A Rhodes catamaran day can be surprisingly easy. This one is built around small-group sailing (max 24 people) and serious time in standout bays—swim and snorkel stops anchored right by the water—with Greek lunch and drinks included. The main thing to weigh: the boat stays at anchor, so to reach the shore you’ll need to swim, which also means it’s not a great fit for mobility impairments.

I like how straightforward the rhythm is: meet at the Mandraki Harbor kiosk, head out around the east coast, stop in 3 or 4 swimming bays, then return after about six hours. Choose the sailing catamaran and you’ll hit Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, and Kalithea; choose the power catamaran and you’ll add Afandou Beach caves. On board, look out for the friendly crew—names like Andreas, Hope, and Dimitri pop up—plus snacks, a buffet lunch, and plenty of cold drinks once the bar opens.

Key things to know before you go

• Max 24 passengers keeps it relaxed and gives you more space around the catamaran.
• You get multiple anchor-stop swims (about 1 hour each) instead of one quick splash.
• Bread-feeding at Anthony Quinn Bay helps create a fun snorkel moment with colorful fish.
• Lunch is a real onboard Greek buffet, not just a token snack.
• Unlimited wine and beer starts at 12:00 PM, with juice, soft drinks, and bottled water also included.
• Weather can change the route, but the captain may adjust stops based on conditions.

Getting aboard from Mandraki Harbor, with minimal hassle

Your day starts at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor. It’s an easy place to spot once you’re in the area, but do yourself a favor: arrive earlier than you think you need. The catamarans depart at 10:00, and if you miss it, there’s a rebooking fee of 25 euros per ticket for another day.

Onboard, you’re not just sitting on a party boat. You’ll have practical basics: indoor toilets, an outdoor shower, and life jackets for safety. There’s also snorkeling equipment, plus floating pool noodles and additional help for first-timers. Even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you’ll likely feel supported because the cruise is set up for people to get comfortable in the water without feeling rushed.

Sailing catamaran vs power catamaran: how your route changes

This is one of the cleanest parts of the experience: your choice directly affects which coastal spots you get.

Sailing catamaran includes these swim areas:

• Anthony Quinn Bay
• Ladiko Bay
• Kalithea Bay

Power catamaran adds one extra stop:

• Anthony Quinn Bay
• Afandou Beach caves
• Kalithea Bay
• Ladiko Bay

Why it matters: if you love the idea of caves and more variety, the power catamaran option gives you an additional water stop. If you’re more about a classic sailing feel and you’re happy with three major swim bays, the sailing catamaran does the job.

The east-coast cruise time: scenic but not stressful

Between stops, you’re not trapped in endless transit. You get sightseeing runs that stretch roughly over an hour and then shorter hops between bays. That pacing keeps the day from feeling like a checklist.

Also, this cruise offers something you don’t always get with day tours: you’re spending a big chunk of the time actually on the water, looking at Rhodes from a perspective most people miss. Even the ride between bays matters here because you’re sailing or motoring along the coast with frequent chances to see where you’re heading next.

Anthony Quinn Bay: views first, then bread-fish snorkeling

Anthony Quinn Bay is usually your first real swim moment, and it’s the kind of place that makes you stop thinking about time. You’ll get about one hour here for swimming and snorkeling.

What I like about this stop is the built-in sense of fun. The crew toss bread into the sea, and you can often watch fish gather close enough to make snorkeling feel active instead of passive. If you’ve never snorkeled before, this is a good place to start because the whole experience is set up to help you ease in: there are snorkels, floats, and life jackets available, and the water gives you plenty to look at without needing advanced skills.

Logistics note: the boat stays at anchor. That means you’ll get into the water directly from the catamaran. It’s simple, but if you’re uncomfortable with swimming to shore, this is where you’ll feel it most.

Ladiko Bay: the quiet, clear-water swim that resets your mood

Next up is Ladiko Bay, another swim-and-snorkel stop with about 60 minutes of time. This bay is often described as a quieter swim area, and the water is known for being crystal clear—exactly what you want when your goal is seeing fish without fighting waves.

This is also where your day starts to feel balanced. After the first stop, you’ve already gotten the big splash of excitement (especially if you tried snorkeling at Anthony Quinn). Ladiko becomes the calm chapter: swim, snorkel, float, repeat. If you’re traveling with kids or you’re just trying to keep the day easy, this is a good interval because it doesn’t require you to rush through the water.

Afandou Beach caves (power catamaran only): a bonus stop with a different feel

If you picked the power catamaran, you’ll get an extra stop at Afandou Beach caves. You’ll have about one hour for swimming and snorkeling here as well.

This is the stop for people who want more variety than three bays. Caves add an element of exploration: you’re still doing the same easy-water routine, but you’re moving through a different kind of coastal scenery. Whether you’ll feel “wow” depends on the day and conditions, but the main value is that it breaks up the itinerary with a distinct setting.

Kalithea Springs: your last swim stop before heading home

Your final swim-and-snorkel stretch is at Kalithea Springs. You’ll have roughly 45 to 60 minutes to swim and snorkel, depending on how the captain manages timing.

Kalithea tends to feel like a “finish strong” moment. You’ve had lunch, you’ve had your earlier swims, and now you get one last window to cool off, take photos, and get those final fish-spot views. If you’re the type who likes to linger, Kalithea gives you enough time to do it without making the return trip feel dragged-out.

As always, remember the anchor-stop approach: the boat doesn’t dock. If you want shore access, plan to swim over from the catamaran.

What you eat and drink: Greek lunch + unlimited drinks at a good time

This is an all-inclusive day in the practical sense: you’re not buying lunch, you’re not chasing snacks, and your drinks are handled.

