Sun & Sea All Inclusive 3 Hour Swimming Cruise (WITH PICK UP SERVICE)

The best part of this three-hour Rhodes cruise is simple: you spend much of the trip in clear seawater rather than sitting on a beach. The boat stops at Afandou, Ladiko, and Anthony Quinn Bay, with the final stop offering the most memorable swim, including a cave reached directly from the boat.

I like the comfortable couch seating and the open bar with fruit and local melekouni, a honey and sesame sweet. I also like the short format, which leaves room for more sightseeing later. The main catch is that this is a swim-from-the-boat outing, not a beach visit, and the boat may be older or different from the catamaran shown in promotional images.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swim stops in about three hours: You get roughly 30 minutes at Afandou, 30 minutes at Ladiko, and 45 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay.
• The best stop is likely the last: Anthony Quinn Bay has clear water, pine-covered hills, and a cave you can reach by swimming from the boat.
• Faliraki hotel pickup is available: Arrange it at least one day ahead. Pickup from Rhodes Town, Ixia, or a cruise ship costs an additional €10 per person.
• This is not a beach-hopping trip: You enter the sea from the boat, and some stops may have waves or rougher water.
• Drinks and light snacks are included: Expect beer, wine, soft drinks, water, a fresh fruit cocktail, fruit, and local melekouni.
• Boat details need careful reading: The tour is advertised as a 36-foot catamaran, but some departures have used an older boat, and one account described a boat that was not a catamaran.

What this Rhodes cruise is really about

This is a straightforward water outing, not a guided history tour or a polished luxury sailing experience. You board at Faliraki Harbor, settle into couch-style seating, and head along the coast toward three popular bays.

The focus is swimming. You will not spend long periods listening to island commentary, and the crew may give only brief information about each stop. If you want detailed facts about Rhodes, bring your own guidebook or plan a separate sightseeing tour.

That simplicity can be a strength. You get a short, easy break from ancient sites and city streets. The boat ride, swimming, drinks, and views fill three hours without taking up a whole day.

The group can reach a maximum of 28 people. That is small enough to feel more personal than a large excursion vessel, though the boat can still feel full, especially when everyone is seated or returning from the water.

Afandou Beach and the Traganou Caves

The first stop is Afandou Beach, where the boat anchors near the Traganou Caves. You swim from the boat toward the cave area, so this is the first moment to understand how the outing works.

You should not expect to walk ashore and stretch out on sand. The boat remains your base, and the water is your activity. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, which gives you time to swim, use a noodle, and look around the cave area, but not much time for a long snorkel session.

The cave is the main reason this stop is interesting. It adds some variety to a standard open-water swim, and the dark rock against the blue water makes for good photographs if you can keep your phone secure and dry.

Conditions can change. One account described the first two stops as rougher and less comfortable for swimming, while other outings found the water beautiful. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the boat and use the provided flotation noodle.

The supplied snorkel equipment is a useful extra, but its condition may vary. Some equipment has been described as worn or broken, and some people prefer to bring their own mask and snorkel. If you have room in your luggage, personal gear gives you more confidence and usually fits better.

Ladiko Bay and its calm-water appeal

The second stop is Ladiko Bay, another 30-minute swim. The name is linked to the Greek word ládi, meaning oil, a reference to the bay’s calm, smooth-looking water.

This stop is best approached as a short water break rather than a major sightseeing visit. You have time to get in, swim around the anchored boat, use a mask, and climb back aboard for a drink.

The bay may be calm, but conditions are not guaranteed. Wind and wave levels affect each stop, and one account found the first two swimming areas less comfortable than Anthony Quinn Bay. On a calm day, Ladiko can be a pleasant place to float and look down into the water. On a breezier day, the swimming may feel more active.

The boat’s ladder matters here. Most people will manage it, but one account found the steps difficult. If you have limited mobility or dislike climbing from the sea onto a boat, ask the crew for help before entering the water. The supplied noodles are flotation aids, not a substitute for swimming ability or a life jacket.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the highlight of the route

The final stop lasts about 45 minutes, making it the longest swim of the day. Anthony Quinn Bay is widely known for its clear water, pine-covered slopes, and rocky coves. It is also linked with the film The Guns of Navarone, which was filmed in the area.

This is where the cruise is most likely to win you over. You swim straight from the boat into clean-looking water, with the bay’s green hills and rock formations around you. A cave adds a small sense of adventure, and you can swim toward it if conditions and your ability allow.

The extra 15 minutes make a difference. Thirty minutes goes quickly once you account for getting in, swimming, using the mask, and climbing back aboard. At Anthony Quinn Bay, you have a little more time to relax in the water and enjoy the setting.

Do not treat the stop as a guaranteed beach visit. The boat anchors offshore, and the experience depends on entering the sea. If you want a sandy shore, sun loungers, or an easy walk into shallow water, choose a beach day instead.

The bay is also a popular place, so the view may include other boats. That does not remove its appeal, but it means you should not expect a private cove.

What is served on board

The open bar is one of the better-value parts of the trip. You can choose from beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and a cocktail of the day made with fresh fruit.

The cocktail has received especially warm praise, including a strawberry daiquiri on one outing. Drink choices are limited rather than cocktail-bar extensive, but the selection suits a short daytime cruise.

The food is light. You may receive fresh fruit and local melekouni, a traditional Rhodian honey and sesame bar. The fruit offers a welcome break after swimming, while the melekouni gives you a taste of a local sweet.

