Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise-Greek Buffet w/wine included

The sea is Rhodes at its most generous. This six-hour cruise combines three beautiful swimming stops with a Greek buffet, free wine, and generous time on deck, making it an easy way to see the coast without arranging several separate outings. I especially like the chance to snorkel with small fish at Anthony Quinn Bay and the unusual red-tinted waters around Kallithea Springs. The main thing to consider is that the food is pleasant and filling rather than gourmet, and the cruise offers limited commentary about the sights along the way.

The boat leaves Mandraki Old Port at 10:15 a.m. and returns to the same place. You get cushioned seating, shaded and sunny areas, two bars, snorkeling equipment, bottled water, lemonade, soft drinks, floaters, pool noodles, and white and rosé wine. At $71.38 per person, that is a strong package if you plan to swim, eat lunch on board, and enjoy a relaxed day at sea.

Six useful things to know before sailing

• Three swim stops: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay each offer a different setting, from open beach to rocky cove.
• Mandraki departure: You walk out past Rhodes’ Old Town walls and the port entrance linked with the Colossus of Rhodes.
• Snorkeling included: Masks and snorkels are available on board, along with floaters and pool noodles.
• Greek lunch on the boat: The buffet includes vegetarian and gluten-free choices, with wine, water, lemonade, and soft drinks.
• Comfortable for non-swimmers: Shaded seating, cushioned sofas, music, and coastal views make the cruise worthwhile even if you stay dry.
• Small practical catch: Hotel pickup costs extra, and the boat holds up to 100 people, so the feel can vary with the day’s booking level.

Setting out from Mandraki Old Port

Meet at Romantika Dreams Rhodes Day Cruise in Mandraki Port, near Nea Agora, for the 10:15 a.m. departure. If you arrive from a cruise ship, the walk is about 15 minutes, which keeps this outing simple and inexpensive compared with excursions that include a long transfer.

The first part of the cruise is sightseeing from the water. As the boat leaves Mandraki, you get a clear view of Rhodes Medieval Walls, the Old Town, and the castle. This is one of the best reasons to take the boat from the city rather than meeting at a beach farther down the coast. You see Rhodes from the angle that once mattered most, from the sea looking toward its fortified harbor.

The port entrance also brings up the Colossus of Rhodes. The famous statue, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once represented the sun god. The statue itself is long gone, but the cruise passes the area where it is traditionally understood to have stood near the harbor entrance.

Do not expect a full guided history lesson as the boat moves away from port. The sights are easy to miss if you are not watching closely, and explanations along the route are limited. If the Colossus matters to you, ask the crew when and where to look, then keep your camera ready.

Kallithea Springs and the strange red waters

Kallithea Springs is usually the first major stop, reached after about 45 minutes at sea. The boat stays for around an hour, giving you time for a swim and a look around the spring area from the water.

Kallithea is known for reddish water emerging from rock formations in the Gulf of Kallithea. Ancient visitors valued the springs for their supposed healing qualities, and later Italian architects designed the buildings and decorative details around the site. The setting mixes stone, sea, and old resort architecture in a way that feels quite different from a regular beach stop.

Admission from the sea is free, so you can enjoy the water without paying an extra entrance fee. The stop works well for anyone who wants a refreshing first swim before lunch. The water around the boat is also a good place to use the supplied floaters or pool noodles if you prefer an easy paddle rather than a serious swim.

The limitation is time. One hour is enough for a swim and a quick look, but not for a slow visit to every part of the springs. If you want to study the architecture or spend a long time on shore, a land visit would give you more freedom. On this cruise, Kallithea is best treated as a scenic swim stop with a distinctive historical setting.

Afandou Beach, pebbles, caves, and open water

Afandou Beach gives you a completely different experience. The beach stretches for about six kilometers and is known for clear water, pebbles, and the nearby golf course. The cruise allows about an hour and 15 minutes here, making it one of the longer stops.

The pebbles from the Afandou area were used in the construction of Old Town sidewalks, a detail that gives the beach a small connection with the city you saw at the start of the day. The area also contains tombs and temple foundations. Its name comes from the Greek word for invisible, linked to the old settlement’s position inland and behind rocks where it could not easily be seen from the sea.

From the boat, the attraction is mainly the water and the shoreline. You can swim, explore near the rocks, or simply sit on deck and watch the coast. If your idea of a successful boat day involves several long swims rather than formal sightseeing, Afandou may be your favorite stop.

The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, so a pair of water shoes can be useful, though they are not listed as part of the equipment. The cruise description also refers to caves around the area. Do not expect a guided cave tour. You are given time to explore from the water and around the boat, with the exact experience affected by sea conditions and where the captain anchors.

Lunch is served back on board after the swim time. This arrangement is practical because you can change pace without trying to carry food ashore or find a beach restaurant.

Anthony Quinn Bay and fish-filled snorkeling

Anthony Quinn Bay is the most intimate of the three main swimming spots. High rocks surround this small cove, creating a dramatic contrast with the wider waters around Afandou. The cruise spends about an hour here, and complimentary masks and snorkels are available from the boat.

The clear water is home to many small fish. You can snorkel close to the boat, watch fish gather near bread, or use a pool noodle and float without much effort. The fish are accustomed to people, but feed them only if the crew permits it and follow any instructions given on board.

