Rhodes: All inclusive Catamaran Escape with Lunch & Drinks

Rhodes looks best from the water, and this six-hour Cherry Catamaran trip gives you three excellent swimming stops without the fuss of hiring a boat. You cruise to Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs, with time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply stretch out in the sun.

I like the small-group feel, with many departures carrying around 14 to 20 people rather than filling the boat to its stated maximum of 35. I also like the generous food and drink arrangement: Greek salads, chicken, rice, dips, fruit, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are all part of the $82 price.

The main caution is the sea itself. Wind can make the ride rough leaving Mandraki Harbour, and swimming areas may change for safety. Some snorkeling equipment has also been reported as worn, so bring your own mask if underwater time matters to you.

Key things to know before booking

• Three east-coast swimming stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs each offer a different setting.
• Food is more substantial than a snack: Expect Greek salads, dips, dolmadakia, chicken, rice, bread, and seasonal fruit.
• A relaxed group size: The boat may carry fewer than 20 people, leaving room to move between sun, shade, and the front netting.
• Water gear is included: Snorkels, masks, paddleboards, noodles, and life jackets are available on board.
• Crew service is a major part of the experience: Summer, Elli, and the wider Cherry team are attentive with drinks, food, and practical help.
• Bring water shoes: Rocky edges and small caves can be sharp or awkward underfoot.

A full day on the Cherry Catamaran

This is a six-hour outing, but the time is split well between sailing and swimming. You leave from Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours at Mandraki Harbour, spend about 70 minutes cruising toward the first main stop, and then work your way along Rhodes’ east coast.

The boat has shaded seating, open areas, and netting at the front. That gives you a choice of a cooler spot, a sunny place to dry off, or the classic catamaran position above the water. Music, drinks, and a friendly crew keep the ride social without making it feel like a loud party boat.

The advertised maximum is 35 people, but many departures have carried closer to 14 to 20. That difference matters. You can usually move around, find a comfortable place to sit, and get to the paddleboards or snorkeling equipment without waiting through a crowd.

The first short stop near Old Town includes a welcome drink, local snacks, and a traditional Rhodian sesame sweet with honey called melekouni. After that, the boat heads out for the main coastal cruise.

Anthony Quinn Bay and its clear water

Anthony Quinn Bay is usually the first major stop, after roughly 70 minutes of sailing. The bay is known for green-blue water ringed by rocky shore and thick vegetation. Its connection with the film The Guns of Navarone adds a bit of cinema history, though the real draw is the water.

You get about 90 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. This is the place to get active early, while you still have plenty of energy and the light is strong over the water.

The bay is especially good for looking down from the boat. Fish gather around the rocky edges, and several people have found the snorkeling worthwhile even without a long swim to shore. The included masks and snorkels make it easy to try, though equipment condition can vary. If you already own a good mask, pack it.

The water entry is from the catamaran, so you should be comfortable using a ladder or jumping in with help from the crew. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, which makes this stop workable for mixed swimming abilities. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view if you do not want to swim.

Anthony Quinn Bay is popular for good reason, but it is not a private cove. The boat trip helps you enjoy it from the water rather than spending your day on a crowded strip of beach.

Ladiko Bay, lunch, and a slower swim

The catamaran makes a short sightseeing cruise from Anthony Quinn Bay to Ladiko Bay. This stop lasts about 80 minutes and is the main lunch break.

Ladiko is smaller and quieter in feel, with a sheltered setting suited to a slow swim. You can snorkel before or after eating, enjoy a drink, or simply sit on deck while the crew serves lunch. This is a good middle section of the day because you are not asked to rush from one activity to the next.

The meal is generous for a boat excursion. It includes traditional Greek salad, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad, dolmadakia, olives, feta, tzatziki, roasted eggplant spread, feta spread, chicken, rice, and freshly baked bread. Seasonal fruit follows, along with local snacks during the day.

Vegetarians have several salads, dips, dolmadakia, bread, olives, and feta to choose from, but the main hot dish is chicken. If you want a larger meat-free meal, check your options before departure. One useful point is that dietary needs and allergies have been accommodated on some trips, but you should tell the operator ahead of time rather than rely on last-minute changes.

Drinks are available throughout the cruise. The selection includes water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer. You may also receive cocktails at Kallithea Springs. The soft drink range is limited, with Coke and orange juice specifically noted, so do not expect a full bar menu.

The crew tends to offer drinks regularly, but you can also help yourself when appropriate. Alcohol service can stop if someone becomes overly intoxicated. That is a sensible safety rule on a boat, particularly when swimming is part of the day.

Kallithea Springs and the final swim

After about 30 minutes of cruising, you reach Kallithea Springs for roughly an hour. This bay has ornate buildings with a style often compared to Vatican architecture, giving it a different character from the natural coves earlier in the day.

