Rhodes: Gulet Trip with Food, Drinks, SUP, Kayak & Swimming

Rhodes looks best from the water. I like the two-hour Fun Island stop, where you can paddleboard, kayak, snorkel, or simply float, and I like the generous Greek lunch with unlimited wine and soft drinks. The main drawback is crowding: the best sunbeds go early, and the food may not suit every palate.

This is a lively, good-value day on a traditional wooden gulet along Rhodes’ eastern coast. I would arrive about an hour before departure if you want an outdoor lounger, and I would remember that beer, cocktails, slushies, and coffee cost extra.

Key points before you book

• Three swim stops include Anthony Quinn Bay, Fun Island at Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs.
• Water activities are included, with SUP boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and platforms.
• Lunch is served aboard, with Greek salad, seasonal fruit, and traditional dishes, including options for vegans.
• The boat has many sunbeds, but early arrival matters if you want one in the sun.
• Wine and soft drinks are unlimited, while beer and cocktails are not included.
• The six-hour cruise costs about $78 per person, which is strong value for a full day of swimming, food, drinks, and equipment.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbor

You meet El Greco Cruises opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco, an easy landmark among the boats.

The cruise lasts about six hours, usually running from morning into the afternoon. Exact departure times depend on the date, so check availability before you book. The boat returns to the same place, which keeps the day simple if you are staying in Rhodes Town.

The gulet itself is part of the appeal. It gives you a more characterful setting than a plain speedboat, with open decks, sunbeds, shaded seating, and room to move around during the long sailing stretches. You will spend a fair amount of time underway, so the boat matters almost as much as the swimming stops.

I would arrive around 9:15 for a departure near 10:00. That early arrival tip comes up for a good reason: people who boarded roughly an hour ahead had the best choice of sunbeds. Arriving 20 or 25 minutes before departure may leave you with an indoor chair and table instead of an outdoor spot.

That does not ruin the trip, especially if you prefer shade. Still, this is a sun-and-sea excursion, and your seat affects how comfortable the six hours feel. If you are with a family or group, arrive early enough to sit together.

The first sailing along Rhodes’ eastern coast

The opening sailing lasts about an hour and a half. This is your chance to settle in, photograph the coast, listen to music, and enjoy the boat before the first swim.

The eastern side of Rhodes has a pleasant rhythm from the water. Rocky coves, bright sea, and green hills appear in a slow sequence as the gulet moves south along the coast. The views are best from the upper or open deck, though a strong breeze can make shaded seating more comfortable on windy days.

This is not a nonstop sightseeing cruise with a guide explaining every rock and cove. Its pleasure is simpler: open water, coastal scenery, music, and the promise of a swim ahead. Bring your camera, but protect it from spray and keep your phone secure when you move around the deck.

Morning treats are included, along with water and soft drinks. Wine is also available throughout the day. That makes the long sailing section feel less like dead time, particularly if you enjoy a slow day rather than a tightly packed sightseeing program.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a short swim in emerald water

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, with about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. The bay is famous for its intense green color, created by the vegetation and rocky setting around the water.

This is a beautiful place for a quick swim. The water is clear, and the enclosed bay gives you a strong first taste of Rhodes’ eastern coast. You can use the time to cool off, take photographs, or look beneath the surface with the provided snorkeling equipment.

Forty minutes passes quickly. If you want to do several things, choose one main activity rather than trying to swim, snorkel, and take many photos all at once. The boat’s later stop gives you much more time for equipment and water play.

You should also expect the swimming area to feel popular. Anthony Quinn Bay is one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal spots, so the setting is lovely but not private. The value here is the scenery and the refreshing first stop, not a long, quiet beach visit.

Ladiko Bay and the floating Fun Island

After a short sailing section, the boat reaches Ladiko Bay for the main stop. You get about two hours here, making it the heart of the day.

The special feature is Fun Island, a floating water area reserved for El Greco Cruises. It includes floating sofas and platforms, along with kayaks, SUP boards, and snorkeling equipment. You can pick an activity, return to the boat for a drink, then try something else without paying extra each time.

This arrangement works well for mixed groups. One person can paddleboard, another can snorkel, and someone else can stretch out on a floating sofa. Families can let older children try the water activities while adults stay close by, and couples can choose a quieter swim when the equipment area gets busy.

Several people have singled out the SUP and kayaking as the best part of the day. That makes sense. The two-hour stop gives you enough time to learn the balance of a paddleboard, take a kayak around the bay, or wait for equipment without feeling rushed.

The snorkeling is also included, but conditions can change with wind and water movement. You might find the clearest views close to the rocky edges, while other parts of the bay are better for swimming and paddling. The crew can help with the equipment, and one crew member has even shown people nearby caves.

A small practical tip: one person noted that fins were not always handed out automatically. If you want them, ask the crew. Snorkeling gear is included, but it is sensible to confirm that you have everything you need before swimming away from the boat.

A Greek lunch served on deck

Lunch is served during the Ladiko stop. The meal includes Greek salad, seasonal fruit, and traditional dishes such as chicken, gigantes beans in sauce, and stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice. Unlimited water, soft drinks, and local wine are part of the package.

I like the way lunch fits into this stop. You are not pulled away from the main swimming area for a long restaurant meal. Instead, you can eat aboard, then return to the water, the floating platforms, or your sunbed.

The meal is suitable for vegans and non-vegans, but you may need to ask for the vegetarian option. The meat-free plate can be more basic, with vegetables, tzatziki, and bread, while the main meal may include more substantial dishes. If you are a selective eater, bringing your own food is not allowed, so check the meal arrangement before booking and be prepared for a simple Greek-style lunch.

