Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

Lindos is the star here: a whitewashed village below an ancient hilltop Acropolis, reached by a scenic boat ride rather than a long road transfer. I especially like the generous three hours in Lindos, enough for the ruins, lunch, and a look around the steep lanes. The two swim stops give the hot return journey a welcome change of pace.

The main drawback is time spent aboard. The crossing can take about two and a half hours each way, and the boat may feel crowded with up to 180 people. If you want a quick ride to Lindos, or a quiet snorkeling trip with supplied gear, this is not the right fit.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours in Lindos: Enough time for the Acropolis, lunch, shopping, or a swim, but the climb is steep and hot.
• Two 30-minute swim stops: Tsambika Bay comes first on the return, followed by Anthony Quinn Bay.
• Anthony Quinn Bay is the prettier swim stop: Clear water, rocky cliffs, and fish make it the stronger choice for a mask and snorkel.
• Hotel pickup can simplify the morning: Give the operator your hotel name when booking and expect an early pickup, sometimes around 7:30 or 7:45.
• The boat has basic comforts: A restroom, bar, snacks, drinks, and seating, though busy departures can leave limited room.
• Bring your own goggles and sun protection: Snorkeling equipment is not included, and shade is limited in Lindos.

Why this boat trip works for a day in Rhodes

This excursion combines the two things most people want from a day around Rhodes: Lindos and a swim in the island’s clear coastal water. You get a scenic approach to Lindos, free time on land, and a lazy ride back with swimming stops built in.

The price is $60.46 per person. I consider that fair if you want transport, a boat ride, and two bays in one outing. You are not paying for admission to the Acropolis or lunch, but the basic boat service and skipper are included. Since a road trip to Lindos would still require transport and planning, this option can be good value for someone who wants the day arranged in one package.

It is less attractive if you dislike long boat rides or prefer to spend most of your day exploring on foot. The schedule gives you about three hours in Lindos, but the rest of the roughly seven-and-a-half-hour day is on the boat or at the swim stops.

Starting early from Rhodes Harbor

The scheduled boat departure is around 8:40 a.m. from the harbor on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. If you use hotel pickup, do not assume your pickup time will match the advertised boat departure. Some pickups begin around 7:30 or 7:45, depending on the resort.

The meeting point is Half Price Tours on Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. Pickup is offered for selected hotels, but you need to choose the correct pickup option and write your hotel name in the special requirements field. The operator then sends the pickup time.

Arrive early. You may need to queue to exchange your booking for boat tickets, then queue again to board. Arriving with time to spare also helps you find a better seat, particularly if you want a place on the upper deck or near the front.

The boat used on some departures is called Discovery. It has a bar, food and drinks for purchase, sunbeds on the top deck, and a restroom. Seating is generally ample, but the boat can become crowded, with a maximum group size of 180 people. If you want a particular seat, early arrival matters.

The long ride south to Lindos

The boat reaches Lindos Harbor at about 11:00 a.m. The ride takes roughly two and a half hours, so treat the outward journey as part of the experience, not simply a transfer.

You will have open views of the Rhodes coast, but the ride may feel long if you need constant activity. Some departures have music playing for much of the trip, which may suit a relaxed holiday mood but can bother anyone hoping for silence. Bring a book, sunglasses, a hat, and enough patience for several hours at sea.

The boat has food and drinks for sale, with snacks available during the trip. Prices have been described as sensible, but lunch in Lindos gives you more choice. I would still carry water, especially in the hotter months, since you will spend time in direct sun both on deck and around the Acropolis.

The return ride is usually described as taking around three hours because it includes the two swimming stops. That makes the schedule feel less like a straight commute, but it also means the day runs long. The expected return to Rhodes Harbor is about 5:30 p.m., followed by your transfer back to the hotel if pickup was arranged.

Three hours among Lindos lanes and ruins

You arrive at Lindos Harbor at around 11:00 a.m. and need to be back at the boat by 1:45 p.m. The boat is scheduled to leave at about 2:00 p.m. Keep that return deadline in mind from the moment you step ashore.

Lindos is easy to enjoy at street level. White buildings, small shops, cafés, and winding stone lanes fill the village. You can browse, find lunch, or walk toward the bay. The village is compact, but the route to the Acropolis is steep and exposed.

The Acropolis sits above Lindos and provides the main reason many people choose this trip. Admission is not included. One review places the entry fee at €12 per person, with card payment available, but fees can change. You can buy a ticket on site, though queues may be long in the heat. Buying online may help you avoid the ticket line, but a timed entry needs careful planning because the boat’s timing can shift.

You need sensible footwear. The walk up includes steep sections and cobblestones, and sandals can become uncomfortable. Take water and sunscreen. There is limited shade near the top, so I would avoid treating the Acropolis visit as a casual stroll.

Three hours is a useful amount of time, but it is not luxurious. You can visit the Acropolis, eat lunch, and see the village if you keep moving. You probably cannot linger over a long meal, spend hours at the beach, and explore every lane without watching the clock.

If the climb is too much, you can stay lower in the village or relax near the bay. The trip still works without entering the Acropolis, though you will miss its best-known sight. Some visitors choose a café with a harbor view instead of making the climb, which is a sensible alternative on a very hot day.

