Rhodes: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Rhodes looks best from the water, especially when your catamaran drops anchor in Anthony Quinn Bay and you swim straight into clear water filled with fish. I like the generous one-hour swim stops and the small-group feel, with a maximum of 24 passengers. The buffet lunch, cold drinks, and included snorkel gear also make the $83 price easy to understand.

The main catch is simple: you do not walk ashore at the bays. You swim from the boat, so this is not a good choice if you have limited mobility or dislike getting into open water. The route can also change with wind and sea conditions.

Key points to know before booking

• Three or four swim stops: The sailing boat visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. The power catamaran adds Afandou Beach and its caves.
• One hour in the water: Most stops allow about 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, with 45 to 60 minutes at Kallithea.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect grilled chicken, salads, Greek dips, olives, feta, bread, and fresh fruit.
• Drinks are included: Water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and wine are available, with alcoholic drinks served from noon.
• Small boats, not a floating ferry: Capacity is limited to 24 passengers plus crew, and the boats have toilets, an outdoor shower, floats, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment.
• Arrive early at Mandraki Harbor: Departure is at 10:00 AM. Missing the boat can mean a €25 rebooking fee.

Six hours along Rhodes’ east coast

This cruise is built around a pleasant rhythm: cruise, swim, eat, swim again, then cruise back toward Rhodes Town. You spend enough time moving to see the coast from different angles, but the day is really about the long stops in sheltered bays.

The two boat choices matter. The sailing catamaran offers a quieter, more relaxed ride when the wind is right, and its route includes three main swimming areas. The power catamaran follows a slightly fuller schedule, adding Afandou Beach and the caves. If caves are high on your list, choose the power option. If you mainly want easy sailing and three unhurried swims, the sailing boat may suit you better.

With a maximum of 24 passengers, you should have more room than on a large day boat. Several passengers specifically appreciated having space to sit, even when the boat was full. Arriving early is still smart if you want a preferred place, particularly on the upper deck or at the front.

The cruise leaves from the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor. You will want to be there before 10:00 AM, not at 10:00. The boat does not wait indefinitely, and missing departure comes with a €25 fee to rebook another day.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the best first swim

After roughly 70 minutes of coastal cruising, the first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay. The bay is known for clear water, rocky edges, and strong underwater visibility. The boat stays at anchor, so you enter the sea from the catamaran rather than walking onto a beach.

You get about an hour here. That is enough time for a proper swim, a look below the surface with the provided mask and snorkel, or a slow float beside the boat. The crew may throw bread into the water, which brings colorful fish close to swimmers. It is a simple touch, but it gives first-time snorkelers something easy to see.

This stop is a good test of how comfortable you are in the sea. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, and you can remain on the boat if you do not want to swim. Still, the main attraction is the water, not a shore visit. Bring confidence, sunscreen, and a towel, and do not expect a sandy beach break.

The rocky setting also means you should use care when moving in the water. The supplied equipment helps, but you remain responsible for deciding how far and how long to swim.

Ladiko Bay: calm water and another long swim

A short cruise leads to Ladiko Bay, another clear-water stop with around an hour for swimming and snorkeling. Compared with a busy beach day, the appeal here is the chance to enjoy a quieter cove from the boat.

I like the way the schedule gives you a full hour instead of a rushed 20-minute photo stop. You can swim, return to the catamaran for a drink, then get back in the water. If you prefer staying dry, you can use the shaded or open seating areas and watch the swimmers from onboard.

Ladiko is also a useful second stop because you have had time to settle into the boat routine. By now, you know where the snorkeling gear is kept, how to use the ladder, and where to rinse off under the outdoor shower.

The captain may change the order or replace a swimming stop if the weather turns. That is not a flaw in the trip. Conditions along the east coast can determine which bay is safest, and a sheltered stop is more valuable than sticking rigidly to a printed route.

Afandou Caves and the power catamaran choice

Afandou Beach and its caves are included on the power catamaran route. This option gives you an extra point of interest and a fourth coastal setting, though the precise timing can vary with the day’s conditions.

The caves are best understood as a scenic stop rather than a long shore excursion. The boat remains at anchor, and swimming is part of reaching the surrounding area. If you choose this boat, you get more variety, but you also spend more of the day moving between stops.

The sailing catamaran does not include Afandou. Instead, it focuses on Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. That makes the decision fairly clear: choose power for the caves and extra stop, sailing for a calmer three-bay program.

The supplied information describes lunch around the Afandou and Ladiko portions of the day, so the exact serving point depends on the vessel and route. Either way, lunch is served onboard, not at a restaurant ashore.

Lunch on deck, with drinks from noon

The buffet is one of the stronger parts of the value. You get grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread. A breakfast tortilla snack comes earlier, followed by a cup of seasonal fruit.

This is straightforward Mediterranean food rather than a formal meal. It suits a day at sea because you can choose small portions, return for more, and combine salads and dips with bread. The chicken is the main hot option, so you should not book this expecting a seafood lunch. One passenger specifically wished for a fish alternative.

Drinks include bottled water, juice, soft drinks, and unlimited beer and wine from 12:00 PM. Cold drinks are available through the afternoon, which matters when you are spending hours in the sun. The crew can stop serving alcohol if someone appears intoxicated, a sensible rule on a boat with swimming stops.

The dining area is informal. You eat onboard, likely around the middle of the cruise, with the sea as your view. If food allergies or dietary needs matter to you, raise them with the crew early. The crew has accommodated dietary requests, but the supplied information does not promise a fixed range of alternative menus.

