Six hours on Rhodes water, with free drinks. This cruise pairs open-bar cocktails with a day of three swim stops along the coast, so you get a real change of pace from old-town walking. You also cruise past some of Rhodes’ famous landmarks at the start, with Mandraki Harbour as your scenic home base.

I really like the fact that the boat feels under control: allocated seating and a maximum of 40 people keeps it from turning into a cattle-car party. One possible drawback to note is that the onboard music can get loud, so if you’re chasing quiet and conversation, this may not be your vibe.

Key things to love on this Rhodes exclusive swim cruise

• Three different bays, three different swimming moods, from calm springs to a fish-filled cove
• Open-bar plus cocktails, wine, and beer, not just a basic drink ticket
• Gourmet Greek buffet on board, with vegan and gluten-free options
• Comfort beats scramble: reserved spots on bean bags and sun benches
• Snorkel and float gear included, so you’re not hunting for equipment
• Rhodes sightseeing from the sea, including Mandraki Harbour and views of the old town walls

Why this Rhodes swim cruise feels “exclusive” without feeling stiff

This isn’t a sit-on-a-bus tour or a long ferry slog. It’s a half-day on a boat built for lounging, swimming, and eating in one continuous rhythm. With a small group size (up to 40) and assigned seating, you’re not constantly fighting for a patch of deck.

The mood tends to be upbeat. The captain and crew lean into the day’s energy—think music, dancing, and fast movement through the fun parts—while still keeping safety and comfort in focus. If you like your travel days social and active, you’ll probably have a great time.

If you prefer a silent “relax and read” outing, you should know the music can be part of the experience. One traveler noted it was too loud for talking easily, and that’s the one tradeoff to plan around.

Price and what you’re really paying for ($107.63 per person)

At about $107.63 per person for roughly 6 hours, the best value here is that you’re paying for a full day package: boat time, meals, drinks, and the gear to enjoy the water. You’re not just renting access to a beach stop—you’re buying convenience.

Here’s what matters most for your wallet:

• Food and drinks are included (Greek gourmet buffet + open bar with cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options)
• Swim gear is included (snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, life jackets)
• You’re not paying extra for the “day at sea” experience once onboard

The only common extra is optional hotel transfer, which is not included and can cost more. If you’re already near Rhodes’ central harbor areas, you’ll likely keep costs down by making your own way to the boat.

Getting oriented at Mandraki Harbour: old town views and Colossus vibes

Your day starts back at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece area. The boat time begins with a classic Rhodes “look at that” moment: you cruise past the 7th-century Medieval Old Town, with views of the city walls from the water. It’s a strong photo window because you’re seeing the fortifications from an angle most people miss.

From there, you pass the spot tied to the Colossus of Rhodes, known as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The monument itself is gone, but the storytelling clue is cool—this is the port entrance area where the statue is associated.

And when you return later, Mandraki doesn’t feel like a generic endpoint. You get to take in:

• the Venetian-era twin columns with deer statues at the harbor gap
• the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos (15th century) across the water
• the nearby medieval windmills

Stop 1: Kallithea Springs for a refreshing sea swim

Kallithea Springs is where the day gets physical—in a good way. You’ll have about one hour here, and you’re invited to explore and take a swim. The setting is tied to natural springs that were admired in ancient times, and the design includes Italian architects: Pietro Lombardi for the buildings and Armando Burnaby for decoration, with Alberto Mocci later organizing an international hydrological conference.

Practical upside: admission from the sea is free, and you should have enough time to get a swim in before the cruise moves on. The water here is part of the appeal, but the bigger win is pacing. After the harbor cruise, Kallithea feels like a morning “reset” instead of a rushed stop.

Possible consideration: you’ll want basic beach logic—sunscreen, water, and shoes if you’re walking around rocky areas. The cruise gives swim gear, but it can’t protect your skin.

Between bays: passing Faliraki Beach from the water

On the way to your next swimming area, the boat passes Faliraki Beach. Faliraki is a lively coastal spot known for its beaches and nightlife. You’re not stopping for long here, so think of it as a scenic “Rhodes is wide and varied” moment rather than a dedicated excursion.

If you like seeing the island’s mix of old and touristy areas, this passing view helps you build the mental map fast. It also breaks the timeline between swim stops.

Stop 2: Afandou Beach, caves, and that on-board lunch rhythm

Afandou Beach is about contrast. Instead of a postcard promenade, you’re dealing with a huge beach known for crystal-clear waters and a pebble shoreline stretch of around 6 km. You get about one hour to explore the area and also check out caves.

This stop comes with a lot of story density—pirate raids, attacks by Persians, Arabs, and Turks over centuries, and the idea that people moved farther inland after repeated threats. The name Afandou connects to the Greek word for invisible, because the settlement was hidden from the sea after those disruptions.

What you’ll probably care about more than the history: this is the stop where the boat’s lunch buffet comes back into play. The plan is to enjoy your exploring time, then head back as the buffet opens onboard. That’s a smart setup because you’re not trying to eat lunch somewhere with no shade or no plan.

