Sailing tour around Lindos with food and drinks

The best part of this Lindos sailing trip is the chance to do more than sit on a crowded excursion boat. Skipper Georgios lets you help raise the mainsail and jib, trim the sails, and even steer the yacht when conditions allow. Between sailing sessions, you can swim through sea caves, snorkel in clear water, and stretch out on bed-like cushions.

I especially like the small-group feel, with numbers usually kept near 10 even though the yacht can carry up to 13. I also like that lunch, fruit, water, snorkeling gear, and drinks are included, so the $76 price covers much more than transport along the coast. The main drawback is that the route depends on wind and sea conditions. A promised beach or cave stop can change, and last-minute bookings made less than 12 hours ahead may not include lunch.

Key points

• Steer the yacht yourself: Georgios explains the basics of sailing and may let you take the wheel.
• Swim at several coastal stops: Red Sand, Agathi caves, Lindos Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, Navarone Bay, and other locations may feature in the day.
• Lunch comes on board: Expect Greek food, salad, fruit, water, and drinks included with your selected package.
• A real sailing experience: The boat uses its sails when the wind is suitable, with the engine used for anchoring or when progress is too slow.
• Comfortable small-group boat: The yacht has broad cushions, a large rear swim platform, and room for up to 13 people.
• Bring only the basics: You need a towel, and you must follow the skipper’s safety and boat-care instructions.

Why this Lindos sailing trip feels different

Many boat outings around Rhodes are mainly sightseeing rides with a fixed route and limited personal contact. This trip has a more hands-on feel. You can sit back and let Georgios handle the boat, or ask to help with the sails and steering.

That choice matters. I like tours that work for both keen sailors and people who simply want a comfortable day on the sea. You do not need sailing experience, but you can learn a little if you want to. Georgios has taught passengers how to steer, put up the sails, and understand what the wind is doing.

The yacht is also set up for an easy day outdoors. You have large cushions for lounging, a broad swim deck at the stern, noodle floats, and snorkeling equipment. A waterproof camera is included as well, though you should still bring your own towel.

The boat holds up to 13 passengers, but the operator usually limits the group to around 10. That is a useful difference. With fewer people, you have a better chance of getting a comfortable place to sit and of asking questions without shouting across a crowded deck.

Starting near Pallas Beach and the Lindos jetty

The meeting point is the big jetty near Pallas Beach, by Gin Tonic Lindos. You should arrive ready to board and free of loose sand, since sand quickly spreads through a boat and can cause trouble with cushions, walkways, and the cabin.

The standard daytime trip leaves at 10am, but the experience is sold in several formats lasting roughly three to eight hours. There is also a 9am option, an afternoon departure at 4pm, and a sailing-only format. Check the exact package before booking, since the length, route, and drinks allowance vary.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. A transfer may be arranged for an extra charge depending on where you are staying. If you are already near Lindos, meeting at the jetty is the simpler choice.

Red Sand and Agathi caves on the daytime route

One common daytime plan begins with a cruise from Lindos toward Red Sand. The boat ride itself can be part of the fun, especially if the wind is strong enough to let the yacht sail quietly rather than run under power.

At Red Sand, you get about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling on the standard route. The stop gives you a chance to get into the water early, before the day feels too hot. Bring your towel where you can reach it easily, and use the swim platform rather than trying to climb awkwardly over the side.

The next listed stop is Agathi Beach and its caves, usually after about 20 minutes of sailing. Again, the planned water time is around 40 minutes. This is one of the more distinctive parts of the trip because you may swim toward cave openings and explore the water close to shore.

Sea conditions control how much of the caves you can see. The skipper decides what is safe, and the route may change if the wind or waves are not suitable. Do not expect a guided cave tour on foot. This is a swim and snorkel stop reached from the yacht.

After Agathi, the boat spends a longer stretch on the water before reaching Lindos Bay. That gives you time to eat, rest, talk with the skipper, or simply sit on the cushions and watch the coast pass.

