Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board

The best part of this Rhodes outing is the mix of hands-on fishing and a clear-water swim in one compact half-day. You get time on the rods, a stop near the rocky Kallithea caves, and a generous BBQ meal served on board rather than a rushed snack at a restaurant.

I like the small group limit of 12 and the warm, playful service from Angelo and Vasili. I also like that the fish you catch may become part of lunch, adding a satisfying local touch. The main drawback is simple: the fishing is real, but the catch is not guaranteed, and three hours can feel long for young children or anyone who is mainly interested in swimming.

Key points to know before booking

• Fishing comes first: Expect roughly three hours at sea, with help baiting hooks, handling lines, and learning the basics.
• The Kallithea stop is the scenic payoff: You get about an hour to swim and snorkel near rocky beaches and caves.
• Lunch is a major part of the value: The captain prepares a BBQ meal, often including grilled fish or chicken, salad, bread, and fruit.
• The boat is friendly rather than fancy: It is described as older and practical, with a basic toilet and limited washing facilities.
• The meeting point is on the waterfront: Use the stated address, 25is Martiou 2, but do not rely blindly on Google Maps directions.
• Cruise passengers need a time buffer: A late start or delayed return can create a serious problem if your ship leaves soon after the tour.

A small-boat day built around fishing, swimming, and lunch

This is not a polished yacht cruise with fishing added as a brief extra. It is a working-style boat outing where the fishing takes up most of the first part, followed by a swim and a meal. That distinction matters.

If you enjoy trying something with your hands, you will get the chance to bait a hook, cast a line, manage a reel, and deal with the occasional tangle. Angelo and Vasili help beginners through the process, so you do not need previous fishing experience. If you already fish, you can get started without waiting through a long formal lesson.

The mood sounds informal and sociable. Angelo is known for his humor and infectious laugh, while the captain handles the boat and cooks. That combination gives the trip much of its character. You are not simply being moved from one postcard view to another. You are spending time with a small crew who make the boat feel personal.

Still, keep expectations sensible. This is a fishing outing, not a guaranteed catch-and-cook charter. Some people catch several fish, while others catch little or nothing. The fish displayed in promotional photos should not be treated as a promise of what will come over the side on your day.

The three-hour fishing session off Rhodes

The fishing portion lasts about three hours, making it the core of the experience. The boat stops in several fishing areas, with the exact number varying by conditions and the day’s plan. Some outings use two fishing stops, while others use three.

For a first-time angler, this is the useful part of the trip. You are shown how to put bait on the hook and how to manage the line. The crew also helps with tangles and basic handling. That practical support matters more than a long explanation. You learn by doing, and the relaxed setting makes mistakes less embarrassing.

For experienced anglers, the appeal is the chance to test local waters around Rhodes. You may catch fish suitable for the BBQ, but the results depend on conditions and luck. One person might land a large fish, while another spends the morning feeling a few bites and watching a much smaller catch come aboard.

I would treat the fishing as an activity, not a food-ordering service. If you need a guaranteed catch to enjoy the day, choose another type of excursion. If you like the anticipation, the movement of the boat, and the small thrill when a line tightens, this format works well.

Three hours is a long stretch for some children. Families with older children and teenagers often have a better fit, especially if everyone enjoys trying the rods. Younger children may begin enthusiastically and then want to swim much sooner. Bring patience, sun protection, and something to occupy a child who loses interest before the fishing ends.

Kallithea Caves and the one-hour swim stop

After the fishing, the boat heads to the Kallithea area for about an hour. The stop includes rocky beaches, caves, and clear water suited to swimming and snorkeling.

This is the part that balances the slower pace of fishing. You can cool off, look into the water, and swim near the rocks rather than spending the entire outing seated with a rod. The cave setting also gives you a different view of Rhodes, one shaped by stone, sea, and small coves instead of town streets.

The timing is useful. An hour is long enough for a proper swim without turning the stop into an all-day beach visit. You should not expect a full beach afternoon, organized snorkeling instruction, or a long exploration of the shoreline. The value is in the contrast: quiet fishing first, then a refreshing break in a scenic place.

Bring your own practical kit. A towel, swimwear, sun protection, and a way to protect your phone will make the stop easier. The boat has a toilet, but the facilities are basic. Several details point to a toilet without a sink, and one account noted that the door needed a better lock. Pack wipes and do not expect yacht-style facilities.

The BBQ lunch is more than an afterthought

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to consider this trip. The captain prepares food on board, and it is served after the fishing and swim. The meal is often described as generous and well cooked, with grilled fish or chicken, Greek salad, bread, and fresh fruit appearing among the offerings.

The fish you catch may be cooked for the group, which gives the meal a direct connection to the morning’s activity. That does not mean every plate will contain a fish caught that day. Catch levels vary, and the main dish may be prepared separately. Still, the idea of eating fresh grilled food at sea is a fine reward after several hours on the water.

