Lindos from the water feels different fast.

Cruising the south-east coast of Rhodes gives you a relaxing day with four real swim stops and the kind of scenery you can’t get from the bus. I like that you get a Greek lunch onboard (served to you, not a chaotic buffet) plus snorkeling kit to make the water time easier. One thing to consider: you’ll want to pack for sun and salt, because the day is built around getting in the sea, not staying dry.

You’ll start around the Lindos coastline and head along beaches and bays like Guns of Navarone, Kamares Pirate Caves, Charaki, and Agathi. It’s a simple format that works well if you want value and a chill pace, with help from a friendly English-speaking crew (people often name hosts like Mia, and guides like Eleni and Rady). The main drawback I’d flag is that if you’re sensitive to smoke, you may want to choose your seating spot carefully since at least one passenger noted smoking onboard during a calmer moment.

In short: it’s a six-hour coast cruise that turns into four chances to cool off, eat well, and come away with photos that look like you planned them.

Key Points That Make This Cruise Worth It

• Four swimming stops across the Lindos south-east stretch, including caves and beaches
• Greek lunch onboard that’s served in a way that avoids long lines and food pileups
• Snorkeling gear included: masks/goggles, snorkel equipment, plus noodles and life jackets for comfort
• Comfort-forward boat setup with shade downstairs and seating on deck (plus beanbag-style lounging mentioned by multiple sailors)
• Good drink value with one free soft drink or alcoholic drink per person, and low-cost pay-as-you-go options onboard
• Crew support that shows up in small ways, from kid-friendly meals to help for motion sickness

Six Hours, Four Swim Stops: The Core Value

At $76 per person for a six-hour outing, this cruise feels like you’re buying time on the water—then getting extra bonuses. You’re not just touring a coastline from the shore. You’re actually scheduled to go in the water four separate times, with enough time at each stop that swimming stays fun, not rushed.

What makes this format work for you is the rhythm. You’ll cruise, reach a swimming bay, enjoy the sea time, then return to shade and seating. After the fourth stop, the whole day finally starts to feel complete—exactly how you want a half-day trip to end when the sun is doing its thing.

This is also one of the better “value-per-hour” ways to experience Rhodes’ south-east coast because major add-ons come bundled: Greek lunch, snorkeling equipment, fruit platters, and at least one included drink.

Meeting at Saint Paul’s Bay Dock and Getting Set Up

The meeting point is the docks at Saint Paul’s Bay. If you choose optional pickup, you’ll be told where and when to meet based on your hotel selection. A practical heads-up: plan to arrive a little early so you can get oriented and settle without stress. A few people noted smooth timing overall, but it’s still a boat schedule, so being early beats being clever.

Once you board the Calypso (the boat used for this route), you’ll find seating options both shaded and sunny. Many passengers liked that they could spread out rather than getting shoved into one tight area. If you know you’ll want maximum sun, arrive with that in mind—some sailors specifically mentioned getting early to grab comfy spots near the front.

Lindos Old Town Views and the Acropolis from a Different Angle

Even before the first swim stop, you get the best part of cruising: moving viewpoints. As you pass the Lindos area, you’ll circle around the old town of Lindos and get impressive sightlines toward the ancient Acropolis above. It’s the kind of view that makes you stop trying to “understand the geography” and just enjoy it.

Why I like this piece of the day: Lindos is gorgeous, but walking it can be hot and crowded. From the water, the town and its hillside history come at you with a calmer pace. You’re still getting that wow factor, just without the uphill shuffle.

Guns of Navarone Bay: Water-Friendly and Photo-Friendly

One of the most talked-about segments is the swim stop around Guns of Navarone Bay. This is where the coastline starts to feel dramatic—rocky edges, clear water, and that classic Rhodes look of bright sea against pale stone.

The good part for you: this stop is ideal if you want an easy first swim of the day. You’re already warm from the sun, and once you’re in, the boat setup makes it easy to relax afterward. Bring a towel and a change of clothes (you’ll want them for the ride back).

A small consideration: if you’re heading into the water for the first time of the day, take it slow. Even confident swimmers can feel the “freshness shock” after a stretch in the sun. It’s quick, but you’ll enjoy the stop more if you don’t rush.

Kamares Pirate Caves: The Snorkeling Stop People Rave About

If you’re going to do only one swim stop, Kamares Pirate Caves is the one to watch. The water time here is special because you’re not just swimming in open bays. You’re working with cave-like formations where snorkelers can look into the edges of the rock.

This is also where the included gear actually matters. People specifically mentioned using goggles/masks and snorkeling equipment, plus noodles and life jackets when they wanted extra comfort. If you’re not a strong swimmer, noodles are a simple confidence booster. Multiple passengers highlighted that they felt safer and more relaxed in the water because the flotation options are there.

Practical tip: go ready to spend time. This isn’t a “touch the water and leave” kind of stop. You’ll likely want to linger, adjust your gear, and take a few slow passes with your head above water. The caves reward patient exploration, not sprinting.

Saint Paul and Charaki Bays: More Cooling, More Variety

After the caves, the itinerary keeps the energy up with additional water time in the Saint Paul and Charaki stretch. Charaki is especially nice because the vibe feels like a proper beach-and-bay rhythm: swim, float, then regroup at the edge of the water.

What you’ll like here is variety. Not every stop looks the same, so your day doesn’t blur into one long swim session. This pacing also gives you recovery time. If one stop feels too “rocky” for your comfort, the next can be more straightforward.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, this is still a good trip. The crew support gets mentioned for helping passengers who were feeling sea-sick, which matters because the ride isn’t just a scenic cruise. You’re moving, stopping, and getting back on board repeatedly.

