Rhodes: Pleasure Cruise for Swimming and Snorkeling

Rhodes looks best from the water, and this six-hour wooden-boat cruise gives you three good chances to swim along the island’s east coast. The main event is not sightseeing from the deck. It is getting into the clear water at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

I like the simple plan: three one-hour swimming stops and no rush between them. I also like that snorkeling gear, a swimming noodle, seasonal fruit, music, and shaded seating are included. The drawback is the boat itself. Its condition and cleanliness may not meet everyone’s expectations, and the onboard food and drink prices can feel high.

Key points to know before you book

• Three separate water stops: You spend about an hour swimming or snorkeling at each of Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
• Traditional wooden boat: The cruise has a local Greek feel rather than the polish of a modern yacht.
• Good value at $47: The price covers six hours, three stops, snorkeling equipment, fruit, music, and the crew.
• Bring your own basics: Pack swimwear, a towel, and a camera. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included.
• Snorkeling is nature, not a guarantee: Fish may be present, but the crew cannot promise what you will see.
• Comfort can be uneven: You can relax in sun or shade, but reports of a dirty boat and poor lower-deck toilet mean comfort is not the strongest part of the outing.

Six hours along Rhodes’ east coast

The boat leaves Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 and returns around 16:00. Your meeting point is by the Alexander statue at Mandraki Harbour, where you look for the Alkmini boat.

That location is handy if you are staying in Rhodes Town or already spending time around the harbour. It is not a hotel pickup service, so you need to make your own way to the port and arrive on time. The operator is clear on this point: late arrivals risk missing the boat.

Once underway, the cruise follows the east coast of Rhodes. The route is built around water time, not a long commentary program. The live tour language is English and Greek, and the crew’s role is mainly to get you safely to each stop, help with the swimming setup, and keep the day moving.

The boat has music, places to sit in the sun or shade, and a bar selling drinks and something to eat. Seasonal fruit is included, which is a welcome touch after swimming. Water and snacks are worth thinking about before departure if you want to keep costs down, since one person found the onboard prices too high.

Kallithea Bay: start with clear water

The first stop is described as Kallithea Bay, reached after roughly 40 minutes of sailing. This is one of the best parts of the outing for anyone who wants to snorkel rather than simply float.

Kallithea is known for its clear water, and the stop lasts about an hour. You can collect the provided snorkeling equipment, jump in, and look for fish around the rocky water. The water may be calm and bright, but the crew rightly does not promise a particular amount of marine life. You could see several fish, or only a few.

That uncertainty matters. If you are booking this mainly for underwater wildlife, keep your expectations modest. The snorkeling equipment gives you a chance to look below the surface, but this is not a wildlife-focused excursion with a marine guide.

For most people, the value here is the combination of scenery and swimming. You can cool off, take photographs from the boat, and enjoy the view of the bay without giving up much of the day to travel. If you prefer a quiet start, Kallithea is a sensible first stop before the boat reaches the more famous bays.

Afandou Beach: room to swim and relax

After Kallithea, the boat heads to Afandou Beach for another stop of about an hour. Afandou is a useful middle section of the day because it gives you another chance to swim without making the whole cruise feel like one long stop in one place.

You can snorkel, swim, or stay aboard and rest in the shade. The music continues, and the deck gives you a place to dry off before getting back into the water. With three stops on the schedule, you do not need to force yourself into the sea every time. If your legs are tired, Afandou can be your break for fruit, a drink, and a look at the coast.

The pattern is simple and works well: sail, swim, dry off, sail again. One person found the first two stops tiring but still enjoyed getting back into the water at the third stop, which says something useful about the pacing. You have enough time to swim properly, but you may feel the day in your shoulders by the afternoon.

Afandou is also a good stop for people who prefer variety. You are not visiting three identical coves. Each pause gives you a different setting for swimming and photographs, even though the main activity remains the same.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the most famous final stop

The cruise then continues to Anthony Quinn Bay, where you spend about an hour swimming in the blue-green water. This is the stop most likely to dominate your photographs.

Anthony Quinn Bay is famous for its striking water color and enclosed setting. From the boat, you get a view that is hard to match from shore, with the bay opening around you as you swim. The bright sky and clear sea make this the natural finale to a day built around water.

You can snorkel here as well, although the same rule applies: fish sightings are not guaranteed. The bay’s real strength is the setting, not a promise of abundant underwater life. Bring a camera if you want photographs from the deck, but protect it carefully around the water.

The schedule gives you about an hour here, enough for a proper swim without turning the stop into an all-afternoon visit. Afterward, the boat heads back to Mandraki Harbour, arriving around 16:00.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47 per person, this is priced as an affordable full-day water outing rather than a luxury cruise. You get six hours on the sea, transport between three well-known swimming locations, snorkeling equipment, a swimming noodle, music, seasonal fruit, and an experienced crew.

