Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this half-day cruise makes a fine case for leaving the town behind. You sail in a traditional wooden boat to three east-coast swim spots, with time to jump in, snorkel, or simply stretch out in the sun. Anthony Quinn Bay brings the dramatic scenery, while Afandou gives you the longest stop and lunch.

I like two things here: the small-boat feel and the unusually generous drinks arrangement. The crew keeps wine, beer, water, and soft drinks moving, while the buffet gives you a proper break rather than a packet of snacks. The main thing to consider is the sun. Shade is limited, and the best seats can go quickly, so arrive early and bring a towel.

At a glance

• Three swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs, each with about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.
• A traditional wooden boat: Comfortable for sunbathing, photogenic, and generally more intimate than a large excursion vessel.
• Lunch on board: A Greek-style buffet with vegetarian choices, fruit, wine, beer, and soft drinks included.
• Host Theodore and crew: Friendly, attentive service is a major part of the appeal, with easygoing music and a relaxed mood.
• Snorkeling gear provided: You can use the equipment on board, though you need to bring your own towel.
• Good value at $70: The price covers the cruise, three stops, lunch, drinks, equipment, and a shower on board.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbour

You meet Royal Sailing Rhodes next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the company desk. This is in the Mandraki Harbour area, a handy starting point if you are staying in Rhodes Town. The boat heads out in the morning, giving you the useful advantage of spending the hottest part of the day on the water rather than walking through town.

The cruise lasts about 5.5 hours. That is long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough to leave your evening free for the Old Town, dinner, or a second look at the harbour.

The boat is a traditional wooden vessel, not a sleek yacht. That matters in a good way if you want character and open-air seating. It has room for sunbathing, though the amount of shade is limited. The front pads offer some of the best views, so arriving early is sensible if you care about your place.

One practical point: boarding order can feel important. The boat may have plenty of room even when full, but the most popular seats go first. Some people prefer the front for views, while others want a spot with more shade or easier access to the water. If you have a choice, take a quick look around before settling in.

The crew speaks English. Theodore has been singled out for warm, attentive hosting, and the wider crew handles drinks, food, safety, and the swim stops with a friendly touch. The mood is social but not built around loud entertainment. Easy-listening music is used during the ride, which helps keep the day calm.

Anthony Quinn Bay: emerald water and steep scenery

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most scenic swimming spots on the east coast of Rhodes. Green vegetation presses close to the cove, and the water takes on a deep emerald color around the rocky edges. From the boat, you get a particularly fine view of the small bay and its sheltered shape.

You have about 50 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear enough to make the provided mask and snorkel worthwhile, especially near the rocks. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view if you are not keen on getting wet.

This stop works best as a scenic opener. It gives you the classic Rhodes postcard setting, but the bay can feel compact compared with the wider water at Afandou. The boat may be the better place to appreciate the view because you see the cove from offshore rather than trying to find space along the water’s edge.

Bring your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want pictures from the water. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but it does not provide towels, so pack one from your hotel. A float may also be available on board, which is useful if you are a less confident swimmer, but you should still be comfortable entering the sea from the boat.

Afandou Beach: the longest stop and lunch break

After a short ride, the boat anchors at Afandou Beach. This is the most flexible stop, with about 110 minutes allocated to swimming, snorkeling, beach time, and lunch. You can spend some of it in the water, return to the boat for food, or simply relax and watch the coast pass by.

Afandou is less enclosed than Anthony Quinn Bay. That gives you more open water and a quieter, less dramatic feel. The stop is a good change of pace: first a small scenic cove, then a broad swimming area where you can take your time.

The activity information also lists kayaking at Afandou. The main focus remains swimming and snorkeling, so treat kayaking as an available activity rather than the reason to book the cruise. The provided equipment makes it easy to join in without bringing your own mask or fins.

Lunch is served on board as a buffet. You can expect local flavors, vegetarian options, fruit, and a choice of red or white wine. Beer and soft drinks are also included. The food has been a strong point for many people, with generous portions and a spread that feels more substantial than the usual boat-trip sandwich.

There is one fair qualification. Not every diner will find the food equally impressive, and one point of criticism was that the menu could include more unmistakably Greek choices such as gyros or souvlaki. Still, the combination of a full buffet, fruit, and drinks makes this a solid midday meal, especially at this price.

The lunch timing also works well. You are not asked to eat while the boat is moving, and the meal gives you a chance to dry off and cool down before the final stop. Wine and beer are available throughout the cruise, but remember that cocktails are not included. You can buy them separately.

Kallithea Springs: clear water and ladders into the sea

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, a long, narrow inlet surrounded by rocks. Ladders lead down toward the water, giving the area a different character from the first two stops. The water is clear blue, and the rocky sides make it a good place for another swim and some snorkeling.

You get about 50 minutes here. That is enough for a relaxed dip and a look beneath the surface, but not enough for a long visit if you also want to explore every corner of the area. The point is the sea stop, not a full land visit to the springs complex.

