Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

Lindos looks best from the water. This full-day cruise from Rhodes combines a scenic boat ride, about three hours to explore Lindos, and swimming stops at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay. At $60.46 per person, it is a useful way to reach Rhodes’ most popular village without arranging your own transport.

I like the tour’s simple mix of culture and sea time. You can walk up to the Acropolis, eat lunch in Lindos, then cool off in clear bays on the return trip. I also like the practical hotel pickup option and the friendly crew, including drivers such as George, who has been praised for clean, air-conditioned transfers. The main drawback is the size of the boat, which can carry up to 180 people and may feel crowded, especially when everyone wants a good seat.

Key Things to Know Before You Book

• Three hours in Lindos: Enough time for the village, lunch, the beach, and the Acropolis if you plan your visit carefully.
• Swimming at two famous bays: Expect around 30 minutes at Tsambika Bay and 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay.
• A long day on the water: The boat leaves Rhodes at about 8:40 a.m. and returns around 5:30 p.m.
• The Acropolis costs extra: Admission is not included, and the climb is steep, hot, and partly exposed.
• Bring your own swimming gear: Snorkeling equipment may not be supplied, and availability for onboard purchases is not guaranteed.
• Seats can fill quickly: Arriving early gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable place, especially on the upper deck.

Why This Boat Trip Makes Sense for a Rhodes Holiday

Lindos is one of those places that is easy to admire but less easy to reach. The village sits on the east coast of Rhodes, far from Rhodes Town, and the Acropolis rises above whitewashed lanes and a broad bay. A boat trip lets you make the journey part of the day instead of treating transport as dead time.

The trip lasts about seven and a half hours. That sounds long, and it is a full outing, but much of the time is spent enjoying the sea rather than sitting in a coach. You get the scenery of the coastline, time in Lindos, and two short swims.

The price of $60.46 is good value if you want all three parts. The boat, skipper, restroom, hotel transfer where available, and swimming stops are covered. You still need to pay for lunch, drinks, snacks, and Acropolis admission, so the final cost will be higher. Even so, arranging a separate taxi or rental car to Lindos and then finding your own way to the bays could easily cost more and require more planning.

The trade-off is comfort. This is a large group excursion, not a quiet private cruise. The boat may be crowded, and the return ride can feel long after a hot afternoon in Lindos. If you prefer a fast boat, a small group, or a flexible timetable, this probably is not the right outing.

Leaving Rhodes Harbor Early in the Morning

The scheduled departure from the harbor is about 8:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. If you use hotel pickup, your actual morning begins earlier. Pickup times have been reported around 7:30 to 7:45 a.m., depending on the resort and the transfer plan.

Write your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking. The operator will then provide the pickup time if your hotel is covered by one of the available options. Some pickups may use a nearby bus stop rather than the hotel entrance.

Give yourself extra time at the harbor. You may need to join one queue to exchange or collect boat tickets and another to board. Getting there early also matters because the best seats go first. Upper-deck sunbeds and open views are popular, while later arrivals may find the seating more limited.

The boat has a bar selling snacks and drinks, and there is a restroom onboard. Food and beverages are not included, but the selection has been described as reasonably priced for a captive audience. You can also wait until Lindos for lunch, which gives you more choice.

The Two-and-a-Half-Hour Cruise Toward Lindos

The outward journey takes about two and a half hours. That is the part of the day where expectations matter most. If you want constant commentary, guided sightseeing, or frequent stops, you may find the ride quiet and repetitive. If you are happy to sit in the sun, watch the Rhodes coastline, and enjoy the breeze, it is an easy start to the day.

The crew is one of the stronger points. Staff have been praised for being warm, helpful, and attentive when someone felt unwell. The boat itself has been described as clean, with space at the front and sunbeds on the top deck. Still, space is not unlimited, and the boat can feel full once everyone settles in.

Music may play during the cruise. Some people enjoy the holiday atmosphere, while others find continuous music irritating on a long ride. You will want to bring headphones if you are sensitive to background sound, though this is not a guarantee that music will be absent.

