Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Rhodes looks best from the water. This 5.5-hour cruise from Mandraki Port visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs, with swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks included. I especially like the relaxed pace and the traditional wooden boat, which feels far more appealing than a basic sightseeing vessel.

I also like the strong value at $70 per person. You get a buffet lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and plenty of time at three coastal stops. The main drawback is exposure to the sun. Shade can be limited, and the boat may feel choppy on windy days, so bring a towel, sunscreen, and a calm stomach.

The essential details at a glance

• Three 50-minute swim stops: You get time at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs rather than one rushed photo stop.
• A traditional wooden boat: The older-style vessel gives the trip a pleasant sailing character and makes a good setting for photographs.
• Lunch with drinks included: A Greek buffet, vegetarian choices, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are part of the price.
• Snorkeling equipment provided: You can swim directly from the boat or explore the clear water without packing your own mask and snorkel.
• A friendly crew: Theo, also referred to as Theodore, receives especially warm praise for his attentive hosting and good humor.
• Arrive early for the best spot: The boat can sell out, and the front pads or upper seating offer better views, though they may get the most sun.

Leaving Mandraki Port on a wooden boat

The meeting point is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk. From there, you board for a morning departure and spend about an hour sailing toward the first bay.

That hour is part of the pleasure. You are not being rushed from one attraction to the next by road. The east coast opens gradually, with sea views and the simple rhythm of a boat day. Free WiFi is available, though I would treat it as a useful extra rather than the reason to book. The real attraction is being outside, watching Rhodes recede, and finding a comfortable place to sit.

The boat is described as spacious, and several people especially liked its relaxed feel. One account described a group of about 18 people, which made the outing feel closer to a small charter than a crowded excursion. Still, group size may vary, so do not assume every departure will be that intimate.

Your seating choice matters. Arrive a little early if you want the front pads or a top position. Those areas provide the best views, but they also offer less protection from the sun. If shade matters more than photographs, choose your seat with that tradeoff in mind.

The crew serves drinks throughout the day, including wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. Cocktails are not included, but you can buy them separately. This is a social cruise rather than a silent sailing trip, with easy-listening music adding to the holiday mood.

Anthony Quinn Bay: emerald water and a scenic first stop

After roughly an hour on the boat, you reach Anthony Quinn Bay for about 50 minutes. This is one of the prettiest parts of the day, with emerald-colored water and green vegetation around the rocky shore.

The stop works best as a swim from the boat. You can use the supplied snorkeling equipment and look through the clear water, or simply float, sunbathe, and enjoy the setting. The crew also provides floats, which are useful if you are not a confident swimmer.

The bay is scenic enough to justify a slower start. Rather than beginning with lunch or a long beach stop, the cruise lets you get into the water while the day still feels fresh. You can also take photographs from the boat before swimming.

There is one practical point to remember: Anthony Quinn Bay is a popular coastal sight, and the stop is only 50 minutes. You will have time for a swim and some snorkeling, but not for an extended beach visit or a leisurely exploration of every corner.

For people who prefer to stay dry, this is still a pleasant viewing stop. The boat provides a good angle on the rocks and vegetation, and the crew serves drinks during the visit. For families, couples, and anyone who wants a gentle introduction to the day, it is a well-chosen first stop.

Afandou Beach: the longest pause and the best activity choice

The boat then makes the short trip to Afandou Beach. This is the longest stop, lasting about 110 minutes, and it includes lunch. You have time to swim, snorkel, relax on the beach, and, according to the schedule, try kayaking.

That extra time makes Afandou the most flexible stop. You do not need to choose between eating and swimming in a hurry. You can return to the boat for the buffet, have a drink, and still get back into the water before departure.

The beach is described as quieter than some of Rhodes’ better-known coastal spots. That gives the stop a calmer feel, especially for anyone who wants a break from constant sightseeing. You can use the beach as a change of scene after swimming from the boat at Anthony Quinn Bay.

The lunch buffet is served on board and includes local flavors and vegetarian dishes. Fruit is included as well. Some people found the food delicious and generous, while one fair criticism was that the meal could have included more unmistakably Greek choices such as gyros or souvlaki.

That is useful context. You should expect a satisfying buffet rather than a restaurant meal made to order. The amount of food appears to be more than adequate, and the vegetarian choices make the meal easier for mixed groups. If authentic Greek dishes are your main reason for booking, keep your expectations sensible. The food is widely praised, but the exact selection may not satisfy someone hoping for a full taverna-style spread.

The drinks improve the value. Red or white wine accompanies lunch, while beer, soft drinks, and water are available during the day. The steady service means you do not need to keep buying refreshments at each stop, which can add up quickly on a hot Greek afternoon.

Kallithea Springs: clear water, rocks, and ladders

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, reached after about an hour of sailing from Afandou. You get another 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Here, the water sits in a long rocky inlet, with ladders leading down toward the sea. The setting differs from Anthony Quinn Bay and Afandou Beach, which is one reason the three-stop plan works well. You are not seeing the same kind of shoreline three times.

