Rhodes: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Buffet & Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes outing is the timing: you get a late-afternoon swim at Kalithea Bay, dinner on deck, and a sunset over the Aegean before returning to Mandraki Harbor. It turns a short boat ride into a full evening, without taking up an entire day.

I like the small-catamaran feel reported on many departures, with some groups numbering only about 14 to 16 people. I also like the generous food and drink arrangement, especially for $58, with grilled chicken, salads, dips, bread, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and water included.

The main consideration is the swimming stop. The boat anchors offshore, and you need to swim to reach the water near the bay, so this is not a good fit if you need step-free access to shore or prefer to stay completely dry.

Key points at a glance

• Kalithea Bay stop: About 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in water reported to be around 6 meters deep in places.
• Dinner on board: Grilled chicken, Greek salad, pasta salad, potato salad, feta, olives, hummus, tzatziki, aubergine salad, green salad, and fresh local bread.
• Drinks included: Wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are available without an extra charge.
• Sunset timing: The return toward Rhodes Town is arranged around the sunset, with music playing on board.
• Catamaran choice: You may be assigned a sailing catamaran or power catamaran, with three catamaran options in the operation.
• Practical limits: Boats leave on time, and this activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Why this three-hour cruise works so well

Rhodes has plenty of boat trips, but this one makes good use of a short evening. You are not spending three hours simply motoring along the coast. The plan has a clear rhythm: leave Mandraki Harbor, reach Kalithea Bay, stop for a swim, eat dinner, and then settle in for sunset on the way back.

I especially like that the cruise combines active and restful moments. You can use the swimming stop for snorkeling, or stay on deck with a drink while other people use the equipment. Later, the mood shifts toward dinner and music. That mix makes the trip suitable for couples, families, solo visitors, and friends who do not all want the same kind of evening.

The pace is also useful during a busy Rhodes holiday. You do not have to give up a full day for a boat excursion, and the cruise begins late enough to leave your morning and early afternoon free.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor for the east coast

Your meeting point is in front of the Poseidon Submarine and the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks. Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before departure. This matters because the boats leave on schedule, and missing the departure can mean paying a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

From Mandraki Harbor, the catamaran heads along the east coast of Rhodes. The first sailing or motor section lasts about 45 minutes. On a clear evening, this is a pleasant time to find your preferred place on board and watch the coastline open up behind you.

You can choose between a sailing catamaran and a power catamaran when booking options are available. The sailing boat offers the obvious appeal of a quieter, more traditional ride when conditions allow. The power catamaran may suit you if you prefer a motor-driven boat and a more direct feel. The exact boat can vary, particularly in April, May, and October if one catamaran does not reach its minimum number of participants.

The boat has outdoor seating, an outdoor shower, indoor toilets, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and floating pool noodles. Several people particularly liked the clean boats, roomy seating, and well-kept equipment. Still, the amount of space depends on the catamaran and the number of people booked that evening.

Kalithea Bay: swim first, dinner second

The main stop is Kalithea Bay, where the boat drops anchor for about 45 minutes. This is not a normal beach stop. You do not walk down a gangway onto the sand. If you want to reach the water around the bay, you swim from the boat.

That detail is easy to miss when planning. Bring swimwear, and consider packing a small cover-up for the return to the deck. The outdoor shower is useful after swimming, but you should not expect a long shore visit.

The water is the reason for the stop. You can swim, use a pool noodle, or try the provided snorkeling equipment. Several people saw fish around the rocks, and one person reported seeing a lionfish. Another described the water as about 6 meters deep. At the same time, this is not a dedicated marine-life expedition. One account found the underwater scenery fairly limited beyond rocks, and the bay can be popular with other boats.

I would treat Kalithea Bay as a refreshing swim with a chance to see some fish, not as the main snorkeling destination of your holiday. The setting still works well because it breaks up the ride and lets you cool off before dinner.

Pay attention to announcements during this stop. Food may be served while you are still swimming or snorkeling, so you could miss part of the buffet if you stay in the water for the entire break. The crew may explain the timing, but it is wise to ask if you are unsure.

A Greek buffet that gives the price real value

Dinner is served on board, usually around the swimming portion or after it. The spread includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread.

This is not a formal restaurant meal, and you should not book it expecting an elaborate seafood dinner. It is a practical Greek-style buffet with enough variety to make a filling evening meal. The salads, dips, feta, olives, and bread provide several meat-free choices, while the grilled chicken gives the menu a more substantial centerpiece.

Vegetarian diners should look closely at the menu before booking. There are useful vegetarian options, including hummus, salads, dips, feta, and bread, but the selection is not built around fish or a broad vegetarian main course. One person chose not to take the food option for that reason.

The strongest praise centers on quantity and freshness. People repeatedly found the food tasty, plentiful, and better than expected for a boat meal. The crew may continue offering food and drinks during the trip, which helps make the evening feel generous rather than tightly rationed.

For $58, the buffet matters. Comparable sunset outings may charge separately for drinks or offer only a basic snack. Here, dinner and a wide selection of beverages are part of the package.

