Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

The best part of this Rhodes to Lindos cruise is the mix: you get the island’s famous hilltop village without giving up a proper swim in clear coastal water. The 30-minute stop at Anthony Quinn Bay comes early, then you have three hours in Lindos before a second swim at Tsambika on the way home.

I like the clean, spacious boat, the useful onboard bar, and the sunbeds on the upper deck. I also like that you explore Lindos on your own rather than being tied to a guide. The main drawback is time: three hours is enough for the Acropolis, lunch, and a quick look around, but you will need to keep moving.

Key points at a glance

• Two swim stops: Jump from the boat into the clear water at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Blue Lagoon.
• Three hours in Lindos: Visit the Acropolis, wander the whitewashed lanes, eat lunch, or spend time by the beach.
• Comfortable boat facilities: Use the open sundeck, shaded seating, air-conditioned area, clean toilets, WiFi, and onboard floats.
• Top-deck sunbeds are limited: Arrive early if stretching out in the sun is important to you.
• Good value at $47: The fare covers the cruise, both swimming stops, and Lindos free time, while food, drinks, and Acropolis admission cost extra.
• A long but easy-going day: Expect eight to eight and a half hours, with Rhodes Harbor return scheduled for about 17:30.

Why this Rhodes cruise works so well

Lindos is one of Rhodes’s essential sights, but reaching it by road can mean a hot transfer and a packed day on land. This cruise gives you a different rhythm. You sail along the east coast, watch the shoreline from the water, stop for a swim, then arrive in Lindos with enough time to see its main sights.

The boat is not simply transport. It has three levels of seating, an open upper deck, shaded areas, an air-conditioned interior, toilets, WiFi, and a bar serving cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, sandwiches, and ice cream. The onboard food and drinks are not included, but prices are described as reasonable, with sandwiches available for about €3.

At $47 per person, I consider this strong value if you want Lindos and two swims in one day. You would pay separately for transport, beach time, and refreshments on many day trips, while here the main cost is combined into one ticket. Add the Acropolis fee, lunch, and drinks to your budget.

The tradeoff is that this is a popular boat, not a private sailing trip. You may find the upper deck crowded, especially in summer. The main seating areas have more room and shade, but the limited sunbeds go quickly.

Finding the boat at Mandraki Port

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City, near the Nea Agora Building. Look for the DISCOVERY boat, almost opposite the building and close to the Roda bus stop. You should arrive 30 minutes early, with the morning check-in generally taking place between 8:00 and 8:30.

Hotel pickup can be added at selected locations. The transfer uses a coach or minivan marked with the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen. You are asked to wait at the pickup point 10 minutes before the arranged time. Drivers wait only about two minutes, although traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes.

If you care about getting a good seat, arriving early matters. The front and upper-deck sunbeds are especially popular. One useful tactic is to board early, choose a place, and keep your belongings together rather than spreading them across several seats.

The first swim at Anthony Quinn Bay

The first part of the cruise follows Rhodes’s east coast. After roughly 45 minutes of sightseeing from the boat, you reach Anthony Quinn Bay for a 30-minute swim.

This is one of the island’s most striking bays, with rocky sides and clear emerald water. The stop is made from the boat, so you jump straight into the sea rather than walking onto a beach. That gives the stop a little adventure, but it also means you should be comfortable using a ladder or entering the water from the boat.

Bring your own snorkeling equipment if you have it. The water is clear enough for looking below the surface, though the exact conditions can change with wind and sea movement. Floats are provided, including noodle-style aids that can help less confident swimmers. Life jackets are available for children.

The crew gives notice before the swim stops, which is handy. You can change, collect your goggles, and move toward the swimming area without scrambling at the last second. Thirty minutes passes quickly, but it is long enough for a few swims and time on deck afterward.

The long sail to Lindos

After Anthony Quinn Bay, the boat continues toward Lindos. The sailing time is part of the day, not just a gap between activities. The full trip to Lindos takes just under two hours from departure, and the route gives you broad views of Rhodes’s eastern shoreline.

If you like sitting in the sun, claim an upper-deck spot early. The height gives you the best views, but it can be windy when the boat is moving. In October and at the beginning or end of the season, bring a light jacket. Even warm days can feel cool on the open deck.

The boat also has shaded seating and an air-conditioned area. I would use the interior during the hottest part of the day, especially if you are traveling with children or find a long period in direct sun tiring. The journey is smooth for many passengers, but anyone prone to seasickness should choose a central, lower seat and avoid reading while underway.

The bar helps make this long stretch easier. You can buy drinks, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food without packing a full picnic. Still, bring water, sunglasses, a hat, and some cash. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket.

Three hours to make your own Lindos plan

You get about three hours in Lindos, which is enough for a focused visit. The boat does not provide a tightly scripted walking tour, so you decide how to spend the time.

For most people, the priority is the Acropolis of Lindos. The climb leads through the village and up to the ancient site, where the views over the white buildings, beaches, and sea are the main reward. Admission is not included, so carry money for the entrance fee. The uphill walk can be hot, and the route includes uneven surfaces and steps, so wear sensible shoes and take water.

Do not leave the Acropolis until the last minute. Lindos is easy to enjoy at a slow pace, but finding your way back through the narrow lanes can take longer than expected. You must be back at the boat on time. The boat leaves according to schedule, and it will not wait for someone who has taken a wrong turn.

