Three swim stops, zero hassle. This Rhodes wooden boat cruise turns the sea into your main activity, with Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs plus a proper onboard lunch and steady drink service. You get to swim and snorkel in multiple spots with your day centered on the water, not transfers.

What I really like is the all-inclusive feel: lunch, snacks, beer/wine, sodas, and coffee or tea are part of the package, and the crew keeps drinks moving. The second big win is how easy it is to snorkel—there’s equipment onboard, and you’re given enough time at each stop to actually enjoy the water.

My one caution: plan your arrival carefully. Boarding can be earlier than you expect, and the boat has stairs, so it’s worth thinking about comfort if you have mobility issues.

Quick Hits Before You Board

• Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kalithea Springs: three distinct swim and snorkel stops in one morning-to-afternoon window
• Lunch + unlimited drinks: beer, wine, soft drinks, water, fruit snacks, and coffee/tea included
• Snorkeling gear onboard: you don’t need to bring your own setup (flippers are not included)
• Crew energy matters: Theodore runs a tight, friendly ship, and the onboard vibe can include live music
• Timing is everything: arrive early to secure better viewing/seating and to avoid missing early boarding

A Rhodes Day Cruise That Lets You Prioritize the Water

If your Rhodes plan includes more beach time than museum time, this cruise makes the day simple. You meet at Royal Sailing Rhodes, then you’re out into the Aegean with the whole day’s rhythm based on three swim-and-snorkel sessions. It’s the kind of outing where you spend less time figuring out transport and more time just being on the sea.

I also like the boat choice for the feel. A traditional wooden boat gives you that classic harbor-meets-sailing-day vibe, not a cramped “sit and wait” feeling. And because you’re not carrying your things beach-to-beach, you can actually relax between swims.

Price and What You Really Get for $72.56

For about $72.56 per person, you’re paying for a 5.5-hour day cruise with food and drinks included, plus snorkeling equipment and onboard facilities. That’s a big part of the value equation in Rhodes, because boat tours without lunch and drinks can cost close to this once you add basic extras.

Here’s what’s included in a way that matters day-to-day:

• Lunch (Greek-influenced buffet items like Greek salad, tzatziki, olives, bread, plus pasta, chicken, rice)
• Snacks like fruit and bottled water
• Alcoholic drinks (beer, red and white wine)
• Soft drinks (Pepsi, orange/lemon Fanta, juice)
• Coffee and/or tea

Also included: snorkeling equipment, a restroom onboard, WiFi, and even a shower. That shower detail is more useful than it sounds. After you’ve swum (and possibly snorkeled), it’s nice to rinse before you head back into your afternoon plans.

What’s not included: flippers and towels, and cocktails are extra. If you’re the type who wants dedicated snorkel fins or you prefer bringing your own kit, plan for that.

Meeting Point and Timing: How to Avoid the Most Common Mistake

Your meeting point is Royal Sailing Rhodes, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and the departure is listed as 10:00 am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Here’s the practical advice that will save you stress:

• Arrive early. People have mentioned securing the better seats by showing up about 30 minutes ahead.
• Double-check you’re at the correct booth near the marina and signage for Royal Sailing.
• Assume boarding may start before 10:00. If you’re late, you risk missing departure and you’ll have fewer options mid-day.

This matters because the cruise stops are timeboxed. Each swim session is about 50 minutes, so being even a little late affects the whole day.

Stop 1: Afandou Beach for a Calm Swim and a Proper Lunch Setup

Your first stop is Afandou Beach. You’ll drop anchor, then you get about 50 minutes to swim, snorkel, and relax. This is a great “warm-up” stop, especially if you want to settle into the day before your water time gets more intense.

The vibe here is about quiet. Afandou is often the kind of beach where you can ease into the sea without feeling like you’re in a crowded tourist crush. That makes it a good place to practice snorkeling if you’re new to it.

You’ll also have lunch around this stop: a buffet with local flavor, including vegetarian-friendly options. Expect red or white wine with the meal, plus the lunch lineup you’d normally look for on a good Greek day out—Greek salad and tzatziki, olives, bread, and mains like pasta, chicken, and rice.

A small timing note: because lunch and swim time are happening in the same stop, I’d plan to eat without rushing. Grab your food when you feel ready, then settle in for the last part of the swim window.

Stop 2: Anthony Quinn Bay for Snorkeling in a Memorable Rhodes Setting

Next up is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached by traditional wooden boat. Your water time here is also about 50 minutes, and this is the stop that many people highlight as a favorite.

Why this stop works:

• It’s a standout bay name, and you can feel that in the way the crew keeps the energy moving toward the water.
• The bay is typically calm enough for comfortable swimming, so it’s a good match for travelers who want turquoise-water time without fighting waves.

