Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

Catch Rhodes from the water. This 2.5-hour RIB cruise packs four swim stops, clear coves, rocky caves, and a small group of no more than eight people into one lively afternoon. I like the fast, modern boat and the chance to snorkel at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves. I also like the friendly crew, with guides such as Lazaros and Captain Michael earning special praise for their patience and good humor.

The main consideration is pace. Four stops in 2.5 hours means you get a taste of several places, not a long beach day at each one. The RIB can move quickly, which suits couples and confident swimmers, but families with very young children may prefer a larger, slower cruise boat.

Key points to know before you book

• Four swim areas in one short cruise: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves give you plenty of variety.
• Small group size: The boat carries up to eight participants, so the outing can feel close to private when numbers are low.
• Snorkeling gear and floats are available: Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids help less confident swimmers enjoy the stops.
• Anthony Quinn Bay has a film connection: The bay was named after the actor who bought the area after filming The Guns of Navarone.
• Hotel-area pickup is optional: Transfers can be arranged from central points around Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.
• Drinks are included, but carry water anyway: Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included, though one family reported receiving fizzy drinks and water rather than cocktails.

Why this short RIB trip works so well

A boat trip along Rhodes’ east coast gives you something a beach day cannot: changing views, quick access to coves, and the chance to swim from the boat instead of walking through crowded shallows. The RIB is furnished for comfort, with a spacious deck for sunbathing, a restroom, and Wi-Fi on board.

I particularly like the group limit of eight. That matters on a small boat. You are not fighting for deck space or waiting for a large crowd to climb back aboard. If only four or five people book your departure, the outing can feel almost like a private boat ride without the full private-tour price.

At $48 per person, the value is strong if you want active sightseeing rather than a long cruise with little time in the water. You are paying for the boat, captain, four swim areas, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and a guide who explains the places along the coast. The short duration also makes it easy to fit into a day that includes Rhodes Old Town, Lindos, or a hotel pool.

The tradeoff is simple: this is a sampler. You will see several beautiful spots, but you will not have hours to settle into one beach. If your ideal outing means one quiet cove, a long lunch, and an unhurried afternoon, choose a longer boat trip instead.

Meeting the captain at the marina

The standard meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. You meet the captain there and board directly. If you choose pickup, transport is available from central points near hotels in Rhodes Town, Koskinou, Ammoudes, Kritika, Ixia, Ialysos, and Kremasti.

Pickup can remove a small but annoying bit of holiday logistics. One family praised the punctual transfer and the driver, Harry, who took them right to the boat and stopped at scenic points on the way. Pickup details arrive separately, so check your email and spam folder before the day of departure.

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A small day bag is sensible, but you should not arrive with airport-style luggage or a bulky beach case.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the best-known coves on Rhodes. The water is clear, the cliffs are rugged, and the setting is photogenic from almost every angle. You can swim and snorkel here, with the boat giving you a view of the bay that is hard to get from the beach alone.

The bay takes its name from Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn. After filming The Guns of Navarone in the area, Quinn purchased the site, giving this small Greek cove an unusual link to mid-century cinema. Your guide explains that story while pointing out the area around the Guns of Navarone Pier.

That pier is especially useful for photographs. From the water, the view takes in the rocky shore, turquoise sea, and steep coastal edges. If you want pictures, have your camera ready before the boat stops. A waterproof phone pouch is worth bringing, though Captain Michael has reportedly supplied waterproof phone covers on some trips.

The snorkeling here is one of the main reasons to book. Several people enjoyed seeing fish in the clear water, and the crew provides masks and snorkels. You can also use a pool noodle or buoyancy aid if you want extra support.

Do not expect a guided marine biology lesson. This is a relaxed swim stop, not a formal snorkeling class. Still, the crew gives instructions and watches out for people in the water, which helps children and less confident swimmers.

Ladiko gives you another view of the same coast

The boat then heads to Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. This stop adds a slightly different view of the same rocky east coast, with turquoise water and cliffs that make a good backdrop for photographs.

One advantage of reaching Ladiko by RIB is that you can avoid treating the beach as your only destination. You see the cove from offshore, swim in the clear water, and return to the boat when ready. There is no need to haul beach gear across sand or search for a sunbed.

You can jump directly from the boat or stay on the spacious deck. That choice gives the stop a relaxed feel. Strong swimmers can enter the water quickly, while cautious swimmers can use the supplied floats and buoyancy aids.

The RIB’s speed is part of the fun, but it is also something to think about if you are bringing a young child. One parent found the boat quick and felt the trip was better suited to couples and older children than to families seeking a gentle ride. Ask the crew for help if you are unsure about entering the water.

