Rhodes: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Rhodes looks best from the water. This six-hour catamaran cruise gives you long swim stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea Springs, plus a generous buffet and drinks. I especially like the small-group limit of 24 passengers and the friendly crew, including Andreas and Hope on some departures. The main catch is simple: the boat stays offshore, so you must swim to reach the shore.

You can choose a quieter sailing catamaran or a faster power catamaran with an extra stop at Afandou Caves. The price is strong for a full day at sea with lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, and fruit included. Just arrive early for the 10 a.m. departure, and remember that this is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Key points before you book

• Three or four swim stops: Sailing boats visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. Power catamarans add Afandou Beach and its caves.
• A genuinely small boat experience: The maximum is 24 passengers, so the catamaran feels more relaxed than a large excursion boat.
• Lunch is more than a snack: Expect grilled chicken, Greek salad, feta, tzatziki, hummus, pasta salad, potato salad, olives, bread, and other Mediterranean dishes.
• Drinks are included: Wine and beer are available from noon, along with juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.
• You swim from the boat: The catamaran anchors in each bay rather than pulling onto a beach.
• Choose your boat carefully: Sailing is slower and calmer. The power catamaran covers Afandou Caves and makes four scenic stops.

Why this Rhodes catamaran cruise works so well

Rhodes has plenty of sandy beaches, but some of its most memorable water is found in protected coves along the east coast. A catamaran lets you reach several of these places in one day without packing and unpacking beach gear or arranging separate taxis.

I like the basic rhythm of this trip. You cruise for a while, stop for a swim, return to the boat for food, and then repeat the pattern in another bay. An hour at each main stop is long enough to snorkel, float, take photos, or simply sit on deck and enjoy the view.

The setup also avoids the packed feeling of a large party boat. With no more than 24 passengers and crew, you should have room to move around, although the best upper-deck or front seats may go early. The catamarans are described as clean and well kept, and several departures have been praised for comfortable seating even when full.

The atmosphere is friendly rather than formal. The crew serves food and drinks, explains the route, helps with snorkeling equipment, and can assist with photos. Names that come up on particularly well-liked departures include Andreas, Hope, and Dimitri. The crew also gets credit for helping families and accommodating dietary needs when notified in advance.

Meeting the crew at Mandraki Harbor

You meet at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk in Mandraki Harbor. The boat leaves at 10 a.m., so I would arrive early rather than cutting it close. Missing the departure can mean a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

The cruise lasts about six hours. That includes scenic cruising between the bays, so you are not swimming continuously. The journey itself is part of the appeal, giving you views of Rhodes from offshore and periods of rest between water activities.

Listen for announcements about stop lengths and departure times. The crew may adjust the route or swimming locations if the weather changes. In April, May, and October, the company may move passengers to another catamaran if one boat does not reach its minimum number of participants.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. An outdoor shower, indoor toilet, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and pool noodles are provided.

Sailing catamaran or power catamaran?

The choice of boat affects the shape of your day.

The sailing catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. This option suits you if the pleasure of the ride matters as much as the number of stops. Sailing creates a quieter pace, with more time to enjoy the movement of the boat and the open water.

The power catamaran includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and Caves, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. It is the better pick if you want to see more places and specifically hope to visit the caves at Afandou.

Neither option is automatically better. Sailing gives you a more leisurely ride with three main stops. The power boat gives you an extra point of interest but may feel more focused on covering ground. Check the exact boat option when booking, since the stop pattern differs.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the first clear-water swim

After roughly 70 minutes of scenic cruising, the first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay. You get about an hour here for swimming and snorkeling.

The bay is known for its clear water and rocky setting. The crew may scatter bread into the sea, which attracts small, colorful fish around swimmers. That makes this a good first snorkeling stop, especially if you are new to using a mask and snorkel.

You do not need to bring your own equipment. Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and life jackets are available. The noodles are useful if you want to enjoy the water without constantly swimming, while the life jackets help less confident swimmers feel secure.

The important practical point is that the boat remains at anchor. You cannot simply step ashore for a walk along the beach. If you want to reach land, you need to swim from the catamaran, so bring only items you are comfortable leaving onboard.

Afandou Caves: the power boat’s extra stop

Power catamarans make an additional stop at Afandou Beach and its caves. This stop combines lunch, swimming, and snorkeling, with about an hour in the area.

The caves provide a change from the open-bay swimming stops. You can expect the crew to point out the area and give you time to enjoy the water around it. The stop is especially useful for anyone who wants variety rather than three similar swims.

The precise route can change with weather, and the power catamaran itinerary is not identical to the sailing option. If Afandou Caves is high on your list, choose the power catamaran rather than assuming every boat visits it.

Ladiko Bay: a calmer hour in the water

Ladiko Bay is another hour-long stop, with time for swimming and snorkeling in clear water. It is described as a quieter area, making it a pleasant counterpoint to the more recognizable Anthony Quinn Bay.

