Rhodes: All inclusive Catamaran Escape with Lunch & Drinks

Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this six-hour cruise makes a full day of three of the island’s prettiest bays. Cherry Catamaran carries you from Mandraki Harbour to Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs, with time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, eat, and simply stretch out in the sun.

I like the small-group feel. The boat can hold up to 35 people, but many departures have around 14 to 20 onboard, leaving room to move between the shaded seating, sun deck, and front netting. I also like the generous food and drink setup: Greek salads, chicken and rice, dips, fruit, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included.

The main thing to consider is the sea. Wind can make the first part of the cruise rough, and swimming stops can change for safety. Snorkel gear is supplied, but one recent departure had some damaged equipment, so bring your own mask if snorkeling matters to you.

Key points at a glance

• Three east-coast bays in one trip: Visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs without arranging separate transport.
• A real meal at sea: Expect Greek salad, several cold salads, dolmadakia, dips, chicken, rice, bread, fruit, and local snacks.
• About 14 to 20 people on many departures: The advertised maximum is 35, but the boat is often not filled to capacity.
• Water gear included: Use the provided snorkels, masks, paddleboards, noodles, and life jackets at the swimming stops.
• Crew service is a major part of the day: Summer and Elli received special praise for their friendly, attentive service on one departure.
• Good value at $82: The price covers six hours, three stops, lunch, snacks, and a broad choice of drinks.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbour

You meet at the Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours desk in Mandraki Harbour 20 minutes before departure. This is a useful buffer, especially if you are coming from Rhodes Old Town or the cruise port and need time to find the desk.

The opening part of the cruise gives you views around the harbor and Old Town. A short five-minute stop includes a welcome drink, local snacks, and a traditional Rhodian sesame sweet with honey called melekouni. It is a small touch, but it gives the morning a local flavor before the swimming portion begins.

After that, the boat spends roughly 70 minutes cruising toward the first bay. This is not dead time. You have the chance to settle into the boat, take in the coast, and get comfortable with the layout. The Cherry Catamaran is described as spacious and clean, with shade, sunbathing areas, front netting, and room to move around.

If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels easiest for you and keep an eye on the horizon. One family found the catamaran comfortable even though one member usually gets seasick, but another passenger found the water rough and windy leaving the harbor. The sea is never fully predictable, so pack accordingly.

Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes’ emerald first stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is the visual star of the opening swim. Green hills and thick vegetation frame a narrow cove, giving the water its famous green-blue color. The bay became widely known after parts of The Guns of Navarone were filmed here, and actor Anthony Quinn later became associated with the place.

The catamaran gives you about 90 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. You can jump in from the boat, float on a noodle, or take a board into the cove. The water is clear enough for fish to be part of the scene, which makes this the best stop for snorkeling.

The bay is beautiful, but it is not a private corner of the island. Its fame brings attention, and the narrow shape can make it feel busier than the open sea. The advantage of arriving by catamaran is that you do not need to deal with parking or carry beach gear down to the shore. You can swim straight from the boat and return to a waiting lunch and drinks service.

Bring water shoes if you plan to get close to rocky edges. One passenger found sharp rocks and awkward footing at a later cove, and that is useful advice for all three stops.

Ladiko Bay and lunch on board

The short cruise from Anthony Quinn Bay to Ladiko Bay takes about five minutes. That quick hop keeps the day moving and leaves you with roughly 80 minutes for lunch, swimming, snorkeling, and a glass of wine or beer.

Ladiko is quieter in feel, with a compact beach and handsome coastal scenery. This is the relaxed middle stop, the point in the day when you can stop chasing photos and simply enjoy the boat. The bay works well for mixed groups because you can swim while others remain on deck.

Lunch is more substantial than the word snack might suggest. The spread includes traditional Greek salad, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad, dolmadakia, olives, feta, tzatziki, roasted eggplant spread, feta spread, chicken, rice, and fresh bread. Seasonal fruit follows, and local snacks are available during the cruise.

I like this format because you do not lose an hour going ashore to find food. You eat with the coast around you, then return to the water. The meal is also practical for a long swim day, with enough variety for most tastes.

Vegetarian diners should take a closer look at the choices before booking. There are salads, dolmadakia, dips, olives, feta, and several cold dishes, but one passenger would have preferred more vegetarian options or fish. Dietary needs and allergies were accommodated on at least one departure, but you should still tell the operator in advance.

Drinks include water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer. A welcome drink is included, and the crew regularly offers refreshments rather than leaving you to fend for yourself. Soft drink choice appears limited mainly to cola and orange juice, so bring your own preferred option if that matters to you. Alcohol service may be stopped for anyone who appears excessively intoxicated, a sensible safety rule on a moving boat.

Kallithea Springs and the final swim

The cruise to Kallithea Springs takes about 30 minutes. The route itself is part of the appeal, giving you a longer stretch to dry off, listen to music, and watch the coast pass by.

Kallithea Springs is known for its historic Italian-era buildings, with decorative structures often compared to Vatican-style architecture. The bay has clear blue water and is especially good for snorkeling. The final stop lasts about an hour and includes swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and cocktails.

This stop has a different character from Anthony Quinn Bay. Anthony Quinn feels enclosed and wild, while Kallithea combines bathing water with built features and a more formal setting. You can focus on fish and rock formations below the surface, or stay aboard and enjoy a drink while taking in the cove.

The bottom and shoreline can be rocky, so water shoes are useful. If you are not a confident swimmer, use the life jackets or floating noodles provided. The crew also has an outdoor shower, which is handy after several saltwater swims.

