Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn, Kallithea & Traganou Bays

Rhodes looks best from the water. This six-hour cruise links three famous coves with time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and enjoy lunch aboard a comfortable boat. I especially like the one-hour stops and the friendly service, plus the fact that food, drinks, snorkeling gear, music, and bean bags are included. The main catch is that the bays can be crowded, and hotel transfers cost extra.

You leave Rhodes Town at about 10 a.m. and return around 4 p.m., making this an easy full half-day. The boat can carry up to 50 people, so you should expect a shared excursion rather than a quiet private cruise. Still, the high 4.8 rating from 261 reviews and 97 percent recommendation reflect a trip that usually delivers good scenery and a relaxed day on the sea.

Key points to know before you book

• Three swimming stops: The planned route includes Kallithea, Traganou, and Anthony Quinn Bay, with roughly an hour at each anchorage.
• Lunch and drinks included: A buffet is served after the Traganou stop, with snacks and drinks available during the trip.
• Snorkeling equipment supplied: You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel, though the underwater scenery can be modest.
• Comfortable boat setup: Bean bags, music, and attentive crew make the ride more pleasant between swims.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: Pickup is available across Rhodes, but the fee depends on your hotel’s location.
• Allow for crowds: These are famous bays, and the boat may anchor well offshore at some stops.

Why this Rhodes cruise works so well

This is a simple idea done in a useful way: spend one day reaching coves that are more enjoyable from the sea than by road. You do not need to arrange separate beach trips, rent equipment, find a lunch stop, or worry about driving between Rhodes’ east-coast bays.

The schedule gives each cove about an hour. That is enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick jump overboard, but not enough for a long beach stay. You remain on the boat at anchor, so this is mainly a swimming and sunbathing trip, not a walking tour of the beaches.

I like the balance between activity and idleness. You can swim and snorkel at every stop, or simply stretch out on a bean bag and watch the cliffs and coves pass by. The selected music keeps the mood casual, while the crew provides the practical help that makes a boat day easier.

The crew receives especially strong praise for being attentive and friendly. Captain George is mentioned as both a warm host and a capable cook, and Captain Georgia is praised for looking after passengers when a booking had to be changed. That personal touch matters on a six-hour outing, when a disorganized crew can quickly sour the day.

Leaving Rhodes Town at 10 a.m.

The published meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. Departure is scheduled for about 10 a.m., with a return to the same meeting point at roughly 4 p.m.

That timing suits you if you are staying in Rhodes Town and want a full morning before sailing or an evening free afterward. It is less convenient if you are based far south on the island. Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge, including from areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi. The fee depends on how far your hotel is from the harbor.

If you request pickup, enter your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking. The operator will then provide the pickup time. This is worth arranging in advance, since the boat leaves at a fixed time and the transfer system has not always been perfectly clear.

A practical warning: getting from the transfer vehicle to the boat may involve some confusion. Clear instructions have not always been provided, and one family reported losing about an hour while waiting for transportation and eventually boarding last. That does not appear to be the usual experience, but I would arrive ready to ask where you should go rather than wait quietly for directions.

If you are taking your own way to the meeting point, arriving early should give you a better chance of boarding without a last-minute scramble. On a boat with up to 50 people, early boarding also helps if sitting together matters to your group.

Kallithea Bay and the first swim

The program places Kallithea Bay first, at about 10:40 a.m. The boat stays at anchor for around an hour, giving you time to swim and use the included snorkeling equipment.

Kallithea is known for clear water, rocky edges, and its handsome coastal setting. From the boat, you get a different view than you would from a road or land-based beach. The appeal here is the easy start: you can get into the water early, cool off, and settle into the rhythm of the day.

Do not expect a guided underwater expedition. This is casual snorkeling from the boat, and the amount of fish or coral can be limited. One person found little marine life, while another noted that the water felt cold. Conditions can change, but you should bring realistic expectations: the main reward is swimming in attractive water, not seeing a major reef.

