Six hours on Rhodes water, done right. I love the small-boat, not-oversold feel and the open-bar + gourmet buffet combo. The one thing to consider: the music is sometimes loud, so it’s more party-leaning than quiet-and-serene.

You start and end in Mandraki Harbour, sail past Rhodes’ big-name sights, then spend real time swimming at three different coves—each with its own water vibe. I also like that you’re not just dropped off; there’s shade, allocated seating, and lots of swim-support gear, so even if you’re not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy the day. Still, if you want long, silent stretches to talk quietly, bring that expectation down a notch.

5 Key Things You’ll Notice on This Rhodes Swim Cruise

• Allocated seating on bean bags and sun benches, with a limited passenger count (max 40)
• Open-bar drinks all day plus local beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic options
• Three different swim stops with about an hour at each bay, not just quick photo breaks
• Snorkel and float support (snorkel gear, pool noodles, floaters, life jackets)
• A high-energy captain (Captain Alexander is repeatedly mentioned for dancing and keeping the vibe going)

Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise: What You’re Really Paying For

At about $107.63 per person for roughly 6 hours, you’re paying for more than boat transport. The real value is the bundle: a limited-group cruise, a real lunch on board, and swim time with gear—plus an open bar that keeps the day moving.

This kind of ticket is ideal when you want your Rhodes highlights with minimal planning. You won’t need to line up beach clubs, rent equipment, or time lunch around ferry schedules. You show up, get your spot, and the day runs like a schedule—without feeling like a rigid, tour-bus day.

Getting on Board at Mandraki: Space, Seating, and the Small-Group Advantage

The meeting point is Mandraki Port, at the Romantika Day Cruise area (the Mandraki Harbour side opposite the Bank of Greece). The cruise starts at 10:00am and returns to the same place.

One theme that pops up again and again: the boat doesn’t feel packed. With a stated maximum of 40 travelers, you’re more likely to find a comfortable spot for the day—on bean bags and sun benches, including space on two decks. People specifically call out that they could choose their couch/spot and that the boat felt more private than other crowded day trips.

Practical note: if you’re on the upper deck, you might not catch every spoken detail clearly. That’s normal on a moving boat with music and wind. If you care about the commentary, I’d still plan to hang out on deck time that matches your comfort with the noise level.

Sailing Out Past Rhodes Old Town and the Colossus Footprint

Before the first swim, you cruise along the coast with big, photo-friendly context.

You’ll pass the Medieval Old Town of Rhodes—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—with sea views of the city walls. Even if you’re not here for a museum day, this is a quick, scenic “get your bearings” moment.

Then you’ll sail past the port area connected to the Colossus of Rhodes. You’re not visiting the monument (it’s long gone), but you do get that mental image: the statue credited among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once standing at the harbor entrance.

These sailing segments are short, but they matter. They make the day feel rooted in the island, not just a float-and-sip beach excursion.

Stop 1: Kallithea Springs for a Morning Swim and a Cretan-Italian Spa Setting

Your first swim stop is Kallithea Springs, famous for natural springs and famous visitors from ancient times onward. The stop runs about an hour, and admission is listed as free from the sea.

What makes this stop interesting isn’t just the swim—it’s the architecture and setting. You’ll see the area’s Italian-designed features, including work by Pietro Lombardi (credited with the buildings) and later decorative efforts by Armando Burnaby. There’s also mention of an international hydrological conference held here, which adds a scientific side to the whole “healing waters” story.

What you’ll do in practice: swim when you can, then take a bit of time to look around before the boat moves on. Since it’s about an hour, don’t plan on a long beach lounge session. Think of Kallithea as your reset: lighter waters, early energy, and good photos.

Stop 2: Afandou Beach, Caves, and Lunch on the Boat

Next up is Afandou Beach, with about an hour to explore. This one’s different: it’s known for crystal-clear water and a long stretch of shoreline (around 6 km) made of pebbles rather than sand.

You also get the “land-meets-sea history” angle here. Afandou is tied to settlements that were attacked multiple times through the centuries, after which people moved inland—meaning the present settlement area isn’t visible from the sea. The name itself is explained as coming from a Greek word meaning invisible, which is a neat detail that makes the place feel more purposeful.

You’ll have time to explore the area and the caves, and then the lunch buffet returns on board. This matters because it breaks the day nicely: swim hard, eat, then head to the most famous swim cove next.

Stop 3: Anthony Quinn Bay for Snorkel Gear and Deep Water Fun

The final swim stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, about an hour again. This cove is described as surrounded by high rocks with deep water, and that “deep” part is part of why people like it for snorkeling.

You’re invited to use the complimentary snorkeling gear provided on board. If you try it, go slow at first—these coves can be wonderfully clear, but currents and depth vary. You can also bring bread if you want to feed fish (the note in the tour description says fish gather, and that no one’s seen guests getting bitten or harmed; still, keep it respectful and don’t overdo it).

The bay also has a Hollywood footnote: it’s named after Mexican actor Anthony Quinn, who reportedly loved the bay when filming on Rhodes and asked to buy it. The agreement didn’t end up sticking, but the name remained, and locals keep it alive.

If I were picking one stop to sell you on, Anthony Quinn Bay would be it. It’s where the cruise shifts from scenic to “I can’t believe this water is real.”

Open Bar and Gourmet Buffet: The Food and Drinks That Turn This into More Than a Swim

This is where the cruise earns its name and price.

