Rhodes Town: Scenic Cruise to Lindos with Swim Stops

The best part of this day is the combination of open-sea views, two swim stops, and three hours in Lindos. You get to see Rhodes from the water, cool off at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay, then explore one of the island’s most attractive villages without arranging transport yourself.

I like the simple value: hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the boat has three decks, a snack bar, and a bathroom. I also like having enough time in Lindos to walk through the lanes, visit the Acropolis if the queue allows, and reach St. Paul’s Bay. The main drawback is the group size, up to 280 people, and three hours can feel tight if you want both the Acropolis and a relaxed meal.

Key points at a glance

• Two 20-minute swim stops: Cool off from the Rhodes heat at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay.
• Three hours in Lindos: Explore independently with a complimentary map, visit the Acropolis, or settle on the beach.
• Three-deck boat: There is room to move around, though the best seats go early.
• Hotel pickup included: Service covers Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki.
• Self-guided format: You receive directions and a map, but there is no dedicated guide explaining each sight.
• Good low-cost value: At $50.82 per person, transport, the cruise, swim stops, and Lindos time are bundled together.

A full day from Mandraki Port to Lindos

This is a long outing, usually lasting between eight and nine and a half hours. The day begins with pickup from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point, depending on where you stay.

If you make your own way to the port, meet the Manos Going staff at Mandraki Port on Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of Evangelismos, also called the Church of the Annunciation. Look for the red Manos Going sign. Arrive at 8:30 AM and have your booking confirmation ready. Staff will exchange it for boarding cards and a map of Lindos.

The early start matters. You want enough time to settle in before the boat leaves, and arriving early improves your chance of getting a seat with a good view. Several parts of the day are best enjoyed from outside, especially the approach to the bays and the return trip in the late afternoon.

The boat has three decks and carries up to 280 passengers. That makes this a proper group cruise, not a quiet little sailing trip. You can expect a lively, shared atmosphere, with a bar and snacks available for purchase at reasonable prices. Food and drinks are not included, so bring money if you would rather buy something onboard than carry supplies.

Mandraki sights and the ride along Rhodes’ east coast

Once the boat leaves port, the first stretch gives you a different view of Rhodes Town. Look back toward the harbor for the Dama Dama deer statues, a familiar symbol of the city. You will also pass St. Nicholas Lighthouse and the Church of Evangelismos.

The ride continues past Kallithea and Faliraki. From the sea, these resort areas appear as a long run of beaches, hotels, and coves. This section is more about fresh air and changing views than major sights, so keep your expectations sensible. Some passengers find the scenery before Lindos pleasant but not especially dramatic.

The boat ride itself takes a large part of the day. The listed route includes stretches of roughly one hour, one and a half hours, another one and a half hours, and one hour on the return. That is a lot of time afloat, but it also means you can see coves and headlands that are difficult to reach by road.

I suggest bringing a light layer even during hot weather. Wind can pick up on the open water, and one particularly windy day made the ride less comfortable for some passengers. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a towel are essential rather than optional extras.

Anthony Quinn Bay, your first 20-minute swim

The first swimming stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most appealing coves on this side of Rhodes. The boat pauses for about 20 minutes, giving you time to jump into the sea and cool down.

This stop works best if you are ready before the crew announces swimming. Keep your swimwear on, have your towel close, and avoid burying your mask or phone in a large beach bag. You can snorkel in the clear water in search of small marine life, though the stop is short and the main pleasure is simply being in the sea.

The boat remains the base for this swim. You are not being taken ashore for a beach visit, so you should be comfortable climbing into the water and getting back onboard. This is one reason the outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, wheelchair users, or anyone with a heart condition. It is also listed as unsuitable for pregnant women.

After the stop, you can dry off on deck while the boat continues toward Lindos. This change from sightseeing to swimming is one of the strongest features of the day. It breaks up the long ride and gives you relief from the Rhodes sun.

Three hours to find your own Lindos

Lindos is the main reason to choose this cruise. The boat gives you about three hours ashore, and you are free to decide how to use them. A complimentary village map includes directions and information, but there is no dedicated guide leading you through the streets.

Lindos is known for its white buildings, narrow lanes, small shops, tavernas, and views over the sea. You can wander through the village at your own pace, sit down for a meal, or make your way to one of the nearby beaches.

If you want to visit the Acropolis of Lindos, plan your route as soon as you arrive. The climb and the queues can consume much of your free time, especially in hot weather. A queue of more than an hour was enough for some people to abandon the visit and eat in a nearby taverna instead. A fast pass or queue-jumper option was useful to one passenger, but this cruise does not include Acropolis admission, so tickets are your responsibility.

The Acropolis is worth considering for its views, particularly if this is your first time in Lindos. Still, you need to make a choice. Visiting the site, eating a proper meal, walking the village, and reaching the beaches are difficult to fit comfortably into three hours.

A workable plan is to choose two priorities. For example, visit the Acropolis and walk the lanes, or have lunch and spend time at the beach. You can also walk toward St. Paul’s Bay, which offers striking views, but the extra distance makes a full Acropolis visit less practical.

