Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs make a strong trio for a half-day on Rhodes. I like the small wooden boat feel and the fact that lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, fruit, and snorkeling gear are included. You spend less time arranging details and more time in the water. I also like the generous stop times, with about 50 minutes at each main bay.

The main drawback is simple: this is a sunny boat day, and shade can be limited. Arrive early if you want a choice spot, especially near the front, and bring your own towel. Sea conditions can also turn choppy, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan ahead.

At a glance

• Three swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.
• Traditional wooden boat: Comfortable and photogenic, with space to sunbathe and a shower onboard.
• About 50 minutes in each bay: Enough time for a swim, snorkel, or quiet rest.
• Lunch on the water: A buffet with local flavors and vegetarian choices, plus fruit.
• Drinks included: Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the cruise. Cocktails cost extra.
• English-speaking crew: Hosts including Theodore are known for warm, attentive service.

A relaxed day along Rhodes’ east coast

At $70 per person, this is a good-value way to see several of Rhodes’ best-known coastal swimming spots in one outing. You get 5.5 hours on and around the water, three stops, a meal, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the boat ride from central Rhodes Town.

I like the balance. This is not an all-day sailing expedition with long stretches at sea, nor is it a rushed sightseeing loop where you step off, take one photo, and hurry back aboard. Each stop gives you close to an hour, while Afandou gets extra time because lunch is served there.

The mood is easygoing. Music plays at a comfortable level, drinks are brought out during the day, and the crew keeps an eye on the practical details. The boat has free WiFi, though the real attraction is the clear water around the hull, not your phone.

Group size may vary, but one recent sailing had about 18 people, giving it more of a small charter feel than a packed excursion boat. Even when the boat is full, arriving a little early is smart. The front pads offer the best view and a pleasant place to stretch out, while late boarders may find themselves toward the back.

Meeting the boat near Mandraki Port

The meeting point is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk. This puts you near the harbor and within easy reach of the old town area.

The boat leaves in the morning. Allow enough time to find the desk, check in, and board without a last-minute dash. Boarding order can affect where you sit, and one person specifically found that arriving later meant losing a preferred place despite being told boarding would remain open until 9:30.

The boat itself is part of the appeal. It is a traditional wooden vessel with a warm, old-fashioned look that photographs well. You can sunbathe on deck, sit back during the longer sailing stretches, or move around to watch the coast pass by.

There is a shower onboard, which matters after several swims. Bring a towel because towels are not included. Sunscreen and swimwear are essential, and a dry bag or small waterproof pouch would be sensible for phones and valuables.

Anthony Quinn Bay: emerald water and a scenic first stop

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached after roughly an hour of sailing. The bay is known for its green water, rocky edges, and thick vegetation close to shore. It is one of the most scenic places on the route, so keep your camera ready during the approach.

You get about 50 minutes to swim and snorkel. The boat provides snorkeling equipment, allowing you to look beneath the surface without arranging a rental before departure. The water is clear enough for a pleasant look at the small marine life close to the rocks, though this is not a specialist wildlife trip.

This stop works especially well as a first introduction to the cruise. The water is the main event, and you can either jump straight in or take your time with photos and a drink. The crew may serve an aperitif, coffee, tea, wine, or beer around this part of the trip.

Anthony Quinn Bay can feel more dramatic than spacious. Rocky scenery gives it character, but it also means you should take care around the edges and ladders. If you prefer a long sandy beach and plenty of room to wander, Afandou will suit you better.

Afandou Beach: the longest stop and lunch break

After a short sail of about 10 minutes, the boat reaches Afandou Beach. This is the longest part of the outing, lasting around 110 minutes including lunch.

You can swim from the boat, snorkel, relax on the beach, or take part in water activities listed for the stop, including kayaking. The beach gives you a change of setting after the enclosed feel of Anthony Quinn Bay. It is a good place to use the full hour in the water rather than treating the stop as a quick photo break.

Lunch is served back on the boat as a buffet. Expect local-style dishes, vegetarian options, fruit, and a choice of red or white wine. Beer and soft drinks are also included. The portions are described as generous, and several meals have been praised for taste and variety.

I would set expectations at a pleasant boat buffet rather than a restaurant meal. Most people will find it more than enough for a midday meal, but one assessment found the food less traditional than hoped and suggested that gyros or souvlaki would have made it feel more distinctly Greek. That is a fair point if local food is a major reason you book excursions.

The strength of lunch is convenience and atmosphere. You eat with the sea around you, you do not lose time searching for a restaurant, and drinks keep flowing without adding up a string of small charges. Vegetarian diners have a stated option, though the exact dishes can change.

Kallithea Springs: clear water and easy sea access

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, reached after about an hour of sailing from Afandou. Here, the water runs through a long rocky inlet with ladders leading down into the sea. It is a more structured swimming spot than the other two bays, with rocks and platforms shaping the shoreline.