If the Acropolis is not your priority, you can spend the time in the village. The whitewashed lanes have shops, cafés, and tavernas. You can stop for a traditional Greek meal, browse for souvenirs, or head toward the sandy beach for a swim from shore.

Three hours gives you choices, but not unlimited time. You can usually fit in the Acropolis and lunch, or the Acropolis and a relaxed beach visit. Doing all three means keeping an eye on your watch. Some people will find the schedule just right, while others will wish for another 30 minutes.

A practical plan is to go directly uphill first, visit the Acropolis, then walk back down for food or beach time. This avoids spending your first hour on lunch and rushing the main sight later. Keep your route simple, and remember the boat meeting point before you set off.

You can leave larger bags onboard while exploring Lindos. Take only what you need for the walk: water, sunscreen, money, phone, and anything required for the Acropolis. The crew can also help clarify the return time and meeting arrangements.

The return swim at Tsambika Beach

The journey back includes a second sightseeing cruise of about 50 minutes before stopping at Tsambika Beach, also called the Blue Lagoon. This is another boat-entry swim, with about 30 minutes in turquoise water.

The Tsambika stop is a welcome change after walking around Lindos. You can cool off, use a float, listen to music from the boat, or simply sit on deck and watch the coast. The crew cleans the boat after the swimming stops, which helps keep wet areas and seating pleasant for the rest of the trip.

Again, the stop is short. Think of it as a refreshing swim rather than a full beach afternoon. Bring a towel because towels are not provided. A waterproof pouch is useful if you want to keep a phone or cash close by, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions about belongings.

After Tsambika, the cruise back to Rhodes takes about an hour. The return trip is often a good time to find a shaded seat, order something from the bar, and let the day slow down. The boat is scheduled to reach Rhodes Harbor at approximately 17:30.

Seats, sunbeds, food, and practical comfort

The boat’s strongest practical feature is choice. You can sit on the open sundeck, find shade, use the air-conditioned area, or stretch out on a sunbed. The toilets are onboard and are kept in good condition, which matters during an eight-hour outing.

The top-deck sunbeds are limited and have no shade. Arrive early if this is your ideal setup. If you are picked up by hotel transfer, you may not reach the boat early enough to choose first, so do not assume a sunbed will be waiting.

The boat has enough general seating for the full group, but popular areas can feel busy. Some people describe the boat as spacious even when full, while others find it harder to relax when the deck is crowded. That is a fair distinction: the boat offers plenty of seating, but the best seats are in demand.

The bar sells cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and sandwiches. Prices are considered reasonable, but you should still bring cash for purchases, the Acropolis, and any food in Lindos. WiFi is included, though signal strength at sea can vary.

Who should book this trip

I would choose this cruise if you want to see Lindos but also want time in the water. It suits couples, families, and anyone who prefers a flexible day over a formal guided tour. Children can use the floats and life jackets, and the mixture of swimming and sightseeing keeps the day from feeling like one long boat ride.

It is also a good pick for visitors staying in Rhodes City or near one of the listed pickup hotels. The optional transfer can simplify the morning, while independent arrival at Mandraki Port gives you more control over boarding time and seating.

I would think twice if you want a quiet, small-group sailing trip. This is a full-day public cruise with a bar, music at the swim stops, and limited premium deck space. I would also reconsider if your only aim is a long, relaxed visit to the Acropolis. Three hours is useful, but Lindos can easily fill a whole day on its own.

For anyone with limited mobility, the Acropolis walk and Lindos’s uphill lanes deserve careful thought. The information provided does not describe dedicated accessibility arrangements, and the route can be hot and demanding. Ask the operator about your needs before booking.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Rhodes schedule depends on weather, ferry plans, or a cruise-ship timetable.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want the best combination of Lindos sightseeing and swimming for one moderate price. The boat is clean, the crew is helpful, the facilities are useful, and the two bays make the long sailing time feel worthwhile.

Plan carefully. Arrive early for sunbeds, bring a jacket outside the hottest months, carry a towel and cash, and go straight to the Acropolis when you reach Lindos. If you can accept a busy boat and a firm three-hour schedule, this is a practical, enjoyable way to see one of Rhodes’s most beautiful villages.

FAQ

How long is the Lindos cruise from Rhodes?

The experience lasts about eight to eight and a half hours. The boat is scheduled to return to Rhodes Harbor at approximately 17:30.

Where do I meet the boat?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port, near the Nea Agora Building and the Roda bus stop. Look for the DISCOVERY boat and arrive 30 minutes early.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional at selected hotels and locations. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen.

How long do I have in Lindos?

You have approximately three hours of free time in Lindos. You can visit the Acropolis, eat at a taverna, walk through the village, or spend time at the beach.

Are Acropolis tickets included?

No. Admission to the Acropolis of Lindos is not included in the cruise price.

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 towels and food included?

No. Towels, food, and drinks are not included. The boat has a bar selling drinks, snacks, sandwiches, coffee, cocktails, and ice cream.

What facilities are available onboard?

The boat has an open sundeck with sunbeds, shaded seating, an air-conditioned area, toilets, WiFi, floats, and insurance.