Captain Manolis Fishing with barbecue on the boat

The best part of this Rhodes outing is the simple combination: fish for a while, swim in the sea, then sit down to a fresh barbecue on the boat. Captain Manolis takes the group first after little tuna by trolling, then to bottom-fishing spots where smaller fish are more likely. It is a relaxed sea day, not a serious big-game expedition.

I like the small-group setting, with no more than 10 people, and I like that the fishing is paired with a proper lunch rather than treated as the whole point. Captain Mike and Katerina are also part of the welcoming crew on some departures. The main drawback is clear: catches can be small, and the advertised idea of fishing should not be confused with a private trip aimed at large tuna or amberjack.

Key points at a glance

• Two kinds of fishing: You start by trolling for little tuna, then switch to bottom fishing.
• Lunch is cooked aboard: The meal includes one fresh fish weighing about 500 grams per person, Greek salad, bread, and free drinks.
• Swimming and snorkeling included: Bring your swim things if you want a break from the fishing.
• Maximum of 10 people: This keeps the boat more personal than a large group cruise.
• A relaxed half-day: The outing lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes, making it easy to fit into a Rhodes sightseeing plan.
• Fishing expectations matter: This is normal recreational fishing, not an extreme fishing charter for large catches.

What kind of Rhodes boat trip is this?

Captain Manolis Fishing with Barbecue on the Boat is best understood as a social fishing lunch on the water. You are not signing up for an all-day battle with a giant fish. You are joining a short sea trip that mixes basic fishing, coastal views, swimming, and a Greek-style meal.

That distinction matters. The fishing has two stages, but neither guarantees a large catch. Trolling for little tuna gives you the more active opening, while bottom fishing offers a slower, more accessible way to keep trying. If you have never fished before, the captain and crew help you with the rod and bait.

The boat leaves from Akti Sachtouri in Rhodes Town and returns to the same meeting point. Since the trip lasts only half a day, you can use the rest of the day for the Old Town, the beach, or a quiet dinner. You do not need to give up a full day of sightseeing.

The outing is offered in English. It is also suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. Public transportation is nearby, which helps if you are staying without a car.

Starting at Akti Sachtouri

Your day begins at Fishing Trips Rhodes Captain Manolis, at Akti Sachtouri, Rhodes 851 00. The meeting point is also the return point, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location.

The first useful thing to understand is that this is a small-group boat experience rather than a private charter. The maximum is 10 people. That number is large enough to create a friendly group, but small enough for the captain to give more direct help than you would get on a crowded excursion boat.

A group of seven has been described as a comfortable size aboard. That gives you a practical sense of how the trip may feel. You will share the fishing area, the barbecue, and the swimming time with other people, but you are unlikely to be lost in a crowd.

The crew can include Captain Manolis, Captain Mike, and Katerina. The exact combination may vary, but the useful point is that the trip has a hands-on family feel. You are not simply handed equipment and left to figure everything out.

First up: trolling for little tuna

The fishing begins with trolling. This means the boat moves while lines trail behind it, giving you a chance to catch little tuna. It is a change from sitting over one spot with bait, and it gives the opening part of the trip a bit more motion.

You should keep your expectations realistic. Trolling is not a promise of a catch, and the fish described for this shared outing can be quite small. Even a successful catch may not resemble the large fish shown in promotional fishing photos.

That is the biggest decision point for this activity. If your dream is a serious fight with a large tuna, amberjack, or another major catch, this is not the right product. A private fishing charter costs far more and is designed around demanding fishing rather than a mixed boat-and-lunch outing.

If you see the trolling as one part of a relaxed morning, it makes more sense. You get the chance to try a traditional fishing method, enjoy the open water, and move on to a second fishing style if the first one does not produce much.

Bottom fishing for a more relaxed try

After trolling, the captain takes the boat to bottom-fishing areas. Here, you use rod and bait while the boat is positioned for fish below. The pace is slower, and the method is easier for beginners and families who simply want to catch something small.

The fishing rods and bait are included, so you do not need to bring specialist equipment. The captain helps you use the gear and can make the activity less intimidating if you have never held a fishing rod.

Bottom fishing also explains why this tour works for mixed-age groups. A family with teenagers and older adults has found the format flexible enough to suit everyone. People who want to fish can focus on the rods, while others can sit back, enjoy the scenery, or wait for the swimming stop.

Still, you may catch only small fish. One family caught a fish around 16 inches, while other outings produced much smaller catches. Fishing is affected by luck and conditions, and the captain cannot promise a certain size or quantity.

Swimming and snorkeling between the fishing

Swimming and snorkeling are included, giving you a welcome break from the rods. This part is especially useful if someone in your group likes the idea of a boat trip more than the fishing itself.

