Rhodes Town: Anthony Quinn, Kalithea & Afandou Boat Cruise

The best part of this six-hour cruise is its simple plan: leave Rhodes Town by boat, stop at three attractive bays, and spend real time in the water instead of rushing from one photo stop to another. Anthony Quinn Bay brings clear water and dramatic coastal views, Afandou offers a broad beach and time in the sun, and Kallithea is the final place to snorkel among fish and squid.

I like the three full swim stops, each scheduled for about an hour, and the fact that snorkeling gear is included. I also like the friendly, family-run feel associated with Markos and his family, plus the spacious boat noted by one cruise passenger. The main consideration is that food, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included, and windy weather from September 20 through October 15 can force changes to the swim schedule.

Key points to know before you book

• Three one-hour water stops: You get time to swim and snorkel at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay.
• Traditional boat Alkmini: Find the vessel beside the Alexander Statue at Mandraki Harbor.
• Markos and his family lead the trip: Crew members offer conversation and information about Rhodes and the beaches.
• Snorkeling equipment is included: Bring your own towel, swimwear, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
• Good value at $32.57: The price covers the cruise, crew, music, gear, and three swim stops, but not meals or drinks.
• Weather can alter the plan: Windy conditions in the late-season period may change the swimming locations.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbor on Alkmini

Your meeting point is easy to identify if you know what to look for: head to the Alexander Statue in Mandraki Harbor and find the traditional Greek boat named Alkmini. The cruise returns to this same spot, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back into Rhodes Town.

That central departure point is useful if you are staying in town or arriving from a cruise ship. One passenger found the harbor departure within walking distance from the cruise port and had enough time to join the outing. Still, you must be on time. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals, and hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the price.

Once aboard, expect a relaxed day rather than a formal sightseeing cruise. The boat carries an experience crew, plays music during parts of the journey, and offers views along the Rhodes coast as you leave the harbor. Commentary is available in English, German, and Greek, with information about the beaches and Rhodes itself.

The boat is described as spacious rather than tightly packed. That matters on a six-hour outing. You will want room to sit, dry off, store your things, and move between sun and shade as the day goes on. Exact seating arrangements are not provided, so bring only what you need for swimming and sun protection.

Anthony Quinn Bay: your first hour in clear water

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop, and it sets the tone for the day. The boat anchors offshore, giving you a chance to swim and snorkel without first walking across a beach. The water is described as clear and deep blue, with bright coastal scenery around the bay.

You get about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and free time. That is long enough to get comfortable in the water instead of taking one quick dip before the boat moves on. If snorkeling is your priority, this is a good moment to use the included equipment and get familiar with it before the later stops.

The bay is also one of the more scenic places for photographs. From the water, you see Rhodes from a different angle, with the boat and coastline framing your pictures. The word bay can make a place sound calm in every condition, but conditions at sea can change. The crew may adjust the swimming program if wind makes a stop unsuitable during the specified late-season period.

You should also keep your expectations practical. This is a shared boat outing, not a private charter. The cruise provides a chance to swim in a well-known coastal setting, but it does not promise private access or an empty bay. One positive feature noted about the trip is that the anchorages felt beautiful and not too crowded on that particular outing, but crowd levels and water conditions can vary.

Afandou Beach: a broader pause for swimming and sun

The second stop is Afandou Beach, where you have another hour for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. This stop adds variety because you are not simply visiting three similar coves. After the more enclosed feel of Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou gives you a beach setting and a place to stretch out in the sun.

The highlight here is time. You can swim, dry off, listen to the music on board, and enjoy the coast without feeling that every minute is scripted. The beach is described as warm and picturesque, making it the natural stop for people who want a slower break between swims.

The activity information also lists scuba diving at Afandou, but it does not provide equipment, instruction, or a separate scuba program. I would treat the scheduled stop as a swimming and snorkeling visit unless the crew tells you otherwise. Snorkeling gear is included, while snacks, drinks, and lunch are not.

If you like a full day at sea, Afandou helps justify the six-hour duration. If you only want a short boat ride and one swim, this cruise may feel too long. You are spending substantial time moving between stops as well as in the water, so the value depends on whether you enjoy the journey itself.

Kallithea Bay and the final snorkel

Kallithea Bay is the last swimming stop, with about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. The water is promoted as a place to see colorful fish, squid, and other marine life, so this is the stop to save some energy for if you enjoy looking below the surface.

The order works well for a relaxed day. You first get the dramatic bay, then a beach break, and finally another chance to snorkel before the return trip. By the final stop, you can choose how active you want to be. Swim again, use the mask and snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view if you have had enough sun.

As with Anthony Quinn Bay, the appeal depends on sea conditions and visibility. The tour does not guarantee a particular number of fish or squid, and the water may look different from one day to the next. Still, including three separate water stops gives you several chances to find good conditions.

Kallithea also helps families and mixed-age groups manage the day. A child who tires after the first swim can rest during the cruise, while stronger swimmers can use the next stop. One family-focused review specifically found the outing suitable for children of different ages, and the crew was described as friendly with younger participants.

