Rhodes by sea is a different kind of day. This trip blends hands-on fishing time near Rhodes with a proper swim stop at the Kalithea Springs caves, plus lunch cooked on board. I especially like that it works for both brand-new anglers and people who fish regularly, because the crew’s help is practical and you’ll actually be doing something. The other standout is the on-board BBQ lunch, which comes with the kind of steady warmth and hospitality that makes the whole morning feel easy.

One thing to consider is that fishing success can be spotty. You might end up with a few bites and small catches on some days, and there’s also at least one cautionary story about timing when someone needed to catch a strict ship departure.

Quick hits before you go

• Small group size (max 12): better attention on the water and less crowding during fishing and the caves stop
• Angelo’s guiding style: friendly, hands-on help with line and bait basics while keeping the mood light
• Captain’s BBQ on board: grilled food plus fresh sides, often described as a highlight
• Kalithea Springs caves swim/snorkel: short, clear-water stop where you can cool off and explore
• Meeting point is water-front: plan to get there early, since Google maps may mislead you

Fishing Off Rhodes: What the 3-Hour Morning Feels Like

Your day starts with a fishing block of about 3 hours off Rhodes. The goal isn’t just to let you cast and hope; the crew is geared toward getting you fishing fast. If you’re new, expect guidance on the basics like baiting the hook and getting comfortable with the reel and line. If you’ve fished before, you’ll still be moving—this isn’t a sit-and-wait tour.

The pace is relaxed, but not totally idle. The boat experience usually includes changing spots during the fishing time, so don’t think in terms of one long line in one place. That’s part of why catches can vary. Some days you’ll feel the thrill of a bent rod more often; other days it’s quiet until the next stop. Either way, it’s a great way to spend the morning moving through Rhodes’ surrounding waters instead of staying on land.

One practical mindset helps a lot: treat this as a guided fishing experience with a sea-day vibe, not a guaranteed “catch a trophy fish” product. If your expectations match that, you’ll likely enjoy the day for what it is—time on a working fishing boat, learning in real time.

Kallithea Springs Caves: Swim and Snorkel in Real Clear Water

After the fishing segment, you switch to Kalithea Springs and the famous rocky cove area associated with the caves. This is the refreshing reset: about 1 hour where you can swim and snorkel in the water around the caves.

This stop is valuable even if you don’t catch much fish earlier. The water conditions matter—on good days it’s described as cool and clear—and you get to see the caves from the water rather than from a viewpoint. It’s the part that turns a “fishing trip” into an actual day at sea.

A tip that comes straight from what people felt on board: pack for the water like it’s the main event. Bring swimwear you can stand to rinse, and consider quick-dry layers for after. Also, if you’re snorkeling, go in when you’re calm and warm—this short stop passes faster than you expect once you’re in and the water feels inviting.

On-Board BBQ, Drinks, and the Best Part of the Day

The onboard lunch is one of the reasons this trip keeps earning top scores. The BBQ is cooked by the captain, and the menu varies by what’s being grilled that day, but the consistent point is that it’s not a sad snack. People describe meals that include grilled fish (and sometimes chicken), plus sides like Greek salad, fresh fruit, and bread that can include gluten-free options.

You’ll also often find that soft drinks and beer/wine are available on board. That doesn’t mean you should turn this into a party boat—just know it’s part of the comfort of the day, especially after time in the sun and salt air.

How the food is served matters too. Several reports highlight that lunch is set up on board and presented nicely, which can feel like you’re being fed properly rather than “given something to hold you over.” If you’re traveling with kids, this is usually the moment everyone relaxes and agrees it was worth it.

Your Crew: Angelo, the Captain, and How They Run the Boat

The human side is a big deal here. The guide names that show up are Angelo and, alongside him, the captain. Angelo is often described as funny, upbeat, and genuinely helpful—especially when it comes to practical tasks like untangling lines or helping you get baited and ready.

That matters more than it sounds. On many group boat trips, the staff points out where to sit and then you’re basically on your own. Here, the vibe is more hands-on. Even when people don’t catch fish, the guidance helps you feel like the day is about learning how to fish, not just sitting around.

