Rhodes: Captain Manolis Fishing Trip with BBQ and Swimming

The best part of this Rhodes outing is its mix of simple pleasures: you fish with a local captain, stop for a swim, then eat a fresh grilled-fish meal on the boat. Captain Manolis and Captain Mike focus on showing you how to fish rather than assuming you already know what you are doing. That makes this a good pick for beginners, not just keen anglers.

I like the small group limit of 10, which can make the boat feel personal, and I like that the $92 price includes fishing gear, drinks, salad, bread, and one 500-gram fish per person. The main drawback is clear: this is a real fishing trip, so the catch is never guaranteed. It is also a poor choice if you are prone to seasickness or cannot swim.

Key points to know before booking

• Fishing comes first: You use supplied rods, bait, and tackle while Captain Manolis or Captain Mike helps you find and handle the fish.
• The meal is part of the experience: Expect grilled fish, Greek salad, bread, and soft drinks or beer served on board.
• Swimming adds a welcome break: The boat stops near a beach for swimming, and snorkels may be available.
• Small groups matter: The boat accepts no more than 10 participants, with some departures feeling almost private.
• The port is easy to reach: Find the boat at Kolona Port, about five minutes from Rhodes’ central bus station.
• Come prepared for open water: Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothes, and a camera.

A fishing morning or afternoon from Kolona Port

This half-day trip begins at Captain Manolis Fishing Trips in Kolona Port, just five minutes from the central bus station. That location is useful if you are staying in Rhodes Town and do not want to arrange a separate transfer. Transportation to the port is not included, so you need to make your own way there.

The outing lasts 4.5 hours. That is long enough to give fishing a proper try, stop for a swim, and sit down for a relaxed meal, but short enough to fit around other plans in Rhodes. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

The boat carries fishing equipment, bait, and the basic supplies needed for the trip. You do not need to pack your own rod. Captain Manolis brings professional fishing experience, and Captain Mike is also named as the captain on several departures. The exact person leading your trip may depend on the day.

Learning to fish with Captain Manolis and Captain Mike

The fishing is practical and hands-on. You are not simply taken out to look at the sea. You get a rod, try the techniques shown by the crew, and move between fishing spots as the captain looks for better water.

That help matters if you have never fished before. You can ask for guidance with bait, casting, and bringing in your catch. The crew also explains what you catch and shares information about local sea life. One outing included bottom fishing at several spots, followed by a short attempt at trolling for smaller tuna on the way back.

The catches can vary. Some trips have produced puffer fish, rosetta, tuna, and other smaller fish. One group caught a tuna around 40 centimeters long. Another had success with several tuna and rosetta. Those details give you a useful idea of the range, but they should not be treated as a promise. Fishing depends on the day, the sea, and luck.

I would book this if you like the process of fishing, not only the thought of bringing home a big catch. You might catch several fish, or you might spend more time learning and enjoying the water than filling the boat. That uncertainty is part of the outing, but it is worth knowing before you pay.

The boat ride and views along the Rhodian coast

Between fishing stops, you get views of Rhodes from the water, along with beaches and coastal scenery that are harder to appreciate from land. The trip also offers views of Rhodian monuments from offshore, depending on the route and visibility.

The boat is described as fully equipped for the trip, with fishing gear and supplies for the barbecue. Drinks are available during the outing, including soft drinks or beer. That small detail makes the day feel less rushed. You can sit back between fishing attempts instead of treating every minute as a contest to catch something.

The experience is intentionally straightforward. This is not a polished luxury yacht cruise with a formal dining service. It is a working fishing boat, a captain who fishes for a living, and a small group sharing food at sea. If you want a relaxed local-style outing, that simplicity is a strength. If you want a quiet private charter with lots of space, the group setup may feel less suitable.

Swimming near a beach and possible snorkeling

At some point, the captain takes the boat near a beach for swimming. The stop breaks up the fishing and gives you a chance to cool off in the sea. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat, since these are not optional extras on a four-and-a-half-hour boat trip.

Snorkeling is also part of the stated activities, and snorkels were available on at least some trips. The supplied details do not specify the exact beach or promise a particular snorkeling site, so think of this as a pleasant water stop rather than a dedicated snorkeling excursion.

The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers. You should also skip it if you are prone to seasickness. There is no indication of a specialized support setup for people who struggle in open water, so be honest with yourself before booking. Comfortable clothes are useful for the boat ride, and a camera can capture the coast, the catch, and the meal, but protect it from spray.

A simple barbecue lunch on the boat

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to choose this outing. After fishing, the crew prepares a barbecue on board with fresh fish, salad, and bread. The included food also covers one fish per person, listed as 500 grams, along with soft drinks or beer.