Unlimited drinks and a relaxed deck atmosphere

Wine and beer are included, along with juice, soft drinks, and bottled water. The crew serves drinks during the cruise, and the setup is especially convenient if you want to settle into the sunset without keeping track of a running bar bill.

The atmosphere varies with the group and the boat. Many departures are described as calm and intimate, with Greek or romantic music during the sunset portion. Other evenings have a livelier feel, with upbeat songs and plenty of laughter. You can expect music, but not one fixed style every night.

The crew is an important part of the experience. People consistently appreciated friendly and attentive service, and Eleni was singled out for checking that everyone had enough to drink. The captain and crew also received praise for keeping the trip organized and helping passengers feel comfortable.

Alcohol is available, but the crew can stop serving anyone who appears intoxicated. That is a reasonable rule on a moving boat, particularly when people are swimming and the deck is wet.

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, the staff may be accommodating. Families described helpful service and a welcoming attitude, but check the fare carefully. At least one family found that an infant was charged the full adult price, which reduced the value for that booking.

Sunset on the return to Rhodes Town

After Kalithea Bay and dinner, the catamaran begins the return journey. The final route includes about 20 minutes set aside for sunset near Rhodes Town, although the captain can change the route or swimming stop if weather conditions require it.

This is the part to plan around. If you want the best sunset view, do not remain below deck for dinner cleanup. Find an outdoor position as the boat turns back toward Mandraki. The catamaran’s position on the water gives you an open view without buildings immediately in front of the horizon.

The sunset is not a guaranteed performance. Clouds, wind, and the route can change the view. Still, the timing is one of the strongest features of the trip. You get the golden light after the swim, with the east coast of Rhodes nearby and music in the background.

The return to Rhodes Town also keeps the outing grounded in the island rather than turning it into a generic boat ride. You are watching the day close over the sea, then arriving back where you began.

How the three-hour schedule feels in practice

The listed timing divides roughly into:

• About 45 minutes from Mandraki Harbor to the swimming stop
• About 45 minutes at Kalithea Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and the meal
• About 45 minutes sailing or motoring back
• About 20 minutes focused on the sunset near Rhodes Town

In real use, these sections may blend together. Dinner can overlap with the swimming break, and weather can affect the route. The captain has the final say on swimming locations and sailing plans.

Three hours is long enough to feel worthwhile but short enough to fit into an evening. I would avoid booking another fixed activity immediately afterward, since boats can be affected by conditions and the departure and return schedule should be treated as the priority.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise

This outing is a strong choice for couples who want a romantic evening without paying for a private charter. The sunset, music, dinner, and open-water setting create the right mood, and the smaller catamarans can feel much more personal than large party boats.

It also suits friends and families who want a simple, good-value evening. The meal is familiar, the drinks are included, and the swimming stop gives children and active adults something to do. Very young children may need extra attention on the deck, and the full adult fare for infants can be a concern.

Solo visitors can also fit in easily. The crew has been described as welcoming, and the small-group format makes it easier to chat without turning the cruise into a loud social event.

You should think twice if you need wheelchair access, dislike boats that anchor offshore, or want a serious snorkeling trip. The route is built around the overall evening, not long time on shore or specialist underwater viewing.

Booking, cancellation, and useful preparation

The meeting point is at the Poseidon Submarine, Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks. Arrive at least 30 minutes early if you want time to find the boat and hear the departure instructions clearly.

Bring swimwear. You may also want a towel, sun protection, and a light layer for the return ride, though only swimwear is specifically required by the operator.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes schedule depends on weather or other bookings.

The cruise is offered in English. If you are unsure about the departure time or boat assignment, ask a crew member rather than relying on memory. This is especially important when several catamarans operate from the same harbor.

Should you book this sunset catamaran cruise?

I would book it if you want a compact evening with swimming, dinner, drinks, and sunset rather than a full-day sailing trip. The food and unlimited beverages make $58 a solid value, and the crew service, clean boats, and small-group atmosphere add more than the basic boat transfer.

I would skip it if your priority is a beach landing, extensive snorkeling, a seafood-focused dinner, or wheelchair-friendly access. For most visitors who can swim from an anchored boat, though, this is an easy way to add a memorable Rhodes evening without overloading your itinerary.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town. Meet in front of the Poseidon Submarine, at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before the activity begins. The catamarans depart on time.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours.

What happens at Kalithea Bay?

The boat anchors at Kalithea Bay for swimming and snorkeling. You can use the supplied equipment and floating pool noodles.

Do I have to swim to reach the shore?

Yes. The boat stays at anchor in the bay, and you need to swim if you want to reach the shore.

Is dinner included?

Yes. The buffet includes grilled chicken, salads, dips, feta, olives, and fresh local bread.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and floating pool noodles are provided.

Can I choose between a sailing and power catamaran?

The activity offers sailing and power catamaran options, along with three catamaran choices. In April, May, and October, the provider may move you to another catamaran if one does not reach its minimum number of participants.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can the route change?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stop according to weather conditions.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.