Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is simple: you spend a full day moving between beautiful swimming spots without repacking a beach bag or hunting for lunch. The catamaran leaves Mandraki Marina at 10 a.m., serves food throughout the trip, and gives you roughly an hour at each bay.

I like the three proper swim stops, especially Anthony Quinn Bay and the caves at Traganou Beach. I also like the friendly crew, who keep an eye on swimmers and make the day feel social rather than stiff. The main drawback is the seating: the upper-deck bean bags cost extra, while the lower deck can feel hot, crowded, and less relaxing.

Key points before you book

• Three one-hour swimming stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach form the heart of the day.
• Food arrives all day: Expect donuts and coffee, a hot dog snack, Greek souvlakia with salad and tzatziki, then waffles with chocolate sauce.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and iced frappe are available throughout the cruise.
• Top-deck seating matters: Bean bags offer a more comfortable place to sunbathe, with some shaded options.
• Snorkel gear is provided: Noodles and life vests are also available for people who want extra support in the water.
• Plan for sun and music: The top deck can get extremely hot, and music plays for much of the trip.

Six hours of swimming from Mandraki Marina

At $78.60 per person, this is priced as a full-day outing rather than a short boat ride. You are paying for about six hours on the water, three swim stops, lunch, snacks, drinks, and equipment. For a day when you want the sea to be the main event, that package can make good sense.

The catamaran leaves from Rhodes Sea Lines at Pl. Eleftherias in Mandraki Marina and returns to the same meeting point. The cruise has a maximum of 75 people, so this is not a private sailing. Still, the catamaran gives you more room than a small excursion boat, and the open layout helps the day feel sociable.

Arrive early enough to find the correct reception desk. Several booths operate around the pier, and the check-in area can be confusing. Clear signs or directions would help, so do not assume the first desk you see is the right one. If you miss the departure, the boat will not wait.

Hotel transfers are not automatically included. If you do not choose a transfer option, you can arrange one by messaging the operator on WhatsApp. The meeting point is also near public transportation, which makes this workable if you are staying in Rhodes Town.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the first swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is often the visual high point of the cruise. Its name comes from actor Anthony Quinn, who appeared in The Guns of Navarone and Zorba the Greek. Some scenes from The Guns of Navarone were filmed in the area, giving the bay a small bit of film history alongside its clear water and rocky shoreline.

The stop lasts about an hour. That is enough time for a proper swim, a little floating, and some snorkelling with the equipment supplied on board. The water can be deep away from the boat, so use a noodle or life vest if you are not a strong swimmer. Crew members have been especially attentive to nervous swimmers, checking that people are comfortable before and during the swim.

The bay is beautiful, but do not expect to step onto a wide sandy beach from the catamaran. The point is to swim from the boat and enjoy the view from the water. Some people see fish here, while others find the underwater scenery modest. Bring realistic expectations: this is a scenic swim stop, not a dedicated marine-life excursion.

Depending on the day’s running order, Anthony Quinn Bay may not be first. The published route lists it as the opening stop, while the onboard schedule can place Kallithea first. The exact sequence may change, but the three main swimming areas remain the focus.

Kallithea Springs for a quieter pause

Kallithea Springs provides another attractive bay, described as similar to Anthony Quinn Bay but quieter. It is a good contrast if you prefer a slightly calmer setting and want time in the water without feeling that every minute has to be spent taking photographs.

The stop is about an hour, though the actual swimming time can be shorter once the boat anchors, safety instructions are given, and people get in and out. That is still generous by boat-trip standards. You can swim, use the snorkel gear, or simply sit at the edge of the water and watch the coast.

The trip’s food service often begins early. Donuts and coffee are served during the morning portion, and a hot dog hour follows later. This steady rhythm is useful because you do not need to bring a packed lunch or wait until the main BBQ to eat.

Kallithea is also a reminder that this is an active day. You will be climbing into and out of the water, walking around the boat, and sitting in the sun between stops. If you prefer a quiet sailing with long stretches of reading, the continuing music and social atmosphere may wear thin.

Traganou Beach and the 30-metre caves

Traganou Beach is the most distinctive stop on the published itinerary. Here you can swim into caves said to reach about 30 metres deep, with a tiny beach at the far end. That gives this stop a different character from the open-water swimming at the other bays.

The caves are best for confident swimmers who are comfortable entering a darker, enclosed space. Keep your own limits in mind, and use the provided flotation equipment if needed. You are not required to swim into the caves to enjoy the stop. Staying near the boat still gives you time in clear water and a chance to cool down.

The itinerary describes Traganou as a one-hour stop. Some trip descriptions and onboard accounts refer to a Faliraki swim area instead, so the exact third stop may vary with the day’s route. Ask the crew for the current plan when you board if a particular bay matters to you.

