Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

The best part of this Rhodes to Lindos cruise is the mix: you get the island’s famous hilltop village without sitting on a bus all day, then cool off in two beautiful bays. Anthony Quinn Bay comes first, and Tsambika Beach provides the final swim before Rhodes.

I like the generous three hours in Lindos and the clean, roomy boat with a bar, toilets, shade, and sunbeds. The main catch is the long sailing time and a fixed schedule. Three hours is enough for the Acropolis and a meal, but it can feel short if you also want to shop, visit the beach, and wander slowly.

Key details at a glance

• Two swim stops from the boat: Enjoy about 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and another 30 minutes at Tsambika Blue Lagoon.
• Three hours in Lindos: Climb to the Acropolis, explore the white village lanes, eat lunch, or spend time by the sea.
• Comfortable boat facilities: You get an open sundeck, sunbeds, shaded seating, air conditioning, toilets, WiFi, and floats.
• Best sunbed advice: Arrive early if you want a top-deck lounger. These are limited and tend to go quickly.
• Good onboard value: The bar sells cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and sandwiches, including options priced around €3.
• A strong family option: The boat is spacious, the swim stops have noodles and life jackets, and the crew gives clear timing instructions.

Why this cruise works so well for a Lindos day

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ essential sights, but getting there overland means a hot journey followed by more heat on foot. This trip turns the transport into part of the day. You sail along the east coast, watch the shoreline pass, and have the chance to swim before and after your time in town.

The price, about $47 per person, is attractive for an eight to eight-and-a-half-hour outing. A ticket includes the cruise, two swim stops, use of sunbeds and floats, onboard toilets, WiFi, air-conditioned space, and insurance. You still pay for food, drinks, towels, and the Acropolis, but the core package gives you a full day of sightseeing and swimming without requiring separate transport to Lindos.

I especially like the balance between guided timing and personal freedom. Nobody leads you around Lindos for three hours. You decide if the Acropolis matters most, if lunch comes first, or if you would rather find a sandy beach and stay there. That independence is a real advantage for couples, families, and anyone who dislikes being moved from one sight to the next.

The tradeoff is that you spend a good part of the day on the water. The ride to Lindos takes roughly two hours, with the first swimming stop along the way, and the return includes another cruise after Tsambika. If you want the maximum amount of time in Lindos, a land excursion may suit you better. If you want Lindos plus a pleasant day at sea, this is the better fit.

Setting out from Mandraki Port

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City, near the Nea Agora Building and the Roda bus stop. Look for the DISCOVERY boat, and arrive about 30 minutes early. The boat has several seating areas, including an air-conditioned lower section, shaded spaces, and an open upper deck.

Arriving early matters for two reasons. First, it gives you time to find the boat without rushing. Second, the limited sunbeds on the top deck are popular. People who arrived around 8:00 found it easier to secure a lounger, while later arrivals often had to choose ordinary seats.

The top deck is appealing on a sunny day, but it is exposed and can feel windy when the boat is moving. Bring a light jacket in May, October, or at the beginning and end of the season. Even in warm weather, the wind can make the ride cooler than expected.

If you select hotel pickup, wait at the stated point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on its windscreen, and drivers may leave after two minutes. Delays of up to 15 minutes can happen because of traffic, so stay at the pickup point. Hotel pickup is optional and should make the start easier, but the port meeting point is the simpler choice if you are already in Rhodes City.

Anthony Quinn Bay: your first swim

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached after a coastal cruise of roughly 45 minutes. After the initial sightseeing, the boat pauses for about 30 minutes so you can swim directly from the vessel.

This bay is famous for its clear emerald water, rocky sides, and sheltered feel. From the boat, you see the rocks and water from a better angle than from the shore. It is a fine place for snorkeling, though you need to bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to use it.

The crew gives advance notice before the boat stops, which is useful. You have time to change, collect your goggles, and get ready instead of scrambling when the anchor goes down. Noodles and floats are available, and life jackets are provided for children. That makes the stop more comfortable for anyone who is not a confident swimmer.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. This is a proper refreshment stop, not a long beach visit. You will have time to swim, float, and take in the setting, but not to linger on shore because you stay with the boat. The water access is from the vessel, so keep that in mind if you prefer a gradual entry or need easy shoreline access.

The staff clean the boat after swimming stops, and the facilities are kept in good condition. That small detail matters on a warm day when wet feet, towels, and swim gear can make a boat feel untidy.

Three hours in Lindos

After the first swim, the boat continues toward Lindos. The approach takes roughly 70 minutes, with the total journey to the village just under two hours according to the operating schedule. You arrive with around three hours of free time.

Lindos is best known for its whitewashed houses, narrow lanes, sandy bay, and the Acropolis rising above town. You can use your time in several ways:

• Walk up to the Acropolis for the major views and ancient ruins.
• Explore the white lanes and browse the shops.
• Eat at a traditional taverna.
• Relax beside the bay or spend time on the sandy beach.
• Combine the Acropolis with lunch and a short look around town.

The Acropolis is the obvious priority if this is your first visit. The climb is uphill and can be hot, so wear sensible shoes, carry water, and leave enough time to return to the boat. The views from above are a major reason to make the trip, but you should expect crowds at busy times and little shade on the climb.

Three hours is workable, though not luxurious. You can see the Acropolis and have lunch if you keep moving. You can also choose the beach and town instead. Trying to fit in the Acropolis, a relaxed meal, shopping, and a long swim will feel rushed.

