Faliraki: Lindos Boat Cruise with Swim stops & Free Time

Lindos is the star here, but the best part of this day is the mix: three useful hours ashore followed by two swim stops in clear coastal water. You can hike to the Acropolis, wander the white village lanes, or simply eat and shop before returning to the boat. I also like the easy beach boarding in Faliraki and the friendly, helpful crew, who keep the day moving on time.

The catch is the long ride, roughly 1 hour and 40 minutes each way. Some seats may feel hard after a while, and the snack-bar choice is limited, so bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and a towel. At $45, this is strong value if you want a full day on the coast without arranging separate transport.

Key points to know before you go

• Three hours in Lindos: Enough time for the village, food, shopping, and a climb toward the Acropolis, but not enough for a slow, unplanned day.
• Two boat-only swim stops: Tsambika Beach and Anthony Quinn Bay are reached by sea, with about 30 minutes at each stop.
• A full 450-minute outing: Leave from Faliraki at about 9:00 AM and expect to return around 5:00 PM.
• Comfortable basics onboard: You get air conditioning, toilets, and a snack bar, though the food and drink range is limited.
• Good value at $45: The fare covers the return cruise, both swim stops, and your free time in Lindos.
• Not suited to limited mobility: Boarding from the beach, boat movement, and access to the swimming stops can make this difficult.

Why this Rhodes cruise works so well

This is not a rushed sightseeing bus trip. It is a coastal day out built around one substantial stop and two short swims. You leave Faliraki by boat, watch the Rhodes coast pass by, spend the middle of the day in Lindos, then cool off in the sea on the way home.

I like that the schedule gives Lindos real breathing room. Three hours is long enough to do something meaningful, but short enough to keep the day focused. You can make the Acropolis your goal, or stay at street level and enjoy the village without turning the visit into a race.

The timing also makes sense for a beach holiday. The boat leaves in the morning and returns by about 5:00 PM, leaving your evening free in Faliraki. The main tradeoff is that the cruise itself takes a large part of the day. If you dislike sitting on a boat for long stretches, this may feel slow.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 44 ratings, and the strongest pattern is clear: the crew gets high marks for being friendly, helpful, and organized. The boat has also been praised for keeping departure and arrival times close to schedule. That matters on a day when missed timing could cut into your Lindos visit or leave you waiting at a swim stop.

Boarding the Doukissa at Faliraki Beach

Your meeting point is Faliraki Beach, directly in front of the Apollo Blue Hotel. Look for the wooden beach kiosks and the traditional boat named Doukissa. You should arrive by 9:00 AM, and at least 15 minutes early is the sensible choice.

This is a beach departure, not a conventional harbor boarding. That gives the morning a pleasant holiday feel, but you should be ready for a less formal setup. Have your mobile or printed ticket available for the crew member checking vouchers before you board.

Parking is available nearby, though spaces may be limited in high season. If you are driving, allow extra time rather than arriving at the last minute. If you are staying close to Faliraki, walking may be easier. One couple staying about two kilometers away chose to walk instead of using transport.

Once aboard, you have access to air conditioning and toilets. Those are small details that become important during a seven-and-a-half-hour outing. The boat also has a snack bar, but the selection is limited. I would bring a bottle of water, a few snacks, and anything specific you want to eat.

The 1-hour-40-minute ride toward Lindos

The outward cruise takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. That is a substantial stretch of time, so treat the journey as part of the experience rather than just a transfer.

You will see the Rhodes coast from the water, with changing views as the boat moves south. The open setting gives you a better sense of the island’s shoreline than a road trip does, and it lets you settle into the day before the walking begins.

Bring sunscreen even if you plan to sit inside. You will likely want some time outside for the sea views and photos, and the Greek sun can be strong. A camera is worth packing, though you should protect it around the water.

Comfort is worth thinking about. Several seats are comfortable enough for the trip, but some may feel less supportive after nearly two hours. If you have a choice, find a position where you can relax rather than spending the ride shifting around.

The crew is one of the strong points. The available feedback describes the staff as cheerful, kind, and ready to help. The organization is also reported to be very good, with the schedule running on time. That does not remove the need to watch the clock yourself, but it makes the day easier to manage.

Three hours to choose your own Lindos

You get about three hours in Lindos, and this is the part of the cruise where you set your own pace. The experience is not built around a long guided walk. Instead, you have time for a self-guided visit, shopping, food, photos, and a walk toward the Acropolis.

Lindos is known for its white buildings and dramatic position above the sea. The narrow lanes are made for wandering, though they can also be busy and warm in the middle of the day. Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking, especially if you plan to climb higher.

The Acropolis is the obvious goal for anyone interested in history, views, or photography. The climb takes effort, and the heat can make it harder, so carry water and allow time for the return walk. You do not need to spend all three hours at the top. A shorter visit followed by time in the village may be the best balance.

If you prefer a gentler stop, stay in the village. You can browse shops, find coffee or brunch, pick up street food, or simply walk through the lanes and take in the views. Three hours gives you enough time to combine two or three of these choices without trying to do everything.

The limit is also clear. If you want a long meal, a careful visit to every shop, and a full Acropolis visit, the clock will feel tight. You should decide what matters most before leaving the boat. The practical choice is to go directly to the Acropolis first if that is your priority, then use the remaining time for food and wandering.

