Private catamaran time beats bus tours. I love the quiet-bay swimming you get by dropping anchor, and I like that the day includes Greek mezedes plus drinks right on board. It’s built for a relaxed rhythm instead of a strict, hour-by-hour checklist.

A couple things to think about first: hotel transfers aren’t included, and this cruise depends on good weather. If your plans are tight, you’ll want to be flexible with timing and sea conditions.

Key points at a glance

• Private group (up to 12) with a local skipper who steers you toward the best swim moments
• Two anchor-drop swim stops with real time to chill, not just a quick splash
• Lunch + drinks plan on board, including beer & wine during lunch and soft drinks/water all day
• Skip the crowded group-tour feel and set a pace that actually fits your group
• Stefano gets named in reviews for taking great care of the group

The private catamaran difference on Rhodes

This is the kind of day trip where you’re not fighting the crowd before you even leave the dock. With only your group on board (up to 12), you can actually settle in, talk, and move around without squeezing past strangers. It’s a small thing, but it changes the whole mood of the day.

The other big win is control. Instead of following a set script where everyone lines up and moves on cue, you get a skip-the-crowds experience with time to slow down. The idea is simple: sail the coast, drop anchor when conditions are right, and let you enjoy the water and views at your speed.

And yes, it’s still sightseeing. You’re cruising by Rhodes’ coastline with stops that are worth the trip. But it feels more like a personal day on the sea than a checklist tour.

Getting on board at Nea Marina (and planning your day)

The cruise starts at 9:30 am at ΝΕΑ ΜΑΡΙΝΑ Rhodes 851 00, Greece. It ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not scrambling to figure out a new location at the end of your day.

You’ll also use a mobile ticket, which is convenient if you’re juggling phones, kids, sunscreen, and a bag that’s already half sea-spray. Do show up a bit early so you’re not stressed when boarding time hits.

Transfers are the one clear add-on. Hotel transfers aren’t included, so plan how you’ll get to Nea Marina. If you’re staying in Rhodes Town or nearby, that’s usually straightforward. If you’re farther out, budget extra time and cost for getting to the dock.

The duration is listed as about 6 hours. That usually means you’ll spend enough time on the water to feel like it was a real outing, but it’s not so long that the day drags. You’ll likely come back ready to shower, eat again (because sea air works like magic), and sleep well.

Two swim stops that break up the sail: Kallithea Springs and Anthony Quinn Bay

This cruise is built around two anchor-drop swim moments, and that’s the part that most people remember.

Stop 1: Kallithea Springs Bay (about 35 minutes)

You’ll cruise by Kallithea Springs Bay and then have time for a refreshing dip. The timing is short enough that you won’t feel stuck, but long enough to actually swim and relax.

What I like about this stop type is the pacing. You’re not asked to commit to a long beach day. You get a clean, low-pressure break in the middle of the cruise to cool off and reset.

A practical note: the time is limited, so pack like you’re going to swim twice—waterproof your phone, wear quick-dry gear if you have it, and keep your towel easy to grab.

Stop 2: Anthony Quinn Bay (about 40 minutes)

Then you head toward Anthony Quinn Bay, where the boat drops anchor again for another swim session. This one is timed a bit longer, and it’s a famous spot for a reason: the water tends to look clear and inviting from the boat.

This stop is often where the day clicks into place. You’ve already gotten the cruise feel, now you get the payoff—views while you’re in the water, plus a chance to hang out without rushing.

The only drawback is simple: you’re at anchor. That’s part of the charm, but it means you’ll be more dependent on the skipper’s decisions and the conditions of that moment. If seas are choppy, the comfort level can change.

Lunch and drinks on board: what’s actually included

One reason I’d take this cruise is that lunch and drinks aren’t an afterthought. They’re scheduled into the experience.

Included:

• Lunch
• Beer & wine during meal time
• Soft drinks and water all day
• Alcoholic beverages served during lunch (listed alongside the meal-time drink plan)
• All fees and taxes

Also, the food is described as Greek-style, including mezedes and other dishes. In plain terms, you’re getting a lunch that fits the day on the water, not a sad sandwich situation.

In reviews, the food and drink quality comes up in a positive way, with one guest specifically calling out that Stefano looked after them and that the food and drinks were nice. Another review highlighted how enjoyable the day felt for a mixed group with kids, including that there was plenty of space for everyone while the meal and drinks kept the day moving.

A smart way to use the onboard meal: eat early, then make your swim time the fun part. Sea days can dehydrate you faster than you expect, and alcohol (even beer and wine) is still alcohol.

Your skipper’s insider intel (and why it matters)

This tour is led by a local skipper, and that’s not just a title. It affects where you drop anchor, how you time the swims, and how smoothly the day runs.

One review specifically names Stefano and praises how well he took care of the group. That lines up with what you want from a skipper on a private cruise: good judgment, calm energy, and the know-how to make the day feel effortless.