Drinks

From 12:00 PM, you get unlimited wine and beer. You also have unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water available throughout the day. That timing is smart. You get enough morning fuel (and time to work up an appetite) before the bar opens.

You’ll often feel the crew’s attention here too. Names like Dimitri come up for handing out drinks and helping with photo moments when people are in the water.

Snacks and lunch

Before the big lunch, there’s a breakfast tortilla snack, plus a cup of fresh seasonal fruits later on.

The lunch itself is a Mediterranean buffet with Greek-style favorites, including:

• grilled chicken
• pasta salad
• potato salad
• Greek salad and green salad
• tzatziki, hummus
• aubergine salad
• olives, feta
• fresh baked local bread

Is it gourmet? It’s more like good onboard Greek comfort food—solid, filling, and designed for a day outdoors when you want something salty and satisfying. One small preference note that comes up: some people wish there were more fish options alongside chicken, but the menu as offered is clearly built to please a wide range of appetites.

Value-wise, this is where the $83 price starts making sense. If you’ve ever tried to plan a boat day in Rhodes without an all-inclusive lunch, you know how quickly costs and logistics stack up. Here, you’re paying for your transport time, your onboard meal, and your drink availability all in one package.

Onboard comfort: clean catamaran, space to move, and real safety gear

A lot of cruise-style trips feel crowded fast. This one is designed differently because the group size caps at 24 passengers plus crew. That number doesn’t sound huge until you’re on the water and suddenly you can actually choose where to sit.

You’ll also find gear that makes the swimming stops feel approachable:

• snorkeling equipment
• floating pool noodles
• life jackets

That matters because it reduces friction. You don’t need to show up with your own kit, and you’re not stuck watching others have fun while you sit out.

Outdoor comfort is also taken seriously enough to mention: there’s an outdoor shower for rinsing off salt. For some people, that alone is worth it because nobody wants to feel like a walking sea-salt towel on the ride back.

Possible drawback to keep in mind: a few people noted that the toilet area wasn’t kept as clean as they wanted. It’s not a dealbreaker for most, but it’s real enough to plan around. Bring a small packet of wipes if that matters to you.

Weather and route changes: the captain adapts

Rhodes weather can shift quickly, especially around the coast. The captain reserves the right to change the route and swimming stops based on conditions. That’s not a scare tactic—it’s just how sea days work.

The good news is the crew’s approach is practical. You’ll hear announcements, and if you’re unsure, ask a crew member. On days when rain hits, the more likely outcome is that you’ll be offered choices like waiting it out or modifying stops so the day still delivers swimming time.

Who should book this cruise, and who should skip it

This is a strong match if you want:

• a relaxed water day with multiple swim and snorkel windows
• a small-group catamaran feel
• an all-in meal and drinks so you don’t spend the day budgeting
• a first-time Rhodes activity that shows you the island from the sea

It’s also a decent solo option. The group size and calm vibe make it easier to enjoy rather than feel like you’re stuck in someone else’s itinerary.

What about families? The setup is family-friendly: there’s life-jacket and float support, and the swimming stops are structured with time windows so kids can enjoy jumping in and out without the day turning chaotic.

Who should skip it:

• people with mobility impairments, because the boat stays at anchor and shore access requires swimming
• anyone who hates being on boats for long stretches or wants a strict land-and-culture day instead

Price and value: is $83 a fair deal for 6 hours?

For $83 per person and about six hours, you’re not just buying a seat. You’re buying:

• catamaran transport along the east coast
• 3 swim bays on sailing or 4 swim bays on power
• snorkeling gear and water safety items
• a buffet lunch with multiple Greek favorites
• unlimited drinks starting at 12:00 PM

The value math gets even better when you factor in how hard it is to replicate this on your own. Hiring separate boats, finding food mid-day, and bringing snorkeling gear would add up fast. This package is essentially built for one clear mission: get you into good water quickly, keep you comfortable onboard, then feed and hydrate you without making the day complicated.

If you’re the type who tends to spend extra just to make excursions feel complete, this one helps you stay in control of costs.

Should you book this Rhodes catamaran cruise?

If your idea of a great Rhodes day includes swimming, snorkeling, and a low-effort meal and drink plan, yes, book it. The combination of small group size, multiple anchor-stop swims, and a real Greek buffet makes this a good-value sea day.

Book with a little caution if:

• you strongly dislike swimming from a boat (shore access is swim-based)
• you’re traveling with mobility needs that make anchor-stop water access difficult
• you’re expecting a docked “tour of landmarks” day rather than a water-focused experience

If you want Rhodes from the coast with minimal fuss, this is exactly the kind of trip that does the heavy lifting for you—then lets you spend the day doing the fun part.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the catamaran cruise?

You meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

What time does the cruise depart?

The catamarans depart at 10:00, so plan to arrive early.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

What bays do you stop at on the sailing catamaran?

The sailing catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay.

What extra stop do you get on the power catamaran?

The power catamaran adds Afandou Beach caves to the stops.

How much time do I get for swimming and snorkeling at each stop?

You’ll typically get about 1 hour at Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Bay. At Kalithea Springs, it’s about 45 to 60 minutes. The Afandou Beach caves stop is about 1 hour on the power option.

Does the boat dock at the beaches?

No. The boat stays at anchor in each bay, and you’ll need to swim to get to the shore.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Lunch is a Mediterranean buffet served onboard, and there’s a breakfast tortilla snack plus a fresh seasonal fruits cup. Drinks include unlimited wine and beer from 12:00 PM, and unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.

What snorkeling items are available?

You’ll have snorkeling equipment, plus floating pool noodles and life jackets available onboard.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.