Rhodes: All Inclusive Day Cruise with BBQ & Unlimited Drinks

Three bays, one very full day. The Aphrodite Duchess combines swimming at Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Traganou Caves with a Greek BBQ, flowing drinks, and a cheerful crew. I especially like the three generous swim stops and the way food arrives throughout the cruise, from donuts and hot dogs to waffles. The main drawback is that you do not get off the boat to explore the bays on foot, and the most comfortable top-deck bean bags may cost extra.

At $76 per person, this is a strong value if you want a relaxed day on the water rather than a quiet sightseeing boat. I also like the choice between open sun, partial shade, and the fully shaded lower deck. Just arrive early: the boat leaves Mandraki Harbour sharply at 10:00, and missing it can mean a €25 rebooking fee.

Why this Rhodes cruise is worth considering

• Three separate swim stops: You get about an hour at Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Traganou Caves, with time for swimming and snorkeling.
• Food arrives all day: Expect sweet donuts and iced frappe coffee, a hot dog stop, Greek BBQ, fruit, and chocolate waffles on the return journey.
• Unlimited drinks last all six hours: Beer, white wine, soft drinks, water, iced frappe, coffee, and a cocktail of the day are included.
• The top deck changes the experience: Bean bags give you better views and a more relaxed place to lounge, but shade is limited and the upgrade may cost extra.
• A practical choice for families: Pool noodles and snorkel equipment are available, and the crew can prepare options for vegetarian and vegan diners.
• It is a boat day, not a beach tour: You swim from the ship but do not walk ashore at the bays.

Boarding the Aphrodite Duchess at Mandraki Harbour

The Aphrodite Duchess waits opposite the National Bank of Greece, making the meeting point fairly easy to identify in central Rhodes. The boat leaves at 10:00 sharp, so I would aim to arrive between 9:00 and 9:15. If you drive, allow extra time because parking around Rhodes Harbour can be difficult.

Hotel pickup and return are available only with selected options. A return transfer from Faliraki or Ixia costs €10 per person, while Kolymbia costs €15. Transfers operate on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, and you need to arrange one by WhatsApp the day before with your surname, travel date, and hotel name.

Once aboard, you choose between the lower deck and upper deck. The lower level has tables and is the safest choice if you want constant shade. The top deck has bean bags, sea views, and a breeze, but it is more exposed to the sun and can feel busy when everyone comes upstairs.

A useful compromise is to reserve a top-deck bean bag if that option is offered, then use the lower tables when food is served. Several people found the upper deck much more comfortable for cruising, especially during the long return ride. Arriving early gives you the best chance of choosing a shaded spot.

The first 40 minutes: coffee, donuts, and open sea

The boat spends about 40 minutes cruising before the first swimming stop. This is a pleasant way to get settled, hear the safety instructions, and watch Rhodes recede from the harbour.

Food begins early. Sweet donuts and iced frappe coffee make up the light breakfast, and water, beer, wine, soft drinks, and other included drinks are available throughout the trip. This is not an open bar that appears only at lunchtime. You can order drinks during the sailing sections and at the swim stops.

The atmosphere is lively rather than hushed. Music plays on board, and the crew keeps the day moving with jokes, announcements, and plenty of attention at the bar. If you want a silent morning at sea, this may feel too social. If you like a holiday boat with music and easy conversation, it suits the mood well.

Kallithea Springs: your first hour in the water

The first stop is Kallithea Springs, where the Aphrodite Duchess anchors for about an hour. You swim directly from the boat, so bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel close.

The water around the stop is clear enough for snorkeling, and equipment such as masks and pool noodles is available. The noodles are useful for children and anyone who enjoys floating without working hard. You may also find the boat’s plank and jumping points more appealing than a conventional beach entrance.

There is no scheduled walk around the springs. That matters because Kallithea is also known for its shore-based setting and buildings, but this excursion treats it as a swimming location. You see the coast from the water, then return to the boat for the next sailing section.

One hour sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you collect equipment, swim, and dry off. Listen for the return announcement. A boat cannot wait for a late swimmer.

Hot dogs, drinks, and the easy rhythm of the cruise

After the first stop, the boat continues for about 30 minutes before the next bay. This is when the hot dog hour provides a more substantial snack. The schedule is designed around frequent food, so you are unlikely to need to bring lunch.

The food is simple and holiday-friendly, not restaurant dining. That is part of the value: you can swim, dry off, grab a drink, and eat without arranging anything else. The crew also asks about dietary needs and has prepared vegetarian and vegan plates for the BBQ.

If you do not eat pork, say exactly what you can and cannot eat when the crew asks. One diner found the sausage-based hot dog selection limiting and had difficulty obtaining extra chicken, although chicken remained later. That appears to be an isolated service problem, but it is a good reason to explain your needs clearly before food is served.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the prettiest swim stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is the highlight for many people. The boat stays for about an hour, giving you time to swim and use a snorkel mask around the rocky cove.

The bay is known for clear water and underwater life, so this is the stop where snorkeling makes the most sense. You can also jump from the boat, float with a noodle, or simply enjoy the view from deck. The crew has even used playful beer-catching games to add a little silliness to the swim, though you can ignore the theatrics and enjoy the water at your own pace.

This is not a shore visit. You will not walk onto the beach or explore the cove’s paths. If your ideal Anthony Quinn Bay experience includes sitting on the sand, this cruise will not provide it. If you want a straightforward swim with a striking coastal view, it does the job well.

The boat may sway while you are carrying drinks, so use care on deck. Wet swimmers also make the lower and upper areas slippery near the boarding points. Follow the crew’s instructions, especially when jumping and climbing back aboard.

Traganou Caves: the third chance to swim

The final swim stop is Traganou Caves, reached after roughly 20 minutes of sailing from Anthony Quinn Bay. You again have about an hour in the water.

