Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this full-day Rhodes cruise. You sail along the east coast, stop for a 30-minute swim in emerald water, spend three hours exploring Lindos, then stop again at Tsambika Beach before returning to Rhodes.

I like the easy mix of sightseeing and swimming, and I like having a clean, spacious boat with sunbeds, shade, toilets, and a reasonably priced bar. The main catch is time: three hours in Lindos is useful, but you may need to choose between the Acropolis, the beach, lunch, and shopping.

Key points

• Anthony Quinn Bay swim: Thirty minutes in clear water surrounded by rocky slopes, with floats available onboard.
• Three hours in Lindos: Enough for the Acropolis and a meal if you keep moving, but not enough for a slow, complete visit.
• Tsambika Blue Lagoon: A second 30-minute swim on the return trip, straight from the boat.
• Comfortable boat setup: Open decks, limited top-deck sunbeds, shaded seating, air conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and a bar.
• Good-value pricing: At $47 per person, the cruise combines coastal transport, two swim stops, and free time in Lindos.
• Early arrival matters: The boat is easy to find at Mandraki Port, but the most popular sunbeds go quickly.

Why this Rhodes to Lindos cruise works

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ essential stops, but reaching it by boat gives the day a pleasant rhythm. You are not packed into a coach for the whole outing. Instead, you get a long coastal ride, two chances to cool off, and several hours to explore the village on your own.

That freedom is important. You are not tied to a guide walking you through every alley or shop. You decide how to use your time in Lindos. I would head uphill to the Acropolis first, then return for lunch or a short stop by the beach. If you prefer a slower day, skip the ruins and enjoy the village and shore.

The price is strong for what is included. For $47, you get the cruise, both swimming stops, free time in Lindos, use of sunbeds and floats, toilets, WiFi, and an air-conditioned area. Food, drinks, towels, and the Acropolis entrance are extra, so the final cost depends on how much you buy onboard and what you do in Lindos.

Finding the boat at Mandraki Port

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building near the Roda bus stop, and arrive 30 minutes before departure. If you use the optional transfer, the pickup details depend on the option you choose.

Hotel transfers are available from a long list of resorts and hotels, but they are not included in the basic cruise price. Pickup instructions arrive by phone, WhatsApp, or call, so enter your number carefully when booking. At the pickup point, look for a vehicle with the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen.

The transfer advice is strict: be ready 10 minutes before the scheduled time. Drivers wait no longer than two minutes, although traffic or other delays can add up to 15 minutes. At the port, arriving early is worthwhile even if you do not care about a sunbed. It gives you time to board calmly and choose your preferred deck.

The long ride along Rhodes’ east coast

The first part of the day is a sightseeing cruise lasting roughly two hours before Lindos, including the first swim stop. You will spend time watching the coast from the boat, with seating on several decks and a choice between open air, shade, and the air-conditioned interior.

A long boat ride can feel slow, especially if you expect nonstop sightseeing. Bring sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and something small to keep you occupied. The upper deck is fun in good weather, but it can be windy when the boat is moving. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season, and even summer mornings can feel cool in the breeze.

The boat has a full bar with cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food such as sandwiches. Food and drinks are not included, but prices are described as reasonable, with sandwiches available for about €3. Cash is worth carrying, and it is also listed among the recommended items.

Anthony Quinn Bay, your first swim stop

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal sights. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to enter the clear emerald water and look around the rocky setting.

You swim from the boat rather than walking onto a beach. That makes the stop quick and simple, but it also means you should be comfortable using a ladder or entering the water from the vessel. Floats are available, including swimming noodles, and life jackets are provided for children. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the boat and use the float provided.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a little snorkeling, but it is not a long beach session. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel close. The crew gives advance notice before stops, with around 20 minutes to get ready, which helps you avoid a frantic change of clothes just as the boat arrives.

The crew cleans the boat after each swimming stop, and the toilets are kept in good condition. Those details matter on a full day at sea. You can swim, rinse off as needed, and settle back into a tidy boat instead of returning to a wet, cluttered deck.

Three hours to make your own Lindos plan

The boat reaches Lindos in just under two hours from departure, depending on the exact schedule and sea conditions. You then have approximately three hours ashore. That sounds generous until you add the uphill walk, the Acropolis, lunch, shopping, and the return to the boat.

Lindos is a whitewashed village with narrow lanes, shops, tavernas, and a sandy beach. The Acropolis rises above it, and the views from the top are one of the main reasons to come. The walk up can be hot and steep, so wear sensible shoes, carry water, and start early in your three-hour window.

You pay the Acropolis entrance fee separately. It is not included in the cruise price. If the archaeological site is your priority, go there first. Crowds can build when several groups reach the hill at the same time, and heat makes a late climb less pleasant.

A practical Lindos plan looks like this:

• Walk directly toward the Acropolis after leaving the boat.
• Allow time for the uphill route and the views at the top.
• Return through the village for lunch or a cold drink.
• Leave room for a short beach visit or shopping.
• Return to the boat early, not at the last possible minute.

The boat leaves on time. Getting lost in the lanes or returning down the wrong side of the hill can create unnecessary stress. I would aim to be back around 30 to 40 minutes before departure, especially if you want a good seat or sunbed for the return journey.

