Rhodes: Pleasure Cruise for Swimming and Snorkeling

Rhodes’ east coast is at its best from the water, and this six-hour cruise gives you three proper swimming stops rather than a quick look from the rail. You’ll sail from Mandraki Harbour to Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, with about an hour at each place for swimming or snorkeling.

I like the generous time in the sea and the simple feel of a traditional wooden boat. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling equipment, swimming noodles, music, seasonal fruit, and a bar onboard. The main caution is comfort. Some recent feedback describes the boat and lower toilet as poorly maintained, while food and drink prices onboard may feel high.

Key points to know before booking

• Three one-hour swimming stops: Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay each receive roughly an hour.
• A real swimming day: You spend about three hours in the water, not just taking photographs from the boat.
• Traditional boat setting: Expect music, sun or shade, an onboard bar, and a relaxed Greek day-at-sea mood.
• Snorkeling gear included: Equipment and a swimming noodle are provided, though fish sightings are never guaranteed.
• Easy central departure: Meet at Mandraki Harbour near the Alexander Statue, at the Alkmini boat.
• Good value at $47: The price is reasonable if you want several swimming stops and do not need hotel transfers.

A six-hour escape from Mandraki Harbour

The cruise leaves Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 a.m. and returns at about 4:00 p.m. That timing makes it easy to fit into a day based in Rhodes Town, but you need to reach the port on your own. There is no hotel pickup or transfer.

The meeting point is near the Alexander Statue at Mandraki Harbour, by the Alkmini boat. Be punctual. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and missing the departure would ruin a large part of your day.

This is a full half-day on the water, not a short harbor outing. You cruise along Rhodes’ east coast, stop three times, and have room between swims to sit in the sun or shade, listen to music, and watch the coast pass by.

The cruise is conducted in English and Greek. The supplied information does not name a specific guide, so you should expect guidance from the crew rather than a personal tour led by a named historian.

Kallithea Bay: a strong first swim

The cruise description places Kallithea Bay first, after roughly 40 minutes of sailing. This bay is known for clear water and snorkeling, and it is presented as the famous snorkeling location on the route.

You get about an hour here. That is enough time to enter the water without rushing, try the provided mask and equipment, and return to the boat for a rest. If you prefer to stay dry, Kallithea also works as a photo stop from the boat.

The appeal here is simple: the cruise gets you into the sea early. You do not spend the first half of the morning waiting for the main attraction. After a short ride from Mandraki, you are already swimming.

Snorkeling conditions can vary with weather and water movement. The operator does not promise fish sightings, so treat the equipment as an opportunity rather than a guarantee. You might see fish, or you might mainly enjoy the clear water and rocky surroundings.

Afandou Beach: space for another hour in the water

From Kallithea, the boat continues to Afandou Beach for another swimming and snorkeling stop of about one hour. This gives the day a useful rhythm: sail, swim, rest, then repeat.

Afandou is a good middle stop because you can choose your own pace. Use the snorkeling equipment, float with the noodle, swim from the boat, or stay aboard in the shade. You do not need to turn every stop into an active snorkeling session.

By this point, you may appreciate the break more than you expect. Three swimming stops sound easy on paper, but several hours of entering and leaving the sea can be tiring. The boat’s shaded areas and music give you a place to dry off and recover.

The description does not promise a beach landing. Plan on using the boat as your base rather than expecting time to walk along Afandou Beach. Bring a towel and something dry to wear for the return ride.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the most memorable water

Anthony Quinn Bay is the final named swimming stop in the stated cruise sequence. The bay is known for green-blue water, and the setting is likely to be the visual high point of the day.

You receive about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs. The bright water makes it tempting to spend the whole stop looking over the side, but remember that the boat will be moving on to Mandraki at the end of the visit.

This stop also gives you a chance to see why a boat trip is useful on Rhodes. You can enjoy the bay from the water instead of trying to fit it into a road itinerary. The cruise lets you combine Anthony Quinn Bay with two other swimming places without arranging separate transport.

The route information lists the three bays in a different order in one place, while the detailed timing describes Kallithea, Afandou, then Anthony Quinn Bay. I would follow the detailed timing but stay flexible. Sea conditions or daily operations can change the order.

What the wooden boat day feels like

The boat is a traditional Greek wooden vessel, not a modern luxury yacht. That distinction matters. You book this for a relaxed day at sea, music, swimming, and a local-style boat setting, not for polished facilities or a high-end sailing service.

There are areas to sit in the sun and shade. That makes a real difference after swimming, especially if you want to dry off without spending the entire cruise under direct sun.

