The best part of this Rhodes cruise comes late in the day, when the coast turns gold and the boat settles in the Aegean for sunset. Before that quiet finale, you get time to swim and snorkel near Kallithea Springs, with the coastline sliding past from a fine offshore view.

I like the unlimited drinks and the smooth, easy pace. I also like having a choice of sailing or power catamaran, since that lets you match the outing to your mood. The main catch is simple: the boats anchor offshore, so reaching a bay or the shore means swimming. Dinner is not included.

Key points to know before you book

• Three catamaran choices: Pick from three available catamaran options, including sailing and power boats.
• Kallithea swimming stop: Plan on about 45 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and time in the water.
• Different routes by boat: The sailing catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, the Afandou Beach caves, and Kalithea Bay. The power catamaran also includes Ladiko Bay.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are available without an extra charge.
• Sunset from offshore: The final viewing period lasts about 35 minutes around Rhodes Town, with Greek music on board.
• Bring practical swim gear: You need swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The boat supplies snorkeling gear, life jackets, and floating pool noodles.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor for an evening at sea

Your cruise begins at Catamaran Cruises Rhodes in the Mandraki Harbor area. This is a useful starting point because the outing does not waste much of its three hours on a long transfer. You board, settle in, and head along Rhodes’ east coast.

The cruise lasts three hours, but the exact departure time changes by date. Check the available start times carefully when booking. A late afternoon departure is the whole point here. You want enough daylight for swimming, followed by a sunset that arrives near the end of the trip.

You can choose among three catamaran options. The supplied details identify sailing and power catamarans, with the power boat offering a slightly different bay route. If you prefer a gentler sailing feel, the sailing option may suit you. If you want more stops listed on the route, the power catamaran includes Ladiko Bay as well as the other locations.

The information does not give a fixed group size, so do not book this expecting a private charter unless your confirmation says so. Think of it as a shared boat outing with a relaxed social feel.

What the sailing and power routes have in common

Both boat types are designed around the same basic rhythm: cruise, stop for swimming, continue along the coast, then pause for sunset before returning to Mandraki Harbor.

The boats stay at anchor in each bay. This matters. You are not stepping off onto a beach during the swimming stops. You enter the water directly from the boat, and reaching shore requires swimming. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the boat, use the supplied life jacket or pool noodle, and ask the crew for practical guidance.

The sailing catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, the Afandou Beach caves, and Kalithea Bay. The power catamaran includes those areas and Ladiko Bay. The exact feel of the trip will depend on your chosen boat, the sea, and the weather.

The route is more about enjoying the water than collecting a long list of land visits. You will not have time to explore the beaches or springs on foot. Instead, you see them from the sea and swim nearby. That is a good fit if you want a simple afternoon on the water, but less suitable if your main goal is sightseeing on land.

Kallithea Springs and the 45-minute water stop

The main swimming stop lasts about 45 minutes at Kallithea Springs, also called Kalithea Bay in the activity information. The water is described as clear, and this is your chance to swim, snorkel, or simply float beside the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is included, which keeps the outing easy. You do not need to pack your own mask and snorkel unless you prefer your personal gear. Life jackets and floating pool noodles are also provided, along with an outdoor shower for rinsing off afterward.

The stop has a pleasant balance. Forty-five minutes is long enough to get properly wet and have a look below the surface, but not so long that the sunset portion feels rushed. If you love spending an hour in the water, it may feel brief. If you are happy with a swim and a short snorkel, it should be enough.

The key practical detail is the open-water entry. You will not walk into a shallow beach from the boat. That makes the experience feel more like a real coastal cruise, but it also means you should pack a towel, secure loose belongings, and be ready to climb back aboard after swimming.

Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou caves, and Ladiko Bay

The route gives you a look at several well-known points along Rhodes’ east coast. Anthony Quinn Bay is part of both the sailing and power catamaran routes. The Afandou Beach caves are also included on both. Ladiko Bay is listed for the power catamaran.

Because the boats anchor in the bays, these stops are viewed and enjoyed from the water. The itinerary information does not promise a shore visit, beach walk, or cave tour. Expect scenic coastal cruising and swimming opportunities, not a land-based excursion.

This distinction helps you choose the right trip. I would book it for the feeling of being offshore, the view back toward Rhodes, and the chance to move between several coastal areas. I would not choose it if you want a detailed guided explanation at every bay or time to explore the shoreline.

The 45-minute Kallithea stop is the clearly timed swimming and snorkeling break. Other bays are part of the sailing route, but the available details do not assign a separate stop length to each one. The crew may adjust the flow to suit the sea and the sunset schedule.

Drinks, Greek music, and the evening mood

The drinks package is one of the strongest practical reasons to consider this cruise. Unlimited beer and wine are included, along with unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water. That means you can enjoy the sunset without buying each drink separately on board.

The wording is important: drinks are included, but a dinner buffet is not. Plan to eat before or after the cruise unless your booking confirmation gives you different information. One published account praised the dinner, but the stated inclusions clearly exclude a buffet, so I would not count on a meal being part of the standard $46 price.

