Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star here, but the real appeal is the way this small-group RIB cruise links several swimming spots in one short afternoon. You can snorkel over fish, enter sea caves, and view the coast from the Guns of Navarone Pier without giving up a full day.

I like the personal service from captains such as Michael and Lazaros, and I like the practical gear: masks, noodles, life jackets, drinks, and even waterproof phone cases. The main drawback is the quick pace. With roughly 25 minutes at several stops, you get a taste of each place rather than a long beach stay.

Key points to know before booking

• Anthony Quinn Bay is the main attraction: Expect clear water, fish, rugged cliffs, and a famous movie connection.
• Four coastal stops fit into 2.5 hours: The schedule favors variety over long, lazy swimming sessions.
• Small groups make a difference: The boat holds no more than eight people, and some departures have had only four to six passengers.
• Swimming support is provided: Noodles and buoyancy aids help less confident swimmers get into the water.
• The RIB can move quickly: The ride is exciting, but younger children or anyone prone to seasickness should take note.
• Pickup is available in several areas: You can meet at the port beside Stama restaurant or arrange transport from selected parts of Rhodes.

Why this short Rhodes cruise works so well

Many boat trips around Rhodes take most of the day. This one takes about 2.5 hours, making it easy to fit around sightseeing in Rhodes Town, a relaxed afternoon at your hotel, or an evening meal.

The trip is built around swimming rather than simply looking at the coast from a seat. You can jump straight from the boat into clear water, use a noodle or life jacket, and swim toward a beach or cave area when conditions allow. If you prefer staying dry, the spacious deck gives you room to sit in the sun and enjoy the views.

The limited group size is a major part of the value. With a maximum of eight participants, the boat feels more private than a large excursion vessel. That also gives the captain more room to help with masks, swimming confidence, phone cases, and questions about the coast.

The price is $64 per person, which is fair for a short cruise if you make use of the swimming stops and included equipment. You are paying for the boat, captain, several coastal locations, soft drinks, bottled cocktails, and a more personal setting. It is less attractive if you want a long beach visit, a full meal, or hours of sightseeing from the deck.

Boarding beside Stama restaurant

The standard meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored beside Stama restaurant. Check your exact meeting instructions before setting out, since pickup may be selected from areas including Rhodes Town, Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

Optional transport can simplify the day. Past departures have included air-conditioned minibus transfers, with drivers such as Harry or Harris taking passengers directly to the marina. Some drivers have also stopped at scenic points along the way for photographs, although that should be treated as a pleasant extra rather than the main part of the experience.

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so carry only what you need. A small day bag is more practical than a beach suitcase.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone Pier

The boat heads first toward Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the best-known swimming sites on Rhodes. The bay is named after the American actor Anthony Quinn, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone there.

The most memorable approach is from the water. You see steep rocky sides, bright water, and small coves that are difficult to appreciate from a road. The Guns of Navarone Pier is a particularly good place for photographs, with the boat, cliffs, and curved bay all in one view.

This is also one of the strongest snorkeling locations on the route. Fish gather in the clear water, and the rocky seabed gives the area more to look at than a plain sandy beach. The captain may offer simple information about the bay and help you get comfortable before entering the water.

Do not expect an empty cove. Anthony Quinn Bay is famous, and its popularity is part of the tradeoff. The scenery is excellent, but the area can feel busy, especially during the main summer season. The boat helps you enjoy the setting from offshore and avoid spending the whole visit on the crowded shore.

Ladiko, a quieter view across the bay

The cruise then reaches Ladiko, located on the other side of the bay. This stop gives you another angle on the same dramatic stretch of coast, with turquoise water and rough rock formations framing the swimming area.

Ladiko is a good place to simply float, take photographs, or swim without feeling that you need to rush through a major attraction. The captain normally gives you time in the water rather than keeping the boat moving constantly.

The coastline is the attraction here, not a long list of formal sights. You see the island as it is best viewed from a boat: low coves, exposed rock, and water that changes color with the depth and light.

Traganou’s rocky shore and sea caverns

The next stop is Traganou, known for its gravel beach, rocky surface, clear water, and small caverns. This part of the route feels less polished than Anthony Quinn Bay, which is exactly why it works as a contrast.

You can swim around the rocky shoreline and explore the cave areas when sea conditions permit. The caverns are not a long underground attraction with a guided route. Think of them as natural openings and rocky passages that you can view from the water or near the beach.

Wear secure footwear if you plan to walk on shore. Comfortable shoes are specifically recommended, and the advice matters here. Gravel and rock are less forgiving than sand, especially when wet.

Traganou is also a good place to use the snorkeling gear. Clear water and rocks create a better setting for spotting fish than a featureless open-water stop. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want pictures from the water. The boat has supplied these on some departures, but confirm what will be available on your specific trip.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The last coastal area is home to the Alikies caves, a lesser-known stop where you can explore the cave area or relax near the beach. This is often the most atmospheric part of the outing because the rock formations feel more secluded than the famous first bay.