The information provided does not specify a particular cove, reef, or named swimming stop, so you should not book this expecting a planned sightseeing circuit of famous beaches. Instead, think of the swim as a flexible part of the boat outing, included alongside the fishing.

You will want to bring the normal personal items for time on the water, including swimwear and anything you need to feel comfortable after swimming. The exact snorkeling equipment supplied is not stated, so if snorkeling gear matters to you, ask before booking rather than assume it is included.

For families, this can be the part that keeps everyone happy. One person can fish, another can swim, and the group can regroup for lunch. That balance is one reason the outing suits people with different interests.

The barbecue is the real centerpiece

Once the fishing is finished, the crew prepares a barbecue aboard the boat. The meal includes one fresh fish of about 500 grams per person, Greek salad, and bread. Water, soft drinks, and beer are free.

This is more than a snack between fishing attempts. It turns the trip into a complete half-day outing, with a hot meal and time to sit together. The fish you catch may contribute to the experience, but you should not assume that your personal catch alone will provide the full meal. The stated menu is the reliable part of the arrangement.

The food is also where the tour offers good value. At $78.64 per person, you are paying for 4.5 hours on the water, fishing equipment and bait, guidance from the captain, swimming time, and a cooked meal with drinks. A comparable private boat would cost much more, so this shared trip makes sense if you want the experience without chartering a vessel.

The tradeoff is privacy. You share the boat and barbecue with up to nine other people. If you want control over the route, fishing style, timing, and menu, you would need to consider a private trip instead.

How the timing shapes your day

The approximate duration is 4 hours and 30 minutes. That is long enough to make the boat trip feel worthwhile, but short enough to leave room for other plans in Rhodes.

I would avoid scheduling an important activity immediately afterward. Weather, fishing conditions, and the pace of lunch can affect the return time. Still, the half-day format is much easier to fit into a holiday than a full-day charter.

The meeting and return point are the same, which simplifies planning. Since the activity is near public transportation, you may not need a taxi or rental car, depending on where you are staying.

The trip requires good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. There is also a minimum number of people required for the activity to run, with the same general choice of rescheduling or receiving a refund if that minimum is not met.

For the best choice of date, keep your plans flexible enough to allow for a weather change. Rhodes often encourages outdoor scheduling, but the sea gets the final word.

The human side of the experience

The crew receives the strongest praise for being friendly, helpful, and accommodating. Captain Mike and Katerina are specifically noted as warm hosts, and Captain Manolis is described as helping people with the fishing.

That personal attention matters more here than polished entertainment. You are learning a simple activity, handling fishing equipment, and sharing a meal in a small space. A patient captain can make the difference between feeling lost and enjoying the process.

The trip also works well for people who have never fished. You do not need advanced skills, and the crew can help you get started. Experienced anglers, however, may find the fishing too basic if they are hoping for technical instruction or large catches.

The high overall rating, 4.9 from 157 ratings, fits the parts of the outing that are most consistent: the crew, the food, the scenery, and the relaxed mood. The less consistent element is the size of the catch, which is outside the captain’s control.

Who should book it?

I would choose this trip if you want a friendly half-day at sea with several activities in one package. It suits couples, families, and mixed groups where not everyone wants to fish for hours.

It is also a good option if you want to meet a small group rather than pay for an entire private boat. The included barbecue and drinks make the price easier to justify, especially if you value a meal with a sea view.

You should think twice if your main goal is large-game fishing. The normal program focuses on relaxed fishing, and the catch may be small. Photos of larger fish should not set your expectations for this shared outing.

You should also be comfortable with a group setting. Ten people is the maximum, but the boat will still have shared space, shared fishing areas, and a shared meal. If that sounds social rather than restrictive, it is part of the appeal.

Booking tends to happen well ahead of time, with an average of about 42 days in advance. That is useful to know during the busy Rhodes season. The free cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

My verdict on Captain Manolis Fishing with Barbecue

Book this trip if you want an easygoing combination of fishing, swimming, Greek food, and time on the water. The strongest reasons are the small group, helpful crew, included lunch, and sensible half-day length.

Do not book it as a big-game fishing charter. The honest expectation is a pleasant recreational outing where a catch is a bonus, not a guarantee of a trophy fish. If you accept that, the barbecue, sea views, and relaxed company give the $78.64 price solid value for a Rhodes day.

FAQ

How long does Captain Manolis Fishing with Barbecue on the Boat last?

The activity lasts approximately 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Where does the fishing trip start?

It starts at Fishing Trips Rhodes Captain Manolis, Akti Sachtouri, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

Where does the trip end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What type of fishing is included?

The trip begins with trolling for little tuna and then continues with bottom fishing.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included as part of the boat experience.

What food and drinks are provided?

The barbecue menu includes one fresh fish of about 500 grams per person, Greek salad, and bread. Water, soft drinks, and beer are free.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity has a maximum of 10 travelers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not refunded.