What the catamarans are like onboard

The boats are set up for a full day rather than a short sightseeing ride. You have indoor toilets, an outdoor shower, snorkeling equipment, floating noodles, and life jackets. The catamarans have been described as clean, comfortable, and roomy, with enough seating even when capacity is reached.

The toilet is the one weak point to keep in mind. It is functional, but cleanliness may not always match the standard of the rest of the boat. Use it when needed, but do not expect a hotel bathroom.

The crew is an important part of the experience. Andreas, Hope, Dimitri, and the captain are among the team members singled out by name in the supplied comments. Their work includes safety guidance, drink service, helping with equipment, explaining the route, and taking photos for people in the water.

The atmosphere is friendly without being presented as a formal guided tour. English is the tour language, and announcements tell you when to return to the boat. Pay attention. It is easy to lose track of time when you are floating in clear water, but the captain needs everyone back before departure.

Is six hours too long?

At first, six hours can sound like a lot for a boat trip. In practice, the schedule breaks it into manageable pieces: roughly 70 minutes of initial cruising, long swimming stops, short transfers between bays, lunch, and the return cruise.

The one-hour water breaks are the reason the duration works. You are not sitting in one place for six hours, and you are not rushing from bay to bay. You can choose your own pace at each stop.

Still, this is not the right activity if you want a quick scenic ride with minimal sun exposure. You will spend much of the day outdoors, and the boat may be underway for long stretches. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A waterproof phone pouch is also sensible, though it is not listed as included.

The boat can feel especially relaxing for couples, solo visitors, and families with confident swimmers. Children have enjoyed the swim stops, and the crew has been helpful with younger passengers. Parents should still judge the sea conditions and their children’s swimming ability for themselves.

What the $83 price really covers

At $83 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Rhodes from the coast, but the price includes more than a simple boat ride. You are paying for six hours on a small catamaran, three or four scenic stops, lunch, breakfast snack, fruit, soft drinks, water, beer, wine, snorkeling equipment, floats, life jackets, and crew service.

You would otherwise need to pay separately for a boat trip, a meal, drinks, and possibly snorkeling equipment. The value improves if you plan to swim at every stop and use the included food and drinks. If you mainly want to sit on deck and look at the coast, you may find a shorter sightseeing cruise more efficient.

The 4.8 rating from about 2,002 reviews and the 90 percent perfect transport score suggest a reliable operation, though no boat trip is weather-proof. The captain can change the route, and heavy rain has occasionally interrupted a day. In one such case, the crew waited for conditions to improve and tried to add extra swimming time. That is the kind of flexibility you want from a sea excursion.

The booking terms also reduce risk. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. In April, May, and October, low numbers on one catamaran can lead to a rebooking onto another boat.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want active relaxation rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. It suits people who want to swim, snorkel, eat well, and enjoy the coast without arranging several separate activities.

It is especially good for:

• Couples looking for an easy day on the water
• Solo visitors who want a social activity with a clear schedule
• Families with children who are comfortable swimming from a boat
• First-time snorkelers who want equipment and flotation aids supplied
• Visitors who value included food and drinks
• Anyone deciding between a quiet sailing day and a faster power-catamaran route

I would hesitate if you have mobility impairments, do not swim, or strongly prefer walking onto beaches. The boat stays at anchor, and reaching the water is part of the experience. You can remain onboard during the stops, but you would miss the main reason to book.

Practical tips for making the day better

Arrive early at Mandraki Harbor, especially if you want a good seat. The front and upper deck are popular, but the best place depends on the sun, wind, and how much movement you prefer.

Listen carefully to the crew’s return-time announcements. The stop lengths are generous, but the boat cannot leave until everyone is back. If you are unsure, ask a crew member rather than guessing.

Choose the boat based on your priorities. The sailing catamaran gives you three main bays and a calmer feel. The power catamaran adds Afandou Caves and a fourth stop, but it may suit you less if you prefer a slower day.

Use the snorkeling gear early if you want a particular size. Pool noodles and life jackets are available, and the outdoor shower is useful after each swim. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses.

Finally, keep an open mind about the route. The captain can adjust stops for weather, and a sheltered bay is often the better choice. Rhodes’ east coast can look completely different depending on wind and sunlight.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a full day of swimming and easy onboard service at a fair all-inclusive price. The strongest reasons are the long stops, small passenger limit, good food, generous drinks, and consistently friendly crew.

Choose the sailing catamaran for a relaxed three-bay trip. Choose the power catamaran if Afandou Caves and an extra stop matter more to you. Skip it if you need shore access, dislike open-water swimming, or want a quiet sightseeing ride with little activity.

For most visitors who can swim and want to see Rhodes from a different angle, this is a well-balanced day: enough cruising to enjoy the coast, enough time in the water to make the six hours worthwhile, and enough food and drink to keep the planning simple.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes catamaran cruise start?

Meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

What time does the catamaran depart?

The catamarans depart at 10:00 AM. Arrive earlier so you have time to find the kiosk and board.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours, including the coastal cruise, swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Mandraki Harbor.

Which bays does the sailing catamaran visit?

The sailing catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs or Kallithea Bay.

Which stops are included on the power catamaran?

The power catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and its caves, Kallithea Springs, and Ladiko Bay. The captain may change the route due to weather.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The Mediterranean buffet includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread. A breakfast tortilla snack and seasonal fruit are also provided.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Bottled water, juice, soft drinks, beer, and wine are included. Beer and wine are served from 12:00 PM. Snorkels, floats, and life jackets are available onboard.