The final stop can be especially rewarding for anyone interested in fish and underwater views. You may see fish close to the boat and around the rocky edges. If you are choosing between swimming and taking photographs, save some energy for this section. Several departures have allowed around 25 minutes at each stop, so the time goes quickly.

That short stop is also the main limitation. Some people will wish they had longer at the final bay, particularly if the water is calm and the fish are active. This is a coastal sampler, not a private beach day.

What the boat is like on the water

The vessel is a modern, comfortably furnished RIB with a spacious deck. It is designed for quick movement between coves, so you spend less time traveling from one stop to the next.

The speed is fun for many people, but it is worth taking seriously if you are prone to motion sickness. One passenger became seasick during a departure, and the captain offered help and advice, but the issue still affected the experience. Sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon when needed, and avoid treating the ride as a calm sailing trip.

Onboard facilities include a restroom and Wi-Fi. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included, and snacks may also be available. The exact drink selection can vary, so do not book this expecting a full bar or meal service.

The boat has masks and snorkels, noodles, and buoyancy aids. This is useful for families and mixed-ability groups. A non-swimmer can enter the water with extra support, though you should still be comfortable being in open sea conditions. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Captain Michael, Lazaros, and the small-group feel

The captain can make or break a short boat trip, and this experience puts considerable weight on personal hosting. Michael is frequently named by the operator as a friendly and attentive captain who explains the sites, checks that passengers are comfortable, and helps nervous swimmers.

Lazaros has also hosted departures and is praised for the same hands-on approach. You might get a captain who lets children help feed fish, answers questions about the coves, or adjusts the pace when the group needs more time. Those small touches matter more on a boat carrying only a handful of people.

The group limit is eight, though some departures have had four, five, or six passengers. That makes the outing feel close to a private charter without the much higher cost of hiring a boat outright. You may also be able to play your own music, depending on the captain and group.

Keep expectations realistic. The captain controls the route and must consider sea conditions, safety, and timing. A stop can be shortened, and the trip may not follow precisely the same rhythm every day. One departure finished about 20 minutes early without a clear explanation, so allow a little flexibility in your plans afterward.

Is the cruise suitable for children and nervous swimmers?

The answer depends on the child. Families have used the boat with young children, including a child not yet three, and the supplied noodles and life jackets can make the water more manageable.

The RIB is fast, and the ride can feel lively. One parent felt a larger cruise ship would be better for very young children, while the smaller boat worked well for couples and older children. I would choose this trip for children who can handle a brisk boat ride and follow water-safety instructions.

For nervous swimmers, the support equipment is a real benefit. You can enter the water at your own pace, stay close to the boat, and use a noodle or buoyancy aid. Still, this is not a pool. You need to be comfortable with open water and getting back aboard.

How to get the best value from the $64 price

At $64, this is good value when you want several swim locations and a small boat rather than a large group cruise. The included drinks and equipment save you from renting or buying basics, and optional pickup can remove the cost and hassle of arranging your own ride to the marina.

The strongest value comes from the combination of four different coastal settings, personal attention, and limited time commitment. You get Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and Alikies in one outing rather than paying for separate beach transfers.

The value drops if you dislike swimming, want a full lunch, or prefer long periods on land. There is no towel included, personal spending is extra, and the activity is centered on the sea. Bring your own towel and keep your belongings compact.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when booking.

What I would bring

Pack light, but bring the items that make a water trip easier:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Comfortable shoes for rocky or gravelly areas
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• A small waterproof pouch for essentials
• A change of clothes if you dislike sitting in wet swimwear
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it

Do not bring large bags or luggage. The boat is comfortable, but it is still a small vessel with limited storage.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise?

Book it if you want a short, active afternoon on the water, especially if you value a small group, friendly hosting, and several chances to snorkel. It is a strong choice for couples, families with water-confident children, and anyone who wants more personal attention than a large sightseeing boat can provide.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day, a full meal, or a calm sailing experience. The RIB moves quickly, the schedule is compact, and the water stops are measured in short sessions.

For most visitors, the best reason to choose this cruise is the mix: famous Anthony Quinn Bay, less-known cave areas, fish-filled water, useful swimming equipment, and a captain who can make the outing feel personal. At $64, it earns its price when you get in the water and make the most of every stop.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes snorkeling cruise meet?

The boat is moored at the port beside Stama restaurant. Pickup is also available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes, depending on the selected option.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves. The itinerary may be adjusted for timing or sea conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids. Towels are not included.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Snacks may also be available onboard, but this is not a full meal service.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from selected areas around Rhodes, including Rhodes Town, Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Personalized pickup details are sent separately after booking.