Rhodes Town: Anthony Quinn, Kalithea & Afandou Boat Cruise

The best part of this six-hour Rhodes boat cruise is the chance to see three very different coastal spots without arranging taxis or beach transfers. From Mandraki Harbor, the traditional Greek boat Alkmini carries you past the coast to Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea.

I like the three one-hour swim stops and the sensible $48 price, especially since snorkeling gear and pool noodles are included. The water can be clear enough to spot fish and squid, and the cruise gives you a full day by the Aegean without the cost of a private charter.

The tradeoff is time on the move. The boat is slow, and you may spend close to three hours sailing, with little spoken commentary and limited shade on board. This is better for relaxed swimming and sea views than for a guided lesson about Rhodes.

Key details before you book

• Three water stops: You get about an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.
• A traditional boat called Alkmini: Find it near the Alexander Statue at Mandraki Harbor.
• Snorkeling gear included: You also get swimming noodles, though fish sightings are never guaranteed.
• Music replaces much of the narration: The cruise has an English and Greek crew, but the amount of guiding may be light.
• A good $48 value for swimmers: The fare covers the boat, crew, three swim stops, gear, and music.
• Plan for sun and a slow return: Bring a towel, sunscreen, swimwear, and sunglasses, and arrive on time.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor on the Alkmini

Your meeting point is easy to identify: look for the Alexander Statue at Mandraki Harbor and the boat named Alkmini. You will need to arrive on time, since the boat cannot wait for late arrivals. Hotel pickup is not included, so allow extra time to reach the harbor if you are staying elsewhere on Rhodes.

Once aboard, the cruise begins with a broad view of the water around Rhodes Town. This is not a speedboat outing. The traditional boat moves at an easy pace, which gives you time to look back toward the coast and take in the Aegean from the water.

That slower speed is part of the charm, but it shapes the whole day. You are not being rushed between stops, and the ride can feel peaceful when the sea is calm. On the other hand, the sailing time may feel long if you mainly want to swim. One recent passenger calculated roughly three hours of the six-hour trip as time under way.

The crew speaks English and Greek, and music plays on board. Still, you should not book this expecting constant commentary about Rhodes, the bays, or local history. The amount of spoken information may be limited to practical instructions around boarding, swimming, and leaving each stop.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the first hour in clear water

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first swimming stop, with around an hour for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. The bay is known for its striking coastal setting, and approaching it from the sea gives you a better sense of its shape than a quick visit from land.

You can stay on board for the views, then enter the water when the boat anchors. Snorkeling gear is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and equipment. The crew also supplies noodles, useful if you want to float without working hard in the water.

This is a good first stop because you can get comfortable with the boat and the water early in the day. The clear blue sea may reveal fish below the surface, but the operator makes no promise that you will see marine life. Keep that in mind if snorkeling is your main reason for booking.

The hour passes quickly. If you want photos, time in the water, and a look below the surface, you will need to divide your time. I would bring a waterproof phone case if you want pictures from the swim, though that item is not included.

Afandou Beach: a longer coastal pause

The next stop is Afandou Beach, where you have another hour for swimming and snorkeling. The mood here is more about stretching out and enjoying the coast than checking off a famous bay.

You can use the stop as a chance to swim again, float with a noodle, or simply relax in the sun. The description also lists underwater exploration here, but the cruise is not presented as a specialist lesson or a dedicated scuba experience. Treat it as a casual water stop with room to enjoy the beach setting.

Afandou is also the place where the promise of sunbathing matters most. The beach gives you a chance to lie back and warm up after your first swim. Pack a towel, since it is not included, and bring your own sunscreen. Sunglasses are useful during the long hours on deck.

Shade may be scarce. A passenger on a hot August day found the limited shaded seating uncomfortable, so you should plan for direct sun. If you have a low tolerance for heat, spend some of the sailing time in whatever shade is available and keep drinking water. Drinks and snacks are not included, so bring your own supplies if the operator permits them, or plan to buy them before boarding.

Kallithea Springs and Bay: the final swim

The final stop is listed as Kallithea Springs, while the water stop is also described as Kallithea Bay. Either way, this is your last hour for swimming and snorkeling before the boat turns back toward Rhodes Town.

The water here is presented as a good place to look for colorful fish, squid, and other sea life. Conditions change, and sightings are not guaranteed, but the stop gives you one more chance to use the included mask and snorkel. If you have seen little at the first two locations, stay patient and watch the water carefully.

After two earlier swim stops, you may appreciate the chance to choose your own pace. Swim for a while, float with a noodle, or remain aboard and enjoy the coast. The stop includes time for photos and free time, so you are not required to spend the whole hour in the water.