The return cruise takes about 20 minutes before the catamaran reaches Mandraki Harbour. By then, the day has included a harbor departure, three swimming areas, a full meal, and several hours underway. It feels like a proper coastal outing rather than a quick boat ride.

What the boat is like for six hours

The catamaran is one of the stronger parts of the package. It is described as large, clean, and spacious, with room for sunbathing and shaded areas when the heat becomes too much. The front netting is a popular place to sit while underway, though it is more exposed to spray and wind.

The boat is not designed as a silent sightseeing vessel. There is music, conversation, and a social atmosphere. That suits you if you want to meet people, share a paddleboard, and enjoy a drink. If you want a quiet private charter, this is the wrong format.

Capacity matters here. The stated maximum is 35 people, but several departures had closer to 20, with one report of 14. That difference changes the feel of the cruise. A boat with 20 people gives you space to spread out and makes service easier. A full departure would naturally feel busier, so ask about expected numbers if an open deck is important to you.

The crew’s service is a major reason this trip works. Crew members are regularly described as friendly, attentive, and careful about checking on people without hovering. Summer and Elli were singled out by name in one account for keeping the experience welcoming and well organized.

The staff also helped a passenger who became very seasick, offering repeated assistance throughout the trip. That does not remove the need to prepare for motion, but it suggests you will not be left alone if the water disagrees with you.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

You get a useful mix of water equipment without paying extra. Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, floating noodles, and life jackets are available, and the boat has an outdoor shower for rinsing off afterward.

The water activities are easy to join at your own level. You can make the day active by snorkeling at each stop and trying the paddleboard, or use the noodles and swim close to the boat. You do not need to commit to every activity.

Equipment quality may vary. One departure had several broken snorkels, so serious snorkelers should consider bringing a personal mask and snorkel. The bays are beautiful, but this is not a specialist marine wildlife trip. Think of snorkeling as an enjoyable part of a coastal cruise rather than the sole purpose of the outing.

The stops are long enough to feel worthwhile. Anthony Quinn Bay receives about 90 minutes, Ladiko about 80 minutes, and Kallithea Springs about an hour. That gives you time to swim without rushing straight back aboard after one quick photo.

Weather, route changes, and comfort

The captain can change the route or swimming stops when weather or safety requires it. That is worth accepting before you book. The published plan is attractive, but the sea gets the final word.

Wind can be most noticeable when leaving the harbor. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. A light extra layer is sensible in the shoulder months, especially April, May, and October, when the air can feel cool after swimming.

The catamaran provides shade, but you should not assume you will stay out of the sun all day. Reapply sunscreen after swimming, and drink water even if you are also enjoying beer or wine.

The crew may move guests to another catamaran in April, May, or October if the original boat does not reach its minimum passenger number. You should receive a message if that happens. This is mainly a seasonal planning point, not a regular concern during the busier summer period.

Is $82 a good value?

At $82 per person, the price is strong for what is included. You receive six hours on the water, three scenic swimming stops, lunch, fruit, local snacks, beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and the use of water equipment.

A self-drive boat may give you more privacy, but you would need to arrange the boat, manage the route, supply food and drinks, and handle the driving. One comparison put a three-hour self-drive boat at about £170, while this six-hour cruise included the meal and drinks for a similar amount. Prices vary, but the point is sound: Cherry Catamaran offers a lot of time and service for the cost.

The value is best if you plan to swim and eat onboard. If you dislike group outings, never drink alcohol, or want a quiet private boat, part of what you are paying for will not matter much. For a couple, family, or group of friends looking for an easy Rhodes day, the package is well judged.

Who should book Cherry Catamaran?

I would choose this trip if you want to see the east coast without arranging beach transfers. It suits families, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends, and the range of activities means mixed-ability groups can share the same day.

It is also a good choice if you want the practical ease of an all-inclusive outing. Food, drinks, shade, water gear, and life jackets are already onboard. You can pack a towel and sunscreen, then let the crew handle the rest.

I would be more cautious if you are very sensitive to boat motion, need a strict vegetarian or specialist diet, or expect flawless snorkeling equipment. The boat can be affected by wind, food choices lean toward Greek salads and meat, and equipment condition may not be perfect on every departure.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That helps if your Rhodes schedule depends on weather or port timing, though you should still arrive at Mandraki Harbour 20 minutes early.

Should you book this Rhodes catamaran trip?

Book it if you want a social, well-fed day on the Aegean with three excellent swimming stops and no need to organize the details yourself. The strongest reasons are the spacious boat, attentive crew, generous lunch, included drinks, and long stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

Pack water shoes, your own snorkel gear if you have it, and a light layer for windy weather. If those small cautions do not bother you, $82 buys one of the easier and better-value ways to experience Rhodes from the sea.

FAQ

Where does the Cherry Catamaran trip depart from?

The meeting point is the Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours desk at Mandraki Harbour. You should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long is the catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Which places does the catamaran visit?

The planned stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs Bay. The captain can change the route or swimming stops because of weather and safety conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes Greek and green salads, potato and pasta salads, dolmadakia, olives, feta, dips, chicken, rice, fresh bread, and seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes water, soft drinks, local wine, beer, a welcome drink, and local snacks. The crew can stop serving alcohol to anyone who appears excessively intoxicated.

Can I use snorkeling and paddleboarding equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, floating pool noodles, life jackets, and an outdoor shower are provided. You should bring your own snorkeling gear if you want a backup option.