Rhodes Town: Anthony Quinn, Kalithea & Afandou Boat Cruise

Rhodes looks different from the water. This six-hour cruise from Mandraki Harbor links Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay, giving you three swimming and snorkeling stops for $32.57 per person. I like the simple plan: sail, anchor, swim, then move on to another stretch of coast.

I especially like the traditional Greek boat and the useful mix of stops. Anthony Quinn Bay offers clear water and dramatic views, Afandou gives you time to stretch out and sunbathe, and Kallithea is the best stop for spotting fish and squid. The crew, led by Markos and his family, is also praised for being friendly, conversational, and good with families.

The main drawback is that this is a long outing with no lunch, snacks, or drinks included. You need to arrive on time at the Alexander Statue in Mandraki Harbor, and the swimming stops can change if strong winds affect the boat, especially from September 20 through October 15.

Five useful things to know before you book

• Three one-hour water stops: You get roughly an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing.
• Departure from central Rhodes Town: Meet the boat Alkmini by the Alexander Statue at Mandraki Harbor, with no hotel transfer included.
• Snorkeling gear is supplied: You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel, though you should bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
• A family-run feel: Markos and his family are noted for talking with passengers and explaining the beaches and Rhodes.
• Good value for a half-day on the sea: At $32.57, the price covers the boat, crew, music, gear, and three swim stops, but not food or drinks.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbor on Alkmini

Your day begins at Mandraki Harbor, one of the easiest places in Rhodes Town to reach if you are staying near the center. Look for the Alexander Statue and then find the boat named Alkmini. The meeting point is specific, but the responsibility is yours: everyone must be on board on time.

There is no hotel pickup, so plan your own walk or transport to the harbor. If you are arriving from a cruise ship, the departure point can work especially well because it is within walking distance from the port. Still, allow enough time to locate the boat rather than turning up at the last minute with your towel under one arm.

The cruise lasts six hours, which gives the outing a relaxed rhythm rather than a rushed beach-hop. You are not simply transported from one bay to another. The sailing time lets you look back at Rhodes Town, watch the coast recede, and enjoy broad views across the Aegean Sea.

The boat is described as a traditional Greek vessel, and music plays on board. That combination gives the trip a pleasant holiday mood, but keep your expectations practical. This is a social boat outing, not a quiet private sailing trip. Exact group size is not provided, although the boat has been described as spacious and not over-packed.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the most dramatic first stop

The first swimming stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, a small, striking inlet known for clear blue water and rocky coastal scenery. From the boat, you get a strong first look at why this part of Rhodes is best appreciated offshore. The views are broad, and the water is the main attraction.

You have about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, or simply sitting on the boat and taking in the setting. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, so this is an easy place to test the water without having packed your own gear.

I would treat Anthony Quinn Bay as the scenic stop. The photo opportunities are likely to be strongest here, with the boat offering a different angle than you get from shore. You can take pictures before swimming, then leave your camera safely behind when you enter the water.

The possible catch is that a bay known for its beauty can also feel busy at popular times. The supplied information does not promise a private anchorage or an empty cove. You should enjoy the view, but do not book this cruise expecting complete solitude.

If swimming from a boat makes you nervous, use the first stop to get comfortable. You can stay aboard, watch others in the water, and join in when ready. The schedule leaves enough time for a proper swim rather than a quick dip before departure.

Afandou Beach: a longer pause for sun and water

The cruise continues to Afandou Beach, where the emphasis shifts from rocky bay scenery to a more open beach setting. You get another hour for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and sunbathing. This is the stop for anyone who likes a little more room to relax after the first swim.

Afandou works well as the middle part of the day. By this point, you have seen one bay from the water and had a chance to snorkel. Here you can slow down, listen to the sea, and let the warm sun do some of the work.

The information also lists scuba diving at this stop, but the experience includes a boat cruise and snorkeling gear rather than scuba equipment or a scuba lesson. Do not assume a full scuba program is provided. For most people, swimming and snorkeling are the clear activities included in the price.

Bring your own towel and sunscreen. Snacks and drinks are not included, and there is no lunch provided, so you should arrange your food and water before boarding. This is one of the practical details that can affect the value of a six-hour trip. The boat itself is reasonably priced, but you need to budget for refreshments separately.

Afandou is also a good family stop. The excursion has been described as suitable for children of different ages, and the crew is known for being friendly with young passengers. Parents should still keep in mind that the main activities are boat-based swimming and snorkeling, with no stated child-specific equipment or supervised children’s program.

Kallithea Bay and the underwater view

The final major stop is Kallithea Bay, listed with Kallithea Springs as the destination. Here the focus returns to clear water and snorkeling. You have about an hour to swim, look for colorful fish, and possibly spot squid and other marine life.

This is likely to be the most rewarding stop for you if the underwater side of the trip matters more than beach lounging. The supplied description specifically points to fish, squid, and other sea creatures, so bring your curiosity as well as your swimsuit. The included snorkeling gear means you can take part without adding rental costs.

The boat also plays music on the way to Kallithea, which helps make the sailing between stops part of the experience rather than dead time. You can use that interval to dry off, enjoy the coastal views, and decide how much time you want to spend in the water at the final stop.

