Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

The best part of this Rhodes boat trip is the combination of Lindos and two swim stops in one long day. You get about three hours in Lindos for the Acropolis, village lanes, lunch, and the beach, then a cool break at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay.

I like the easy hotel transfers, when available, and the friendly crew on the Discovery boat. I also like the price: at $60.46 per person, it covers a full day out, a scenic sea crossing, and return transport to Rhodes Harbor. The catch is the long boat ride and possible crowding, with up to 180 people aboard.

Key points to know

• Lindos is the main event: You have roughly three hours to walk the village, visit the Acropolis, eat lunch, or relax by the bay.
• Two swimming stops: Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay each get about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.
• Expect a long day: The boat leaves around 8:40 am and returns about 5:30 pm, with hotel pickup sometimes earlier.
• The Acropolis requires effort: The route uphill is steep, hot, and often crowded, so sensible shoes and sun protection matter.
• Food is not included: You can eat in Lindos or buy snacks and drinks from the boat bar.
• Book with weather in mind: Poor weather can cancel the trip, with a different date or full refund offered.

Leaving Rhodes Harbor for Lindos

The boat departs from the harbor around 8:40 am on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The official meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town, but hotel pickup is offered on selected options. Give the company your hotel name in the special requirements field, then wait for the pickup time they send you.

If you are picked up, do not assume the 8:40 departure is your full start time. One reported pickup was at 7:45 am, and some hotel transfers may be earlier. Arriving early matters because you may need to queue for boat tickets before boarding.

The vessel used for this trip is the Discovery boat. It has a restroom, sunbeds on the upper deck, seating, and a bar selling snacks and drinks. The boat can carry as many as 180 people, so prime seats go quickly. If you want a place on the top deck or a comfortable spot near the front, an early transfer is useful.

The outward journey takes around two hours and 20 minutes to two and a half hours, depending on the day’s running time. That is a fair amount of time at sea, so think of the crossing as part of the outing rather than a quick transfer. You get views of the coast and open water, but the boat ride itself is not guided sightseeing.

Music may play during the journey. Some people enjoy the holiday atmosphere, while others find continuous music tiring. If you prefer quiet, bring headphones, though you will still need to keep an ear out for crew instructions.

Three Hours in Lindos

The boat is due at Lindos Harbor around 11:00 am. You then have free time until roughly 1:45 pm, with departure scheduled for about 2:00 pm. Be strict about returning to the boat on time. Missing the departure is not a small delay when the vessel is heading back to Rhodes.

Three hours is enough for a focused visit, but not enough for a slow, unplanned day. I would decide in advance what matters most:

• Visit the Acropolis
• Walk the whitewashed village
• Eat lunch
• Swim or sit by the bay
• Browse the small shops

Trying to do everything can make Lindos feel rushed, especially in strong summer heat.

Lindos is compact but hilly. The walk from the harbor toward the village and Acropolis takes you through steep streets and cobbled lanes lined with shops and cafés. The final approach to the Acropolis is exposed, and queues can form at the entrance. There is little shade near the top.

The Acropolis is the obvious choice if you want the major historic sight. Entry is not included in the boat price, and one review places the fee at €12 per person. You can reportedly pay by card. Buying a timed ticket online may help you skip the ticket queue, but there is an important risk: if the boat schedule changes or a swim stop happens earlier than expected, you could miss the timed entry.

For a hot day, wear trainers or other secure shoes rather than flimsy sandals. The climb is steep enough that footwear makes a real difference. Carry water, use sunscreen, and plan your walk before stopping for lunch.

If you are not interested in the Acropolis, Lindos still works as a shorter town and beach visit. You can wander the lanes, find a drink with a view, or settle by the bay. Sunbeds can be expensive, so bringing a towel and using the sand is a cheaper option.

Lunch is not included. Lindos gives you the widest choice, while the boat bar handles simple snacks and drinks. A meal in town gives you more flexibility, but it also takes time from sightseeing. I would eat early or choose a quick lunch if the Acropolis is your priority.

Tsambika Bay: A Quick Swim From the Boat

After leaving Lindos, the boat stops at Tsambika Bay for about 30 minutes. This is a swim from the boat, not a long beach visit. You should be ready to get into the water soon after the anchor stop, since half an hour passes quickly.

The water is described as clear and warm, making this a pleasant way to cool off after Lindos. You do not need to walk across a beach or find a changing area. You simply swim from the boat and return aboard when the crew calls you back.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes if possible. The order of the stops can vary in practice, and some departures have made an early swim stop before Lindos. If that happens, you may be walking around Lindos in damp clothing. A small towel and a dry change of clothes are sensible additions.

Snorkeling is included in the description, but equipment is not clearly provided as standard. One passenger bought goggles and equipment from the boat, while another account suggests availability may depend on stock. To avoid disappointment, bring your own mask and goggles if snorkeling matters to you.

Do not expect a full reef excursion. The stops are short, and the main appeal is swimming in scenic water rather than receiving a detailed marine tour. You may see fish, seaweed, and rocky seabed, but visibility and conditions can change.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Movie Connection

The final stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, known as a setting for The Guns of Navarone. Its steep rocky sides and clear water make it one of the most memorable parts of the trip. The boat stops for about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim and look below the surface.

