Rhodes: Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Gourmet Buffet & Open Bar

Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this six-hour cruise gives you three chances to swim from a classic wooden caique without chasing a sun lounger or paying for each drink. You cruise past the medieval city, stop at Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, then return to Mandraki Port after a full day at sea.

I especially like the allocated seating, which removes the usual rush to claim a good spot, and the food and drink service. Chef Diamantis prepares a Greek buffet onboard, while the crew serves wine, beer, cocktails, water, and soft drinks. The main consideration is that the boat anchors offshore, so reaching land means swimming. The music can also get lively, which suits a party mood more than a quiet afternoon.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swim stops: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach and Anthony Quinn Bay each offer time for swimming, snorkeling and photos.
• Allocated seating: You have a reserved place onboard, so you do not need to sprint aboard for a seat.
• Greek lunch at sea: Chef Diamantis prepares a buffet with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free choices.
• Open bar included: Wine, beer, ouzo, signature cocktails, water, juices and other soft drinks are part of the price.
• Classic wooden caique: Romantika offers a more characterful setting than a plain sightseeing boat.
• Bring sun protection: You can burn quickly while relaxing on deck, even on a cloudy day.

Six hours aboard Romantika

The experience begins at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece building. Look for the wooden Romantika and crew members in blue shorts with red striped shirts. The welcome starts around 9:30 in the morning, with departure at 10. You return at about 4 pm.

At $104 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach near Rhodes. It is a fair price if you plan to use the full package: six hours on the water, three swim stops, snacks, a substantial lunch, snorkeling equipment, and an open bar. Buying those elements separately would quickly add up, and the allocated seating gives the day a more orderly feel.

The boat has comfortable deck areas, including beanbag-style seating mentioned by several people who enjoyed the upper deck. There is also a toilet and shower onboard. Seating is restricted and planned in advance, so you can settle in without the first-come scramble common on day cruises.

The mood changes during the day. Early on, the cruise feels calm and scenic. After lunch, music, dancing, cocktails and even Greek Zorba dancing can turn the boat into a small party. You can enjoy that energy or retreat to a quieter part of the deck when available.

Sailing past Rhodes Old Town

The first 45 minutes are a sightseeing cruise along the east coast. From the water, you see St. Nicholas Fortress, the medieval old city, the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Fontana Grande and Rams Rock.

This part is more about views than formal guiding. The boat gives you a different angle on Rhodes, especially as the old city and harbor defenses recede behind you. Bring your camera, but also keep your hat secure. The boat remains exposed to sun and wind for much of the day.

The cruise is a useful reminder that Rhodes is more than its inland monuments. From the deck, the island’s eastern shore becomes a long sequence of rocky points, swimming coves and bright open water. You will spend plenty of time simply watching the coast pass by.

Kallithea Springs: the first swim

After about 45 minutes, Romantika anchors in Kallithea Bay for roughly an hour. Kallithea Springs is known for its seaside architecture and historic spa setting, and the bay combines that built heritage with clear water and rocky shorelines.

You can swim, snorkel, use a pool noodle, jump from the boat’s lower or higher decks, take photos, or stay onboard with an aperitif. The boat does not pull up to a beach, so reaching the shore requires a swim. If you are not a confident swimmer, remain near the boat and use the supplied swim aids.

The one-hour stop is long enough to enjoy the water without turning the day into a rushed series of ten-minute pauses. Snorkeling masks are included, though conditions and visibility depend on the day. This is also a good moment to test the water before committing to the longer swim stops later.

Three blasts from the captain’s horn signal departure. It is a simple system, but pay attention. You do not want to be the person still photographing the bay when the boat is ready to leave.

Cruising toward Afandou Beach

The next cruise lasts about 45 minutes and follows the coast south past Faliraki toward Afandou. During this stretch, the crew brings out snacks, wine and aperitifs.

Afandou is a different setting from Kallithea, with a long beach stretching for about four kilometers and the Caves of Traganou nearby. You have about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, walking on the beach, jumping from the boat, or relaxing while lunch is prepared.

Because Romantika anchors offshore, the beach walk depends on your swimming ability and comfort in open water. If you mainly want to relax, the boat itself remains the practical base. The upper deck and open seating give you a place to sunbathe, watch the coast, and build an appetite.

This is the most active part of the day for many people. You can alternate between the water and the deck rather than choosing one activity for the entire stop. Families should keep a close eye on children around the jumping points and while swimming back to the boat.

A Greek buffet prepared onboard

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sightseeing boat. The buffet is prepared onboard by Chef Diamantis using local ingredients, with traditional Greek recipes and signature dishes.

The exact menu can change with the ingredients of the day, and seafood is included when available. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are offered, so you should have useful choices even if you avoid meat, dairy or wheat.

The meal arrives after the Afandou swim stop, when you are likely to be hungry. Wine from selected Rhodes wineries, cold beer, juices and water are available with lunch. The open bar also includes ouzo and signature cocktails, with Greek spirits such as ouzo and masticha used in some drinks.

