A private catamaran carries you along Rhodes’ east coast, away from the crowds and harbor traffic, with time to swim in three famous bays and eat lunch on board. The best part is the small private group, since your party can spread out instead of sharing the day with a packed boat.

I like the calm pace and the fact that soft drinks are available all day, not just with lunch. I also like the New Marina departure, which is about 1 kilometer from Rhodes Town and has free parking nearby. The main consideration is the price: at $1,850 for up to 11 people, it makes the most sense for a full group, not a couple or solo visitor.

Key points to know before booking

• Private catamaran for up to 11 people: Your group gets the boat to itself.
• Three planned swimming areas: Stops include Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, and Kallithea Springs.
• Lunch and drinks included: Greek lunch and lunchtime alcohol are included, with unlimited soft drinks all day.
• New Marina departure: You avoid the more crowded Mandraki harbor area and can use nearby free parking.
• Six hours on the water: The day balances sailing, swimming, lunch, and time to relax on deck.
• Weather can change the plan: Swimming locations and timing may be adjusted according to conditions.

A private day on Rhodes’ east coast

This is less a sightseeing tour with a long list of stops and more a day at sea with scenery along the way. You sail from Rhodes New Marina, pause at attractive bays, swim in clear water, eat lunch, and return to the same marina six hours later.

The private format changes the mood. You are not joining a large public boat where every minute is fixed around dozens of people. With a maximum of 11 passengers, you have room to sit, chat, stretch out, and move between the swimming stops without feeling like you are part of a floating crowd.

That said, private does not mean custom-built in every detail. The route follows a planned pattern, and the crew may change the swimming stops if the weather or sea conditions require it. You get privacy and a small group, but you still need to accept the limits of a sailing day.

Leaving from New Marina instead of Mandraki

The meeting point is outside the Naval Bar / Restaurant, on the marina side. This is at the New Marina, roughly 1 kilometer from the center of Rhodes Town.

For many visitors, this is a useful practical advantage. You avoid the noise and traffic around Mandraki harbor, and there are many free parking spaces close to the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to make your own way there.

If you are staying in Rhodes Town, the short distance should be easy to manage. If you are driving, allow enough time to find the meeting point and park without rushing. Bring your towel and beachwear from the start. You will want them close at hand once the boat reaches its first swimming area.

The first 75 minutes under sail

The opening sailing stretch lasts about 75 minutes. This is your chance to settle into the catamaran, find a comfortable place to sit, and get used to the motion of the boat before the first swim.

The sailing time is part of the appeal, not just transportation between stops. You get open views of the east coast of Rhodes, sea air, and a slower rhythm than you would find on a land-based sightseeing trip. The boat has space for everyone in a group of eight, according to the available guest feedback, and the catamaran was described as clean and comfortable.

You should still remember that a catamaran is a moving boat. The activity is not suitable for people prone to seasickness, and it is not recommended for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. If you are unsure about sea travel, this is worth considering before you pay.

Swimming at Anthony Quinn Bay

The first scheduled stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, with about 50 minutes for swimming. The bay is one of the best-known coastal stops on Rhodes, and the appeal here is simple: get into the water, cool off, and enjoy the setting from the sea rather than from a road or packed beach.

The crew aims to find a quieter part of the bay for your group. That matters because Anthony Quinn Bay is well known, and popular places can feel very different from the water than they do in photographs. A boat stop lets you enjoy a swim without needing to search for a patch of sand or arrange beach chairs.

Fifty minutes is enough for a proper swim but not so long that the day loses its pace. You can get in, float, dry off, and return to the deck before the next sailing section. Bring your own towel, since it is specifically listed as something to bring.

Sailing onward to Afandou

After Anthony Quinn Bay, the catamaran sails for about 20 minutes toward Afandou. This is a short connecting stretch, so you are not spending large blocks of the day simply moving from one place to another.

Afandou is the main lunch and swimming stop, with about 70 minutes scheduled there. That makes it the longest stop of the day. You can expect the meal to be served as part of the boat experience rather than stopping at a separate restaurant on shore.

The menu is described as a Greek lunch, but specific dishes are not provided. That is useful to know if you have dietary needs or strong food preferences. Ask the provider in advance if you need details about ingredients or meal options, since the available information does not spell them out.

Lunch, swimming, and drinks at Afandou

Afandou combines the two things many people want most from a day cruise: time in the water and a relaxed meal. The 70-minute stop is long enough to give lunch a central place without turning the cruise into a formal dining outing.

Alcoholic drinks are included at lunchtime only. Soft drinks are unlimited throughout the day, which is especially helpful in Rhodes’ warm weather and during repeated swimming stops. You should not expect alcohol service all day, and the rules also prohibit intoxication, alcohol misuse, and drugs.

The meal is one reason the price can make sense for a group. You are paying for the boat, crew, fuel and other fees, lunch, and drinks in one private package. You are also paying for the privacy of having the catamaran reserved for your party. For 10 or 11 people, the cost works out to roughly $168 to $185 per person before considering the convenience of the included food and beverages.

For a smaller group, the value is less obvious. A couple paying the full $1,850 would be spending heavily for privacy. This is best viewed as a private group charter, not a budget boat trip.

The longest sailing stretch of the day

After Afandou, you have another 75-minute sailing period before reaching Kallithea Springs. This is the longest uninterrupted section after the opening leg.

Some people will love this part. You can relax on deck, let lunch settle, and enjoy the wind without having to follow a guide through streets or ruins. The available feedback particularly praised the combination of deck time, sea air, swimming, food, and drinks.