The boat may also anchor farther from shore than you expect. At one stop, the distance made it impossible to swim toward the caves. If reaching a particular shoreline feature is important to you, ask the crew about the anchorage and conditions rather than assuming you will be able to swim there.

Traganou Bay, rocks, and open-water swimming

The second stop is Traganou Bay, scheduled for around 12:20 p.m. Again, you have about an hour for swimming, snorkeling, or sunbathing.

Traganou has a more open, rocky feel than a conventional sandy beach. The boat gives you access to water without the bother of finding a place on shore, which is useful during the busy summer period. You can move between the shaded or sunny parts of the boat, then cool off when the heat builds.

This stop is a good example of what the excursion does best. You are not rushing from one photo stop to another. Instead, you get a substantial block of time in the water, followed by a meal on board.

At the same time, the phrase snorkeling stop should not make you expect a protected marine park. The underwater sights may be fairly plain, and the water can feel chilly. If you are sensitive to cold water, pack a light cover-up and use the sunbathing time to warm up.

Lunch on board at about 1:30 p.m.

A buffet is served at approximately 1:30 p.m., shortly after the Traganou swim. The meal is frequently praised as fresh, traditional, and hot, which gives the day more value than a cruise that only provides a drink and a packet of snacks.

The exact menu is not specified, so I would not book this expecting a particular dish. You can expect food and drinks to be included, with snacks also mentioned during the trip. Beer and other alcoholic drinks are available, and one especially enthusiastic account described an ample supply. Drink responsibly, of course, since the boat may rock on the return journey.

The lunch timing makes sense. By early afternoon, you have already been in the water twice and will appreciate a proper meal. Eating aboard also saves you from giving up another swimming stop to visit a seaside restaurant.

The dining setup is casual rather than formal. You are on a boat with other people, so this is not the place for a quiet restaurant meal. I see that as part of the charm, provided you are happy with shared tables and a relaxed pace.

Anthony Quinn Bay for the final swim

The last programmed cove is Anthony Quinn Bay, around 1:50 p.m. The boat remains there for roughly an hour before leaving at about 2:50 p.m.

Anthony Quinn Bay is among Rhodes’ best-known coastal views, with steep rocky sides and intensely clear water. Approaching from the sea lets you appreciate the shape of the cove without dealing with the road and parking issues that can affect land-based visits.

This final stop is well placed. After lunch, you can choose a gentle swim, take photos from the boat, or settle onto a bean bag for the last stretch of sunshine. The day does not end with a frantic final activity.

Crowds are the trade-off. Anthony Quinn Bay is popular, and the boat may share the water with other vessels. You also may not get close enough to swim into the caves or reach the beach. If your main goal is to step ashore at Anthony Quinn Bay, this cruise is not the right format. If your goal is to see it from the water and swim nearby, it makes much more sense.

There is a small naming point to check before booking. The detailed schedule identifies Kallithea as the first stop, while the stop summary also lists Ladiko Beach. Since the advertised program describes Kallithea, Traganou, and Anthony Quinn Bay, confirm the exact route with Half Price Tours if seeing Ladiko is important to you.

The boat, music, and crew

Comfort is one of the better reasons to choose this trip over a basic boat shuttle. Bean bags give you somewhere pleasant to relax, and the boat has room for both active swimmers and people who prefer to stay dry.

The music is selected for a social holiday atmosphere. That suits you if you like a lively boat day, but it may not suit you if you want complete quiet. The maximum group size is 50, so even a well-run trip will not feel intimate at full capacity.

Crew service is a major strength. The staff are repeatedly described as attentive, friendly, and helpful. Captain George receives special praise for hosting and cooking, while Captain Georgia is remembered for her kindness and hospitality on a rearranged trip.

There is also a reassuring flexibility when problems occur. One original boat trip was canceled, and the operator arranged a yacht trip with another couple instead. That kind of solution cannot be guaranteed, but it suggests the company tries to protect the day when circumstances change.