I would not book this solely as a gourmet dining event. It is a generous onboard buffet served in a relaxed setting, not a formal restaurant meal. Still, the food receives unusually strong praise, and the combination of fresh dishes, sea views and a post-swim appetite makes it a real feature rather than a token inclusion.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the final swim

After lunch, the boat cruises for around 20 minutes beside large rock formations before reaching Anthony Quinn Bay. The cove takes its name from the actor, who developed an affection for the area while filming The Guns of Navarone. The land later returned to Greek government control.

The bay is smaller and more enclosed than the earlier stops, with dramatic rock around the water. You have about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, photos, wildlife viewing, or relaxing on deck with dessert and a cocktail.

This final stop has a celebratory feel. The crew may put on music, encourage dancing and teach the Zorba dance. If you prefer a quiet swim, the natural setting still gives you that option, but the atmosphere may be livelier than at Kallithea.

Again, there is no direct dock access in the bay. You swim from the anchored boat, so bring only what you need onto the deck and secure loose belongings. A towel, swimsuit, sunscreen and comfortable shoes are essential.

The ride back to Mandraki Port

The return cruise lasts about an hour. By this point, you will have spent much of the day in the sun, in the water or beside an open bar, so the ride back can feel either pleasantly relaxed or surprisingly energetic.

Music remains part of the experience. Past trips have included dancing, singalongs and a captain who joined the entertainment. Alexander is known for bringing a particularly playful presence, while Hara has been praised for courteous service. The crew’s friendliness is a recurring strength of the experience, but the exact mood depends on the people onboard that day.

One useful tip: bring sunscreen and reapply it often. Someone reported getting sunburned despite overcast conditions, which is easy to understand when you spend six hours on reflective water. A hat and cover-up will make the return journey more comfortable.

What the $104 price really covers

The price makes the most sense for someone who wants a full-service day rather than a bare boat transfer. Included are:

• Allocated seating
• Aperitifs and snacks
• Greek buffet lunch
• Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food choices
• Wine, beer, ouzo, cocktails, water, juice and other soft drinks
• Snorkeling masks
• Pool noodles and swim aids
• Music
• Use of the onboard facilities

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though an optional paid transfer may be available depending on distance. You need to reach Mandraki Port yourself unless you arrange that extra service.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the current departure details when booking, since availability and starting times can change.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This suits couples, friends, families with confident swimmers, and anyone who wants to combine swimming with a social day at sea. It also works well for cruise passengers looking for a full-day shore activity, since the boat leaves from Mandraki and returns there.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like:

• Swimming from a boat rather than spending all day on a sandy beach
• Casual buffet food with local flavors
• An open bar and steady service
• Music, dancing and a friendly group atmosphere
• A comfortable base with your own assigned seating
• Scenic coastline views without changing hotels or beaches

It is less suitable if you need step-free access into the water, dislike boat movement, or want a silent nature cruise. The shore stops require swimming, and the onboard music may become loud at times. There is plenty of time to relax, but this is not a private yacht charter.

Small details that make the day easier

Arrive early enough to find the boat without stress, especially since the meeting point is in a working harbor. The crew’s blue shorts and red striped shirts help you identify the right team.

Wear comfortable shoes for moving around the boat and pack a towel, swimsuit, hat and sunscreen. Keep valuables in a secure bag. You may want a light cover-up for the ride home, even in hot weather.

Snorkeling masks and swim aids are supplied, so you do not need to bring your own equipment. The boat has a shower, which is helpful after three saltwater stops, but you should still pack dry clothes if you want to be comfortable in the evening.

Should you book Romantika?

Book this cruise if you want a polished, sociable day that combines Rhodes coastline views, three swim stops, a proper Greek lunch and drinks without constant extra charges. The allocated seating is a practical advantage, and the food and crew service give the trip more substance than a simple beach-hopping boat ride.

Skip it if your ideal day means total quiet, direct beach access or a small private group. For everyone else, the combination of Kallithea Springs, Afandou, Anthony Quinn Bay and an open bar makes the $104 price reasonable, especially if you plan to stay onboard for the entire six hours.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes boat tour depart?

The tour departs from Mandraki Port in Rhodes, opposite the Bank of Greece building. The boat is the wooden Romantika, and crew members wear blue shorts with red striped shirts.

What time does the boat leave and return?

Boarding and welcoming begin from about 9:30 in the morning. Departure is scheduled for 10 am, with arrival back at Mandraki Port around 4 pm.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The cruise stops at Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach near the Caves of Traganou, and Anthony Quinn Bay. Each stop includes free time for swimming and other activities.

Can I reach the beaches from the boat?

The boat anchors in each bay rather than docking directly at the shore. To reach land, you need to swim.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek gourmet buffet prepared onboard is included. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are available, along with seafood when included in the day’s menu.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes wine, beer, ouzo, signature cocktails, water, juices and other nonalcoholic drinks. Aperitifs and snacks are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling masks, pool noodles and other swim aids are provided for use during the stops.