Faliraki: Yellow Sub Cruise to Anthony Quinn Bay & the Caves

Three hours, two bays, one very yellow boat. This Faliraki cruise mixes a glass underwater cabin with two proper swim stops, giving you a little sightseeing, a little snorkeling, and a cold drink whenever the Greek sun starts winning. I especially like the 40-minute stop at Anthony Quinn Bay and the chance to swim into the Traganou Caves. The open bar, with beer, water, and soft drinks, is another strong point.

The main thing to consider is that this is a relaxed coastal outing, not a serious marine-life expedition. The underwater cabin is fun and air-conditioned, and the crew feeds fish at Anthony Quinn Bay, but much of the pleasure comes from the swimming, scenery, and easygoing boat time. At $51 per person, the value is good if you plan to use all three parts: the cruise, the swim stops, and the drinks.

Key points to know before booking

• Anthony Quinn Bay gets the longest swim stop: You have about 40 minutes to swim and snorkel in one of Rhodes’ most scenic coves.

• Traganou Caves offer a rare swim-through stop: The 25-minute break lets you enter the rock formations by water.

• The underwater cabin is more than a standard glass-bottom view: Large windows sit below the waterline, and the crew feeds fish at Anthony Quinn Bay.

• The open bar is included: Beer, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise, with no extra charge for each drink.

• Beach pickup takes planning: You board from red steps on the beach, not necessarily from a conventional harbor pier.

• This suits families and casual swimmers: The trip lasts three hours, and children as young as 3 and 5 were reported to manage the two swim stops well.

What the yellow semi-submarine actually offers

The boat has a bright yellow design and a below-water viewing cabin. That cabin is the special feature. Instead of only looking over the side of a glass-bottom boat, you can sit below the surface and watch fish pass the large windows.

You should keep your expectations sensible. The views depend on the water, the light, and the fish gathering near the boat. At Anthony Quinn Bay, the crew feeds the fish, which creates the best viewing session of the trip. Fish crowd around the windows, and the effect can be surprisingly lively.

The underwater cabin is also air-conditioned, a detail that matters during Rhodes’ hot summer afternoons. You can cool off below deck for a few minutes, then return outside for the sea breeze and sunshine. This gives the cruise a useful rhythm instead of leaving you exposed to the sun for the full three hours.

The boat includes an open bar with ice-cold beer, water, and soft drinks. Food is not included, so bring anything you need to eat. The drinks add real value, especially for a short cruise where buying several beverages separately could quickly add up.

Getting to the red beach steps in Faliraki

This cruise does not use one simple town-center meeting point. You board a tender boat from the red steps on the beach at one of the Faliraki pickup spots. A tender boat is used to take passengers from shore to the yellow semi-submarine.

The published pickup schedule gives these times:

• Amada Colossos beach: 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM
• Esperides and Calypso Hotel beach: 9:40 AM, 12:40 PM, and 3:40 PM
• Apollo Hotel and Faliraki Harbor: 9:55 AM, 12:55 PM, and 3:55 PM

The information describes several beach pickup points, with some sections referring to five stops and others to six. For that reason, check the exact beach stop connected to your booking before setting out. Look for the red steps and the yellow boat, rather than assuming the pickup is at the main harbor.

This detail is easy to overlook. If you are staying in a large resort, the nearest beach pickup may be more useful than going into Faliraki itself. If you are arriving from Rhodes Town or the cruise terminal, allow time for transport. One published account described taking a taxi from the cruise terminal and returning by bus, but the exact fare and bus arrangements can change.

The first cruise section: coast views before the swimming

After the tender transfer, the boat heads along the coast. The sightseeing portions are listed as roughly 30 minutes and 20 minutes, making the cruise itself a meaningful part of the three-hour outing.

You will see the shoreline from the water and get a different angle on the coves near Faliraki. This is not a narrated historical cruise, and the focus is not on monuments or long explanations. It is mainly about the sea, rocky coast, swimming water, and the changing view as the boat moves between stops.

That makes this a good choice when you want something simple. You do not need to spend a full day on a boat to enjoy Rhodes from the water. The short format leaves room for a hotel afternoon, a meal in Faliraki, or another activity.

The boat can feel busier than a private excursion because the experience includes a full group, a shared underwater cabin, and shared swim stops. In exchange, the price stays lower than a private boat charter, and the crew handles the route, drinks, and transfers.

Traganou Caves: a 25-minute swim into the rocks

One swimming stop lasts about 25 minutes at the Traganou Caves. The appeal here is direct and physical: you can get into the water and swim inside the rock formations.

This is more memorable than simply looking at a cave from a boat. You see the opening from the water, then enter it under your own power. The stop is short, so you should be ready to swim soon after the crew gives the signal.

The caves are a good reason to bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep towels easy to reach. The supplied information does not promise snorkeling equipment for every departure, although one account said equipment was provided. If snorkeling matters to you, confirm what is included or ask the crew when you board.

Twenty-five minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a look inside the formations, but it is not a long beach break. You will not have time for a slow change of clothes, extended sunbathing, and a leisurely swim all at once. Think of it as a focused stop, with the caves as the main event.

The rocky setting also means you should take care getting into the water. The information provided does not specify ladders, beach access, or water conditions, so follow the crew’s instructions. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask about the safest way to enter before jumping in.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the main attraction

Anthony Quinn Bay receives the longer stop, about 40 minutes. This is the centerpiece of the cruise, and it combines the prettiest setting with the best fish viewing.

