Rhodes: Anthony Quinn, Ladiko and Caves All-Inclusive Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this three-hour Rhodes catamaran cruise, but the real pleasure is the easy rhythm: swim, snorkel, dry off on a sofa, and let someone hand you a cold drink. You also swim inside the Traganou Caves and stop at Ladiko Bay, giving you three different views of the coast.

I especially like the small-group limit of 28 people and the boat’s comfortable sofa seating. I also like the fresh strawberry cocktails, fruit platter, and melekouni, a local honey and sesame bar. The main consideration is timing: 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and 30 minutes at each other stop goes quickly, so this is a sampler of Rhodes coves, not a full beach day.

Key points

• Three swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay, and Ladiko Bay.
• Comfortable 36-foot catamaran: Aphrodite is licensed for 45 passengers but limits the group to 28.
• Open bar included: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit cocktails are served throughout the cruise.
• Useful extras: Snorkeling equipment, flotation devices, fruit salad, and melekouni are included.
• Best for a relaxed outing: The boat has sofas, a toilet, a fresh-water shower, and music rather than a packed sightseeing schedule.
• Meeting point: Aphrodite leaves from beside the small church at Faliraki port, with some €10 return transfers available by prior arrangement.

Why this short cruise works so well

This cruise is built around simple pleasures rather than a long list of sights. You get out on the water, see the Rhodes coastline from a fresh angle, swim in clear bays, and return to Faliraki before the day becomes tiring.

The boat is Aphrodite, a 36-foot catamaran. It has enough room for sofa seating, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, and the basic comforts you want after swimming. The operator could carry 45 people, but the usual limit is 28. That difference matters. You are less likely to spend the trip shoulder to shoulder, and there is a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit.

The mood is relaxed and social. Music plays, drinks are available, and the crew keeps the trip moving without making it feel rushed. Hosts named Mike, George, Elena, James, Thanasis, and others appear to work on different departures, so the exact crew can vary. Across the trip, the service is warm and hands-on, with staff helping first-time snorkelers and pointing out where to look in the water.

This is not a formal history cruise. Commentary is limited, and the main activity is swimming. If you want ruins, detailed geography, or a full day under sail, choose something else. If you want three scenic swim stops with food and drinks included, the design is hard to argue with.

Boarding Aphrodite at Faliraki port

The meeting point is beside the small church at Faliraki port in Agioi Apostoloi, Faliraki 851 00. Look for the Aphrodite catamaran. The activity ends at the same place, which keeps the arrival and departure fairly simple.

You need to arrange your own way to the port unless you request a transfer. Return transport from Ixia, Rhodes Town, cruise ships, Kremasti, and Kallithea costs an extra €10 per person. The service can also arrange transport from Kolymbia, according to the booking information. You must request it in advance, and transfer details should be handled through WhatsApp the day before, during office hours from 9:00 in the morning to 10:00 at night.

That €10 transfer can be good value if you are arriving from a cruise ship or staying outside Faliraki. It is also cheaper and simpler than arranging separate taxis, but do not assume it is included in the $51 price.

The trip lasts three hours, with starting times depending on availability. Bring a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Wear swimwear under your clothes if you want to get into the water quickly, though that practical tip is simply common sense for a cruise with three swim stops.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the photogenic first stop

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, where you have about 40 minutes to swim and snorkel. This is the longest swim stop, and that is sensible. The bay is one of the most striking coastal spots near Faliraki, with rocky edges, clear water, and a strong contrast between the land and sea.

From the catamaran, you get a broad view of the cove before entering the water. Below the surface, the rocky setting gives you something to look at while snorkeling. You might see small fish and the usual underwater life around the rocks, though this is not a specialist marine wildlife trip.

Forty minutes sounds generous until you count the time needed to choose equipment, enter the water, swim, and return to the boat. If Anthony Quinn Bay is your main reason for booking, go into the water soon after the boat stops. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and flotation devices are available for people who are less confident in open water.

This stop is also the strongest photo opportunity. If you prefer not to swim, you can stay on deck with a drink and enjoy the view. That flexibility makes the cruise suitable for mixed groups, though people who want hours on a beach will find the stop too brief.

Traganou Caves and swimming inside Afandou Bay

The second swim stop is at the Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay. You get about 30 minutes here, with the chance to swim into the caves rather than only look at them from the boat.

This is the most unusual stop on the route. Anthony Quinn Bay gives you classic coastal beauty, while the caves add a sense of exploration without requiring a long walk or difficult excursion. The water and rock formations create a different mood, and the boat gives you a direct way to reach them.

The trip also passes a dramatic cliff that drops roughly 200 meters toward the sea. That gives you a memorable view from the water and helps show the scale of the Rhodes coast. You are not climbing the cliff or visiting it on foot. It is a sea-level viewpoint, best appreciated while the boat is cruising or paused nearby.

Thirty minutes is enough for a swim into the caves, but you should keep an eye on the return time. The boat uses its horn to signal when it is time to come back, according to the practical guidance provided on board. If you are snorkeling or swimming inside the caves, stay aware of the boat and the crew’s instructions.

Ladiko Bay, a calmer final swim

The final swim stop is Ladiko Bay, with another 30 minutes in the water. The host points out a good place to snorkel, which is useful if you are not sure where to begin.

Ladiko feels like a good counterpoint to the other stops. You have already seen a highly photographed bay and swum into caves, so this final stop lets you settle into the water and enjoy the coast at a slower pace. The bay is also a good place to use the snorkeling equipment without feeling you must cover a lot of ground.