The timing of the first swim can vary. The advertised plan places the two swimming stops on the return from Lindos, but one trip had an early swim stop before arrival. That matters if you intend to visit the Acropolis at a fixed time. Do not book a tightly timed Acropolis entry unless you can accept a schedule change.

Three Hours in Lindos: Plan Your Priorities

The boat reaches Lindos Harbor at about 11:00 a.m. You have roughly three hours before you must be back on board by 1:45 p.m. The boat is scheduled to leave at about 2:00 p.m.

Three hours is enough for a focused visit, but not enough to do everything slowly. You need to decide what matters most before leaving the harbor. The main choices are the Acropolis, the village, lunch, and the beach.

Walking to the Acropolis

The Acropolis is at the top of a steep hill. The route winds through narrow cobbled lanes filled with small shops and cafés before becoming more exposed near the top. On a very hot day, the climb can feel demanding, particularly after the boat ride.

Wear trainers or other sensible shoes. Sandals may be fine for the harbor and village, but the uneven route can be hard on your feet. Take water and sun protection. Shade is limited on the upper section, and the midday heat can be intense.

Admission to the Acropolis is not included. One recent account reported paying €12, but prices can change, so check the current fee before your visit. There can also be a queue at the entrance. An online ticket may help you skip the ticket queue, but a timed entry can become a problem if the boat changes the order of the day or makes an early swim stop.

The reward is the view. From the top, you can look over Lindos, the coast, and the bay below. If ancient sites are important to you, the climb is likely worth the effort. If steep walks and hot ruins are not your idea of fun, you can still enjoy Lindos without going all the way up.

Exploring the Village

The village itself is a pleasant reason to make the trip. White buildings, narrow lanes, shops, cafés, and views toward the harbor create a different feel from Rhodes Town. You can spend your time walking, browsing, and stopping for a cold drink rather than treating the Acropolis as an obligation.

Several people have chosen to skip the climb and relax at the bay or in a café with a view. That is a perfectly sensible choice. The tour gives you free time, not a guided march, so you can set your own pace.

Lunch and the Beach

Lunch is not included. Lindos has restaurants and cafés, and you can also find food on the boat. A meal in town gives you a break from the sun and the chance to enjoy the village at ground level.

The beach is another option, but sunbeds can be expensive. If you want beach time without another charge, bring a towel and use the sand. You will not have time for a long, lazy beach day if you also plan to visit the Acropolis, so choose one main activity and one smaller one.

Keep an eye on the clock. You must be back at the boat by 1:45 p.m., not simply back in the village. Lindos’ narrow lanes and steep route can slow you down, especially when the streets are busy.

Tsambika Bay: A Short, Refreshing Swim

The first planned swim on the return route is Tsambika Bay, with about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear, and the stop is a welcome break after the heat of Lindos.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. Have your swimsuit on under your clothes, keep your towel easy to reach, and do not wait until the last minute to climb down to the water. The stop is designed for a quick swim rather than a full beach visit.

No snorkeling equipment is included. Bring your own goggles if you have them. One person bought equipment onboard and found little to see, while other accounts simply praised the clear water and pleasant swim. I would treat snorkeling as an optional extra rather than the main reason to book the trip.

The order of the bays may vary, and the exact time in the water can be affected by weather and boat operations. The advertised duration is around 30 minutes at Tsambika.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Movie Connection

Anthony Quinn Bay is the final listed stop and one of the most scenic parts of the outing. Its rocky coves and clear water create a striking setting, and the bay was used as a natural location for the film The Guns of Navarone.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. You can swim from the boat and look down through the water toward rocks, seaweed, and fish. The bay has received especially strong praise for its clear, warm water and dramatic cliffs.

This is the place where bringing goggles makes the most sense. You may see colorful fish and the seabed beneath you, although conditions vary. The stop is not a guided snorkeling session, and there is no promise of marine life or coral on every visit.