That is a reasonable package if you want to visit several coastal spots without arranging separate beach transfers. The three stops are the main value. A beach day at one location may cost less, but it will not give you the same range of views or the chance to approach all three places from the water.

The price does not include hotel pickup, transfers, or food and drinks from the bar. You should also allow for the cost of getting to Mandraki Harbour. If you need lunch, check the bar prices before ordering, since onboard food and drink may cost more than you expect.

This is not the right choice if you want a polished yacht, a gourmet meal, or a quiet luxury setting. The boat is traditional, and that gives the outing some local character, but it also means the finish may be basic. The strongest value comes from the route and the long swimming time.

Boat comfort, music, and the practical trade-offs

The traditional wooden boat is part of the appeal. You are not sealed inside a large ferry, and you get an open-air view of the coast while moving between the bays. There is room to sit in the sun or shade, and music helps create a relaxed holiday mood.

The trade-off is maintenance. Feedback about the boat’s condition is mixed, with one detailed account describing a dirty vessel and a very poor lower-deck toilet. That is worth taking seriously if clean facilities are important to you.

I would treat the boat as a practical platform for swimming, not as an attraction in its own right. Wear something comfortable, bring a towel you do not mind using on a basic boat, and do not expect cruise-ship standards. The swimming stops are where most of your enjoyment will come from.

The seasonal fruit is a thoughtful inclusion, especially after the first swim. You can also buy drinks and something to eat onboard, but bringing a small amount of money is sensible. The supplied information does not say that outside food is prohibited, so you may wish to check with the operator if you prefer to bring your own snacks.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This outing suits you if you want a straightforward day on the water with plenty of swimming. It works particularly well for:

• People staying near Rhodes Town who can reach Mandraki Harbour easily
• Swimmers who want three different coastal stops
• Couples and friends looking for a relaxed, social boat day
• Families or mixed groups, since you can swim, snorkel, sit in the shade, or listen to music
• Anyone who wants a convenient way to see Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay from offshore

It may be less suitable if you dislike boats, need a high standard of onboard facilities, or want a detailed cultural tour of Rhodes. The guide speaks English and Greek, but the focus is swimming rather than long historical explanations.

You also need to be comfortable with a full six-hour schedule. Three swimming stops sound easy, but an hour in the water at each bay can leave you tired. Use the boat’s shaded areas, eat the fruit, and treat one stop as a slower rest period if needed.

What to pack for the day

Keep your packing simple. You need swimwear, a towel, and a camera if you want photographs. A dry change of clothes is not listed as required, but it is a practical idea after several hours around the water.

The operator provides snorkeling equipment and a swimming noodle, so you do not need to bring those unless you prefer your own gear. The supplied information does not list fins, so do not assume they are included.

Arrive at Mandraki Harbour early enough to find the Alexander statue and the Alkmini boat without a last-minute scramble. Everyone must be onboard on time. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included, so plan your route to the harbour before the morning of the cruise.

Scooters are not allowed on the activity. That restriction matters mainly if you are planning to bring personal transport equipment onto the boat. Leave it behind and arrive ready for a water day.

Booking flexibility and timing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. The exact starting time should still be checked when you book, although the stated schedule runs from 10:00 to 16:00.

The best reason to book is the long block of included swimming time. The best reason to pause is the basic standard of the boat and its facilities. If you care more about clear bays and a full day at sea than about polished service, the balance should work in your favor.

Should you book this Rhodes boat trip?

Book it if you want three swimming stops for $47, with snorkeling gear already supplied and no need to arrange your own coastal transport. Kallithea offers the best reason to bring a mask, while Anthony Quinn Bay delivers the most photogenic setting. Afandou gives the day a useful middle pause.

Skip it if a clean, modern boat and comfortable toilet are essential to your enjoyment. You should also choose another activity if you want guaranteed fish sightings, a full meal, hotel pickup, or a serious history tour.

For a practical, budget-friendly day focused on swimming, this cruise makes sense. Go for the water and the route, not luxury. Pack a towel, arrive on time at Mandraki Harbour, and keep a little money aside for the bar.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at Mandraki Harbour, by the Alexander statue, at the Alkmini boat.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts six hours. The stated schedule begins at 10:00 and returns to Mandraki Harbour around 16:00.

Which places does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay for swimming and snorkeling.

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

The planned time is about one hour at each location.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and a swimming noodle is also included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included, so you need to reach Mandraki Harbour yourself.

Is food included?

Seasonal fruit is included. Drinks and something to eat are available to buy at the onboard bar.

Is there a guide on the boat?

Yes. Live guidance is available in English and Greek.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.