Rhodes Town: Fishing Boat Trip with Fish Meal and Swim Stops

A fresh fish meal cooked aboard a traditional Greek fishing boat is the heart of this Rhodes outing. You fish with help from Angelo and the captain, stop in clear coastal waters for a swim and snorkel, then eat what the crew has caught. I like the small boat setting and the way the crew helps children and first-time fishers without making the activity feel formal.

I also like the generous food and drink arrangement, plus the chance to choose chicken or a vegetarian meal if fish is not your thing. The main caution is the sea: one person had strong motion sickness, so bring travel-sickness tablets if you are prone to it. The five-hour trip can feel long if you dislike boats or prefer a quiet beach day.

Key points to know before you book

• A 10.5-meter traditional boat: The boat carries up to 12 people, giving the trip a more personal feel than a large excursion vessel.
• Angelo helps beginners fish: He shows you how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in your catch.
• The meal is cooked at sea: Fresh fish is grilled aboard the boat with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks.
• Swimming and snorkeling are included: The crew supplies masks, life jackets, and other needed equipment at a secluded cove.
• Mandraki Harbor is the meeting point: Find Makarounas Fishing Trip at kiosk 2 near Evangelismos Church.
• The price covers the main extras: At $76 per person, food, drinks, fishing gear, and crew assistance are included.

A small fishing boat, not a standard sightseeing cruise

The appeal here is simple: you spend the morning or afternoon on the water doing something, not just looking at it. The 10.5-meter boat is built for fishing, with seating and room to move, and it carries up to 12 people.

That size matters. You get a closer look at the coast, and the crew can give direct help when a line tangles or someone needs advice. The boat is not a private charter, but it has a more personal feel than a large day boat packed with people.

You leave from Mandraki Harbor, close to Evangelismos Church. The meeting point is kiosk 2 for Makarounas Fishing Trip. Allow a little extra time to find the exact kiosk, since a harbor can have several boats and tour signs.

The trip lasts five hours. That is enough time for several fishing stops, a swim, snorkeling, and a cooked meal without turning the outing into a full-day commitment. Check the available start times when booking, since the exact departure time is not fixed in the information provided.

Getting started with Angelo and the captain

Once aboard, the crew sets up the fishing equipment and explains how the trip works. Angelo is the main point of contact for many visitors, and he has a lively sense of humor. He also takes on several practical jobs, from helping with fishing lines to assisting in the water and helping prepare the meal.

Captain Vassilis handles the boat and fishing areas. He is also described as the owner and cook, though his name appears in one account as Vanasis. The crew works together closely, so you can expect help rather than a hands-off sailing experience.

Beginners get clear instruction. You learn how to put bait on the hook, hold the rod, and reel in a fish. The crew can also explain what you catch and whether it is suitable to eat. That makes the fishing more than a token activity added to a boat ride.

Children and adults can take part, and the crew assists both. You do not need previous fishing experience. More experienced fishers can still enjoy the activity, since the outing visits several fishing areas and gives you a chance to handle the rod for yourself.

Fishing stops around the Rhodes coast

The boat visits several fishing spots in the waters around Rhodes. The exact locations are not named, which means you should think of the route as a flexible fishing outing rather than a fixed sightseeing circuit.

At each stop, you get time with the rod and a chance to watch the crew work. Some people catch fish and some do not. That is part of the bargain with real fishing, and the crew keeps the activity enjoyable even when the fish are not cooperating.

A helpful detail is that there can be more than one fishing method. The crew demonstrates the gear and shows you how to use it, so you are not simply handed a rod and left to guess.

If you catch something, the crew can identify it and explain whether it is edible. They may also take photos of the catch. One especially thoughtful touch described by a participant was a small souvenir made from a fish photo and a shell.

The fishing itself is best viewed as a shared activity, not a promise of a large catch. You might catch a fish, or you might spend much of the time learning, chatting, and watching the sea. The trip remains worthwhile for people who enjoy the process, but it may disappoint anyone booking only to guarantee a big haul.

Swimming and snorkeling in a quiet cove

The second part of the outing shifts from fishing to the water. The crew takes you to a secluded cove for swimming and snorkeling, giving you a chance to cool off and see the coastal waters from below.

Masks, life jackets, and other snorkeling equipment are provided. An underwater camera may also be available, based on the equipment supplied during the trip. The water can offer colorful fish, coral, and other sea life, although sightings are never guaranteed.

You can choose how active you want to be. Swim, snorkel, or remain aboard and enjoy the setting. This flexibility helps families and mixed groups, especially when one person wants to get in the water and another prefers to stay dry.

Water temperature is worth considering. A spring or late-season trip may feel cool, and one person chose not to swim because of the temperature. The trip still includes the stop, but you should not feel pressured to enter the water.