This final pause also helps break up the return journey. Once the boat leaves Kallithea, you will have a scenic ride back to Mandraki Harbor. If the slow sailing bothered you earlier, the return may feel long. If you enjoy sitting on deck with music and an open view, it can be a calm way to finish the day.

What the $48 price really covers

At $48 per person, this cruise is priced as a practical shared outing rather than a luxury sailing day. You receive the boat trip, crew, three swim and snorkel stops, snorkeling gear, music, and swimming noodles. That is a fair package if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to several beaches and equipment rental.

The value is strongest for people who want a simple water day. You get access to three coastal locations in one booking, and you do not have to organize your own route around Rhodes. The price also avoids the much higher cost of hiring a private boat.

The package is less attractive if you want a full meal or a polished guided tour. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are not included. There is also no promise of lengthy explanations at each location. You are paying mainly for time on the water and access to swimming spots.

An overall rating of 4.3 from 83 ratings suggests a generally solid experience, with the usual split between people who value the price and those who want more service. The strongest praise centers on the low cost, clear water, and polite, helpful handling by the crew. One useful detail is that when a passenger missed an earlier sailing because of a late bus, the guide arranged another trip for the next day using the same ticket. That shows a degree of practical flexibility, though you should still arrive on time rather than count on a similar solution.

The boat, seating, shade, and sailing time

The Alkmini is a traditional Greek boat, not a fast modern craft. That affects both the atmosphere and the schedule. You get a slower view of the coastline, but less time at each destination than you might expect from the six-hour duration.

The ride can be pleasant when you want to listen to music, watch the sea, and let the day unfold. It may be less satisfying if you prefer constant activity or a tightly packed program. Bring a good attitude toward unhurried travel.

Shade is a practical concern. There are not many shaded places, and the Greek summer sun can be intense. Wear sunscreen before boarding, not only after you feel hot. Sunglasses and a hat would be useful, though only sunglasses are specifically listed among the items to bring.

There may be wet surfaces around the swimming areas, so keep phones and other valuables secure. The supplied information does not promise lockers or storage, so avoid bringing anything you cannot keep safely with you.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want three chances to swim during one half-day, enjoy a boat ride, and keep the cost under control. It suits couples, friends, and families who are comfortable with open water and do not need a formal presentation at every stop.

It is also a good choice for anyone staying in Rhodes Town who wants to reach Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, and Kallithea by sea. The route provides variety: a photogenic bay, a broad beach stop, and a final snorkeling area with the possibility of seeing fish and squid.

You may want a different trip if you need wheelchair access, since this activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It also may not suit you if you dislike long periods on a slow boat, need reliable shade, or expect a guide to explain each place in detail.

Snorkeling ability is not described as a requirement, and noodles are included for floating. Still, you should be comfortable entering the sea or be prepared to enjoy the scenery from the boat. The crew cannot guarantee marine life, so book for the overall day rather than for a promised wildlife encounter.

Practical planning for a comfortable day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Since food and drinks are not included, plan ahead for refreshments. The activity information does not say that lunch is served, so do not expect a meal on board.

Wear something comfortable for six hours in the sun and carry a light cover-up if you have one. You will be moving between open deck space and swimming areas, so keeping your packing simple is wise.

Find the Alexander Statue at Mandraki Harbor and confirm that you are boarding the Alkmini. The boat requires everyone to be on time. Bikes are not allowed, which matters if you are reaching the harbor on a cycling holiday or carrying one as part of your plans.

Cancellation is flexible if your schedule is uncertain: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Should you book the Alkmini?

Book this cruise if your ideal Rhodes day includes three swim stops, simple snorkeling, open sea views, and a reasonable price. The clear water, included equipment, and polite crew make it a useful choice for a relaxed day away from town.

Skip it if you want fast transport, detailed guiding, plentiful shade, or a meal included. The slow boat and limited narration are real drawbacks, not minor footnotes. For $48, though, the package is hard to fault if you view it as a swimming cruise rather than a full sightseeing tour.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes boat cruise meet?

The meeting point is at Mandraki Harbor near the Alexander Statue. Look for the traditional boat named Alkmini.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including sailing time and the three swimming stops.

Which places does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs, also described as Kallithea Bay.

How long do you stay at each stop?

You have about one hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, one hour at Afandou Beach, and one hour at Kallithea.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swimming noodles are included in the price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, drinks, and lunch are not included.

What should you bring?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also arrive on time at the boat, since late arrival can cause you to miss the cruise.