Rhodes: Beach Cruise with Swimming, Meal, & Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is the boat itself: a 20-meter luxury power RIB with room for only 25 people. It moves quickly along the east coast, then settles into three beautiful swim stops, giving you more time in the water than on a standard sightseeing boat.

I like the generous setup, with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks, plus snorkel gear, floats, Wi-Fi, and a toilet. I also like the mix of quiet sea views and upbeat music. The main thing to consider is the party mood: music may get loud, and the menu has changed over time, with food ranging from burgers and chips to vegetarian dishes such as stuffed peppers and potatoes.

At a glance

• Three one-hour water stops: Visit Traganou Caves, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs without rushing from one place to the next.
• A rare boat design: The Opera is a 20-meter power RIB, one of only seven of its kind in the world.
• Small by cruise standards: The boat carries up to 25 passengers, with past departures often holding around 15 to 20 people.
• A social half-day: Expect music, dancing, friendly crew members, and a mix of couples, families, solo passengers, and groups.
• Lunch and drinks included: You receive a meal with salad and fruit, along with unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Bring protection for your feet: The rocks inside Traganou Caves can be sharp, so water shoes are useful.

What the four hours feel like on the Opera Boat

You meet at the final kiosk in Mandraki Rhodes Marina, beside the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos. The location is easy to reach from the port and Old Town, and cruise ship passengers have reported walking there in roughly 15 to 20 minutes.

There is no hotel pickup, so you need to make your own way to the marina. That is a small inconvenience, but it also keeps the tour simple. You are not waiting for a minibus to collect people from several hotels before reaching the water.

Shoes come off before boarding and go into a crate. The rule helps keep the deck clean, though it is worth wearing easy-to-remove footwear. Once aboard, you can find a place in the sun or shade, settle into the spacious seating areas, and take a drink as the boat leaves the marina.

The first part of the ride passes Rhodes Old Town and Faliraki from the sea. This is not a formal history tour, so do not expect a long commentary about every sight. The real pleasure is seeing the shoreline from water level, with the speed of the boat adding a little excitement between stops.

The Opera is much larger than a typical rigid inflatable boat, yet it still has the open feel that makes a coastal cruise enjoyable. The ride is fast and smooth in good conditions. If the sea becomes windy, you may feel more motion, and one person reported feeling dizzy during a rougher outing. If you are prone to seasickness, take sensible precautions before leaving the marina.

Traganou Caves: the most hands-on stop

Traganou Caves is usually the first major stop and lasts about an hour. The boat gets you close to the caves, where you can swim, use the provided goggles and snorkels, and explore the rocky area around the entrance.

This stop is different from a simple beach swim because you can move into the cave area and see the coast from a closer angle. The rocks are sharp in places, so water shoes are a smart addition, especially if you plan to walk rather than stay in the water.

The supplied snorkeling equipment is useful for casual swimmers who do not want to pack their own gear. You can also use the floating noodles and other sea toys. Bring your own equipment if you care about a particular mask fit or want to spend serious time looking below the surface.

Set expectations sensibly. The water is clear and attractive, but the snorkeling may feel modest if you are used to the Caribbean, Hawaii, or other places known for abundant marine life. The main reward here is the combination of caves, rock formations, and swimming in clear water, not a major underwater wildlife show.

Anthony Quinn Bay: postcard views and lunch on board

The boat then heads to Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most scenic parts of the route. The bay is known for its enclosed shape, clear water, and rocky shoreline, and the boat gives you a good angle for photographs before you get in.

You have about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling. It is a good time to take a few photos, then put your phone away and enjoy the water. Some departures have included waterproof phone covers for use at sea, but I would still protect your phone carefully rather than assume one will be available.

Lunch is served on board during this stop. The meal includes a main dish, salad, and fruit, though the exact menu can vary. Past menus have included burgers and chips, rice with chicken, watermelon, and vegetarian dishes such as stuffed peppers and potatoes. Some meals have been freshly prepared, while other food has arrived in individual tins or boxes.

That variation matters if you are booking mainly for the food. The lunch is convenient and filling, and many people have enjoyed it, but it is not a restaurant meal with a choice of courses. Vegetarian food may be the standard on some departures, so check the current menu if dietary needs are important to you.

Kallithea Springs: a final swim in clear water

Kallithea Springs is another one-hour stop, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. The name refers to the historic spring area on the coast, but this cruise focuses on the water and shoreline rather than a land visit to the spa complex.

The stop works well as the final break because you already know how the boat operates. You can grab a drink, take a float, swim from the boat, or stay on deck and watch the coast. The water can feel cold outside the height of summer, especially in May and during the later season, so bring a towel and do not expect warm water at every departure.

