Rhodes: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Rhodes is best seen with wet feet. This six-hour cruise combines three or four long swim stops with a Greek buffet, open-air sailing, and a small group capped at 24 passengers. I like the roomy catamarans and the generous time in each bay, rather than a rushed stop for a quick photo. The main thing to consider is that the boat stays offshore, so you need to swim between the catamaran and the beach.

I also like the simple all-inclusive setup: breakfast tortilla, fruit, a filling lunch, cold drinks, wine, and beer are all provided. The crew, including Andreas and Hope on some departures, receives especially warm praise for being friendly and attentive. Still, the boat is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the toilet can need more attention during a full day at sea.

The best parts of this six-hour cruise

• Three one-hour swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs each give you time to swim or snorkel without watching the clock every few minutes.
• Two boat styles: Choose a sailing catamaran for a quieter, gentler ride or a power catamaran for an extra stop at the Afandou Beach caves.
• A small-group feel: The maximum of 24 passengers helps the boat feel spacious, even when every place is taken.
• A proper Greek lunch: Grilled chicken, salads, dips, olives, feta, and fresh bread make this more than a packet-lunch boat trip.
• Useful equipment included: Snorkels, masks, life jackets, pool noodles, an outdoor shower, and indoor toilets are available onboard.
• Strong value at $83: Six hours on the water, several swim stops, food, and drinks make the price reasonable for a full day activity in Rhodes.

Choosing between the sailing and power catamarans

The choice of boat affects the rhythm of your day. The sailing catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Bay. The power catamaran adds Afandou Beach and its caves, creating four main coastal stops.

Choose the sailing option if you want the calmer experience. Sailing gives the trip a slower, more relaxed feel, with time to sit on deck, watch the coast, and enjoy the ride between bays. One useful tip is to arrive early and try for a place on the upper deck or at the front. The most desirable seats can go quickly.

Choose the power catamaran if the Afandou caves are a priority or if you prefer a quicker ride between stops. You may get more sightseeing in a similar six-hour period, although a powerboat can feel less peaceful than a sailing catamaran.

The exact route can change with wind and sea conditions. The captain can alter the swimming bays for safety, so you should treat the listed stops as the planned route, not an absolute promise.

With a maximum of 24 passengers plus crew, this is notably smaller than the large excursion boats that fill Rhodes harbor. The size matters. You can usually find a place to sit, get to the swimming equipment without a struggle, and hear crew instructions clearly.

Meeting the boat at Mandraki Harbor

You meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk in Mandraki Harbor. The scheduled departure is 10 a.m., so arriving early is important. The boat will not necessarily be able to wait for late arrivals, and missing departure can mean a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

This is one part of the trip where I would not cut things close. Find the kiosk before departure morning if you can, then return with your swim gear ready. Some passengers have received help after calling ahead when delayed, but you should not rely on that.

Once onboard, you receive a breakfast tortilla snack. Juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are available, while wine and beer begin at noon. The timing makes sense: you have something small to eat early, then the larger meal comes after the first swim period.

Anthony Quinn Bay: clear water and plenty of fish

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, about an hour after the initial cruise from port. The catamaran anchors in the bay, giving you roughly 60 minutes to swim and snorkel.

Anthony Quinn Bay is known for its clear water and rocky setting. This is a good place to use the provided mask and snorkel, especially near the boat. The crew may throw bread into the water, which attracts small colorful fish around swimmers. It is a simple activity, but children and first-time snorkelers often enjoy the instant marine life.

You do not need to be an experienced swimmer to use the equipment, since life jackets and pool noodles are available. Still, you must be comfortable entering the water from the catamaran. The boat does not pull up to a sandy beach for an easy walk ashore.

This first stop also helps you understand the day. You can swim, snorkel, float, or stay onboard and enjoy the view. The hour is long enough to settle into the water without making the stop feel hurried.

Afandou Beach and caves on the power catamaran

Power catamaran passengers may visit Afandou Beach and the nearby caves. This is the extra feature that can decide which boat to choose.

The schedule gives about an hour around Afandou for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling. The caves add variety to the day, since you are not simply repeating the same kind of open-water stop. The exact approach and time at the caves can depend on conditions.

Sailing catamaran passengers do not receive this additional Afandou stop. Instead, the sailing route focuses on three main bays. That is not necessarily a disadvantage. Three stops with around an hour at each one provide a relaxed pace and reduce the feeling that you are racing around the coast.

Lunch at sea, with Greek flavors and cold drinks

Lunch is served as a Mediterranean buffet onboard. The spread includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread.

This is straightforward food made for a hot day on the water. You get enough choice to build a light plate or a more substantial meal, and the salads and dips work well after swimming. Fresh seasonal fruit is also provided, usually as a separate snack later in the trip.

The food receives some of the strongest praise from the passengers who enjoyed this cruise. The grilled chicken is singled out often, and the portions appear generous enough that you should not need to bring a full packed lunch.

The menu may be less satisfying if you specifically want seafood. One passenger noted a preference for fish instead of chicken, and the stated main dish is grilled chicken. If you have dietary needs, tell the crew in advance. The team has accommodated special food requests on some trips.

Drinks include unlimited bottled water, juice, and soft drinks, with unlimited wine and beer from noon. The crew continues serving drinks through much of the afternoon. Alcohol is part of the package, but the crew can stop service if someone appears intoxicated. That rule is sensible on a moving boat with swimmers in the water.

Ladiko Bay: a quieter hour in the water

Ladiko Bay is the second principal swimming area on the sailing route and one of the stops on the power catamaran route. The water is described as calm and crystal clear, making it another useful place for snorkeling.

