Rhodes: Pleasure Cruise for Swimming and Snorkeling

Rhodes’ east coast is at its best from the water, and this six-hour wooden-boat cruise gives you three proper swimming stops for about $47. You sail from Mandraki Harbour toward Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, with roughly an hour at each place for swimming, snorkeling, or simply floating in the sun.

I like the three generous water stops and the easygoing pace. You are not rushed through a quick photo stop, and the boat carries snorkeling gear and swimming noodles, so you need less equipment of your own. I also like the watermelon and seasonal fruit, a small but welcome touch after a morning in the sea.

The main caution is the boat’s condition. Some passengers found it untidy and in need of maintenance, and the downstairs toilet received particularly poor marks. Food and drink prices at the onboard bar may also feel high, so bring water or budget for the bar carefully.

Key points to know before you book

• Three one-hour swim stops: Plan on about an hour at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
• A real water day: This is built around swimming and snorkeling, not sightseeing from the deck.
• Traditional wooden boat: You get a classic Greek boat setting, though comfort and upkeep may not suit everyone.
• Snorkeling gear included: Equipment and a swimming noodle are provided, but fish sightings are never promised.
• Simple Mandraki start: You meet at the Alexander Statue near Mandraki Harbour, by the Alkmini boat.
• Good value for active beach time: At $47, the price is fair if you plan to use all three swimming stops.

Six hours from Mandraki Harbour to Rhodes’ east coast

The boat leaves Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 and returns at about 16:00. You meet near the Alexander Statue at Mandraki Harbour, beside the Alkmini boat. There is no hotel pickup or transfer, so you need to make your own way to the port.

The route follows the east coast of Rhodes. After roughly 40 minutes, the first swimming stop begins. The planned stops are Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, with about an hour at each. The exact order can vary in the operating schedule, but the important point is that you receive three separate chances to get into the water.

Between stops, you can sit on the deck, listen to music, take photographs, or find a place in the sun or shade. This is not a formal sightseeing cruise with a long list of monuments and lectures. It is a relaxed day on the sea with short periods of sailing between swim breaks.

That makes the timing useful for several kinds of visitors. If you have only one free day in Rhodes and want to see several famous coastal spots without arranging separate transport, this cruise does the work in one outing. If you dislike spending much of a day in a swimsuit, however, the three-hour total swim time may feel repetitive.

Kallithea Bay brings the first clear-water stop

Kallithea Bay is known for clear water and good conditions for snorkeling. It is also associated with Kallithea Springs, a well-known coastal site on Rhodes. Here, the main activity is getting into the water, looking below the surface, and enjoying the bay from the boat.

You receive about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, so you do not have to pack a mask and fins unless you prefer your own. A noodle is also available, which helps if you want to float rather than swim continuously.

I would use this first stop to settle into the day. The boat ride has already given you time to find your preferred spot on deck, and the first swim lets you test the water and equipment before the later stops. Keep your expectations sensible: the operator makes clear that fish sightings cannot be guaranteed. You may see some marine life, but the main reward is the water itself.

Kallithea is a good opening stop because it offers both swimming and snorkeling. If snorkeling is important to you, get ready before the boat arrives rather than waiting until the last few minutes. With only about an hour available, preparation gives you more time in the water.

Afandou Beach adds another hour in the sea

The cruise continues to Afandou Beach for another swimming and snorkeling break. Afandou is a longer, open coastal area, so the feel differs from a smaller bay. You can swim, look for fish, or stay aboard and rest while the boat sits near shore.

This second stop is where the rhythm of the day becomes clear: sail, swim, dry off, and repeat. You can use the time between stops to eat something from the bar, buy a drink, or enjoy the music. Seasonal fruit, including refreshing watermelon, is provided, which is a useful snack after swimming.

You should bring your own towel and swimwear, as those are not listed among the included items. A camera is also recommended, but protect it from splashes. The three stops are scenic, yet the strongest memories will probably come from the colors of the water, the views back toward the coast, and the simple pleasure of jumping from the boat.

Afandou is also a useful pause for anyone who finds snorkeling tiring. You do not have to spend the whole hour in the water. The boat offers sun and shade, and resting on deck is part of the experience. Just remember that there is no hotel transfer, so you will still need enough energy for the return to Mandraki Harbour.

Anthony Quinn Bay is the photogenic finale

Anthony Quinn Bay is the most famous name on this route and one of the main reasons people choose the cruise. The bay is known for green-blue water, rocky edges, and a dramatic setting that looks especially good from the boat.

You get about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, photographs, or floating in the clear water. The bright sky and vivid sea colors make this the stop where you will probably want your camera ready. If the crew follows the described order, Anthony Quinn Bay comes after Kallithea and Afandou, giving you a final swim in one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal spots.