The sequence of stops gives the cruise a nice shape. Anthony Quinn Bay starts with the biggest visual impact. Traganou Caves add the most distinctive activity. Ladiko Bay finishes with another chance to swim and snorkel before the return ride.

Still, the schedule is compact. You may find yourself wishing each stop lasted longer, especially if you are a keen swimmer. The benefit is that you see three locations in one outing rather than spending the whole cruise at a single bay.

Drinks, snacks, and the sofa factor

The open bar is one of the strongest reasons this cruise offers good value at about $51 per person. You can choose from beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit cocktails. The cocktail of the day is made on board from fresh fruit, with frozen strawberry drinks appearing often.

You can request the strawberry cocktail with or without alcohol. Beer and wine are also available, which gives you a choice beyond the sweeter drinks. The crew keeps topping up drinks, but remember that you are also swimming and snorkeling. If you drink alcohol, pace yourself and use the water and soft drinks as well.

Food is modest but thoughtfully chosen. You get a fruit platter or fruit salad, plus melekouni, a traditional Rhodian bar made with honey and sesame. This is not a meal, so eat beforehand if you need lunch. It is enough to take the edge off hunger and gives you a taste of a local sweet.

The sofas are more important than they may sound. Many short boat trips offer hard benches or crowded deck space. Here, each couple can find a sofa-style place to sit, according to the boat setup described for the cruise. You can stretch out, listen to music, and watch the coastline between stops.

There is also a toilet and a fresh-water shower for rinsing off salt. Those features make a real difference on a three-hour outing, especially for families or anyone who dislikes staying in wet swimwear.

How the group size changes the experience

A maximum of 28 passengers creates a more personal feel than a full 45-person boat. You still share the outing with other people, but the boat is designed to prevent it from feeling like a floating crowd.

The crew has time to help with snorkeling gear, explain where to look, and make drinks at the bar. First-time snorkelers can ask for assistance, and flotation equipment helps people who are not strong swimmers feel more at ease.

The social mix can include couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors. The atmosphere is friendly without requiring you to join in. You can sit quietly on the sofa, chat with the people nearby, or spend most of the cruise in the water.

The exact host may vary. Mike and George receive repeated praise for friendly, attentive service, while Elena, James, and Thanasis are also named by people who enjoyed their time on board. It is best to think of the crew as a rotating team rather than book around one specific person.

Is $51 a good value?

At $51 per person, the price is reasonable for a three-hour outing that includes the catamaran, three swim stops, snorkeling equipment, an open bar, fruit, and a traditional Rhodian snack.

You are not paying only for transport to the bays. Drinks can add up quickly at a beach bar, and snorkeling equipment rentals would otherwise be another expense. The fresh strawberry cocktails are a fun extra, while the fruit and melekouni provide something to eat.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the inclusions. Someone who drinks water, skips snorkeling, and prefers a long beach visit may find a simple boat transfer more suitable. Someone who enjoys swimming, wants a comfortable ride, and would otherwise buy several drinks will get more from this package.

The extra transfer charge needs to be part of your calculation. Add €10 per person if you are using the arranged return service from the listed areas. Even then, the total can compare well with a cruise-ship excursion, particularly if your ship is in Rhodes for only a short time.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who want a low-effort way to see several beautiful bays. It is particularly good for people who like a balance of activity and rest. You swim for a while, then return to a sofa and a cold drink instead of spending the whole day in motion.

It also suits first-time snorkelers. The crew provides equipment, suggests good areas, and has flotation devices available. You do not need to be an expert, but you should be comfortable following instructions and entering open water.

The cruise is less suitable if you dislike boats, need a long uninterrupted beach stay, or want detailed cultural commentary. It is also not the right pick for someone seeking a full-day sailing trip with a substantial meal.

The vessel is listed as wheelchair accessible, but swimming from a catamaran still requires practical planning. If you need specific assistance, confirm the details before booking rather than assuming every part of the water activity will work for you.

Booking details worth knowing

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times vary, so check availability before arranging transport.

The cruise is guided in English and Greek. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel. Keep your belongings organized on board, since you will move between sitting, swimming, snorkeling, and rinsing off.

The boat returns to the original meeting point at Faliraki port. That makes it easy to continue with your day in Faliraki after the cruise, provided you leave enough time for the return ride and any onward plans.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise?

Book it if you want three scenic swim stops, comfortable seating, and generous included drinks without committing to a full day on the water. Anthony Quinn Bay and the Traganou Caves provide the biggest visual rewards, while Ladiko Bay gives you a final relaxed swim.

The strongest reason to choose this cruise is the combination of small-group seating, friendly crew service, snorkeling equipment, and an open bar at a moderate price. The main compromise is the short schedule. You will see a lot in three hours, but you will not linger at any one bay.

For a relaxed Rhodes afternoon with a little swimming, a little snorkeling, fresh strawberry cocktails, and no need to plan every detail yourself, this is a sensible booking.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours, including the sailing time and three swimming stops.

Where does the cruise start?

The Aphrodite catamaran is beside the small church at Faliraki port, Faliraki 851 00, Greece.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay, and Ladiko Bay.

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

You spend about 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, 30 minutes at Traganou Caves, and 30 minutes at Ladiko Bay.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included.

Is food included on the boat?

Yes. The cruise includes fruit salad or a fruit platter and melekouni, a traditional Rhodian honey and sesame bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and flotation devices are available on board.

Can I arrange transport from my hotel or cruise ship?

Return transport from Ixia, Rhodes Town, cruise ships, Kremasti, Kallithea, and some other listed areas costs €10 per person. It must be arranged in advance through WhatsApp, usually the day before.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.