Three swim stops, one easy boat day. Rhodes Sea Cruises runs a 6-hour pleasure cruise out of Mandraki Harbour with three swimming stops along the east coast, plus snorkelling gear and noodles to help you make the most of the water time. It’s a simple way to see Rhodes from the sea while you choose how much sun you want and when you want shade.

I also like that the trip is built around actual water breaks, not just cruising for photos. One possible snag: food isn’t a full lunch. You’ll get season fruit, but if you get hungry, you’ll likely want to bring something or plan to buy snacks on board.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Mandraki Harbour departure: easy starting point with a practical, central feel to the morning.
• Three scheduled swim stops: Kallitheas Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Afandou are the core of the day.
• Snorkelling equipment plus noodles: you can gear up quickly without hunting for rentals.
• Bar on board for drinks and food: included snacks are limited, so budget for extras if needed.
• Smallish group for a cruise: max 85 travelers, so it doesn’t feel like a floating megacity.
• Family-run vibe and fair pricing: the operator’s approach is especially kind to families.

Rhodes Sea Cruises: What You Really Get in Six Hours

This is a straightforward Rhodes sea cruise with one job: get you out on the water for a relaxing half-day with real chances to swim. The schedule runs for about 6 hours (starting at 10:00 am) and then brings you back to the same meeting point in Mandraki.

At $33.56 per person, it’s the kind of price where you’re not nickel-and-diming every stop. You’re basically paying for sea time, the ride, and access to the swimming and snorkelling setup (including snorkelling gear and noodles), plus season fruit.

The group limit is 85, which matters more than people think. With a boat this size, you’re not spending your time fighting for space or waiting around for a single crowded bathroom line. You can actually plan a swim, then come back to rest.

Leaving Mandraki Harbour: The Boat Day Mood

The boat starts from Mandraki Marina (in the Mandraki/Port Plotarchou Plessa area), and then heads along the east coast of Rhodes island. That east-coast route is part of the appeal: it’s an easy sightseeing “bonus” while the day stays focused on the water breaks.

On board, you’re not locked into one spot. You can stay in the sun or in the shade, and the boat also has music playing. If you just want to relax, this works well. If you want to be active, the included snorkelling equipment gives you an easy way to switch gears.

There’s also a bar on the boat. That means you can top up with drinks and something to eat whenever you want, without needing to time it around a dock stop. Just remember the bar is for extras, not a free buffet.

Stop 1: Kallitheas Beach Swim Break

Kallitheas Beach is your first stop, and it sets the tone for the day. This is the moment to stretch out, get your swim started, and test the water with the snorkelling gear if you feel like it.

What I like about the first stop being a beach: you don’t have to go straight into a complicated plan. You can go in for a quick swim, then come back to the boat to reset. With the cruise’s “three swimming stops” format, the day doesn’t feel rushed. It feels like you’re getting multiple chances to enjoy the water.

If you’re traveling with someone who’s unsure about snorkelling, this is also a good entry point. You can do one simple swim while the other person watches, rests, or enjoys the sun and shade on board. Either way, you’re not stuck with a single long swim session.

Stop 2: Anthony Quinn Bay for Real Snorkel Time

The second stop is Anthony Quinn Bay. This is where you can lean into snorkelling more confidently, because you’ll have already had one chance to get comfortable with the boat rhythm and gear.

The cruise provides snorkelling equipment, so you’re not spending your morning trying to rent anything or hoping someone nearby has extra fins. It also includes noodles for swimming, which is great if you want a float-and-relax style of water time rather than a full snorkel mission.

One practical note: snorkel setups are usually best when you treat them like “quick on, quick off.” Don’t overthink it. Get in when you’re ready, take your time, then get back aboard to warm up under shade or sun depending on how you feel.

This stop also works well if you just want a slower, scenic break. You’ll have time to swim, then chill back on the boat while you’re waiting for the next leg.

Stop 3: Afandou and the Final Sea-Lounge Stretch

Afandou is the third stop, and it functions like your second wind. By now you know what kind of pace you like: some people want to do a proper snorkel session. Others just want another swim before the cruise ends.

This is also a smart stop for families and mixed groups, since it’s not the first time you’ll be getting in the water. You can adjust. If you felt great earlier, go again with snorkelling. If earlier sun got to you, keep it simple with a swim and then shade.

After Afandou, you’ll wrap up back at the meeting point. That return matters because it keeps the day easy to plan around. You don’t need to build a complicated transport puzzle after you’ve spent hours on the water.