Food opinions can vary. Some people find the portions generous and the lunch very good, while others find the flavors less familiar or the vegetarian choice too plain. That is a fair limitation to keep in mind. You are paying for a boat day with lunch, not a restaurant tasting menu.

Seasonal fruit and morning treats help round things out. If you enjoy Greek home cooking, you will probably appreciate the informal spread. If you want a large choice of dishes, you may find it limited.

Kallithea Springs: architecture beside the sea

The final swimming stop is at Kallithea Springs, for about 30 minutes. This stop combines photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and a look at the site’s distinctive architecture.

Kallithea is different from the two earlier bays. Anthony Quinn Bay gives you dramatic color and rocky scenery, while Ladiko supplies the floating activity area. Kallithea adds a polished architectural setting beside the sea, making it a good final photo stop.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a look around, but not enough for a long visit. Treat it as a final pause rather than a full tour of the springs. If you have spent most of the day on the SUP or kayak, this is a pleasant chance to cool down before the return sailing.

The stop also helps break up the journey home. After lunch, wine, sunshine, and water activities, a last short swim is welcome. On a very hot day, you will likely be glad that the cruise does not return directly to port.

Life aboard the gulet

The best parts of this excursion are not only the named stops. The crew shapes the mood of the day, and the crew on this boat is often praised for being friendly, attentive, and willing to help.

Nikos and Stephanos have been especially appreciated for their warm service and useful suggestions about places to visit in Rhodes. You should expect a relaxed, social atmosphere rather than a formal guided cruise.

Music plays aboard, adding to the holiday feel. Some people will love that. If you want a silent nature cruise, this may not be your ideal boat trip. The sound, wine, open deck, and floating platforms create more of a cheerful beach day at sea.

The crew also keeps drinks available during the sailing and swim stops. Unlimited wine and soft drinks add real value, especially for families and groups. Water and soft drinks are easy choices for children, while adults can choose local white or rosé wine.

Beer is not included. Neither are cocktails, spirits, slushies, or coffee. These extras are available for purchase, but you should budget for them if they matter to you. For many people, the included wine, water, and soft drinks are enough.

What the $78 price really covers

At about $78 per person, this is a strong package for six hours. You are getting the gulet cruise, three swim stops, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, SUP boards, floating platforms, lunch, seasonal fruit, morning treats, unlimited soft drinks, and wine.

The main value comes from combining several costs into one outing. A shorter boat cruise may charge separately for equipment or food, while a water-sports session can quickly add to your bill. Here, you can try several activities without paying for each one.

The price also works well for people who want a full day without planning several separate bookings. You do not need to arrange transport between bays, find a lunch stop, or rent a kayak on the beach. You simply board in Mandraki and return there.

The value is less convincing if you do not drink wine, do not use the water equipment, or dislike group boat trips. You may also want to allow for paid drinks if you prefer beer or cocktails.

Crowding is the other value question. The boat can feel busy, especially around food, drinks, sunbeds, and activity equipment. One account described the boat as over capacity at busy times, with some people holding onto outdoor places rather than sharing. Arrive early, and be ready to move around during the day rather than treating one lounger as private property.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like an active day with plenty of built-in downtime. Children and teenagers have several ways to stay busy, while adults can swim, sunbathe, or sit with a drink.

It also suits different fitness levels. You can paddle, snorkel, kayak, or do none of those things. The boat, floating sofas, and sunbeds let you make the day as active or lazy as you wish.

The cruise is a particularly good fit if you want to see several coastal spots but do not want to rent a boat or organize a private charter. It is also useful for a first visit to Rhodes, since the route gives you a broad taste of the eastern shore in one day.

I would hesitate if you need a quiet, uncrowded boat, a gourmet lunch, or full wheelchair access. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Anyone with limited mobility should also consider that swimming stops involve getting from the boat into the water, though the supplied details do not specify the exact boarding arrangements.

What to bring and how to plan your day

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. You will spend many hours outdoors, and shade may not be your first choice if you arrive late.

Wear something easy to move in and keep valuables secure. The boat has open areas, water equipment, and wet surfaces, so a small waterproof pouch for your phone is useful, though it is not listed as a required item.

Do not bring your own food or drinks. Lunch and refreshments are supplied, and outside food and drink are not allowed.

Arrive close to an hour before departure if an outdoor sunbed matters to you. This is the single most useful practical tip for improving your day. Once aboard, choose your preferred area, then remember that sharing space helps keep the boat comfortable for everyone.

The cruise is hosted in English and Greek. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes plans are still shifting.

Should you book El Greco’s gulet trip?

Book it if you want a sociable, good-value day built around swimming and simple water sports. The Ladiko Fun Island stop, included equipment, friendly crew, Greek lunch, and unlimited wine and soft drinks give this cruise more substance than a basic sightseeing boat ride.

Go in with realistic expectations. The boat may be busy, the best sunbeds require an early arrival, beer costs extra, and the vegetarian lunch may be modest. If those points do not bother you, this is an easy way to enjoy Rhodes’ eastern coast without spending the day arranging details yourself.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes gulet cruise depart?

The meeting point is opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes a 40-minute stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, a two-hour stop at Fun Island in Ladiko Bay, and a 30-minute stop at Kallithea Springs.

Are kayaking and SUP included?

Yes. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling equipment are included at no extra charge.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional Greek lunch is served aboard, along with morning treats and seasonal fresh fruit.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited soft drinks, water, and wine are included. Beer, slushies, cocktails, spirits, and coffee are not included.

Is the lunch suitable for vegans?

Yes. The lunch is described as suitable for vegans and non-vegans. If you want the vegetarian or vegan choice, ask the crew when lunch is served.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.