Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes boat trip is simple: you spend a full half-day moving between three excellent swimming spots instead of settling on one beach. From the wooden boat, you can jump straight into the sea, snorkel in clear water, then climb back aboard for lunch and another cold drink.

I like the three well-spaced swim stops and the way lunch is built into the day rather than treated as an afterthought. I also like the friendly, attentive crew, especially Theo, who has been singled out for keeping the atmosphere warm and easygoing. The main thing to consider is the sun. Shade is limited, so the front sun pads are popular, but they are not the best choice if you need shelter.

At a glance

• Three 50-minute swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs each offer a different setting.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect a buffet with vegetarian choices, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
• Traditional wooden boat: The older-style boat looks good in photographs and provides room to sunbathe and move around.
• Snorkeling equipment supplied: You can swim and explore without bringing your own mask and snorkel.
• Good value at $70: A 5.5-hour cruise with food, drinks, equipment, and three stops makes the price competitive.
• Bring a towel: Towels are not supplied, and cocktails cost extra.

Sailing from Mandraki Port on a wooden boat

The day begins at Royal Sailing Rhodes, beside Evangelismos Church and opposite Starbucks near Mandraki Port. The boat heads out in the morning, giving you a full 5.5 hours on the water before returning to Rhodes Town.

The boat is a traditional wooden craft rather than a sleek modern yacht. That matters mostly for atmosphere. It has an older, more characterful look, and you get the kind of open-deck setting that suits a day spent sunbathing, eating, and jumping into the sea.

The deck arrangement can affect your comfort. The front pads offer the best views, but they fill early. If you want one of those spots, arrive with enough time to settle in. You can also find yourself in a more exposed position, with little shade during the hottest part of the day.

One passenger described a sailing with roughly 18 people, which gives you a sense of the more intimate feel possible on this boat. Capacity may vary, but this is not presented as a giant party vessel. The mood is closer to a relaxed shared boat day, with music, conversation, food, and regular drink service.

Free WiFi is available on board, though the real reason to come is to look away from your phone. The coast is best enjoyed from the deck, with the rocky shoreline and calm east coast water opening up as Rhodes Town falls behind.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the most dramatic first stop

After about an hour of sailing, the boat reaches Anthony Quinn Bay. This is one of the most scenic bays on the east coast, known for emerald-green water, rocky edges, and thick green vegetation around the cove.

The boat stops for about 50 minutes. You can swim from the boat, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or simply stay on deck and take photographs. The water is the main attraction here. Its color is especially striking against the rocks, and the enclosed shape of the bay gives the first stop a strong sense of place.

Snorkeling is most rewarding when the water is clear and calm. You should not expect a major reef excursion, but you can look for fish and other small marine life around the rocks. The equipment is included, which makes it easy to try snorkeling even if it is not something you normally plan into a beach day.

The stop is labeled as a photo stop as well as a swimming stop, and that is accurate. Anthony Quinn Bay is a place to admire from the boat as much as to explore in the water. The 50-minute timing gives you enough time for a proper swim without turning the day into a long stay at one location.

The water can become choppy on some days. If you are prone to seasickness, eat lightly before departure, keep hydrated, and let the crew know if you feel unwell. The crew has been praised for checking on passengers when the sea became uncomfortable, which is reassuring, though no boat can control the wind.

Afandou Beach: the longest stop and lunch break

The boat makes a short 10-minute journey to Afandou Beach, where the schedule opens up. This is the longest stop, lasting about 110 minutes in total, and it combines swimming, optional water activities, and lunch.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel, relax, or go ashore to the beach. Kayaking and floats are also available, making this the most activity-focused stop. If you prefer not to spend the whole day jumping in and out of the sea, Afandou gives you room to slow down.

The beach itself is quieter in feel than some of Rhodes’ more famous coastal spots. From the boat, you get the choice of staying close to the group or taking a short break on land. Be aware that the exact balance between beach time and boat time can depend on conditions and the crew’s schedule.

Lunch is served on board during this stop. The buffet includes local flavors and vegetarian dishes, followed by fruit. Wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are included, so you do not need to buy lunch or carry a supply of drinks for the day.

The food has been one of the strongest parts of this cruise. Portions have been described as generous, and many passengers found the buffet delicious. At the same time, expectations should be sensible. This is a boat buffet, not a restaurant meal, and one opinion found the food plentiful but wished for more clearly traditional choices such as gyros or souvlaki.

That is a fair distinction. You receive a proper meal and plenty of it, but the menu may not deliver the most memorable Greek cooking of your holiday. Vegetarian options are included, which is useful for mixed groups. If you have a specific dietary need beyond that, the supplied information does not confirm special arrangements, so ask before booking.

