Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Rhodes’ east coast is best seen from the water, and this 5.5-hour wooden-boat cruise makes a full day of it without asking you to choose between swimming, scenery, and lunch. You sail from Mandraki harbor to Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs, with about 50 minutes at each main stop.

I like the way the trip balances activity and downtime. You can snorkel, swim, use floats, or simply stretch out on deck, and the included drinks and buffet lunch make the $70 price easier to justify. The crew, especially host Theodore, gets repeated praise for warm, attentive service.

The main things to consider are sun and seating. Shade can be limited, and arriving early matters if you want one of the best spots, especially the front pads or an upper-deck seat. The boat may feel calm and spacious on one departure, but boarding order and group size can affect your experience.

What makes this Rhodes boat trip worth considering

• Three distinct swimming stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs each offer a different setting for swimming and snorkeling.
• A traditional wooden boat: The older-style vessel gives the outing more character than a plain motorboat, with good photo appeal and room to sunbathe.
• Lunch and drinks included: You get a buffet with vegetarian choices, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.
• Friendly hands-on crew: Theodore and the wider crew are often singled out for keeping drinks moving, explaining the stops, and helping people feel at ease.
• Snorkeling gear supplied: You do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel, though you do need to bring a towel.
• Good flexibility for a half-day: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make this easier to fit into a Rhodes schedule.

Starting at Mandraki harbor

You meet beside Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk. This is in the Mandraki harbor area, a practical starting point if you are staying in Rhodes Town.

The cruise runs in the morning and lasts about 5.5 hours. Once aboard, you settle into the wooden boat for the first stretch along the east coast. The boat has free WiFi, a shower, and a first aid kit, though most people will care more about finding a comfortable place in the sun or shade.

The boat’s layout matters. Several people specifically liked the space for sunbathing, while another tip was to aim for the front pads because they offer the best view. If you want a particular seat, arrive early rather than assuming the stated boarding window guarantees a prime position.

This is not a formal sightseeing cruise packed with long lectures. The focus is the sea, the bays, swimming, food, and easy company. The guide speaks English, and the crew keeps the tone relaxed with music that has been described as easy listening rather than loud party music.

Anthony Quinn Bay: emerald water and a scenic first stop

After roughly an hour on the yacht, the boat reaches Anthony Quinn Bay for about 50 minutes. This is the most instantly scenic stop, with emerald-green water, rocky edges, and thick vegetation around the bay.

The boat provides a fine way to see the cove from the water. You can swim and snorkel directly from the boat, and the clear conditions give you a chance to look for marine life near the rocks. Snorkeling here is likely to appeal most to confident swimmers who want to spend their time in the water rather than on a beach.

You also get drinks during the stop, including beer, wine, coffee, and tea. That small detail helps the outing feel more like a leisurely cruise than a series of rushed transfers.

Keep your expectations practical. Anthony Quinn Bay is scenic, but you are not spending a full afternoon there. The stop is built for a refreshing swim, photos, and a little snorkeling before the boat moves on. If you want long time ashore, this is not that kind of excursion.

Afandou Beach: the longest break and lunch onboard

The short sailing to Afandou Beach leads to the longest part of the day. The schedule gives you about 110 minutes here, including the swimming stop and lunch.

Afandou is the most flexible stop. You can swim from the boat, snorkel, relax on the quiet beach, or take part in the water activities listed for the visit, including kayaking. Floats are also provided, which is useful if you want to enjoy the water without constant swimming.

After about 50 minutes in the water, you return to the boat for a buffet lunch. The meal includes local flavors and vegetarian options, followed by fruit. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included, so you do not need to budget separately for the main meal or ordinary refreshments.

Food quality is one area where expectations should stay sensible. Most of the feedback is strongly positive, with generous portions and delicious food frequently noted. One person felt the meal could have used more distinctly Greek choices such as gyros or souvlaki. That is fair advice: the meal is a welcome part of the package, but this is not a specialist food tour.

The strongest value comes from the combination of lunch and drinks. A half-day on the water can become expensive once you add beverages and a meal, so having those covered makes the $70 fare competitive. Cocktails are not included and can be bought separately, an important detail if you are expecting a full open bar.

Kallithea Springs: rocky edges and clear blue water

After lunch, the boat heads to Kallithea Springs for the final 50-minute stop. Here, the water sits in a long rocky inlet with ladders leading down toward the sea.

Kallithea feels different from Anthony Quinn Bay. Instead of a compact green cove, you get rock formations, platforms, ladders, and a more structured swimming area. The clear water is the main attraction, and snorkeling gear lets you explore below the surface before the final ride back to Rhodes Town.

