Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this private catamaran cruise lets you trade a fixed group schedule for quiet bays, open sea, and time to swim. You’ll cruise past Kallithea Springs, anchor at Anthony Quinn Bay, and enjoy lunch with Greek dishes and drinks on board. The private setting is the main attraction.

I like the freedom to set a relaxed pace, and I like that the catamaran has enough room for a group of 9, including 5 children. A local skipper such as Stefano can point you toward a good swim stop, too. The main drawback is the price: at $1,890.46 per group, it makes the most sense when you can fill many of the 12 places.

Key points to know before you book

• Private catamaran for up to 12: You share the boat only with your own group, not a large mixed party.
• Two planned coastal stops: Cruise past Kallithea Springs for a swim, then anchor at Anthony Quinn Bay.
• About six hours on the water: The 9:30 a.m. start gives you most of the day for swimming, lunch, and coastline views.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect Greek mezedes and other dishes, beer and wine with the meal, plus water and soft drinks throughout the day.
• No hotel transfers: You need to make your own way to New Marina in Rhodes.
• Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why a private Rhodes sailing day works so well

Many boat outings around Rhodes follow a strict timetable and gather a large crowd on one deck. This one is built around your own group, which changes the feel of the day. You can settle into the catamaran, spend time in the water, and enjoy lunch without sharing the boat with strangers.

The group limit is generous. A party of 12 can spread out more easily than it could on a small motorboat, while a smaller group of 6 to 9 should have plenty of room. One outing accommodated 9 people, including 5 children, with room to spare. That makes this a useful choice for families or a group of friends who want one shared day rather than several separate activities.

You should still keep your expectations realistic. The tour lasts about six hours, not a full day from dawn to dusk. The supplied plan names two main swimming areas, so this is not an island-hopping voyage with a long list of ports. Its appeal is simple: sail, stop, swim, eat, and take in the Rhodes coast at an easy pace.

Leaving New Marina at 9:30 a.m.

The day begins at New Marina, Rhodes 851 00, with a 9:30 a.m. departure. Since hotel transfers are not included, you must arrange your own way to the marina. Build in enough time to find the meeting point and arrive ready to board.

A mobile ticket is provided, and booking confirmation arrives at the time of booking. The activity returns to the same meeting point, which keeps the start and finish simple. That is helpful if you are planning another activity later, though you should allow some spare time after the expected six-hour duration.

From the marina, the catamaran heads along the Rhodes coast. The trip is as much about the ride between stops as the stops themselves. You’ll have changing views of the shore, time to sit with your group, and a chance to let the skipper adjust the pace to the conditions.

The skipper is an important part of the experience. The provider is Daily Rhodes Cruises, and one of the named skippers in the feedback is Stefano. You should ask about the best place to swim on the day, since local judgment can matter when wind or sea conditions affect a bay.

Kallithea Springs Bay: a first swim stop

The first listed stop is Kallithea Springs Bay. The boat cruises by the bay and gives you time for a refreshing swim, with about 35 minutes allocated to the stop.

Kallithea Springs is a well-known coastal area, but this experience focuses on seeing it from the sea rather than on a formal land visit. Admission is not included, and the plan does not describe a shore excursion into the springs complex. You should therefore think of this as a coastal swim and viewing stop, not a guided visit to the historic facilities.

Thirty-five minutes is enough for a dip and a look around, but it is not a long beach stay. I would use this first stop to get comfortable in the water and enjoy the change from the marina to the open coast. If you prefer long swims or want time on shore, the schedule may feel brief.

The order also makes sense. A first swim early in the cruise breaks up the sailing time and gives children or less confident swimmers a chance to settle into the day. Bring any personal swim items you need, since the supplied details do not list equipment rental or specific water gear.

Anthony Quinn Bay and its clear water

The second stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, where the catamaran drops anchor for about 40 minutes. This is the longer of the two named swim breaks, and the clear water is the main reason to look forward to it.

Anthony Quinn Bay is famous, so it may not feel quiet at every moment. The private boat helps you enjoy the bay from the water without committing your group to a crowded shore visit, but you should not assume you will have the entire cove to yourself. The skipper’s choice of anchoring spot and the day’s sea conditions will shape the experience.

The 40-minute stop gives you time for a proper swim, a few photos, and a relaxed return to the boat. If you have children with you, keep in mind that the information provided confirms the stop and swim but does not describe a lifeguard, flotation gear, or a special children’s program. Families should make their own safety decisions around the water.

The two bays provide a good contrast in rhythm. Kallithea Springs offers an earlier, shorter dip, while Anthony Quinn Bay gives you more time in a famous setting. Between them, you can enjoy the coastline without spending the whole day rushing from one point to another.

