First time in Rhodes and you want water time fast? This cruise is a simple, fun way to hit the best snorkel waters on the east side of the island without planning each stop yourself. I love the fact that you get three separate swim-and-snorkel sessions, not just one quick splash. I also like the traditional wooden boat vibe, plus onboard music that keeps the mood light. One thing to weigh: fish sightings aren’t guaranteed, so if your main goal is guaranteed wildlife, you may feel a bit let down when the water is gorgeous but the sea life stays shy.

You’ll start from Mandraki Marina around 10:00, then spend the day bouncing between bays with plenty of time to swim, snorkel, take photos, and cool off when the sun gets serious. The route is built for relaxing, with breaks and time to return to the boat between water stops. A practical heads-up: the bar sells drinks and snacks, but prices can feel steep if you plan to snack the whole day.

Key Highlights You Should Know Before You Go

• Three swim-and-snorkel stops (Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay), each with about one hour in the water
• Snorkeling equipment included, plus a swim noodle to make it easier to float and relax
• Music on board, so the cruise feels like a slow beach day on the water
• Clear, sunlit water time at the best-known bays along Rhodes’ east coast
• Seasonal fruit included, a nice refresh after swimming
• You might not see lots of fish, and the crew is clear that sightings depend on conditions

Mandraki-to-Bays Route: Why This Cruise Feels Easy

This is the kind of day trip that works when you want real time in the water, not a packed schedule of viewpoints and bus transfers. You meet in Mandraki harbour, and then it’s straight onto the traditional wooden boat for a relaxed cruise across the east coast of Rhodes.

I like how the timing is paced. You’re not stuck on the boat for hours before your first swim. After setting off around 10:00, you get your first stop at Kallithea Bay after about 40 minutes. Then the day turns into a simple rhythm: sail, stop for about an hour of swimming and snorkeling, sail again, repeat—ending back in Mandraki at 16:00.

The big value here is that the boat takes care of the hard part: getting you to the water. You just bring what you need and enjoy the sea.

Getting Ready at Mandraki Marina (and How Not to Miss It)

Your meeting point is Mandraki harbour, by the Alexander statue, at the boat called Alkmini. Plan to arrive early. The operator is strict about being on time—miss the boat and your day is basically over.

If you’ve got time before departure, I also like the fact that you can keep your backpack onboard while you grab coffee nearby. That saves you from carrying everything around Mandraki with salty hands and sandy pockets.

Bring the basics: swimwear, a towel, and a camera. You’ll be on and off the water, and you’ll want something ready for the moment you’re back on board.

Also, a tiny practical note: scooters aren’t allowed, which is typical for boat trips but worth remembering if you’re thinking of parking options.

Stop 1: Kallithea Bay for Snorkeling in Famous Waters

Kallithea Bay is your first big water stop, and it’s the one that’s most strongly tied to snorkeling. After you sail about 40 minutes from Mandraki, you’ll get a break that includes time to get oriented, take photos, and then settle into the water.

What I like about starting here is momentum. The water still feels fresh, you’re not tired yet, and you’re most likely to enjoy the first swim without thinking about the next two. You get about one hour for swimming and snorkeling, which is long enough to do one calm round, float around, and then decide if you want to go in again.

The snorkeling here is the main event. Even if you don’t see a ton of fish, the point of Kallithea Bay for many people is the water clarity and the chance to try snorkeling equipment in a setting that’s known for it.

One honest consideration: fish sightings vary. The operator doesn’t promise sea life, so treat snorkeling as both a water-time activity and a chance to see what you can. If you go in with that mindset, you’re less likely to feel disappointed.

Stop 2: Afandou Beach for a Longer, Grounded Swim Break

Next you sail to Afandou for another about one hour of swimming and snorkeling. This stop has that classic beach feel: you’re out in the open, the water invites you to stay longer, and the whole thing is less about rushing and more about cooling down.

I like how Afandou slots in after Kallithea Bay. By then, you’ve already tested your snorkeling comfort once. If you want to switch things up—more swimming, less snorkeling—that’s easy to do during a one-hour break.

You’ll also get another photo stop and guided moments as you transition into the water time. It helps if you like a little structure while still keeping freedom to do your own thing once you’re in the bay.

A practical value tip: use the Afandou hour as your reset. If the sun is strong, this is a good point to think about shade on the boat afterward and pace your sun exposure. Hydrate during the cruise, not only after your last swim.

Stop 3: Anthony Quinn Bay for the “Main” Swim Moment

Then comes the bay with the famous name: Anthony Quinn Bay. You get there after another cruise segment and about another one-hour swim session.

This is often where the day feels most special, because the water time becomes the main focus. One reason people remember this stop is the color of the sea when the sun hits it. It can look almost unreal—bright and clear under a clean sky—so even if you snorkel casually, you’re still getting a visual payoff.

