Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this small-group RIB cruise, but the real pleasure is moving between four very different swim spots along Rhodes’ east coast. You can snorkel above clear water, swim into the Alikies caves, and see the cliffs from a boat instead of squeezing onto a crowded beach.

I like the personal feel, with groups capped at eight and captains such as Michael and Lazaros taking time to explain the places you visit. I also like the practical extras: masks, flotation aids, pool noodles, a restroom, Wi-Fi, and a spacious deck for sunning between swims.

The main consideration is pace. This is a quick 2.5-hour outing, and a fast RIB can feel lively for young children or anyone prone to seasickness. Drinks are included, but the exact selection may vary. One booking included cocktails, while another had soft drinks and water.

Key points to know before you book

• Four east-coast swim areas: Visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves in one compact cruise.
• A genuinely small group: The boat is limited to eight participants, so it feels more personal than a large day cruise.
• Useful swim gear onboard: Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids are available, though you need to bring your own towel.
• Anthony Quinn Bay has a movie connection: The site is linked with the filming of The Guns of Navarone and includes a photogenic pier.
• Pickup can simplify the day: Hotel-area pickup is offered around Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.
• Best for confident swimmers, couples, and older children: The boat is quick and the outing is built around repeated swimming stops.

Why this short Rhodes boat trip works

At $48 per person, this is not a full-day luxury charter. It is a focused coastal outing that gives you a taste of Rhodes from the water without using up an entire afternoon.

That price includes the boat ride, swimming stops, soft drinks, and bottled cocktails according to the booking details. The crew also carries snorkeling equipment and flotation aids, which saves you from hiring gear separately. If you value time, the 2.5-hour format is useful: you get several swim locations and still have most of the day for Rhodes Town, Lindos, or the beach.

The small size matters. With room for no more than eight people, you are not fighting for a place at the rail or waiting for a large group to board. Captains Michael and Lazaros are named by the operator, and the crew’s role goes beyond steering. They explain the sites, help less confident swimmers, and keep the mood relaxed.

One captain even let a child pretend to steer and helped with feeding fish. That sort of personal attention cannot be guaranteed on every departure, but it shows the style of service this small boat allows.

Meeting the boat near Stama restaurant

The main meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. You can also select pickup from a central point near hotels in listed areas, including Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

If you choose pickup, watch for a separate message with the exact details, including your meeting time. Check your spam folder if it does not appear. Some pickups use a vehicle that takes you directly to the marina, which is handy if you are not staying close to the port.

The tour ends back at the original meeting point. Bring swimwear, comfortable shoes, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A phone in a waterproof case is a smart idea, although waterproof phone covers have sometimes been available onboard.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone connection

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most recognizable coves. The water is clear, the cliffs are rugged, and the enclosed shape of the bay makes it a fine place for swimming and snorkeling.

The bay took its name from Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn, who acquired the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby. The cruise adds a little context to the scenery instead of treating the cove as just another photo stop.

The Guns of Navarone Pier is one of the most photogenic points in the area. From the boat, you can take in the rocky shoreline and turquoise water, then get in for a swim or use the mask and snorkel to look for fish.

This is also the spot where you may want to keep your camera ready. The cliffs and water photograph well, but the best images are often taken from the boat, where you can frame the whole cove rather than only one stretch of shore.

The bay can be popular, so do not expect complete solitude. Its appeal is easy to understand. The cruise gives you a better chance to appreciate the setting without committing to a full beach day there.

Ladiko: a second view of the same dramatic coast

The boat continues to Ladiko, located on the other side of the bay. This stop changes the angle more than the scenery type, but that is part of its value. You see the headlands, cliffs, and water from a different position, and the short boat ride keeps the trip moving.

Ladiko is suited to a straightforward swim. You can jump from the boat, float, or stay on the spacious deck. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask for a buoyancy aid or pool noodle before entering the water.

The crew has provided masks and snorkels for people who want to look below the surface. The equipment is a useful inclusion, especially if you do not want to pack your own. Still, bring a towel because towels are not included.

The boat itself is part of the experience. It is described as modern and comfortably furnished, with a roomy deck and a restroom. You are not confined to a narrow bench for the whole trip, which makes the stops easier for mixed groups where some people want to swim and others prefer to sit in the sun.

Traganou’s rougher shore and sea caves

Traganou offers a different mood. The shore is gravelly and rocky, with clear water and caverns cut into the coast. It feels less polished than Anthony Quinn Bay, and that is exactly why it makes a good contrast.

You can swim from the boat near the rocky shoreline and look into the openings along the coast. The water and rock formations provide some of the most interesting scenery of the cruise, though the surface is not a soft sandy beach. Wear secure footwear when walking near the shore or boarding and leaving the boat.

This is a good stop for people who prefer natural rock and open water to a developed beach. It may be less comfortable for anyone expecting easy sand underfoot. The tour is mainly about swimming from the boat, so you do not need to spend much time on land.

Alikies caves, the most atmospheric stop

The final area is the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can swim toward the cave area, explore from the water, or relax near the beach. The caves give the last stop a sense of discovery without requiring a long walk or a separate excursion.

The amount of time here can feel important because it is one of the most distinctive places on the route. One passenger especially wanted more time at the final bay because of its scenery and fish. That is useful advice: if Alikies is your main reason for booking, remember that the schedule must also cover three other stops and the return to port.