The water here is clear and well suited to snorkeling. You can swim around the rocky edges, use a noodle, take a paddleboard, or enjoy a cocktail while looking back at the shore. The stop is also a good chance to take photographs of the old structures and the curved bay.

The footing can be less friendly than the postcard view suggests. Sharp rocks and uneven surfaces make water shoes a smart addition, especially if you plan to leave the boat or move through a shallow area. You should also take care when climbing in and out of the water, since wet deck areas and rocky edges are easy places to lose your footing.

This final stop works well because it is not just another beach break. You get the combination of swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing, then have a shorter cruise back to Mandraki Harbour.

What the $82 price really includes

At $82 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to eat, drink, and use the water equipment. A self-drive boat rental can cost roughly the same amount for a shorter period, before adding lunch, drinks, fuel, safety equipment, and the work of navigating to the bays.

You are paying for six hours aboard a spacious catamaran, three swimming locations, a prepared lunch, snacks, fruit, and an open selection of basic drinks. Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, noodles, life jackets, and an outdoor shower are included too.

The value is less compelling if you want a private sailing trip or complete peace and quiet. This is a shared outing with music, social time, and a set route. Still, the smaller passenger numbers reported on many departures make it feel more comfortable than a large sightseeing boat.

The crew is another part of the price. Summer and Elli have been singled out for warm, attentive service, and the wider team helps with drinks, equipment, and anyone feeling uneasy on the water. One passenger with severe seasickness received constant assistance from the crew, though no staff can promise that rough water will not affect you.

Sailing comfort and sea conditions

Catamarans are generally a stable choice for a day on the water, and several families have found the boat comfortable. One passenger who normally gets seasick had no trouble, but that should not be treated as a guarantee.

Wind can be noticeable as you leave the harbor. The ride may feel rougher in open water, especially during the shoulder months or on a windy day. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, and a towel. A light layer is also sensible if you tend to feel cold after swimming, particularly in April, May, or October.

The captain can change the route or swimming stops when weather makes the planned schedule unsafe. That flexibility is important, but it means you should treat the three bays as the intended plan rather than an absolute promise.

In April, May, and October, the operator may move you to another catamaran if the Cherry does not reach its minimum passenger number. You should receive a message if that happens.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this cruise if you want a simple way to see Rhodes from the sea and do not want to organize food, gear, or navigation yourself. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people while still having enough room to find a quiet corner.

It is also a good fit for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel and paddleboard, while less confident swimmers can use noodles, life jackets, or stay on the boat. The crew is present to help, but you should still be comfortable around open water.

This is less suitable if you dislike boats, need a completely private setting, or want a serious snorkeling expedition. The stops are designed for a pleasant mix of swimming and sightseeing, not for long guided instruction or specialist marine activity.

The lunch also favors people who like Greek-style shared food. You get plenty of salads, dips, feta, olives, rice, chicken, and bread. If you require a strict diet, contact the provider before booking.

Practical details for a smoother day

Arrive at the Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours desk in Mandraki Harbour 20 minutes before departure. The tour is guided in English and Greek, and the route begins near Old Town before heading along the east coast.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Water shoes are worth bringing because of the rocky areas around Kallithea Springs and the small cave sections near the swimming bays.

Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch. You will want photographs of the bays, but wet hands and boat ladders are a poor combination. There was also some mention of drone photographs being expected but not provided, so treat any aerial photography as uncertain.

The trip includes alcohol, but the best rhythm is to swim first, eat well, and drink sensibly. You want to enjoy the water without feeling unsteady on deck.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times because the exact departure schedule can vary.

Should you book the Cherry Catamaran?

I would book this for the combination of three scenic bays, a real lunch, included water gear, and a manageable group size. The crew service is a genuine strength, and the $82 price covers enough food, drinks, and activities to make the day easy to budget.

Book with realistic expectations. You may encounter wind, rocky footing, limited soft drinks, or snorkeling gear that is not perfect. The captain may also adjust the route for safety.

If your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, a relaxed boat ride, Greek food, and several chances to swim without arranging every detail yourself, this is a very sensible choice. Bring water shoes and your own mask if you have one, arrive early at Mandraki Harbour, and you should be well prepared for a rewarding day on the east coast.

FAQ

How long is the Cherry Catamaran trip?

The activity lasts six hours, including sailing, sightseeing, swimming stops, lunch, and drinks.

Where does the catamaran depart?

You should meet at the Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours desk in Mandraki Harbour 20 minutes before departure.

Which places does the catamaran visit?

The planned stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes Greek salads, potato salad, pasta salad, dolmadakia, olives, feta, dips, chicken, rice, freshly baked bread, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer are included. A cocktail is also listed for the Kallithea Springs stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, floating pool noodles, and life jackets are available on board.

What languages are spoken during the trip?

The live tour is provided in English and Greek.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve the activity and pay later.