Greek lunch, fruit, and drinks on the yacht

Food is one of the stronger points of the price. The package includes a Greek lunch, salad, and fruit, plus water and the alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks specified for your chosen option.

The food is served as part of the day rather than as a rushed snack. Past menus have included a Greek salad and pastitsio, a baked pasta dish, with fruit served as well. That is the sort of meal that makes sense after several swims. It is filling without requiring you to leave the boat and lose time at a restaurant.

Complimentary drinks can include prosecco, beer, wine, soda, and bottled water. The allowance depends on the package: some options provide up to four drinks per person, while others offer unlimited drinks. Read that detail carefully when comparing prices, since the word included does not mean the same quantity on every departure.

I would still treat the prosecco and other alcohol as an extra pleasure, not the reason to book. You are on a moving boat in the sun, and swimming is a major part of the day. Water is free and should be your main drink.

If you book less than 12 hours before departure, lunch may not be available. That is worth checking before you assume the food is part of a last-minute reservation.

Lindos Bay and sailing back toward shore

The standard 10am route allows another swim and snorkel stop at Lindos Bay, followed by a short sailing session around the bay. This is where the famous Lindos coastline becomes the main view rather than a distant backdrop.

The yacht may use its sails around the bay when wind conditions permit. You can sit on the swim platform with your legs near the water, lie back on the cushions, or ask to take part in steering. One useful feature of this trip is that participation is optional. You can learn from Georgios, or leave the work to him and enjoy the ride.

The boat then returns to the Lindos jetty. The standard timetable includes about 40 minutes at Lindos Bay and roughly 15 minutes for the final return ride, but actual timing can shift with the sea and the chosen route.

The three-caves option for more swimming

A separate route focuses on caves rather than following the standard Red Sand, Agathi, and Lindos Bay pattern. It can include Agathi caves, Stegna caves, and Lindos caves, with around 30 minutes at each swimming stop.

This option suits you if your priority is getting into the water several times. It also gives you more variety in the coastline, with different coves and cave formations instead of spending as much time in one bay.

The cave route includes lunch around midday, followed by the final cave stop and a sailing session around Lindos Bay. As always, the skipper sets the exact stops according to the weather. A cave swim is not guaranteed at every named location if conditions make it unsafe.

The sailing-only choice for wind lovers

The sailing-only itinerary raises the sails soon after leaving the jetty. The goal is to travel by wind rather than follow a sightseeing schedule built around several swimming stops.

This is the best option if you care most about the feeling of sailing. You may help hoist the sails, trim them, or steer under Georgios’s direction. When the wind is right, the yacht moves with very little noise, and that quiet is one of the nicest parts of the experience.

The engine can still be used while anchoring, when the skipper is looking for suitable wind, or when there is not enough wind to make acceptable progress. That is practical seamanship, not a failure of the sailing option. You should not expect the yacht to remain under sail every minute of the trip.

The 9am and 4pm departures

The 9am itinerary offers a broad route with possible stops at Stegna caves, Red Sand, Agathi caves, Haraki, and Navarone Bay or the Blue Lagoon and St. Paul’s Bay. It can suit you if you want to make the most of the day and see several sections of the coast.

The trade-off is pace. More named stops do not necessarily mean more time at each one. If you prefer long, unhurried swims, ask which route is operating and how long the boat plans to remain at each stop.

The 4pm trip has a different rhythm. It leaves Lindos at 4pm, stops at Navarone Bay for swimming, sails toward St. Paul’s Bay, and then gives you a longer swim and snorkel period there before returning around 7pm.

This late departure is a good choice if you want a shorter outing or would rather be on the water later in the day. It includes a substantial stop at St. Paul’s Bay and a sailing leg between the bays. Confirm the exact food and drink arrangement for the afternoon option, since inclusions can vary by package.

