Rhodes looks better from the sea, not the road. This all-inclusive catamaran cruise takes you along the east coast with timed swim stops in some of the island’s clearest water, plus onboard Greek food and drinks. I like the small maximum group size (24 passengers plus crew), because you actually feel room to breathe on a 6-hour outing, not herded from one thing to the next.

My other big plus is the way they time the day around swimming: you get real water time at Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Bay, then you finish with Kalithea Springs. You’ll be looked after by friendly crew members such as Andreas, Hope, and Dimitri, and the captain can adjust the plan if weather turns. One consideration: the boat stays at anchor in each bay, so getting to shore is by water entry. If you’re not comfortable swimming or can’t do that easily, this won’t feel like the right fit.

Key highlights at a glance

• Small-group comfort: Up to 24 passengers plus crew makes the vibe relaxed.
• Swim-first beach stops: Several bays with snorkel gear, pool noodles, and life jackets.
• All-inclusive onboard eating: Greek buffet lunch, plus a tortilla snack and fresh fruit.
• Unlimited drinks from midday: Wine and beer starting at 12:00, plus soft drinks and water all day.
• Two boat styles: Sailing catamaran keeps it simple; power catamaran adds Afandou Caves/Beach.
• Weather-aware captain: Route and swim stops can change depending on conditions.

From Mandraki Harbor to the east coast: what your 6 hours feel like

This tour is built for one goal: a chilled day on Rhodes’ east side where the water is the main attraction. You start at Mandraki Harbor at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk, then you cruise out to a sequence of bays and springs with boat-at-anchor swim stops. The result is a day that feels like a “floating base” you return to, rather than a constant bus-and-walk rhythm.

The timing works because each stop is long enough to do something real. At Anthony Quinn Bay you get about an hour in the water, and Ladiko Bay also lands at about an hour. Then Kalithea Springs rounds things out with 45–60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Between those stops, you get cruising time to sit in the sun, take photos, and cool down from the heat without feeling like the schedule is dragging.

A practical detail that affects how the day feels: the crew keeps the boat stays at anchor in each bay. That means you don’t hop off onto a dock. You’ll swim from where the boat is anchored. Plan on wearing your swimwear and moving comfortably in open water, because the “shore break” part is on you.

Sailing vs Power catamaran: choosing the right route for your day

You’ll pick between a Sailing catamaran and a Power catamaran, and the difference is mostly about which swim stops you get.

If you choose the Sailing option, your stops are:

• Anthony Quinn Bay
• Ladiko Bay
• Kalithea Bay/Springs (the final swim stop)

If you choose the Power option, you get everything the sailing route covers, plus:

• Afandou Beach / Afandou Caves as an extra stop

So if your priority is an extra scenery moment (and you’re okay with another full stop), power is the way to go. If you want a simpler, classic “sail along the coast” experience, sailing is excellent.

Also, pay attention to which type you booked because the boat you’re on controls the number of bays. The cruise is only 6 hours, so you want that time to match your “must-see” list.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the fish-feeding snorkel stop you’ll remember

The first swim stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, where the water views are the whole point. You’ll have about 1 hour to swim and snorkel, and you don’t just get the coastline view from deck—you get to get into the water quickly once you arrive.

One of the more memorable details here is the crew’s bread-feeding moment. The crew throws bread into the sea, and colorful fish gather around as you explore. That turns snorkel gear from a “nice-to-have” into an actual activity, even if you’re a first-timer. If you’ve only snorkeled once before, this is the kind of stop where confidence comes fast.

What to bring and how to plan around it:

• Swimwear and a towel matter because you’ll be in and out.
• Sunscreen and a hat matter because the deck time happens under strong Mediterranean sun.
• Sunglasses help for deck cruising and sun glare.

One small reality check: you’re anchoring and entering from the boat. If water entry is a struggle for you, you might find this first stop more tiring than relaxing.

Ladiko Bay: clear water, calmer vibe, easy snorkeling

Your second major swim stop is Ladiko Bay, with about 60 minutes in the water. This one is often appreciated because it feels quieter and more protected. You’ll have time to float, snorkel, and just enjoy how clear the water looks when you’re floating above it.

If you like snorkeling but don’t want the chaotic “everyone is moving at once” feeling, this is a strong match. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, plus floating pool noodles and life jackets, so you can choose how active you want to be. That flexibility is a big deal on a mixed-ability day—some people want fins and fish, others just want to float and cool off.

Also, this is a good place to slow down. The tour format gives you a real hour here, which means you’re not constantly waiting for the next horn or drop-everything moment.

Afandou Caves on the power catamaran: what you gain

If you booked the power catamaran, you get an extra stop at Afandou Beach/Caves, and it’s built into the day as additional swimming and exploring time. It’s the kind of stop that adds variety: it’s not just another flat swim beach, and it gives you a different coastline look.

Because your day is only 6 hours total, adding this stop works best if you’re the type who likes variety without feeling rushed. If you already know you mainly want the three signature Rhodes swim areas, sailing is enough. But if you want one more “this looks different from the last bay” moment, power is worth it.

The tradeoff is simple: more stops means a busier rhythm. You’ll still get lunch onboard, but your water time gets distributed across more locations.

Kalithea Springs finish: where the day slows down

Your final swimming stop is Kalithea Springs, with 45–60 minutes to swim and snorkel before heading back. This is a great closer because it feels like a treat at the end, not just the last box to check.

