Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Clear water, small boat, four coastal stops. This 2.5-hour cruise combines swimming, snorkeling, caves, and excellent views along Rhodes’ east coast without taking over your whole day. I like the personal feel of a boat limited to eight people, and I like that the crew provides drinks, flotation aids, snorkeling gear, and, on recent departures, waterproof phone cases. The main consideration is that a fast RIB can feel lively on the water, and the short trip gives you only about 25 minutes at some stops.

The scenery is the real star, from Anthony Quinn Bay’s rocky coves to the Alikies caves. Captain Michael and Captain Lazaros have both been praised for their friendly, reassuring approach, especially with children and nervous swimmers. Still, this is an active sea outing, not a slow sightseeing cruise, and one recent departure reportedly finished about 20 minutes early.

Key points to know before booking

• Anthony Quinn Bay is the main event: Expect clear water, fish, rocky cliffs, and time for swimming and snorkeling near one of Rhodes’ best-known bays.
• The group is small: The boat is advertised for up to eight participants, though many departures have carried four to six people, giving the trip a private-boat feel.
• You visit several coastal spots: The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area, with swimming time at the stops.
• Floating aids are available: Pool noodles and buoyancy aids are useful for children or anyone who is not a confident swimmer.
• The afternoon timing works well: You get a sea outing without giving up an entire day to a long cruise.
• The price is reasonable for the format: At $64 per person, the small group, equipment, refreshments, and optional pickup make this stronger value than a large shared boat excursion.

What the $64 price gets you

At $64 per person, this cruise sits in the middle range for a Rhodes boat outing. You are not paying simply to sit on a crowded vessel and look at the coast from a distance. The price includes the boat trip, swimming stops, soft drinks, bottled cocktails, and access to a modern boat with a restroom and Wi-Fi.

The small group matters most. A boat carrying four to six people gives you more room to move around, easier access to the captain, and less waiting while people climb back aboard. The advertised maximum is eight, so you should not assume every departure will feel private, but the limited capacity is still a clear advantage over larger day boats.

Pickup is optional from central points near hotels in Rhodes Town, Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. If you choose pickup, the information is sent separately, so check your spam folder. Those staying elsewhere need to reach the port and find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant.

For a short cruise, the inclusion of refreshments is useful rather than decorative. Swimming in the sun works up a thirst, and having a cold drink already onboard saves you from carrying a large bag. Personal expenses and towels are not included, so bring your own towel and keep belongings small.

Setting out from the marina

Once you meet the captain at the port, you board a comfortable RIB-style boat and head south along Rhodes’ east coast. The boat is described as modern and well furnished, with a spacious deck for sitting or sunbathing between stops.

The RIB moves faster than a large sightseeing vessel. That lets you cover several attractive bays in a short time, but the ride can feel brisk when the sea is choppy. One family specifically noted that the speed is worth considering with young children. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the movement feels easiest and tell the captain early. Captain Michael was especially helpful with one passenger who became ill, but the boat’s speed is still a factor to consider.

The small group also makes the ride more social. Music may be allowed onboard, and one couple particularly enjoyed being able to play their own songs. You should confirm the arrangement with the captain rather than assume it is guaranteed, but it adds to the relaxed, private-boat mood.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop and the reason many people book this outing. The bay takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who bought the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby. The story gives the place a link to cinema, but the appeal is mostly physical: clear water, steep rocky sides, and a sheltered setting that looks especially good from the boat.

You can swim and snorkel here, with marine life often visible in the water. Fish gather around the rocky edges, and the clear conditions make this one of the better stops for people who want more than a quick splash.

The Guns of Navarone Pier provides a fine view back across the bay. Bring your camera, but keep it secure. Waterproof phone cases have been supplied on recent trips, a small but genuinely helpful touch when the best photographs are taken from the water.

Anthony Quinn Bay can be popular, so do not expect complete solitude. The boat helps by approaching the water from offshore, and the captain may choose a practical place for swimming rather than putting you right into the thickest crowd. The stop is also a good test of the water and your comfort level before the later cave visits.

Ladiko, Traganou, and the changing coastline

The cruise continues to Ladiko, another attractive beach on the opposite side of the bay. Here, turquoise water meets rugged rock, and the setting feels more open than Anthony Quinn Bay. You can swim from the boat, use the snorkeling gear, or stay on deck and enjoy the view.

Traganou offers a different mood. This is a gravel beach with a rocky surface, clear water, and cavities in the cliffs. The coastline here feels rougher and less polished, which suits anyone who prefers natural rock formations to a developed beach.

The stop sequence gives the outing variety. You are not looking at the same bay four times. Anthony Quinn Bay is the famous name, Ladiko brings another angle on the coast, and Traganou adds a wilder setting with rocky openings to explore.

Expect roughly 25 minutes at several swim stops, based on recent departures. That is enough time for a swim and a short snorkel, but it is not enough for a long beach visit. If you want to linger, sunbathe, or snorkel at one location for an hour, this is not the right format. The strength here is seeing several places in a compact afternoon.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The Alikies caves are the least familiar part of the route and one of its most enjoyable features. You can enter the cave area from the water or simply relax near the beach. The caves create a darker, more enclosed contrast to the open bays earlier in the cruise.