This stop works well late in the day because you can choose your effort level. Swim and snorkel if you still have energy, or take a final drink and enjoy the view from the boat. The ladders and rocks may be less appealing if you are unsteady on your feet, so use care when entering or leaving the water.

The itinerary gives you enough time to enjoy the stop without turning the cruise into an all-day marathon. After Kallithea, you settle in for the return trip to the Royal Sailing Rhodes meeting point.

Food, drinks, and the real value of $70

At $70 per person, this cruise is priced above a simple harbor outing but includes much more than a boat ride. You get the wooden boat, three swim stops, snorkeling equipment, a buffet lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water.

The unlimited drinks are a major part of the value. You can stay refreshed throughout the day without paying for every bottle or glass. The offer covers wine, beer, and soft drinks, but cocktails are extra. If cocktails matter to you, allow for that additional cost.

The buffet also removes the hassle of finding lunch during a short coastal excursion. Vegetarian dishes are available, and portions have been described as more than enough. I would view the meal as a solid part of the day rather than the main reason to book.

The value is strongest for people who plan to swim and drink casually. If you do not drink alcohol, you still receive soft drinks, fruit, lunch, and the cruise itself, but the price advantage is slightly less dramatic. Either way, three attractive coastal stops would cost more to arrange independently once transport, food, and equipment are added.

What the crew gets right

Service is one of the clearest strengths of this experience. Theodore is frequently praised by name for being a welcoming host, checking on people, and helping the day run smoothly. The wider crew is described as friendly, attentive, and well organized.

That matters on a boat trip. Drinks need serving, snorkel equipment needs handing out, lunch needs managing, and people need clear signals about when to return aboard. Good crew work keeps the day relaxed instead of turning it into a scramble.

The timing also seems well judged. Each swimming stop lasts long enough to feel worthwhile, while the trip keeps moving before the day becomes repetitive. You get a mix of sailing, swimming, lunch, and deck time rather than five straight hours in the water.

The atmosphere is another plus. Some departures may have only around 18 people, which can make the boat feel closer to a small charter than a packed excursion. That is not a guarantee for every sailing, so I would still arrive early and avoid assuming the boat will always have the same group size.

Sun, seating, and other practical points

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not included, and the Greek sun can be strong even when the boat’s breeze makes the temperature feel pleasant.

Shade is the main comfort issue. One person specifically wanted more cover from the sun, so plan to spend some time exposed unless you secure a shaded place. A hat and extra sun protection are sensible additions, even though only sunscreen is listed as essential.

The sea may not always be calm. One passenger found the boat choppy and felt unwell, though the crew checked in and offered support. If you are prone to seasickness, keep the possibility in mind and choose a central seat rather than the most exposed front position.

The front pads give the best views, but the best location depends on your priorities. Pick the front for scenery and photos, the upper deck for sunbathing, or a more sheltered spot if you want less motion. You can ask the crew where to place your belongings, but do not expect every seat to offer both shade and a clear view.

Swimming ability also affects how much you get from the trip. Floats are available, and you can relax on the beach at Afandou, but the main activity is getting in the sea at three stops. Strong swimmers and confident beginners will have the easiest time.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants a relaxed day at sea without arranging several separate beach visits. The mix of swimming, snorkeling, lunch, music, and unlimited ordinary drinks gives the day enough variety for adults and children.

It is also a good fit if you want scenery without a heavy sightseeing schedule. You will see attractive bays and the east coast, but the emphasis is on enjoying the water rather than studying monuments or receiving long historical talks.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet private sailing, lots of shade, or a gourmet Greek meal. It is also not ideal if you dislike boat motion or prefer spending most of the day on land. The wooden boat adds charm, but it does not remove the normal movement of the sea.

The cruise is especially appealing for a first visit to Rhodes Town. You can reach three well-known swimming areas in one outing, avoid arranging taxis or beach transfers, and return with most of the afternoon still available.

Should you book the Rhodes three-stop cruise?

Book it if you want good coastal scenery, plenty of swimming, friendly service, and a meal with drinks included. The repeated strengths are clear: the crew is warm, the timing works, the bays are attractive, and the price covers enough extras to make the day feel worthwhile.

Arrive early for a better seat, bring your own towel, and prepare for strong sun. If you can accept limited shade and the possibility of choppy water, this is one of the more practical ways to sample Rhodes’ east coast in half a day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

Meet at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, in the Mandraki harbor area of Rhodes Town.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 5.5 hours and starts in the morning. Check availability for the exact departure time.

Which locations does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with vegetarian options is included, along with fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included. Coffee and tea are also available during the cruise.

Are cocktails included?

No. Cocktails are available to purchase separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use at the swimming stops.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided onboard.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve-now, pay-later booking is also available.