The bay takes its name from Mexican actor Anthony Quinn, who came to Rhodes while filming The Guns of Navarone in the 1960s. He reportedly loved the cove and sought to buy it, but the agreement was never completed and later legal decisions found it unenforceable. The local name remains as a nod to the actor.

This is the stop for snorkeling and close-up coastal views, but the small bay can feel busier than the open-water stops. The rocks rise sharply around the cove, and the water is described as very deep. If you are not a confident swimmer, stay close to the boat, use the provided flotation equipment, and ask the crew for help before entering the water.

The cruise also passes Ladiko Bay, just behind Anthony Quinn Bay. Ladiko once served as a trading point for olive oil, and local fishermen have found clay containers from shipwrecks in the area. Today, it is known for its picturesque cove and water activities. From the boat, it is primarily a passing view, but the caves and rocky setting add interest to the return route.

Lunch, wine, and the atmosphere on board

The Greek buffet is included in the fare and is served on board, usually after the swimming stops. It includes vegetarian and gluten-free choices, which makes the meal more useful for mixed groups. Typical foods described for the buffet include salads, chicken, pasta, and briam, a Greek vegetable dish.

The food receives mostly warm praise, though expectations should be sensible. Some people find it delicious and abundant, while others consider it basic. I would describe it as a welcome, convenient lunch rather than a reason to book the cruise by itself. After swimming, sun, and sea air, a plate of simple Greek food tastes exactly right.

White and rosé wine are included throughout the cruise. Bottled water, lemonade, and soda are also available. Beer is not included, so budget for that separately if it is your preferred drink. Cocktails may be available at happy hour prices, but the listed inclusions are wine and nonalcoholic drinks.

Music helps shape the day. The atmosphere is often relaxed early on and more party-like on the return to Rhodes. That will suit you if you like a social boat ride with music and conversation. If you want a silent nature cruise, this is not the right match.

The boat has comfortable cushioned seats, including sofas, and both sunny and shaded areas. A covered main deck has its own bar, while another bar serves the upper level. You can move between shade, sun, and open views instead of being stuck in one seat for six hours.

The bathroom is reported to be clean and comfortable, an unglamorous detail that matters on a long boat outing. There is also a shower, useful after saltwater swimming or snorkeling.

What $71.38 really gets you

At $71.38, the value is strongest when you use the whole package. You are paying for roughly six hours on the coast, three swim stops, the boat ride from central Rhodes, lunch, wine, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, flotation aids, and seating in shaded or sunny areas.

Booking these elements separately would take more planning and could cost more. A beach day might be cheaper if you only want to sit on sand, but it would not give you the same view of the coastline or the chance to move between Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay in one outing.

The fare is also useful for families and groups with mixed interests. Swimmers can jump from the boat and snorkel, while non-swimmers can remain on deck with food, music, and views. The supplied floaters and pool noodles make casual water time easier, though you should not treat them as a substitute for swimming ability or careful supervision.

The boat can carry up to 100 people. That is not a tiny private sailing trip, and you should not expect silence or personal service at every moment. Still, the seating arrangement and two-bar layout help spread people out. On a well-booked departure, the amount of personal space may be less than on a quieter day.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

I would choose this cruise if you want an easy coastal day with swimming, lunch, and drinks rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour. It suits couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a friendly social setting.

It is particularly good for:

• People staying in Rhodes Town who want a simple day on the sea
• Cruise ship passengers looking for an excursion within walking distance of the port
• Swimmers who want several different bays in one outing
• Non-swimmers who enjoy music, food, and views from a comfortable deck
• People seeking vegetarian or gluten-free lunch choices
• Anyone who values drinks and equipment included in the price

It is less suited to you if you want extensive historical commentary, a quiet sailing experience, or a luxury dining cruise. The crew is described as friendly and attentive, but the emphasis is on fun, swimming, and a good onboard mood rather than formal guiding.

Bring sun protection, a swimsuit, and a towel. Consider water shoes for the pebbly areas, and arrive ready for a full block of time outdoors. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra, so check the meeting point carefully if you are staying outside Rhodes Town.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The cruise starts at 10:15 a.m. and ends back at Mandraki Port after about six hours. It operates only in suitable weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local Rhodes time.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, but hotel pickup is not included unless purchased as an extra.

Should you book the Bay to Bay Swim Cruise?

Yes, if you want a good-value day built around swimming, snorkeling, and easy enjoyment. The three stops are genuinely varied: Kallithea brings unusual springs and old architecture, Afandou offers open coastal space, and Anthony Quinn Bay provides the best setting for fish and snorkeling.

Book it with realistic expectations. You get limited narration, the buffet is simple rather than fancy, and the boat may carry up to 100 people. But for $71.38, the combination of coastal views, three swim stops, Greek food, wine, snorkeling gear, and comfortable seating is hard to fault.

Choose a sunny day, arrive early enough to settle in, and keep your eyes open as you leave Mandraki. The best moments may come before and after the formal stops, when Rhodes’ walls, harbor, rocky bays, and evening port views pass by from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise depart?

It departs from Romantika Dreams Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port Nea Agora, Rhodes 851 31, Greece.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:15 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Which swimming locations are included?

The planned stops include Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay. The boat also passes Ladiko Bay and Faliraki Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek buffet lunch is included, with vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

Which drinks are included?

White and rosé wine, bottled water, lemonade, and soda are included. Beer is not listed as an included drink.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available, along with life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra. The standard activity begins and ends at Mandraki Port.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can receive a full refund or select another date.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.