The best part of this trip is the route itself. You cruise south along Rhodes’ east coast instead of sitting in a coach, passing coves, cliffs, beaches, and clear Mediterranean water before arriving at whitewashed Lindos below its hilltop acropolis. Anthony Quinn Bay provides the first swim, and Lindos gives you a solid block of time to explore.

I like the easy hotel pickup from selected resorts, and I like that the crew chooses attractive swimming spots rather than leaving you to find them on your own. The price of $58.05 also covers a full day of transport and coastal sightseeing, which is useful if you do not want to rent a car.

The catch is the long sailing time. You may spend roughly two and a half hours each way on the boat for about three hours in Lindos, and the large group, with up to 280 people, can make seating and boarding feel crowded. Good weather matters, too, since rough conditions can cancel the boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Mandraki Harbor views begin the day: See the Colossus site, Dama Dama deer statues, St. Nicholas Lighthouse, Evangelismos Church, and the Medieval Town from the water.
• Anthony Quinn Bay is the first swim: Expect about 20 minutes in a rocky cove with striking emerald-colored water.
• Lindos gets the main share of your time: You have roughly three hours at leisure for the beaches, village lanes, cafes, tavernas, and possible walk toward the acropolis.
• Tsambika Bay adds a second swim: Bring swimwear, a towel, and sun protection, since the stop is short but made for getting in the water.
• The boat is large and can be busy: Arrive ready to claim a seat, especially if you want a particular spot on the upper deck or in the shade.
• Pickup is limited: Transfers are offered from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Faliraki, and Kallithea only.

Setting out from Rhodes Town at 7:30 a.m.

The day starts early, with the meeting point at Evangelismos Church near Mandraki Harbor. Pickup is offered from selected parts of Rhodes, but not from every resort, so check your exact pickup point before you book. The included transfer uses an air-conditioned vehicle, a welcome touch before you board the boat.

If you meet at the harbor, allow time to find the church and reach the boat without rushing. The trip can be booked about 11 days ahead on average, which suggests that early planning is sensible during the main summer season.

The first part is more than a simple departure. As the boat passes through Mandraki Port, you get views connected with Rhodes’ identity: the site associated with the Ancient Colossus, the Dama Dama deer statues that symbolize the island, St. Nicholas Lighthouse, and the Church of Evangelismos.

You also see Rhodes’ Medieval Town from the water. This is a good opening scene because it gives you a broad look at the harbor and old city before the coast becomes quieter and more rural.

Cruising the east coast toward Lindos

The trip to Lindos is the main reason to choose the boat over a standard land transfer. You spend the journey looking out at coves and rocky stretches of coast, with the chance to sit inside in air-conditioning, find shade, or use the upper deck for sun.

The boat carries up to 280 people, so this is not an intimate sailing trip. It works more like a big day cruise, with plenty of room when the boat is running smoothly but possible competition for the best seats. One useful tip is to decide early if you want shade, an outdoor view, or a place near the snack bar.

Food and drinks are available for purchase on board, but they are not included. Pack water and some food if you prefer not to rely on the boat’s choices. One clear limitation is the lack of a tour guide. You receive a Lindos map with information, but the day is largely self-guided once you arrive.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a short first swim

The first swimming stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal spots. The bay is ringed by rocks and pebbles, both around the shore and beneath the water, and its color is a strong green-blue in good conditions.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes. That is enough for a quick swim and perhaps a look below the surface, but not enough for a slow beach visit. You will want to have your swimsuit on before the boat arrives and keep your towel close.

The rocky entry is worth noting. If you prefer sandy beaches, this may not be your easiest swim. Water shoes could be useful, although they are not listed as part of the tour. The crew selects the swimming area, which gives you a safe, organized stop, but it also means you do not choose the length or exact location.

Weather can change how much you enjoy this part. In warm, calm conditions, the bay is one of the highlights of the day. In cooler weather, the swim may be brief or less appealing. A past departure was canceled when port authorities judged that conditions were not suitable for boats, so keep your phone on and check messages on the morning of the trip.

Lindos below the acropolis

Arrival at Lindos is the visual payoff. From the water, the white settlement rises toward a rocky hill topped by the acropolis. After the open sea and rougher coves, the tightly packed white buildings make Lindos look almost theatrical.

You have about three hours at leisure, although the listed stop details also describe separate time blocks for Lindos Beach and the village. In practical terms, plan on a limited but useful visit rather than a full day in town.

Lindos is pedestrian in the central village. Access is on foot, and you should expect walking on slopes and through narrow lanes. The two sandy beaches near the village offer organized swimming and sunbathing, but sunbeds cost extra and are not part of the cruise price.

The village itself is best explored without a strict plan. Walk through the maze of back streets, pause at a cafe or taverna, and use the map to get your bearings. The white buildings, narrow lanes, and hilltop ruins give Lindos a different feel from Rhodes Town.

If you want to reach the acropolis, be realistic about the time and heat. The uphill walk can be tiring, especially around midday. One useful approach is to choose your priority before you arrive: the acropolis and its views, a meal and village walk, or time at the beach. Trying to do all three in roughly three hours may leave you rushing.

