Rhodes Town: Anthony Quinn, Kalithea & Afandou Boat Cruise

Three beautiful bays, three chances to swim, and a traditional boat out of Rhodes Town make this a strong choice for a simple day on the water. You sail from Mandraki Harbor aboard the Alkmini, with time at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay.

I like the spacious boat and the easy port location, especially if you arrive from a cruise ship. I also like the friendly, family-run feel associated with Markos and his family, plus the useful explanations about Rhodes and its beaches. The main drawback is that lunch, drinks, and snacks are not included, and wind can force changes to the swimming schedule.

Key points to know before boarding

• Three one-hour swimming stops: You get roughly an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay.
• A traditional boat called Alkmini: Look for it near the Alexander Statue in Mandraki Harbor.
• Good value at $32.57: The price includes the cruise, crew, music, and snorkeling equipment.
• Friendly family-style service: Markos and his family have been praised for being easy to talk with and helpful with children.
• Bring your own food and drinks: None are included, so pack supplies before boarding.
• Wind may change the plan: The published note for September 20 through October 15, 2024 says swimming stops could be altered in windy conditions.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbor on the Alkmini

The meeting point is straightforward. Walk to the Alexander Statue in Mandraki Harbor and look for the Alkmini, the traditional Greek boat used for the cruise. That central location is useful if you are staying in Rhodes Town, and it can also work well after arriving by cruise ship. One passenger found the departure point within walking distance of the cruise port and had enough time to make the outing comfortably.

Be on time. The boat does not wait for late arrivals, and the instructions specifically ask everyone to arrive promptly. Hotel pickup is not provided, so you need to arrange your own way to Mandraki Harbor.

The six-hour schedule gives this outing a leisurely rhythm. This is not a quick harbor trip with one rushed swim. You spend a full hour at each main stop, with sailing time between them for coastal views, music, and a chance to dry off before the next swim.

The Alkmini is described as a traditional Greek ship rather than a large modern ferry. That gives the day a more personal feel. The boat has been praised for feeling spacious rather than packed, which matters on a long outing when you may want to sit in the shade, stretch out, or find a place to dry your towel.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a scenic first swim

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ best-known coves. The boat anchors for about an hour, giving you time to swim, snorkel, take photos, or simply enjoy the view from the deck.

This is a good opening stop because the setting itself is a major part of the appeal. You see the rocky coast from the water and get an immediate sense of why boat trips are useful around Rhodes. From the shoreline, you see only one angle of a bay. From the Alkmini, you approach by sea and take in the curves of the coast before getting into the water.

The tour description calls the water clear and blue, with a bright open sky overhead. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you have a favorite set, but basic snorkeling gear is included. That saves you from renting equipment separately, though you should not expect a full guided marine-life lesson.

The stop is listed as free time with swimming and snorkeling. The crew may explain the area and offer guidance, but the format is informal. You choose how active you want to be. Strong swimmers can spend most of the hour in the water, while others can stay aboard and enjoy the view.

A practical point: the boat anchors offshore, so you should be comfortable getting into and out of the sea from the vessel. The supplied information does not promise a beach landing at every stop. If you prefer a fully shore-based swimming day, this cruise may feel less convenient.

Afandou Beach for a slower hour in the sun

Afandou Beach gives the middle part of the day a different mood. It is described as a warm, picturesque beach where you can swim, snorkel, take photos, or relax in the sun.

The change of scenery helps. Anthony Quinn Bay is known for its enclosed cove setting, while Afandou offers a longer, more open coastal view. You can listen to music during the sailing time, then spend the hour deciding between the water and the deck.

The stop also lists scuba diving as an available activity, but the tour includes snorkeling equipment rather than a scuba program. Do not book this expecting a certified scuba lesson or a supplied tank. The practical included activity is swimming and snorkeling.

Afandou is a good place to slow down. A six-hour boat outing can become tiring if every stop demands constant activity. Here, you can swim for a while, sit in the sun, and let the crew manage the route. Pack a towel, sunglasses, and strong sunscreen. Shade, seating, and onboard facilities are not described in detail, so bring the basics you need to stay comfortable.

Food is another consideration. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are not part of the price. For a half-day at sea, I would bring water and something simple to eat before boarding, unless you already know there will be a place to buy supplies at the harbor. The supplied details do not promise onboard catering.

Kallithea Bay and the best snorkeling chance

Kallithea Bay is the final swimming stop, with about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. The water is described as a place where you might see colorful fish, squid, and other sea life. That makes this stop particularly appealing if you want more than a quick dip.

The tour also refers to Kallithea Springs, connecting the stop with one of the area’s better-known coastal sights. You should expect a boat-based visit with time in the water, not a full land tour of every spring feature. The schedule allows for a photo stop, free time, and snorkeling.

Because it comes last, Kallithea Bay can feel like the reward for a relaxed day at sea. You already know how the boat works, you have your swim gear ready, and you can choose whether to spend the final hour in the water or on deck. If you are tired, there is no pressure to swim for the full hour.