This is where the small boat helps. A large vessel may bring many people to the same coast, but a limited group can move around the cave area with less fuss. You may swim toward the openings, look beneath the surface, and return to the boat without a long queue for equipment.

Several people have particularly liked the fish near the final bay. If snorkeling is your main goal, it may be worth asking the captain how much time is planned at each location. One couple wished they had more time at the final stop because it was especially scenic and full of fish.

The caves are not a formal underground tour. You are exploring a coastal cave area from the sea, so conditions and access depend on the water and the captain’s judgment. Wear secure footwear for any rocky beach access, and follow instructions around the rocks.

Swimming, snorkeling, and safety

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to take part, but you should be comfortable entering the sea with support. Life jackets, buoyancy aids, and pool noodles have been available, and these helped one non-swimmer take part at her own pace. Children have also used the flotation equipment while swimming and snorkeling.

The captain’s manner matters here. Michael has been praised for giving clear instructions, helping children build confidence, and keeping an eye on comfort levels. That does not remove the need for parental supervision, but it makes the outing more approachable for families with older children.

Snorkel masks and tubes are provided. Bring swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and a towel. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A phone case may be available, but I would still avoid bringing anything valuable that you cannot secure.

The water is the attraction, but the sea is not a swimming pool. Conditions can change, the boat may move quickly between stops, and you should follow the captain’s instructions when entering or leaving the water. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Captain Michael, Lazaros, and the personal service

The strongest part of this experience is the crew. Captain Michael is repeatedly described as warm, attentive, and willing to explain the places along the coast. He has helped nervous swimmers, entertained children, and supplied practical items such as noodles and waterproof cases.

Lazaros has also received strong praise for hosting, supplying flotation aids, and making groups feel comfortable. Drivers handling hotel transfers have been described as punctual and friendly too. Some have added scenic photo stops on the way to the boat, though that should be viewed as a pleasant extra rather than a guaranteed part of the cruise.

The service style is friendly without needing to feel formal. You get local stories about Anthony Quinn Bay and the surrounding coast, but this is not a history-heavy tour. The focus remains on swimming, scenery, and time on the water.

A small group also lets you ask for help more easily. If you are unsure about snorkeling, want to know where fish are most visible, or need a flotation aid, the captain is close by. That personal attention is a large part of why the $64 price feels fair.

The best timing for this Rhodes cruise

The 2.5-hour length suits you if you want a strong taste of the east coast without losing a full day. Many Rhodes boat trips run from morning until late afternoon. This one leaves space for a relaxed morning, an evening meal, or another activity afterward.

An afternoon departure can also bring attractive light across the cliffs and water. The exact starting time depends on availability, so check before booking. The boat returns to the marina about 2.5 hours after departure, with optional drop-off points including Rhodes Town, Kremasti, Ialysos, Ixia, Koskinou, Kritika, Ammoudes, and a listed location identified by map code.

The schedule is compact. You should expect a series of stops rather than a leisurely beach day. That is good news if you prefer movement and variety, but less appealing if your ideal afternoon is one long, quiet swim.

Who should book it?

I would recommend this cruise for couples, small families, and friends who want clear water, caves, and a more personal boat experience. It is especially useful for mixed groups where one person is a confident swimmer and another needs a noodle or life jacket.

Families with young children should think about the fast RIB ride and the open-water setting. The crew has been very supportive with children, but parents still need to supervise closely. If your child dislikes boat motion or sea spray, a larger, slower vessel may feel easier.

This outing also suits people staying in or near Rhodes Town and the listed resort areas, since pickup can simplify the transfer. If you are staying elsewhere, factor in the journey to the port.

At $64, I see good value in the combination of four coastal areas, a small boat, equipment, refreshments, and optional transport. The main limitation is time. You are paying for a well-packed coastal sampler, not a private full-day charter.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise?

Book it if you want several beautiful swim stops in one short afternoon, prefer a small boat to a large cruise ship, and like having a friendly captain nearby. Anthony Quinn Bay, the Alikies caves, and the fish-filled water provide enough variety to make the trip memorable.

Skip it if you want a slow beach day, dislike fast boat rides, or need guaranteed long snorkeling sessions at one spot. Also keep expectations realistic about dolphins: you may spot them on the return journey, but sightings are not promised.

For most active visitors staying near the listed pickup areas, this is a strong Rhodes choice. The combination of scenery, practical equipment, drinks, and personal service makes it feel more substantial than a basic boat transfer. Just bring a towel, pack light, and be ready to get wet.

FAQ

How long is the Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including the boat ride and swimming stops.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $64 per person.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area along Rhodes’ east coast.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel equipment is available onboard. Pool noodles and buoyancy aids have also been available for people who want extra support in the water.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Snacks have also been available on the boat during some departures.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

Where is the meeting point?

If you arrange your own way to the port, find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant.

How many people can join the boat?

The group is limited to eight participants. Some departures have carried four to six people, but the exact group size can vary.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own towel along with swimwear, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.