Rhodes from the sea changes everything. This 5.5-hour cruise is a simple way to see Rhodes’ best swimming spots without renting anything. You get a classic wooden boat ride, three anchored stops, and plenty of sea time with snorkel gear included.

I love the rhythm of this trip: 50 minutes at each stop for swimming and snorkeling, so you’re not stuck in transit all day. I also like that the crew keeps the day moving and feels genuinely invested, with the vibe set early at check-in near Royal Sailing Rhodes.

One thing to consider: the itinerary is tightly paced, so if you want long, slow beach stretches, 50 minutes can feel short. Also, boarding is via stairs, which may matter for anyone who struggles with steps.

Key things I’d plan around

• Three anchored swim stops with about 50 minutes each
• Snorkeling equipment and floats included on board
• Buffet lunch plus snacks with local Greek choices
• Unlimited drinks including beer and red/white wine
• Boat comforts like a shower, restroom, and WiFi onboard
• Small-ish group with a maximum of 35 people

Rhodes Day Cruise basics: what you’re paying for and what you’re getting

This is a Rhodes day cruise from Royal Sailing Rhodes, starting at 10:00am, and ending back at the same place. The total time on the water is about 5 hours 30 minutes, and the group stays under 35 people, which helps keep the day from feeling chaotic.

The price is $72.56 per person, which is a fair match for what’s included: lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a boat that takes you between three separate swimming areas. If you’re comparing it to renting a car plus buying food and drinks yourself, this often comes out to a calmer and simpler deal.

You’ll also get a mobile ticket in English, plus confirmation at booking time. The big “asterisk” is weather: if conditions aren’t right, the operator will offer a different date or a refund.

Royal Sailing Rhodes boat: comfort details that matter in real life

This cruise uses a traditional wooden boat, and you’ll see the difference right away in the feel. Expect a mix of seating around the deck, with cushioned areas and relaxed spots where you can watch the coastline slide by.

Onboard, you’re not limited to just holding your drink. There’s a restroom on board, plus a shower, which is useful if you’re snorkeling and want to rinse off before heading back into town. WiFi is also included, so you can post photos (or check messages) without hunting for signal.

Two practical notes from real-day experience: (1) you should arrive early to secure good spots, and (2) getting back onto the boat is via stairs. If steps are an issue for you, factor that into your decision before you commit.

Three swim stops in one day: how the pacing really works

You’ll make three main stops, and each one is built around a short window in the water: about 50 minutes to swim and snorkel. That means you’ll spend less time traveling than you would on a bus tour, but you also won’t have the type of long beach day where you fully settle in.

Your belongings stay on board while you head in. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and floats are available too, which is a big help if you’re not a confident swimmer but still want to try snorkeling.

The pacing also means you’ll want to be ready when the crew calls it. If you wander around tying every last strap while others are boarding, you’ll feel it immediately.

Stop 1: Afandou Beach for calm swimming and lunch underway

Afandou Beach is your first swim stop, with about 50 minutes to relax, swim, and snorkel. This is the kind of quiet beach break that’s easy to enjoy without feeling rushed or crowded. You’ll jump in with your gear, then settle back and recover before the next hop.

What makes this stop extra useful is that lunch is part of the plan here. After your swim, you’ll find a lunch buffet with vegetarian dishes, plus a local mix that tends to hit the right note after time in salt air.

Drinks are included with the lunch too, with red or white wine available. If you’re trying to avoid the late-day “everything is closed” problem, this early-meal setup is genuinely handy.

Practical drawback: because lunch is timed around the swim window, you’ll want to grab food efficiently right after you return, especially if the boat gets busy.

Stop 2: Anthony Quinn Bay for clear water and easy snorkeling

The second stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached on a traditional wooden boat. This is widely considered the highlight for many people because the water can look dramatically clear and the cove feels special once you’re floating.

You get about 50 minutes here as well, and snorkeling equipment is provided. Many people like this stop because it feels calm enough to enjoy snorkeling without a constant fight against waves, assuming typical conditions.

What I like about this stop as a travel experience is that it doesn’t require real effort. You don’t need to search for a beach, rent gear, or plan a route. You just show up, put on the kit, and enjoy the water.

If you’re hoping to spend most of your day in the sea, this is the stop where you’ll probably want to take extra care with your timing, since the day moves on whether you feel ready or not.

