Kolymbia: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

The best Rhodes days are often spent offshore. This five-hour cruise from Kolymbia takes you by Lagoon catamaran to Tsambika Bay, the Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach, with a Greek lunch and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water included. I especially like the small maximum group of 25 and the generous time set aside for swimming rather than rushing from one stop to the next.

The other strong point is value. At $106 per person, the price covers the boat trip, three swimming stops, lunch, and drinks, which makes budgeting simple. The main caution is that the exact route and stop pattern should be confirmed before you book, since some recent booking information connected with this operator describes a Lindos cruise with two swim stops instead. The details below review the Kolymbia, Tsambika Bay, Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach version.

Key points at a glance

• Three separate swimming stops: Tsambika Bay, the Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach give you several chances to get in the water.
• A maximum of 25 passengers: The smaller group should give you more room to sit, move around, and enjoy the catamaran.
• Lunch is served onboard: You do not lose valuable beach time looking for a restaurant between stops.
• Unlimited drinks are included: Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are available during the cruise.
• A 30-minute cave stop: The Hidden Caves are planned as a short swimming and snorkeling break, not a long beach visit.
• A longer final stop: Stegna Beach allows almost an hour for swimming and snorkeling before returning to Kolymbia.

Setting off from Kolymbia Harbour

The meeting point is Kolymbia Sea Lines on Google Maps, at Kolymbia Harbour. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the harbor and allow enough time to find the departure point.

Kolymbia is a useful base for this kind of outing because the cruise heads directly toward some of Rhodes’ best-known eastern coves. From the boat, your day is less about sightseeing from the road and more about seeing the coast from the water, where beaches and rocky headlands take on a different shape.

The cruise lasts five hours. That is long enough for a proper half-day on the sea, but short enough to leave room for dinner, a second activity, or a quiet afternoon at your hotel. I would choose a morning or midday departure based on the available start times, then treat the cruise as the main event of that part of your day.

The catamaran format matters. A Lagoon catamaran generally gives you a broad, stable platform rather than the narrow feel of a small speedboat. The maximum of 25 people is also important. On a popular Rhodes coastline, a boat that is packed edge to edge can spoil an otherwise beautiful trip. This smaller capacity should make it easier to find a comfortable place and enjoy the view without constantly shifting around.

Tsambika Bay: the first swim of the day

The first stop is Tsambika Bay, known for its clear water and attractive coastal views. This is a good opening stop because you can settle into the rhythm of the day without having to wait long for the main attraction. The plan is simple: look around, swim, snorkel, or stay onboard and enjoy the setting.

I like having the first water stop early in a cruise. It breaks up the sailing time and lets you test the conditions before deciding how active you want to be. If you are keen to snorkel, bring your own mask and snorkel unless the operator confirms that equipment is provided. The activity information promises swimming and snorkeling, but it does not say that rental gear is included.

Tsambika Bay also gives you the first clear look at why a boat trip is worthwhile in Rhodes. From land, you experience one beach at a time. By catamaran, you can see the curves of the coves and the changing color of the sea between them.

There is no stated length for this first stop. That means you should listen carefully to the English-speaking host or greeter for the timing. The crew language is English, and the trip is organized around several stops, lunch, and the return to Kolymbia, so keeping an eye on the schedule is sensible.

The Hidden Caves and a 30-minute water break

After Tsambika Bay, the catamaran heads to the Hidden Caves. This stop lasts 30 minutes, making it the shortest swimming break of the three. You will have time to swim, snorkel, and explore the cave area from the water, but this is not a leisurely beach stay.

The caves give the middle of the trip a different feel. Tsambika Bay is about open coastal views and a classic bay setting. Here, the interest comes from the rocks and sheltered spaces along the shore. If you enjoy looking beneath the surface, this is likely the stop where a mask will be most useful.

Thirty minutes can pass quickly once everyone has entered the water. I would have your swim gear ready before the catamaran arrives, rather than searching through a bag after the anchor is down. A waterproof pouch is also useful for a phone, though you should take care around wet decks and shared swimming areas.

You should not expect a long guided cave tour. The description focuses on swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the caves, not on a detailed geological explanation. One fair criticism of this type of cruise is that onboard commentary can be limited. If you want a highly narrated coastal tour, this may feel quiet. If you prefer scenery, water, and a relaxed pace, that can be a plus.

Greek lunch served while you stay at sea

Lunch comes after the Hidden Caves and is prepared and served onboard. This arrangement saves time and keeps the day flowing. You do not have to leave the water, find a restaurant, wait for a table, and return to the boat before the next stop.

The meal is described as a Greek lunch, but no menu is provided. You should therefore avoid booking this cruise based on a particular dish or assuming that special dietary requests can be handled unless you confirm them in advance.