What the crew adds to a straightforward boat day

The crew is a major part of the appeal. Markos and his family are connected with this outing, and the trip has a personal, family-run character rather than feeling like a bare transfer between beaches. The crew takes time to talk and explain the beaches and Rhodes, adding context to what you see from the water.

Guiding is available in English, German, and Greek. That makes the cruise practical for a mixed-language group, although the supplied information does not give a fixed schedule for commentary or say how much narration occurs while the boat is moving.

The boat also includes music. That detail sounds small, but it shapes the mood during the longer stretches between bays. You can sit back, watch the coast, and let the day move at an easy pace rather than expecting a lecture at every turn.

The current score is 4.1 from 49 ratings, which suggests a generally positive but not flawless experience. The strongest praise centers on friendly service, attractive anchorages, enough room aboard, and the quality of the swimming and snorkeling stops. A separate suggestion calls for more interactive initiatives and games, including activities on shore. That is useful to keep in mind: the trip is mainly a scenic cruise with water stops, not a heavily programmed entertainment day.

What the $32.57 price really covers

At $32.57 per person, the cruise offers solid value if you plan to use all three swim stops. The cost includes the boat cruise, experience crew, music, snorkeling equipment, and three scheduled opportunities to swim and snorkel. For six hours on the water, that is a reasonable package.

The price is less attractive if you are counting on a complete day out with meals. You must pay separately for snacks, drinks, and lunch, and no hotel transportation is included. Bring your own food and water if permitted by the operator, or confirm what is available before boarding. The provided details do not list onboard catering.

The value also depends on your location. If you are already in Rhodes Town, the walk to Mandraki Harbor keeps your extra costs low. If you are staying elsewhere on the island, you must arrange your own way to the harbor and back.

You also get free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Rhodes plans are not settled, but you still need to check the available departure time when booking because the cruise lasts six hours.

Practical preparation for a comfortable six hours

Pack lightly, but do not forget the basics. Your useful kit is:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• A small bag for dry clothing
• Water or snacks, subject to the operator’s onboard rules

Sunscreen matters even when the breeze feels cool. You will spend time on deck, and the reflection from the sea adds to your sun exposure. A towel is not listed as included, so bring your own.

Wear something easy to move in and keep valuables secure. The provided information does not describe lockers or changing facilities, so avoid bringing items you cannot keep track of while swimming.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. Bikes are not allowed on board. Families can consider the cruise, since the crew has been described as welcoming to children of different ages, but each family should judge its own children’s comfort with a full day at sea and three water stops.

Weather, timing, and the late-season change

The boat requires punctuality at Mandraki Harbor. Look for Alkmini by the Alexander Statue and arrive with enough time to find the vessel before departure. There is no hotel pickup, so you are responsible for reaching the meeting point.

Wind is the main operational warning. From September 20 through October 15, windy conditions can cause the crew to change the swimming-stop program during the voyage. This does not necessarily cancel the day, but it means the advertised order or locations may change for safety and comfort.

That flexibility is sensible for a boat tour. Sea conditions matter more than a fixed schedule, especially when the main purpose is swimming. If visiting one exact bay is essential to you, this is worth considering. If you mainly want a day on the Rhodes coast with several chances to get in the water, a changed order may still deliver what you want.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a low-cost day on the Aegean with swimming built into the plan. It suits couples, families, cruise-ship passengers, and friends who prefer a relaxed outing to a packed land tour.

It is especially useful for people staying in Rhodes Town because the meeting point is central and the cruise returns there. Snorkelers will appreciate the included gear and repeated chances to look for sea life, while sunbathers can treat Afandou as a proper rest stop.

You may want another type of outing if you dislike shared boats, need a private schedule, or want a meal included. It is also not the right choice if wheelchair access is important. The cruise has a clear focus: scenic sailing, music, friendly crew interaction, and three opportunities to swim.

Should you book Alkmini?

Book it if you want good value, a full six hours at sea, and more than one chance to swim. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay gives the day variety, while the traditional boat, included snorkeling gear, and family-run crew add character.

I would be more cautious if you want guaranteed calm water, a private boat, or a fully catered excursion. Check the date and starting time, arrive promptly at Mandraki Harbor, and plan for your own food and drinks. For a straightforward Rhodes coast cruise at $32.57, this is a sensible choice for an active, sun-filled day.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes boat cruise start?

It starts at Mandraki Port in Rhodes Town. Find the boat named Alkmini near the Alexander Statue in Mandraki Harbor.

Where does the cruise finish?

The cruise returns to Mandraki Port, at the same meeting point where it begins.

How long does the activity last?

The cruise lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Which places does the boat visit?

The cruise visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay, also referred to as Kallithea Springs in the stop information.

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

You have about one hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, one hour at Afandou Beach, and one hour at Kallithea Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the cruise price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, drinks, and lunch are not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to Mandraki Harbor.

What languages are available on the tour?

The live guide and crew support English, German, and Greek.

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Bikes are also not allowed.

What happens if it is windy?

From September 20 through October 15, windy conditions may cause the crew to change the swimming-stop program during the voyage.