One practical caution: pebbles can be rough on feet. If you’re sensitive, you’ll be happier with water shoes or at least careful footing.

Ladikos Bay behind Anthony Quinn: caves and the oil-ship story

On the route to the final swim highlight, you’ll reach Ladikos area, described with a “why this bay got its name” angle. Ladikos is tied to olive oil shipping in earlier commercial trade—oil was stored and traded, and shipwreck clues (including clay containers) have been found around the area.

It sits right behind Anthony Quinn Bay and is known for caves and underwater activity. This section feels different because it’s more cave-and-water focused than the broader shoreline feel of Afandou. If you enjoy exploring underwater, Ladikos is the kind of stop where snorkeling questions start before you even jump in.

Stop 3: Anthony Quinn Bay for snorkeling among tiny fish

Anthony Quinn Bay is the kind of swim stop that makes you forget your phone. It’s a small bay surrounded by high rocks, with deep water and lots of small fish. You’ll have about one hour here and you’re encouraged to use the complimentary snorkeling gear provided on board.

Here’s the fun part: you might even see fish gather near you if you use bread. The provided idea is that guests throw bread toward the fish and they congregate nearby—though the local attitude is playful, not guaranteed chaos. Either way, it’s a great place for observing underwater life at close range.

The bay’s name is tied to the actor Anthony Quinn (Mexican-American), who came to Rhodes to shoot The Guns of Navarone. He loved the bay and asked to buy it, but the agreement didn’t carry through, so locals kept the name anyway. You get the sense that Rhodes doesn’t treat this as trivia—it treats it as local identity.

If you want a “best swim moment” on a day full of swims, this is the one most likely to deliver. Deep water plus fish plus caves equals a memorable hour.

The open bar and gourmet buffet: what’s included and why it matters

The food is part of what makes this cruise feel like more than a floating boat ride. The buffet is described as a Greek gourmet buffet prepared by the chef onboard, and it includes vegan and gluten-free choices. That matters because it’s not a take-it-or-leave-it situation for dietary needs.

From the actual menu examples shared, you might see dishes like:

• shrimp pasta (often described as shrimp spaghetti)
• mussels and other seafood items
• chicken options
• salads and breads, with Cretan-style items
• a brownie-like dessert

For drinks, the open bar includes cocktails, wine, beer, plus non-alcoholic sodas and water. Many people also point out that drinks are plentiful and frequently served throughout the cruise.

One balanced note: cocktail variety can depend on what’s on the preset menu, so if you’re picky about specific brands or custom mixes, you might find the options more limited than at a full cocktail bar. Still, the overall setup is designed for a “sip all day” plan, not a drink-once-and-wait model.

Seating, crowd control, and how to enjoy the boat more comfortably

This is where the “small group” promise pays off. You get restricted number of guests and allocated seating, with bean bags and sun benches. You can choose your spot, including shaded areas if you go early enough.

Boat layout matters because the day is active. If you’re planning to snorkel, relax, and then jump back in, you’ll want easy access to the water and good places to store towels and stuff. The crew style is also part of the experience—people mention helpful staff and efficient handling around meals and gear.

Also pack for a boat day:

• Sunscreen and after-sun (you’ll be in open light a lot)
• Hat and sunglasses
• Water shoes (especially for pebbles at Afandou)
• A small bag for phone and valuables when you swim

And if you’re sensitive to music volume, aim for an area where you can still hear yourself think, or plan on brief quiet breaks between swim sessions.

Who this cruise is best for (and who should rethink it)

This swim cruise is ideal if you:

• want Rhodes views from the sea, not just from streets
• like swimming, snorkeling, and short “hour-long adventure” stops
• want an all-inclusive day where lunch and drinks are handled for you
• prefer a boat that isn’t crowded

It’s less ideal if you’re traveling for:

• silent downtime (music can be loud)
• a slow, minimal-activity pace
• an ultra-quiet nature retreat

But if you can handle a festive atmosphere, this can be a top value day in Rhodes.

Should you book the Rhodes exclusive swim cruise?

I’d book this if you want a no-stress, all-in day: boat time, open-bar drinks, and a real buffet lunch, plus three swim stops where the snorkeling gear actually gets used. The small group and allocated seating are meaningful because they make the experience feel comfortable instead of chaotic.

Hold off if you’re chasing quiet and conversation over party energy, since the music volume can matter. Also, if you’re not confident around open-water swims, you may still enjoy it—but you’ll rely on the provided life jackets and pool noodles, and you might want to keep your expectations flexible.

If you’re planning a Rhodes half-day that feels like a vacation inside the vacation, this one is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes exclusive swim cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6 hours.

What time does it start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Mandraki Harbour (Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece), and it returns to the same meeting point.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra.

Is food and drink included?

Yes. You get a Greek gourmet buffet lunch and drinks from a cocktail open bar, including wine, beer, and signature cocktails, plus soft drinks and water.

Do they provide snorkeling gear and safety items?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets.

How many people are on board?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What if weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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