The marine life is a pleasant possibility, not a guarantee. Fish and squid are mentioned as examples of what you may spot, but sea conditions, visibility, and luck always affect snorkeling. You will get the most from this stop if you bring patience and realistic expectations. This is casual holiday snorkeling, not a specialist wildlife trip.

After Kallithea Bay, the boat returns to Mandraki Harbor. The activity ends at the same meeting point, which makes the return simple if you are staying nearby or need to reconnect with a cruise ship schedule.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew is a key part of this experience. Markos and his family have been singled out for taking time to talk with passengers and explain the beaches and Rhodes. That kind of contact can make a basic boat trip feel more connected to the place.

The languages offered are English, German, and Greek. The tour is guided, but the information provided suggests a light, conversational style rather than a formal lecture. You get context while moving between bays, then plenty of personal time at each stop.

The crew has also been praised for being friendly with small children and for welcoming families with different age groups. That is useful because the day offers several ways to participate. A child who does not want to snorkel can listen to music or enjoy the boat ride, while older children and adults can spend more time in the water.

The boat has also been described as not over-packed and quite spacious. That is one of the most important practical details on a six-hour cruise. A crowded deck can spoil even beautiful scenery. More room means an easier time changing clothes, finding a seat, and taking a break between swims.

Still, you should not confuse a friendly crew with a private charter. This is a shared boat cruise, and the exact atmosphere can vary with the departure. The strong point is the relaxed service and approachable crew, not exclusive use of the boat.

The value of $32.57 for six hours at sea

At $32.57 per person, the price is reasonable for a six-hour cruise with three swimming stops. The fee includes the boat ride, crew, snorkeling gear, onboard music, and access to the three swim stops. If you rented a boat privately or paid separately for transport to several beaches, the cost would likely be much higher.

The value is strongest if you want an easy route to several coastal spots without organizing taxis, beach transfers, or equipment rentals. You see more of the coast in one day and avoid the effort of moving between beaches by road.

The price is less complete than an all-inclusive excursion. You must pay for or bring your own lunch, drinks, and snacks. Hotel transfers are also excluded, and the boat leaves from Mandraki Harbor. Add the cost of reaching the port if you are staying outside central Rhodes Town.

I see this as a good-value outing for people who care most about swimming, scenery, and a friendly boat atmosphere. It is not the right choice if you want a meal, luxury service, private space, or a tightly structured historical tour included in the fare.

Timing, weather, and comfort details

The stated duration is six hours, but starting times depend on availability. Check the departure time carefully, especially if you have a cruise ship schedule, airport transfer, or another Rhodes excursion booked for the same day.

Wind is the main weather issue. The operating note for September 20 through October 15, 2024 says the swimming program may change if conditions are windy. That is sensible for safety, but it means you should not treat the three stops as completely fixed in poor weather.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A cover-up can also be useful between stops, though it is not listed as required. Since food and drinks are not included, pack water and snacks before you arrive.

Bikes are not allowed on the activity. The cruise is also not suitable for wheelchair users. These are worth checking before booking, particularly if you need step-free access or plan to bring large equipment.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes boat cruise most

I would recommend this outing to anyone who wants a simple sea day with several chances to swim. It suits couples, families, cruise ship passengers, and small groups staying in or near Rhodes Town.

Families may appreciate the flexible format. You are not required to swim at every stop, and the crew has experience making children feel welcome. The boat ride, music, photos, and free time give younger passengers several ways to stay interested.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to see more of Rhodes’ coast without committing to a full sailing holiday. The three stops give you variety, and the crew can add local context without turning the day into a classroom.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, need a fully accessible activity, or want a guaranteed beach visit with plenty of land time. The main event is being on the boat and entering the sea from the swimming stops.

Should you book the Alkmini cruise?

Book it if you want good coastal value, three substantial swim stops, and a relaxed crew-led day from a central Rhodes port. The spacious boat, friendly family feel, and easy meeting point make it more appealing than a bare-bones transfer between beaches.

Skip it if you need meals included, hotel pickup, wheelchair access, or a fixed program that cannot change with the wind. Pack your own drinks and snacks, arrive early at the Alexander Statue, and accept that sea conditions may alter the order or location of the swimming stops.

For a modest price, this cruise gives you a full half-day on the Aegean with plenty of time in the water. That is the reason to book it.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town. Look for the Alexander Statue and the boat named Alkmini.

Where does the cruise finish?

The cruise returns to Mandraki Harbor, at the same meeting point where it begins.

How long does the boat cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times depend on availability.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay, also referred to as Kallithea Springs.

How long do you stay at each swimming stop?

The planned schedule allows about one hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, one hour at Afandou Beach, and one hour at Kallithea Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included with the boat cruise.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, drinks, and lunch are not included.

Which languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English, German, and Greek.

Can the swimming stops change?

Yes. The operating information says that from September 20 through October 15, 2024, windy conditions could lead to changes in the swimming-stop program.