Lindos,Pefkos: All inclusive Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise

Crystal-clear water makes this cruise easy to love. From Vlycha Beach, you spend three hours swimming at a hidden cave, Navarone Bay, and St. Paul’s Bay, with snorkel gear and drinks included. I especially like the generous swim time and the relaxed crew, led on many departures by Michael and Captain Kostas. The fresh fruit and watermelon cocktail are welcome touches after time in the sea.

The main drawback is simple: three hours goes quickly. You get about 30 minutes in each swimming area, but anyone hoping for a long snorkeling session may want more time. The boat can also feel a little full on some departures, and the starting time may occasionally change if numbers are low.

Quick take: what makes this cruise worth your time

• Three proper swim stops: You have about 30 minutes at the cave, Navarone Bay, and St. Paul’s Bay, rather than one quick photo stop.
• Cave swimming is the highlight: You can swim directly into the cave and look closely at its unusual rock shapes.
• Drinks are part of the fare: Beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and cocktails are available during the trip.
• A good family outing: Pool noodles and masks help less confident swimmers, and families with young children and teenagers have enjoyed the format.
• Strong safety focus: The crew gives instructions at each stop and helps people in and out of the boat when needed.
• Useful transport choice: Pickup is available from selected Kiotari hotels, while independent arrivals meet in the middle of Vlycha Beach.

The basic feel of the Vlycha Beach boat trip

This is a swimming excursion first and a sightseeing cruise second. You do not spend the day sitting on a boat while someone points at the coast. The boat moves between three attractive spots, then gives you time to get into the water at each one.

The route begins with a short cruise of about 25 minutes from the starting point. That gives you time to settle in and view the coast around Lindos from the water. The boat then reaches the cave area for the first 30-minute swim.

After another roughly 20-minute cruise, you stop for a second swim, followed by a 15-minute ride to Navarone Bay or the listed middle stop. The final 30-minute swim takes place at St. Paul’s Bay, followed by about 30 minutes of cruising back toward the drop-off points.

The timing is well judged for a half-day activity. I like that you can fit it into a morning or afternoon without giving up a full beach day. It also works well after a day in Lindos, though the cruise itself does not include time ashore in Lindos.

Finding the boat at Vlycha Beach

The meeting point is in the middle of Vlycha Beach. A useful landmark is the area by the red stairs and a hut with seats marked for Lindos boat cruises. That detail matters because the beach meeting point can cause confusion if you arrive without looking for a clear sign.

If you choose the pickup option, transport is available from selected Kiotari hotels. The provided information specifically mentions hotel pickup in Kiotari, with some departures returning passengers to their hotels afterward. Pickup is not automatically included in every booking, so check the option you select.

The cruise can also finish at one of three listed drop-off points: Lindos, Kiotari, or Lindos Sea Cruises. Since the exact arrangement depends on your booking, confirm your return point before setting up another activity.

First stop: swimming inside the Lindos cave

The cave is the most distinctive part of the trip. Instead of only viewing it from the deck, you can swim into the opening and see the rock formations from water level. The enclosed space gives this stop a different mood from the open bays, with darker water and a more dramatic sense of scale.

You get around 30 minutes here. That is enough time to enter the cave, look around, use the provided mask and snorkel, and swim back out without feeling rushed. If you are nervous in open water, a pool noodle can make a real difference. Several people with only moderate swimming confidence found the noodle useful, and I would take one even if you normally swim well.

The cave is also the stop most likely to appeal to teenagers and older children. It feels like a small adventure, but the crew remains close by and gives safety guidance before each swim. You should still be comfortable getting into open sea water, as this is not a glass-bottom boat tour or a sightseeing-only cruise.

Snorkeling conditions can vary. The water is clear, and marine life has included puffer fish, cornet fish, and other small fish, but this is not a dedicated wildlife expedition. If your main goal is to see large numbers of fish, keep your expectations modest. The rock formations and clear water are the bigger attraction.

Navarone Bay: cliffs, color, and open water

The next stop brings you into Navarone Bay, known for its clear turquoise water and large rocky surroundings. From the boat, you can look up at the sweeping cliffs and craggy shore while swimming away from the vessel.

This stop feels more open than the cave. You have room to swim at your own pace, float with a noodle, or use the mask to look below the surface. The contrast is useful: the cave offers shelter and rock detail, while Navarone Bay gives you wide views and bright water.

After around 45 minutes of swimming during the middle section of the cruise, the crew serves fresh Rhodian fruit. Watermelon is a recurring favorite, and the fruit bowl gives you something cool and light after swimming. You can also have beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and cocktails. The watermelon cocktail is one of the more memorable touches, though the exact fruit selection may vary.

The boat can get wet, so protect phones, cameras, and bags. One useful practical tip is to keep belongings off the floor, where spray and dripping swimmers can soak them. A waterproof pouch is sensible if you want to take your phone near the swim platform.

St. Paul’s Bay: the final swim

The last stop is St. Paul’s Bay, where the rock formations surround clear blue water. The bay is a strong finish because you can spend the final 30-minute swim enjoying the view rather than worrying about a long trip afterward.

You can swim, snorkel, or simply float beside the boat. The crew provides masks and snorkels, and noodles are available. I like the fact that the activity leaves room for different swimming styles. Strong swimmers can explore more freely, while cautious swimmers can stay close to the boat with flotation support.