You get around 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The clear blue water makes this a good final stop, especially if you want one more jump from the boat or a calm snorkel before heading back to Rhodes Town.

Kallithea Springs is also the stop where you may want to slow down and look around. The rocky setting gives it a different character from Anthony Quinn Bay’s green slopes and Afandou’s beach. You are seeing three distinct types of coast in a single half-day.

Do not confuse this with a long visit to the historic spa complex on land. The advertised experience focuses on the sea inlet, swimming, snorkeling, and views from the boat. The 50-minute visit is enough for the water but not for an extended exploration of the wider site.

Food, drinks, and the real value of $70

The included drinks are a major part of the value. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are available during the cruise, along with fruit and lunch. Cocktails are not included, despite the separate cocktail menu, so you will pay extra if you want one.

That distinction matters. The standard price is already built around a full meal and drinks, but the word unlimited should not be taken to mean every drink on the boat. Stick to the included wine, beer, soft drinks, and water if you want to keep the final cost close to the advertised $70.

Compared with booking a boat ride, buying lunch, paying for drinks, and arranging snorkeling equipment separately, the package is straightforward and fairly priced. It is particularly useful for couples and families who prefer one known cost over a day of small extras.

The meal also breaks up the day well. Three swimming stops without food could feel repetitive, especially in strong sun. A seated buffet and a cool drink give you a reason to stay aboard for a while before the next stop.

Crew service and the onboard atmosphere

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this cruise. Hosts are friendly, attentive, and quick to offer drinks or help with equipment. Theodore is one of the names associated with the warm service on board, and his hosting style has been singled out for keeping the day lively without making it feel forced.

That balance matters. A boat trip can become tiring if the music is loud or the entertainment never stops. Here, the music is described as easy listening, and the general tone is social but calm. You can chat, sunbathe, swim, or simply watch the coast.

The crew also responds well when the sea gets rougher. If conditions turn choppy, you may feel the motion, but staff keep checking on people and helping where they can. Anyone who gets seasick should sit in a stable area, watch the horizon, and avoid treating the unlimited drinks as a challenge.

Shade is the main onboard weakness. Some people find enough space to relax comfortably, but there is not full cover for everyone. Pack a hat, use strong sunscreen, and consider bringing a light shirt for the return ride.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This is a good match for you if you want a social, low-effort day on the water with several chances to swim. You do not need to plan separate transport to the bays, find a beach restaurant, or rent a mask and snorkel.

It suits couples looking for an easy holiday day, families with children who enjoy swimming, and groups of friends who like music, drinks, and a relaxed deck. Floats have been provided on some sailings, which can help less confident swimmers, though you should still follow the crew’s instructions.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet private charter, a serious sailing lesson, or a long visit at any single beach. The boat follows a fixed route and schedule. You will have time at each stop, but not unlimited time.

The cruise also requires a reasonable level of comfort around ladders, swimming from the boat, and moving on a vessel. If you prefer to stay on land, only the scenery and lunch will hold your interest. If you want to swim in three different settings, it delivers much more.

Practical tips for a better day

Arrive early if the front seating or sun pads matter to you. The front has the best views, but it may also offer less protection from direct sun.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a small bag that can handle splashes. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, but your own mask may fit better if you are particular about it.

Keep a layer handy for the sailing sections. Even on a hot Rhodes day, the wind can feel cooler once the boat is moving.

Eat and drink sensibly. The included wine and beer are welcome, but the combination of sun, motion, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly.

Check the sea conditions if you are prone to motion sickness. One sailing became choppy, though the crew helped people who felt unwell. The route stays along the calmer east coast, but calm is not guaranteed every day.

Cancellations are flexible up to 24 hours before departure, with a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The tour is conducted in English, so make sure that suits everyone in your party.

Should you book the Rhodes three-stop cruise?

I would book this if you want a well-priced half-day with beautiful water, a traditional boat, three swim stops, and food and drinks already covered. The best parts are the friendly crew, the generous time in each bay, and the easy rhythm of sail, swim, eat, and sail again.

Choose something else if you need lots of shade, a private boat, or a more serious focus on Greek cuisine and marine life. For most people who want a fun day away from the streets of Rhodes Town, though, $70 buys a lot: three very different coastal settings, equipment, lunch, and a relaxed ride home.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk near Mandraki Port.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about 5.5 hours, including the sailing time and stops at the three swimming locations.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs on the east coast of Rhodes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served as a buffet with vegetarian options and fruit. Wine, beer, soft drinks, and water are also included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

Are cocktails included in the price?

No. Cocktails are available to buy separately. The standard price includes wine, beer, soft drinks, water, fruit, and lunch.