Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Rhodes’ east coast is best seen from the water, and this 5.5-hour wooden boat cruise gives you three good swim stops without making the day feel like a race. You’ll visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs, with lunch and drinks served aboard between swims.

I like the friendly crew, especially the attentive host Theodore, and I like the generous setup: snorkeling gear, floats, lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are included for $70. The main drawback is sun exposure. Shade can be limited, and early boarding matters if you want the best front seating.

Quick take: what makes this cruise worth considering

• Three different swim settings: Anthony Quinn Bay brings green water and rocky scenery, Afandou offers a longer stop, and Kallithea has clear water, rocks, and ladders.
• Lunch is included on board: You get a buffet with local flavors and vegetarian choices, plus fruit and drinks.
• The crew gets the details right: Theodore and the wider team are warm, attentive, and good at keeping drinks and activities moving.
• You can snorkel without bringing gear: Equipment is provided, along with floats and an onboard shower.
• Arrive early for a good seat: The front pads offer excellent views, but seating can be less ideal if you board late.
• Cocktails cost extra: Wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruit are included, but mixed cocktails are sold separately.

Setting sail from Mandraki Harbour

You meet Royal Sailing Rhodes next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks. This is a central Rhodes Town location, so it is easy to find if you are already exploring the harbour area.

The boat is a traditional wooden vessel rather than a sleek modern yacht. That gives the trip a more classic Greek feel and makes the boat itself part of the experience. It also photographs well, with wooden details and open areas suited to sunbathing.

The advertised duration is 5.5 hours. That is long enough to feel like a proper day on the sea but short enough to fit around other plans in Rhodes Town. The cruise heads along the calmer east coast, where the main pleasure is the combination of open-water sailing, quiet coves, and repeated chances to swim.

The crew speaks English and keeps the mood easygoing. Music is played at a low enough level to leave room for conversation, and drinks are offered throughout the day. You also get free WiFi, although the views and swimming are the real reason to put your phone away for a while.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a scenic first swim

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the prettiest coves on this side of Rhodes. The water is known for its emerald color, while the surrounding rocks and green vegetation give the bay a more enclosed, wild feel than a standard resort beach.

You have about 50 minutes here to swim and snorkel. The boat provides the snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. This is a good place to start if you want clear water, rocky scenery, and a quick look at marine life below the surface.

The boat’s position matters. Instead of simply arriving at a broad beach and sitting on the sand, you can swim from the boat and see the cove from the water. That gives you a better sense of the bay’s shape and makes the stop feel more active.

The 50-minute limit is useful for keeping the day on schedule, but it also means you should get ready quickly. If you spend too long taking photos or waiting before entering the water, your swim time disappears. I would have your swimwear on before departure and keep sunscreen, goggles, and a towel within easy reach.

Afandou Beach: the longest and most flexible stop

The boat continues for roughly 10 minutes to Afandou Beach. This is the longest stop, with about 110 minutes allocated to swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and relaxing.

Afandou is less enclosed than Anthony Quinn Bay. You get more open space and a quieter beach setting, with the option to swim from the boat or spend time near the shore. Kayaking is also listed among the available activities, along with floats for people who prefer extra support in the water.

This is probably the most flexible part of the cruise. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling, while anyone who wants a slower break can simply sit, sunbathe, or enjoy the view. Families can split up without feeling that everyone has to follow the same plan.

Lunch is served on board during this stop. The buffet includes local-style dishes and vegetarian options. The food is accompanied by red or white wine, with beer and soft drinks also available. Fruit is included as well.

The meal seems designed for a relaxed boat day rather than fine dining. Portions are described as generous, and the food has been praised for being tasty. One useful bit of balance: not everyone finds the menu as distinctly Greek as they would like. If you are hoping for gyros or souvlaki, those particular dishes are not promised. Still, the combination of a full buffet, drinks, and fruit adds real value to the $70 price.

Lunch, drinks, and the social side of the boat

Food and drink are a major part of why this trip feels good value. You are not left to buy lunch at a beach stop, and you do not need to keep track of separate charges for every bottle of water or glass of wine.

Included drinks are wine, beer, soft drinks, and water. Coffee and tea are also listed during the cruise. Drinks are offered regularly, which helps on a sunny day when swimming and saltwater leave you thirsty.

Cocktails are different. The boat offers a cocktail menu, but mixed cocktails are not part of the standard price. You pay separately if you want one, so do not assume that unlimited drinks means every drink on board.