Greek lunch, mezedes, and drinks on board

Lunch is included, along with beer and wine served at mealtime. Soft drinks and water are available all day, and alcoholic beverages are listed as part of the onboard service during lunch.

The food setup suits a sailing day. Greek mezedes are small shared dishes, so you can sample several flavors rather than sit down to one heavy plate. Other dishes are included as well, though the exact menu is not specified. If someone in your group has dietary needs, ask the provider before booking because no special menu details are provided.

I like the practical value here. A six-hour boat trip can become inconvenient if you need to leave the water to find lunch, especially with children or a full group. Eating on board keeps the day together and gives you a natural break between swimming and sailing.

The drink policy is also clear enough to plan around. Water and soft drinks are covered throughout the cruise, while beer and wine are tied to the meal. Do not read this as an all-day open bar. If you want a particular drink, or if your group needs something beyond the listed choices, confirm that with Daily Rhodes Cruises before departure.

What the private format adds

A private boat changes the value calculation. On a standard shared cruise, the price per person may look lower, but you usually accept someone else’s timetable and group dynamic. Here, your party controls the social side of the day, and the skipper can focus on your group’s pace.

That matters most for families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and mixed-age parties. A group with five children, for example, may appreciate having room to sit together and avoid a crowded public boat. A group of adults may value the ability to talk, swim, and eat without a rotating group of strangers around them.

The format does not guarantee complete flexibility. The experience still has a start time, an approximate six-hour length, and two named stops. The boat also depends on the weather. Think of the private booking as personal space and a more relaxed pace, not a completely custom sailing route with unlimited stops.

Is $1,890.46 a fair price?

The cost is $1,890.46 per group of up to 12 people. At the full group limit, that works out to about $157.54 per person. With 9 people, the effective price is about $210.05 per person, and with a smaller group it rises quickly.

That is a substantial amount, but the price includes more than a seat on a boat. You are paying for a private catamaran, a skipper, lunch, beer and wine with the meal, soft drinks and water all day, plus fees and taxes. You also avoid the compromises of a shared cruise.

The value depends heavily on group size. For 10 to 12 people, the price becomes easier to justify, especially if you want a private day and would otherwise book several separate activities. For 4 or 5 people, the cost is much harder to defend unless privacy and a catamaran setting are central to your plans.

I would compare this with your group’s priorities, not with the cheapest boat ticket in Rhodes. If you mainly want a quick swim and a view of Anthony Quinn Bay, a private cruise may be more than you need. If you want six hours together with food, drinks, and room to set your own mood, the higher cost has a clear purpose.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Families who want a private boat and a simple day at sea
• Groups of friends who can fill at least 8 to 10 places
• Couples traveling with friends who prefer a shared private activity
• People who value swimming stops more than guided sightseeing
• Visitors who want lunch and drinks handled on the boat

You may want to choose something else if you prefer a land-based visit to Kallithea Springs, a packed schedule of historic sights, or a long list of different beaches. The supplied plan is centered on two bays and time on the catamaran.

Most people can participate, but the information does not give detailed accessibility or swimming equipment notes. If anyone in your group has mobility or water-safety concerns, contact the provider before booking and ask what the boat can accommodate.

Weather, cancellation, and planning tips

This cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time.

The 24-hour rule is strict. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Rhodes time.

I would keep the day before the cruise flexible if possible. That gives you room to move the outing if the weather turns poor and avoids placing an important dinner, ferry, or flight too close to the return time. Since the cruise ends back at New Marina, you can plan around the same starting point, but the exact return time is only approximate.

You should also arrive with a clear plan for reaching the marina. Transfers from hotels are not included, and no pickup service is listed. Have your mobile confirmation ready and make sure everyone knows the 9:30 a.m. meeting time.

Should you book the Daily Rhodes Cruises catamaran?

Book this experience if your group can share the cost and wants a private, low-pressure day with swimming, Greek food, and drinks. The room for a larger family group, the personal skipper, and the two coastal swim stops are its strongest points.

I would be more cautious if you are only two people, since the per-person price becomes high, or if you want extensive sightseeing on land. For the right group, though, this is a focused and comfortable way to enjoy Rhodes from the water, with enough structure to keep the day easy and enough privacy to make it feel like your own outing.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise start?

It starts at New Marina, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

What time does the cruise begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

Where does the activity end?

It ends back at the original meeting point at New Marina.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your own group participates in the activity.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The catamaran can accommodate a group of up to 12 people.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch is included, with beer and wine served at mealtime. Soft drinks and water are available throughout the day.

Which swimming stops are included?

The cruise passes Kallithea Springs Bay, where you can swim, and later anchors at Anthony Quinn Bay for another swim.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. You need to arrange your own transportation to and from New Marina.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the cruise is canceled because of poor weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.