The boat anchors rather than docking. You can swim around the catamaran, use a pool noodle, or snorkel near the rocks and boat. The bay gives you a quieter pause after the first stop, although the exact level of calm depends on the weather and how many boats are in the area that day.

Having an hour here is one of the trip’s strengths. You are not forced to choose between swimming and eating in ten minutes. You can take a proper swim, dry off, grab a drink, and still have time to sit in the sun.

If you do not want to swim at every stop, you can remain onboard. The catamaran provides seating and views, so the day is not only for strong swimmers. However, anyone hoping to walk onto the beach should know that reaching shore requires swimming.

Kallithea Springs: the final swim stop

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, with around 45 to 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This area has a different feel from the earlier bays and is often a favorite for families.

The water around Kallithea is clear, and the stop can include a swim toward a lagoon area. Children who are confident in the water may enjoy the chance to explore from the boat, while adults can float, snorkel, or stay on deck.

Because it comes late in the day, this stop works well as a final chance to get in the water. You may be ready for a quieter period by then, especially after lunch and several hours in the sun. Bring a towel and use the outdoor shower afterward to rinse off salt.

The return cruise gives you time to dry out and enjoy the coast from the water. The schedule includes substantial sailing time, so the experience is not just a sequence of stops. You get the changing views that come with following Rhodes’ east coast.

What the six-hour timing feels like

Six hours sounds long when you first look at the booking. On this trip, the time is divided between cruising and swimming, with about an hour at each principal bay. That balance is why the schedule works for many people.

The boat spends around 70 minutes cruising before Anthony Quinn Bay, then shorter stretches between some of the nearby locations. The return journey is longer, giving you a relaxed finish rather than one last rushed activity.

You should expect a full day in the sun. Sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are essential. Reapply sunscreen often, especially after using the outdoor shower or spending an hour in the water.

The catamaran has indoor toilets, though keeping the toilet area perfectly clean can be difficult during a busy day at sea. This is a minor weakness, but it is worth knowing if comfort and facilities are high priorities for you.

How the crew shapes the experience

The crew is one of the clearest strengths. Andreas is praised for being helpful and attentive, and Hope is also mentioned for her warm hospitality. Crew members hand out drinks, explain the schedule, help passengers with equipment, and take photos when asked.

That personal service matters on a boat trip. You need clear information about when to return from the water, which equipment is available, and when lunch is ready. The crew also helps make the boat feel friendly rather than anonymous.

The atmosphere suits families, couples, solo passengers, and small groups. A six-year-old enjoyed the trip with help from the crew, and solo passengers have found the setup comfortable. The boat can also work well for first-time snorkelers because noodles, masks, and life jackets are available.

You should still listen carefully to announcements. Departure times for each stop can change, and it is your responsibility to return to the boat when requested.

Is $83 good value?

At $83 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Rhodes from the water. It is a fair price for a six-hour outing that includes food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and multiple swimming stops.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and a short boat trip. Here, those costs are bundled together, and the time on the water is substantial. You are also paying for a smaller boat with a maximum of 24 passengers, not just a basic transfer to one beach.

The package is especially good value for people who want a full, easy day without planning each detail. You do not need to arrange a restaurant, rent snorkeling equipment, or carry drinks for six hours.

It is less appealing if you dislike group activities, cannot swim comfortably from a boat, or want a quiet sailing trip with no alcohol service. The all-inclusive format creates a social atmosphere, particularly around lunch and the drinks service.

Weather, seasonal changes, and practical limits

The captain can change the route or swimming stops when the weather requires it. That is a normal part of a sea excursion, and safety should come before a particular bay on the schedule.

In April, May, and October, the provider may move passengers to another catamaran if one boat does not reach its minimum number. You should check messages before departure during those months.

The cruise is offered in English, and the crew provides live guidance in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and the reserve-now-pay-later option can help if your Rhodes schedule is still changing.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. Getting into the water from the boat, moving around the deck, and managing the boarding process all require a reasonable level of mobility.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want several chances to swim, like a relaxed boat day, and appreciate having meals and drinks included. Families with children, couples, first-time snorkelers, and solo passengers can all fit comfortably into the format.

It is also a strong choice for anyone who wants to see Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea without organizing separate transport. The one-hour stops give you real time in the water, not just a quick look from the deck.

I would hesitate if you want to spend the day walking on beaches. This is an anchored-water experience, and you must swim to shore. I would also think twice if you strongly prefer seafood, dislike alcohol-centered excursions, or need highly accessible facilities.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes catamaran cruise start?

The cruise starts at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours. The scheduled departure is at 10 a.m., but you should check the current departure details and arrive early.

Which bays does the sailing catamaran visit?

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

Which stops are included with the power catamaran?

The power catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and its caves, Kallithea Bay, and Ladiko Bay.

Can I reach the beaches from the catamaran?

The boats stay anchored in each bay. To reach the shore, you need to swim.

What food and drinks are included?

The package includes a breakfast tortilla snack, seasonal fruit, a Mediterranean buffet lunch, unlimited juice, soft drinks, bottled water, and unlimited wine and beer from noon.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and life jackets are provided. The boat also has an outdoor shower and indoor toilets.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want a generous swim-focused day with good food, open water, and a friendly crew. For $83, the combination of three or four stops, a buffet lunch, drinks, and equipment makes it a sensible full-day choice in Rhodes.

Choose the sailing catamaran for a quieter pace and the power catamaran if Afandou’s caves matter to you. Arrive early, bring sun protection and a towel, and be honest about your comfort swimming from a boat. If those conditions suit you, this is one of the better ways to turn Rhodes’ east coast into a day on the water rather than a list of places seen from shore.