Be back at the boat on time. One useful warning from the day’s feedback is not to leave the return meeting too late. The cruise has two more stops, and a late arrival in Lindos could reduce your swim time or delay the return.

Tsambika Beach and the first swim stop

On the way back, the boat stops at Tsambika Beach for about 30 minutes. This is a short stop, so have your swimwear ready before the boat arrives.

The water is described as clear and turquoise, making this a fine place for a quick swim or a little snorkeling. You may see fish close to the boat, though conditions can vary with the weather and water movement.

Thirty minutes sounds short because it is short. You will have time to get into the water, swim, and return aboard, but not much room for a long beach session. Keep your towel and belongings easy to reach, and do not wait until the last few minutes to get back on.

Tsambika is also one of the places that is only accessible to you on this schedule by boat. That gives the stop a special sense of escape, but it also means you cannot simply extend your visit if you want more time. The crew may adjust stops and timing if weather conditions change.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the scenic final stop

The second swim stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal spots. Like Tsambika, you have around 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and photos.

This is a good final pause before the ride back to Faliraki. The bay is especially suited to looking at the water from the boat and taking a quick swim in a scenic setting. If you enjoy snorkeling, bring your own equipment if you have it, since snorkeling gear is not listed as included.

The two swim stops give the cruise a nice rhythm. Lindos provides the main land visit, Tsambika offers a quieter water break, and Anthony Quinn Bay brings a famous coastal view to the end of the day. Neither swim stop is long enough for a lazy beach afternoon, but together they add welcome variety to the return journey.

Again, weather controls the final details. Stops and times can change, and the boat operator may need to adjust the plan for sea conditions. You should see the schedule as a guide rather than a promise of exact minutes in the water.

Food, comfort, and what to pack

Food and drinks are not included in the $45 price. The boat has a snack bar, but the choice is fairly small. I would not count on it for a full lunch, especially if you plan to spend three active hours in Lindos.

Pack:

• Water and snacks
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• A camera
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Any food you want for the Lindos stop

The boat has air conditioning, which is useful during the hottest part of the day. You will still want sunscreen because the outdoor areas are part of the appeal. Keep your towel and swimwear handy rather than buried under everything else.

The trip is not a good match for people with mobility impairments. You board directly from the beach, move around a boat, and use stops that are reached from the water. The climb toward the Acropolis adds another physical challenge. If walking, beach boarding, or getting in and out of the sea is difficult for you, choose a different way to see Lindos.

Is $45 a fair price?

At $45 per person, the value is good if you want several experiences in one day. The price includes the return boat ride, three hours of free time in Lindos, and two swim stops. You would otherwise need to arrange transport to Lindos, find your own way along the coast, and pay for separate activities.

The value is less compelling if your only goal is Lindos. A boat ride takes longer than a direct road transfer, and three hours may not satisfy someone who wants a full day at the Acropolis and in the village. In that case, a land-based trip could give you more control over timing.

For a relaxed holiday day, though, the combination works. You get scenic cruising, independent time in Rhodes’ most famous village, and two chances to swim without paying for multiple separate outings. Bring your own food and accept the long rides, and the price makes good sense.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple full-day outing from Faliraki and enjoy variety. It suits couples, friends, and families who can manage the beach boarding and walking. It is also useful if you want to see Lindos without arranging a car or transfer.

You will get the most from it if you are happy to choose your own Lindos plan. The cruise gives you time and access, not an intensive history lesson or a tightly led village tour. Go straight to the Acropolis if that is your priority, or keep things easy with food, shops, and village streets.

I would hesitate if you want long swims, a quiet boat with lots of personal space, or a full day devoted to Lindos alone. The 1-hour-40-minute journey each way is part of the deal, and the two water stops are quick.

Should you book the Lindos boat cruise?

Book this cruise if you want good value, friendly service, and a varied day from Faliraki. The schedule is easy to understand, the crew is praised for being helpful and punctual, and the mix of Lindos plus two clear-water swim stops gives you more than a basic transfer.

Skip it if the long boat ride sounds tiring or if you need easy access for limited mobility. For everyone else, bring food, water, sunscreen, and a towel, arrive early at the Apollo Blue Hotel, and make Lindos your main priority. The rest of the day then falls neatly into place.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The boat leaves from Faliraki Beach, directly in front of the Apollo Blue Hotel. Look for the wooden beach kiosks and the Doukissa boat.

What time should I arrive?

You should arrive no later than 9:00 AM and at least 15 minutes before departure. Have your mobile or printed ticket ready for checking.

How long do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Lindos. You can use it for the village, shopping, food, walking, or a visit to the Acropolis.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is a snack bar onboard, but the selection is limited, so bringing snacks and water is recommended.

How long are the swim stops?

The stop at Tsambika Beach lasts about 30 minutes, and the stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about 30 minutes. Both stops allow time for swimming and snorkeling.

What facilities are available on the boat?

The boat has toilets, air conditioning, and a snack bar. The return cruise and two swim stops are included in the price.

Can people with mobility impairments take this cruise?

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Boarding from the beach, moving around the boat, and accessing the swimming stops may be difficult.