If you’re doing the cruise as a break from Rhodes town sightseeing, this final stop is the one that makes the whole day feel like it was worth leaving land. You get water time right before you return to port, so it doesn’t feel like you’re traveling all day and only seeing water briefly.

Keep in mind the same anchor reality: you’ll enter from the boat and then swim back. Plan your energy accordingly. With 45–60 minutes, you don’t need to race—but you do want to be comfortable once you’re in.

Onboard lunch and snacks: a Greek buffet that feels like more than filler

Midday is when the tour earns its “all-inclusive” name. Lunch is served onboard as a Mediterranean buffet featuring items like grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh baked local bread. They also include a breakfast tortilla snack, plus a cup of fresh seasonal fruits.

This matters for two reasons.

First, lunch isn’t arriving when you’re starving and sunburnt. It’s happening after you’ve had swim time and you’re ready to sit down, rehydrate, and reset.

Second, the buffet format helps if you’re picky. You can eat light—bread, salad, tzatziki, hummus—or go more filling with chicken and the salads. One review mentioned the chef handling dietary needs, so the team appears used to making adjustments.

Is it gourmet fine dining? No. But it tastes like a real effort for a boat day, and that’s exactly what you want on a 6-hour cruise.

Unlimited wine, beer, and the real meaning of “all-inclusive”

From 12:00 PM, drinks are unlimited wine and beer, plus unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water. That removes one of the annoying parts of island days: you don’t need to spend your time tracking down beverages or figuring out cash payments.

The vibe onboard tends to be social once lunch hits, because drinks are available while you eat and then while you relax after. The crew also makes the rules clear: the captain can stop alcoholic drinks if someone seems intoxicated. That keeps things comfortable for everyone.

My practical advice: treat the drinks like part of the pacing. Sip with lunch, and then use the remaining time to enjoy the water calmly. With multiple swim stops, you’ll still feel the sun and the salt whether you’re drinking or not.

The vibe on a 41-foot catamaran: comfort, space, and crew care

The catamaran is set up for comfort. There’s outdoor shower, indoor toilets, snorkeling equipment, floating pool noodles, and life jackets. It’s the kind of setup that works for families, couples, and solo travelers because the crew can help you match your comfort level.

Size is a quiet hero here. With a maximum of 24 passengers plus crew, it doesn’t feel packed. Many people liked finding good spots for photos and relaxing, including better deck seating. If you want prime sun views and an easy sightline to the bays, I’d aim to get a good position early after boarding.

One minor drawback to be aware of: indoor toilets are included, but some people have said they aren’t always kept as clean as you’d hope. If that would bother you, consider using outdoor rinses and planning your bathroom timing like you would on any boat day.

When the weather changes, you’ll still be in good hands

Rhodes weather can flip quickly, especially in shoulder seasons. The captain reserves the right to change the route and swimming stops depending on conditions. In at least one weather shift, the crew explained options and waited it out to protect the day, then adapted once conditions improved.

So if your idea of a perfect day is “swim, eat, swim, repeat,” know that there’s a safety-first approach. You’re not going to steam ahead blindly. Instead, the crew works to keep your time on the water meaningful even if clouds roll in.

Who should book this Rhodes catamaran cruise, and who shouldn’t

This is a great pick if you want:

• a relaxing day on the water without renting a boat
• multiple swim and snorkeling stops rather than one quick swim
• lunch and drinks handled for you
• a small-group experience with a friendly, English-speaking guide/crew

It’s also a solid family choice because the swim stops are set up so people can jump in safely with provided gear. If kids are with you, the crew is used to making the day smooth for families, and the schedule gives enough time at each bay to take a break.

Skip it if:

• you have mobility impairments, because the cruise isn’t described as accessible
• you’re not comfortable swimming from an anchored boat
• you hate boats and deck time enough that the idea of being on water for 6 hours would stress you out

In plain terms: it’s an easy cruise if you’re comfortable in the water and want a day that feels like the sea is the main character.

Should you book this tour?

I’d book it if your Rhodes trip includes at least one day where you want to trade walking for swimming. The value is strong for a few reasons: the group size is small, you get real snorkeling time at multiple bays, and lunch plus drinks are genuinely included rather than a token snack. For $83 for 6 hours, you’re mostly paying for the boat time and the convenience of someone else handling the food and drink logistics.

Choose the sailing catamaran if you want the classic three-bay plan and a quieter route. Choose the power catamaran if Afandou Caves/Beach is on your radar and you want that extra stop.

If you’re unsure, use this rule of thumb: if you’re comfortable getting in the water from an anchored boat and you like the idea of a relaxed schedule with a real lunch onboard, this is one of the easiest ways to experience Rhodes’ east coast without overplanning.

FAQ

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

What’s the difference between the sailing and power catamaran?

The sailing catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay. The power catamaran also includes Afandou Beach/Caves, in addition to Anthony Quinn Bay, Kalithea Bay, and Ladiko Bay.

Do you swim from the boat or get a shore landing?

The boat stays at anchor in each bay. To get to the shore, you need to swim.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floating pool noodles and life jackets.

What’s included for food and drinks?

Lunch is a Mediterranean buffet served onboard, including grilled chicken, salads, tzatziki, hummus, olives, feta, and fresh bread. You also get a breakfast tortilla snack, fresh seasonal fruit, and unlimited drinks (wine and beer from 12:00 PM, plus juice, soft drinks, and bottled water).

Is there a toilet onboard?

Yes, there are indoor toilets, plus an outdoor shower.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for mobility impairments?

No, it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What booking options and cancellation rules are available?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.