Rhodes by water, with lunch and wine included. This 6-hour cruise from Mandraki Port takes you to classic Rhodes bays for time on deck, swimming, and snorkeling, plus an onboard Greek buffet and unlimited local white and rose wine. You also get a slow, scenic cruise along the east coast landmarks between the stops.

I really like the combo here: you’re not just watching the water from a chair. You get proper swim-and-snorkel time in multiple bays, and the food is Greek buffet style prepared onboard, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. Wine is kept flowing without you having to constantly hunt for a refill.

One thing to consider: the boat stays at anchor at each bay. That means getting to shore requires swimming, so it’s not the right pick if you want a totally dry beach day.

Key Highlights That Matter

• Multiple swim-and-snorkel stops so you’re not stuck waiting around
• Greek buffet lunch onboard with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Unlimited local white and rose wine served chilled
• Comfortable deck time with music playing through the sound system
• Snorkel gear included (ask for masks/snorkels at the bar)
• Bay scenery you can’t fake: Kalithea Springs, Afandou area caves, and Anthony Quinn Bay

Mandraki Port Departure: You Start the Day at Rhodes Level

Most day tours on Rhodes feel like a “get somewhere, do one thing” plan. This one feels more like you’re joining the coastline.

You’re welcomed on board starting around 9:45am, then the cruise kicks off at 10:15am from the historic Mandraki old port. From there, you’ll cruise along the east coast with big recognizable sights passing by, including St. Nicholas Fortress, the medieval old city, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Fontana Grande, and Rams Rock. It’s the kind of route where you can take photos from deck without the pressure of rushing ashore.

Practical tip: bring a hat and sunscreen early. Once you’re out on the open water, you’ll feel the sun fast, and the best deck time happens before you settle into the swim routine.

Kalithea Springs: Famous Waterfront Views Plus Real Water Time

Your first swim-and-snorkel stop is Kalithea Bay. This is one of those places where the scenery is part of the experience, not just background. You’re positioned near the Kalithea Springs seaside monument, which blends nature, architecture, and history in a way that looks great from the boat and even better when you’re actually in the water.

You’ll have about an hour here, with time to:

• swim and snorkel
• take photos
• lounge on deck with music
• check out marine life (with the gear provided)

Because the boat stays at anchor, you’ll need to get to the waterline by swimming. The good news is that snorkeling gear and safety items are included, so you’re not scrambling for equipment right when you arrive.

Also, if you’re the type who loves a slow first swim—this is it. You’re warmed up, the rhythm of the day is clear, and you’re not rushing to the next bay.

Afandou and the Traganou Area: Beach Stretch, Caves, and Lunch Timing

After Kalithea, you cruise south past Faliraki, then head toward Afandou—a beach stretch about 4 km long. The area is known for the Caves of Traganou, and you’ll get enough time to see the coast up close rather than just glance at it from the water.

Here, you get another about an hour, and your options are simple:

• swim and snorkel
• walk along the beach area when you want a break from water
• explore the cave area (from the shore side you can access)
• jump off rocks if that’s your thing

What makes Afandou a smart stop is how lunch fits the mood. The plan is to set up the buffet onboard fresh while you’re building an appetite after the first two water breaks.

The Greek Buffet Lunch Is Part of the Value

The onboard lunch is a Greek buffet with traditional-style recipes plus vegetarian options. Based on what you’ll commonly see in the buffet spread, plan for items like bread rolls, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, and at least one pasta-style dish (and they can handle dietary needs if you tell them when you arrive). You’ll also have water available.

Then there’s the wine. They serve chilled local white and rose wine, and the experience runs on the “keep it topped up” idea—so you’re not stuck waiting in line for refills.

If you want a “food first, then water” day, this cruise does that without feeling awkward. You eat after you’ve worked up an appetite, and you’re still back on the boat before the day feels long.

Bar Setup: Happy Prices for Extra Drinks

Wine is part of the cruise deal. If you want more variety, there’s a bar with drinks at “happy prices,” including cocktails and champagne. Extra drinks cost extra, of course, but the bar gives you an option if you’re in a celebratory mood after lunch.

Cruising Past Big Rock Formations: The Scenic Middle That Most Tours Skip

After lunch, you don’t just sit in transit mode. You keep cruising past huge rock formations that lead you toward the Anthony Quinn Bay area. This stretch matters because it keeps the day from turning into stop-start chaos.

You’ll be on deck with music playing through the sound system. This is also where the day can shift from sightseeing into social mode. The cruise has a “parea” vibe—people connecting, chatting, and generally having fun rather than only watching.

So if you’re traveling solo, or you want a low-effort way to meet people without going to a nightclub, this part of the trip often does the job.