The drink policy adds real value. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruit are included, and service continues through much of the trip. Cocktails are not part of the $70 price and can be purchased separately. If you want to keep the cost predictable, stick with the included drinks.

Kallithea Springs: clear water between the rocks

After lunch, the boat sails for about an hour to Kallithea Springs, the final swimming stop. Here, a long narrow inlet of clear blue water runs between rocks, with ladders leading down into the sea.

The setting feels different from Anthony Quinn Bay. The first stop is a tight, green-framed cove. Kallithea Springs is more structured, with rocky sides and easy entry points from ladders. You can swim, snorkel, take pictures, or rest on the boat for the final 50 minutes.

This is a good last stop because the pace is unhurried. You have already eaten, the main sailing is behind you, and there is enough time for another swim without having to rush. The water is clear enough for snorkeling, although the amount of marine life depends on conditions.

The ladders make entry easier for some people than climbing directly from the boat. Still, the activity remains centered on swimming and getting in and out of the sea, so you should be comfortable around water. Floats are available for less confident swimmers, but this is not a sightseeing cruise where you can avoid water activities entirely and see all the sights from a dry seat.

Once the 50 minutes are over, you settle in for the return journey to Rhodes Town. The trip back is a chance to dry off, have another drink, and enjoy the coast from the deck.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, this is a strong package if you plan to eat, drink, and swim during the day. You are paying for 5.5 hours on the water, the wooden boat, three stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and use of the onboard shower.

The drinks are the biggest value point. Buying lunch and several drinks separately in Rhodes can quickly reduce the price difference between a basic boat trip and this all-inclusive format. You also avoid the hassle of finding food between swim stops.

The value is less obvious if you do not drink alcohol, eat very little, or prefer spending a full day on one beach. In that case, a simple beach visit may cost less. For a half-day social outing with several swimming locations, though, the package is fairly priced.

The included equipment also matters. You do not need to rent snorkeling gear at each stop, and floats are available. Towels are not included, so bring your own along with swimwear and sunscreen.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. Starting times can vary, so check the available departure time before confirming.

The crew, music, and atmosphere

The crew is a major part of the experience. Theo has been praised for his warm hosting, while the wider team is described as friendly, attentive, and well organized. Drinks are offered regularly, the stops run to time, and the crew helps keep the day moving without making it feel rushed.

The music is another small but important detail. It has been described as easy listening and not too loud, which suits the format. This is not a nightclub cruise. You get a social atmosphere without having to shout over heavy music.

The experience works particularly well for couples, friends, and families with older children. There is enough activity for people who want to swim and snorkel, but also enough deck time for anyone who mainly wants sun and scenery. Children can enjoy the swimming and floats, although the boat is still an open-water setting, so parents need to stay attentive.

The main comfort issue is shade. One passenger specifically wanted more cover from the sun, and that is worth taking seriously in July and August. The wooden deck can be a fine place to sunbathe, but five and a half hours under a Greek sun is a long time. Bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat, and a cover-up, and do not assume you will have a shaded seat for the whole day.

The boat can also feel less comfortable if the sea turns choppy. The east coast is often suitable for a calm day at sea, but conditions change. If you are sensitive to motion, sit near the middle of the boat, avoid heavy food before departure, and use the shower only after swimming rather than expecting full onboard facilities.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want to combine scenic sailing, several swims, a buffet lunch, and generous drinks in one straightforward outing. It is particularly suitable if you are staying in Rhodes Town and want to see the east coast without organizing separate transport to three beaches.

It is also a good pick for anyone who enjoys a relaxed group atmosphere. You can snorkel, kayak, use floats, sunbathe, or simply watch the coastline. The schedule gives you structure, but not so much that the day feels like a race between stops.

I would think twice if you need lots of shade, dislike shared boat trips, or want a serious food-focused excursion. The buffet is convenient and generally well liked, but it is not the reason to book. The reason is the combination of three attractive swim locations and an open bar-style drinks package.

Should you book it?

For most visitors staying in Rhodes Town, yes. At $70, this is one of the easier ways to turn one morning and afternoon into a full coastal outing. You get a handsome traditional boat, three different swimming settings, snorkeling gear, lunch, fruit, and a steady supply of included drinks.

Book it if you value variety and want the crew to handle the day’s details. Arrive early if you want a front-deck position, bring your own towel and serious sun protection, and remember that cocktails cost extra. If those small points suit you, this cruise offers a relaxed and good-value look at Rhodes from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes boat cruise depart from?

The meeting point is at Royal Sailing Rhodes, next to Evangelismos Church and opposite Starbucks near Mandraki Port in Rhodes Town.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours, including the sailing time, three swim stops, lunch, and the return to Rhodes Town.

Which locations does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with vegetarian options is included, along with fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included. Cocktails are available for an additional charge.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you should bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not included.