On board, you get a Greek Gourmet Buffet prepared by a chef, plus aperitifs and snacks, and a cocktail open bar. Included options are listed as cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks (sodas and water). Vegan and gluten-free choices are also included, which is a big deal on a day when you’re busy swimming and don’t want to hunt for alternatives.

From the experience reports, the most repeated “yes” is that the food isn’t an afterthought. People cite things like shrimp pasta, mussels, chicken, salad, tzatziki, bread/Greek-style bites, and dessert. One review even lists the lunch as tasting freshly made, which is rare on some tours.

There’s also a helpful clarification from the operator about what can look like “bread.” Dakos is mentioned as a traditional Cretan barley rusk with toppings like tomato sauce, cheese, oregano, capers, and extra virgin olive oil—so if you see a rough, crunchy base on the plate, that might be the Dakos style rather than plain bread. Another correction mentions that spinach pie wasn’t served, and that spanakorizo (spinach rice) may be the dish you encountered.

Drinks: the open bar includes cocktails plus local beer like Zythos, and people mention enjoying things like ouzo. One caution from a less thrilled note: the cocktail strengths can depend on what’s available in the preset menu. If you’re expecting full-power mixed drinks like a cocktail bar back home, you might find the alcohol slightly restrained. For most people, that doesn’t spoil the fun because you’re drinking iced beer and swapping drinks quickly between swims.

Music, Dancing Captains, and When This Cruise Feels Like a Party

This cruise has an energy level that’s worth naming clearly.

Many people love the fun atmosphere: music, a lively captain, and dancing. Captain Alexander is repeatedly singled out for getting people moving while keeping things safe and comfortable.

The flip side is that one review explicitly warns that if you expect quiet relaxation, you may struggle to talk over the music. That doesn’t mean it’s constant club volume—just that the day can swing toward upbeat.

So my advice: if you’re with friends, you’re okay with laughter and a dance moment, and you’ll still enjoy the view between songs, this fits perfectly. If you want conversation-first calm, you might prefer a more serene sailing option or bring noise-cancelling headphones.

What to Bring (and How to Use the Swim Gear Smartly)

The cruise includes your water safety and comfort tools: snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets. That changes the whole experience. You can get near the water without feeling like you must be an athlete.

Pack these basics:

• Sunscreen (people specifically recommend it)
• A hat and water-friendly sunglasses
• A light cover-up for breaks between swims
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch (not listed, but smart)
• Towel if you usually like one (the tour info doesn’t state towels)

For swim technique, keep it simple: try snorkeling for a short burst first, then switch to swimming if you want. Anthony Quinn Bay seems to reward calm, steady movement near the rocks.

Also: the itinerary includes passes and scenic viewing as you cruise, so you’ll spend time on deck. Even if you plan to swim, you’ll still get sun while you’re enjoying the view.

Timing on a 6-Hour Schedule: How to Enjoy Every Stop

The day moves in a repeatable pattern:

• Cruise and sight pass in the morning
• ~1 hour at Kallithea Springs
• Cruise segment + time at Afandou Beach and caves (~1 hour)
• Lunch returns on board during the reset portion
• ~1 hour at Anthony Quinn Bay for snorkeling and swimming
• Sail back with a pass by Faliraki Beach before returning to Mandraki

Because each stop is around an hour, you’ll want to treat them like “visit and play,” not “rent a chair and hang all day.” That’s also why the day stays fun: you’re not stuck waiting for everyone else to decide.

If you’re traveling with someone who gets bored fast, this timing helps. If you’re the type who likes long swims and zero structure, you might feel rushed. But you can always spend a bit more time at the shore area during that hour if you want a calmer pace.

Who Should Book This Cruise, and Who Might Prefer a Quieter Day

This cruise is a strong match for:

• Couples and groups who want swimming + drinks + lunch in one ticket
• People who want a more social boat day without feeling locked into a crowded ferry experience
• Non-experienced swimmers who still want to be in the water with life jackets and float support
• Anyone who likes a show, from music to dancing

It’s less ideal if:

• You want serene silence and long, conversation-friendly relaxation
• You’re extremely sensitive to loud music on a boat
• You expect every cocktail to taste like a tailored bar order (the menu can be set)

Should You Book the Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise?

If your dream Rhodes day is about water time, a real lunch, and a cruise that keeps energy up without cramming you into a tiny space, I’d book it. The combo of an open bar, snorkel gear, and three swimming bays makes the ticket feel like a “do it all” day rather than a basic transport ride.

If you’d rather spend your vacation whispering over the waves, pick a quieter sailing option instead. This one is for people who want the sea views, but also want the vibe.

If you want my simplest decision rule: book it when you want a fun boat day. Skip it when you want quiet.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start and how long is it?

The cruise starts at 10:00am and runs for about 6 hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port (opposite the Bank of Greece). It ends back at the same meeting point.

How many swim stops are included?

There are three main swim stops: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, each with about 1 hour.

What’s included with the ticket?

The ticket includes an allocated seating setup, a Greek gourmet buffet with vegan and gluten-free choices, aperitifs and snacks, an open bar (cocktails, wine, beer, plus non-alcoholic drinks), and use of snorkeling equipment plus pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets.

Do you need to arrange hotel transfer?

Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra, so you don’t automatically get it with the ticket.

What if the weather isn’t good?

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