Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

Rhodes’ east coast is at its best from the water, and this small RIB cruise gets you straight to the good stuff: turquoise bays, rocky coves, fish-filled shallows, and the Alikies caves. Anthony Quinn Bay is the headline stop, but the real pleasure is moving between several swim spots instead of parking at one beach all afternoon.

I like the small group of up to eight, which makes the boat feel personal rather than crowded. I also like the practical touches: snorkels, buoyancy aids, pool noodles, bottled drinks, cocktails, a restroom, Wi-Fi, and a roomy deck. The main consideration is the fast, open-boat ride, which may feel lively with young children or anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points

• Four east-coast swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves give you several different settings in one short cruise.
• A genuinely small boat group: With space for up to eight participants, you get more room and easier contact with Captain Michael, Lazaros, or the other crew.
• Snorkeling gear and floats are supplied: You can borrow masks, snorkels, buoyancy aids, and pool noodles, useful if you are not a confident swimmer.
• Anthony Quinn Bay has a film connection: The bay was named after actor Anthony Quinn after he filmed The Guns of Navarone in the area.
• Pickup can save time: Transfers are available from central points near Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.
• Good value at $48: For 2.5 hours on a small RIB with multiple swim stops, drinks, equipment, and optional transport, the price is competitive.

Why this short RIB cruise works so well

This is a water-focused outing, not a sightseeing cruise with a few minutes for a quick swim. Most of the appeal comes from the combination of speed, scenery, and repeated chances to get into the sea.

You meet the captain at the port, near the boat beside Stama restaurant, unless you select pickup from one of the listed resort areas. From there, the modern RIB heads south along the east coast of Rhodes. The boat is furnished for comfort, with a spacious deck where you can sit, sunbathe, or watch the cliffs slide past.

I would choose this trip if you have already spent time on Rhodes’ sandy beaches and want something more active. You get to see coves that are best appreciated from the sea, then swim directly from the boat or walk ashore at selected stops.

The pace is also useful. At 2.5 hours, this fits neatly into an afternoon, leaving time for dinner, a town visit, or a second beach later in the day. It is long enough to feel like a proper excursion, but not so long that you are committed to a full-day boat schedule.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone setting

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most recognizable coastal spots on Rhodes. The bay is named after the Hollywood actor, who bought the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby.

That film connection gives the stop a little more character than a standard swim break. You can look toward the Guns of Navarone Pier, described as one of the area’s most photogenic points, and hear the story from the guide. The mix of rugged rock, clear water, and enclosed bay makes this a strong place to start.

Bring a phone or camera, but use a waterproof cover if you want pictures from the water. The crew has supplied waterproof phone covers on some departures, but I would still treat your phone as your responsibility and pack a cover if you have one.

The stop is intended for swimming, snorkeling, and watching marine life. The water can look especially clear from the boat, and the rocky setting gives you more to see than a flat, open beach.

One point to keep in mind: Anthony Quinn Bay is a popular name, so do not expect complete solitude. The value here is not privacy. It is the chance to view the bay from a small boat, hear its film story, and swim in a famous setting without arranging your own transport.

Ladiko adds a quieter second view

The boat then moves to Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. This keeps the scenery changing without a long stretch of open-water travel.

Ladiko is a good place to take in the contrast between the bright water and the rough cliffs. You can remain on deck, swim from the boat, or enjoy a little time near the beach. If your group includes people with different energy levels, this stop helps. Strong swimmers can snorkel, while others can use a pool noodle or buoyancy aid and stay close to the boat.

The crew’s attitude is part of the experience here. Captain Michael has been especially helpful with nervous swimmers, including children who needed a little encouragement before jumping in. You should still supervise children closely, but the available floats and patient instruction make the water stops less intimidating.

The RIB is quick, and that is both an advantage and a limitation. You cover more coastline than you would on a slow boat, but the ride can feel brisk. Hold on when the boat is moving, and choose a seat that suits you if you are sensitive to motion.

Traganou’s rocks, gravel, and sea caves

The third beach area is Traganou, a gravel shore with rocky ground, clear water, and caverns along the coast. This stop feels less polished than the famous bays. That is part of its appeal.

You get a more rugged setting, with rock formations and openings in the cliffs that create a wild, irregular shoreline. The stop is suited to swimming and exploring the cave area, though you should follow the captain’s directions about where it is safe to go.

Wear comfortable shoes with a secure sole. The recommended footwear matters here because a gravel beach and rocky surface are less forgiving than sand. Water shoes would be useful if you have them, but the required information specifically advises comfortable shoes rather than promising that water shoes are supplied.

Traganou is also a good place to use the snorkeling gear. Rocky edges often offer more visual interest than an empty sandy bottom, and the water is described as clear. Still, snorkeling conditions depend on the sea and the day, so think of the equipment as an option, not a guarantee of abundant marine life.

The Alikies caves are the most unusual stop

The final beach area is home to the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can enter the cave area if conditions allow, or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the stop from shore.