Agathi Beach: Beach Time Without the Hassle

The final swim stop on the south-east coast is Agathi Beach. This portion of the day is a classic “go in, come out, relax” stop. Expect sun-soaked scenery and an easy place to enjoy being in the water without the extra complexity of caves.

For many people, Agathi feels like the stop that lets you recharge. You’ve done the novelty stuff already (old Lindos views and cave swimming), so at this point you can go into pure relaxation mode: swim when you want, sit when you want, and keep an eye on the boat schedule so you don’t get left behind.

One note: you’ll still be under the sun. Even if you spend time in the water, reapply sunscreen and keep your hat handy. A couple of passengers emphasized the importance of bringing the right basics, and they were right.

Greek Lunch and Fruit Platters: It’s Included, and It’s Not an Afterthought

Lunch is served onboard, and I think this is one of the biggest reasons this cruise sells so well. It keeps the day from turning into “buy food when you can,” which is exactly what ruins casual vacation pacing.

Multiple people mentioned that the lunch is genuinely good, and not one-size-fits-all. Examples include beef lasagne and Greek-style options like moussaka and Greek salad. Kids meals were also noted as available (like chicken nuggets). If you need dietary adjustments—vegan or vegetarian—there’s an option, as long as you tell them ahead of time (at least 24 hours before the trip).

Also included: fruit platters. It sounds simple, but it’s the kind of add-on that keeps you comfortable between swims and makes the whole trip feel complete.

How to use this: eat early enough that you’re not wiped out right when your next swim window starts. Then pack a little patience for hot weather digestion.

Drinks on Board: One Included, Then Real-World Pricing

You get one soft drink or alcoholic drink per person included. Beyond that, the bar is pay-as-you-go. People reported that pricing is reasonable, and they even cited low-cost options like water and inexpensive cans of drinks.

The practical value for you: you don’t need to bring your own cooler full of beverages. You can stay hydrated and still keep your day budget-friendly. If you want alcohol, you’ll likely find it less stressful to grab a drink you know you’ll have access to, right when you’re sitting in the shade.

If you’re a soda-first person, claim your included drink early and then decide. It keeps the rest of the day simple.

Boat Comfort, Crew Names, and That Small-Touch Service

The Calypso boat is often described as clean and well equipped, with a sun deck and sheltered seating. People also praised the layout: enough room to spread out, plus comfort items like cushioned seating and beanbag-style lounging (especially helpful when you want a “don’t move, just enjoy the sun” kind of day).

Crew-wise, this is where you notice the difference between a standard tour and a well-run one. Passengers name hosts and guides such as Mia, Eleni, and Rady in positive ways, and the common thread is attention: helpful without hovering, organized without feeling rigid.

A big example: snorkeling support. People mentioned free access to gear like noodles and masks, which makes a visible difference if you’re not the type who naturally knows how to snorkel confidently.

Safety note in human terms: if you’re nervous about swimming, the included flotation helps. One passenger even described using noodles as a confidence step until they felt comfortable enough to swim briefly without them.

What to Bring So the Day Feels Effortless

Here’s your checklist based on what you’ll need for a sea day like this:

• Swimsuit + change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat and sunglasses
• Snorkeling-friendly items if you want them, though gear is provided
• Consider bringing a simple small bag for phones and valuables

Also think about comfort for your after-swim moments. When the water time ends, you’ll want to dry off and get back to shade or deck seating fast.

Is This Cruise for You? Who It Fits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A half-day plan that doesn’t swallow your whole day
• Time in the sea with real scheduled stops
• Lunch included so you don’t need a separate plan
• Snorkeling experiences without bringing your own gear
• A trip that works for mixed ages (kids have options, and the crew helps people feel comfortable)

It may be less ideal if you want a “quiet museum day” vibe or if smoke bothers you. Since one passenger noted smoking onboard when trying to relax, you might want to pick your seating thoughtfully and bring your own patience for a shared boat environment.

Should You Book the Lindos South-East Coast Cruise?

I’d book this if you’re staying around Lindos or the south-east side of Rhodes and you want a straightforward way to get coastline views plus multiple swims in about six hours. The included package is the real selling point: four swim stops, snorkeling equipment, Greek lunch, and at least one included drink, all for a price that’s hard to beat for a full sea-day.

Book it with confidence if:

• You want swim time more than sightseeing stops
• You appreciate meals that don’t require you to hunt down lunch
• You’d rather pay once than nickel-and-dime your way through a day out

Skip it (or be cautious) if:

• You strongly prefer dry, land-based sightseeing
• Smoke sensitivity or crowded-deck anxiety is a major issue for you

If that sounds like you, this cruise is a very practical way to spend your Rhodes time—sun, sea, good food, and enough rhythm to make the day feel like a vacation instead of a checklist.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Lindos cruise?

The cruise lasts 6 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at the docks of Saint Paul’s Bay.

What swim stops are included?

The included swimming stops are Guns of Navarone Bay, Charaki, Kamares Pirate Caves, and Agathi.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You get a Greek lunch onboard, plus fruit platters.

What drinks are included?

You get one soft drink or alcoholic drink per person included. Additional drinks can be purchased onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it during the swim stops.

Can I get a vegan or vegetarian meal?

Yes, but you need to inform the operator at least 24 hours before the trip about dietary preferences or food allergies/intolerances.