Rhodes: Gulet Trip with Food, Drinks, SUP, Kayak & Swimming

Rhodes’ best boat day is less about sitting on a moving vessel and more about getting into the sea. This six-hour gulet trip takes you to Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs, with swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding built into the price.

I like the generous two-hour stop at Fun Island, where you can use the SUPs and kayaks without paying extra. I also like the easygoing food-and-drink setup: Greek lunch, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, water, and local wine are included. The main drawback is that the boat can fill quickly, and the best sunbeds go early. Arrive about an hour before departure if you want a prime outdoor spot.

Quick take: what makes this cruise worthwhile

• A traditional wooden gulet from Mandraki Harbor: You get a proper sailing-day setting rather than a basic transfer boat.
• Three swimming stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Fun Island at Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs break up the cruise with regular chances to cool off.
• Water sports included: SUP boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and platforms are available at no extra charge.
• A full Greek lunch onboard: Expect Greek salad, seasonal fruit, and traditional dishes, with food suitable for vegans and non-vegans.
• Wine and soft drinks are unlimited: Beer, cocktails, slushies, and coffee cost extra.
• Best for active families and mixed-age groups: You can paddle and snorkel, or simply stretch out on the sun deck with a drink.

Starting from Mandraki Harbor aboard El Greco

The meeting point is opposite Eleftherias Square in Rhodes Town’s Mandraki port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco. The boat returns to the same place after the six-hour outing, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back.

The early arrival advice is worth taking seriously. Several people found that getting there around an hour before departure gave them a better choice of sunbeds and outdoor seating. Arriving only 20 or 25 minutes before sailing may leave you with an indoor chair and table, especially during busy periods.

This matters because a good part of the day is spent cruising between stops. The boat has plenty of seating, but not every place offers the same sun, shade, or view. If you want to lie down and work on your tan, arrive early. If you prefer shade and a quieter place to sit, arriving later may suit you just fine.

The gulet itself is part of the appeal. Its wooden design gives the trip more character than a plain motorboat, while the wide sun decks make it easy to settle in. Music plays during the cruise, adding to the holiday feel, though this is not the right trip if you want a silent, small-group sailing experience.

The eastern coast cruise: scenery before the swimming

The first part of the outing is a sightseeing cruise of about 90 minutes. You will pass the rocky eastern coast of Rhodes, with clear water, coves, and steep green hills around the bays. Keep your camera handy, but also use this stretch to find your preferred place on deck.

A boat day is often at its best when the schedule has a sensible rhythm. Here, the long first cruise leads into a swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, followed by the main activity stop at Ladiko Bay, then a final stop near Kallithea Springs. You are not asked to spend the entire day at sea without a break.

The water can be especially welcome on a hot Rhodes day. One account describes temperatures around 33 C, when even a warm breeze made regular swimming stops useful. Bring sunscreen and reapply it often. The sun deck is pleasant, but six hours around bright water can catch you out.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a 40-minute swim in emerald water

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop, with roughly 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. The bay is surrounded by thick green vegetation and rocky slopes, which help give the water its famous emerald color.

This is a short stop, so treat it as a quick swim rather than a full beach visit. You can get into the water, cool off, and take in the setting, but you may not have time to try every activity at length. Noodles are available for swimmers who prefer extra support.

The bay is a strong early highlight because it gives you a taste of Rhodes’ famous coastal water before the longer activity session. Snorkeling is included, though visibility and marine life will depend on conditions. The point here is the setting and the swim, not a guided marine-life tour.

After leaving Anthony Quinn Bay, the boat cruises for about ten minutes toward Ladiko Bay. That short transfer keeps the day moving without another long stretch at sea.

Fun Island at Ladiko Bay: the main event

The two-hour stop at Fun Island is the heart of the experience. This floating area is accessible through El Greco and provides a base for kayaking, SUP, snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on floating sofas and platforms.

I like this part of the plan because it gives you enough time to try more than one activity. You can start with a kayak, switch to a paddleboard, then snorkel or simply stretch out on the floating furniture. You are not forced to choose just one thing during a rushed 20-minute stop.

The water equipment is included, and the setup means families and mixed-age groups can divide their time easily. Children and teenagers can try the active options while adults relax nearby. The long stop also helps if you need a little time to build confidence before standing on a SUP.

One practical tip: ask for fins if you want them for snorkeling. At least one person found that fins were not automatically handed out. The gear is available, but you may need to request the item you want rather than wait for the crew to offer it.

