Rhodes: Captain Manolis Fishing Trip with BBQ and Swimming

The best part of this Rhodes outing is the simple rhythm: fish for a while, stop near a beach, swim in clear Aegean water, then eat a grilled meal on board. You are not just watching the sea from a tour boat. You are using it, with help from a working fisherman. Captain Manolis and crew members such as Mike explain the fishing and handle the cooking.

I like two things right away. The small group limit of 10 gives you a fair chance at a rod, and the meal is more substantial than the usual boat snack: fresh fish, Greek salad, bread, and soft drinks or beer. The catch can vary, of course, so you should book this for the fishing, swimming, and sea time rather than a guaranteed haul.

The main consideration is comfort on the water. This is not a good choice if you do not swim or often get seasick. You also need to reach Kolona Port yourself, although it is only about five minutes from Rhodes’ central bus station.

Key points to know before you book

• Fishing comes first: You receive rods, bait, and practical instruction from an experienced captain.
• The boat BBQ is part of the appeal: Your half-day includes fish, salad, bread, and drinks served on board.
• Swimming adds a welcome change of pace: The boat stops near a beach for swimming and snorkeling.
• Groups stay small: The maximum is 10 people, and some departures may feel almost private when numbers are low.
• The trip runs 4.5 hours: It fits neatly into a Rhodes morning or afternoon, but allow extra time around your port arrival.
• You need basic water confidence: Non-swimmers and people prone to seasickness should choose another excursion.

What this fishing trip is really like

This is a relaxed half-day on the South Aegean, not a serious sport-fishing charter. You go out with a fully equipped boat, fishing gear, bait, and a captain who shows you how to use it. The focus is shared enjoyment, not chasing a particular species or spending every minute trying to land a large fish.

That makes the trip a good match for mixed groups. One person can enjoy the scenery, another can fish, and everyone can swim and eat together later. The boat also gives you a different view of Rhodes, with coastal beaches, open water, and views toward Rhodian landmarks along the way.

The experience begins and ends at Captain Manolis Fishing Trips at Kolona Port. The meeting point is close to the central bus station, so you can reach it on foot or by local transport from central Rhodes. Transportation from your hotel or cruise terminal is not included, so plan that part yourself.

The activity is conducted in English. Captain Manolis is the named captain, while several visitors specifically refer to Captain Mike as the person who gave fishing instructions or cooked the meal. The exact crew member may depend on the departure, but you can expect an experienced fishing guide rather than a large tour operation.

Setting out from Kolona Port

The start is practical and uncomplicated. Find the boat at Kolona Port, get settled, and prepare for the fishing portion of the outing. Because the group is limited to 10, the boat should feel more personal than a large sightseeing cruise, though the amount of elbow room will still depend on the final group size.

Some of the happiest outings have had only three or four people aboard. In that case, you may get more direct attention from the captain and a better chance to ask questions. With a full group, the captain still has to share rods and advice among everyone, so do not expect an individual charter at the standard price.

Bring a hat, sunscreen, comfortable clothes, a towel, swimwear, and a camera. You should also keep valuables protected from spray and wet hands. The boat includes fishing equipment, so you do not need to bring your own rod or tackle.

Learning to fish with Captain Manolis and Mike

The fishing is hands-on, but you do not need previous experience. The crew supplies the rods and bait, then helps you understand what to do. That matters because the fun here is not just dropping a line into the water. It is learning enough to notice the bite, handle the line, and recognize what you have caught.

The group may try several fishing spots rather than staying in one place. One detailed outing began with bottom fishing and moved through three or four locations. That sort of variety keeps the morning moving and gives you a better chance of finding active fish, although no captain can promise a catch.

The fish can be small, and some outings produce more than others. Puffer fish and rosetta were caught on one trip, while another group managed to catch tuna, including one tuna measuring about 40 centimeters. Other trips produced several fish and a good deal of excitement, but the results depend on conditions and luck.

The captain also uses the fishing time to explain sea life and the surrounding waters. One particularly useful part of the experience is learning what you have caught and hearing about protecting the marine environment. That gives the outing more substance than a quick line-and-lunch cruise.

I would set your expectations sensibly. If you want a specialist tuna charter, this is not clearly that. If you want a friendly introduction to fishing, with the possibility of catching something interesting, it fits much better.

A sea stop for swimming and snorkeling

After the fishing, the boat stops near a beach for swimming. This break is important because four and a half hours of fishing can feel long if you are not holding a rod the entire time. You get a chance to cool off, stretch, and enjoy the water without rushing from one scheduled attraction to another.

Snorkeling is also available. The equipment helps you look at marine life near the boat, though the supplied information does not promise a formal snorkeling site or a particular type of wildlife. Think of it as an easy add-on to the swim rather than a dedicated reef excursion.

The water is described as crystal clear, and the swimming location has been praised for being especially good. Still, the sea is the sea. Conditions, visibility, and the length of the stop can change, so bring your own patience as well as your towel.

You should be comfortable getting in and out of the water from a boat. Non-swimmers are specifically advised against booking. If you are a weak swimmer, ask about the setup before paying, since there is no stated promise of a shallow, supervised beach entry.

The barbecue lunch on board

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a standard fishing outing. Your inclusions cover one fresh fish per person, listed as 500 grams, along with salad, bread, and soft drinks or beer. The food is prepared on board and served during the cruise, usually after the fishing portion.

