minimum passenger number. You should receive a message as soon as possible if that happens.

The booking terms are flexible: cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times before booking, since departure times vary.

Should you book the Cherry Catamaran?

Book it if you want a well-organized Rhodes sea day with three scenic stops, a proper Greek lunch, and drinks included. The strongest reasons are the spacious catamaran, the friendly crew, the long swimming periods, and the price of $82 for six hours of food, equipment, and sailing.

Go in with sensible expectations. Wind can change the route, snorkeling gear may not always be in perfect condition, and some swimming entries are rocky. If you bring water shoes, sunscreen, a towel, and a flexible attitude, this is one of the better-value ways to see the east coast without renting your own boat.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is the Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours desk in Mandraki Harbour. Arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours, including sailing time and stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

What food is included?

Lunch includes Greek salad, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad, dolmadakia, olives, feta, tzatziki, roasted eggplant spread, feta spread, chicken, rice, fresh bread, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes water, soft drinks, local wine, beer, a welcome drink, and local snacks. A welcome melekouni sesame sweet with honey is also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, floating pool noodles, and life jackets are available. An outdoor shower is also provided.

Can the route change because of the weather?

Yes. The captain may change the route or swimming stops for weather and safety reasons. In April, May, and October, you may be moved to another catamaran if the Cherry Catamaran does not reach its minimum passenger number.