Conditions affect how much exploring is practical. You may find the water calm and inviting, or you may prefer to look into the cave entrances from the boat. Follow the captain’s instructions, particularly around rocks and narrow openings.

This is also a good time for photos. The darker cave openings against the bright water create a different picture from the open cliffs at Anthony Quinn Bay. Keep your phone secure, and do not carry a large bag into the water.

What is included on the boat

The formal inclusions are the boat ride, swimming stops, soft drinks, and bottled cocktails. The onboard description also refers to snacks, and several bookings included food or refreshments. The exact drink selection is not completely consistent, so book this for the coast and swimming rather than for a bar service.

One person received a cocktail, while another described having only fizzy drinks and water. That does not make the outing poor value, but it is worth knowing if the drinks are important to you.

The boat has Wi-Fi and a restroom. These are small comforts, yet they matter during a short trip when returning to shore between stops would waste time. The crew has also supplied masks, snorkels, buoyancy aids, and pool noodles on some departures.

Do not assume that every item will suit your personal needs. If you have a favorite mask, bring it if allowed, and pack biodegradable sunscreen. Towels are not provided.

Is the fast RIB suitable for children?

The boat’s speed is one of its pleasures. You cover the east coast efficiently and get a strong sense of movement between the coves. It is also the feature that deserves the most caution for families.

A RIB can feel quick, particularly when the sea is lively. One booking specifically described it as something to consider with younger children and suggested a larger cruise ship for families wanting a slower ride. The crew does provide flotation aids, and one captain helped a child build confidence before jumping into the water.

For older children who enjoy swimming and boat rides, this can be a good fit. For very young children, anyone uncomfortable with fast travel, or people who want a quiet sightseeing cruise, a larger vessel may be more suitable.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Since the tour centers on swimming, boarding, and movement around a boat, you should also be comfortable with those physical demands.

The small-group atmosphere and the crew

The strongest part of this experience is the crew interaction. Michael is identified as a captain on several departures, while Lazaros is praised for hosting, explaining the area, and keeping people comfortable. Harry has handled transfers and has also been singled out for being friendly and helpful.

Names and staffing may vary by departure, but the pattern is clear: this is designed to feel personal. The captain may offer instructions before you enter the water, help with flotation equipment, tell stories about the bays, or adjust the pace for the people onboard.

The small group also makes it easier to ask for help. If you are unsure about snorkeling, tell the crew. If a child needs a pool noodle, ask. Safety gear is available, but you still need to follow directions and judge your own ability honestly.

The trip can be booked by couples, small families, or friends. Some bookings have felt almost private when only a few people were onboard. Groups larger than the stated eight-person limit should check the specific option before booking.

Dolphins, photos, and the ride back

The return to the marina is part of the cruise rather than a simple transfer. Keep watch for dolphins playing in the surf, though sightings are not guaranteed. The crew can point out what to look for, but wildlife is always a matter of luck.

The ride back also gives you a final chance to photograph the cliffs from offshore. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the movement feels easiest and avoid overdoing drinks before the boat gets underway.

The cruise finishes about 2.5 hours after departure. That makes it easy to pair with another Rhodes activity, but do not schedule something that requires a precise arrival immediately afterward. Sea conditions, boarding, and pickup timing can affect the day.

Practical value at $48 per person

The price makes sense if you would otherwise pay for separate beach transport, snorkeling gear, and a coastal boat ride. You get four swim areas, an English-speaking driver or captain, refreshments, basic equipment, and the convenience of returning to the same marina.

It is less compelling if you only want to sunbathe on one beach. You will spend much of the outing moving, boarding, swimming, and drying off, not sitting on a broad stretch of sand.

The best value comes from using the boat actively. Bring swimwear, use the snorkel gear, take advantage of the cave stop, and ask the crew about the sites. If you spend the entire trip seated, a standard sightseeing cruise may meet your needs at a lower cost.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times before booking, especially if you are coordinating the cruise with hotel pickup.

Who should book this Rhodes RIB cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a short, active outing with several chances to get into the water. It suits couples, friends, older children, and anyone who prefers a small boat to a packed excursion vessel.

It is especially good for:

• Snorkeling in clear water without arranging your own equipment
• Seeing several east-coast coves in one afternoon
• Enjoying a personal crew and a small group
• Taking photos from the sea
• Swimming into or near sea caves
• Combining a boat trip with other Rhodes sightseeing

I would think twice if you dislike fast boats, need step-free access, want long beach time, or expect a full meal and a wide cocktail menu. The trip is short, active, and water-focused. That clarity is helpful when you choose it for the right reasons.

Should you book it?

Book this Rhodes RIB cruise if four swim stops sound better than one long beach stop. At $48, the combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and Alikies gives you a lot of coastline in a short time, with useful gear and an unusually personal crew setup.

Choose a larger boat if you are traveling with very young children or want a slower ride. Otherwise, pack a towel, wear secure shoes, bring sunscreen, and leave large bags behind. For a half-afternoon of swimming, caves, cliffs, and a little movie history, this is a strong-value way to see Rhodes from the water.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes RIB cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves. The boat returns to the marina at the end.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included in the activity details. The exact selection can vary, and one booking reported receiving soft drinks and water instead of cocktails.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Masks and snorkels are available onboard. Pool noodles and buoyancy aids may also be provided for swimmers who want extra support.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Exact pickup information is sent separately.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

No. This activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.