The cooking style is straightforward Greek boat food: grilled fish, salad, and toasted or roasted bread. That simplicity is a strength. You are not being sold a formal restaurant meal. You are eating fresh seafood outside, with the water around you and the boat stopped near a beach.

Captain Mike is repeatedly singled out as a good cook, while Captain Manolis is praised for keeping the boat clean and the atmosphere friendly. The meal is not merely a sandwich thrown into a bag. It is a central part of the outing, and it gives the captain a chance to turn the catch and the setting into a proper shared lunch.

The phrase one fresh fish per person deserves a little care. It is an included portion, not a guarantee that each person will catch a fish themselves. The trip may use fish prepared for the barbecue, along with any suitable catch from the day. You should also note that the menu listed here is limited to fish, salad, bread, and drinks. If you have dietary needs, confirm them before booking.

Beer and soft drinks are included, which makes the price easier to judge. You are not paying extra for the basic drinks that make a hot afternoon on the water more comfortable.

Views, beaches, and the pace of the cruise

Fishing is the main activity, but the boat ride gives you a fresh angle on Rhodes. You can see coastal beaches and panoramic sea views, and the route may offer views toward Rhodian monuments. This is not a dedicated sightseeing cruise, so the captain’s priority is the fishing grounds and swim stop, but you still get scenery between activities.

I like this format for people who want a taste of several parts of island life in one morning or afternoon. You get local fishing, a boat meal, a swim, a little snorkeling, and a coastal cruise without spending a full day away from Rhodes. It feels more connected to the sea than a boat ride that simply circles the coast.

The pace is also easier than a packed sightseeing tour. There is time to talk, watch the fishing, enjoy a drink, and sit with the view. If you need constant narration or a long list of historic stops, this may feel too loose. The appeal is the ordinary pleasure of being on the water.

Is $92 a fair price?

At $92 per person, the value is good if you plan to use all parts of the trip. The price includes a 4.5-hour boat outing, fishing gear, bait, an experienced captain, the barbecue, a 500-gram fish portion, salad, bread, drinks, swimming, and snorkeling equipment. You are also paying for a small group, capped at 10.

That package compares well with a simple fishing lesson or a short boat cruise because it combines both, then adds lunch. It is especially attractive when the group is small. A four-person departure can feel close to a private trip without the cost of hiring the whole boat.

The value is weaker if you dislike fishing or will not swim. In that case, you are paying for the main activities and may spend much of the trip waiting for lunch. The price also excludes transportation to and from the port, so add that small cost to your planning.

The rating is 4.8 from 79 reviews, and the praise focuses on the same practical strengths: friendly guidance, tasty food, a clean boat, good swimming, and a relaxed atmosphere. That consistency is useful when comparing this with more polished but less personal excursions.

Who should book this Rhodes outing?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children who can swim, small groups of friends, and anyone who wants a low-pressure day on the Aegean. It also works well for people who are curious about fishing but have never tried it. You receive enough help to get started without needing specialist equipment or experience.

It is a strong choice for food-minded visitors too. The BBQ is not an afterthought, and the simple fish, salad, and bread meal fits the setting. If you enjoy local food more when it is cooked in front of you and eaten outdoors, this is likely to suit you.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The trip lasts 4.5 hours, and even a calm sea can feel tiring. Take the warning seriously, since there is no indication of a special seasickness plan. Non-swimmers should also skip this one.

For families, the key question is not age alone but water confidence and patience. Fishing involves waiting, and the catch is never guaranteed. Children who enjoy trying a rod, spotting marine life, and swimming should have a good time. Children who need nonstop action may not.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Arrive ready for the water. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes, use sunscreen before boarding, and pack a hat and towel. A camera is welcome, but keep it secure around spray, fish, and the BBQ.

Do not count on a particular fish species. One outing produced tuna, while another focused on bottom fishing and caught puffer fish and rosetta. The right attitude is to enjoy the process, then treat a larger catch as a bonus.

Plan your port journey carefully because hotel and port transfers are not included. Kolona Port is close to the central bus station, which makes the meeting point manageable if you are staying in or near Rhodes town.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date rather than assuming a fixed morning departure.

Should you book Captain Manolis Fishing Trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group day that combines real fishing instruction, a boat-cooked meal, and swimming. The strongest value comes from using the whole package. Try the fishing, ask the captain about the sea, take the swim, and sit down for the fish, salad, and bread rather than treating the BBQ as a quick extra.

Skip it if you are a non-swimmer, often seasick, or only interested in guaranteed big-game fishing. For everyone else, $92 is a fair price for four and a half hours of active sea time, food, drinks, and personal guidance near Rhodes.

FAQ

Where does the Captain Manolis fishing trip start?

The boat departs from Kolona Port, about five minutes from Rhodes’ central bus station.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The experience lasts 4.5 hours, including fishing, cruising, swimming, snorkeling, and the BBQ meal.

What is included in the price?

The trip includes a half-day fishing outing, a fully equipped boat, fishing gear, an experienced captain, a BBQ, one fresh fish per person listed at 500 grams, salad, bread, soft drinks or beer, and swimming near the beach.

Do I need to bring fishing equipment?

No. Fishing gear is provided, along with the necessary bait and help from the captain.

Is swimming part of the activity?

Yes. The boat stops near a beach for swimming, and snorkeling is also available.

Is transportation to the port included?

No. You need to make your own way to Kolona Port.

Who should avoid this trip?

The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.