Rhodes: Anthony Quinn, Ladiko and Caves All-Inclusive Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star here, but the real pleasure is the easy rhythm of the whole outing: swim, dry off on a sofa, sip a cold drink, then stop at another beautiful bay. Aphrodite, a 36-foot catamaran, carries no more than 28 people even though it is licensed for 45, so you get room to stretch out.

I like the three different swimming stops and the fact that snorkeling gear, fruit, beer, wine, and soft drinks are included. I also like the warm hosting from crew members such as Mike and George, who keep the trip relaxed and help first-time snorkelers feel at ease. The main thing to consider is timing: three hours goes quickly, and each stop gives you about 30 to 40 minutes in the water rather than a long, lazy stay in one bay.

Key points to know before you book

• Anthony Quinn Bay first: You get about 40 minutes at Rhodes’ most photogenic swimming stop, with clear water and striking rock formations.
• Swim inside Traganou Caves: The Afandou Bay stop lets you enter the caves by water, not just admire them from offshore.
• Three swimming stops: Ladiko Bay adds another sheltered place to snorkel, with guidance from the host about where to look.
• A sofa for every couple or group: The catamaran is arranged for relaxing between swims, not just standing at a rail.
• Drinks are included: Fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.
• Simple transfer option: Pickup from Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, and Kallithea can be arranged for €10 per person.

Why this three-hour cruise works so well

This is a swim cruise first and a sightseeing cruise second. You will see the Rhodes coast from the water, but the schedule is built around getting into the sea three times.

That makes the trip a good fit if you want a short outing that still feels full. You do not spend half the day on a boat, and you do not need to choose between snorkeling, cave exploration, and a drink in the sun. The crew keeps the program moving, but the mood stays casual.

The boat is Aphrodite, a 36-foot catamaran. It can legally carry 45 passengers, but the operating limit is 28. That difference matters. A smaller group means less competition for the sofas, easier access to the bar, and a calmer feel when people return from the water.

You can settle into a sofa between stops, listen to music, and take in the coast. The layout is made for lounging rather than formal sightseeing. If you want a packed party boat, this may feel too gentle. If you want a comfortable few hours with swimming and drinks, it hits the mark.

Setting sail from Faliraki port

The meeting point is beside the small church at Faliraki port. Look for the boat Aphrodite at Agioi Apostoloi. The activity ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a second meeting point after the cruise.

The cruise lasts three hours, including the time spent sailing between bays. The listed stops add up to a useful picture of the pace: about 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, 30 minutes at Traganou Caves, and 30 minutes at Ladiko Bay, with the remaining time spent moving along the coast and relaxing aboard.

You should arrive ready for the water. Bring a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat also has flotation aids such as pool noodles. A toilet and a fresh-water shower are available on board, which is a welcome touch after several salt-water swims.

The catamaran is wheelchair accessible, though you should confirm the practical arrangements when booking if you need specific assistance.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the visual highlight

The first swimming stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, and it gets the longest water break at about 40 minutes. This is the place that tends to make people reach for their phones before they even get changed.

The bay is known for its rocky shoreline and clear water. From the boat, you can appreciate the shape of the cove and the steep rock around it. Once in the water, snorkeling gives you another view of the bay, with rocks and marine life below the surface.

The crew can point out where to swim and snorkel. You can take this stop at your own pace. Swim close to the catamaran, use the provided equipment, or stay on board with a drink if you would rather enjoy the view from a dry sofa.

The drawback is that Anthony Quinn Bay is popular, and this is not a private-bay experience. The appeal comes from seeing one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal spots in a comfortable, organized way, not from having the cove to yourself.

Still, the 40-minute stop is sensibly timed. It gives you enough time to swim and look around without making the entire cruise depend on one location.

Traganou Caves: a swim with a sense of adventure

The second stop is at Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay. You get around 30 minutes here, and the main attraction is simple: you can swim inside the caves.

This gives the cruise a different feel from Anthony Quinn Bay. The first stop is about the shape and color of the bay. Traganou is about moving through a natural rock opening and seeing the coast from within it. The 200-meter cliff that drops toward the blue sea adds drama to the setting.

You do not need a separate cave excursion or a long walk to reach the site. You enter from the water, which keeps the stop focused and active. If you are not a strong swimmer, use the flotation equipment and stay close to the boat or the group. The crew is there to help, and the provided snorkeling equipment lets you choose how much activity feels right.

Thirty minutes is enough for a swim into the caves and a look around, but it is not a long exploration session. You should think of this as a memorable swimming stop, not a full cave tour with extensive commentary.

Ladiko Bay and the best place to snorkel

The final swimming stop is Ladiko Bay, also for about 30 minutes. Here, the host helps show you the best place to snorkel, which is useful if you want more than a quick dip.