The ride back can be lively. One account noted that the boat was rocking on the return journey, which is a useful reminder to be careful with alcohol and to keep any needed motion-sickness treatment with you. The supplied information does not specify medical facilities or special onboard services, so plan for a normal shared boat outing.

What the $93.16 price really covers

At $93.16 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near the sea. The value comes from bundling several costs and decisions into one booking.

Your price includes the boat ride, three planned swim stops, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, snacks, crew service, and the use of the onboard seating areas. If you tried to arrange transport, equipment, meals, and access to three bays separately, the comparison would be less simple than the headline price suggests.

Hotel pickup is not included in that base figure. The additional charge varies by distance, so ask for the total cost if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. For a party based in Lindos or farther south, the transfer fee may change the value calculation.

I would call the price fair for someone who wants a comfortable, organized day with lunch included. I would not call it a bargain if you mainly want to sit on a beach or if you already have a rental car and prefer choosing your own coves.

The trip earns its value through convenience and time on the water. It is less valuable if you expect private-boat privacy, a small group, extensive marine life, or long visits ashore.

Who should book this boat day

I think this trip suits you best if you want to see several famous bays without driving, planning, or carrying beach equipment between stops. It also works well for couples, families, and mixed groups where some people want to swim while others would rather sunbathe.

The one-hour format is useful for families because it gives you a clear limit at each stop. You will not spend the whole day deciding when to leave a beach. Still, the boat environment requires basic comfort with boarding, swimming from an anchored vessel, and sharing space with up to 49 other people.

You should also like a social holiday mood. Music, drinks, bean bags, and a friendly crew point toward a relaxed party atmosphere rather than a quiet nature cruise.

I would think twice if you need guaranteed shade, dislike open-water swimming, or want a serious snorkeling site. I would also avoid relying on this as your only chance to visit a particular beach from land. The boat may remain well offshore, and crowds can reduce the sense of seclusion.

The cruise is available in English, and most people can participate. Confirmation is provided at booking. Since the excursion depends on good weather and a minimum number of bookings, bad conditions or low demand can lead to a new date, another experience, or a full refund.

Booking advice for a smoother day

This experience is often reserved about 25 days ahead. That suggests booking early during busy periods, especially if you need hotel pickup or want a particular date.

Write your hotel name in the special requirements field. The operator will reply with the pickup time and the charge for your location. If you are meeting in Rhodes Town, confirm the exact meeting point and arrive with enough time to find the boat.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a dry layer for the ride home. Snorkeling equipment is included, but you may still prefer to bring your own mask if fit matters to you. Because the water may feel cold, a towel or light cover-up is sensible.

Cancellation is free until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not refunded. If weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip begin?

The meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the excursion start and finish?

Departure is scheduled for about 10 a.m. The boat returns to the harbor at approximately 4 p.m., making the total duration about six hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an additional charge. The amount depends on how far your hotel is from the departure area.

How do I arrange hotel pickup?

Enter your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking. Half Price Tours will provide the pickup time and the applicable transfer information.

Which bays are included?

The detailed program includes Kallithea Bay, Traganou Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay. Another stop summary lists Ladiko Beach, so confirm the exact route with the operator if this detail matters to you.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat stops for swimming and snorkeling at each cove.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Food and drinks are included in the price. A buffet is served at about 1:30 p.m., and snacks are also provided.

Can the trip be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The trip can also be canceled if the minimum number of bookings is not reached.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want an easy, well-fed day on the Rhodes coast, with three attractive swim stops and a crew that takes care of the practical details. The strongest features are the generous time at anchor, the included lunch and drinks, and the comfortable bean-bag setup.

Skip it if you want a private boat, quiet water, serious snorkeling, or guaranteed access to each beach and cave. For most people who see the trip as a social sightseeing and swimming day, the $93.16 price is reasonable. Just confirm the stop list, check the extra pickup fee, and arrive early enough to avoid the transfer confusion that can occasionally take the shine off an otherwise excellent day.