Greek-toned music plays during the cruise. That soundtrack helps set the mood without requiring much activity from you. You can swim, sit with a drink, watch the coast, or simply wait for the sky to change.

The boat ride has also been described as smooth, with the skipper handling the sea well. Weather still matters. A sunset cruise depends on wind, cloud, and visibility, and poor conditions can limit the sunset view even when the crew does everything right. One account specifically noted that the weather prevented a clear sunset, while the friendly crew, music, drinks, and smooth ride still made the outing worthwhile.

The 35-minute sunset view near Rhodes Town

The sunset portion lasts about 35 minutes around Rhodes Town. This is the moment the whole schedule builds toward. Instead of watching the sun drop from a crowded waterfront, you see the colors from the middle of the sea, with the coastline behind or beside you.

That offshore position gives the view a calm quality. You are not rushing between monuments or trying to find a clear place along the harbor. The catamaran becomes your viewing platform, and the final stretch of the cruise is intentionally unhurried.

The sunset is not guaranteed to be visible. The supplied experience details make clear that weather can interfere. If you need a perfect sunset photograph, keep your expectations sensible. The sea trip, swimming, and music are still part of the value.

After the sunset stop, there is about 15 minutes of cruising before you return to Catamaran Cruises Rhodes. The overall itinerary adds up to roughly three hours, including the outbound ride, the water stop, coastal sailing, sunset, and return.

Is $46 a good value?

At $46 per person, this is a reasonable price for a three-hour cruise that includes the boat ride, swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, an outdoor shower, indoor toilets, and a broad selection of drinks.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a sunset boat trip and drinks. You also get more than a short harbor cruise. The outing includes time in the water, coastal views, and a sunset stop, so the price covers several parts of a classic Rhodes summer evening.

The price is less attractive if you do not plan to swim or drink. Much of the experience is built around being on deck, entering the sea, and enjoying the boat atmosphere. If you prefer a meal, remember that the dinner buffet is not included.

The choice between sailing and power catamaran may affect your sense of value too. The power route lists Ladiko Bay in addition to the other coastal areas. The sailing route may appeal more if you care about the style of the ride. Check the exact option and inclusions before you pay.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your Rhodes plans may change, but you should still check the final booking conditions for your selected date.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. These are not optional extras for most people, since the cruise includes a substantial swimming stop and plenty of time outdoors.

Bring a waterproof way to protect your phone and other small items if you plan to swim. This is practical advice based on the boat entry arrangement: you go from the anchored catamaran into the sea, then return aboard. The supplied information does not describe onboard storage, so keep your belongings organized and dry.

Use sunscreen before boarding, then reapply during the afternoon. Even with a late departure, the first part of the cruise takes place in direct sun. Sunglasses and a hat may also make the ride more comfortable, though only swimwear, towel, and sunscreen are specifically listed.

You have access to an outdoor shower, indoor toilets, snorkeling equipment, floating pool noodles, and life jackets. The English-speaking host or greeter makes the outing workable for English-speaking visitors.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this cruise to couples looking for a romantic evening, friends who want a swim and a drink on the water, and anyone who enjoys a low-effort coastal outing. It also suits people who want to see Rhodes from offshore rather than spend another evening on land.

You should be comfortable with an open-water swim, or at least willing to use the provided safety equipment. Since the boat does not pull right up to the shore for you, this is not the easiest choice for someone who wants a beach-style entry.

The cruise can work well for people who want a flexible plan. You get a three-hour activity, drinks are included, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure. Still, the experience depends heavily on weather. A cloudy evening can soften the sunset, and rougher water may change the feel of the ride.

The strongest features are the friendly crew, smooth handling, music, drinks, and the simple pleasure of watching Rhodes fade into evening. The route does not promise a meal, a shore visit, or a long guided tour, so book it for the sea time rather than for a full sightseeing program.

Should you book the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a compact, good-value evening with swimming at Kallithea Bay, coastal views, included drinks, and a sunset from offshore. At $46, it offers a lot for three hours, especially if you would enjoy beer, wine, and music as part of the ride.

Think twice if you dislike open-water swimming, need a guaranteed sunset, or expect dinner and beach access. For everyone else, this is an easy way to add a touch of sea time to a Rhodes stay without giving up an entire day.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours. The schedule includes the boat ride, a swimming and snorkeling stop, coastal cruising, sunset viewing, and the return to Mandraki Harbor.

Where does the cruise begin?

The starting location is Catamaran Cruises Rhodes at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town.

What time does the cruise depart?

Starting times vary by date. Check availability for the departure time offered on your chosen day.

Which catamaran can I choose?

You can choose among three catamaran options, including sailing and power catamarans. Check the available choices when booking.

Where does the sailing catamaran stop?

The sailing catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, the Afandou Beach caves, and Kalithea Bay.

Where does the power catamaran stop?

The power catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, the Afandou Beach caves, Kalithea Bay, and Ladiko Bay.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop at Kallithea Springs or Kalithea Bay. The boats stay at anchor, so you enter the water from the boat.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

What drinks are included?

Unlimited wine and beer are included, along with unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Is dinner included?

No. A dinner buffet is not included in the stated price.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

What language does the host speak?

The host or greeter speaks English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.