Stop 3: Kallithea Springs for your last splash in crystal-clear water

Your final stop is Kalithea Springs, again with about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The goal here is straightforward: get one last shot at clear water before you head back.

This stop works well because by the time you reach it, you’ve already found your groove. You know where to stash your stuff, you’ve figured out how long it takes to swap between boat and water, and you’re less likely to waste time fussing around.

One consideration: this is the final stop, so you might feel the day compress. If you prefer a slower wind-down, keep your energy for the end and don’t spend your first swim time trying to do everything at once.

Lunch and drinks: does unlimited beer and wine actually make it better?

This cruise doesn’t just toss in a cookie and call it “all-inclusive.” The included lunch is a real buffet with multiple options, including chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, olives, bread, and items like ndolmadakia. Snacks like fruits and water are also included.

On the drinks side, you’ll find beer, plus white and red wine, along with soda options like Pepsi and orange/lemon Fanta, plus juice. Coffee and/or tea are available too.

Two practical benefits come from this setup. First, you don’t waste your time deciding where to eat once you get hungry. Second, you avoid paying for the basic “vacation rhythm” that can quietly balloon on day trips.

What’s not included matters if you’re a cocktail person: standard pricing doesn’t include cocktails, which are available for purchase separately. Also, flippers and towels are not included, even though snorkeling equipment is.

What to bring (and what you can skip)

Snorkeling gear is provided, and floats are available, so you can show up with mostly just yourself. That said, there are a few smart additions.

Bring:

• Your swimsuit (because you’ll likely want to change quickly between boat and water)
• Sunscreen and a hat for deck time
• Sunglasses with a strap if you hate losing them

You should plan on:

• No towels included
• No flippers included (so if you use them, bring your own)
• A light cover-up for the boat ride back if you get chilly after swimming

Also, consider that you’ll be walking around the marina area before boarding. Comfortable shoes help, especially if you’re doing old-town sightseeing right before or after the cruise.

Getting to the dock on time: Royal Sailing Rhodes meeting point

You’ll start at Royal Sailing Rhodes at Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point, so you don’t have to solve the “how do I get back?” puzzle.

Start time is 10:00am, and the best tip here is simple: arrive early enough to find the boat, get oriented, and settle in. One helpful check-in hint is to look for the booth that says Royal Sailing along the marina when you arrive.

If you’re coming from a cruise ship, give yourself extra buffer. Boats can leave on schedule, and missing the departure can ruin the whole day.

Who this cruise fits best in your Rhodes trip

This is a great choice if you want a Rhodes beach day without building a full plan. It’s especially good for:

• People who want snorkeling but don’t want the hassle of renting gear and figuring out locations
• Anyone who likes value: lunch and drinks are handled for you
• Groups that want to mix sea time with a relaxed onboard atmosphere
• Families and groups including teens, because the stops are fun and the schedule is simple

It may be less ideal if:

• You need longer than 50 minutes in the water at each stop
• You don’t handle stairs well when boarding and returning to the boat
• You only care about cocktails and expect them included in the main price

If you’re the type who wants photos, swimming, and good food without a lot of logistics, this one is made for that.

Should you book the Rhodes Day Cruise?

I’d book this cruise if your ideal Rhodes day looks like: three swim stops, included snorkeling time, a real Greek lunch, and unlimited beer and wine while you sail. The boat setup, restroom and shower on board, and the overall “everything’s managed” approach make it feel easy, especially if you’re juggling limited vacation time.

I’d think twice if you’re picky about time in the water. With about 50 minutes per stop, the day is designed for variety, not for staying anchored in one place all afternoon. And if stairs are a deal-breaker for you, factor that in before you commit.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Day Cruise?

It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start?

The start time is 10:00am.

Where does the cruise meet and end?

It meets at Royal Sailing Rhodes, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise includes use of snorkeling equipment, alcoholic beverages (beer and red/white wine), soft drinks, bottled water, snacks (including fruit), and lunch. Coffee or tea is also included.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and floats are available.

Are towels and flippers included?

No. Towels and flippers are not included.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, olives, bread, and ndolmadakia, plus snacks like fruit.

What drinks are included and are cocktails included?

Beer and red/white wine are included, along with soft drinks like Pepsi and Fanta, plus juice. Cocktails are not included in the standard price and are available for purchase separately.

What happens if weather is bad?

The cruise requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What’s the group size?

The tour has a maximum of 35 travelers.