Rhodes Day Cruise (with lunch & unlimited drinks) 5,5 Hours

Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this 5.5-hour wooden boat cruise gives you three chances to swim in clear Aegean water without paying extra each time you want a drink or a plate of lunch. Theodore and his crew keep the day friendly and social, with music, fruit, wine, beer, and a Greek-style buffet served aboard.

I especially like the three 50-minute swimming stops, which give you enough time to get in the water instead of taking a quick photo and moving on. I also like the easy port location, the supplied snorkeling equipment, and the fact that your belongings remain on the boat while you swim.

The main caution is timing. A few people found the swimming stops shorter than expected, and one slow-moving boat reportedly returned late. Arrive early, especially if you are visiting Rhodes from a cruise ship, and do not expect a fast boat ride between the bays.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swimming stops: Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs, with about 50 minutes at each.
• Hosted by Theodore and his crew: The service is a major part of the experience, with regular offers of drinks and help getting in and out of the water.
• Lunch is included: Expect chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread, plus vegetarian choices.
• Drinks keep flowing: Water, soft drinks, juice, coffee, tea, beer, and red or white wine are included. Cocktails cost extra.
• Small to moderate group: The boat carries a maximum of 35 people, far fewer than a large party vessel.
• Bring your own towel and flippers: Snorkeling masks and equipment are provided, but towels and flippers are not.

Setting out from Rhodes Town at 10 am

The meeting point is Royal Sailing Rhodes at Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. The boat returns to the same place after the cruise, which makes this an easy choice if you are staying near the Old Town or coming ashore from a cruise ship.

The stated start time is 10 am, but I would arrive at least 30 minutes early. One person missed the boat after arriving only 10 minutes late and reported that boarding had already begun around 9:30. That detail may not reflect the usual procedure, but it is a useful warning. A relaxed walk to the marina is much better than watching the boat leave without you.

The boat is a traditional wooden vessel rather than a speedboat. That gives the trip a slower, more old-fashioned feel. You have time to sit, chat, listen to music, and watch the coast pass by. The trade-off is simple: less time is spent racing between bays, and some people found the travel pace too slow.

With a maximum of 35 people, this is not a private cruise, but it is also not a huge floating excursion platform. The size helps the crew keep drinks moving and makes it easier to get personal help. If you want the most comfortable seat, arrive early. The bow has padded cushions and large beanbag-style seats, according to the tour details and firsthand accounts.

Afandou Beach and the first swim

Afandou Beach is the first anchorage, with about 50 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing near the boat. It is described as a quieter beach stop, making it a good opening to the day before the more famous bays later on.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack a mask. You will need your own towel, and flippers are not included. The boat has a shower and restroom, which matter after swimming and make the half-day easier for families.

Lunch is served around this part of the cruise. The food has a clear Greek flavor, with Greek salad, tzatziki, olives, dolmadakia, and bread alongside chicken, rice, and pasta. Vegetarian dishes are available, although the exact vegetarian combination is not specified.

The meal is one of the better values in the price. At $72.56 per person, you are not just paying for transport along the coast. You are also getting lunch, fruit, nonalcoholic drinks, beer, wine, coffee, tea, and snorkeling equipment. The menu is casual rather than restaurant-style, but it covers the basics well.

Some descriptions of the lunch are especially positive, including praise for fresh food, juicy chicken, Greek salad, and pasta. One less favorable account described the chicken as frozen nuggets and the noodles as plain. I would set expectations at a tasty buffet lunch on a boat, not a carefully plated Greek meal.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the scenic favorite

Anthony Quinn Bay is likely to be the visual highlight. The water is known for its clear, calm appearance, and the bay gives you a striking place to swim and snorkel for another 50 minutes.

The traditional boat is part of the charm here. You approach one of Rhodes’ best-known swimming spots from the sea, then jump in from the boat rather than simply walking down a beach. That gives you a better view of the rocky shoreline and lets you avoid carrying beach gear from place to place.

If you are choosing between the three stops, this is the one most likely to leave the strongest impression. The water is calm in favorable conditions, and it is a good spot for floating, snorkeling, and taking photographs from the boat.

The usual caution with any popular bay is that conditions can change. The cruise depends on good weather, and the exact comfort of a swim will depend on wind and sea conditions that day. If weather cancels the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Kallithea Springs for the final swim

The last stop is Kallithea Springs, where you get another 50 minutes in clear water. By this point, the boat has shifted from sightseeing to a relaxed swim day, so this stop works well for anyone who prefers floating and cooling off to a packed schedule of monuments.

Three stops are a strong feature, but the time at each one is fixed. If you take several minutes to gather your mask, find a place to jump in, and climb back aboard, your actual swimming time is less than 50 minutes. One person felt the stops were shorter than advertised, while another found there was plenty of time.

The boarding ladder deserves attention. One account noted that a couple of extra steps would have made getting back aboard easier. If you have limited mobility, ask the crew for help and consider carefully whether repeated climbs from the water will be comfortable. The tour states that most people can participate, but it does not promise special access equipment.

