Rhodes: Sailing Catamaran Day Cruise with food and drinks

The best part of Rhodes may be offshore. This private catamaran cruise gives you six calm hours along the island’s East Coast, with quiet swimming bays and plenty of room to stretch out on deck. I like the small private setup, and I like that lunch and drinks are built into the day. The main drawback is that the cruise is not a good fit if you get seasick or have limited mobility.

You leave from the New Marina, not the crowded Mandraki harbor, which makes the start easier and less hectic. The crew serves unlimited soft drinks all day, with alcohol available at lunchtime, but you should know that the swimming stops can change with the weather.

Key points at a glance

• Private group of up to 11: You share the catamaran only with your own group, making this a strong choice for families and friends.
• Three planned swimming stops: The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, and Kallithea Springs, with time for swimming at each.
• Greek lunch at Afandou: The longest stop combines food and swimming, so you do not have to choose between a proper meal and time in the water.
• Drinks are included: Soft drinks are unlimited throughout the day, while alcoholic drinks are served at lunchtime.
• New Marina departure: The meeting point is about 1 kilometer from Rhodes Town, with free parking nearby.
• Six hours on the water: You get a full half-day at sea without committing to an all-day sailing trip.

A private day on Rhodes’ East Coast

A catamaran changes the feel of a boat trip. You have more open deck space than on a small motorboat, and the pace is set for relaxing rather than rushing from one stop to the next. The route gives you time to sit in the sun, feel the sea breeze, and cool off with regular swims.

The private format is the biggest reason to consider this cruise. There is no large shared group to work around, and your party can use the boat together. A group of eight had enough room for everyone to sit comfortably, which gives you a useful idea of how the space works in practice. The maximum group size is 11.

This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with historical commentary. Its appeal is simpler: warm weather, clear water, a clean catamaran, food, and an easy day away from the town. If your ideal holiday outing involves swimming and lounging rather than constant activity, the format makes sense.

The crew also looks for quieter parts of the bays. That does not mean you will have every cove to yourself, especially in the busy summer season, but the plan is clearly aimed at avoiding the most crowded patch when conditions allow.

Leaving from the New Marina

The meeting point is outside the Naval Bar and Restaurant, on the marina side. The New Marina sits roughly 1 kilometer from central Rhodes Town, so it is close enough for an easy taxi ride or a short trip from town. Free parking spaces are available near the meeting point, which is useful if you have a rental car.

I prefer this departure point to the main harbor for a day like this. You avoid the heavier activity around Mandraki and begin from a more practical marina setting. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

Give yourself enough time to find the Naval Bar and Restaurant and get settled before departure. Bring a towel and beachwear. You will spend much of the day in or near the water, and the boat’s relaxed setup is best enjoyed when you are prepared to swim more than once.

The first 75 minutes at sea

The opening sailing leg lasts about 75 minutes. This is your chance to settle into the catamaran before the first swim. You can relax on deck, take in the East Coast views, and enjoy the movement of the boat without having to do anything at all.

That first stretch also gives the crew time to reach the quieter parts of the route. A sailing cruise is not simply transportation between beaches. The time on the water is part of the experience, and you should expect a gentle start rather than instant access to a swimming stop.

If you want a shaded place, ask about the best seating when you board. The supplied details do not promise a specific shade arrangement, so it is wise to bring sun protection and plan for several hours outside. The catamaran is described as clean and spacious enough for a group of eight, but every boat has limited deck space, especially when everyone is moving around to eat, swim, and sunbathe.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the first swim

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, with about 50 minutes for swimming. This gives you a good early chance to get into the water before lunch and before the longest stop of the day.

The bay is known for clear water and attractive rocky surroundings. From the catamaran, your focus is the water itself, not a long visit ashore. The itinerary calls for swimming, so do not expect a beach walk or a land-based visit.

Fifty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and some time on deck, but it is not an unlimited stay. If you like to swim slowly, take photos, and dry off before moving on, use the first few minutes wisely. The boat may be anchored in a quieter section, depending on the conditions that day.

This stop also shows the value of the private format. Your group can enjoy a swim together without a larger party setting the mood. It is a social outing, but it does not need to feel crowded.

The short cruise to Afandou

After Anthony Quinn Bay, the catamaran moves for about 20 minutes toward Afandou. This is the shortest sailing leg, and it breaks up the day nicely. You can dry off, order a soft drink, and settle in for lunch.

Afandou is the main food stop, with about 70 minutes for lunch and swimming. That is the longest single stop, so it carries much of the practical value of the cruise. You get a proper pause rather than a quick bite between anchorages.

Lunch is included, and the crew serves alcoholic drinks at lunchtime only. Soft drinks are available without limit throughout the day. The information does not specify the exact dishes, so you should think of the meal as a convenient Greek lunch included with the cruise, not as a menu-driven dining experience.

The 70-minute stop has to cover eating, swimming, and getting back aboard. If you want a relaxed meal, do not treat the entire stop as swim time first. Eat early enough to enjoy the water afterward, or swim before lunch if the crew’s timing allows it.

Afandou lunch and swimming

Afandou is where the cruise feels most like a full day out rather than a boat transfer. You can sit down for lunch, have a drink, and then return to the sea. That combination is useful because you do not need to pack a separate meal or organize a restaurant stop.