Ladiko adds variety to the trip. After the open setting of the first bay and the rock formations at Traganou, you get another sheltered coastal stop where you can focus on the water below you. The crew’s local guidance helps you use the short visit well.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, pay attention when the host explains where to go. Thirty minutes passes quickly, especially if you need time to put on equipment and rinse off afterward.

This stop also works for people who prefer not to snorkel. You can swim, float, sunbathe, or stay aboard and enjoy a drink. The trip does not force everyone into the same activity.

The open bar and local snacks

The all-inclusive drinks are a major part of the value. You can choose from fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. The fruit cocktail of the day is made on board from fresh fruit, and strawberry versions are a recurring favorite.

You can request the cocktail with or without alcohol. That makes the bar suitable for mixed groups, including people who want a frozen drink without drinking alcohol and people who prefer beer or wine.

The drinks are served throughout the cruise rather than saved for one stop. That changes the feel of the trip. You can have a cold beer after swimming, take a soft drink while you dry off, or enjoy a frozen strawberry cocktail while the boat moves to the next bay.

Food is light but thoughtfully chosen. You get a fruit platter and melekouni, a traditional Rhodian bar made with honey and sesame. This is not a full meal, so eat beforehand if you need substantial food, but the snacks are useful after swimming and give you a taste of a local specialty.

Some people may find the alcohol in the cocktails light. That is not necessarily a problem on a boat where you are swimming and snorkeling. The important point is that the drinks are included, freshly prepared, and available in alcoholic and nonalcoholic versions.

The crew makes the difference

The hosting is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Mike is frequently named as a particularly welcoming host, while George and Thanasis have also been praised for their friendly, attentive work on board.

The crew helps with snorkeling gear, points out where to swim, and keeps track of the return time. A horn signals when it is time to come back to the catamaran, a practical detail when people are spread out in the water.

This is not a formal sightseeing tour filled with long explanations. The value of the guide is more hands-on. You get help with the equipment, suggestions about the bays, and a friendly presence that keeps the group comfortable.

The music also contributes to the mood. It is part of the relaxed holiday atmosphere, though anyone seeking a quiet, nature-focused boat ride should know that this is a social cruise with music and a bar.

What the $51 price includes

At $51 per person, the price is strong if you plan to use the inclusions. You are paying for a three-hour catamaran cruise, three swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, unlimited drinks, fresh fruit cocktails, fruit salad, and melekouni.

Buying drinks separately on a boat can quickly add up. Here, the open bar makes the cost easier to judge, especially if you expect to have several drinks during the outing. The three bays also give you more than a simple short boat ride from the harbor.

The value is best for people who want a blend of swimming and relaxation. If you will not drink anything, will not use snorkeling gear, and mainly want a long scenic sail, another cruise might suit you better. But for a holiday activity that combines transport along the coast, organized swim stops, snacks, and drinks, the price is reasonable.

Transfers are not included. A return transfer from Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, or Kallithea costs an extra €10 per person and must be arranged in advance through WhatsApp, the day before the trip. The office is open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM for those arrangements.

Who should book this cruise

I would recommend it to couples, friends, solo visitors, and families who want a relaxed water outing without committing to a full day. The sofa seating makes it easy to take breaks, and the crew provides flotation equipment for people who are less confident in the sea.

It is also a good choice for cruise ship passengers. The €10 transfer option can be cheaper than a ship-organized shore excursion, though you need to arrange it ahead of time.

You should think twice if you want a quiet boat with no music, a long stay at one bay, or a serious snorkeling expedition. The experience is social, short, and varied. You get three locations, but each visit is tightly timed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability when choosing your date.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn and Ladiko cruise?

Book it if you want to swim in several of Rhodes’ best-known bays, enjoy a comfortable catamaran, and have drinks and snacks handled for you. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves, and Ladiko Bay gives the three hours a good mix of scenery and activity.

My best practical advice is to treat the trip as a balanced sampler, not a full-day beach escape. Bring sunscreen and a towel, use the snorkeling equipment, and listen for the return horn so you get every minute in the water.

For $51, Aphrodite offers a lot: three swimming stops, a small passenger limit, friendly hosts, local snacks, and an open bar. If that sounds like your kind of Rhodes afternoon, this is an easy choice.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The boat Aphrodite leaves from Faliraki port, beside the small church at Agioi Apostoloi, Faliraki 851 00, Greece. The cruise returns to the same meeting point.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts three hours. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your chosen date.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay, and Ladiko Bay. You get about 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and about 30 minutes at each of the other two swimming stops.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Unlimited fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included. You also receive fruit salad and melekouni, a traditional Rhodian honey and sesame bar.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and flotation aids are available on board.

Can I arrange a transfer from my hotel or cruise ship?

Yes. A return transfer from Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, or Kallithea costs €10 per person. You must arrange it in advance through WhatsApp, the day before the trip.