The bay is known for clear water, rocky edges, and a compact cove that looks especially good from the sea. You can swim, snorkel, or simply stay near the boat and enjoy the water. The stop is long enough to feel like a real break rather than a quick photo opportunity.

The crew feeds fish near the underwater cabin, bringing large numbers of fish close to the windows. That feeding session is the highlight for many people, particularly children. One account even described seeing a fish around a meter long while entering the bay, and another reported seeing a seal from the underwater cabin at the caves. Those sightings are possible, not guaranteed, so treat them as pleasant surprises rather than promised parts of the trip.

Anthony Quinn Bay can also be the busiest-feeling stop. The boat stays offshore rather than taking you right onto the beach, and one person wished the boat could approach the shore more closely with a smaller vessel. If your dream is to sit on the beach at Anthony Quinn Bay, this is not the same experience as a land visit.

For a water-based view, though, staying offshore has an advantage. You see the cove from the water, swim in the bay, and watch marine life through the cabin windows. Bring goggles if you have them, even if equipment is available, since personal gear usually fits better and makes it easier to get back in the water quickly.

The open bar and the practical value of $51

At $51 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast, but it bundles several useful elements. You receive the semi-submarine cruise, two swim stops, beach-to-boat transfer, and unlimited beer, water, and soft drinks.

The open bar matters more than it might sound. A three-hour boat ride in the Rhodes heat can leave you thirsty, and having cold drinks ready means you do not need to calculate every purchase. Beer is available for adults, while children and non-drinkers have water and soft drinks.

Food is not included, so do not confuse the open bar with a full meal service. Eat before the cruise or bring a small snack if permitted. The supplied details only confirm drinks, not meals or a wider menu.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and groups who would otherwise pay separately for a short boat trip, drinks, and a marine-life viewing experience. It is less attractive if you dislike group excursions, do not plan to swim, or would rather spend the money on a private boat with more control over the route.

Prices can vary by booking channel. One account reported finding the tour considerably cheaper by booking directly at the harbor than through an online platform. That is not a guarantee, and direct booking may involve less flexible cancellation terms, but it is worth checking the price before paying.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

Families have a lot to like here. The underwater cabin gives children something to watch between swims, and the two stops break up the three-hour ride. The air conditioning below deck is a practical bonus in hot weather.

This also suits adults looking for an easy half-day activity. You get a pleasant boat ride, a few drinks, and two chances to cool off without committing your entire day to the sea.

Confident swimmers and casual snorkelers will get the most from the stops. You can still join if you prefer not to swim, but the cruise’s main value comes from getting into the water. The caves are reached by swimming, and Anthony Quinn Bay is meant for swimming and snorkeling rather than only sightseeing.

I would choose another type of outing if you want a quiet private trip, a long stay at one beach, a full meal, or serious scuba-style exploration. This is a social sightseeing cruise with water activities, not a specialist wildlife tour.

Timing, comfort, and what to bring

The cruise lasts three hours, with morning, midday, and afternoon departures. The best departure depends on your schedule and heat tolerance. A morning trip can leave you with the rest of the day free, while an afternoon trip may fit better after a slow hotel morning.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a phone or camera that can handle splashes. A small bag is more practical than a large beach bag because you will move between the beach, tender, main boat, outdoor deck, and underwater cabin.

Wear something easy to remove before swimming. The stops are timed, and you will not want to spend half of each break dealing with clothing.

The host and crew operate in English. The crew is repeatedly praised for friendly service, attentive help, and humor, with Captain Mike receiving special thanks. That personal touch is important on a small coastal outing, since a clear safety instruction or quick answer can make the whole trip more comfortable.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup is included, but you still need to reach the correct beach steps on time.

Is the Faliraki yellow submarine cruise worth booking?

I would book this cruise if you want a compact, family-friendly sea outing with real swim time and drinks included. Anthony Quinn Bay is the strongest part, while the Traganou Caves give the trip a second setting and a more unusual activity.

The best reason to choose it is the combination. A basic glass-bottom boat may show you fish, but this trip also puts you in the water and lets you swim through caves. The open bar and air-conditioned underwater cabin make the three-hour format comfortable in hot weather.

I would skip it if you want a private boat, a quiet beach day, or guaranteed close-up wildlife. For everyone else, the $51 price is fair, especially if you use the open bar and take part in both swimming stops. Check the exact pickup beach and compare booking prices first, then bring your swimsuit and let the yellow boat handle the rest.

FAQ

How long is the yellow semi-submarine cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours.

What swim stops are included?

The tour includes a 40-minute swim stop at Anthony Quinn Bay and a 25-minute swim stop at the Traganou Caves.

Can I swim inside the Traganou Caves?

Yes. The itinerary specifically allows you to swim inside the rock formations at the Traganou Caves.

Is Anthony Quinn Bay included?

Yes. The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and underwater fish viewing.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes beer, water, and soft drinks.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included in the tour price.

Where do I board the boat?

You board from the red steps on the beach at a Faliraki pickup point. The yellow boat is reached with a tender boat from shore.

What pickup times are available?

Pickup times are listed at approximately 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM from Amada Colossos; 9:40 AM, 12:40 PM, and 3:40 PM from Esperides and Calypso Hotel; and 9:55 AM, 12:55 PM, and 3:55 PM from Apollo Hotel and Faliraki Harbor.

Can I cancel the booking?

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