Faliraki: Boat Trip to Afandou Caves, Anthony Quinn & Ladiko

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this short cruise, with nearly an hour to swim and snorkel in one of Rhodes’ most photogenic coves. You also get the pleasure of changing scenery three times without packing up your beach bag or hunting for a new taxi.

I especially like the 35-passenger limit on a boat licensed for 49. I also like the open bar, which includes unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks. The main catch is simple: three hours pass quickly, and hotel transfers are not included. You need to reach Faliraki Harbour, next to the small church, 10 minutes before departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Anthony Quinn Bay gets the most time: Plan on nearly an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, and photos.
• The Afandou Caves stop is active: You can swim into the caves and jump from the boat into clear water.
• Ladiko offers an underwater feature: The bay is known for a 200-meter underwater cliff.
• The boat is designed for comfort: Passenger numbers are capped at 35, with sofas, bean bags, upper and lower deck space, and a restroom.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, fresh fruit, and some cocktails have been provided during the cruise.
• You arrange your own way to the harbor: Hotel pickup is not part of the $57 price.

Three Rhodes bays in three hours

This is a compact sea outing built around swimming rather than sightseeing from a distance. The boat leaves Faliraki Harbour and visits Anthony Quinn Bay, the Traganou, or Afandou, Caves, and Ladiko Bay.

At each stop, the crew gives you time in the water. Most stops last about 30 minutes, while Anthony Quinn Bay receives nearly a full hour. That difference matters. You can settle into the water, try the snorkeling gear, take photos, and still have time to relax instead of rushing back aboard after one quick swim.

The cruise is also easy to understand. You are not signing up for a long day with several land activities, complicated transfers, or a packed sightseeing schedule. It is three hours on the water, three swimming areas, and a casual bar onboard.

That makes it a good fit for a hot Rhodes day, especially if you want to see several coves but do not want to spend the whole day away from Faliraki.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the main event

Anthony Quinn Bay is the highlight, and the longer stop gives it the attention it deserves. The cove is known for its striking rocky setting and clear water, making it especially good for photographs from the boat and for swimming below the surface.

You can use the snorkeling equipment provided onboard, though it is worth checking the mask and snorkel before entering the water. One passenger noted that reattaching the snorkel to the goggles took a few minutes, a small issue but one worth knowing before the clock starts.

The extra time here also lets you choose your pace. You can swim for a while, rest on a noodle, and return to the boat for a drink without feeling that the stop is over immediately. If you are less interested in snorkeling, the bay still works well as a scenic swim and photo stop.

The drawback is that Anthony Quinn Bay is popular, and this cruise cannot make the cove private. You will be sharing the setting with other boats and swimmers. Still, the boat’s passenger cap helps keep your own group from feeling packed together.

Afandou Caves: a short, lively water stop

The cave stop adds a little more action to the trip. Here, you can swim inside the sea caves and enter the clear water directly from the boat.

This is the stop that may appeal most to children and confident swimmers. Jumping from the boat into the water has been a popular part of the outing, and the short stop gives you a chance to repeat the jump or swim toward the caves. Swimming noodles are available if you want support while floating.

You should expect a water activity, not a guided cave tour. The focus is on entering the caves, swimming, and enjoying the color and clarity of the water. The time goes quickly, so have your mask, snorkel, and towel ready before the boat stops.

If you are nervous in open water, ask the crew for help and stay within your comfort level. The tour includes equipment, but you remain responsible for deciding how far and how actively you swim.

Ladiko Bay and its underwater cliff

Ladiko Bay is another good swimming stop, with roughly 30 minutes in the water. Its special feature is the reported 200-meter underwater cliff, which gives snorkelers something specific to look for rather than simply swimming around the boat.

The bay works well as the quieter middle ground between the more famous Anthony Quinn Bay and the playful cave stop. You can use the supplied snorkeling gear to look below the surface, or simply swim and float in the clear water.

Do not expect a long snorkel expedition. Thirty minutes includes getting ready, entering the sea, swimming, and returning to the boat. If you want to make the most of the underwater view, put on your equipment promptly and listen for the crew’s instructions about when to return.

A boat made for relaxing between swims

The boat is 38 feet long and licensed for 49 passengers, but the operator limits each cruise to 35 people. That is one of the better details in the package. A swimming cruise becomes tiring when you have to fight for a seat, squeeze along narrow walkways, or queue for every drink.

This boat has comfortable sofas and bean bags, with room on the upper deck and a lower deck where you can get out of the sun or wind. Several people particularly liked having an individual bean bag, while others appreciated being able to move downstairs when the return trip became breezier.

The boat also has a restroom. That is not a glamorous feature, but it is useful on a three-hour outing, especially for families.