You have enough time at each location to swim without feeling hurried. That is one of the strongest features of the schedule. Some boat trips give you a quick ten-minute stop for a photograph, but this one gives each bay a full hour, making the $94 price easier to justify.

Unlimited drinks, music, and the social mood

The all-inclusive drinks are a major part of the value. Wine, beer, and soft drinks are available without an extra bill each time, and water is also part of the onboard refreshment setup. You can sit back with a drink as the boat moves between bays, then return to the deck after swimming.

The mood is not purely quiet and scenic. Music begins early, and the playlist can move from relaxed tunes to loud rap or older disco songs. Some departures turn into a small boat party, with dancing and crew members encouraging everyone to join in. Georgia has been singled out for her energy and warmth, while Carolina, Violeta, and Captain Giannis have also helped create a personal, friendly atmosphere on different outings.

That is good news for birthdays, hen parties, couples, and groups of friends who want a lively half-day. It may be less appealing if you want a silent sailing trip or a serious nature outing. The boat has both sunny and shady places, so boarding early may help you choose your preferred spot.

The crew’s attention to different ages is another useful detail. They have helped older passengers and children, checked in on solo passengers, and marked special occasions with birthday songs, cocktails, cake, or champagne when arranged or noticed. These touches are not guaranteed, but they show the kind of friendly service you can encounter.

Is $94 good value for four hours?

At $94 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Rhodes’ beaches. A basic boat ride may cost less, and public transport can get you to certain coastal areas without an all-inclusive meal or drinks.

You are paying for several things at once:

• A large, unusual power boat with limited capacity
• Four hours on the water
• Three scheduled stops of about one hour each
• Lunch with salad and fruit
• Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Snorkel equipment and floating toys
• Wi-Fi and an onboard toilet
• A crew-led experience with music and service

If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, drinks, and beach access, the total can come close to this price. The strongest value comes when you use the full package: swim at every stop, eat on board, and enjoy the drinks and boat ride rather than treating it as simple transport.

The value is also strong for cruise ship passengers. If your ship is in Rhodes for only a day, the four-hour schedule gives you a clear start and finish, and the marina is walkable from the cruise port. You return to Mandraki Marina rather than ending at a distant beach, which makes planning the rest of your day easier.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this outing for couples, friends, solo passengers who enjoy meeting people, and families comfortable with an active boat day. It suits anyone who wants to see several coastal spots without arranging transport between them.

It is also a good fit for a celebration. The music, drinks, fast ride, and friendly crew create more energy than a quiet sightseeing cruise. Groups have used it for birthdays and hen parties, and the crew may help make an occasion feel special.

Families should note that the activity includes swimming from the boat and time around rocks and caves. Children need to be comfortable in open water and supervised closely. The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the exact ease of boarding and moving between the deck and water is worth confirming for your needs before booking.

I would think twice if food quality is your main reason for booking. The meal is included and usually well received, but the menu can change, portions and presentation may be simple, and one person found the chips cold. I would also look elsewhere if you want a quiet, guided history tour or serious snorkeling with a large amount of marine life.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You will spend much of the trip exposed to sun and reflected light from the sea, even if you choose a shaded seat.

Pack water shoes for Traganou Caves, especially if you plan to walk over the rocks. Wear footwear that comes off easily because shoes are not allowed indoors on the boat.

If you want a particular seat, arrive early. The boat has enough room for its passenger limit, but the best mix of sun and shade can go quickly. A dry bag or secure phone pouch is also useful for keeping valuables safe around the swim stops.

The tour is in English and includes a live guide. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option can help if your Rhodes plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Opera Boat?

Book it if you want a social, fast-moving beach cruise with three proper swim stops, a meal, and drinks included. The small passenger count, spacious boat, helpful crew, and easy access from Mandraki Marina make it a practical choice for a short visit to Rhodes.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat, a gourmet lunch, or rich marine life while snorkeling. The music can be loud, the water may be chilly outside summer, and the food is more functional than special.

For most people who want a fun half-day on Rhodes, $94 is fair value. You get a polished boat, plenty of time in the water, and a simple way to sample several of the island’s best-known coastal spots without spending the day arranging transport.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes beach cruise depart from?

It departs from the final kiosk in Mandraki Rhodes Marina, beside the Church of the Annunciation of the Theotokos.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts four hours. The schedule includes about one hour at Traganou Caves, one hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, and one hour at Kallithea Springs.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch includes a main dish, salad, and fruit. Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are included, and menus can vary.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment and sea toys are provided. You should bring water shoes because the rocks near Traganou Caves can be sharp.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach Mandraki Marina independently.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option allows you to book without paying immediately.