St. Paul’s Bay is also one of the better spots for photographs from the deck. The curved bay and high rocky sides create a memorable setting, especially in late afternoon departures. Past departures have included a later option with attractive evening light, though departure times can change if a particular sailing does not have enough bookings.

The swim stops are not shore visits. You do not climb onto a beach, walk around the bay, or visit a taverna. If you want time on land, add that separately to your day.

What the crew does well

The human side of this trip receives unusually strong praise, and I can see why it matters on a swimming boat. Michael is frequently named as a friendly host, while Captain Kostas has also been praised for handling the boat and explaining the route.

The crew gives information about each bay and explains where it is best to swim. Safety instructions are repeated at the stops rather than delivered once and forgotten. That approach is helpful because conditions and swimming areas change from one location to the next.

The crew also pays attention to different needs. One family described staff helping a disabled family member on and off the boat, while other departures included young children aged four and five. That does not mean the boat is formally accessible for every mobility need, so ask ahead if you require specific assistance, but the hands-on attitude is encouraging.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Music may play, drinks are available, and the crew gives you space once you are in the water. I like this balance: enough local information to make the route meaningful, but not so much commentary that your swim becomes a guided lecture.

Food, drinks, and what all-inclusive means here

At $64 per person, the price is strong for a three-hour boat outing with three swim stops. You are not paying only for a short ride and a single drink. The fare includes snorkeling equipment, fruit, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

The drinks include wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and cocktails. The fresh fruit is usually served during the break between swims or around the later part of the cruise. It is a sensible menu for a hot day at sea: light, refreshing, and easy to eat without a full meal service.

Do not book this expecting a restaurant lunch. The fruit bowl is a snack, not a meal, and supplies can vary. One past departure had no fruit because it took place on a Sunday when the supplier was closed. That did not ruin the outing, but it is worth knowing if the fruit is important to you.

For the price, the included refreshments add real value. You do not need to carry a cooler, and you can concentrate on swimming rather than watching every drink purchase.

Boat comfort, group size, and the wet factor

The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and spacious, though one departure felt a little crowded. Group size has been around 20 to 25 people on some outings. That is not a private cruise, but it is also not a huge ferry-style excursion.

Your experience will depend partly on how full the sailing is. On a smaller departure, you may find it easier to move around the deck and get quick help with equipment. On a fuller boat, the swim platform and seating areas may feel busier.

Expect spray, wet feet, and people returning from the water. Keep valuables in a dry bag and avoid leaving luggage on the deck floor. Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a cover-up for the ride between stops. These are simple things, but they make the cruise more comfortable.

The boat is suited to people who want an active outing without a full-day commitment. If you want a quiet yacht charter, this is not the right product. If you want a friendly, informal boat with swimming, music, and included drinks, it fits well.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to families, couples, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want to see the coast without spending an entire day at sea. Families with children can make good use of the noodles and shallow-confidence approach, though every child must be comfortable entering open water.

It also works well for solo visitors. The crew creates a friendly atmosphere, and the repeated safety briefings help you feel looked after without making the trip feel restrictive.

The cruise is less suitable if you dislike swimming from a boat, need extensive time on land, or want a serious snorkeling survey. The itinerary gives you three 30-minute swims, but that time includes getting into the water, moving around, and returning to the boat.

Strong swimmers may wish for longer at each stop. The short duration is both the appeal and the limitation. You get a lively taste of several beautiful places, not a slow day spent studying one reef.

Booking details and practical tips

The activity costs $64 per person and lasts three hours. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps payment flexible. English is the listed language for the host or greeter.

Here are the details I would keep in mind:

• Meet in the middle of Vlycha Beach, near the red stairs and marked hut.
• Confirm your pickup choice if you are staying in Kiotari.
• Check the start time, especially if you want a later departure.
• Bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for electronics.
• Take a noodle if you are not a confident swimmer.
• Expect the deck to get wet.
• Do not count on the fruit bowl as a full meal.
• If you need mobility assistance, contact the provider before booking.

The operator is Summer Breeze Cruises. The high overall rating of 4.8 from 730 reviews supports the idea that this is a consistently well-received outing, but the smaller cautions still matter. A changed departure time, a full boat, or missing fruit can happen, even when the main experience remains excellent.

Should you book the Lindos and Pefkos swim cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want clear water, three attractive swim stops, a friendly crew, and a fair price. The cave swim is the special moment, while Navarone Bay and St. Paul’s Bay provide the open-water beauty that makes the route feel varied.

I would skip it only if you want a private boat, a long snorkeling session, or plenty of time ashore. For most people, the three-hour format is the sweet spot: enough time to see the coast and get properly wet, but short enough to leave room for the rest of your Rhodes day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The meeting point is in the middle of Vlycha Beach. The area near the red stairs and a hut with seats marked for Lindos boat cruises can help you find the departure point.

How long does the boat cruise last?

The experience lasts three hours.

Which places do you visit?

The route includes a hidden cave near Lindos, Navarone Bay, and St. Paul’s Bay. The boat also cruises along the coast between swimming stops.

How long do you swim at each stop?

The itinerary provides approximately 30 minutes of swimming at the cave, the middle bay stop, and St. Paul’s Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and swimming noodles are also available on the boat.

What drinks are included?

Included drinks include wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and cocktails.

Is food included?

Fresh local fruit, including a Rhodian fruit bowl, is included. It is a snack rather than a full meal, and availability can vary.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional. The listed pickup option includes transport from Kiotari hotels.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-pay-later option is also available.