As with Tsambika, you are swimming from the boat rather than arriving at a beach. That means there is no long walk to the water, but you need to be comfortable using the boat’s access point and returning promptly when the crew calls everyone back.

The Return to Rhodes and Hotel Transfers

After the second swim, the boat continues to Rhodes Harbor, with an expected arrival around 5:30 p.m. Hotel transfers may add more time, and some people have reached their accommodation around 5:30 or 6:00 p.m.

This is where the tour can feel tiring. You have an early start, a hot walk in Lindos, and several hours on a boat. The reward is that you do not need to drive, navigate, or arrange a return from the east coast yourself.

Transfer service has generally been a strong feature. Drivers have been described as polite, punctual, and helpful, with George receiving particular praise. One transfer used a clean, air-conditioned six-seat minibus. However, one account reported an older coach without effective air conditioning, so vehicle quality may vary by route or day.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully about the length of the cruise. The boat has seating and a restroom, but the ride to Lindos takes around two and a half hours. Weather can also affect the schedule. The operator requires good weather and may offer another date or a full refund if conditions force a cancellation.

Crowds, Comfort, and Who Will Enjoy It Most

The maximum group size is 180 people. That is a substantial boatload, and seating can become an issue. Some departures have felt crowded, with chairs arranged throughout the available space, while others have offered plenty of room. Arriving early is your best practical move.

This excursion suits you if you want to see Lindos and enjoy swimming stops in one day. It is also useful if you are staying outside Rhodes Town and value an organized pickup. Families and mixed groups may like the freedom to split up in Lindos, with some people visiting the Acropolis and others choosing lunch or the beach.

You should think twice if you have difficulty with steep hills, intense heat, or long boat rides. The Acropolis route is not gentle, and the village itself has uneven cobblestones. You can avoid the climb, but you cannot shorten the sea journey.

The cruise is also less suitable if you want a quiet, small-scale experience. The boat may have music, queues, and plenty of other people. For a more personal day, look for a smaller vessel, but expect to pay more and possibly lose the convenience of this all-in-one schedule.

What to Pack for This Rhodes Excursion

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. You may be swimming before reaching Lindos, so do not pack your swimwear at the bottom of your bag.

Add goggles if you want to look beneath the surface. Snorkeling gear is not included, and onboard stock may be limited. Comfortable shoes are important for the Acropolis and Lindos’ cobbled lanes.

Carry some money or a payment card for lunch, drinks, snacks, and the Acropolis. Bring only what you need for the day, since a crowded boat makes large bags awkward.

Should You Book the Lindos Boat Trip?

I would book this excursion if you want a good-value full day that combines Rhodes’ famous hilltop site with two refreshing swims. The highest praise goes to the friendly crew, smooth transfers, attractive bays, and the chance to see Lindos without arranging a car.

I would not book it for a relaxed private cruise or a serious snorkeling trip. The boat can be crowded, the ride is long, the Acropolis walk is hot, and the schedule may not always follow the advertised order.

Book it when your priorities are clear: reach Lindos, choose either the Acropolis or a slower village visit, and enjoy two short swims. Arrive early, wear proper shoes, bring goggles and sunscreen, and leave room in your plans for the day to run long. At around $60.46, it offers a lot, as long as you accept the size and pace of a large group boat trip.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Lindos last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and 30 minutes. The scheduled departure is around 8:40 a.m., and the expected return to the harbor is around 5:30 p.m.

On which days does the boat leave?

The scheduled departures are every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours in Lindos. The boat arrives at about 11:00 a.m., and you must return by 1:45 p.m. for the scheduled 2:00 p.m. departure.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The trip includes swimming and snorkeling stops at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay, with about 30 minutes at each location.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No snorkeling equipment is included. You can bring your own goggles or check if equipment is available for purchase onboard.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. You have free time in Lindos to buy lunch, and snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the boat bar.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered for selected hotels. You should enter your hotel name in the special requirements field so the operator can confirm the pickup location and time.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time.