Expect photo opportunities, plus time to swim and snorkel. You’ll also find it a natural place to fully commit: jump in, float, swim a little, and then come back to the boat to cool down. The provided snorkel gear makes it easier to do a couple of passes without worrying about renting anything.

If you’re the type who likes to do one “big” swim on a trip, plan your energy for this stop. By then, you’ll understand your rhythm, so you won’t feel like you’re trying to figure everything out while the best water is already passing.

The Boat Experience: Music, Snacks, and a Realistic Comfort Check

On board, you’re on a traditional Greek wooden boat with music playing during the cruise. This matters more than it sounds. A boat day can be either quiet and sleepy or fun and lively. Here, the music keeps it social without turning it into a party boat.

You also get a few thoughtful inclusions:

• Snorkeling equipment provided
• A noodle for easier floating and relaxed swimming
• Seasonal fruit during the trip
• A bar where you can buy drinks and something to eat

The fruit is a nice touch after time in the sun. In practice, it can feel like the boat’s way of saying thanks for being out there swimming. Based on guest experience, you might even get items like watermelon as part of the seasonal fruit.

Now for the honest caution. One guest noted issues with the boat’s condition, including the state of the toilet, and felt the snack/drink prices were too high. That doesn’t mean it’s always bad, but it’s a reminder to keep expectations realistic: you’re on a cruise boat for swimming, not a luxury hotel.

Timing and Pace: How the Day Really Flows

The whole experience runs 6 hours, starting at 10:00 and ending back at Mandraki harbour at 16:00.

A simple way to picture your day:

• Sail out with the first coastal views
• Reach Kallithea Bay and spend about an hour in the water
• Sail to Afandou for about another hour
• Sail to Anthony Quinn Bay for the final main swim session
• Cruise back to Mandraki

This pacing is ideal if you want water time without the fatigue of long hikes, transfers, or constant stop-and-go. You’ll have enough time to enjoy each bay instead of rushing through them like checkboxes.

If you get motion-sick easily, you may still want to prepare for boat time. The schedule suggests moderate cruising between stops rather than a nonstop open-water trek, but you’re still on a vessel for hours.

Price Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $47

At around $47 per person for six hours, this cruise can be good value if your priority is simple: swim, snorkel, and see multiple bays in one day.

Here’s what you’re getting for that cost:

• A traditional wooden boat and crew
• Three swimming/snorkeling stops (not one)
• Snorkeling gear included
• A few onboard extras (music, fruit, a swim noodle)
• Time to relax between swims

What you’re not getting: hotel pickup or transfers, and the bar food/drinks are extra.

So the value equation becomes personal. If you can easily reach Mandraki harbour on your own, the price looks fair for what you receive. If you have to pay for complex transport just to get to the meeting point, your effective cost rises and you should weigh that against other beach days.

Also, the inclusion of gear matters. Renting snorkeling equipment elsewhere can add up, and here you don’t have to deal with it.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This trip fits you if:

• You want easy, guided water time with minimal planning
• You’d enjoy three swim breaks rather than one long beach day
• You like a relaxed pace with music and time to float
• You’re okay with snorkeling that depends on sea conditions, not a guarantee of fish

You might want to skip or choose another option if:

• You’re hunting for a guaranteed underwater wildlife show
• You need very clean, modern onboard facilities as a top priority
• You plan to buy a lot from the bar, since prices may feel high

If you’re traveling with a mix of swimmers and snorkelers, this cruise can still work because each stop gives you room to adjust your effort without falling behind. The water time is the main point, and the schedule keeps you moving.

Should You Book Rhodes Pleasure Cruise for Swimming and Snorkeling?

I think you should book this cruise if your main goal is Rhodes water time with three solid swim-and-snorkel stops and you want a day that stays simple. The combination of Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay is the reason to go, especially if you don’t want to spend your trip figuring out logistics between beaches.

But book with the right expectations:

• Bring your own towel and comfort-minded snacks if you’re picky.
• Expect that fish sightings can be hit-or-miss.
• Keep an eye on onboard comfort and plan to treat it like a swim day first.

If you want a straightforward way to see why Rhodes’ east coast is so popular for swimming, this is one of the more efficient options.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start and end?

The cruise starts at 10:00 and returns to Mandraki harbour at 16:00.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at Mandraki harbour by the Alexander statue, at the Alkmini boat.

How long is each swimming stop?

There are three swimming/snorkeling stops, and each one includes about one hour in the water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with a noodle for swimming.

Are drinks and food included?

A bar is available on board to buy drinks and something to eat. Fruit is included.

Can I rely on seeing fish while snorkeling?

No. The provider notes they are not responsible for whether customers see fish during snorkeling, since sightings depend on conditions.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and a camera.

Is hotel pickup or transfer included?

Hotel pickup and transfer are not included.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.