A catamaran day is the easy win in Rhodes. I love the nonstop drinks and the real time in the water at Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea Springs, but do note the captain can adjust stops if weather turns sour.

You start from Mandraki Harbour, cruise along the east coast, and get a Greek lunch onboard that actually feels like part of the trip, not just a snack to keep you quiet. It’s a solid 6-hour loop for people who want sun, swimming, and views without planning.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Three classic east-coast stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs
• All-in onboard food and drinks: welcome drink, melekouni sesame treat, Greek lunch, and local wine/beer
• Snorkeling gear + paddleboards included so you can go from lounging to exploring fast
• Plenty of water time with about 1 to 1.5 hours at the main bays
• A smaller-boat feel: many departures run with around 14–20 people, so it’s not a cattle-car vibe
• Crew that keeps it moving: drinks show up regularly, and staff are quick with help in the water

First Steps at Mandraki Harbour: Getting on the Cherry

Mandraki Harbour is the launchpad for this Rhodes catamaran escape, and you’ll want to arrive early—plan on checking in about 20 minutes before departure. The schedule is tight enough that wandering around the docks with sunscreen drying on your arms can make you late.

Once you’re aboard, the vibe is laid-back and organized. The setup is geared for a day that’s half sailing, half swimming: open deck space for sun, plus shaded areas so you’re not stuck baking between swims. One detail I appreciated from the way the boat is used: people don’t seem herded from activity to activity. You can take the day at your pace.

The Cherry Catamaran Experience: Space, service, and a fun crowd

The Cherry Catamaran isn’t an enormous party ship. On multiple departures, the boat reportedly carries around 14 to 20 people, even though the overall maximum is higher. That matters because it changes the feel. You get room to move, spread out on the deck, and find a comfortable spot to watch the coastline slide by.

Service is one of the best parts of the day. Drinks are not a one-time setup. The crew circulates and keeps the beverage rhythm going, including beer, wine, and soft drinks. If you’re planning to spend most of your time in swimwear, that “help is always there” feeling is surprisingly calming.

Entertainment is mellow rather than loud. There’s often music in the background, but it stays in the “day out” lane. And because the staff are attentive, you can ask for snorkel help or paddleboard instructions without turning it into an event.

Rhodes from the Water: How the cruising time actually works

After a quick start in Rhodes Old Town for a short orientation and local snacks, the boat settles into sailing mode. Then the day alternates between brief cruise stretches and longer swim stops, which is exactly what you want on a 6-hour trip.

Here’s the rhythm you should expect:

• You cruise for a bit, then
• you hit a main bay,
• then there’s a short sail to the next stop,
• then another main swim window.

The sweet spot is that you’re not stuck doing one long stretch of open water with nothing to do. You also avoid the problem of “too many stops, not enough time,” because the main bays are given meaningful time blocks.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Emerald water, film-location fame, and water toys

Anthony Quinn Bay is the “wow” stop on many Rhodes days, and for good reason. The water is described as emerald-colored, with lush vegetation around the cove. It’s also famous because part of the film The Guns of Navarone was filmed here, and Anthony Quinn himself fell for the place.

What you’ll do here is the best mix: swimming, snorkeling, and using the included flotation options. If you want to be active, you can also canoe or stand up paddleboard during this stop. If you just want to float, the noodle floaties and paddleboard gear help you enjoy the water without committing to a full workout.

A practical tip: if you plan to snorkel, don’t rush the first few minutes. Give yourself time to get comfortable with the water and the gear before you head out toward where fish are most likely to be spotted.

Ladiko Bay Lunch Stop: Eat in the bay, then keep swimming

Ladiko Bay is where the day slows down enough for lunch to feel like a break rather than an interruption. It’s described as a scenic beach and an easy place to unwind.

This is also the stop where you’ll get lunch onboard. The lunch spread is Greek-leaning, with salads and dips doing the heavy lifting. You’ll also find hot items like chicken and rice, plus freshly baked bread. The point isn’t fine dining. The point is that it’s served in a setting where you’re still surrounded by water, not stuck eating indoors while everyone else is out swimming.

After lunch, you don’t have to “recover” like you would on a land tour. You can immediately go back to the bay and snorkel or swim, using the same gear you already got comfortable with.

Kallithea Springs: Vatican-style structures and top snorkeling chances

Kallithea Springs is the final big water stop, and it’s a favorite because it combines scenery with snorkeling time. The bay is known for Vatican-style structures, and it’s described as a top spot for snorkeling thanks to clear, azure-blue-looking water.

This stop includes swimming plus time for snorkeling and canoeing. There’s also a cocktail element mentioned for this section of the day, which helps the end of the tour feel a little like a celebration rather than a rush to disembark.

