Sun & Sea All Inclusive 3 Hour Swimming Cruise (WITH PICK UP SERVICE)

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is simple: you get straight into the sea at three beautiful coves, including the caves beside Afandou Beach. This is a swimming trip, not a narrated sightseeing cruise, so the main attraction is clear water, pine-framed bays, and time in the sea.

I like the three-hour length, which leaves room for more of Rhodes afterward, and I like the open bar with beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a fresh fruit cocktail. The main caution is that you board a shared boat and swim directly from it. You do not spend much time on a beach, and reports about the boat, seating, and pickup service are mixed.

Key points before you book

• Three swim stops: Afandou and Traganou Caves, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
• Direct access to the sea: You normally step from the boat into the water, rather than walking onto a beach.
• Drinks and snacks included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, a cocktail of the day, fruit, and melekouni.
• Snorkel gear and noodles supplied: Bring your own mask if you want a better fit or more confidence about cleanliness.
• Small-group format: The stated maximum is 28 people, though some departures can feel full.
• Pickup needs planning: Faliraki hotel transfers are available, but arrange them the day before. Transfers from cruise ships, Rhodes Town, and Ixia cost an additional $10 per person.

What this cruise is really about

This is a short, social boat outing built around swimming. You leave from Faliraki Harbor and spend roughly 30 minutes at Afandou, 30 minutes at Ladiko, and 45 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay. The remaining time covers boarding, moving between bays, and enjoying the boat.

I would not choose it if you want a history lesson about Rhodes or a polished guided tour. The crew generally identifies each stop, but the commentary about the island can be limited. I would choose it if you want a relaxed half-day on the water, especially after several days of temples, old streets, and museums.

The experience is advertised as a 36-foot catamaran with couch seating. Some departures have been described as an older boat, and a few passengers have said the vessel did not look like the pictures or did not feel like a true catamaran. That inconsistency matters. The seating is often comfortable outdoor couch-style seating, but arriving early is wise if you want a good place to sit.

The overall rating is 4.8 from 817 ratings, with 95 percent recommending it. That points to a strong basic product, but the lower ratings reveal the things you should know before paying: a crowded boat, dated equipment, limited commentary, and occasional frustration with transportation.

Afandou Beach and the Traganou Caves

The first stop is Afandou Beach, near the Traganou Caves. The boat anchors by the caves, giving you the chance to swim from the vessel toward and inside them. This is one of the most interesting parts of the trip because the setting changes from an open bay to a rocky, enclosed space.

You get about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a swim and a look inside the caves, but it is not a long beach stop. If you have children or anyone who tires quickly in the water, the short timing may be helpful. If you hoped to lounge ashore, you will need to adjust your expectations.

The water can be beautiful, though conditions vary. Some departures have found the first two stops choppier than expected, which can make getting back up the boat ladder harder. You should be comfortable in open water, even though noodles and snorkeling equipment are supplied.

The cave swim is the main reason to pay attention during this stop. Keep your belongings secure on the boat, and take care when moving through the water near the rocks. The tour is designed for swimming, not for a guided geological visit, so you may receive only a brief explanation.

Ladiko Bay and the calm-water promise

Ladiko Bay is the second stop, with about 30 minutes in the water. Its name is linked to the Greek word ládi, meaning oil, a reference to the bay’s calm, smooth appearance.

This is a pleasant pause between the cave swim and the final stop. You can use the mask provided, float with a noodle, or simply sit on the boat and enjoy the view. The bay’s sheltered shape can make it feel peaceful, but sea conditions are not guaranteed to be perfectly calm. Wind and waves can change the character of any stop.

One practical point is easy to miss: you do not necessarily arrive at a sandy beach and walk ashore. The usual format is to get into the water from the boat. If you want a traditional beach day with towels, umbrellas, and a gradual shoreline, this is the wrong type of excursion.

For confident swimmers, that direct access keeps the outing efficient. You spend more of the limited time in the sea rather than waiting for the boat to dock. For anyone who is nervous in open water, the boat ladder and the distance from shore deserve careful thought.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the visual highlight

The final stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving you the longest swim of the afternoon. Anthony Quinn Bay is surrounded by pine-covered slopes and clear water, and it is widely regarded as one of Rhodes’ most attractive bays.

This is where I would expect the strongest views. The bay was used in the film The Guns of Navarone, and its rocky edges and green surroundings make it especially photogenic. The boat setting gives you a good view of the cove without requiring a crowded walk down to the shoreline.

The extra 15 minutes help here. You have more time to swim around the boat, use the mask, or reach the cave area. Even so, do not expect an extended beach visit. The boat remains your base, and all three stops are timed swim breaks.

The water may be chilly, depending on the day and season. Bring sunscreen and apply it before boarding. The sun can feel intense on the open water, and shade may be limited. A hat is useful while you are sitting on deck, but secure it well in the wind.

Drinks, fruit, and the small snack service

The open bar is one of the better-value parts of the outing. You can choose from beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a cocktail of the day made with fresh fruit. One particularly praised drink was a strawberry daiquiri, though the exact cocktail changes.

The service is casual rather than elaborate. You should expect a few drink choices, not a full cocktail menu or restaurant bar. That is perfectly suitable for a three-hour swim cruise, and it keeps the focus on the sea.

