Rhodes Town: Scenic Cruise to Lindos with Swim Stops

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is the combination of two beautiful swim stops and a proper visit to Lindos. You are not simply delivered to the village by bus, then rushed back. The boat gives you a pleasant view of the east coast, and the water stops break up the long sailing time.

I like the easy hotel pickup and drop-off, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Old Town. I also like the freedom in Lindos: you receive a map, then choose between the Acropolis, the beach, a taverna, or a wander through the lanes. The main drawback is the fixed three-hour visit, which can feel short if you want to climb to the Acropolis and eat lunch.

Key points to know before booking

• Anthony Quinn Bay is your first swim stop: You get about 20 minutes to swim from the boat in a famously scenic cove.
• Lindos receives the largest block of time: Three hours is enough for a focused visit, but not for a slow, leisurely day.
• Tsambika Bay provides a second swim: Bring your towel and snorkel gear if you want to look for fish in the clear water.
• The boat is large and practical: It carries up to 280 people across three decks, with a bathroom, snack bar, and different seating areas.
• Hotel transport removes much of the hassle: Pickup is available in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki.
• The Acropolis needs careful timing: Lines can be long in hot weather, so you may need to choose between the monument and a relaxed lunch.

A full day on Rhodes’s east coast

This is an eight to nine-and-a-half-hour outing, depending on the selected departure and transport arrangements. At $50.82 per person, it offers a useful mix of transport, sightseeing, swimming, and free time without requiring you to arrange a boat, taxi, and visit to Lindos separately.

The experience begins with pickup from your accommodation or a nearby meeting point. If you are making your own way to the port, arrive at Mandraki Port at 8:30 AM and look for a Manos Going staff member holding a red sign. The meeting point is in front of the fountain outside the Church of Evangelismos, also called the Church of the Annunciation.

At the port, you present your booking confirmation and receive boarding cards plus a map of Lindos. There is no tour guide leading you around the village, so the map matters. You are responsible for keeping an eye on the time and returning to the boat when instructed.

Sailing out from Mandraki Port

The opening part of the cruise is a gentle introduction to Rhodes from the water. From Mandraki Port, you can see the Dama Dama deer statues, St. Nicholas Lighthouse, and the Church of Evangelismos. The boat then follows the east coast, passing the resort areas of Kallithea and Faliraki.

I would not book this trip only for the first stretch of coast. The scenery before Lindos can be pleasant rather than dramatic, and some of the time is simply a long ride across open water. Still, the boat gives you a different view of Rhodes, and the sea breeze is welcome on a hot summer day.

The vessel carries as many as 280 passengers on three decks. That makes this a group excursion, not a quiet private cruise. The size has advantages: there is a bathroom, a snack bar, and several places to sit. It also means you should board early if you want a front or upper-deck seat with a good view.

Onboard drinks and snacks are available at reasonable prices, according to the supplied details. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so bring some money if you want to buy something during the sailing.

Swimming at Anthony Quinn Bay

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, where you have about 20 minutes to swim. The bay is one of the most attractive coves on this side of Rhodes, with clear water and rocky edges that make it appealing for a quick swim and some snorkeling.

The word quick matters here. Twenty minutes is enough to get into the water, cool off, and climb back aboard, but it is not a full beach session. Since the boat stops rather than taking you ashore, wear swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach.

This is also a good time to use water shoes if you have them. The supplied information recommends comfortable shoes, but it does not promise a sandy entry. You are swimming from the boat, so take care on the steps and around the deck.

The stop works well as a break from the morning ride. You get a chance to cool down, then return to the boat for the journey toward Lindos. If you are hoping for long snorkeling time, this cruise may feel rushed. If you want two pleasant swims without giving up a visit to Lindos, the short format is a fair compromise.

Three hours in Lindos Village

Lindos is the main event. After the boat arrives, you have approximately three hours to explore independently. The white buildings, narrow lanes, beaches, and high views give the village a very different feel from the resort areas around Rhodes Town.

You can use the complimentary map to find your way through the village. I recommend deciding your priority before you leave the boat. The Acropolis sits above Lindos and offers impressive views, but reaching it and waiting to enter can use a large share of your time. One supplied account describes a line of more than 70 minutes in hot conditions, which left too little time for the rest of the village.

If the Acropolis is your goal, head there first. Do not begin with a long lunch and assume you can simply walk up later. A fast visit to the monument may leave time for a drink or a short wander afterward, while a slow start can mean missing the site entirely.

If you prefer a less hurried visit, stay in the village itself. Walk the lanes, browse the small shops, find a taverna, or make your way toward one of the beaches. St. Paul’s Bay is also reachable during the free period, and it is a good choice if you want another scenic stop rather than a long archaeological visit.

The three-hour limit is the most common practical compromise of the day. It gives you enough time to see Lindos in a focused way, but not enough for every option. You can usually fit in the Acropolis and a short meal if you move with purpose. You are less likely to fit in the Acropolis, a long beach visit, a full lunch, and a relaxed stroll through every lane.

Choosing between the Acropolis, beach, and lunch

Lindos rewards a simple plan. I would choose one main goal and one smaller extra.

For the Acropolis, wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and go directly there. You will be walking uphill, and the summer heat can be intense. Site tickets are not included, and there is no guided archaeological visit, so you will need to pay separately if you want to enter.