This is a good place to slow down. You can swim, use a pool noodle, or stay on the catamaran and enjoy the view. The cruise is not built around rushing from one attraction to the next, and the hour at Ladiko gives the day a comfortable pace.

The water activities are optional. You do not have to swim at every stop, but you should understand that the main purpose of the cruise is time at sea and in the water. If you prefer sightseeing from land, this is not the right excursion.

Kallithea Springs: the final swim

The last stop is Kallithea Springs, where you get roughly 45 to 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This area is a memorable finish because you can swim toward a lagoon-like setting near the springs.

Several families have found this stop manageable for children, and the crew is praised for being warm and helpful with younger passengers. Still, all swimmers need to be comfortable getting in and out of the water from the boat. There is no promise of a standard beach landing.

After Kallithea Springs, the catamaran cruises back to Mandraki Harbor. The return ride gives you time to dry off, have another drink, and enjoy the coast without needing to organize anything.

What you actually eat and drink onboard

The food is one of the stronger parts of the package. Breakfast begins with a tortilla snack, followed by a Mediterranean buffet served onboard. The spread includes:

• Grilled chicken
• Pasta salad
• Potato salad
• Greek salad
• Green salad
• Tzatziki
• Hummus
• Aubergine salad
• Olives
• Feta
• Fresh local bread

A cup of seasonal fruit is also included. The food is simple rather than gourmet, but it fits a day on the water well. The grilled chicken and salads are filling without being too heavy before swimming.

Drinks include bottled water, juice, and soft drinks throughout the trip. Unlimited wine and beer are available from noon. That timing makes sense since the morning begins with breakfast and the first swim, but do not treat the open drinks as a reason to overdo it. The crew can stop alcohol service if someone appears intoxicated.

Dietary needs may be accommodated, but tell the provider ahead of time. One departure included special attention to a passenger’s food requirements, which is encouraging, though you should not wait until lunch is being served to ask.

Is $83 good value?

At $83 per person, this is a solid value if you want a complete day rather than a short boat ride. You are paying for six hours, several swimming locations, a catamaran with a maximum of 24 passengers, lunch, snacks, fruit, and unlimited nonalcoholic drinks. Wine and beer are also included from noon.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, and transport between several bays. The cruise packages all of that into one straightforward outing.

It is less valuable if you dislike swimming from boats, do not drink, or would rather spend the day walking through Rhodes Town and visiting historical sites. This is a coastal recreation day, not a cultural tour. You are paying for water, scenery, food, and ease.

The high rating of 4.8 from more than 2,000 reviews reflects a consistent combination of friendly service, good swimming stops, comfortable boats, and plentiful food. The few cautions are also clear: onboard toilets can be less tidy than passengers would like, and lunch is centered on chicken rather than fish.

Family comfort, safety, and practical limits

This cruise suits families, couples, solo passengers, and small groups. Children have enjoyed the swimming stops, floats, and playful crew, while solo passengers can easily join the relaxed onboard atmosphere.

The boat supplies life jackets and snorkeling equipment. Crew members also help passengers understand the stops and departure times. That said, you need to be comfortable with ladders, swimming from an anchored boat, and moving around a catamaran.

People with mobility impairments should not book this activity. The lack of direct beach access and the need to enter the water make that limitation important, not a minor footnote.

Weather can change the plan. The captain may replace a bay or alter the route for safety. A rainy day can reduce the pleasure of a swimming cruise, although the crew may wait out poor weather and try to add time or another stop when conditions improve.

Who should book this day at sea?

I would choose this cruise if you want to see several of Rhodes’ best-known bays without spending the day planning transport. It is also a strong choice for first-time boat passengers because the crew provides equipment, food, drinks, and clear guidance.

Choose the sailing catamaran for a slower, more peaceful ride and three main swimming stops. Choose the power catamaran if Afandou Caves and an extra location matter more to you.

I would skip it if you want long periods on a sandy beach, a history-focused excursion, or a private boat. You remain on a shared catamaran, and the most important activity is swimming from the boat.

For the best experience, arrive early, claim a comfortable seat, pack strong sunscreen, and keep your expectations focused on a relaxed day in beautiful water rather than a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes catamaran cruise start?

It starts at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours.

What time does the catamaran depart?

The catamarans depart at 10 a.m. You should arrive earlier so you do not miss the boat.

How many passengers can join the cruise?

The maximum is 24 passengers plus crew.

Which bays does the sailing catamaran visit?

The sailing catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

Which places does the power catamaran visit?

The power catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and Caves, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

Can I walk ashore at the swimming stops?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Mediterranean buffet with grilled chicken, salads, feta, dips, olives, and fresh local bread is included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. Unlimited wine and beer are available from noon.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and life jackets are provided. An outdoor shower and indoor toilet are also available onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because the boat remains at anchor and passengers need to swim to shore.

Can the route change?

Yes. The captain may change the route or swimming stops according to weather conditions.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.