You may also find soft drinks, beer, and wine included. That adds value, especially on a warm day when buying drinks separately would quickly raise the cost. The food is not presented as fine dining, and the boat is not a restaurant. It is a generous, homemade-style lunch served in a memorable setting.

I would rate the meal as a major strength for anyone comparing this with a basic fishing charter. A simple boat can still deliver an excellent lunch, and that is what happens here. Just do not expect a fixed gourmet menu or a guarantee of a particular fish species.

What the $78.60 price really covers

At $78.60 per person, this sits above a bare-bones boat ride but offers more than a short fishing lesson. Your fare covers approximately five hours, fishing equipment and instruction, the swim stop, lunch, and drinks such as soft drinks and selected alcoholic beverages.

The value improves if you make use of the whole package. Someone who fishes for two hours, skips the swim, and eats little will see less benefit than someone who enjoys the full day at sea. The meal alone can make the price feel fair, particularly when it includes freshly grilled food, salad, fruit, and drinks.

The small group size also matters. With a maximum of 12 people, the crew can help with bait, tangled lines, and first-time fishers more easily than on a large boat. You are still sharing the experience, but it should feel more personal than a crowded excursion with dozens of people.

I would compare this price with the cost of booking separate fishing and swimming activities. The advantage here is convenience and variety. You get both without moving between operators, and lunch is built into the day. The tradeoff is that the boat is older and practical rather than luxurious.

The boat, crew, and level of comfort

The boat’s character is part of the experience. It is described as older, and some people call the outing a little primitive. That is not necessarily a problem if you want a relaxed local excursion, but it is important to picture the product correctly.

You should expect working equipment, shared space, and a simple toilet below deck. There is no sink in the toilet, so wipes are a smart addition. A door that does not lock properly can be inconvenient, especially with a full group on board.

The crew earns much of the praise. Angelo is lively and funny, and he helps keep the mood loose when the fish are not biting. Vasili also helps with fishing instruction and line problems. The captain combines boat handling with cooking, which gives the meal a personal feel.

Service may not suit everyone. One account found a younger crew member’s communication irritating, so the tone can depend on personalities and expectations. Most people looking for a relaxed, social outing will likely appreciate the humor. If you prefer quiet, polished service, you may find the atmosphere a bit loud or informal.

Meeting point and timing details that matter

The listed starting point is 25is Martiou 2 in Rhodes Town, and the activity returns to the same meeting point. The meeting place is on the waterfront. This detail matters because map applications may send you somewhere that does not match the actual pier location.

Give yourself time to find the boat and check the waterfront carefully. A mobile ticket is accepted, and booking confirmation is provided at the time of booking. The activity is offered in English and runs for about five hours.

Cruise passengers need to be especially cautious. A late-running earlier trip can delay departure, and the captain may not be able to shorten the outing for one group if others are still on board. If your ship leaves soon after the planned return, the risk is not worth taking. Choose a shore excursion with a wide buffer, or book this only when your port schedule allows plenty of extra time.

The tour usually needs good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or move to another date. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes outing most

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time fishers who want patient, practical help
• Families with teenagers and children old enough to handle a long fishing session
• Couples who want a social day at sea rather than a private luxury cruise
• People who value a cooked lunch and drinks as part of the price
• Visitors who want swimming and snorkeling without giving up a fishing activity
• Experienced anglers who enjoy the chance of a local catch, but do not need a guaranteed result

You may want a different tour if you mainly want swimming, if you dislike sitting still for long periods, or if you expect a modern boat with polished facilities. The fishing occupies much of the day, and the catch can be modest.

The public rating is exceptionally strong, with 99 percent recommending the experience and a five-star score based on 831 ratings. That points to a reliable overall appeal, especially around the crew, food, and swim stop. It does not remove the practical limits: catches vary, the toilet is basic, and timing needs care.

Should you book the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group day on the water with real fishing, a scenic swim, and a substantial BBQ lunch. The strongest reasons are the crew’s good humor, the hands-on help for beginners, and the meal served in an unusual setting.

Think twice if you need luxury, guaranteed fishing success, or a short outing designed around swimming. Families with very young children should also consider the three-hour fishing block.

For most visitors with a free half-day in Rhodes, the combination is good value. Bring wipes, swim gear, sun protection, and realistic expectations about the catch. Check the waterfront meeting point carefully, and leave a generous gap before any onward cruise departure.

FAQ

How long does the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. About three hours are used for fishing, followed by around one hour at the Kallithea Caves area for swimming and snorkeling, with time also used for cruising and lunch.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at 25is Martiou 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and returns to the same meeting point. The actual meeting place is on the waterfront.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 12 participants.

Do beginners need fishing experience?

No. Beginners receive help with baiting the hook, using the reel, and handling fishing lines. More experienced fishers can begin fishing without the same level of instruction.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour stops near the Kallithea Caves and rocky beaches for swimming and snorkeling in the surrounding waters.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ meal is prepared on board. Food described for the experience includes grilled fish or chicken, salad, bread, and fresh fruit.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks, beer, and wine are available on board. The provided tour details describe these drinks as free.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted. If bad weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.