What is included at lunch and the drinks station

The all-inclusive setup is one of the cruise’s strongest points. You do not need to keep cash handy every time you want water or a soft drink. Included choices are:

• Bottled water
• Beer
• Red and white wine
• Pepsi
• Orange and lemon Fanta
• Juice
• Coffee and tea
• Fruit and other snacks

Cocktails are not included and can be bought separately. That distinction is easy to miss if you read all-inclusive too broadly.

The crew regularly offers drinks, and several accounts describe the glasses as being topped up through the day. This suits a relaxed group outing, especially when you are swimming in the sun. If you do not drink alcohol, the soft drinks, juice, water, coffee, and tea give you plenty of alternatives.

Music is also part of the atmosphere. Some departures have included especially good onboard music, and one account described live entertainment from a performer named Silas. Live music should not be treated as guaranteed, but the cruise is clearly intended to feel social rather than silent and formal.

Theodore and the human side of the cruise

Theodore is repeatedly singled out as the main host, and the crew works hard behind the scenes. You can expect regular checks that people are comfortable, help with drinks, and assistance around the swimming stops.

That service matters on a boat. A crew that notices when someone needs a hand at the ladder or wants a drink can make a simple swim trip feel much easier. The day also has a communal quality. People begin as separate groups and often end up talking together by the return journey.

There is one serious negative account alleging that a crew member was drinking while working. That is not consistent with the many positive descriptions of the staff, but it is fair to mention because safety and professional conduct matter on the water. The overwhelming impression is of a friendly, attentive crew, but no tour is beyond criticism.

Is $72.56 a fair price?

I consider the price good value if you want a full half-day on the sea rather than a short boat transfer. Lunch alone is included, along with three swim stops, drinks, snorkeling equipment, a restroom, WiFi, and a shower.

The value becomes stronger if you would otherwise pay separately for a beach trip, lunch, and drinks. You also avoid organizing transport between several coastal spots. Everything is handled from the boat.

The price is less compelling if your main goal is speed or long periods at one bay. A speedboat can cover more coastline and may give you longer in the water, though that is not the same product. This cruise is about a comfortable pace, food, drinks, and a social day.

At $72.56, I would book it for the convenience and atmosphere, not because it offers the most ambitious sightseeing route around Rhodes.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

This trip suits you if you want to swim without planning a beach day from scratch. Families with older children and teenagers should appreciate the three stops, supplied snorkeling equipment, fruit, soft drinks, and easy buffet lunch. One family with three teenage boys found the boat day to be a favorite outing.

It also works well for couples and friends who want a relaxed day with drinks and music. The maximum group size of 35 keeps it more personal than a large party boat, while still giving you a chance to meet other people.

Cruise ship passengers should pay close attention to timing. The boat is within walking distance of the medieval Old Town and Rhodes port area, and one account praised the return time of about 3:45 pm. Still, allow plenty of margin before your ship’s departure. The boat is scheduled to return to the meeting point, but sea conditions or delays can affect the timetable.

This may not suit you if you dislike slow boat travel, need a very accessible boarding setup, or want a quiet luxury cruise. It is also not ideal if you expect cocktails, premium dining, or a private experience.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive early and look for the Royal Sailing booth along the marina. Getting there 30 minutes ahead can help you find a better seat, especially near the bow.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sun protection, and any personal medication you need. Towels and flippers are not provided. Snorkeling equipment is available, so you can pack lightly.

Keep valuables secured on the boat while swimming. One useful feature of this setup is that your belongings remain aboard with the crew rather than being left on an open beach.

If you have trouble with ladders or need help in the water, tell the crew before the first stop. The boat has a shower and restroom, but no special accessibility details are provided.

The experience is offered in English, confirmation is sent when you book, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the repeated water entry and exit should be part of your decision.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather can lead to a different date or full refund.

Should you book this wooden boat cruise?

I would book this tour if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three easy swim stops, a casual Greek lunch, and drinks served without constant extra charges. The crew, especially Theodore, is a real strength, and the wooden boat gives the outing more character than a plain transfer vessel.

I would skip it if you want a fast route around the island, guaranteed long swims, or a private boat. The slow pace and ladder can also be drawbacks for some people.

For most visitors staying near Rhodes Town, the combination of price, food, swimming, and simple port access makes this a sensible half-day choice. Arrive early, keep your expectations focused on relaxation rather than speed, and leave room in your schedule in case the return runs late.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes day cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start?

The stated start time is 10 am.

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at Royal Sailing Rhodes, Platia Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

Where does the cruise finish?

The boat returns to the original meeting point.

Which swimming stops are included?

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

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

The planned time is about 50 minutes at each stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread. Vegetarian dishes are also available.

Which drinks are included?

Beer, red and white wine, bottled water, Pepsi, orange and lemon Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea are included. Cocktails cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but flippers and towels are not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 35 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather may result in another date or a full refund.