Music is part of the atmosphere. It adds energy during the sail between stops, though it also means this is not a silent nature cruise. If you want a quiet day, bring realistic expectations.

The onboard bar sells drinks and something to eat. Seasonal fruit is included, and watermelon has been served as a refreshing break. Food and drink costs are not included, and the prices may feel steep, so consider eating beforehand and bringing only what the rules allow. The supplied information does not list a restriction on personal snacks, so check the current operator terms if that matters to you.

The boat has a toilet, but you should not expect a polished marina facility. A recent account described the lower toilet as very poor and the boat as dirty and worn. This is the clearest comfort warning attached to the trip.

Snorkeling without promises of fish

Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from packing or renting a mask and snorkel for the day. A swimming noodle is also provided, useful if you want to float rather than swim continuously.

The three stops are chosen for swimming and snorkeling, but the operator cannot control marine life. You may see fish, but there is no guarantee. One recent account saw only one small fish, so do not book this as a dedicated wildlife outing.

For me, the value is the water access rather than the marine sightings. The clear colors around Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea can make the equipment worthwhile even when the fish are scarce.

Bring your own camera if you want photographs. A waterproof phone case would be sensible, but it is not listed as an included item. The required basics are swimwear, a towel, and a camera.

Is $47 a fair price?

At $47 per person, this is a good deal if you want a long swimming day from Rhodes Town. The price covers the traditional boat, three swimming stops, crew, music, snorkeling equipment, a noodle, seasonal fruit, and the return to Mandraki Harbour.

You are also paying for convenience. Instead of arranging separate visits to Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay, you see all three in one outing. The boat handles the route, and you can spend the day in the water rather than working out road connections.

The value is weaker if you want luxury, a quiet sailing experience, or a food-inclusive excursion. Hotel transfers are not included, and drinks and food from the bar cost extra. The condition of the boat may also matter to you. If a clean toilet and modern facilities are high priorities, I would look for another kind of cruise.

For a basic, active day at sea, the price compares well. The feedback score of 4.3 from 99 ratings suggests the trip usually meets expectations, but it is not a spotless luxury product. Think of it as a practical swimming cruise with a friendly holiday atmosphere.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• Three substantial swimming stops in one day
• Easy access to famous bays along Rhodes’ east coast
• A relaxed boat trip with music and sun or shade
• Included snorkeling gear
• A budget-friendly activity from Rhodes Town
• A useful outing before hotel check-in or after leaving accommodation, since the boat offers a place to keep luggage during the trip according to one recent experience

It suits confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone who would rather spend a day in the sea than visit another inland sight. The noodles can help less confident swimmers, but the experience is still built around repeated swimming stops.

I would hesitate if you need a spotless boat, a modern toilet, premium food, or guaranteed marine life. It is also not ideal if you dislike music or prefer a small, quiet sailing trip.

Practical details that make the day easier

Arrive early at Mandraki Harbour and locate the Alexander Statue and Alkmini boat before departure time. The meeting instructions are short, so allow yourself enough time to find the exact boat.

Wear swimwear from the start. You will reach the first stop after about 40 minutes, and changing facilities may not be convenient onboard. Pack a towel, camera, sun protection, and a dry layer for the ride back.

Use the shaded area when you need a break. Three one-hour swims can leave you tired, even if the water feels inviting. Drink water, take fruit when offered, and do not feel obliged to snorkel at every stop.

The cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Check the current start time when booking, since availability can vary.

The operator does not allow scooters. The information does not give a full list of prohibited items, so keep your belongings compact and easy to store.

Should you book the Rhodes swimming cruise?

Book it if your idea of a good Rhodes day is simple: a wooden boat, three clear-water stops, music, fruit, and several hours in the sea for $47. The long swimming periods are the strongest feature, and Anthony Quinn Bay gives the route a memorable finish.

Skip it if you expect a spotless vessel, strong onboard catering, or a guaranteed snorkeling show. The worn boat and basic toilet are genuine concerns, and the bar may not be cheap.

For most people who value time in the water over comfort and polish, this is a solid-value half-day cruise. Bring modest expectations about the boat, arrive on time, and treat the fish as a bonus rather than the main event.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts six hours, departing at about 10:00 a.m. and returning to Mandraki Harbour at about 4:00 p.m.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Mandraki Harbour near the Alexander Statue, at the Alkmini boat.

Which swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay.

How long do you stop at each location?

You have about one hour at each of the three swimming and snorkeling stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a swimming noodle are included.

Is food included?

Seasonal fruit is included. The onboard bar sells drinks and something to eat, but those purchases are not included in the price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included.

What languages are available?

The live tour is available in English and Greek.

What should you bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.