The meal is also part of the value calculation. A five-hour outing with a boat seat, three swim stops, food, and unlimited drinks can be easier to justify than a cheaper cruise where lunch and refreshments quickly add to the final bill. At $106, this is not a bare-bones boat ride. You are paying for a packaged day with fewer decisions once you leave the harbor.

The included drinks cover ice-cold beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water. That suits a relaxed afternoon on the sea, but remember that unlimited alcohol does not mean you need to drink heavily. Swimming, sun, and alcohol are a poor combination, so water is the smart choice between swims.

Stegna Beach: the longest swimming stop

The final stop is Stegna Beach, where you get almost a full hour for swimming and snorkeling. This is the most generous water break of the day and gives you time to settle in rather than simply jump overboard, take a quick swim, and climb back aboard.

Stegna is a beach stop, so the experience differs from the Hidden Caves. You can expect more time to enjoy the water and the coastal setting, though the information provided does not specify whether you go ashore or remain near the catamaran. Ask the crew if reaching the beach itself is part of the stop.

For many people, this will be the cruise’s best section. By the final stop, you know the boat, the pace, and the swimming routine. You can use the hour for a proper snorkel, a calm float, or a drink on the boat while looking back at the coast.

The trip then returns to Kolymbia Harbour. Because all three stops include water time, bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and a change of clothes if you dislike sitting in damp swimwear. The provided details do not state whether shade, changing areas, or onboard shower facilities are available, so pack with modest expectations.

What the small group really changes

The maximum of 25 passengers is one of the most appealing details here. A small group does not turn a shared cruise into a private charter, but it can make the experience more comfortable. You are less likely to feel squeezed when people move between the seating areas, collect lunch, or prepare for a swim.

It also helps during the stops. With fewer people sharing the boat, boarding and returning from the water should be less chaotic. That said, the group still has to follow a common schedule. If you want to stay in one cove for as long as you like, a private boat would give you more control.

The catamaran itself is described as well maintained in recent booking feedback, and the crew is often praised for being friendly, attentive, and welcoming. That matters on a half-day boat trip. A cheerful crew can make boarding, lunch, and the swimming changes feel easy, even when the sea is busy with other boats.

Communication deserves a small warning. One fair criticism is that explanations about upcoming stops and coastal points of interest may be brief. The host or greeter speaks English, but this is not presented as a full guided commentary tour. If you want facts about every headland, ask questions when the timing allows.

Is $106 good value?

At $106 per person, this cruise makes the most sense if you plan to use the inclusions. Three swimming stops, a Greek lunch, and unlimited drinks add up quickly if bought separately. The limited group size is another reason the price may feel fair compared with a crowded, basic day boat.

The value is strongest for people who want an uncomplicated outing. You pay once, board in Kolymbia, and spend five hours moving between attractive coastal spots. You are not paying extra for lunch at the last minute or trying to find a drink between swims.

The value is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, do not care about lunch onboard, or prefer a quiet beach day with no fixed timetable. In that case, a simpler boat trip or a public beach may cost less. You should also compare the route carefully, since the information supplied for this operator includes separate descriptions of trips to Lindos, including two swim stops and several hours ashore. Confirm that your booking specifically says Tsambika Bay, Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, solo visitors, and groups of friends who want a social but not overloaded boat trip. The three swim stops give the day variety, while the lunch and drinks remove much of the planning.

It is particularly suitable if swimming and snorkeling are your main priorities. You get three chances to enter the water, with the longest session at Stegna Beach. It is less suitable if you want extensive sightseeing, archaeological sites, or a heavily narrated tour. This is a coastal relaxation trip, not a land-based Rhodes history outing.

Families should consider the amount of time spent in the water and check whether each child is comfortable swimming from a boat. The provided information does not state what flotation equipment, shade, or children’s facilities are available, so ask before booking if those details are important.

The free cancellation policy gives you some flexibility, with a full refund available when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if your plans in Rhodes are still taking shape. The host language is English.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Kolymbia Sea Lines on Google Maps, at Kolymbia Harbour. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts five hours, including the sailing time, three swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Kolymbia Harbour.

Which swimming stops are included?

The scheduled stops are Tsambika Bay, the Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach.

How long do you stay at the Hidden Caves?

The Hidden Caves stop lasts 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the area.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. A Greek lunch is served onboard, and unlimited beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later.

Should you book the Kolymbia catamaran cruise?

Book it if you want a five-hour sea day built around swimming, with lunch and drinks already covered. The three stops, smaller passenger limit, and friendly crew make it a strong choice for a relaxed Rhodes outing at a predictable price.

Before paying, check the final route description carefully. The key detail is that your reservation should name Tsambika Bay, the Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach. If it does, this cruise offers a pleasant mix of open-water views, snorkeling time, Greek food, and easygoing coastal travel from Kolymbia.