You’ll snorkel and swim with equipment provided. If you like to snorkel longer, use your first few minutes to get your breath and orientation right. Then you’ll actually enjoy the whole 50 minutes instead of spending it fiddling.

If you’re worried about sea comfort, this is the stop where you’ll learn quickly how you feel. Bring sunglasses, keep your essentials secured, and ask the crew for help if you need a hand with snorkeling gear.

Stop 3: Kallithea Springs to Finish with Clear-Water Swimming

Your last stop is Kalithea Springs, again with about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The waters here are described as crystal clear in the tour details, and the overall feel of the finish is straightforward: you get one more chance to enjoy the sea before heading back.

I like ending with a clear-water stop because it’s a strong payoff. If earlier swims were more about relaxing and getting comfortable, the last stop is when you can slow down and enjoy the view and the water texture with less “catch up” pressure.

Practical tip: keep an eye on your sunscreen. You’ve been in the sun all morning. Reapply if you can, especially if you’re snorkeling more than once. The boat ride between stops means you’ll still get sun even while sitting.

Onboard Life: Drinks, WiFi, Shower, and the Crew Who Make It Flow

This cruise is built around onboard service. Drinks don’t sit there waiting for you. They’re actively offered, and the crew is focused on keeping people happy and fed.

What you can count on:

• Unlimited drinks in the standard price: beer, red/white wine, soft drinks, water, juice
• Snacks like fruit while you’re on the move
• Coffee or tea after lunch or during downtime
• WiFi onboard, which you might not use nonstop, but it’s handy if you need to check plans after you return
• A restroom onboard, plus a shower for rinse-off

The shower is a real advantage if you’re planning to continue exploring after the cruise. It helps you avoid that sticky-salt feeling and makes your next stop more pleasant.

For the human side, the host Theodore stands out repeatedly for being welcoming and attentive. If you’re lucky with timing, you might also catch onboard music. One standout detail from the overall experience: Silas (premusic48) has provided live entertainment on board, adding an extra layer of fun without changing the schedule.

How Long You’ll Be Gone (and What to Plan Around)

The cruise runs about 5 hours 30 minutes. It starts at 10:00 am and ends back at the meeting point.

That makes it a good fit for:

• A mid-trip day when you want a break from walking
• People who want a morning start and still have time for Old Town or dinner after
• Anyone who’s tired of thinking about transportation all day

One thing to keep in mind: there’s limited time at each stop, so this is not a “stay on the beach for hours” tour. It’s more like: swim, snorkel, enjoy the view, then move on.

What I Think Works Best (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This is a strong match for you if:

• You want beach time with snorkeling but don’t want the hassle of renting gear or planning separate transfers
• You like the all-inclusive rhythm: lunch and drinks included, so you can stay in vacation mode
• You prefer a smaller-to-medium group day. The tour caps at 35 travelers, which usually feels more manageable on a boat than huge excursions

You might want to consider a different cruise if:

• You need very long swim windows. Because each stop is about 50 minutes, the experience is designed around rotation, not all-day hanging.
• You have significant mobility challenges. There are stairs involved for boarding and getting back on the boat, and at least one person found it a bit difficult.
• You’re extremely picky about food. The included lunch is solid and Greek-leaning, but quality can vary on any day, and a small handful of people have been disappointed with what showed up.

Also, keep a contingency in your mind. Good-weather cruising is required. In rare cases, there can be cancellations or delays due to boat issues. I’ve seen mentions of mechanical trouble and schedule disruptions, so it’s wise to keep later-day flexibility if your trip is tight.

My Take: Should You Book the Rhodes Day Cruise?

I’d book this cruise if your goal is simple: three swim stops, real downtime at the water, and an all-inclusive onboard day that makes Rhodes feel easy. The value is in the full package—snorkeling equipment, lunch, and unlimited drinks—plus a crew that clearly runs the day with energy and attention. Theodore is a name worth remembering because he shows up as the face of the operation for many guests.

If your ideal day is long beach lounging, then this won’t fully scratch that itch. But if you want the classic Rhodes coast experience without the logistics headache, this is one of the most practical ways to do it.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Day Cruise?

It’s listed as about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where does the cruise meet and end?

It meets at Royal Sailing Rhodes, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What are the snorkeling and swim stops?

The stops are Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kalithea (Kallithea) Springs, with about 50 minutes at each stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and features items like chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, olives, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The standard price includes beer, red and white wine, soft drinks, bottled water, and coffee or tea. Cocktails are not included in the standard price.

Is WiFi available onboard?

Yes, WiFi is available onboard.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

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