The floating platforms also give this stop a social feel. This is not a private cove where you will have the water to yourself, but the floating setup is unusual and adds variety. One of the crew may also show you nearby caves, depending on the conditions and the flow of the day.

Greek lunch, fruit, and drinks on board

Lunch is served during the Ladiko stop. The meal includes traditional Greek food such as Greek salad, beans in sauce, stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice, and other seasonal dishes. Seasonal fruit is also provided, along with morning treats earlier in the trip.

The portions are described as generous, and many people find the food a real strength of the outing. It is not a restaurant meal with a menu of choices, so you should arrive with realistic expectations. One person found the flavors less appealing, while others considered the lunch tasty and well served.

The meal is suitable for vegans and non-vegans, but if you are a particularly selective eater, bring that into your booking decision. You are not allowed to bring your own food or drinks aboard, so you cannot rely on a packed lunch as a backup.

Unlimited water, soft drinks, juices, fizzy drinks, and local wine are included. That can add real value on a hot day, especially for families. Beer, coffee, spirits, cocktails, and slushies are not included and cost extra. If you prefer beer to wine, factor that into the final price.

Kallithea Springs: architecture and one last swim

The final swimming stop is at Kallithea Springs, for about 30 minutes. This area is known for its historic thermal-spring architecture, and the stop gives you time for photos, a short swim, and local snacks.

The architecture makes Kallithea different from the earlier bays. Anthony Quinn Bay is about rocky scenery and emerald water. Ladiko is about the floating activity area. Kallithea adds buildings and designed spaces to the coastal setting, so it works well as a final visual stop.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. You can take photos, swim, or look around, but you will probably not have time for a long, unhurried visit. Think of it as a final taste of the area rather than a full tour of Kallithea Springs.

After this stop, the boat spends roughly 45 minutes cruising back to Mandraki Harbor. It is a useful time to dry off, order any paid drinks, and enjoy the coast from the deck before returning to Rhodes Town.

Is the $78 price good value?

At $78 per person, this is a strong-value day if you plan to use the included activities and drinks. You are paying for six hours aboard a traditional gulet, three swimming stops, lunch, fruit, soft drinks, wine, snorkeling equipment, SUPs, kayaks, and floating platforms.

The value is especially good for families. Buying lunch, drinks, and separate water-sports hire at the coast could quickly approach the tour price, and the all-in structure makes budgeting simple. You also avoid spending the day arranging several separate coastal stops.

The value is less clear if you dislike busy boats, do not swim, or want a quiet sailing trip. A large excursion can feel crowded, and the most desirable outdoor seating may be claimed early. This is an active group outing with music and shared facilities, not an intimate private charter.

The free cancellation window also gives you some flexibility: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can reserve now and pay later, which may help if your Rhodes schedule is still shifting.

Who should book this Rhodes boat trip?

I would suggest it to families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a full sea day without paying separately for every activity. The range of options works well when not everyone in your group wants the same thing.

It suits children and older adults who can manage boat steps and swimming access, since you can choose between active water sports and simply sitting on deck. A group of people aged 8 and up was specifically described as enjoying the mix, though the provider does not give a formal minimum age in the information supplied.

You should think twice if you use a wheelchair, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also reconsider it if you need a highly private setting, dislike music, or want a carefully planned gourmet meal.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sun hat, and sunscreen. Wear secure footwear for moving around a wet boat, though this specific item is not listed as required. Bring only what you need, since outside food and drinks are not allowed.

Final verdict: an easy yes for a sea-and-sun day

I would book this trip if I wanted an affordable, active day on Rhodes’ eastern coast. The strongest parts are the generous Ladiko stop, the included kayaking and SUP, the regular swimming breaks, and the simple lunch-and-drinks arrangement.

Arrive about an hour early for a good sunbed, ask for snorkeling fins if you need them, and remember that beer is not included. With those details understood, El Greco’s gulet cruise offers a lot for $78 and gives you a pleasant mix of scenery, swimming, Greek food, and low-fuss fun.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes gulet trip start?

The meeting point is opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki Harbor. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco.

How long does the boat trip last?

The activity lasts six hours and returns to the same meeting point at Mandraki Harbor. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What swimming stops are included?

You stop at Anthony Quinn Bay for about 40 minutes, Fun Island at Ladiko Bay for about two hours, and Kallithea Springs for about 30 minutes.

Are kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling included?

Yes. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and platforms are included at no extra charge.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a traditional Greek lunch, morning treats, seasonal fresh fruit, unlimited soft drinks, water, and wine. Beer, coffee, slushies, cocktails, and spirits are not included.

What should I bring, and is the trip wheelchair accessible?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.