Tsambika Bay brings the first swim

After leaving Lindos, the boat stops at Tsambika Bay for about 30 minutes. This is a swim and snorkeling stop, with no admission fee.

You swim directly from the boat rather than joining a beach visit. That means you should be ready to climb a ladder back aboard and keep your belongings secure. Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing dip, but it is not enough for a long beach session.

The water is a welcome break after Lindos, especially if you have walked up to the Acropolis in strong sun. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes so you can get into the water without a complicated change. A towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof bag for valuables are sensible additions.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. Gear may be available for purchase at the boat, but supply is not guaranteed. Bring your own mask and goggles if seeing underwater matters to you. Without them, this stop is mainly about swimming and cooling off.

Anthony Quinn Bay is the final highlight

The final stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, known as the natural setting for scenes from The Guns of Navarone. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim and look below the surface.

This is the stronger stop for underwater viewing. The bay has clear water, rocky surroundings, and fish among coral and seaweed. The cliffs and enclosed shape of the bay also make it the more memorable setting for a quick swim.

Still, keep expectations sensible. This is a short stop, not a full snorkeling excursion with a guide or a large selection of equipment. Conditions can affect visibility, and you will share the water with other people from the boat. I would call it a pleasant taste of the bay rather than a serious reef outing.

The two stops can happen in a different order depending on conditions and the captain’s decisions. One useful caution is that an early swim stop may leave you walking around Lindos in damp clothes if the schedule changes. Wear a quick-drying swimsuit and pack a dry change of clothing.

Food, seating, and the boat itself

The bar sells snacks and drinks, and you can buy lunch in Lindos during your free time. I prefer eating ashore because it gives you more choice and uses your limited time in the village well. On the boat, the food is more useful as a backup than as the main reason to book.

The boat offers a restroom, a practical benefit on a full-day ride. It also has outdoor seating and sunbeds on the top deck. The upper deck can offer the best views, but it may fill quickly, so early boarding helps.

Crowding is the most common comfort concern. Chairs may be arranged close together, and some departures have little spare seating. The large boat gives you stability and onboard facilities, but it does not provide the intimate feel of a small sailing trip.

The crew is generally described as friendly and helpful. Staff have assisted passengers who felt unwell and helped make seating more comfortable. The transfer service can also be a strong part of the day. One driver, George, has been singled out for polite service, a clean air-conditioned minibus, and reliable hotel transfers.

The practical value of hotel pickup

Pickup is not automatic for every hotel. You need to select the option that covers your accommodation and provide the hotel name when booking. The operator then confirms the pickup time.

This service can save you a taxi ride and removes the worry of finding the harbor before departure. It also makes the day feel more orderly at the end, when you return tired and sun-exposed.

The tradeoff is an early start. Pickup may be well before 8:40 a.m., and the total day can stretch from early morning until around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. A few passengers have found the return coach less comfortable than the outward minibus, with one report of an older vehicle lacking good air conditioning. I would confirm the pickup details and prepare for a long day in warm weather.

Who should book this Lindos boat trip

I would choose this tour if you want to see Lindos without arranging separate transport and like the idea of swimming afterward. It suits first-time visitors to Rhodes who want the major coastal sights in one day.

It also works well for families and mixed groups. One person can visit the Acropolis while another stays in the village or near the water. The boat restroom, snacks, and hotel transfer add useful convenience.

You should think twice if you need a quiet boat, dislike crowds, or want a serious snorkeling experience. The 30-minute swim stops are pleasant but short, and equipment is not included. You should also reconsider if steep walking in heat is difficult, since reaching the Acropolis requires a demanding uphill route.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. If the minimum number is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Normal cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if Lindos is high on your Rhodes list and you want a simple package that adds two beautiful swims. The best parts are the three-hour stop in Lindos, the dramatic setting of Anthony Quinn Bay, and the helpful pickup and boat crew.

Skip it if you want maximum time at the Acropolis, a small quiet boat, or included snorkeling gear. For the price, I see this as a good-value full-day outing, provided you accept the long ride, possible crowding, and hot uphill walk. Bring your own goggles, arrive early for a decent seat, buy Acropolis tickets with care, and keep the return deadline firmly in mind.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Lindos last?

The full experience lasts about seven hours and 30 minutes. The planned harbor return is around 5:30 p.m.

Which days does the boat operate?

Departures are offered every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

What time does the boat leave Rhodes Harbor?

The scheduled departure is around 8:40 a.m.

How long do I have in Lindos?

You have about three hours of free time. The boat arrives around 11:00 a.m., and you need to return by 1:45 p.m. for the planned 2:00 p.m. departure.

Is admission to the Lindos Acropolis included?

No. Entry to the Acropolis is not included in the tour price.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can buy lunch in Lindos, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the boat bar.

Are snorkeling masks and equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. Equipment may be available to buy on the boat, but supply is not guaranteed.

How long are the swimming stops?

You have about 30 minutes at Tsambika Bay and about 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered for selected hotels. Choose the pickup option covering your hotel and provide the hotel name when booking so the operator can confirm the pickup time.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.