This bay has the stronger visual impact of the two swimming stops. Cliffs frame the water, and colorful fish may be seen among coral and seaweed. It is an attractive place for a short swim, though the stop remains tightly timed.

If swimming from a boat makes you uneasy, these stops may feel brief rather than relaxing. There is no promise of a long beach break, and you need to climb back aboard after your swim. For confident swimmers, the format is simple and refreshing. For anyone wanting several hours on a beach, it is the wrong kind of excursion.

The trip is due back at Rhodes Harbor around 5:30 pm. If you are using a return hotel transfer, you may reach your accommodation later. One account described an uncomfortable return in an older coach without air conditioning, so transport quality can vary by vehicle. The boat crew and private minibus drivers receive much warmer praise than every possible transfer vehicle.

How Much Value Do You Get for $60.46?

At $60.46 per person, this is good value if you want several Rhodes highlights in one booking. The price includes the skipper, the boat journey, the two swim stops, and a restroom aboard. Hotel pickup and return can add real value, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town and do not want to arrange local transport.

The price does not include Acropolis admission, lunch, or drinks. You should set aside extra money for those. You may also spend more if you buy snorkeling equipment or pay for sunbeds in Lindos.

The value depends on what you want from the day. If you want a fast, efficient transfer to Lindos, a slower boat takes more time than a high-speed option. If you want a relaxed sea day with swimming, the long crossing becomes part of the appeal.

A full day combining a major town, an archaeological site, and two famous bays for this price is reasonable. It is less attractive if you dislike crowds, loud music, long crossings, or fixed schedules.

Crowds, Comfort, and Practical Details

The boat is large, but it can feel crowded. Chairs may fill much of the deck, and some departures have limited seating. The upper sunbeds are popular, so early boarding helps. Even with a full boat, the restroom and bar make the journey more manageable.

The crew is generally described as friendly and helpful. One crew made special efforts to find a comfortable place for a passenger who felt unwell. The boat is also described as clean, with a good selection of snacks and refreshments at sensible prices.

The group limit is 180 people. That is not a small excursion, and you should not expect a personal guide or quiet private cruise. The tradeoff is a lower price and a boat large enough to carry the route reliably.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The steep walk in Lindos is the bigger physical issue. If climbing hills in heat is difficult for you, stay in the village or by the bay rather than forcing the Acropolis visit.

The tour is offered in English. It is more of a transport and free-time experience than a guided historical tour. You get the freedom to plan Lindos yourself, but you will not have a guide leading you through every monument.

What to Pack for the Seven-and-a-Half-Hour Day

Pack for both a hot town walk and a swim:

• Swimsuit, towel, and dry clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Trainers or firm walking shoes
• Goggles or a mask if snorkeling matters to you
• Water and a small bag for wet clothing
• Cash or a card for lunch and Acropolis admission

Keep your belongings compact. You will move from the boat to Lindos and back again, then get wet at two short stops. A large beach bag quickly becomes a nuisance.

Sun protection is not optional. The Acropolis route is exposed, the boat deck offers strong sun, and the water stops can make you forget how long you have been outside.

Who Should Book This Lindos Boat Trip?

I would recommend it to someone visiting Rhodes for a short stay who wants to combine Lindos with a swim day. It also suits couples, families, and groups who prefer a ready-made plan over arranging buses, taxis, and separate beach stops.

It is a good match if you value:

• A full day at sea
• Free time rather than a guided walking tour
• A chance to see the Lindos Acropolis
• Short swims in scenic bays
• Hotel pickup when available
• A moderate price

I would think twice if you need a quiet boat, personal attention, or a fast journey. You should also reconsider it if steep hills, hot weather, or swimming from a boat will make the day uncomfortable.

For the best experience, treat Lindos as the main goal and the bays as welcome breaks. If you reverse that priority, the three hours in town may feel too short and the crossing too long.

Should You Book It?

Book this trip if you want an affordable, all-in-one Rhodes day with Lindos at its center. The Acropolis, whitewashed village, and two clear-water swim stops give you a broad taste of the island without planning several separate outings.

Skip it if you want a detailed guided tour, a peaceful small boat, or a long stretch on the beach. The biggest risks are crowding, heat, a slow crossing, and short swim stops. Check your pickup time, arrive early for a better seat, bring swim gear and solid shoes, and leave room in your schedule for a full day. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and poor weather may lead to a new date or full refund.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Lindos last?

The experience lasts about seven and a half hours. The boat is scheduled to leave Rhodes Harbor around 8:40 am and return around 5:30 pm, though hotel pickup may be earlier.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get about three hours in Lindos. The boat arrives around 11:00 am, and you should return by 1:45 pm for the planned 2:00 pm departure.

Are swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. The itinerary includes about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling at Tsambika Bay and another 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay. Snorkeling equipment is not clearly included, so bringing your own goggles is sensible.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. You can buy lunch during your free time in Lindos. Snacks and drinks are also available from the bar on the boat.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered on selected options. You should enter your hotel name in the special requirements field, and the company will send you the pickup time.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.