What the skipper adds to the day

Georgios is central to the character of this experience. He is not only responsible for steering and safety. He also explains sailing, invites you to take part, and can give a short lesson before you try the wheel.

You should not feel pressured to participate. The boat works just as well as a relaxed cruise, with the skipper handling the practical jobs while you swim, eat, and enjoy the views.

That balance is useful for mixed groups. One person may want to learn how to sail, another may want to snorkel, and someone else may simply want to stretch out with a drink. A single boat outing rarely satisfies all three, but this one gives you room to choose.

Georgios also works as a one-man crew, so patience helps. He may be preparing food, handling lines, guiding swimmers, and managing the boat in quick succession. Follow his instructions, especially around the stern, mooring, the engine, and the swim platform.

What is included and what costs extra

At $76 per person, the tour offers solid value if you use the inclusions. You receive the skipper, fuel, insurance, lunch, fruit, water, selected drinks, snorkeling gear, floats, and a waterproof camera. A full-day boat trip with food and several swimming stops can otherwise become expensive once meals and equipment are added separately.

Optional equipment costs extra. A stand-up paddleboard is listed at €30 per day, a seascooter costs €70 per battery cycle, and fishing rods cost €30 per day. These are not needed for the main experience, so the base price remains easy to understand.

The biggest value comes from the small group and the chance to sail. If you only want transport to a beach, a cheaper boat may do the job. If you want a personal outing with food, swimming, and some instruction, this package makes more sense.

Safety, comfort, and who should book

You need to follow the skipper’s instructions at all times. Do not jump into the sea while the boat is moving with the engine on, and do not leave litter in the water or on deck.

Keep pathways clear, leave the rear of the boat open during mooring, and return snorkeling equipment to its basket after use. The toilet has specific disposal rules, and careless damage to the toilet, cushions, or equipment can lead to a charge.

Passenger names and passport or ID numbers are requested under local sea-safety laws. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 80. The operator also lists small-group availability and English and Greek service.

I would recommend this for couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want a relaxed day with some active moments. It is less suitable if you need guaranteed stops, a fixed timetable, wheelchair access, or a fully private yacht for fewer than the available group size.

The sea is the main attraction, so you should be comfortable boarding a yacht, swimming from it, and moving around a boat. The operator specifically asks you to bring a towel. Sun protection is also sensible, though it is not listed as a required item.

Should you book the Lindos sailing tour?

I would book this trip if you want a personal day on the water rather than a simple coastal ride. The strongest reasons are the small group, Georgios’s hands-on sailing lessons, the broad choice of swim stops, and the fact that lunch and drinks are already covered.

Choose the 10am route for a balanced day of sailing, swimming, and food. Choose the cave option if you want more time around sea caves. Pick the sailing-only format if the mechanics of sailing matter most, and the 4pm trip if you prefer a shorter afternoon on the water.

Before paying, check the exact departure, route, drink allowance, and lunch provision. Wind controls the plan, and that is part of sailing around Lindos. If you can accept a flexible route, this is a very good-value way to see the coast, get into the water, and take the wheel for a while.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour meet?

The meeting point is the big jetty near Pallas Beach, by Gin Tonic Lindos.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $76 per person. The exact package and inclusions may vary by departure and itinerary.

How long does the experience last?

Available options range from about three to eight hours. The exact duration depends on the selected package and starting time.

What food is included?

The tour includes a Greek lunch, salad, and fruit. Last-minute bookings made less than 12 hours before departure may not include lunch.

What drinks are included?

Depending on the option booked, drinks can include prosecco, beer, wine, soda, and bottled water. Some packages limit alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to four per person, while others provide unlimited drinks. Water is free.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear and noodle-style floats are included. A waterproof camera is also provided.

Can I steer the yacht?

You may be able to steer and help with the sails under the skipper’s direction. The skipper decides when participation is safe and suitable for the conditions.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but a transfer may be available for an extra charge depending on your location.

Can I cancel the booking?

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