For the beach, allow time to walk down and back. You can relax on one of Lindos’s white sandy beaches, but remember that the return to the boat is fixed. A swim in the village is more relaxed than the boat stops, but it comes at the cost of time that could be spent exploring.

For food, the village offers tavernas and places to stop for a meal. The boat has a snack bar, but Lindos is the better place for a proper break. Just keep lunch efficient if you also want to see the Acropolis.

I like that the tour does not force you into a guided group in Lindos. You can match the visit to your interests. The tradeoff is that you get little help with history, directions, or ticket choices beyond the map.

The return sail and Tsambika Bay

After Lindos, you return to the boat and sail toward Tsambika Bay. This is the second 20-minute swim stop and another chance to get into the water before the return to Rhodes.

The water is described as clear, and the stop is suitable for snorkeling in search of colorful marine life. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them. The tour includes the boat ride and two swim stops, but snorkeling equipment is not listed among the inclusions.

Tsambika Bay makes a good final stop because it breaks up the return journey. After a hot walk around Lindos, a swim can feel like exactly what you need. Again, the short duration limits how much you can do, so think of it as a refreshing dip rather than a serious snorkeling session.

The final sailing brings you back toward Rhodes. Depending on your selected option, the whole day lasts from eight to nine-and-a-half hours. The precise pickup time is sent by the provider and may not match the activity start time shown during booking. Check your messages and spam folder before the morning of the trip.

What the transport adds to the value

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. This matters because getting to Mandraki Port early can otherwise mean arranging a taxi or navigating unfamiliar streets before a long day.

The pickup system uses a nearby point in some cases rather than your hotel door. Your exact location and time depend on your accommodation. Keep your phone available and confirm the instructions before departure.

The return transfer is also useful after a full day in the sun. Some pickups use a minibus, and the supplied information describes the transfer back as comfortable and well organized. Transfers outside the listed areas are not included, so check your location before paying.

A large boat, with practical tradeoffs

This is not an intimate sailing trip. The 280-passenger capacity can feel daunting if you usually choose small-group excursions. On the other hand, the three decks give you room to move around, and a larger boat is a practical choice for a route that combines several stops and a long return ride.

Arrive early if you care about seating. The front and upper levels offer better open views, but the popular places can fill quickly. Wind can also be strong on the exposed decks, so bring a light layer even on a warm day.

The boat has a bathroom and snack bar, which are valuable on a day with several hours at sea. You still need to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and comfortable clothing. Apply sunscreen before boarding, then reapply after each swim.

The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart problems. The combination of boat steps, swimming access, and time in the sun makes these restrictions important rather than minor fine print.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I think this outing suits you best if you want to see Lindos but also want a full day by the sea. It is particularly useful for couples, families with older children, and anyone staying in the main resort areas who prefers organized transport.

It also suits first-time visitors who want a broad taste of Rhodes in one day. You see coastal sights, swim in two coves, and get free time in one of the island’s most famous villages.

You may prefer another option if Lindos is your only priority. A dedicated land excursion could give you more time at the Acropolis and in the village. Likewise, a smaller boat would suit you better if you dislike large groups or want longer snorkeling stops.

The cruise is also less suitable if you need a slow pace. The day includes early pickup, several hours of sailing, two short swims, and a fixed return. It is enjoyable, but it is not lazy.

Is $50.82 a fair price?

At $50.82 per person, the value is strong if you use the transport. The price covers pickup and drop-off in the listed areas, the boat ride, two swim stops, the Lindos map, and around three hours in the village.

You still pay for food, drinks, and entry tickets. The Acropolis ticket is the main possible extra cost, and you should not assume it is included. If you buy lunch and drinks, your actual day will cost more than the advertised rate.

Even so, arranging this independently could mean paying separately for transport to the port, a boat trip, and transport back from Rhodes. The organized transfer is especially useful if you are not staying near Mandraki Port.

The main value comes from variety rather than luxury. You are buying access to a full day that combines swimming, sailing, and Lindos. You are not buying a private boat or a guided cultural tour.

My practical verdict

I would book this cruise if you want Lindos, but do not want to give up a day on the water. The strong points are the two refreshing swim stops, reliable transport, friendly crew, and the freedom to shape your three hours in Lindos.

Plan your village visit carefully. Go straight to the Acropolis if it matters most, and accept that you may have to skip a long lunch or beach stop. Board early for better seating, pack your own swim essentials, and keep money available for snacks, drinks, and site tickets.

If you can accept a large boat and a tightly timed Lindos visit, this is a well-priced way to see several sides of Rhodes in one day. If you want a quiet cruise, extensive snorkeling, or a slow archaeological visit, choose a smaller or more specialized excursion instead.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Lindos cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately eight to nine-and-a-half hours. The exact duration can vary slightly with weather and the selected departure option.

Where does the cruise start?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port on Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of Evangelismos. Look for a Manos Going staff member with a red sign.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. The exact pickup time and location depend on your accommodation.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours to explore Lindos Village independently. A village map with directions and information is provided.

Are the Acropolis tickets included?

No. Tickets to Lindos’s sites are not included in the activity price.

How many swimming stops are included?

Two 20-minute swimming stops are included. One is at Anthony Quinn Bay and the other is at Tsambika Bay.

Is food included on the boat?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the boat has a snack bar where you can purchase refreshments.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for pregnant women or people with heart problems.