Rhodes Town: Scenic Cruise to Lindos with Swim Stops

The best part of this full-day cruise is the combination of open-sea views, two swim stops, and three hours in Lindos. You sail south from Mandraki Port, pause at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay, then have enough time in Lindos to walk the village, visit the Acropolis, eat by the beach, or simply cool your feet in the water.

I like the easy hotel pickup and drop-off, and I like that the boat lets you reach coves and bays you would not see from a coach. The main drawback is simple: three hours can feel short in Lindos, especially in hot weather when the Acropolis queue may take much of your time.

Key points to know before you book

• Two 20-minute swim stops: Swim from the boat at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay, with snorkeling possible in clear water.
• Three hours in Lindos: Enough for a focused visit, but you must manage your time carefully if you want the Acropolis, village streets, food, and a beach stop.
• Large boat, useful facilities: The vessel carries up to 280 passengers across three decks and has a snack bar and bathroom.
• Hotel transfers cover a wide area: Pickup and drop-off are available in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki.
• Grab your preferred seat early: The top deck and front sections offer the best views, but popular spots go quickly.
• Good value at $50.82: The price includes transport, the boat ride, the village map, and two swim stops, but not food, drinks, or Acropolis admission.

A full day on Rhodes water

This is a long outing, usually lasting eight to nine and a half hours. It works best when you want to see several sides of Rhodes in one day without arranging buses, taxis, and beach stops yourself.

You begin with pickup from your hotel or a nearby meeting point. The exact pickup time depends on your accommodation, so do not assume the advertised activity start time is the time you leave your hotel. The provider sends the final place and time, and it is worth checking your spam folder if the message does not appear.

If you arrange your own way to the port, meet a Manos Going staff member at Mandraki Port, in front of the fountain outside the Church of Evangelismos. Look for the red sign with the Manos Going logo. Arrive around 8:30 in the morning with your booking confirmation, which is exchanged for boarding cards and a map of Lindos.

The first stretch takes you past several Rhodes Town sights from the water. Keep an eye out for the Dama Dama deer statues, St. Nicholas Lighthouse, and the Church of Evangelismos. The boat then passes the resorts of Kallithea and Faliraki before heading toward the first swimming stop.

Finding your place on the three-deck boat

The boat carries about 280 people, so this is not a quiet private sailing trip. It is a sizeable excursion boat with three decks, a bathroom, and a snack bar. That larger size gives you practical comforts, but the most popular seats can disappear quickly.

If you care about views, board early and move toward the front or upper deck. The top level gives you a wider look at the coast, while lower areas may offer more shelter from wind and sun. A breezy day can feel wonderful at sea, but strong winds may make the exposed sections less comfortable.

The snack bar sells refreshments and food at prices described as reasonable by several people who used the service. Still, food and drinks are not included, so bring water and budget for purchases if you do not want to carry your own supplies.

There is no tour guide included. You receive a map with directions and information for Lindos, but the day is largely self-directed. I see this as a plus if you prefer to set your own pace, though you should do a little planning before leaving the boat.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the first swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop, with about 20 minutes to swim. The boat stops offshore, so you jump directly into the sea rather than walking down to a beach.

The bay is known for clear water and dramatic rocky edges. It is a fine place to cool down after the morning ride, and you can bring a mask to look for marine life. Twenty minutes passes quickly, so have your swimsuit on before the boat arrives and keep your towel, sandals, and camera where you can reach them.

This stop is not designed for a long beach visit. You are swimming from the boat, then returning promptly so the cruise can keep to its schedule. If you dislike jumping from a boat or need a long, gentle entry into the water, this part may not suit you.

The short stop also means you should not expect a full snorkeling excursion with equipment or instruction. Snorkeling is possible, and the water is described as clear, but you need to bring what you want to use unless the operator provides it on the day.

Three hours to make sense of Lindos

Lindos is the main reason to choose this outing. The white buildings, narrow lanes, beaches, and high Acropolis give the village a different feel from Rhodes Town. You leave the boat and explore independently for roughly three hours, using the supplied map.

Start by deciding what matters most to you. The Acropolis offers the famous high views and is a major draw, but the walk and possible entry queue can consume a large part of your visit. On a hot day, a wait of more than an hour can leave little time for the village itself.

If the Acropolis is your priority, head there soon after arrival. Some people found that queueing took more than 70 minutes during busy periods, while others managed to visit the site and still reach St. Paul’s Bay. The practical lesson is to avoid wandering first if you have your heart set on the ruins.

If you prefer a slower visit, stay among the village lanes. You can browse, find a traditional taverna, and make your way toward one of the beaches. Lindos is compact but hilly, with plenty of walking on uneven surfaces, so comfortable shoes matter.

St. Paul’s Bay is another worthwhile target if your time allows. The setting gives you a second coastal view below the village, and it can be combined with a meal or a short break by the water. Just watch the clock. The boat will not wait for late returners.