Keep a close eye on the return time. Lindos can be confusing when you are heading back toward the waterfront, and the boat leaves on schedule. Allow extra time to walk downhill and find the harbor area. You can leave bags on the boat while exploring, which means you do not have to carry everything up to the Acropolis. Take only what you need for the walk.

The free time is one of the trip’s strongest features, but it also creates the clearest choice: see more, or relax more. I would choose the Acropolis first, then lunch or the beach depending on the heat.

Tsambika Beach and the final swim

The return route begins with about 50 minutes of sailing before the second swimming stop at Tsambika Beach, also called the Blue Lagoon. Here, you again enter the water directly from the boat for about 30 minutes.

The water is turquoise and refreshing, and the stop works well after a hot walk through Lindos. It is also a cheerful end to the day, with music playing from the boat and enough time for a proper swim rather than just a quick dip.

As at Anthony Quinn Bay, floats are available. Families appreciate the extra support, while strong swimmers can simply use the stop to cool down. The crew explains the timing clearly, so you know when to return aboard.

The main limitation is the same as before: 30 minutes is enough for swimming but not for a full beach visit. You do not get a long stretch of sand time at Tsambika. This is a boat-based swim, chosen for the water and scenery rather than a shore excursion.

After Tsambika, expect about an hour of sailing back to Rhodes Harbor. The boat is large enough to offer several types of seating, and the air-conditioned area gives you an escape from the sun. The return can feel long after a full day, but the sea breeze and onboard cafe make it easier.

The boat, bar, and seating choices

The boat is one of the reasons this trip earns its strong reputation. It is described as clean, stable, spacious, and well maintained, with three decks and enough seating for a busy sailing. The toilets are onboard and are kept in good condition, which is not a minor point on an all-day cruise.

You can choose between the open top deck, shaded outdoor seating, and an air-conditioned interior. Sunbeds are limited, so do not assume every passenger will get one. If a lounger is important to you, arrive early and claim it. You may also find one available later in the day when people return to Lindos at different times.

The bar sells coffee, soft drinks, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and simple food. Sandwiches have been available for around €3, and prices are described as reasonable. You are still free to bring cash for purchases, and cash is worth carrying for Lindos, the Acropolis, and small food stops.

Food and drinks are not included in the ticket. Bring a packed snack if you want to control costs, but the onboard bar is useful when you do not want to wait until Lindos for lunch. The cafe also helps break up the long sailing sections.

WiFi is listed as available onboard, though you should not plan the day around a strong connection. Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a light jacket outside the hottest summer months. Snorkeling equipment is not supplied, so pack your own if that is part of your plan.

Who should book this day out

This cruise suits you if you want to combine several classic Rhodes experiences without organizing separate transport. It is particularly good for:

• First-time visitors who want to see Lindos and two well-known bays.
• Families who value a stable boat, floats, shade, toilets, and air conditioning.
• Couples looking for a relaxed day with scenery, swimming, and free time.
• People who prefer exploring independently instead of following a guide.
• Cruise passengers or short-stay visitors who want a full Lindos day from Rhodes City.

It is less suitable if you dislike long boat rides, need a quiet low-capacity outing, or want several hours on a beach. It may also be tiring for anyone who finds uphill walking difficult, since the Acropolis sits above Lindos and the village includes slopes and steps.

The swim stops are from the boat, not from a beach. If you are not comfortable entering open water, the floats and life jackets help, but you can also remain onboard and enjoy the views.

Timing, pickup, and practical value

The full experience lasts about eight to eight and a half hours and generally returns to Rhodes Harbor around 17:30. Pickup is available from selected hotels and resorts, including properties around Rhodes City, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kremasti, and Filerimos. Check your exact option carefully because hotel pickup is not included in every booking.

The host or greeter speaks English and Greek. Instructions cover the swimming stops, Lindos departure time, and transfer arrangements. Clear timing is important here because the boat cannot wait for people who lose track of the hour.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while delaying payment. Those terms make the trip easier to fit into a changing holiday plan, but the important practical point is still to check the exact departure time and pickup details when booking.

At $47 per person, I see this as good value if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to Lindos, beach time, and a boat outing. The price does not cover the Acropolis, food, drinks, or towels, so budget for those extras. Even with lunch and the entrance fee added, the day offers a lot of variety for the cost.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want Lindos plus swimming, not Lindos alone. The clean boat, friendly crew, useful onboard cafe, clear instructions, and two attractive swim stops make the long day feel varied. Families and first-time visitors get an easy introduction to the east coast, while independent explorers still control their three hours in town.

Skip it if you want a slow, detailed visit to Lindos or a quiet small-boat trip. Three hours is enough for the Acropolis and one other activity, but not every part of the village at an unhurried pace. Arrive early for a sunbed, pack a jacket for the moving boat, and protect your Lindos return time. With those expectations, this is one of the better-value ways to pair Rhodes’ most famous village with a day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the Lindos cruise depart from?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building near the Roda bus stop. Look for the DISCOVERY boat and arrive about 30 minutes early.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional from selected hotels and resorts. If you choose it, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time and look for a vehicle with the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen.

How long do I have in Lindos?

You have approximately three hours of free time in Lindos. You can visit the Acropolis, explore the village, eat at a taverna, or relax at the beach.

How long are the swimming stops?

The stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about 30 minutes, and the stop at Tsambika Beach lasts about 30 minutes. Both are swimming stops from the boat.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available for purchase from the onboard bar, which sells coffee, cold drinks, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and sandwiches. Acropolis entrance fees and towels are also not included.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, cash, and snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel. A light jacket is useful at the beginning or end of the season, especially when sitting on the open upper deck.