The atmosphere is social but not necessarily loud. The boat can feel fairly intimate, and one departure had about 18 people, giving it more of a small charter feel than a packed excursion. Group size may vary, so I would not book it expecting a guaranteed private-boat experience.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the day. Theodore is often singled out for being attentive and enthusiastic, while the wider team keeps food, drinks, safety, and timing in order. That matters on a boat trip. A friendly host can turn a basic route between beaches into a comfortable day out.

Kallithea Springs: clear water and rocky entry points

After lunch, the boat heads to Kallithea Springs for another 50-minute stop. Here, the setting changes again. You swim in a long, clear-water inlet surrounded by rocks, with ladders leading down into the sea.

Kallithea is especially appealing if you like swimming from unusual entry points rather than sandy beaches. The rocks and ladders give the stop a more structured feel, and the water is described as crystal clear. It is a good final swim because you can choose between snorkeling, floating, or simply cooling off before the return trip.

As with the other stops, 50 minutes is enough for a satisfying swim but not enough for a slow beach afternoon. You will want to enter the water soon after the boat anchors. The crew provides snorkeling gear, and the onboard shower is useful after your last swim.

The stop is scenic even if you do not want to snorkel. You can stay on deck, photograph the cove, or enjoy one last drink while others swim. This makes the cruise workable for mixed groups, although anyone who strongly dislikes boat swimming may find the day repetitive.

Seating, sun, and what to bring

Seating is worth planning for. One useful tip is to arrive early and aim for the front pads if they are available. They offer some of the best views and make it easier to watch the coast as the boat moves between stops.

The boat has open areas for sunbathing, but shade is limited. On a hot, clear day, you may want to rotate between sun and whatever covered space is available. Bring high-factor sunscreen, a hat if you use one, and water-friendly footwear if rocky entries bother your feet.

Towels are not included. Pack your own, along with swimwear and sunscreen. A small dry bag would also be sensible for a phone or camera, though one is not listed as part of the equipment.

The boat provides snorkeling equipment, floats, a shower, and a first aid kit. Those details make the trip easier for families and casual swimmers. You do not need to organize separate snorkeling rental at each stop.

The water can become choppy at times. The east coast is described as relatively calm, but sea conditions can still change. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking your usual precautions before sailing and sit where movement feels manageable. The crew has been attentive when passengers feel unwell, but prevention is still better than spending the day looking pale over the rail.

Is $70 a fair price for this Rhodes boat trip?

At $70 per person, the price is strong for a half-day cruise that includes three stops, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and drinks. A comparable day can become expensive if you add boat transport, beach meals, equipment hire, and beverages separately.

The best value comes if you plan to swim. You are paying for access to three different coastal settings, not just a sightseeing boat ride. You also get a proper meal and a steady supply of included drinks, which makes the price easier to justify.

If you do not drink alcohol, the value is still reasonable because lunch, fruit, soft drinks, and the boat ride are included. If you prefer a quiet, private cruise, however, this may not be the right format. It is a shared excursion with music, other passengers, and a set timetable.

The cruise also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and friends who want an easy day on the water without arranging every detail themselves. You get a useful mix of swimming, snorkeling, lunch, scenery, and relaxed sailing.

It suits confident swimmers and casual swimmers alike because floats are available and you can stay on board during any stop. Children can enjoy the water and the boat, though parents should be comfortable supervising them around open water and ladders.

It is also a good fit if you want to see several famous coastal spots without spending a full day visiting them by road. The three stops have enough variety to keep the route interesting.

I would think twice if you need lots of shade, dislike boats, or want a fully traditional Greek food menu. The timetable is fixed, and each stop lasts about 50 minutes except for the longer Afandou visit. This is a swim-focused cruise, not a slow coastal sightseeing tour with long time ashore.

Should you book the Royal Sailing Rhodes cruise?

Yes, if you want a social, good-value day on the water with swimming as the main event. The strongest reasons are the three attractive stops, the friendly crew, the included buffet and drinks, and the useful snorkeling equipment.

Arrive early if seating matters, especially if you want the front pads or a better view. Pack a towel and extra sun protection, and remember that cocktails cost extra.

For $70, this is an efficient way to enjoy Rhodes’ east coast without paying separately for lunch, drinks, and snorkeling. It is not private, and shade may be scarce, but the route, service, and inclusions make it a sensible choice for an active half-day at sea.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet in Rhodes?

The meeting point is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours.

Which places does the boat visit?

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

How long do you stay at each stop?

You have about 50 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, 110 minutes at Afandou Beach, and 50 minutes at Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with vegetarian options is included, along with fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea are included. Cocktails are available for an additional charge.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and floats are also available.

Should you bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own towel, swimwear, and sunscreen.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide and the available tour service are in English.