Food is limited but useful. The crew serves a fruit platter and melekouni, a Rhodian honey and sesame bar. Think of this as a light snack, not lunch. Some portions may feel small, especially if you arrive hungry or plan to swim hard.

I would eat beforehand if you need a proper meal. The included food adds value, but it should not decide the booking by itself. The drinks, fruit, and snack work best as pleasant extras during the boat ride.

Snorkeling equipment and swimming comfort

Masks and snorkeling equipment are included, along with swimming noodles. That means you can join the activity without packing specialist gear.

Equipment quality can vary. Some masks or snorkels may not fit perfectly, and at least one snorkel was reported as broken. If you already own a comfortable mask, I would bring it. It takes little space and removes one possible annoyance.

The noodles are useful for relaxing in the water, but they are not a substitute for a life jacket. One complaint raised a concern about life jackets not being visible, while other accounts described the captain as safety-minded. Since the supplied information does not clarify the full safety setup, ask the crew where the life jackets are before entering the water if you have any concern.

The boat ladder also deserves attention. Some people have found it awkward, especially after swimming in waves. Hold on firmly, take your time, and let others clear the steps before you climb aboard.

Pickup from Faliraki and the harbor start

The tour begins and ends at Faliraki Harbor. If you stay in Faliraki, hotel transfer is available in a luxury minibus, but it must be arranged at least a day before the cruise. Confirm the pickup time and location rather than assuming the transfer is already set.

The transportation feedback is uneven. Some people have had a prompt, smooth ride in a comfortable minibus. Others, especially those connecting from a cruise ship, have described a cramped, hot van with weak air-conditioning. That may depend on the vehicle and the pickup group.

If you are coming from Rhodes Town or Ixia, or arriving by cruise ship, the transfer costs an additional $10 per person. The phrase pickup service can therefore be misleading if you assume all transfers are included in the $66.51 price.

For the cleanest plan, stay in Faliraki or make your own way to the harbor. If you need a transfer, arrange it early and confirm the fee. Cruise ship passengers should also allow enough time for the return journey to the port.

Is $66.51 good value?

At $66.51 per person, I consider this fair value if you use the drinks, enjoy all three swim stops, and want transportation from a Faliraki hotel. You are paying for the boat, crew, three locations, snorkeling equipment, noodles, snacks, an open bar, and roughly three hours on the water.

The price looks less attractive if you do not drink, bring your own equipment, or dislike shared group outings. You can also find that the boat feels dated, and the sightseeing commentary is limited. This is not a luxury yacht charter despite the attractive promotional images.

The strongest value comes from the access to the coves. Reaching Afandou, Ladiko, and Anthony Quinn Bay by boat lets you swim from a different position and see the rocky coast from the water. A shore-based beach day would give you more room and more time, but not the same quick circuit of three bays.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to confident swimmers, couples, families with older children, and anyone wanting a short break from historic sightseeing. The three-hour schedule is a real advantage. You can swim, enjoy a drink, and still have much of the day left for Rhodes Town or Faliraki.

It suits people who prefer a relaxed, loosely organized outing rather than a formal guided program. The crew is generally friendly, and the atmosphere can be easygoing. You may also find music on board, though the tone can vary by departure.

I would be cautious if you need guaranteed seating, dislike loud group energy, or want detailed information about Rhodes. One very negative experience described a packed boat with loud club music and no available seat. That appears to be an outlier against many positive accounts, but it highlights the risk of a shared cruise.

This is also not ideal for anyone who cannot comfortably enter and leave the sea from a boat. There are no promises of a sandy beach at each stop, and swimming time replaces time ashore.

Booking details and weather flexibility

Confirmation is provided at booking. The experience operates in English and is capped at a stated maximum of 28 people, although the boat may still feel full when seating is limited.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not accepted for a refund. The cruise depends on good weather, and if conditions force a cancellation, you can receive another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can take part, but the direct-entry swimming format is the key physical consideration.

Should you book the Sun & Sea cruise?

Book it if you want clear water, three quick swimming stops, and an open bar at a reasonable half-day price. Anthony Quinn Bay and the Traganou Caves provide the strongest scenery, while the short schedule makes the outing easy to fit into a Rhodes itinerary.

Skip it if you want a polished catamaran, a quiet luxury experience, a full meal, or a guided account of the island. Confirm your pickup, arrive ready to swim from the boat, bring your own mask if you have one, and do not count on a long beach stop. With those expectations, this is a fun and practical way to spend three hours on the Rhodes coast.

FAQ

How long is the Sun & Sea swimming cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately three hours. It includes swimming stops at Afandou Beach, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

The meeting point is Faliraki Harbor. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. The open bar includes beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a cocktail of the day made with fresh fruit.

What food is provided?

You receive a fruit platter and local melekouni, a traditional Rhodian honey and sesame snack. This is a light snack rather than a full meal.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles are provided. You may bring your own mask if you prefer your own fit.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup from Faliraki hotels is available for the three-hour cruise, but you must arrange it the day before. Transfers from cruise ships, Rhodes Town, and Ixia cost an additional $10 per person.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of participants causes the provider to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.