This is the most distinctive part of the route. Beaches are plentiful on Rhodes, but a cave stop gives the cruise a sense of discovery without requiring a demanding hike. The caves also provide a different backdrop for photographs, especially when viewed from the boat.

One useful tip is to save some energy for this final stop. One guest specifically preferred the last bay because it was especially scenic and had plenty of fish to see. The exact amount of time at each location can vary, so if the caves and fish are your priority, ask the captain how long you have before setting off again.

The boat carries drinks and snacks, so you can settle on deck after swimming. Included refreshments cover soft drinks and bottled cocktails. The wording around cocktails is worth noting: some departures have included a cocktail for each person, while another family reported receiving fizzy drinks and water instead. If a particular drink matters to you, confirm the current offering when booking rather than treating a cocktail as guaranteed.

A small boat with useful comforts

This is not a bare-bones speedboat. The vessel is described as modern, clean, and comfortably furnished, with a spacious deck and room for up to eight people.

That capacity makes a major difference. You are not fighting for a seat or sharing the boat with a large crowd. The captain can give more direct instructions, help with masks and floats, and adjust the feel of the outing to the group.

The boat has a restroom, Wi-Fi, and drinks onboard. These are modest features, but they matter during a short active cruise. You can spend your time swimming instead of worrying about finding a marina restroom, and you can keep your phone connected if needed.

Safety equipment includes buoyancy aids and pool noodles. Snorkeling masks and equipment are also available. This does not turn the activity into a swimming lesson, and children still need close adult supervision, but it makes the water stops more accessible to mixed-ability groups.

The crew can also add small personal touches. On one departure, Captain Michael let a child pretend to drive and helped with feeding fish. That sort of interaction will not be the main reason to book, but it can make the cruise especially memorable for families.

What the transfer and timing are like

You can go directly to the port, where the boat is moored beside Stama restaurant, or choose optional pickup from a central point near your hotel.

Pickup areas include Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. The exact pickup details arrive separately, so check your email and spam folder before the day of the trip.

The transport has received strong praise for being on time and taking people directly to the boat. Some drivers, including Harry, have also stopped at scenic points on the way to and from the marina for family photographs. Those extra photo stops appear connected to the transfer rather than the boat route, so do not count on them as part of every booking.

The advertised duration is 2.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability, so check the schedule before planning the rest of your day. Since the activity ends back at the meeting point, you do not need to arrange a return from a different beach.

Is $48 a fair price?

At $48 per person, this is good value if you want several swim stops rather than a simple boat transfer.

The price includes the boat trip, swimming stops, soft drinks, bottled cocktails, and access to the onboard setup. You also get a small group, snorkeling equipment, buoyancy aids, a restroom, Wi-Fi, and the chance to visit four separate coastal areas in one outing.

The optional pickup adds convenience if you are staying outside Rhodes Town or do not want to find the marina yourself. Towels and personal expenses are not included, so bring your own towel and do not assume extra food or premium drinks will be available.

Compared with spending money on transport to several beaches, this trip packs a lot into one afternoon. Its value is strongest for couples, friends, and small families who would otherwise pay for separate beach transfers or a longer private boat.

It is less compelling if you dislike fast boat rides, want a quiet luxury cruise, or prefer to spend hours on one beach. You are paying for movement and variety, not a slow sail with a long meal onboard.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, small groups, and active families who want to swim in several scenic places without committing to a full day at sea.

It is particularly useful for:

• Confident swimmers who want repeated water stops.
• Less confident swimmers who will make use of the supplied floats and buoyancy aids.
• Families with older children who can handle a fast RIB ride.
• Visitors staying in the listed pickup areas.
• Anyone who wants photos of Anthony Quinn Bay and the east coast from the water.
• People who prefer a small group to a large sightseeing boat.

I would think twice if you need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Large luggage and bags are not allowed, so arrive with only what you need for the water.

Pack swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and as little else as possible. Secure your phone and camera, especially during the fast sections and when boarding or leaving the boat.

Should you book the Rhodes RIB cruise?

Book this if you want a lively, compact afternoon with four chances to swim, good coastal views, snorkeling, and a small group. The standout features are the Anthony Quinn Bay story, the Alikies caves, the helpful crew, and the amount of equipment supplied for a $48 trip.

Skip it if you want a slow cruise, guaranteed cocktails, or a long stay at one beach. For most people who want to see more of Rhodes’ east coast from the water, the combination of price, small-group space, and varied stops makes this a sensible choice.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes RIB cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Check availability for the available starting times.

Where does the boat depart?

Meet the captain at the port, where the boat is moored beside Stama restaurant. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from a central point near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Personalized pickup information is sent separately by email.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area. These stops are used for swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and cave exploration.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is available onboard. Buoyancy aids and pool noodles are also supplied for people who need extra support in the water.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. The exact drink selection can vary, so confirm the current offering if a specific cocktail is important to you.

Can children join the cruise?

Children can join, and floats and buoyancy aids are available. The boat is fast, so consider the ride carefully if you are traveling with young children.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the booking?

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