The caves give this stop a different feel from the open cove at Anthony Quinn Bay. You can snorkel, float, and look into the rocky shoreline from the boat. The appeal is variety: three swim areas mean you are not spending the whole day in one patch of sea.

The stop is still activity-light. There is no guided cave walk, historic explanation, or shore excursion. This is a swimming cruise, and its pleasures are simple: cool water, sun, views, and the chance to jump in again.

By the third stop, some people may feel they have had enough water. That is fine. You can remain aboard, sit in the shade, or take a drink while others swim. The schedule gives active swimmers plenty to do without forcing everyone into the sea.

Greek BBQ lunch made on board

The BBQ is the main meal and one of the strongest parts of the package. Expect meat souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread, with the chef preparing the food on board. Fruit is also included.

This is not a large restaurant buffet with dozens of choices. It is a focused Greek meal, but it is fresh, filling, and well matched to a day at sea. The tzatziki has earned particular praise, and the chicken and salad make a sensible meal after swimming.

The crew checks dietary requirements, and vegetarian and vegan plates can be prepared. Still, I would tell the staff early rather than waiting until the buffet opens. Food service can be busy when several groups return from the water at once.

The lower deck has the practical tables for eating. The upper deck is better for lounging, but it is not the easiest place to manage a full plate, especially when the boat is moving. Choose comfort for cruising and practicality for lunch.

The return journey: waffles and one last look at Rhodes

After Traganou Caves, the boat spends about an hour sailing back toward Mandraki Harbour. This is when the bean bags become especially useful. You can stretch out, watch the coast, and let the day settle.

Chocolate waffles are served on the return journey, adding one final sweet course. With donuts in the morning, hot dogs around brunch, BBQ at lunch, fruit, and waffles later, the cruise is built around regular feeding. If you prefer a light-food excursion, this may feel excessive. If you like having meals handled for you, it is a major benefit.

The boat returns to Mandraki Harbour at about 4:00 PM, with possible drop-offs at Ixia, Faliraki, Kolympia, or Rhodes Sea Lines depending on your selected arrangement.

What the unlimited drinks really include

The drink package is unusually broad for a six-hour boat outing. Included drinks are beer, white wine, soft drinks, water, iced frappe, coffee, and the cocktail of the day.

The strongest choices appear to be cold beer and cocktails. The wine is dry white wine, so it may not suit you if you prefer sweeter or fuller styles. There is no promise of every drink you might find at a full bar, and one person wished for ice cream and more choices.

The important point is timing. Drinks are available throughout the cruise, not just alongside lunch. That makes the $76 price easier to assess, especially if you would otherwise buy food and drinks during a full day out.

Of course, unlimited alcohol calls for a little judgment. The boat is moving, the deck can sway, and you still need to swim safely. Water is included, so alternate drinks and listen to the crew before entering the sea.

Is the $76 price good value?

At $76, the cruise offers six hours of transport, three swim stops, equipment, several food services, and unlimited drinks. Add the cost of a separate lunch, coffee, snacks, and drinks, and the package becomes good value for a person who plans to use most of what is included.

It is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike organized group outings, or mainly want to visit beaches on foot. You are paying for convenience and a full program, not for a private boat or a quiet sailing trip.

A possible top-deck bean bag upgrade can improve the day considerably. Several bookings describe an extra payment of about €20, though the exact option and price should be checked when you book. I would consider it worthwhile if you want views, breeze, and somewhere comfortable to lie down. Families may prefer the lower deck’s tables and shade.

Who should book this boat day?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want an easy day with plenty of swimming. The crew provides snorkel masks and noodles, and children and teenagers have several ways to enjoy the water.

It also works well if you are staying in Rhodes without a car. You see several coastal locations in one outing, with no need to plan separate transport or find lunch at each stop.

You should think twice if you get seasick, need a quiet boat, or want long periods on land. One person reported a calm route with no seasickness, but conditions can change, and the boat does move between bays. Anyone with dietary restrictions should speak to the crew early, and anyone sensitive to loud music should know that music is part of the atmosphere.

The crew’s friendliness is a major strength. Panos has been singled out as a warm host, and Katia, who runs the bar, is often remembered for her cheerful service. Birthday celebrations can also be arranged informally, with the whole boat joining in.

Final verdict: book it for the water, food, and easy value

Book the Aphrodite Duchess if you want three beautiful swimming locations, steady food, and drinks handled from morning until the return to Rhodes. The best version of the day is to arrive early, secure a good seat, bring sun protection, and consider the top deck if you value views and lounging space.

Skip it if your priority is exploring Kallithea, Anthony Quinn Bay, or Traganou Caves on foot. For everyone else, this is a generous, sociable boat day with a clear strength: you can spend six hours enjoying Rhodes without having to organize much beyond getting to the harbour on time.

FAQ

Where does the Aphrodite Duchess cruise depart from?

The boat is opposite the National Bank of Greece at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes.

What time does the boat leave and return?

The boat leaves at 10:00 and returns to Mandraki Harbour at about 4:00 PM. You should arrive well before departure because the boat leaves sharply.

Which swimming locations are included?

The cruise stops at Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Traganou Caves. Each stop allows time for swimming and snorkeling.

Are drinks included throughout the cruise?

Yes. Beer, white wine, soft drinks, water, iced frappe, coffee, and the cocktail of the day are included for the duration of the cruise.

What food is included?

Food includes sweet donuts and iced coffee, a hot dog hour, Greek BBQ with meat souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki and bread, fruit, and chocolate waffles on the return journey.

Is hotel pickup available?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available if you select an option that includes transfers. Return transfers cost €10 per person from Faliraki or Ixia and €15 from Kolymbia, and must be arranged by WhatsApp the day before.