The beaches provide a slower option. You can relax on the sand, paddle in the water, and return to the boat without trying to see everything. I like this flexibility, but anyone hoping for a detailed cultural tour should know that the day is self-guided.

Tsambika Bay and the final swim

After Lindos, the boat heads back along the coast and stops at Tsambika Bay. This is the second swim stop, also about 20 minutes.

The water is clear, and snorkeling is again possible. You may see small marine life close to the boat, although conditions and visibility can change. The stop is short, so treat it as a refreshing swim rather than a full snorkeling session.

The return ride gives you one last chance to sit outside and watch the coves pass by. If you are tired, the boat’s indoor areas, snack bar, and bathroom make the long ride easier. The trip finishes back at the Mandraki meeting point unless your selected transfer arrangement takes you onward.

One point is worth clarifying: the standard plan has one swim stop on the way to Lindos and one on the return. If you are expecting two swimming stops in each direction, that is not what is offered.

What the $50.82 price really covers

At $50.82 per person, this is a strong-value choice if you need transport to Lindos and want a day on the water. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki, the boat ride, both swim stops, the Lindos map, and approximately three hours in the village.

You are paying for convenience as much as the cruise. A direct trip to Lindos by road would not include the two swims or the coastal views, while organizing separate transport can add time and cost. The included pickup is especially useful if you are staying outside central Rhodes Town.

The price does not cover food, drinks, or entry tickets. Budget separately for lunch, snacks, and the Acropolis if you plan to visit. You should also factor in the value of your time. This is a full-day outing, with several hours spent aboard the boat, so it is best for someone who enjoys the journey rather than treating the cruise as a simple transfer.

Pickup details and practical comfort

Pickup is available from many hotels and designated points, but the activity start time is not necessarily your exact pickup time. The operator sends the precise time and location based on your accommodation. Check your email and spam folder before the day.

The return service covers a long list of locations around Rhodes, including central Rhodes Town, the Old Town area, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. If your hotel is outside the stated zone, transfers are not included.

Wear comfortable shoes for Lindos. The village walk, the route toward the Acropolis, and the lanes around town are more enjoyable in shoes that can handle uneven ground. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, and comfortable clothes.

The boat is not designed for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Swimming from the boat also calls for reasonable physical confidence. If you have heart problems or are pregnant, choose another way to see Lindos.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Weather can slightly change the timing of the stops, so keep your plans afterward loose.

The best way to use your three hours in Lindos

You will get more from the stop if you decide your priorities before leaving the boat. Here are three practical approaches:

• Acropolis first: Go directly uphill, then spend the remaining time in the village. This is the best plan if the historic site matters most.
• Village and lunch: Wander the lanes, choose a taverna, and enjoy the setting without racing up the hill.
• Beach and views: Walk through Lindos, head toward St. Paul’s Bay or a nearby beach, and keep the afternoon relaxed.

Do not try to force all three into one visit. The Acropolis queue may be long, and the heat can make the climb slower than expected. A map helps, but it does not remove the need to manage your time.

For the boat itself, arrive early and move quickly once boarding begins if you care about a front or upper-deck seat. The best views are popular. You can also change decks during the ride, so missing the ideal seat is not a disaster.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want one easy day that combines Lindos sightseeing with swimming. It suits couples, families with older children, and independent visitors who do not need a guide beside them all day.

It is also a good choice for people staying in the main resort areas, since pickup saves you a separate taxi or bus journey. The staff and drivers are described as friendly and organized, and the transfer service has been especially helpful for visitors who want a low-stress start and finish.

You may prefer a smaller boat if you dislike crowds. With up to 280 passengers, boarding and finding a preferred seat can feel busy. You may also want another option if you need a long, quiet visit in Lindos, since three hours can feel short once you add the Acropolis queue, lunch, and beach time.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced, full-day mix of sea views, two refreshing swims, and independent time in Lindos. The hotel pickup, onboard facilities, and simple map make the day easy to manage, while the coastal route shows you parts of Rhodes you would miss from a coach.

Skip it if you want a small-group sailing trip, a fully guided visit, or several hours dedicated only to the Acropolis. For most people who want to see Lindos without giving up a swim in Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay, this is a practical and enjoyable use of a day in Rhodes.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Lindos cruise last?

The activity lasts about eight to nine and a half hours. The exact duration and starting time can vary, so check availability and your pickup details before booking.

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is Mandraki Port on Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of Evangelismos, also called the Church of the Annunciation.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are included in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. The precise time and location depend on your accommodation.

How much free time do you get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Lindos Village. A map with directions and information is provided, but there is no dedicated tour guide.

How many swimming stops are included?

Two swimming stops are included. Each lasts about 20 minutes, one at Anthony Quinn Bay and one at Tsambika Bay.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks and refreshments are available to purchase from the boat’s snack bar. Lindos also has places to eat during your free time.

Are entrance tickets to the Acropolis of Lindos included?

No. Tickets to sites are not included. If you visit the Acropolis, you must arrange and pay for admission yourself, and you should allow time for possible queues.