Music helps set the mood. The atmosphere is relaxed and social, with upbeat music and a crew that keeps the trip lively without turning the whole cruise into a party boat. Past onboard extras have included dancing lessons, fruit bowls, fresh fruit, and cocktails, though the core included drinks are beer, wine, and soft drinks.

Unlimited drinks and the real value of $57

At $57 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach in Rhodes. You could spend less by choosing a public beach and buying your own refreshments. That comparison, however, misses what the cruise includes.

For the price, you get:

• Three hours on a boat
• Three swimming stops
• Nearly an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay
• Snorkeling gear
• Swimming noodles
• Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
• An onboard restroom
• A boat with a 35-person maximum

Fresh fruit has also been served, and some cruises have included cocktails. I would treat those food and cocktail extras as welcome additions rather than the main reason to book, since the stated package centers on the drinks and swimming stops.

The open bar has real value if you plan to enjoy a few drinks during the cruise. You do not need to bring money for each beer or soft drink, and you can return to your seat after swimming without searching for a beach kiosk.

There is one practical limit to the value. The trip is only three hours, so you may not have time to drink, eat fruit, snorkel, swim at every stop, and relax at length. If your priority is a long, slow day at sea, a full-day cruise may suit you better. If you want a compact outing with plenty included, the price is fair.

The rhythm of the cruise

The day begins at Faliraki Harbour, next to the small church. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to organize your own transport and arrive 10 minutes before departure.

Once aboard, choose a comfortable place and settle in. The upper deck is useful for views and sun, while the lower deck gives you a break from strong light or wind. The crew speaks English and Greek, and a host or greeter helps orient passengers.

The cruise then follows a simple pattern: sail, stop, swim, return, and repeat. At each bay, you can use the snorkeling equipment and noodles, then head back to the boat for a drink and a seat.

The music and open bar keep the gaps between stops from feeling dull. Still, remember that this is an active boat outing. You will be climbing in and out of the water, handling wet equipment, and keeping an eye on the return time.

Three hours is long enough to see the main highlights but short enough to fit around other Rhodes plans. You could book it during a free part of a beach holiday without giving up an entire day.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and small groups who want swimming, scenery, and a friendly onboard mood. Families may especially appreciate the short duration, the restroom, the noodles, and the option to move between upper and lower decks.

It also suits people who do not want to organize a private boat. You get several attractive coves in one outing, plus equipment and drinks, without having to arrange separate rentals.

Confident swimmers and casual snorkelers will get the most from the stops. You can still join if you prefer floating and sightseeing, but the heart of the experience is getting into the water.

This may not be right for you if you dislike boat music, group outings, or a schedule that asks you to return to the boat on time. It is also not ideal if you need hotel pickup or want a quiet, private cruise with no other passengers.

The crew can help set the tone. Jamie has been recognized as an attentive host, and the onboard team has also been praised for friendly service. You can expect a social atmosphere rather than a formal guided tour.

Small tips that improve the day

Arrive early enough to board without rushing. The best seat depends on your preference: choose the upper deck for sun and views, or keep the lower deck in mind if the afternoon wind picks up.

Bring the basics for a swimming day, including a towel and sun protection. Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles are supplied, so you do not need to rent those separately.

Put on your mask and snorkel before the boat reaches the stop when possible. That gives you more time in the water, especially at the 30-minute stops.

Keep an eye on the return time. The caves and Anthony Quinn Bay can be tempting places to linger, but the boat has a schedule and the next bay is part of the value.

If you want a drink, the open bar is already included. You do not need to bring extra money for the listed beer, wine, and soft drinks, though hotel transport remains your responsibility.

Should you book this Faliraki cruise?

I would book it if you want a well-priced half-day-style outing that stays short, social, and water-focused. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, the Afandou Caves, Ladiko Bay, snorkeling equipment, comfortable seating, and unlimited drinks gives the $57 fare solid value.

The strongest reason to choose it is the balance. You get enough time at the main bay, two extra swimming stops, and a boat that is not filled to its legal maximum. The main reason to skip it is also clear: three hours may feel too short if you want a slow day at sea.

For a first taste of the coves near Faliraki, this is an easy choice. Arrive at the harbor on time, bring your swimming gear and towel, and be ready to get wet.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip depart from?

It departs from Faliraki Harbour, next to the small church.

How early should I arrive?

You should be at the harbor 10 minutes before departure.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the price.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours.

Which bays and caves does the trip visit?

The swimming stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and the Traganou, also called Afandou, Caves.

How long do you stop at each location?

Most stops last about 30 minutes. Anthony Quinn Bay receives nearly a full hour.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles are available onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited ice-cold beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. Fresh fruit and cocktails have also been available on some cruises.

What languages does the host or greeter speak?

The host or greeter speaks English and Greek.