Kallithea is a good final stop because it feels more structured than the open beach at Afandou. The ladders make entering the water straightforward in places, while the rocks frame the inlet neatly for photographs. You should watch your footing around wet surfaces and use care near the rocks.

By this stage, the day has a pleasant rhythm: swim, sail, eat, swim again, then finish with one last clear-water stop. The return trip to Rhodes Town gives you time to dry off and settle into the slower end of the cruise.

What the $70 price really covers

At $70 per person, this is not just a boat ride with three photo stops. The price includes the wooden-boat cruise, lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, an onboard shower, and a first aid kit. That list gives the experience stronger value than a basic sightseeing cruise where every drink and activity costs extra.

The unlimited drinks are particularly useful in the Rhodes heat. You can have water and soft drinks without keeping track of every bottle, and wine or beer is available with lunch and during the ride. This is also a good reason to compare the tour with cheaper-looking alternatives. A lower headline price may not include food, equipment, or drinks.

The price works best for people who want an easy all-in-one day. You do not need to arrange transport between beaches, hire snorkeling gear, or find lunch after swimming. The tradeoff is that you follow the boat’s timetable. Each stop is long enough for a swim, but this is not a private charter where you choose the pace.

Space, shade, and the feel on board

A repeated strength of this cruise is its small, friendly feel. One account described roughly 18 people on board, creating something closer to a relaxed private outing than a crowded excursion vessel. Group size can vary, so do not treat that figure as a guarantee, but the boat is clearly designed to avoid an impersonal big-ship atmosphere.

The wooden deck is well suited to sunbathing. You can stretch out, enjoy the views, and move between the open deck and the seating areas. The drawback is shade. One person specifically wanted more cover from the sun, and that is worth taking seriously in July and August.

Pack sunscreen and reapply it often. Bring a towel, swimwear, and any personal snorkeling mask if you prefer your own fit. The boat has a shower, which is useful after the third swim, but a shower does not replace a dry towel when you are heading back into town.

The boat also has free WiFi. Signal quality at sea can vary, so I would treat it as a convenience rather than a reason to book. The scenery and swimming are the real attractions.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want three attractive swim stops without spending a full day on a large sightseeing vessel. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who like a mix of swimming, food, sun, and conversation.

It is also a good fit for children who are comfortable around open water. The crew provides snorkeling equipment and floats may be available, but the tour is still a boat-based swimming day. Anyone who cannot swim should stay close to adult supervision and follow the crew’s instructions.

This is less suitable if you want long periods on land, serious snorkeling, or a quiet private charter. You will not get hours at each bay, and the food is buffet-style rather than a restaurant meal. People prone to seasickness should also think carefully. The Aegean can be choppy, especially on less calm days, though the crew has been attentive to people feeling unwell.

The cruise also depends on good weather and sea conditions. The schedule can change if the operator needs to switch boats or adjust plans, but advance notice was given when a technical issue required a boat change. That kind of communication is reassuring, though it is still wise to keep a little flexibility in your day.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times should be checked for your date.

My practical plan for the day

Arrive early at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk near Evangelismos Church. This improves your chance of choosing a preferred seat, especially if you want the front pads or a spot with some shade.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and pack a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof case for your phone. You will spend the day moving between sun, sea, and deck, so simple clothing works better than anything fussy.

Use the first stop to get comfortable with entering the water from the boat. At Afandou, take advantage of the longer block of time and decide how you want to split it between swimming, lunch, and relaxing. Save enough energy for Kallithea Springs, since the final swim is part of what makes the route feel complete.

If you drink alcohol, pace yourself. Wine and beer are included, but the day involves sun, swimming, and boat movement. Water and soft drinks are available too, so keep hydrated.

Should you book it?

I would book this cruise if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three different coastal settings, a friendly crew, and lunch without extra spending at every turn. The strongest reasons are the attractive route, the warm service from Theodore and the crew, the full drink package, and the fact that the boat usually feels more personal than a large excursion ship.

I would think twice if you need lots of shade, dislike fixed schedules, or want a serious food-focused Greek meal. You should also pack carefully, since towels are not supplied and cocktails cost extra.

For $70, the package is well judged. It gives you a memorable day on the east coast, enough time to swim at each stop, and a lunch break that keeps the outing simple. Arrive early, claim a good seat, protect yourself from the sun, and this is one of the easier ways to enjoy Rhodes from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes cruise meet?

Meet at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, near Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about 5.5 hours and returns to Rhodes Town after the Kallithea Springs stop.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea Springs each have about 50 minutes. Afandou Beach has about 110 minutes, including time for swimming and lunch.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with vegetarian options is included, along with fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruit are included. Cocktails are available to purchase separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use at the swimming stops.

Are towels included?

No. You should bring your own towel, along with swimwear and sunscreen.

Is there shade on the boat?

The boat has open areas for sunbathing, but shade is limited. Arriving early can help you choose a more comfortable place.

What language is the tour conducted in?

The live tour guide service is in English.

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.