Some people will find three hours just right. You can see the major sights, eat, and get a taste of Lindos without spending the entire day there. I would want another 30 minutes if I planned to visit the Acropolis, have a relaxed meal, and sit by the water. If you want a deep, unhurried visit to Lindos, a land-based day trip may suit you better.

You can leave bags on the boat while exploring, which makes the visit easier. Take only what you need for the village, keep valuables secure, and remember your return time.

Tsambika Blue Lagoon on the way home

The final stop is at Tsambika Beach, described here as the Blue Lagoon. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, allowing you to swim directly from the deck into turquoise water.

This stop is a welcome change after several hours in Lindos, particularly during the hot months. You can cool down, use a float, listen to music from the boat, and enjoy the water without the effort of finding a beach chair or walking across sand.

As with Anthony Quinn Bay, 30 minutes goes quickly. The swim is designed as a break rather than a full afternoon at sea. Listen for the crew’s instructions and return to the boat promptly when called. Children and less confident swimmers can use the available safety equipment.

The return cruise to Rhodes takes about an hour after the final swimming stop. You arrive at Rhodes Harbor at approximately 17:30, with the full activity lasting eight to eight and a half hours. The exact start time depends on availability and the selected option.

Choosing your place onboard

The boat has three decks and a useful range of seating. You can sit in the sun on the open upper deck, find shade elsewhere, or retreat to the air-conditioned section when the heat becomes too much.

The top-deck sunbeds are limited and are among the first spaces to go. Arrive early if lying down in the sun is important to you. One practical approach is to board early, claim a spot for the outward journey, and return to the boat about 40 minutes before departure from Lindos if you want another chance at a sunbed.

The upper deck can be windy, especially while the boat is moving. A jacket helps, and a hat with a secure strap is better than a loose one. If you prefer shade or get uncomfortable in strong sun, the boat offers other seating areas, so you are not dependent on the sunbeds.

The boat is described as clean and stable, with spacious seating and well-maintained toilets. That makes a difference on a long sailing day. You can also use the onboard WiFi, though the best reason to choose this trip is the coast outside, not a strong internet connection.

Food, drinks, and what to bring

The bar is handy for coffee, cold drinks, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and simple food. You do not need to pack a full lunch, although bringing water and a few personal snacks may help if you have dietary needs. Food and drinks are not part of the $47 price.

Pack these basics:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• Snorkeling gear if you have your own
• A light jacket in the cooler months or at season’s edges

Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want it. Floats are available onboard, which is useful for children and anyone who wants extra support in the water.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this cruise to anyone who wants to see Lindos without giving up a swim day. It suits couples, families, and mixed groups where one person wants ancient sights and another would rather be on the water.

Families benefit from the stable boat, onboard toilets, shade, air conditioning, floats, and food counter. A nine-year-old was specifically reported to enjoy the two bay stops, and a family with a 12-year-old found the day easy to manage. You still need to supervise children closely around the boat and water.

This is also a good fit if you like independent sightseeing. You get clear departure instructions but no pressure to follow a set walking tour in Lindos. The tradeoff is that you must watch the time yourself.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you dislike long boat rides, want a quiet luxury sailing experience, or need a full day at Lindos. The boat can feel busy, and the best sunbeds are limited. The schedule is organized, but it is still a popular full-day excursion rather than a private boat outing.

Practical value at $47

At $47 per person, this is a good-value way to combine three separate Rhodes experiences: the coast, Lindos, and two well-known swimming areas. Getting to Lindos by boat also turns the transport into part of the day instead of treating it as a necessary transfer.

The value is strongest if you use all parts of the schedule. Visit the Acropolis, enjoy a meal, swim at both stops, and make use of the comfortable boat. If you only want to sit on a beach in Lindos, the cruise may feel like too much transport and not enough beach time.

The rating of 4.6 from 1,404 reviews matches the main strengths of the outing: friendly staff, clean facilities, clear timing, comfortable seating, and enjoyable swimming stops. The recurring limitations are also clear: the top-deck sunbeds fill quickly, the ride is long, and some people want more than three hours in Lindos.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make planning easier. Still, check the weather forecast and the exact pickup arrangement before you go, particularly outside the main summer season, when sailings can be changed.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced full day that combines Lindos with two swims, and if you are happy to manage your own time in the village. Arrive early, bring a towel and light jacket, plan the Acropolis first, and return to the boat well before departure.

Choose another option if Lindos is your only priority and you want several relaxed hours there. For most people seeking a broad Rhodes day out, though, the mix is hard to beat: a famous hilltop site, clear bays, a clean boat, and enough freedom to shape the day your own way.

FAQ

Where does the Lindos cruise depart from?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building near the Roda bus stop.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure. If using hotel pickup, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional and depends on the selected booking option. It is not included in the basic cruise price.

How long is the cruise?

The full activity lasts approximately eight to eight and a half hours. Return to Rhodes Harbor is expected at about 17:30.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Lindos.

Are Acropolis tickets included?

No. The Acropolis entrance fee is not included and must be paid separately.

How long are the swimming stops?

The stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about 30 minutes. The stop at Tsambika Beach also lasts about 30 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks cost extra, but the boat has a bar serving cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food.

Are towels provided?

No. Bring your own towel, along with swimwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, cash, and snorkeling gear if you want to use it.