The acropolis is the obvious goal for many people, but the tour information does not include admission or a guided visit. The package gives you free time, a map, and recommendations, not an escorted archaeological tour. That suits independent visitors who prefer to set their own pace.

The second swimming stop at Tsambika Bay

After Lindos, the boat makes another swimming stop at Tsambika Bay. The supplied schedule describes this as a chance to jump from the boat, swim, snorkel, and enjoy clear water for about 20 minutes.

There is a wording inconsistency in the stop descriptions, with one line referring again to Anthony Quinn Bay. The overall itinerary identifies Tsambika Beach as the second swimming stop, so confirm the exact bay with the crew on the day.

Like the first stop, this is a quick water break, not a long beach stay. The value comes from seeing two different coastal spots without arranging separate transport. If swimming is central to your plans, these stops make the boat trip much more appealing than a direct ride to Lindos.

If you are not comfortable with open-water swimming, you can remain on board and enjoy the view. The experience is built around swimming, though, so people who dislike getting in the sea may find the stop less useful.

What the large boat experience is really like

The boat offers a mix of comfort and crowding. Air-conditioned areas provide relief from the sun, while the upper deck lets you sit outside and watch the coast. A snack bar sells food and drinks, so you do not need to leave the boat for refreshments during the sailing sections.

The tradeoff is space. With a maximum capacity of 280 people, seating may become a race, especially at the start of the day. Some passengers have found themselves sitting on stairs when preferred seats were gone. That is a practical reason to arrive early and stay flexible.

Noise is another variable on a large public cruise. Most of the time, the crew is described as friendly and welcoming, but a busy boat can include loud music or inconsiderate passengers. If quiet matters to you, an indoor or less central seat may be preferable, though no location can guarantee peace.

The crew’s helpfulness is one of the stronger parts of the operation. Transfers have been praised for being comfortable and well handled, and the company has contacted people by text and phone when they were at risk of missing pickup. Still, service can vary if transport is delayed or several groups must be combined on the return.

Is $58.05 good value?

At $58.05 per person, the price is reasonable if you value transport, coastal views, and the two swim stops. The fare includes the air-conditioned transfer from selected areas, the boat ride, and the Lindos map. It removes the need to organize a rental car, navigate Rhodes’ roads, or arrange a separate return from Lindos.

The value is less clear if your only goal is to spend time in Lindos. Much of the day is spent sailing, and you get about three hours in town. A direct land excursion could provide more time at the acropolis, but it would not give you the same coastal views or swimming breaks.

Extra costs include food and drinks on the boat and sunbeds at Lindos Beach. There is no tour guide included, so add the cost of any independent admission or guide services you choose in Lindos. The basic package is best for people who want a straightforward day out rather than a fully guided cultural tour.

The return transfer also deserves a little caution. It can be delayed if the operator is waiting for another group, which may stretch an already long day. If you have dinner plans, a ferry connection, or an evening event, leave plenty of space after the scheduled return.

Who will enjoy this Lindos cruise

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to combine scenery, swimming, and independent time in Lindos. It is a good fit for couples, families, and mixed-age groups when some people want beach time and others want to walk around the village.

It also suits you if you are staying in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Faliraki, or Kallithea and want pickup included. The trip handles the basic transport, and most people can participate.

You may want another option if you dislike large groups, need a quiet boat, or want several hours at the acropolis. It is also less suitable if you want a slow beach day, since each swimming stop lasts only about 20 minutes and Lindos itself requires walking.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded, and the boat requires suitable weather and a minimum number of people. For that reason, avoid scheduling this on the final day of your holiday if a weather cancellation would cause problems.

My verdict on the Rhodes to Lindos boat trip

Book it if the journey matters as much as the destination. The cruise lets you see Rhodes from the sea, swim at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay, and reach Lindos in a memorable way. The friendly crew, included transfers, and reasonable price add to its appeal.

Skip it if you want the most efficient route to Lindos or a quiet, small-boat outing. The 8.5-hour day is long, seating can be crowded, and three hours in town will force you to choose between the beach, village, and acropolis. For an active day with sea views and a taste of Lindos, though, this is a practical choice.

FAQ

How long does the Lindos day cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, including the boat journey, swimming stops, time in Lindos, and the return transfer.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 7:30 a.m. Pickup times may vary depending on your resort and meeting arrangement.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Evangelismos Church, Ekklisia Evaggelismos, in Rhodes Town. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Faliraki, and Kallithea. Pickup from other resorts is not included.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You have approximately three hours at leisure in Lindos. This time can be used for the beaches, village lanes, cafes, tavernas, and a walk toward the acropolis.

Are the swimming stops included in the price?

Yes. The stops at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay are part of the cruise, and no separate admission ticket is listed for them.

Is food included?

No. Snacks and drinks can be bought at the boat’s snack bar, but they are not included in the tour price.

Is there a tour guide in Lindos?

No tour guide is included. You receive a Lindos map with information and can explore the village independently.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You should also monitor phone messages before pickup, since weather decisions can be made close to departure.