Here’s how you can get more out of that local know-how:

• Ask where the clearest water is at that moment, then swim based on the skipper’s call
• If you see a view you like, say so. On private boats, you can often get more flexible about what people prioritize
• If you’re traveling with kids, ask about the smoothest way to handle swim time without everyone getting overexcited and scattered

The big picture: the skipper is what keeps the experience feeling personal. Without that, a catamaran day can turn into just riding around. With it, you get those better swim moments.

Space, comfort, and the family-friendly reality

This is a private cruise for up to 12, and that matters more than people think. With smaller numbers, you can actually find a spot to sit without turning it into a tug-of-war.

One of the reviews mentions a group of nine people including five children, and says there was lots of room. That’s the kind of detail you care about if you’re traveling with kids, because sea days can get chaotic fast when space is tight.

The boat itself is described as beautiful in reviews too. That tends to go hand-in-hand with comfort: good seating, room to move, and a layout that doesn’t punish you for having a cooler-sized set of needs (snacks, towels, sunscreen, wet bags).

If you hate rigid schedules, this style also helps. A private day doesn’t require everyone to listen to the same briefing at the same time. You can build small pauses into your day naturally.

Price and value: how $1,890.46 per group pencils out

The price is $1,890.46 per group (up to 12), for about 6 hours at sea with lunch and drinks included. That’s not “cheap,” and it’s not trying to be. It’s a private experience, so you pay for the exclusivity and the convenience.

The value comes from what’s included:

• Lunch with Greek-style dishes/mezedes
• Drinks onboard, including beer & wine at meal time plus soft drinks and water all day
• All fees and taxes
• A local skipper and a private boat (not a shared group scramble)

The extras are mostly out-of-scope: transfers aren’t included, and you’ll still want to bring your own swim basics (sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, a dry bag).

To make it math-friendly: this price tends to make sense when you share it among a group. If you can fill a good chunk of the 12 seats, it’s a strong way to do Rhodes by sea without paying peak-per-person sightseeing rates across multiple activities.

Also, this is a day cruise with real swim time. For many people, that’s the difference between a good photo tour and a day that actually feels like vacation.

Weather and timing: what to expect if the sea isn’t cooperative

This experience requires good weather. That means if conditions are poor, the cruise can be canceled, and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

One practical tip: have a little buffer in your Rhodes plans. If you’re booking only one boat day and everything else is fixed, weather risk becomes a bigger deal.

Still, it’s worth noting that it’s not a gamble with no safety net. The stated policy includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so you can make a call based on the forecast without feeling trapped.

Who should book this cruise (and who might want something else)

I’d point you toward this tour if you want:

• A private day on the water with room to relax
• A schedule that gives time for swimming and chilling, not just photo stops
• Lunch and drinks handled for you so the day stays easy

It’s also a solid choice for families. One review called out a group with kids and highlighted the room onboard, which is exactly what you want on a sea day.

You might choose a different option if you’re looking for a long, multi-hour beach day or if you need hotel transfers as part of the package. Since transfers aren’t included here, you’ll want to be comfortable getting to Nea Marina on your own.

Also, if you’re the type who hates any schedule tied to weather at all, you’ll want to think about backup plans. This one is a “go with the sea” experience.

Should you book this sailing catamaran day cruise?

If you’re weighing this against big-group cruises, I’d lean yes. The private setup, the anchor-drop swim stops, and the onboard lunch/drinks make it feel like a real day out, not just transportation plus a quick splash.

Book it if you:

• Want quiet-bay swimming with time to actually enjoy it
• Plan to share the cost with a group up to 12
• Like the idea of a local skipper guiding the day instead of a rigid route

Skip it (or keep it as a backup) if:

• You cannot manage travel to Nea Marina without included transfers
• You need certainty in poor weather and can’t adjust plans

Overall, the best sign here is consistency in what gets praised: care from the skipper (including Stefano), enough time to chill at two beaches, and a meal-and-drink setup that doesn’t feel like an afterthought.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the sailing catamaran day cruise?

The duration is listed as approximately 6 hours.

Where does the cruise start and end?

It starts at ΝΕΑ ΜΑΡΙΝΑ Rhodes 851 00, Greece at 9:30 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s private, and only your group will participate.

What’s included for lunch and drinks?

Lunch is included, along with beer and wine during meal time. Soft drinks and water are provided all day, and alcoholic beverages are served during lunch.

What swim stops are included?

The cruise includes stops at Kallithea Springs Bay (about 35 minutes) and Anthony Quinn Bay (about 40 minutes).

Do I need admission tickets for the swim stops?

The stop details list admission ticket not included for both Kallithea Springs Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Transfers to/from hotels are not included.

What happens if weather is bad?

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

Is free cancellation available?

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