Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

The best part of this full-day Lindos cruise is the combination of sightseeing and swimming. You sail down Rhodes’ east coast, stop in the clear waters of Anthony Quinn Bay, get three hours in Lindos, then stop again at Tsambika Blue Lagoon before returning to Rhodes.

I like the clean, spacious boat, the comfortable sunbeds, and the friendly crew. I also like the freedom in Lindos: you can climb to the Acropolis, eat by the bay, shop in the whitewashed lanes, or simply sit on the beach. The main drawback is the long sailing time and a fixed three hours in Lindos, which some people may find too short for both the Acropolis and a relaxed beach visit.

Key points at a glance

• Two swim stops from the boat: Enjoy about 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and another 30 minutes at Tsambika Blue Lagoon.
• Three hours in Lindos: Enough for the Acropolis and lunch if you plan your time, but not a leisurely visit to every corner.
• A clean, roomy vessel: There are several seating areas, an air-conditioned section, toilets, WiFi, floats, and an onboard bar.
• Top-deck sunbeds are limited: Arrive early if you want one. They are popular, and the upper deck can feel windy while the boat is moving.
• Good value at $47: The price covers the cruise, both swimming stops, sunbeds, insurance, and Lindos free time, but not food, drinks, towels, or the Acropolis fee.
• Optional hotel transfer: Pickup is available for selected areas, but the main meeting point is Mandraki Port near the Nea Agora Building.

Why this cruise works so well for a Lindos day

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ essential stops, but getting there by road can make for a hot, crowded day. This cruise gives you a different approach. You see the east coast from the water, cool off in two beautiful bays, and arrive in Lindos without spending the whole day on a coach.

The tradeoff is time. The boat takes close to two hours to reach Lindos, followed by about two hours on the return route, including the swim stop and sightseeing cruise. That makes the journey part of the experience, not just transportation.

I see this as a relaxed day rather than a fast sightseeing tour. You are not led around Lindos by a guide. Instead, the crew explains the schedule and gives you a firm time to return to the boat. That suits independent visitors who prefer to choose their own lunch, route, and pace.

The experience receives a 4.6 rating from 1,404 reviews, with the strongest praise focused on the friendly staff, clean facilities, smooth organization, spacious boat, and good value. Those details matter on an eight-hour outing. A pretty bay is not enough if the boat feels cramped or the schedule is confusing. Here, the practical side is one of the tour’s strengths.

Leaving Mandraki Port in the morning

The main departure point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building. The nearby bus stop is called Roda. You should arrive around 30 minutes before departure, with the stated meeting window between 8:00 and 8:30.

If you select hotel pickup, wait at the assigned point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on its windscreen. Keep your phone number accurate when booking, since the operator may contact you by WhatsApp or phone with the pickup time and location.

Transfers serve selected hotels and pickup points, including areas around Rhodes City, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kremasti, and the west coast. Drivers wait no more than two minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Delays of up to 15 minutes can happen because of traffic, so stay at the pickup point rather than wandering off.

Once aboard, you can choose from several decks and seating areas. The boat has an open sundeck with sunbeds, shaded seating, an air-conditioned area, toilets, and a full bar. The upper deck is the place for open views and sun, but the wind can be surprisingly cool while the boat is moving. Bring a light jacket in spring, autumn, and at the beginning or end of the season.

Anthony Quinn Bay, your first swim

The first sailing section lasts about 45 minutes, followed by a 30-minute stop at Anthony Quinn Bay. The bay is famous for its emerald water and rocky setting, and the boat lets you swim directly from the vessel rather than searching for a place on shore.

This is a good first stop because it breaks up the outward journey. You can use the time for a swim, snorkeling, or a quiet float in the water. Noodle floats are available, and life jackets are provided for children. That makes the stop more approachable if you are not a confident swimmer.

The boat gives notice before arriving at each swim stop, allowing you to get ready without a frantic scramble. One useful detail is that the crew indicates the upcoming stop in advance, with about 20 minutes’ warning noted by one passenger. Bring your swimwear under your clothes and keep sunglasses, sunscreen, and a towel close at hand.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing dip, but not for a long snorkel session or an extended swim. The stop is also weather-dependent in practice, since wind and sea conditions can affect the feel of the water and the boat ride. If you get seasick, sit in the air-conditioned area or a lower section during the longer crossings.

The long sail toward Lindos

After Anthony Quinn Bay, the boat continues south along the coast for roughly 70 minutes before reaching Lindos. The full outward journey takes just under two hours, so it helps to set your expectations early.

I would treat this as scenic downtime. Use the bar, listen to the crew’s instructions, take photos, read, or simply enjoy the sea air. The onboard bar serves cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and small food items. Sandwiches have been available for around €3, and prices are described as reasonable.

The boat has plenty of seating, but the limited top-deck sunbeds are the most sought-after spots. Arriving early gives you the best chance of getting one. If you have hotel transfer, you may not reach the port early enough to claim a lounger, so do not book this trip expecting a guaranteed sunbed.

There is shade on the boat, along with comfortable regular seating. That is important because the top deck has no shade in the sunbed area. The vessel is described as stable, clean, and well maintained, with toilets that are kept in good condition. Families may appreciate the space, floats, and air-conditioned refuge.

Three hours to explore Lindos

Lindos is the main event. You have about three hours of free time after arrival, enough to see the key sights if you keep an eye on the clock.