Anthony Quinn Bay: The Actor Story, the Water Variety, and the Wildlife

The final major swim-and-snorkel stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, named for the actor who fell in love with the area and bought the land while filming Guns of Navarone. The land was later reclaimed by the Greek government in 1984, which adds a little extra context as you approach the bay.

This stop tends to be the “favorite” for many people because the bay feels like a mini-world of its own:

• the water is inviting for swimming and snorkeling
• there’s plenty to look at from the surface
• you may spot fish and marine life when you’re snorkeling
• you’ll have time for photos and deck relaxation

You’ll get about an hour here, plus the possibility of scuba during the scheduled time window (the plan includes it at this stop). If scuba isn’t for you, you can still spend the entire hour focusing on snorkeling and just floating and looking around.

A small but useful tip: ask about snorkel gear

Some people miss this because it’s not always obvious at first glance. If you want snorkels right away, ask at the bar for the snorkel masks/snorkels—gear availability is part of how the day runs smoothly.

Deck Comfort and the Soundtrack: When the Boat Feels Like the Activity

A big part of why this works is the boat itself. You’re on a vessel with spacious, comfortable decks, and the day is designed so you’re always within easy reach of:

• seating and shade (when you find it)
• the water access points
• the bar area
• the buffet table during lunch

Music plays via the boat’s sound system, and the atmosphere can turn into a light party vibe on the ride back. One fun detail from the description: there’s even a moment where people may sing, dance, and learn the Greek Zorba dance depending on the mood.

That’s a big difference from rigid tours where the soundtrack is just announcements and the energy is forced. Here, the tone is more relaxed.

If it gets breezy, you’ll want a layer

Not every day will feel like summer calm. Some days are breezy, especially moving between bays. Bring a light cardigan or layer so you don’t feel chilled when you’re out on the water after lunch.

What to Bring (and What Will Actually Help)

The essentials are straightforward, but bring them thinking about how the day flows:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Comfortable shoes (for getting around onboard and any shore moments)
• If you have one: a way to keep your phone safe

One extra practical suggestion: if you’ve got a waterproof camera or phone bag, it’s worth it. You’ll be swimming and snorkeling, and you’ll likely wish you captured shots when you’re in the water or exploring around the bay areas.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This cruise fits best if you want a Rhodes day that mixes:

• scenic cruising
• real water time in multiple bays
• food that doesn’t feel like a sad boxed lunch
• an easy social atmosphere

It’s a great match for couples and friends who want a fun half-day plan with a built-in picnic vibe, and it’s also a smart solo option if you like chatting with people while still having a structured schedule.

It’s less ideal if you:

• hate swimming or aren’t comfortable getting off the boat into anchored bays
• want a strict “stay on land the whole time” itinerary
• dislike any kind of water exposure (the cruise is built around swimming)

Price and Value: Why $69 Feels Fair for This Setup

At $69 per person for a 6-hour outing, the value mostly comes down to what’s included:

• Greek buffet lunch onboard
• unlimited local wine (white and rose)
• water
• snorkeling masks plus pool noodles and life vests
• multiple swim-and-snorkel opportunities in different bays

Many Rhodes tours sell you on the boat ride, then charge separately for snacks or basic drinks and make you choose between “swim” and “sightseeing.” Here, you get the swim part as a core feature, and food and wine support the relaxed rhythm of the day.

So the question isn’t just whether $69 is low. It’s whether you’ll actually use what’s included—swim time, snorkeling gear, and lunch and wine. If you will, this is one of the easiest ways to get a full day feeling without spending your whole day on transport.

Should You Book This Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise?

Book it if you want an easy day that feels like Rhodes is happening around you—sun, coast views, multiple water stops, and a Greek lunch with wine included. The mix of deck comfort, swim-and-snorkel time at Kalithea Springs, Afandou/Traganou caves area, and Anthony Quinn Bay is exactly what makes this stand out.

Skip it (or think hard) if you don’t want to swim from an anchored boat to get to shore. Since the cruise is built around water access, it’s not a “comfortable chairs only” experience. And if you’re sensitive to breeze, pack a light layer so the wind doesn’t ruin your deck time.

If you can handle water access and you’ll enjoy snorkeling, I’d treat this as a top priority day on your Rhodes trip.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6 hours.

Where do I meet the cruise?

Meet the provider at Mandraki Port, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace. The crew will be wearing blue shorts and red striped shirts.

What’s included with the ticket?

Snorkel stops, a Greek buffet lunch, local white and rose wine, water, snorkeling masks plus pool noodles and life vests, and music through the boat sound system.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?

Yes. The buffet includes vegetarian and vegan choices, and there are gluten-free choices available.

Do I need to swim to reach the shore?

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

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an extra fee.

What about extra drinks from the bar?

Additional bar drinks like cocktails and champagne are available for an extra fee.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is there cancellation flexibility?

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