The cooking style is simple rather than elaborate. Fish is grilled, bread may be roasted, and the salad gives the meal a fresh Greek touch. That simplicity suits the setting. You are eating on the water, with the coast around you, after handling the fishing gear yourself.

There is an important distinction here. The meal includes one fish per person, but your personal catch is not clearly promised as the fish served. One outing included fish that had been bought in advance, while the group also caught fish during the day. That means you can enjoy the barbecue even if the fishing is slow.

Captain Mike is praised as a good cook, and Captain Manolis is described as keeping the boat clean and the group comfortable. The combination of food, drinks, swimming, and fishing gives the trip good value for the price. You are not paying $92 for only a boat ride and a short fishing lesson.

Is $92 a fair price?

At $92 per person, this sits in a reasonable range for a four-and-a-half-hour small-group sea outing that includes equipment, an experienced captain, food, and drinks. You would need to arrange your own transport to Kolona Port, but the port is close to central Rhodes and easy to reach by bus or on foot from parts of Rhodes Town.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for a fishing charter, a swimming cruise, and lunch. This trip combines all three, although none of them receives the full attention of a specialist half-day charter. The fishing is the main activity, while the swim and meal add variety.

Group size is another value point. With a maximum of 10 people, you should get more personal help than on a large excursion boat. Some departures have had only three or four people, creating an almost private experience at the listed per-person rate. You cannot count on that level of space, but the limit keeps the outing fairly intimate.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make it easier to fit into a changing Rhodes schedule. Still, check the departure time carefully and allow enough time to reach the port.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes fishing trip?

I would recommend it to:

• First-time anglers who want clear help from a captain
• Couples, families, and small groups who enjoy a relaxed day on the water
• People who want fishing combined with swimming and a meal
• Visitors staying near Rhodes Town who can reach Kolona Port easily
• Anyone who likes local food served in an informal setting

It is less suitable for serious anglers seeking a specific target species or a guaranteed large catch. It is also not right for non-swimmers or people who often feel sick on boats.

Children are not specifically discussed in the available details, so families should confirm suitability before booking. The same applies to dietary needs, since only the listed fish, salad, bread, and drinks are confirmed.

Practical packing advice for four and a half hours at sea

Pack light, but bring the useful things:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable clothing
• A camera
• Water-friendly footwear if you have it
• Any personal seasickness remedy you normally use

Only the first five items are specifically requested for the activity. The last two are practical suggestions, not stated inclusions. Keep valuable electronics protected around the water, and expect your clothes to pick up some sea spray or food smells.

English is the listed tour language. The small group format means you can ask questions and get help with the fishing, though the level of individual instruction may depend on how many people join that departure.

My verdict on the Captain Manolis experience

I like this outing because it offers something more memorable than a standard sightseeing cruise. You are not only looking at Rhodes from the sea. You are trying a local activity, learning how to fish, eating a grilled meal on the boat, and getting time to swim.

The strongest points are the friendly captain-led instruction, the small group size, and the meal. Cleanliness on board and the relaxed atmosphere also matter, especially when you are spending several hours in a compact space. The main limitation is the fishing itself: catches vary, and the advertised fish meal should not be confused with a guarantee that you will catch dinner.

Should you book this fishing trip?

Book it if you want a social, practical half-day on the water and would be happy even with a modest catch. The $92 price is fair because it covers the boat, gear, captain, food, drinks, swimming, and a small group rather than charging separately for each part.

Skip it if you cannot swim, regularly suffer from seasickness, or want a highly specialized fishing charter. For everyone else, this is a good way to trade a few hours of beach time for a more active taste of life around Rhodes.

FAQ

Where does the Captain Manolis fishing trip start?

The boat is at Kolona Port, about five minutes from Rhodes’ central bus station.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The experience lasts 4.5 hours.

How much does the activity cost?

The listed price is $92 per person.

Is transportation to the port included?

No. Transportation to and from the port is not included.

What food is included?

The barbecue includes fresh fish, salad, and bread. One fish per person, listed at 500 grams, is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks or beers are included during the trip.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The boat is fully equipped, and fishing gear is included.

Who leads the fishing trip?

The experience is operated by Fishing Trip Captain Manolis. Captain Manolis is named as the main captain, and several departures identify Captain Mike as the captain or cook.

Can I swim during the trip?

Yes. The boat stops near a beach for swimming. Snorkeling is also included among the listed activities, and snorkels may be available.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

What should I bring?

Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The listed tour language is English.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I have to pay when I book?

No. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.