Traganou brings rocks, gravel, and sea caves

Traganou is a gravel beach with a rougher, more natural character. Instead of smooth sand and rows of loungers, you get rocky ground, clear water, and a wilder shoreline.

This is a good stop for swimming and exploring the coastal formations. The hidden caverns create shade and texture along the shore, and the rocky setting feels different from the more famous Anthony Quinn Bay. Wear comfortable shoes, as recommended, because a gravel and rocky surface is less pleasant in bare feet.

The beach itself is not the point for a long barefoot stroll. Think of Traganou as a place to swim, look into the caves, and appreciate the coast’s rough edges. If you are carrying a phone or camera, keep it secure around the rocks.

The Alikies caves are the quiet finale

The final area is the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can venture into the cave area or stay on the beach and enjoy the water. This stop often becomes a favorite because it offers something more than another standard swim: a chance to see the coastline from inside its rocky folds.

One couple wished for more time at the final bay because it was especially photogenic and full of fish. That is useful advice. If you love snorkeling or photography, pay attention to the remaining time and make the most of this last stop rather than assuming you can return later.

The caves are not presented as a strenuous hike or technical outing. You remain close to the water and the boat, with the crew nearby. Still, rocky ground and uneven surfaces mean you should move carefully and avoid carrying unnecessary items.

What the crew adds to the outing

The crew is a major part of the appeal. Lazaros is praised for being a warm host, while Michael, the captain, is described as patient, friendly, and informative. One parent appreciated the way Michael helped a child gain confidence before jumping into the water.

That kind of small-group attention is valuable. You are not simply dropped at a swimming spot and left to manage on your own. The captain gives instructions, keeps an eye on swimmers, and provides safety equipment for people who need it.

The crew also adds small personal touches. Michael has let a child have a pretend turn at driving, helped feed fish, and adjusted the speed for the child’s enjoyment. These moments are not guaranteed, but they show the friendly, informal tone that many families and couples appreciate.

Harry, the transfer driver, has also received praise for being friendly and helpful. If you choose pickup, the transfer is more than a basic ride in the sense that the driver may point out scenic places along the route.

The tour language is English. Communication is helped by the small group and the direct contact with the captain, but you should book with an English-speaking crew in mind.

Drinks, snacks, and onboard comfort

The boat includes soft drinks and bottled cocktails, and snacks are available during the cruise. Several people enjoyed having a cocktail on board, especially during a birthday outing.

There is one practical wrinkle: drink service may vary by departure. One family reported receiving fizzy drinks and water rather than cocktails. I would treat the bottled cocktails as an included possibility, not the main reason to book. The sea, swim stops, and scenery are the real value.

The onboard restroom is useful, especially on a short trip with several swim stops. Wi-Fi is also listed as available, though the best use of your phone will probably be photographing the coves and fish. Bring a waterproof case if you have one. Some departures have provided phone covers, but you should not rely on that.

The deck is spacious enough for sunbathing and relaxing between stops. You may find the boat comfortable for a small group, but a RIB is still an active vessel. If you want a quiet, shaded lounge with lots of space, a larger cruise boat may suit you better.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would choose this trip for couples, friends, and families with older children who want several swim stops without giving up a whole day. It is also a good choice if you have only a few days on Rhodes and want to add a coastal outing without sacrificing a full morning or evening.

Less confident swimmers are not shut out. Buoyancy aids, pool noodles, and other equipment are available, and the crew provides help. Parents should still supervise children closely, especially when jumping from the boat and swimming near rocks.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not a good fit if you are carrying luggage, since large bags are not allowed.

You should also think about the boat’s speed. Some people will love the quick ride between coves. Others, particularly families with very young children or anyone prone to motion discomfort, may prefer a larger vessel.

Timing, pickup, and cancellation details

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, with departure times depending on availability. Afternoon departures make sense if you want to spend the morning sightseeing or relaxing at your hotel.

You finish back at the meeting point, so plan your onward transport from the marina. If pickup is selected, the return arrangements should be included in the personalized information sent before the tour.

The booking allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes schedule is still changing. Check the available start time before booking, since the exact departure affects your plans for the rest of the day.

Should you book this RIB cruise?

Book it if you want a fast, friendly, small-group outing with several chances to swim and snorkel. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves gives you more variety than a single beach visit, while the $48 price keeps the experience within reach for most holiday budgets.

I would skip it if you want a slow cruise, a long stay at one beach, or a fully predictable cocktail service. For most couples, friends, and families with older children, though, the compact format is the strength. You get clear water, rocky coves, a little local film history, useful equipment, and a crew that seems to care about making people comfortable in the sea.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes RIB cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $48 per person.

Where does the boat depart?

You meet the captain at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant.

Does the cruise return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels and masks are available, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Snacks are also available on the boat.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The group is limited to eight participants.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel the booking?

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