What’s Included (And Why It’s Better Than It Sounds)

The big value drivers here are clear on paper, and they hold up in real life.

You get:

• 3 swimming stops
• Snorkelling equipment
• Noodles for swimming
• Season fruits
• A bar on board where you can buy drinks and something to eat

The “included snorkelling gear” plus “noodles” is a winning combo because it supports two styles. If you want to snorkel, you have the gear. If you want to float and relax, the noodles help you stay comfortable without having to be a strong swimmer.

The season fruit is a nice touch, not a full meal. I see it as a mid-day boost, something to keep you going. If you want a true lunch moment, you’ll probably need to plan for it rather than assume it’s covered.

Food, Drinks, and What to Bring for Lunch

Here’s the honest truth: this cruise is not sold as a full meal experience. You get season fruits, and the bar sells drinks and food, but there isn’t a free buffet-style lunch listed as included.

One smart move is to plan your eating like a beach day. If you tend to get hungry, bring something you can eat easily between swim breaks, or set expectations that you’ll purchase snacks on board. The bar is there for that reason.

Also think about what you’ll drink. Spending hours on the sea and sun can sneak up on you. If the day is warm, plan to grab drinks as needed once you’re settled on board.

Price and Logistics: Why the Value Feels Fair

At $33.56 per person for an about 6-hour cruise, the value comes from the structure: multiple swim stops plus included snorkelling equipment. You’re not paying for one short photo stop or a long boring stretch with nothing to do.

The schedule (10:00 am start) also helps. You get a full morning/early afternoon block on the water without sacrificing your entire day. It’s the kind of outing that pairs well with other Rhodes plans later, as long as you keep the timing realistic.

Also, this tour runs with a mobile ticket, and it’s offered in English. The meeting point is near public transportation, which makes it easier if you’re moving around Rhodes that day.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (Families Love It)

This is a great match if your main goal is sea time with swimming. If you want a deep, formal sightseeing tour with long on-land walks, this isn’t that. It’s built for the water breaks and the easy shipboard lifestyle.

A standout detail from the way the cruise operates is the family-friendly pricing approach. The operator is described as family owned, and they do not charge for children, which can be a big deal when you’re planning a day out with kids.

It’s also a comfortable size for groups because of the max 85 travelers limit. You’ll still see lots of people, but it shouldn’t feel like you’re packed shoulder-to-shoulder for the whole day.

If you’re traveling with someone who likes a mix of active time and downtime, this balance works well: swim when you want, rest when you want, and use the shade/sun areas on board to control your comfort.

Small Practical Tips That Make the Day Smoother

You don’t need to overpack, but think like it’s a full beach-and-boat outing.

• Bring swim basics you’re comfortable with, since the cruise focuses on giving you snorkelling equipment rather than everything else.
• Plan your lunch approach ahead of time, because included food is season fruit, not a full lunch.
• Keep an eye on sun and shade, since you’ll be able to choose on board. If you’re easily sunburned, treat shade like a feature, not an afterthought.
• If you’re interested in snorkelling, use the first stop to get comfortable with the gear and pace.

The best part is that once you’re on board, the day runs on the cruise’s rhythm. You’re not negotiating complicated plans between stops.

Should You Book Rhodes Sea Cruises?

I think you should book if you want a good-value, easy Rhodes boat day centered on swimming. The combo of three water stops, snorkelling equipment, and a bar onboard means you can tailor the day from relaxed to active without needing extra rentals.

Book it if you’re traveling with kids or a family group. The reported no-charge approach for children is the kind of detail that can turn an expensive outing into a realistic one.

Skip it only if you’re expecting a full meal experience or a land-heavy itinerary. This cruise is about being on the sea, using the water breaks, and then enjoying the ride back.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Sea Cruises pleasure cruise?

The cruise is about 6 hours.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from Mandraki Marina & Port Plotarchou Plessa 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece.

What are the swimming stops during the cruise?

The cruise includes stops at Kallitheas Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Afandou.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Are noodles included for swimming?

Yes. Noodles for swimming are included.

Is food included on the boat?

Season fruits are included. There is also a bar on board where you can buy drinks and something to eat.

Is transfer (round-trip transportation) included?

No transfer is included.

How many people are on the boat at most?

This activity has a maximum of 85 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

If you tell me your travel month and whether you’ll be with kids, I can help you decide which stop style fits you best and what to plan for lunch.