The bay can feel like a reward at the end of the route, but do not assume it will be quiet or empty. The tour information promises the location and the swim stop, not solitude. Your experience will depend on the day, the sea, and how many boats are using the bay.

The snorkeling here is a pleasant extra rather than a guaranteed wildlife encounter. One passenger saw only one small fish during the outing, which is a useful reminder to judge the cruise by the water, scenery, and time spent swimming, not by the number of fish you hope to spot.

What the traditional boat is really like

The wooden boat gives the outing a more local feel than a large modern ferry. Music plays onboard, the crew is described as experienced, and the layout allows you to spend the sailing portions relaxing in the sun or shade. For a half-day on the water, those simple comforts matter.

The boat also has a bar where you can buy drinks and something to eat. Seasonal fruit is included. You should not treat the bar as a cheap full meal stop, though. Food prices were considered too high by at least one passenger, so pack a small snack if you want to control costs. The supplied information does not list a full lunch as included.

Boat condition is the biggest practical question. Some feedback described the vessel as dirty, worn, or poorly maintained, with the downstairs toilet in particularly bad shape. That does not erase the value of the route, but it does mean you should book this for the sea stops rather than for polished facilities.

If you are sensitive to cramped or basic onboard conditions, you may prefer a newer vessel or a shorter trip. If you mainly want access to three swimming locations at a moderate price, the boat’s rough edges may be easier to accept.

Is $47 fair for a six-hour cruise?

At $47 per person, the price is reasonable for a six-hour outing that includes three separate swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, a noodle, music, crew service, and seasonal fruit. You are paying for access to several coastal locations in one day, not just for a boat ride.

The value improves if you would otherwise need taxis, beach transfers, or separate rentals to visit Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay. The cruise also saves planning time. You arrive at the port, board once, and let the crew handle the movement between beaches.

The value drops if you do not enjoy swimming. Much of the day is built around getting into the water, and the shore stops are not presented as long walking visits or cultural tours. You also need to pay separately for drinks and food, and the bar may be expensive for what it offers.

For a family or group, the included equipment and noodle can reduce the need to rent gear. For a solo visitor with a free day before hotel check-in, the boat can also be practical. One passenger used the cruise before checking in and was able to leave a backpack onboard while getting coffee, but you should confirm luggage arrangements with the operator rather than assume this is always allowed.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to people who want a full water day with a clear schedule and several chances to swim. It suits couples, friends, and families with confident swimmers who like a casual boat atmosphere more than a formal guided tour.

It is also useful for first-time visitors who want to sample several famous spots on the east coast. You can see Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay without committing to separate beach days.

You may want to choose another activity if you need a pristine boat, a clean modern toilet, a full meal, or guaranteed marine life. The snorkeling is an optional part of the stops, not a wildlife expedition. The operator is clear that it cannot promise fish.

The cruise is also less suitable for anyone who expects hotel pickup. You need to reach Mandraki Harbour on time, and all customers must be onboard promptly. Arriving late risks missing the departure.

What to bring and what to expect onboard

Pack swimwear, a towel, and a camera. A dry bag or other waterproof protection for valuables is sensible, though not specifically included. Snorkeling gear and a swimming noodle are provided.

The live guide service is available in English and Greek. Music plays during the cruise, and the crew provides fruit. You can buy drinks and food at the bar, but it is wise to bring some spending money and not depend on the onboard menu for a budget meal.

A scooter is not allowed. The supplied information gives no further detail about accessibility, seating, or storage, so ask the provider directly if those points matter to you.

The booking terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the departure time for your date, since availability controls the exact start time.

Should you book the Mandraki swimming cruise?

Book it if you want three long swim stops, a relaxed wooden boat, and an easy way to reach some of Rhodes’ best-known bays for $47. The water time is the real attraction, and the combination of Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay gives you variety without complicated planning.

Skip it if the condition of the boat or toilet would spoil your day, or if you want guaranteed fish, a substantial included meal, or a quiet sightseeing cruise. For the right person, this is a good-value sea day. Just bring a towel, keep bar spending modest, arrive early at Mandraki Harbour, and judge success by the swimming rather than by the snorkeling catch.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes swimming cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours. It starts at about 10:00 and returns to Mandraki Harbour at approximately 16:00.

Where does the boat leave from?

You meet at Mandraki Harbour near the Alexander Statue, beside the Alkmini boat. Hotel pickup and transfers are not included.

Which swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay. Each stop provides about one hour for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a swimming noodle are included.

Are food and drinks included?

Seasonal fruit is included. You can buy drinks and something to eat at the onboard bar, but food and drinks are not listed as included in the price.

What languages are available?

The live guide service is available in English and Greek.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.