Kallithea is a good final swim because you already know how the equipment works and can settle into the water without needing much instruction. The clear blue water is the main attraction. You can snorkel, swim from the boat, or simply enjoy one last drink while looking across the rocky cove.

The stop is not a long land visit to the springs complex. The schedule focuses on the water, rocks, ladders, and coastal views. If you are expecting a detailed cultural tour of the historic spa buildings, this cruise is not designed for that. It is primarily a swimming and snorkeling stop.

After Kallithea Springs, you return to Rhodes Town. The return sail gives you time to dry off, shower on board, and settle into the final stretch. A shower is included, which is a small but useful touch after three swims.

What the food and drinks are really worth

At $70, this cruise is priced as an all-day package rather than a simple boat ride. The price includes the wooden boat, buffet lunch, fruit, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the three swim stops.

I think the drinks are a major part of the value. Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks can make a noticeable difference compared with a cheaper cruise where every bottle of water costs extra. Coffee and tea are also included, giving you choices beyond alcohol.

Cocktails cost extra, so do not confuse the included drinks with an open cocktail bar. The separate cocktail menu may appeal to you if you want something more elaborate, but it is not needed to enjoy the trip.

The lunch is best judged as practical boat food with local touches. Portions are generous, vegetarian dishes are available, and fruit rounds out the meal. The most positive food impressions describe it as tasty and surprisingly good for a boat excursion. The one reservation is that the menu may not be as traditionally Greek as some people would like.

For me, the combination still makes financial sense. You are paying for transport along the east coast, three extended water stops, lunch, gear, and drinks. Buying those pieces separately would likely make a similar day more expensive, though the final value depends on how much you use the included refreshments.

The crew and the mood on board

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. The staff are described as friendly, attentive, and genuinely engaged, with Theo or Theodore often singled out for making people feel welcome.

That matters on a boat day. A good crew keeps the schedule moving, explains each stop, offers drinks, and notices when someone is uncomfortable. One person felt seasick in choppy conditions and still received helpful attention from the staff.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Music plays at a comfortable level, and the boat is suited to sunbathing, conversation, swimming, and casual family time. It is a good fit if you want activity without a packed schedule.

The cruise is not completely free of small organizational concerns. Arriving early matters because boarding order can affect your seat. One person was told boarding would remain open until a certain time, then found others admitted first and ended up at the back. That is not a major flaw, but it is a reason to arrive with enough time to choose your position.

Sun, sea conditions, and what to pack

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Towels are not provided, and you will spend much of the day outdoors.

Shade may be limited, especially on the preferred front and upper seating areas. If you burn easily, consider choosing a less exposed seat and reapplying sunscreen between swims. A hat could also be useful, though it is not specifically listed among the required items.

The Aegean can be calm, but conditions are not guaranteed. One outing was choppy enough to cause seasickness for one passenger. If you are prone to motion sickness, plan carefully and avoid drinking heavily before the boat settles into its route.

Snorkeling gear is included, and floats are available. A shower on board helps after the final swim. A first aid kit is also carried, though normal care around rocks, ladders, and open water still matters.

This cruise suits confident swimmers, casual snorkelers, couples, families, and people who want an easy day at sea. It is less suitable if you dislike sun exposure, need long stretches on land, or want a serious sailing lesson. The English-speaking guide can explain the day, but this is more about scenery, swimming, food, and hospitality than detailed cultural commentary.

Is the $70 price good value?

I would call $70 a strong price for the full package. The three stops alone give the day a clear shape, and each includes roughly 50 minutes in the water. Afandou adds a longer pause and lunch, so you are not paying for a cruise that only allows a quick swim and a few photographs.

The unlimited included drinks strengthen the deal, especially in hot weather. You also avoid the nuisance of renting snorkeling gear separately. The main limitation is that the meal is a buffet, not a carefully prepared restaurant lunch, and cocktails cost extra.

If you want a full day of luxury sailing, this may feel too casual. If you want a friendly, scenic, activity-filled half-day with food and refreshments covered, the price is hard to fault.

Should you book this Rhodes cruise?

I would book this cruise if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three different coastal settings, a relaxed wooden boat, and no need to organize lunch or drinks yourself.

Arrive early for a better seat, pack a towel, and plan for strong sun. Choose it with realistic expectations about the meal and the shade. You are buying a social swimming cruise, not a private yacht charter or a detailed tour of Rhodes’ history.

The best reason to book is the balance: enough sailing to enjoy the coast, enough time in the water to make the stops worthwhile, and a crew that seems to put real effort into the day. For $70, it offers one of the easier ways to enjoy Rhodes from the sea without watching every small expense.

FAQ

Where does the cruise meet in Rhodes?

The meeting point is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 5.5 hours.

Which places does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

How long do you spend at each stop?

You spend about 50 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, 110 minutes at Afandou Beach, and 50 minutes at Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch with vegetarian options is included, along with fruit.

Which drinks are included?

Wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included. Cocktails are available to buy separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and floats are also provided.

Should you bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own towel along with swimwear and sunscreen.

Is the tour guided in English?

Yes. The live tour guide and tour language are English.