If you’re the type who wants to leave Rhodes with strong water photos and real “in-the-water” memories, this is the last chance for that. Go in ready: sunscreen on, snorkel gear set, towel packed. One less small thing to think about means you get more time actually enjoying the bay.

Food and drinks: What’s included and why it’s good value

This is an all-inclusive catamaran day, and the value is clear when you look at what’s baked into the ticket.

You’ll start with:

• a welcome drink
• a traditional Rhodian sesame honey treat called melekouni

Then for the main meal, you get Mediterranean lunch on board, including Greek salad, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad, dolmadakia, olives and feta, assorted dips like tzatziki and eggplant spread, plus chicken and rice. Freshly baked bread and seasonal fruit are included as well. There are also local snacks.

On the drinks side, it’s not stingy. You get water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer. Drinks are served repeatedly throughout the day, rather than handed out once at the beginning.

One small heads-up based on real-world experience: soft drink variety can be limited. In at least one case, the options seemed narrowed to things like cola or orange juice. If you care about specific mixer brands or fancy mixers, don’t assume a long soda menu.

Snorkeling, paddleboards, and the “active or relaxed” balance

The Cherry Catamaran makes a strong case for choosing the water toys that match your mood. Snorkeling equipment is included, and paddleboards are available. Floating pool noodles and life jackets are on hand, which helps a lot if you want to spend time relaxing without worrying about comfort.

The overall setup supports mixed comfort levels. One person in particular mentioned their spouse usually gets seasick, but the trip didn’t cause issues. Catamarans can feel more stable than smaller boats, and the day is planned around sheltered swim stops rather than constant rough-water cruising.

Still, don’t ignore the practical side: one review mentioned that some snorkeling gear was broken. That doesn’t mean it will happen on your departure, but it’s smart to check your gear early once onboard. If something isn’t working, ask the crew to help you swap it out.

And if you’re considering paddleboarding: it’s a fun challenge. If you fall in, at least you’re already in the water. That’s the kind of logic this day supports.

What to pack for Rhodes water time (and one footwear note)

The essentials are straightforward:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen

If you want to be extra comfortable at all stops, pack water shoes. One passenger described a walk in a small cave area with sharp rocks. You don’t need full hiking boots, but grippy water shoes can save your feet.

Also bring a plan for drying off. Most of your time is on deck and in the sun, so a towel is useful throughout, not just at the end.

Price and Logistics: Why $82 feels fair for what you get

At about $82 per person for a 6-hour cruise, the pricing makes sense because you’re not paying extra for the big-ticket items.

You get:

• onboard lunch
• snacks and fruit
• unlimited water/soft drinks plus local wine and beer
• snorkeling equipment
• paddleboards and water flotation gear

A land-only plan of “boat trip + lunch + drinks + snorkeling gear” in Rhodes can add up fast, especially once you start paying separately for each element. One comparison shared in feedback was that a self-drive boat rental for just a few hours cost a lot more, while this catamaran trip covered the water time plus food and drinks.

So the real question isn’t just the price. It’s whether you want your day packaged around water time without extra bills. If yes, this is a strong value.

Who should book this catamaran escape?

I’d point you here if you want:

• swimming and snorkeling time at multiple bays without planning
• a day that feels relaxed but not boring
• a straightforward setup with lunch and drinks included
• a trip that’s more “enjoy the water” than “tour the land”

It also works well if you’re traveling with friends or family who have different energy levels. Some people paddle and snorkel hard. Others mostly lounge and swim in short bursts. The day supports both.

If you’re vegetarian, you’ll likely find plenty of salad-and-dip options, since dips and salads are part of the included lunch. But the lunch menu also includes chicken, so you may want to plan around that and confirm what’s easiest for your diet during the meal.

Should you book the Cherry Catamaran in Rhodes?

Yes—if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, at least a couple real swimming windows, and lunch and drinks without thinking about the bill. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs gives you a lot of “different” coastline in just 6 hours.

Book with two realistic expectations:

1) Weather can change the exact route and swim stops, since the captain may adjust for safety.

2) Like any shared-gear setup, snorkeling equipment can be imperfect, so check your gear early.

If those points don’t scare you, this is one of the easiest ways to feel like you saw Rhodes from the best angle—the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Cherry Catamaran trip?

The duration is 6 hours.

What places does the catamaran visit?

The trip visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

What food and drinks are included?

You get a welcome drink, a traditional Rhodian sesame honey treat (melekouni), snacks, seasonal fruit, and a Greek lunch served onboard. Drinks include water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer.

Is snorkeling and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are included, plus floating pool noodles and life jackets.

Where do I meet the tour?

You meet at the desk in Mandraki Harbour. Arrive about 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Can the route or stops change?

Yes. The captain can modify the route and swimming stops depending on weather conditions and for safety reasons.