Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

The best thing about this Rhodes to Lindos cruise is the mix: you get the island’s famous hilltop village without giving up a proper day at sea. Anthony Quinn Bay provides the first swim, Lindos gives you time to explore on land, and Tsambika offers a final turquoise-water stop before Rhodes.

I like the three hours in Lindos, enough for the Acropolis, lunch, and a little wandering if you keep an eye on the clock. I also like the clean, roomy boat, friendly crew, reasonable snack bar, and floats for anyone who is not a strong swimmer. The main drawback is the long sailing time and limited time in Lindos for anyone who wants a slow visit.

Key points at a glance

• Two swim stops from the boat: Spend about 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and another 30 minutes at Tsambika Blue Lagoon.
• Three hours in Lindos: Visit the Acropolis, walk the whitewashed lanes, eat at a taverna, or sit by the beach.
• A clean, comfortable boat: Choose between open decks, shaded seating, an air-conditioned area, toilets, and sunbeds.
• Arrive early for a lounger: Top-deck sunbeds are limited and tend to go first.
• Good value at $47: The fare includes the cruise, both swim stops, floats, WiFi, insurance, and free time in Lindos.
• Bring a light jacket outside midsummer: The top deck can feel cool and windy while the boat is moving.

Why this cruise works so well for a Lindos day

Lindos is one of Rhodes’s essential sights, but getting there by road can mean a hot coach ride and a packed schedule. This cruise turns the journey into part of the day. You watch the east coast slide past, sit in the sun or shade, stop for a swim, and arrive at Lindos from the sea.

That change of pace matters. You are not simply being delivered to a village, hurried up to the Acropolis, and sent back. You get time on the water, two chances to cool off, and a full three hours to choose your own plan.

At $47 per person, the value is strong if you want several experiences in one outing. A paid cruise, transport to Lindos, two scenic swim stops, onboard facilities, and free time would often cost more when booked separately. Food, drinks, towels, and the Acropolis entrance are extra, so the final cost depends on how much you buy.

The tradeoff is that this is a full-day outing of about eight to eight and a half hours. The boat takes close to two hours to reach Lindos, with roughly 45 minutes of coastal sailing followed by a 30-minute swim at Anthony Quinn Bay and another 70 minutes of sailing. If you dislike long boat rides, this may feel slow. If you enjoy being on the sea, the travel time becomes a pleasant part of the trip.

Finding the boat at Mandraki Port

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, near the Roda bus stop, and arrive 30 minutes early. The early arrival is useful for more than simply checking in: it gives you a better chance of finding a preferred seat, especially if you want one of the limited sunbeds on the top deck.

Optional hotel pickup is available from selected locations. These include several Rhodes hotels and resorts, along with Rizos Cruises and other listed pickup points. If you choose a transfer, wait at the stated point 10 minutes early and make sure your phone number is correct so the company can contact you by WhatsApp or phone.

The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on its windscreen. Drivers wait no longer than two minutes after the planned pickup time, although traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes. That makes it important to wait at the correct place rather than wandering off to look for the bus.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a scenic first swim

The first stop comes after the opening coastal cruise. Anthony Quinn Bay is known for its clear emerald water and rocky setting, and the boat stops for about 30 minutes.

You swim straight from the boat rather than walking onto a beach. That gives the stop a fun, easygoing feel, but you should be comfortable entering the sea from the vessel or use one of the available floats. Noodles are provided, and life jackets are available for children. Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to look below the surface.

The crew gives notice before the stop, which is handy. You can change, collect your sunglasses and towel, and move into position instead of being caught off guard. Keep your belongings secure and avoid leaving anything loose on deck during the swim.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, a few jumps, and some time floating beside the boat. It is not enough for a long snorkeling session. This is best viewed as a scenic water break, not a guided marine activity.

The long sail to Lindos

After Anthony Quinn Bay, the boat continues south along the east coast. The next stretch lasts about 70 minutes, making the total journey to Lindos just under two hours from departure.

The boat has several types of seating, including an open sundeck with loungers, shaded areas, and an air-conditioned interior. The top deck is the place for sun and wide views, but it can be windy while the boat is moving. A light jacket is a smart addition in spring, autumn, or even on a breezy summer morning.

The onboard bar helps make this part of the trip easier. You can buy cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food. Sandwiches have been available for about 3 euros, and the prices are described as reasonable. You are also free to bring cash for purchases, which is useful since food and drinks are not included.

The lower air-conditioned area is a good retreat when the sun becomes too strong. The boat also has WiFi and toilets, both practical touches on a long sailing day. The vessel is kept clean after the swim stops, including the bathrooms, and the crew receives especially strong praise for being friendly, helpful, and organized.

Three hours in Lindos, use them wisely

The boat allows about three hours in Lindos. That sounds generous, but the village has several worthwhile distractions, and the Acropolis climb takes time.

If the Acropolis is your priority, go there first. The route involves a steep walk up through the village, and the heat can be intense. Wear secure shoes, carry water, and leave room in your schedule for the descent. The views from the top are the main reward, with Lindos’s white buildings, the sea, and the surrounding coast spread below.

Do not let the approach become a race. The narrow whitewashed lanes are part of Lindos’s charm, and you may want time to browse shops or stop for photos. The village also has tavernas and places by the bay for a Greek meal or a drink.

