Kolympia : Transfer & Cruise to Lindos with 3 Swimming Stops

Lindos is the main event here, but the three swim stops are what turn a simple transfer into a full day on Rhodes. You get 2.5 hours in Lindos, enough time for the Acropolis, the whitewashed village, lunch, and a quick look at the beach if you keep moving. I also like the practical hotel pickup and drop-off, which saves you from arranging a taxi or finding the harbor on your own.

The best part is the order: sightseeing first, swimming later. You can handle Lindos while you are fresh, then spend the return cruise cooling off in clear water. Floats and a toilet are provided, and the onboard bar sells drinks and snacks.

The main drawback is comfort. Some seats are hard wooden decking rather than padded chairs, so bring a folded towel or small cushion. Also, three swimming stops can feel repetitive if you are not keen on getting wet.

Key points to know before booking

• Lindos gets 2.5 hours: Enough for a focused visit to the Acropolis and village, but not a leisurely full-day exploration.
• The swim stops come on the way back: Navarone Bay, Stegna Beach, and Tsambika Beach each get about 20 to 25 minutes.
• Hotel transport is included: Pickup points cover Kolympia and several nearby resorts, with details sent by WhatsApp or email the day before.
• The boat has useful basics: Toilets, floats, seating, and a bar selling soft drinks, beer, cocktails, snacks, and long drinks.
• The price is strong value: At $41 per person, you get transport, the cruise, Lindos free time, and three swim stops.
• Pack for sun and salt water: Bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, camera, and cash.

Why this $41 cruise makes sense

At $41 per person, this is not just a boat ride to Lindos. It combines a return transfer, a coastal cruise, several swimming breaks, and hotel transportation into one eight-hour outing. A taxi from Kolympia to Lindos would cover only the transport, while this trip adds the sea time and swim stops without requiring you to plan several separate bookings.

That value matters most if you are staying around Kolympia and want to see Lindos without hiring a car. You also avoid the effort of driving, parking, and finding your way around a busy resort town. The tradeoff is that you follow the boat’s timetable, so this suits you if you prefer a well-organized day rather than complete freedom.

Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy them aboard. The bar offers soft drinks, cold beer, cocktails, long drinks, snacks, iced coffee, and other refreshments. Prices are described as reasonable, though you should still bring cash. Lindos also gives you plenty of chances to buy lunch, but 2.5 hours passes quickly once you add walking and sightseeing.

Getting from your hotel to Kolympia harbor

Pickup is offered from a long list of hotels, bus stops, car-rental points, and meeting places around Kolympia and nearby parts of Rhodes. Pickup times are sent by WhatsApp or email the day before, so check your messages and do not assume the departure time shown at booking is your exact hotel pickup time.

The bus has a Captain Sparrow logo on the windscreen. You should wait at the pickup point 10 minutes early. A delay of up to 15 minutes is possible because of traffic or other problems, so stay at the meeting point rather than leaving after a few minutes.

The transport section is short, listed at about 15 minutes, but the exact ride depends on your pickup location. The company has sometimes helped with hotels not shown on the standard list, but this is something to arrange in advance rather than count on. Confirm your hotel clearly through WhatsApp or email.

One useful feature is the effort made for families and people with special needs. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and staff have sometimes adjusted the transfer for families with babies. Still, if you use a wheelchair or have difficulty with steps, contact the operator before booking and ask about both the bus and boat boarding arrangements.

The morning cruise to Lindos

The boat leaves Kolympia harbor at about 9:00 in the morning and heads directly toward Lindos. The sightseeing cruise takes roughly 55 minutes, giving you a pleasant start before the main stop.

You get views of the Rhodes coastline from the water rather than from a road. The boat has both shaded and open seating, according to the information provided, and the crew keeps the atmosphere informal. You can buy a drink, settle in, and watch the coast pass by.

The boat is not a luxury yacht. It is a working excursion boat with simple seating, and one important comfort issue comes up repeatedly: some of the seats are made from wooden decking and can feel hard after several hours. A folded towel helps. If you want the best choice of seats, arrive ready to board and claim a comfortable spot without blocking access for others.

The vessel has a clean toilet, which is especially useful during a full-day trip with children. There are also floats and swimming noodles for the later stops. You should still bring your own snorkeling goggles if you want to look underwater, since goggles are not listed as included.

Making the most of 2.5 hours in Lindos

The boat reaches Lindos at about 10:00 and gives you around 2.5 hours before departure at 13:00. This is enough time for a well-planned visit, but you need to choose your priorities.

Lindos has three main draws for this stop:

• The Acropolis and its wide views
• The narrow village streets and shops
• The beach and waterfront restaurants

If the Acropolis is your priority, go there first. The climb can be hot, especially in summer, and you do not want to leave it until the final half-hour. Admission is not included. A recent price mentioned by a participant was €20, but entry fees can change, so check locally.

The Acropolis offers the classic Lindos view over the town and sea. You should know that some visitors feel the entry price is high for a site with reconstruction work, even though the setting and views are impressive. If ancient ruins are not your main interest, the village streets and free viewpoints may give you more enjoyment.

After the Acropolis, allow time to wander through Lindos itself. The lanes are made for slow browsing, with shops, cafes, and places to stop for food. The village can be very busy in high season, so do not expect a quiet stroll at midday.

You can also use part of the stop for Lindos Beach. Some beach facilities charge separately, and a recent price given for sunbeds was €10 each. That makes a short swim or lunch stop more practical than trying to spend the entire visit on the sand.