The meal also helps families and mixed-age groups. Not everyone has to spend the whole day swimming. Some people can stay on deck with lunch and drinks while others take the water, though the boat’s layout and exact serving arrangements may shape how freely you move around.

Alcohol is limited to lunchtime. That is a sensible arrangement on a boat where swimming remains a central part of the day. You should not expect alcoholic drinks throughout the cruise, and intoxication, alcohol abuse, and drugs are not allowed.

After lunch, the cruise continues for another 75 minutes. This is the longest sailing section after the opening leg, giving you a good stretch of uninterrupted time at sea before the final stop. It also means the day has a steady rhythm: sail, swim, eat and swim, sail, then swim again.

Kallithea Springs for the final swim

The last stop is Kallithea Springs, with about 40 minutes for swimming. By this point, you have had time to settle into the boat and may be ready for one final dip before heading back to the marina.

The stop is shorter than Anthony Quinn Bay and Afandou, so plan for a focused swim. It is a good chance to cool off, rinse away the salt from the earlier stops, and enjoy the final section of the route. The itinerary does not promise a separate visit to the springs on land, so treat this as a water stop rather than a cultural excursion.

Conditions matter here, as they do at every stop. The captain may adjust the locations based on weather and sea conditions. That flexibility is important for safety, but it means you should see the three named bays as the planned route, not an absolute guarantee.

The final 40 minutes also prevent the cruise from becoming too repetitive. You are not anchored in one place all afternoon. Each stop breaks up the day and gives you a different setting for swimming and relaxing.

What is included, and what is not

The price is $1,850 for a private group of up to 11 people. That looks high at first, but the group price matters. With 11 people, the cost works out to about $168 per person. With eight people, it is about $231 each.

That per-person figure includes the catamaran, crew, lunch, soft drinks all day, alcoholic drinks at lunchtime, and fees and taxes. For a group that wants privacy, the price can compare well with booking several smaller activities or paying for multiple boat spaces. For a couple or a small group of three or four, the cost becomes much harder to justify.

The value is strongest when you fill most of the available places. You are paying for private use of the boat, not just a seat on a scheduled shared cruise. If your group has eight to 11 people and wants a special day together, this is where the numbers begin to make sense.

Hotel transfers are not included. You need to reach the New Marina yourself, but the short distance from Rhodes Town and nearby free parking keep that part fairly simple. Food and drinks are included, which means you can avoid carrying a full picnic, though you still need your own towel and beachwear.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to a group of friends, a family celebration, or anyone marking a special day in Rhodes. The private setup gives you control over the company, and the pace suits people who want to spend time together without a packed schedule.

It also works well for a group with mixed interests. Strong swimmers can enjoy the stops, while others can stay aboard, eat, talk, and watch the coast from the deck. The boat has been comfortable for a group of eight, with a place for everyone to sit.

This is less suitable for anyone with mobility impairments or for wheelchair users. Getting around a catamaran, entering the sea, and returning aboard can be difficult. It is also a poor choice if you are prone to seasickness. The day includes several long periods at sea, including two 75-minute sailing legs.

You should also consider the sun. Six hours outside, with three swimming stops, can feel wonderfully easy at first and tiring later. Bring sun protection and drink regularly. Unlimited soft drinks are available, but you still need to look after yourself in the heat.

Practical timing and weather advice

The listed sailing and stop times add up to about five and a half hours, while the full activity lasts six hours. The extra time allows for boarding, anchoring, moving between areas, and returning to the marina. You should expect a genuine half-day outing, not a rushed two or three-hour boat ride.

The route is weather dependent. Swimming stops may change according to conditions on the day, and the crew may choose a safer or quieter location. That is a normal part of a coastal cruise, but it is worth keeping your expectations flexible.

The crew speaks English and Greek. The activity is operated by Daily Rhodes Cruises, and the crew received especially strong praise for being friendly and attentive. The boat was also described as clean, with enough sitting space for a group of eight.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure time before booking.

Should you book the Rhodes catamaran cruise?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and your idea of a great Rhodes day is swimming, sun, Greek food, and time on the water. The strongest features are the private boat, the three swimming stops, the quiet-bay approach, and the crew’s friendly service.

Think twice if you are a small party, need wheelchair access, or often feel sick at sea. The $1,850 group price is reasonable when divided among eight to 11 people, but it is a major expense for fewer passengers.

For the right group, this is a comfortable and easygoing way to see the East Coast of Rhodes from the water. Bring your towel, wear your beachwear, arrive at the New Marina ready for sun, and let the crew handle the sailing and lunch.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours. The route includes sailing time and three swimming stops along the East Coast of Rhodes.

Where does the catamaran depart?

The meeting point is outside the Naval Bar and Restaurant, on the marina side of the New Marina in Rhodes.

How far is the New Marina from Rhodes Town?

The New Marina is approximately 1 kilometer from the center of Rhodes Town.

Is parking available near the departure point?

Yes. A lot of free parking spaces are available close to the meeting point.

Which swimming stops are included?

The planned stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, and Kallithea Springs. Stops can change depending on weather conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served during the Afandou stop, which also includes time for swimming.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks are unlimited throughout the day. Alcoholic drinks are included at lunchtime only.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The private group can include up to 11 people.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel and beachwear.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the New Marina.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.