Kallithea is not presented as a guided land visit to the springs. The program centers on a break, photographs, free time, swimming, and snorkeling. If you want to explore the famous springs on foot, confirm what is possible before booking, because the information provided describes a sea-based stop rather than a detailed shore tour.

After the final swim, you sail back to Mandraki Harbor. The return is scenic and brings the outing to a natural close, with the same meeting point serving as the endpoint.

What the crew adds to the trip

A boat cruise can feel anonymous when the crew simply points you toward the water and starts the engine. This one has a more personal reputation. Markos and his family are specifically praised for taking time to talk with passengers and explain the beaches and Rhodes.

That matters because the stops themselves are easy to understand: swim, snorkel, sunbathe. A little explanation gives the coastline more meaning and makes the sailing feel like an experience rather than a transfer service.

The crew’s friendly approach also helps families. The tour has been described as welcoming to small children and suitable for families with children of different ages. There are also mentions of interactive initiatives and games, although the exact format and timing are not specified.

The guide languages are English, German, and Greek. If you speak one of those languages, you should be able to follow the spoken information more easily. The experience does not promise a detailed lecture at every stop, so think of the commentary as useful background rather than a formal history tour.

The boat is reported to have plenty of space, which is important on a six-hour outing. You will want somewhere to sit between swims, dry off, and keep your belongings close. Since exact capacity is not supplied, conditions can still vary by departure date.

What the $32.57 price really covers

At $32.57 per person, this cruise offers a solid amount of activity for the money. You receive six hours on the water, a boat ride along the Rhodes coast, a crew, music, snorkeling gear, and three separate swim and snorkel stops.

The value is strongest if you plan to use all three stops. If you only want a short sightseeing cruise and do not care about swimming, a six-hour schedule may feel longer than necessary. But if you want several chances to enter the water without arranging separate beach transport, the price is attractive.

You should add the cost of food and drinks because neither is included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also excluded. That is not unusual for a harbor departure, but it means the advertised fare is not the full cost of your day.

The cruise also saves you from arranging transport between three coastal locations. You get one organized route, supplied snorkeling equipment, and a crew handling the boat. For a solo visitor, couple, or family that wants an easy day at sea, this is practical value.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking more flexible. Check the available starting times carefully, since the cruise lasts six hours and needs to fit around your other plans.

Practical preparation for six hours aboard

Pack lightly, but pack the things that matter. Sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are specifically recommended. The sun can feel strong on open water, so sunscreen is not a minor extra.

Bring food and drinks if you need them. Lunch, snacks, and beverages are not included. The information does not state that food or drinks can be bought aboard, so it is safer to prepare before reaching Mandraki Harbor.

Wear something easy to change in and keep valuables secure. You will move between dry time on the boat and swimming stops, and a towel becomes essential rather than optional.

Bikes are not allowed. The activity is also not suitable for wheelchair users. These are important restrictions if you are coordinating a family or group with different mobility needs.

Keep an eye on the weather during the later season. From September 20 through October 15, strong winds can lead to changes in the swimming-stop program. The order or location of the water stops may change during the voyage, so treat the published route as the intended plan rather than an absolute promise.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

I would choose this cruise if you want a straightforward day of swimming, snorkeling, and coastal views without booking several separate activities. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who enjoy a shared boat atmosphere and want three chances to get into the sea.

It is also a good fit for cruise ship passengers because the harbor departure point is within walking distance from the port. You still need to confirm your ship schedule and return buffer yourself, since the cruise takes six hours and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Families may appreciate the crew’s friendly manner, music, and possible games. Children who are comfortable around open water should have plenty to do, but the experience is not described as a supervised children’s program.

I would hesitate if you need a wheelchair-accessible activity, want a private boat, dislike music, or prefer a land-based beach day. I would also think twice if you need meals included or if you are uncomfortable with a full day built around swimming from a boat.

The rating of 4.1 from 49 reviews suggests a generally positive experience with some room for varied expectations. The strongest praise centers on the crew, the spacious feel of the boat, the attractive anchorages, and the family-friendly atmosphere. Those are the points I would weigh most heavily when deciding.

Should you book the Alkmini cruise?

Book it if you want good coastal scenery, three planned water stops, supplied snorkeling gear, and a friendly family-run crew at a modest price. Anthony Quinn Bay gives you the dramatic first impression, Afandou offers time to relax, and Kallithea provides the best reason to keep your mask on.

Skip it if you need full accessibility, included meals, hotel transfers, or a quiet private sailing experience. Also check the forecast in the later season, since wind can change the swimming program.

For a flexible half-day from Rhodes Town, this is a sensible choice. Arrive early at the Alexander Statue, bring your own water and snacks, and think of the route as a sea day with three chances to swim rather than a formal sightseeing tour.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes boat cruise start?

The cruise starts at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town. Look for the Alexander Statue and find the boat named Alkmini.

Where does the cruise end?

The cruise ends back at the same meeting point at Mandraki Harbor.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Which places does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay, with Kallithea Springs listed as the final stop.

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

The planned break at each stop is about one hour. Activities include free time, swimming, snorkeling, and photographs.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the boat cruise.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, drinks, and lunch are not included.

What languages are available on the cruise?

The live tour guide is available in English, German, and Greek.