The Acropolis of Lindos sits above the village, with broad views over the coast and surrounding bays. The climb is uphill and can feel intense in the heat. Wear sturdy footwear, carry water, and begin with the Acropolis if it is your priority. The entrance fee is not included, so bring cash or another accepted payment method for the visit.

The village below is a maze of whitewashed lanes, small shops, tavernas, and places to stop for a drink. It is easy to lose your bearings, especially when returning to the harbor. Allow plenty of time to find your way back. The boat leaves on schedule, and it will not wait for late arrivals.

Three hours can cover the Acropolis, a quick walk through the village, and lunch. It becomes a tight schedule if you also want a proper beach visit. Some people will find the time just right, while others will want another 30 minutes or more. If the Acropolis matters to you, go there first and leave shopping or the beach for later.

You can leave bags on the boat while exploring Lindos, which makes the uphill walk easier. Take only what you need: water, sun protection, a phone, money, and perhaps a small camera. The boat remains your practical base, but keep valuable items secure and follow the crew’s instructions.

Lindos can be hot, particularly in midsummer. The free-time format gives you control, but it also means you must manage the heat and the schedule yourself. This is not the right trip for anyone who wants a detailed guided explanation of every monument. It is a better fit if you like choosing your own route.

Returning via Tsambika Blue Lagoon

The boat leaves Lindos and begins the return journey, with a sightseeing cruise of about 50 minutes before reaching Tsambika Beach, also described as the Blue Lagoon. This is the second 30-minute swim stop.

The setting is different from the first bay, but the purpose is the same: a chance to cool off after walking around Lindos. You jump directly from the boat into turquoise water, use a float if you wish, and relax while music may be playing from the vessel.

The return swim is especially welcome after the hot Acropolis climb. Still, 30 minutes passes quickly. Get changed or organize your belongings before the boat arrives so you spend the full stop in the water rather than searching through a bag.

After Tsambika, the final sightseeing cruise takes about an hour before the boat reaches Rhodes Harbor at roughly 17:30. The return can feel long, especially after a full day in the sun. On the other hand, the sea breeze and the chance to rest make the last section fairly easy if you are comfortable with a slow day on the water.

Food, drinks, shade, and comfort onboard

The onboard bar is one of the tour’s most useful features. You can buy coffee, cold drinks, cocktails, snacks, sandwiches, and ice cream without needing to pack a full picnic. Food and drinks are not included, so budget separately, even if you plan to eat in Lindos.

The boat offers more than one way to spend the sailing time. Choose the top deck for sun and open views, a shaded seating area for a break from the heat, or the air-conditioned section when the sun becomes too much. Sunbeds are limited, so standard seating is the realistic expectation for most people.

Toilets are available onboard and are kept clean. WiFi is also included, though the quality of a boat connection can vary. Floats are supplied, which is helpful for children and nervous swimmers. You still need to bring a towel, swimwear, sunglasses, a hat, cash, and snorkeling equipment if you want to explore the water more closely.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Clear announcements are important on a day with independent free time, and the schedule depends on everyone returning to the boat promptly. The crew also cleans the swimming area after each stop, helping the vessel stay tidy through a long day.

Who will get the most from the $47 price

At $47 per person, this is strong value if you want Lindos, two swimming stops, and a full day on a properly equipped boat. Paying separately for transport, a boat trip, and swimming access could easily cost more, while this package combines all three parts in one outing.

The price does not include hotel transport unless you choose a pickup option, food, drinks, towels, or the Acropolis entrance fee. Those extras do not make the trip poor value, but you should include them in your day’s budget.

I would recommend it for couples, families, and independent visitors who want a major Rhodes sight without a formal guided group in Lindos. It also works well for people who enjoy swimming but do not want a dedicated snorkeling excursion.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat journeys, need a slow and unhurried visit to archaeological sites, or want guaranteed access to a top-deck lounger. Three hours in Lindos is workable, but the schedule rewards planning.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Starting times vary, and the total duration is listed as eight to eight and a half hours. At the beginning and end of the season, pack a light jacket.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a full Rhodes day with three clear ingredients: Lindos sightseeing, attractive swimming bays, and a comfortable boat ride. The staff, cleanliness, organization, and reasonable onboard prices add real value, particularly for families.

Arrive early for the best chance at a sunbed, take the Acropolis walk before lunch, and return to the harbor with time to spare. Bring a towel, cash, water, sun protection, and a jacket for the moving boat.

Choose another option if Lindos is your only priority and you want more than three hours there. But for a balanced day that lets you see the Acropolis, enjoy the village, and swim in two memorable coastal spots, this is one of the better-value ways to reach Lindos from Rhodes City.

FAQ

How long does the Lindos cruise last?

The experience lasts about eight to eight and a half hours. The boat returns to Rhodes Harbor at approximately 17:30.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, near the Roda bus stop.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the meeting point 30 minutes before departure. The stated morning meeting window is between 8:00 and 8:30.

Are hotel transfers available?

Pickup is optional and depends on the selected option. Pickup information is provided by WhatsApp or phone, and the transfer vehicle displays the RIZOS CRUISES logo on its windscreen.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time. You can visit the Acropolis, explore the village, eat at a taverna, shop, or visit the beach.

Are the Acropolis entrance fees included?

No. The Acropolis fee is not included in the cruise price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy at the onboard bar. The bar serves drinks, coffee, snacks, ice cream, cocktails, and small food items.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, cash, and snorkeling gear if you want it. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season or when sitting on the windy top deck.