The swim stop also gives the crew time to prepare the barbecue. While you are in the cove, the fishing catch is cleaned and the grill is fired up. It is a practical use of the time, and the smell of cooking fish becomes part of the experience.

A fresh meal cooked on the boat

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. The crew grills freshly caught fish aboard the boat and serves it with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks.

There is something satisfying about eating fish that has just come from the water around you. It also gives the fishing a clear purpose without making the activity feel competitive. If your group catches nothing, the crew still provides a meal.

The food is not limited to fish. Chicken and vegetarian options can be arranged, and the crew may contact you before the trip to ask about food preferences, allergies, and intolerances. If you do not eat much fish, tell the provider ahead of time rather than waiting until you board.

Food and drinks are included in the $76 price. That matters on a five-hour boat trip, where buying lunch and refreshments separately could quickly add to the cost. The meal also saves you from arranging a restaurant stop during the outing.

Expect a simple boat barbecue rather than a restaurant service. That is part of the charm. The setting, the fresh catch, and the crew doing the cooking matter more here than elaborate presentation.

How the $76 price compares

At $76 per person, this is not simply a fishing lesson. The cost includes five hours on the boat, fishing gear, crew instruction, swimming and snorkeling equipment, a fresh meal, alternative food choices, and drinks.

I see solid value if you want several activities in one outing. A standard boat trip might give you coastal views and a swim, while this one adds fishing and a cooked meal. You also get direct assistance rather than having to figure out the equipment alone.

The value is lower if you only want to spend time on a beach or take a short scenic cruise. The five-hour duration and fishing focus are central to the experience. You are paying for time on the water and the full sequence, not just the barbecue.

The boat carries up to 12 people, which helps keep the outing smaller than many group excursions. The final group size can vary, and one trip had eight people aboard. That is a useful scale for conversation and personal help, though it is not the same as having the boat to yourself.

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 you are still adjusting your Rhodes plans.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes outing

I would choose this for families, couples, and small groups who want an easy introduction to fishing. Children can receive help from the crew, and adults with no fishing background can learn without needing to bring equipment.

It also suits people who care about food. The fresh fish meal gives the trip a strong local character, while chicken and vegetarian options make it workable for groups with different diets.

The outing is a good match for anyone who likes a relaxed social atmosphere. Angelo keeps the mood light, and the crew is involved throughout the day. You will not be left alone with a rod and a timetable.

Experienced fishers may enjoy the chance to try local waters, but should keep expectations sensible. The trip is not presented as a serious sport-fishing expedition. It is a recreational outing with instruction, food, and swimming.

I would be more cautious if you suffer from motion sickness. One person became badly seasick, although the crew tried to help. Take appropriate medication before departure if you know you need it, and remember that swimming is not a guaranteed remedy.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel. The outing includes a swim stop, and the boat has a toilet, but there is no reason to make changing more difficult than necessary.

Use sun protection and bring a cover-up. The boat provides shelter and seating, but you will still spend several hours outdoors on the Mediterranean.

Keep your expectations flexible. Fishing depends on conditions and luck, and not everyone catches something. The crew can keep you involved through instruction, conversation, and fish identification, but no fishing trip can promise equal results for every person.

If you have allergies or food restrictions, share them in advance. The crew has asked about fish, chicken, vegetarian food, and intolerances before departure, so this is worth sorting out early.

The tour operates in Greek and English. That covers the basic instructions and conversation for most international visitors. The meeting point is at Mandraki Harbor, Evangelismos Church, kiosk 2.

Should you book the Makarounas fishing trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, hands-on day on the water with three clear parts: fishing, swimming, and a fresh barbecue. The crew support is the real strength. Angelo helps beginners, keeps the mood cheerful, and works alongside the captain to make the trip feel personal.

The price is fair for a five-hour outing that includes food, drinks, gear, and snorkeling equipment. Choose it over a standard cruise if you want to take part rather than simply watch the Rhodes coast go by.

Skip it if you dislike boats, need a guaranteed catch, or want complete peace and quiet. For everyone else, especially families and first-time fishers, this is a practical and good-value way to spend part of a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip meet?

The meeting point is Mandraki Harbor, at Evangelismos Church, kiosk 2 for Makarounas Fishing Trip.

How long does the activity last?

The fishing boat trip lasts five hours.

How many people can the boat carry?

The traditional fishing boat is 10.5 meters long and has capacity for up to 12 people.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing gear is included, and the crew helps adults and children learn how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in a catch.

Is food included in the price?

Yes. Food and drinks are included. The standard meal includes freshly caught fish, Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Chicken and vegetarian options can also be arranged.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The crew provides equipment for the snorkeling stop, including masks and life jackets. An underwater camera may also be available.

Can I cancel the booking?

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