Do not book this as a meal replacement. Portions have been described as modest, with fruit served in small amounts. Eat breakfast or an early lunch before boarding if you are likely to get hungry after swimming.

The boat also provides snorkel equipment and swimming noodles. The noodles are useful for relaxing in the water, especially if you want to conserve energy between stops. Masks and snorkels are more useful at the cave and rocky bays, though equipment condition may not be consistent.

Boat comfort, space, and the catamaran question

The advertised vessel is a 36-foot catamaran with couch seating. The couch layout is a real advantage because it gives you somewhere comfortable to sit between swims rather than a row of hard benches.

That said, you should keep your expectations flexible. Some departures have used an older boat, and one account specifically said the vessel was not a catamaran. Another described a boat that looked different from the promotional photographs.

This does not automatically make the outing poor. An older boat can still provide a pleasant ride, and the main attraction is the water rather than the vessel. Still, the difference matters if you are booking because you want a modern sailing boat, polished fittings, or a spacious luxury deck.

One serious account described a crowded boat with no available seat, while most other accounts found the boat comfortable, even when full. The maximum group size is listed as 28, but seating pressure can depend on the boat used and how many people board that day.

If having a guaranteed seat is important, arrive on time and confirm the pickup and meeting arrangements in advance. The tour begins and ends at Faliraki Harbor.

Faliraki pickup and port transfers

For people staying in Faliraki, hotel transfer is available for the three-hour cruise. You must arrange it at least one day before departure. Do not assume that booking the cruise automatically completes the pickup arrangement.

The transfer is described as using a luxury minibus. Experiences can vary, especially for cruise ship passengers. One account described a small, crowded van with poor air conditioning during a transfer from the ship to the marina.

Pickup from Rhodes Town, Ixia, or a cruise ship is not included in the base price. It costs an additional €10 per person. This changes the value calculation, particularly for a couple or family.

If you are already staying near Faliraki Harbor, you avoid that extra cost and remove one possible source of delay. If you are coming from farther away, compare the transfer fee with the cost and convenience of reaching Faliraki on your own.

Cruise ship passengers should be especially careful. The excursion ends back at the meeting point, and transfer arrangements need to be clear before the day of the tour. A missed pickup can turn a pleasant swim trip into a stressful port day.

Price and value at $66.51

At about $66.51 per person, the price is reasonable if you value the combination of transport, three swim stops, equipment, drinks, and snacks. Buying drinks separately at a waterfront cafe, hiring a boat, and reaching three bays independently could cost more and require much more planning.

The value is strongest for someone who wants a simple half-day activity. You get the coast, a cave, swimming time, and an open bar without committing your entire day. The three-hour length also makes it possible to visit Rhodes Town, see archaeological sites, or spend the rest of the day at your hotel.

The value is weaker if you expect a full meal, a modern catamaran, extensive island commentary, or long stays at each bay. You are paying for access to attractive swimming spots, not a luxury sailing service.

At 95 percent recommended and a 4.8 rating from 817 ratings, the overall response is very strong. Still, the range of experiences shows why the details matter. Most of the appeal comes from the beautiful water, friendly service, comfortable seating, and relaxed format. The main complaints involve the boat’s condition, limited food, crowded seating, weak commentary, and transfer problems.

Who will enjoy this most

I would choose this for confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone wanting a relaxed coastal break. It suits you if three short swim stops sound better than spending a full day on a large boat.

It can work for children, but parents should remember that the boat stops offshore. There are no beach entries at the swimming locations, and the water may be chilly or choppy. A child who cannot swim comfortably should not rely on a pool noodle alone.

The cruise also suits people who like an informal atmosphere. The crew may be friendly and helpful, but the tour is not built around constant narration or structured entertainment. You might get little more than the name of each stop and basic directions.

I would think twice if you need accessible boarding, guaranteed modern equipment, a quiet luxury setting, or plenty of personal space. The boat can feel full, and the ladder is an important part of getting back aboard.

Bring strong sunscreen, a towel, swimwear, and a waterproof pouch for valuables. The sun can be intense, and there is limited time to dry off between stops. If you own a mask and snorkel, bringing them may be worthwhile.

Should you book the Sun & Sea cruise?

Book it if your priority is clear water, three scenic bays, and an easy three-hour swim outing at a fair price. Anthony Quinn Bay and the Traganou Caves give the route enough variety, while drinks, fruit, and couch seating make the time between swims pleasant.

Skip it if you want beaches, a detailed Rhodes tour, or a guaranteed modern catamaran. Before paying, confirm the boat type, pickup details, and transfer charge if you are staying outside Faliraki.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Bad weather or an insufficient number of bookings can also lead to a change of date or a full refund. For the best chance of a smooth day, arrange pickup the day before and arrive ready to swim from the boat.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours and returns to Faliraki Harbor, the meeting point.

Where does the cruise begin?

It begins at Faliraki Harbor in Faliraki, Rhodes.

Which swimming locations does the cruise visit?

The route includes Afandou Beach near the Traganou Caves, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Do I swim from the boat or from a beach?

You enter the water directly from the boat at the swimming stops. The stops are not beach visits with time to walk ashore.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup from Faliraki hotels is available for the three-hour cruise, but it must be arranged at least one day before the trip.

Is pickup available from Rhodes Town or Ixia?

Transfer service from Rhodes Town, Ixia, or cruise ships is available for an additional €10 per person.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes beer, wine, soft drinks, water, a cocktail of the day made with fresh fruit, fresh fruit, and melekouni, a Rhodian honey and sesame snack.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.