Others may find 75 minutes between stops a little long, especially if they want constant activity. This is a sailing cruise, not a high-speed boat ride, so the day has built-in quiet time. Bring a good attitude toward sitting and watching the coast. The point is to slow down.

Swimming at Kallithea Springs

The final planned stop is Kallithea Springs, with about 40 minutes for swimming. This gives you one more chance to get into the sea before the return trip to the marina.

The shorter stop fits the shape of the day. By this point, you have already had a swim at Anthony Quinn Bay and a longer lunch and swim at Afandou. Forty minutes is enough for one last dip without making the return too late.

Swimming stops depend on weather conditions, so the exact order or location can change. You should treat the named bays as the intended route, not an absolute guarantee. Sea conditions always have the final say.

Returning to Rhodes New Marina

After Kallithea Springs, the catamaran sails back for about 75 minutes and arrives at the New Marina. The full experience lasts six hours, including the sailing sections and stops.

Returning to the same place keeps the logistics simple. Your car is nearby if you drove, and you are back close to Rhodes Town rather than being left at a different harbor. Since there is no hotel transportation, this also means you should plan your route home before boarding.

The day can pass quickly because it alternates between active and restful periods. You swim, eat, sit on deck, sail, and swim again. It is a good structure for people who want a full day out but do not want every hour filled with guided commentary.

What the private format really adds

The strongest feature here is not simply the catamaran. It is the combination of private use and limited capacity.

A group of eight has enough space for everyone to sit comfortably, based on the available feedback. That is important on a six-hour outing. A boat that feels fine for 45 minutes can feel cramped by lunchtime, so the room to spread out matters.

Privacy also helps if your group has different habits. Some people can swim while others stay on deck. Someone can eat slowly, take photos, or simply enjoy the breeze without needing to match the behavior of a large shared group.

The tradeoff is cost. You are paying for the whole boat, so the value improves sharply as your group gets closer to 11 people. Friends, extended families, and small celebrations are the clearest match. If you are traveling alone or as a pair, a shared cruise may offer better value, but that option is not this activity.

Crew, language, and the feel on board

The driver and crew speak English and Greek. Specific crew names are not provided, so you should not book this expecting a named guide or a history-heavy presentation.

The focus is on service and the day itself: handling the boat, finding suitable swimming areas, serving lunch and drinks, and helping the group enjoy the schedule. The available feedback praised the crew and described the boat as clean, with enough seating for a group of eight.

This is a useful distinction. If you want detailed historical commentary about Rhodes, this may not be the right choice. If you want a relaxed day where the crew takes care of the practical parts, it fits better.

Price, group size, and overall value

The listed price is $1,850 for a private group of up to 11 people. That sounds high until you divide it across a full group. At maximum capacity, the approximate cost is $168 per person. For eight people, it is about $231 per person.

The price includes:

• Six hours on the catamaran
• Lunch
• Alcoholic drinks at lunchtime
• Unlimited soft drinks all day
• Fees and taxes

It does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You also need to bring your own towel and beachwear.

I see the value in three areas. First, the boat is private. Second, lunch and drinks reduce the need to arrange food during the day. Third, the route gives you several swimming opportunities without asking you to organize transport between distant coastal areas.

The price is harder to justify if your group is small or if you mainly want a quick swim. In that case, a cheaper beach outing may suit you better. You are paying for six hours of sailing, privacy, crew service, and a complete day on the water.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Groups of friends sharing the cost
• Families who want a private day together
• Visitors who prefer swimming from a boat instead of sitting on a busy beach
• People who enjoy a slow sailing pace
• Anyone who values included lunch and drinks
• Groups looking for a more special outing than a standard shared cruise

You should think twice if you get seasick, have limited mobility, or dislike long periods on a boat. The 75-minute sailing sections are a real part of the experience, not empty time between attractions.

This is also not ideal for anyone seeking a late-night party. Alcohol is limited to lunchtime, intoxication is not allowed, and the tone is relaxed rather than rowdy.

Booking advice for a smoother day

Check the weather forecast before you go, but remember that the crew makes the final decision about swimming locations. Pack a towel and beachwear, and keep them accessible rather than buried in a bag.

Plan your route to the New Marina in advance. The meeting point is outside the Naval Bar / Restaurant on the marina side, and free parking is available nearby. Since there is no hotel pickup, do not assume the boat will collect you from your accommodation.

The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility, which is useful when your Rhodes plans depend on weather.

Should you book it?

Book this private catamaran if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a comfortable day built around swimming, sailing, lunch, and quiet time on deck. The strongest reasons are the private boat, small capacity, clean setting, helpful crew, and included drinks.

Skip it if you are traveling as a pair on a tight budget, if you need wheelchair access, or if seasickness could spoil a six-hour outing. For the right group, though, this is a polished and easygoing way to experience Rhodes from the water without joining the harbor crowd.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

It departs from Rhodes New Marina. The meeting point is outside the Naval Bar / Restaurant, on the marina side.

How far is the New Marina from Rhodes Town?

The New Marina is approximately 1 kilometer from the center of Rhodes Town.

Is parking available near the meeting point?

Yes. Many free parking spaces are available close to the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to and from the New Marina.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours.

How many people can join the private group?

The catamaran is available for a private group of up to 11 people.

Which swimming stops are planned?

The planned swimming stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, and Kallithea Springs. Stops may change according to weather conditions.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch is included, alcoholic drinks are included at lunchtime, and soft drinks are unlimited throughout the day.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear. The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people prone to seasickness.