The captain is also central because he’s the one running the BBQ and steering the day. People repeatedly call out how friendly and welcoming he is. That tone makes a difference when you’re on open water—there’s less uncertainty, and you’re more likely to enjoy the stop-by-stop rhythm.

Group Size, Comfort, and Practical Details (Toilet, Meeting Point, Bring Wipes)

This is built for a small group: up to 12 travelers. That usually means you get a bit more personal attention on the boat and less waiting around.

The boat itself is not described as brand-new luxury. Some people call it kind of old or primitive in feel, but the practical takeaway is that the crew compensates with warmth and good organization. You should expect a working boat atmosphere.

Two practical notes you’ll be glad you followed:

• The meeting point is on the water front, and Google maps may not take you exactly where you need to go. Use the address you’re given, get there early, and look for the boat area.
• There’s a toilet on board, but one detail to plan around is that there’s no sink. If you want fresh hands after bathroom breaks, bring wipes (or hand sanitizer) and you’ll thank yourself later.

Also keep in mind that different boats have different step heights and surfaces. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re not steady on your feet, take your time when moving around. The good news: because it’s a smaller group, you’ll usually have room to shift without elbow-to-elbow chaos.

Rhodes Sea Time at $78.60: Is It Good Value?

At about $78.60 per person for roughly 5 hours, the value mostly comes from what’s included in the experience. You’re paying for:

• a guided fishing block (about 3 hours),
• a swim/snorkel stop at the caves area (about 1 hour),
• a BBQ lunch on board, and
• the overall small-boat atmosphere with a limit of 12 people.

If you only wanted a swim stop, you could probably find cheaper on-island water activities. If you only wanted fishing, you might find other fishing tours. The smart part of this one is the combination: fishing + water + lunch with a crew that’s actively involved. Many people also say the lunch quality is better than you’d expect for a boat day.

Is it a deal? It’s a decent value when you care about the full day rhythm: morning fishing, midday food, then a cool-water break. It’s less of a bargain if your primary goal is maximum fish on the line or if you have zero flexibility on timing.

When This Trip Might Not Fit Your Schedule

This is where you should be careful. One clear caution involves timing. If you’re on a cruise ship with a tight departure window, a late start due to a previous trip can create stress. In one case, the captain reportedly didn’t shorten the excursion to guarantee everyone returned safely and on time for all participants, even if that meant missing the ship’s connection window for one traveler.

So if your plans are fixed to a ship or a flight with minimal buffer, do not treat this as a guaranteed exact-return timeline. Instead:

• aim to start the trip when you have room for delays, and
• if you’re cutting it close, contact the operator ahead of time and ask what happens if the boat runs late.

Also note the tour requires good weather. If conditions are poor, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund, so plan around the sea-state reality.

Should You Book Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip? My Call

Book it if you want a fun, small-group sea day where you’ll get real guidance, eat a proper BBQ lunch on board, and have a cave cove swim that breaks up the morning. It’s a strong fit for families (including kids old enough to enjoy fishing and snorkeling), couples who want something active but not exhausting, and first-timers who don’t want a “sink or swim” fishing experience.

Skip it or rethink it if you’re chasing a predictable catch rate or you must be back at a specific pier time with no margin. The fishing portion can be hit-or-miss, and timing can be affected by earlier runs.

If you match your expectations—learning, sea views, lunch, and a swim stop—you’ll likely find this one of the more satisfying ways to spend a half day around Rhodes.

FAQ

How long is the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

It’s about 5 hours total.

What does the trip include?

It includes fishing time off Rhodes, a swim/snorkel stop around the Kalithea Springs caves, and a BBQ lunch on board. Soft drinks and beer/wine are described as available on board.

Where does the tour start?

The start point is 25is Martiou 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and it returns to the same meeting point.

Is this trip in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

Is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. The experience is described as tailored for both first-timers and experienced anglers, with staff helping with fishing basics.

What’s the group size limit?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Is confirmation provided after booking?

Yes. Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. After that, refunds aren’t mentioned as available.