You can instead skip the Acropolis and make this a slower beach visit. Lindos offers sandy beach time, food, shops, and the pleasure of simply sitting somewhere pretty. That is a perfectly sensible choice if you have already seen ancient sites elsewhere in Rhodes or if you are traveling with a child who has reached their walking limit.

Three hours works well for the main highlights, but it is not a leisurely full-day visit. To fit in the Acropolis, lunch, shopping, and the beach, you need to keep moving. Start back toward the boat early. Lindos can be confusing, and it is easy to take a wrong turn among the lanes. The boat leaves on time, so do not treat the departure as flexible.

A practical strategy is to return to the harbor area about 40 minutes before departure. This may also help you reclaim a good seat or sunbed for the trip back, especially if you want to relax before the final swim.

Tsambika Blue Lagoon on the return

The final swimming stop is at Tsambika Beach, described for the cruise as the Blue Lagoon. After about 50 minutes of sailing from Lindos, the boat stops for another 30 minutes.

This is a good place to end the active part of the day. After walking in Lindos, the water feels refreshing, and the boat provides a simple way to cool off without another trip to shore. You can jump in, use a noodle, or stay on deck and enjoy the view if you are tired.

Music may play during the swim stop, adding to the holiday mood. The crew keeps an eye on the timing and makes the instructions clear, so you know when to get ready and when to return aboard. Still, you should watch the time yourself and keep children close.

Some people will wish the swim stops lasted longer than 30 minutes. That is the limit of the schedule, and the cruise has to reach Rhodes on time. Think of both stops as short, enjoyable swims rather than long beach sessions.

Life on board: space, shade, and sunbeds

The boat is one of the strongest parts of this outing. It has multiple decks, comfortable seats, a shaded area, an air-conditioned section, clean toilets, and an open top deck with sunbeds.

The sunbeds are limited. If you want one, arrive early and claim it once boarding begins. Pickup passengers may not reach the boat early enough to get the best spots, so do not book the optional transfer expecting priority seating.

The top deck is lovely in good weather, especially when the boat is stationary at the swim stops. While sailing, it can be windy and cooler than expected. Pack a light jacket and do not assume that strong Rhodes sunshine means the upper deck will always feel warm.

There is plenty of ordinary seating for anyone who misses out on a lounger. Shade is available, and the air-conditioned interior gives you a break from the heat. The boat has been described as spacious even when well occupied, though one past comment found it crowded at times. Your comfort will depend partly on when you board and how busy the departure is.

The crew works hard to clean the boat after each swim. That is a small detail, but it makes a real difference when you are wet, sandy, or settling in for the return trip.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

Food and drinks are not included, but the onboard bar sells coffee, cold drinks, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and simple items such as sandwiches. Prices are considered reasonable, so you can buy something without treating the bar as a major expense.

Bring cash for the bar and for Lindos. You will also need to budget separately for the Acropolis entrance if you decide to visit it. A towel is not supplied, so pack one along with swimwear, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Snorkeling gear is optional but worth bringing if you already have it. The bays offer clear water and rocky scenery, but this is not a guided snorkeling trip and equipment is not part of the fare.

In the cooler parts of the season, bring a light jacket. The ride can feel breezy on the open deck, even when the sea is warm enough for swimming. Comfortable walking shoes are also important for Lindos, particularly if you plan to climb to the Acropolis.

Who should book this day out?

I would choose this cruise if you want to see Lindos but also want swimming and time at sea. It suits couples, families, and anyone who prefers independent exploring to a tightly led walking tour. The crew gives directions and timing, but you decide how to use your three hours in the village.

Families may appreciate the floats, life jackets for children, air-conditioned area, toilets, and spacious seating. The swim stops are fun for children, although every family should judge swimming comfort for themselves because both stops involve entering the sea from the boat.

This is less suitable if you want a quiet, private sailing trip. It is a shared excursion, and the most popular sunbeds go quickly. It is also not ideal if you need several hours at the Acropolis, want a long beach visit, or dislike being on a boat for close to two hours each way.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 1,404 reviews, and the praise is consistent around the clean boat, friendly staff, smooth organization, good bar, and attractive swim stops. The repeated cautions are also clear: three hours can feel short in Lindos, sunbeds are limited, and the upper deck can be windy.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want a full Rhodes day that combines Lindos sightseeing with two memorable swims. At $47, the mix of boat transport, free time, facilities, and swim stops is hard to beat.

Arrive early, pack a towel and light jacket, carry cash, and visit the Acropolis before lunch if it is important to you. If you prefer a slower Lindos visit or a longer swim, choose a land-based day instead. For most people seeking a lively, well-organized outing with strong value, this Rizos Cruises trip is a very good choice.

FAQ

How long does the Lindos cruise take?

The experience lasts about 8 to 8.5 hours. The boat is scheduled to return to Rhodes Harbor at approximately 17:30.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Mandraki Port, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building near the Roda bus stop. Look for the DISCOVERY boat and arrive 30 minutes early.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Lindos.

Are the Acropolis entrance fees included?

No. The Acropolis entrance fee is not included in the cruise price.

How long are the swimming stops?

The cruise includes about 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and about 30 minutes at Tsambika Blue Lagoon.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy at the onboard bar. The bar sells drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and simple food.

Are towels or snorkeling equipment provided?

Towels are not provided. Snorkeling gear is also not included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional from selected locations. If you book a transfer, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes early and look for the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the vehicle.