Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star here, but the real pleasure is moving between several beautiful swim spots without giving up a whole day. You can snorkel over clear water, swim into sea caves, and see Rhodes from the water, all within a brisk 2.5-hour cruise.

I especially like the small group limit, which can make the RIB feel almost private, and the practical extras: snorkel gear, pool noodles, life jackets, waterproof phone cases, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a restroom. The main drawback is the fast, open-boat ride, which may not suit anyone prone to seasickness or very young children.

Key points to know before booking

• Anthony Quinn Bay is the main attraction: Swim and snorkel near one of Rhodes’ most photogenic coves, with time to view the Guns of Navarone Pier.
• Four coastal stops fit into a short afternoon: Expect Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area, though stop lengths can vary.
• Small groups make a difference: The boat carries up to eight participants, and many departures have had only four to six people aboard.
• Captain Michael gets the warmest praise: He explains the coastline, helps nervous swimmers, and supplies floats and safety equipment. Lazaros also leads some outings.
• Pickup can simplify the day: Optional transfers are available from central points near Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, and Ammoudes.
• Pack light and bring a towel: Large bags are not allowed, and towels are not included.

What the Rhodes RIB cruise is really like

This is a sightseeing trip built around swimming, not a formal boat lecture or a long beach day. You meet the captain at the port, beside Stama restaurant, then settle into a modern RIB with a spacious deck and head along the east coast.

The boat is furnished for comfort, but it is still a quick open-water craft. That means you get from cove to cove efficiently, with more time at the water stops than on a slow harbor cruise. It also means the ride can feel lively, especially if the sea is choppy.

The group size is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. The official limit is eight people, while some departures have carried only four or six. That gives you more room to sit, ask questions, choose when to enter the water, and take photographs without feeling packed in.

The captain provides masks, snorkels, buoyancy aids, and pool noodles. This is useful if you swim confidently but prefer support in open water, and it makes the trip more approachable for families with older children. You still need to be comfortable getting into the sea from a boat, and the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone view

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the best-known coves on Rhodes. Its name comes from American actor Anthony Quinn, who bought the area after filming The Guns of Navarone on the island.

The cove is known for turquoise water, rough rock, and steep coastal scenery. From the boat, you get a different view than you would from the shore. The Guns of Navarone Pier is a particularly good photo point, and the captain explains the connection between the bay and the film.

This is also one of the better places for snorkeling. The clear water lets you watch fish near the boat, and the crew may feed them so they gather close to the surface. Do not expect a full-scale marine park, but the fish activity adds interest to a swim that would already be worthwhile for the scenery.

You can enter the water directly from the boat, use a noodle or life jacket, or stay on the deck and take photographs. The setup works well for mixed groups, since strong swimmers and cautious swimmers do not have to follow the same plan.

One practical point: Anthony Quinn Bay is popular, so the area may not feel secluded. The small boat helps, but this is not a private cove reserved for your group. The appeal is the color of the water, the dramatic rocks, and the chance to see it from the sea.

Ladiko, Traganou, and the changing coast

The boat then moves toward Ladiko, located on the other side of the bay. This stop gives you another angle on the same striking stretch of coast, with clear water and rugged cliffs. It is a good place for a swim, especially if you want a quieter change after Anthony Quinn Bay.

Next comes Traganou, a gravel beach with a rocky shoreline and clear water. The setting feels wilder than a developed resort beach. The rocky surface is part of the appeal, but it also means you should bring secure footwear. Comfortable shoes are specifically recommended, and they will help when walking on uneven ground or getting close to the cave entrances.

The coastline here is more about rock formations and small caverns than a broad sandy beach. You may get some of the most interesting photographs of the trip around Traganou, particularly if the sun catches the water inside the openings.

The exact amount of time at each place is not fixed in a way that guarantees identical stops every day. Several outings have allowed roughly 25 minutes at each swim location, while one account noted less time at the final bay. The captain has some flexibility, but weather, sea conditions, and the pace of the group can affect the schedule.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The Alikies area is the least familiar name on the route, and that is part of its charm. The rocky coast contains small caves where you can swim, look inside from the boat, or stay near the beach.

You should not picture a long underground expedition. This is a coastal cave stop, with time to explore the openings and enjoy the water. The setting is most rewarding for people who like short swims, rock formations, and photographs rather than a structured archaeological visit.

Some people have found the final bay especially good for fish and pictures, so you may want to save your phone battery and dry clothes for this part of the trip. Waterproof phone cases are sometimes supplied, but you should not rely on every accessory being available on every departure. Bring your own waterproof case if underwater photographs matter to you.

The cruise ends with the return to the marina. Keep watch for dolphins along the way, as sightings are possible but not guaranteed. A dolphin search should be treated as a pleasant extra, not the reason to book the tour.

What Captain Michael adds to the experience

The captain matters on a small boat, and Captain Michael has led many of these outings. His role goes beyond steering. He gives short explanations at the stops, points out local features, and helps organize the swimming so the boat does not feel rushed.

