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

The best part of this Rhodes outing is simple: you leave the harbor, stop at three clear-water bays, and swim straight from the boat. At Traganou Caves, you can paddle into the rock openings, while Anthony Quinn Bay delivers the most dramatic setting, with pine-covered slopes and water bright enough to make you forget the clock.

I like the short three-hour format, which gives you a sea day without taking over your schedule. I also like the useful inclusions: drinks, fruit, local Melekouni honey-and-sesame bars, masks, snorkels, and swimming noodles. The main thing to consider is that this is a relaxed group boat, not a polished sightseeing cruise. The boat may look older than the promotional pictures, and commentary about Rhodes can be very limited.

Key points to know before you book

• Three swim stops: Afandou and Traganou Caves, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
• Direct water access: These are boat stops, not beach visits. You climb down from the boat into the sea.
• Open drinks included: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and a fresh cocktail of the day are offered.
• Small-group size on paper: The stated maximum is 28 people, though the boat can still feel full.
• Faliraki pickup: Hotel transfer is available from Faliraki, but arrange it at least one day ahead.
• Casual equipment: Snorkel gear and noodles are supplied, though you may prefer to bring your own mask.

Three hours built around swimming, not sightseeing

This excursion is aimed at people who want a refreshing break from Rhodes Town, ancient sites, and hot pavement. It is not a guided tour of the island. You will hear the names of the bays and receive basic directions, but the crew may not provide much history or naturalist commentary.

That can be a plus. If you want to stretch out on a couch, sip a drink, and swim whenever the boat stops, the easy pace works well. If you expect a guide explaining the coastline, local legends, and the filming of The Guns of Navarone, you may find the experience quiet.

The boat is described as a 36-foot catamaran with couch seating. Several people appreciated the outdoor couches, which give you somewhere comfortable to sit between swims. At the same time, some accounts describe an older wooden-top boat or say it did not feel like the catamaran shown in the pictures. I would book this for the stops and the water, not for a picture-perfect vessel.

The maximum group size is listed as 28. That is fairly intimate for a shared cruise, but the practical feel depends on the boat used that day and how full it is. One particularly unhappy account described a packed boat with no available seat, while others called it full but comfortable. If having a guaranteed couch spot matters to you, arrive early and confirm the vessel and pickup arrangements in advance.

Afandou Beach and the Traganou Caves

The first stop lasts about 30 minutes at Afandou Beach, near the Traganou Caves. The boat anchors beside the rocky formations, and you enter the water from the rear or side steps rather than walking onto a beach.

The caves are the main attraction. With a mask, you can swim toward and into the openings, where the rock gives the water a darker blue tone. This is the most distinctive part of the first stop, but 30 minutes passes quickly once you allow time to get into the water, look around, and climb back aboard.

Do not picture a beach break with loungers, umbrellas, or a long walk on shore. You are swimming from the boat. That distinction matters, especially if someone in your group is not comfortable with open-water entry or needs a dry place to sit.

Some accounts found the water here and at Ladiko rougher than expected. Sea conditions change with the weather, so your experience may range from calm floating to a more active swim. The crew supplies noodles and snorkeling equipment, but the condition of individual masks and snorkels can vary. If you already own a well-fitting mask, bringing it is sensible.

Ladiko Bay and its calm-water reputation

The second stop is Ladiko Bay, also about 30 minutes. The name is linked to the Greek word ladi, meaning oil, a reference to the bay’s calm, smooth-looking water.

Ladiko is a pleasant place to float and cool off, though it may not make the same visual impression as Anthony Quinn Bay. The stop is short, and the boat remains offshore. If the sea is choppy, this can feel more like a quick swim than a peaceful floating session.

The best way to use the time is to get in promptly, rather than waiting until the last few minutes. You can use a noodle, test the snorkel gear, or simply swim around the boat. The provided equipment is convenient, but do not expect a full snorkeling expedition with a guide pointing out marine life.

The water and scenery are the reason to come. The crew’s role is mainly practical: keeping the boat moving, serving drinks, and helping people get in and out safely. Several accounts praised the captain’s careful handling, while other comments criticized the boarding steps as awkward. If you have limited mobility, ask about the steps before committing.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the scenic finale

The final stop lasts about 45 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, and this is where the trip earns much of its appeal. Pine-covered slopes frame the cove, and the clear water makes it an excellent place for swimming and mask-and-snorkel viewing.

You still enter from the boat, not from the shore. The bay’s rocky setting and caves give you more to explore than a simple open-water stop. You can swim toward the cave area, use a noodle to relax, or stay near the boat and enjoy the view from the water.

This is also the stop connected with The Guns of Navarone. The movie connection is a fun detail, though the tour does not appear to offer a full film-location talk. You may hear the reference, take a few pictures, and then spend your time in the sea.

The extra 15 minutes here make a difference. Forty-five minutes gives you time to swim, look through a mask, return to the boat for a drink, and get back in. Several people wished they had more cave time, so move promptly when the crew announces the stop.

Drinks, fruit, and local snacks

The open bar is one of the stronger values in the price. You can choose from water, soft drinks, beer, wine, and a cocktail of the day prepared with fresh fruit. Strawberry daiquiris received especially strong praise, though drink selection is limited rather than cocktail-bar extensive.

Fruit is prepared on board and usually includes a simple selection such as apple, banana, orange, or kiwi. You also receive Melekouni, a Rhodian honey-and-sesame bar. These are welcome between swims, but they are snacks, not lunch.