The timing is generally enough for the Acropolis plus some shopping and lunch, but not all three at a relaxed pace. If you want the full Lindos experience, decide before arrival. For me, the smartest plan is Acropolis first, then village streets, followed by a quick meal or beach look before returning to the boat.

Navarone Bay starts the swimming portion

After leaving Lindos, the boat begins the return route and makes the first swimming stop at Navarone Bay. The stop lasts about 20 to 25 minutes.

This is a jump-off-the-boat swim rather than a long beach visit. You can enter the water from the boat, use one of the floats, and cool down before getting back aboard. The water is described as clear, making it a good place to bring goggles.

Twenty-five minutes sounds short, but it works well for a quick swim. You do not lose much of the afternoon sitting in one bay, and the crew can keep the boat on schedule. If you need a long, gentle swim or dislike boarding a boat from the water, this format may feel rushed.

Stegna Beach gives you another quick swim

The second stop is at Stegna Beach, again for around 20 to 25 minutes. By this point, the rhythm is simple: the boat reaches a bay, you swim or stay aboard, then everyone returns for the next coastal section.

Stegna adds variety to the route, although you should not expect a long beach stay. The main attraction is the chance to swim in open water and see the coast from a different angle. The stops are short enough that non-swimmers can remain on board and enjoy the views.

If you are traveling with children, floats can make these brief stops easier. Parents should still supervise closely, since the activity is built around swimming from the boat rather than wading from a shallow beach.

Tsambika Beach ends the day in the water

The final stop is Tsambika Beach, with another 20 to 25 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The three stops are similar in format, but the changing coastline and clear water keep the return trip enjoyable for people who like being at sea.

This final swim is also a good reason to keep a dry cover-up and towel within easy reach. You will not want to dig through a bag stored below deck after each stop. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for the same reason, although it is not included.

The boat then returns to Kolympia, arriving at about 16:00. From the harbor, your included transport takes you back toward your original drop-off point. Confirm the return arrangements with the crew before leaving the boat, particularly if your hotel is outside the usual list.

What the boat is like for families and couples

This trip suits families, couples, and solo visitors who want a social day without a complicated plan. Children can enjoy the boat, Lindos, and the floats, while adults get a mix of sightseeing, food, and swimming.

The clean onboard toilet is a real help with young children. The crew is described as friendly and efficient, and staff have helped with transport questions and hotel arrangements. The boat also has enough shade and seating for a full day, though hard benches can become uncomfortable.

Couples may like the easy rhythm of the day, especially if you want Lindos without organizing a private excursion. Solo visitors can book the same trip without needing to arrange a private taxi or boat.

This is less suited to anyone seeking a quiet luxury cruise. The atmosphere is casual, the seating is basic, and the boat may feel social during the busiest summer weeks. You also spend only a short time at each bay, so serious snorkelers may want a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

What to bring for an easier day

Pack light, but keep the useful things close at hand:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Cash for snacks, drinks, Lindos entry, lunch, and beach charges
• Camera or phone
• Snorkeling goggles
• A folded towel or small cushion for the wooden seating
• Dry clothes or a cover-up for the ride back

The Greek sun can be strong even when the boat is moving. Shade helps, but it does not replace sunscreen. If you plan to visit the Acropolis, wear practical footwear and carry water.

The bar is convenient, but food and drinks are extra. You can buy refreshments aboard or eat in Lindos. Fresh watermelon has been served during some trips, but this should be treated as a pleasant possibility rather than a guaranteed inclusion.

Booking, cancellation, and timing details

The activity lasts about eight hours, with pickup in the morning and return around 16:00. English is the listed language, and hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if your Rhodes plans are still changing.

Give yourself extra time at the pickup point. The operator asks you to arrive 10 minutes early and allows for a delay of up to 15 minutes. That small bit of patience is better than missing the bus.

Should you book this Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want one affordable day combining Lindos and swimming. It is especially good for visitors staying around Kolympia who do not want to rent a car or pay for a private transfer. The schedule is clear, the crew is helpful, and the three swim stops add real value to the basic journey.

Think twice if you want a quiet boat, padded seating, long snorkeling sessions, or a relaxed full-day stay in Lindos. You will have to manage your time carefully, and the Acropolis, village, beach, and lunch cannot all receive equal attention in 2.5 hours.

For most people, the strongest plan is simple: visit the Acropolis first, explore the village, eat a quick lunch, then use the return cruise for swimming. At $41, that is a lot of Rhodes in one day, provided you are happy with basic seating and a fixed schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Lindos and swimming cruise?

The full activity lasts about eight hours. The boat leaves Kolympia at around 9:00 and returns at approximately 16:00.

How much time do I get in Lindos?

You get about 2.5 hours in Lindos, from approximately 10:00 until 13:00.

Which swimming stops are included?

The boat stops at Navarone Bay, Stegna Beach, and Tsambika Beach. Each swimming stop lasts about 20 to 25 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from listed locations around Kolympia and nearby areas. Exact pickup details are sent by WhatsApp or email the day before.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included, but the boat has a bar selling soft drinks, long drinks, cold beer, cocktails, snacks, and other refreshments.

Is the Acropolis entry fee included?

No. Tickets to the Acropolis are not included in the tour price.

Are floats available for swimming?

Yes. Floats are included, and the boat also has toilets. You should bring your own snorkeling goggles if you want to look underwater.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a camera, and cash. A small cushion or folded towel can also make the boat seating more comfortable.