His calm manner is particularly useful if you are nervous in open water. One non-swimmer managed to enter the sea with a life jacket and noodle, while another family described him helping a child gain confidence before jumping in. Those details tell you more than a generic promise of friendly service: the crew pays attention to how comfortable each person feels.

Lazaros also serves as a guide on some trips and is praised for supplying buoyancy aids, snorkel equipment, and drinks. If your booking confirmation names a captain, expect that person to lead your departure, but the crew can vary.

The guides speak English. Explanations are practical rather than lengthy, which suits a short cruise. You get the story of Anthony Quinn Bay and information about the stops without losing much of your swimming time.

Boat comfort, refreshments, and useful equipment

The RIB has a spacious deck with room for sunbathing between stops. It is described as clean, modern, and comfortable, and the small passenger count helps prevent the usual elbow-to-elbow feeling found on large excursion boats.

A restroom is available onboard, along with Wi-Fi. Those are modest features, but they matter on a boat where you are away from shore for the entire outing. You can also listen to your own music on some departures, although that is a courtesy rather than the main feature.

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included in the stated package. Some outings have included cocktails, while one past departure offered only fizzy drinks and water. If a particular drink matters to you, check the current details before booking rather than assuming the selection will be identical every time.

Snacks may also be available, but the clearly stated inclusion is drinks. Bring a small amount of personal spending money if you want anything beyond what is provided, but large bags and luggage are not allowed.

You need to bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Towels are not supplied. Apply sunscreen before boarding, since there may be limited shade once you are underway.

Pickup from Rhodes resorts and meeting at the port

You can meet the captain at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. This is the simplest option if you already have transport or are staying close to the marina.

Optional pickup is available from central points near Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Pickup information is sent separately, so check your spam folder if the message does not arrive promptly.

Past transfers have used air-conditioned minibuses and have sometimes included scenic stops for photographs on the way to the boat. That is a useful bonus, but it should not be treated as a guaranteed sightseeing tour. The main purpose of the transfer is to get you to the marina and back.

Allow extra time for the pickup process, even though the cruise itself lasts about 2.5 hours. If you are using the port meeting point, look for Stama restaurant rather than wandering around the marina searching for a boat name.

Is $64 good value?

At $64 per person, this cruise sits above a basic large-boat beach outing but below the cost of a fully private charter. The value comes from the combination of a small group, four coastal areas, snorkeling time, drinks, safety equipment, and a short duration that does not consume your entire day.

A longer cruise might give you more time at each stop, but it also takes up most of an afternoon or even a full day. This trip works well if you want to visit the coast before or after another Rhodes activity.

The boat is the key value point. With only four to eight people, you get a more personal setting than you would on a large excursion vessel. You are paying for access to the same famous coastline, but with fewer people and less waiting around.

The price is less attractive if you dislike swimming or plan to remain on deck. Most of the experience is built around entering the water, snorkeling, and visiting caves. In that case, a sightseeing cruise with more narration and less activity may suit you better.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this for couples, friends, and families who want a compact sea outing with plenty of time in the water. It is also a good choice for mixed-ability groups, since life jackets and noodles let less confident swimmers take part.

Children can enjoy it, but remember that the boat is fast. One account specifically noted that families with very young children may prefer a larger cruise ship. The small boat and quick ride are part of the appeal, yet they can feel intense for toddlers or anyone who becomes uneasy on open water.

This is a strong option for photographers, provided you protect your phone and keep expectations sensible. You get several chances to photograph cliffs, coves, fish, and caves, but the boat will not stop for unlimited picture time at every location.

Anyone prone to seasickness should think carefully. One person became ill during a trip, although the captain remained helpful and tried to make the outing comfortable. Take your usual precautions before departure and sit where you feel most stable.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The activity is conducted in English and is not wheelchair accessible.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise?

Book it if you want clear water, four scenic coastal stops, and a small-group boat without committing a full day. The strongest parts are the intimate group size, Captain Michael’s attentive approach, the helpful flotation gear, and the chance to combine famous scenery with real swimming time.

Skip it if you want a slow, shaded cruise, a guaranteed dolphin sighting, or a long visit at one beach. The RIB moves quickly, the sea can be rough, and stop times may change.

For most active visitors staying near Rhodes Town or the east coast resorts, $64 is a fair price for the mix of boat comfort, equipment, drinks, and access to Anthony Quinn Bay and the Alikies caves. Bring a towel, wear secure footwear, pack light, and leave room on your phone for the water photographs.

FAQ

How long does the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours from departure to return at the marina.

Where do I meet the boat?

The meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Specific pickup details are sent separately.

How many people are on the boat?

The small-group limit is eight participants. Some departures have had only four to six people.

What swimming areas does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area. The exact timing at each stop can vary.

Are snorkeling and flotation equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels, masks, buoyancy aids, and pool noodles are available onboard.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included in the stated package. The exact drink selection may vary by departure.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and towels are not included.