A Greek BBQ with food from morning to afternoon

Food is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider this cruise. The day begins with sweet donuts and coffee, followed by hot dogs, then a Greek BBQ lunch. The main meal includes meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread.

The souvlakia and tzatziki are the heart of the meal. The food is served on a boat, not in a restaurant, so expect a relaxed buffet-style experience rather than a formal lunch. Portions are described as generous, and the regular snacks mean you are unlikely to go hungry.

Waffles with chocolate sauce are served on the return journey. It is a cheerful way to end the food service, especially after swimming. If you have dietary restrictions, check with Rhodes Sea Lines before booking, since the supplied information does not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or gluten-free alternatives.

The drinks package includes beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and iced frappe. The word unlimited needs a little context. You should expect a simple boat bar, with canned beer, cask wine, soft drinks, and cocktails that may be juice-based rather than a full cocktail menu. It is useful for staying refreshed, but do not book this as a premium drinks tasting.

Choosing between the lower deck and bean bags

Seating can change the quality of the day. The lower deck has tables and wooden benches, which are practical for eating but less appealing if you plan to spend six hours relaxing between swims. It can also feel warmer and less private.

The upper deck bean bags are an optional extra, and paying for one is strongly worth considering if you want to stretch out, sunbathe, or claim a more comfortable base. Some bean bags have access to shade, which matters greatly on a hot Rhodes day.

Do not assume that booking early guarantees the exact shaded place you want. Boarding and seating can be disorganized, and some people have found themselves in direct sun despite arriving well before departure. If shade is important, ask precisely how the upper-deck seating works and arrive with enough time to check in.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, water-resistant footwear, and a cover-up. The sun can be intense on the top deck, and one person suffered mild heat exhaustion after sitting in direct sunlight for much of the trip. The lower deck is useful as a break from the heat, even if you prefer the upper deck overall.

Crew, safety, and the social atmosphere

The crew is a major strength of this outing. The staff serve food and drinks, explain the swimming procedures, and keep watch around the boat. Their encouragement can make a real difference if you are nervous about entering open water.

One crew member, Vamos, was especially supportive of a hesitant swimmer, checking in several times and celebrating the person’s first swim with a high-five. That kind of personal attention is not guaranteed on every departure, but it reflects the friendly tone you can expect from the team.

Safety instructions are given before swimming, and crew members watch for boats and obstacles. Still, you remain responsible for your own limits. The swim stops are in open water, not shallow resort pools, and the ability to swim confidently matters.

The atmosphere is lively. Music plays for much of the cruise, and people often jump from the boat, including from the upper level. That can be fun if you want a party-like day, but it is not the right choice for anyone hoping for a silent sail. Music has occasionally included explicit lyrics, so families with young children may want to keep that in mind.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this for couples, friends, solo visitors who enjoy meeting people, and families with older children who can manage boat steps and open-water swimming. It works particularly well when you want a full day outside but do not want to organize several separate beach visits.

It also suits nervous swimmers better than many casual boat trips because noodles, life vests, and snorkels are available, and the crew pays attention. You still need to be comfortable getting into the sea, or at least willing to remain on the boat during the swim periods.

I would think twice if you dislike loud music, direct sun, crowded check-in areas, or motion on the water. The three-hour total cruising time can feel long if you are prone to seasickness, so bring suitable medication if you normally need it. The boat may be spacious, but this is still a busy group outing with up to 75 people.

Booking value and cancellation details

At $78.60, the value depends on how much use you make of the included package. If you eat the BBQ, enjoy the snacks, use the drinks, swim at all three stops, and spend the full six hours on board, the price is reasonable for Rhodes.

The optional upper-deck bean bag can change the calculation. If comfort and shade are important, add that cost before comparing this cruise with other boat trips. A cheaper ticket with uncomfortable seating may not feel like a bargain after six hours in the sun.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The cruise depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Sun & Sea cruise?

Book it if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three swim stops, easy meals, plentiful basic drinks, and a friendly crew. The strongest features are the time in the sea, Anthony Quinn Bay, the Traganou caves, and the constant supply of food.

Before paying, decide if you want the upper-deck seating, prepare for strong sun, and confirm the meeting point. I would also bring motion-sickness medicine if needed and accept that the music and group setting are part of the deal.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing, a luxury bar, or a guaranteed shaded seat without paying extra. For an active, social day at sea with Greek food and minimal planning, this is a good-value choice in Rhodes.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Rhodes Sea Lines at Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece, in Mandraki Marina.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Which swimming stops are included?

The published route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach. The exact running order or third swimming area can vary.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is a Greek BBQ with meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread.

What drinks are included?

Beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and iced frappe are included.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and noodles and life vests are also available on board.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Poor weather or an insufficient minimum number of participants may also lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.