That point is worth stressing. If you arrive hungry, eat beforehand or carry whatever the operator permits. Some portions have been described as modest, and the food is designed as a light refreshment. The drinks and fruit add real value to a three-hour swim trip, but they should not be mistaken for a full meal.

The crew’s service can shape the mood. Some people found the staff friendly, accommodating, and eager to help. Others found the crew quiet, with little effort to explain the island or energize the group. This is best viewed as a laid-back boat ride, not a party cruise with constant hosting.

Music and group atmosphere may also vary. One account described loud club music and a crowded boat, while many others found the outing relaxed. If you want a silent, private sail, this is not the right product. If you enjoy a social boat with drinks and swimming, the casual style may suit you.

Getting to Faliraki Harbor

The meeting point is Faliraki Harbor. If you stay in Faliraki, hotel transfer is available for the three-hour cruise, but you must arrange it the day before. Do not assume that selecting the experience automatically completes the pickup request.

Pickup from cruise ships, Rhodes Town, and Ixia carries an additional charge of €10 per person. The advertised price is $66.51 per person, so the value depends partly on where you sleep and whether you need transportation.

Faliraki guests receive the clearest value because the transfer is included when properly arranged. Some pickup accounts describe a prompt and excellent driver, while another describes a small, hot, crowded van with little air conditioning. That suggests the vehicle can vary. If you are coming from a cruise ship, allow extra time for the road transfer and confirm exactly where and when you will be collected.

The trip returns to Faliraki Harbor. Since the cruise itself lasts about three hours, it leaves room for another activity afterward, assuming your transfer and timing run smoothly.

What the $66.51 price really buys

At $66.51, you are paying for access to three appealing swimming areas, boat transport between them, an open selection of basic drinks, light snacks, snorkeling equipment, noodles, and, for Faliraki hotels, transportation to and from the harbor.

That is a fair price if you value the drinks and want to see three bays without arranging a private boat. A private outing would give you more control over timing and space, but this shared trip keeps the cost down.

The weak point is the boat itself. If you are booking because you want a stylish catamaran with immaculate seating, the value becomes less certain. Reports of wet cushions, dated equipment, worn noodles, broken snorkel gear, and awkward steps suggest that standards may not be consistent.

The same is true of the food. Fruit and a traditional snack are pleasant extras, but they are not enough to justify the price by themselves. The real purchase is swimming in famous Rhodes coves, with the convenience of a captain, boat, equipment, and drinks.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this experience for confident swimmers, couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who want a simple half-day on the water. The nine-year-old child described in one account managed the swim stops well because they were limited to roughly 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the bay.

It also suits you if you are staying in Faliraki and want an easy hotel transfer. The short duration is useful on a busy holiday, especially if you want to visit Rhodes Town or spend the evening elsewhere.

You should think twice if you dislike entering open water from a boat, need a beach, want a substantial meal, or expect detailed guiding. It may also be a poor match if you require a guaranteed quiet atmosphere or a pristine, modern boat.

Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and the operator says most people can participate. Still, the swimming stops involve ladders or steps and direct sea entry, so ask ahead about your specific mobility needs.

Practical tips for a better day

Bring sunscreen and apply it before boarding. The sun can feel intense on open water, and the boat offers little relief once you are swimming.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and pack a towel. Because you enter the water directly from the boat, you may not have a sandy beach where you can change or dry off.

Bring your own mask if you care about fit and cleanliness. Supplied snorkeling gear is included, but some equipment may be worn or not fully comfortable.

Eat a light meal before pickup. The fruit and Melekouni are useful snacks, not a full lunch.

Arrange Faliraki pickup the day before. If you are coming from Rhodes Town, Ixia, or a cruise ship, confirm the €10 per-person transfer charge and the collection point.

Use the first moments at each stop well. With only 30 minutes at Afandou and Ladiko, waiting to enter the water leaves little time. Anthony Quinn Bay gives you 45 minutes, making it the best place to spend extra time with the caves.

Should you book the Sun & Sea cruise?

Book it if your priority is three beautiful Rhodes swim stops in a short outing, with drinks and basic snacks included. Anthony Quinn Bay and the Traganou Caves provide the most memorable scenery, and the price is reasonable when you use the included equipment and Faliraki transfer.

Skip it if the boat’s condition, seating, or polished service matters more to you than the water. The experience can feel basic, and commentary may be sparse. Before paying, confirm pickup, ask which boat is operating, and bring your own snorkeling mask if you have one. For a relaxed, value-minded swim trip, it is a sensible choice. For luxury or detailed island guiding, look elsewhere.

FAQ

How long is the Sun & Sea swimming cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours, including the three swimming stops and the return to Faliraki Harbor.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts at Faliraki Harbor in Faliraki, Rhodes, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Which swimming spots does the cruise visit?

The stops are Afandou Beach near the Traganou Caves, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Do the stops include time on the beaches?

No. The listed stops are boat-based swimming stops. You enter the water directly from the boat rather than spending time on the beaches.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer from Faliraki is available for the three-hour cruise, but it must be arranged the day before. Pickup from cruise ships, Rhodes Town, and Ixia costs an additional €10 per person.

What drinks and snacks are included?

The open bar includes beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and a cocktail of the day made with fresh fruit. Snacks include local Melekouni honey-and-sesame bars and a fruit platter.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles are included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may lead to a different date, another experience, or a full refund.