Three hours is enough for one clear plan, such as Acropolis plus a quick village walk, or village plus lunch and the beach. It is harder to fit everything in, particularly in summer heat. Several people wished for an extra hour, and I agree that an additional stretch of free time would make Lindos less rushed.

Tickets to the Acropolis are not included. Food and drinks in Lindos are also your responsibility, so the advertised price covers access to the village rather than a guided historical visit.

The return along Rhodes east coast

After Lindos, you return to the boat and sail north toward Tsambika Bay. This section gives you another chance to sit back, watch the coves pass, and let the pace slow down after walking in Lindos.

The second swim stop lasts about 20 minutes. Tsambika Bay is known for clear water, and it is another boat-entry swim rather than a long stay on shore. Bring your snorkeling gear if you want to look beneath the surface, and remember that your time in the water is limited.

The final ride back to Rhodes gives you more sea views before returning to the original meeting point. If you use the transfer service, drop-off may be at your hotel or one of the many listed points in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki.

The transfer is one of the strongest practical features here. A day trip to Lindos by public transport or taxi can require more planning, while this option handles the port connection and the return ride. Pickup vehicles vary, and one account specifically praised a comfortable mini bus and a driver named Manos for making the return straightforward.

What the $50.82 price really covers

At $50.82 per person, this is a good-value choice if you want transport, a boat ride, two swim stops, and independent time in Lindos for one fixed price. You are paying for convenience and access to a full day of sights, not for a small-group guide or an all-inclusive cruise.

The price includes:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the stated service areas
• The boat journey along the east coast
• Two 20-minute swim stops
• About three hours in Lindos
• A Lindos map with directions and information

You pay extra for food, drinks, and entry to the Acropolis or other sites. That separation is useful because you can choose how much to spend once in Lindos, but your total cost will rise if you want a full meal, refreshments, and paid attractions.

Compared with arranging a separate transfer and boat trip, the package saves effort. Compared with a private charter, it is far less personal and much busier. I would choose it for value, not for peace and quiet.

The small details that make the day easier

Wear shoes you can walk in for several hours. Lindos involves village lanes and slopes, and flip-flops are not ideal if you plan to reach the Acropolis or St. Paul’s Bay.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes. Put on sunscreen before boarding, since much of the day is exposed to sun and sea wind. A small waterproof bag would also be useful for your phone and valuables during the swim stops, though this is not specifically supplied.

Board early if you want the best view. The front and upper deck are popular, and a seat with shade or shelter can matter if the wind rises. You can also expect the boat to feel lively rather than intimate because of its 280-passenger capacity.

The tour is not suitable for pregnant people, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people with heart problems. The provider also notes that the timing of stops can shift slightly with weather conditions.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve while paying later. That helps if your plans are still moving, but you should still check the final pickup details before the day.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want one organized day that combines swimming, scenery, and Lindos without renting a car. Families with older children and teenagers may like the change of pace, especially the boat swims and the freedom to choose between history, food, and beach time.

It also suits first-time visitors who want a broad look at the east coast. You see Rhodes from the sea, pass Kallithea and Faliraki, stop at two attractive bays, and spend time at the island’s best-known village.

You may want another option if you need a small boat, quiet service, or a detailed history talk. There is no included guide, and the large vessel can feel crowded when everyone is boarding or choosing seats.

This is also not ideal if Lindos is your only goal and you want a relaxed, thorough visit. A dedicated Lindos transfer would give you more control over arrival and departure times. Here, the swim stops are part of the value, but they also limit how long you can stay in the village.

Should you book this Lindos boat trip?

Book it if you want good value, easy transport, and a full day with several highlights. Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Bay, and Lindos each offer something different, and the boat lets you connect them without a string of separate bookings.

Before you commit, decide how you will use the three hours in Lindos. Go straight to the Acropolis if the site matters most, or accept that you may need to skip it and enjoy the village, beach, and food at a slower pace.

For a first Rhodes visit, I think the mix works well. Just board early, pack for sun and swimming, keep an eye on the time, and do not expect a private sailing experience.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is Mandraki Port, on Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of Evangelismos, also called the Church of the Annunciation. Look for a Manos Going staff member holding a red sign with the company logo.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Pickup and drop-off are available in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. The exact pickup time and location depend on your accommodation.

How long is the activity?

The full activity lasts about eight to nine and a half hours. The exact duration and stop timings may change slightly because of weather conditions.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours to explore Lindos independently. A village map with directions and information is provided.

Are the Acropolis tickets included?

No. Entry tickets to the Acropolis and other sites are not included in the activity price.

How many swimming stops are there?

There are two swimming stops, each lasting about 20 minutes. The stops are at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay.

Is food available on the boat?

The boat has a snack bar where you can buy food and drinks. These purchases are not included in the booking price.

Is the boat suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. It is also not recommended for pregnant people or people with heart problems.