Rhodes Town: Fishing Boat Trip with Fish Meal and Swim Stops

Rhodes looks different from the water, especially from the deck of a working-style fishing boat with a fishing rod in your hand. This five-hour trip mixes simple fishing lessons, swim stops, snorkeling, and a barbecue made from the day’s catch. Angelo and Captain Vassilis keep the mood friendly and hands-on.

I like two things right away: the small boat, limited to 12 people, and the fact that the crew helps complete beginners rather than assuming you already know what you’re doing. I also like the meal. Fresh fish grilled on board, with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks, turns a short fishing outing into a full day at sea. The main consideration is motion on the water. One passenger became seasick, so take that possibility seriously if you are prone to it.

Key details before you book

• A traditional 10.5-meter fishing boat: The boat holds up to 12 people and has a comfortable seating area, giving the trip a more personal feel than a large sightseeing cruise.
• Fishing help for all ages: Angelo and the crew show you how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in your catch.
• A fresh barbecue at sea: Fish caught during the trip may be grilled on board and served with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks.
• A secluded swim and snorkel stop: Masks and other needed equipment are provided for time in the water.
• A very social crew: Angelo is known for keeping everyone laughing, while Captain Vassilis handles the boat, fishing areas, and cooking.
• A five-hour outing from Mandraki Harbor: Meet at the Evangelismos church, kiosk 2 Makarounas, for a morning or scheduled departure.

Why this Rhodes boat trip feels different

Many sea outings around Rhodes are built around viewing the coast from a fixed seat. This one gives you something to do. You can watch the shoreline, but you also bait a hook, wait for a bite, help bring in a fish, and later eat lunch prepared only a few steps away.

That hands-on quality matters. Fishing is slow at times, and that is part of the charm. You are not promised a catch, and luck is shared across the boat. Some people catch several fish, while others catch nothing but still enjoy the process. The crew helps keep the experience moving without turning it into a serious fishing competition.

The boat carries up to 12 people. That is small enough for direct help from the crew, but not so small that you need to know everyone before the trip begins. During one outing, eight people shared the boat with Angelo and the captain, which left room to move around and talk without feeling packed in.

At $76 per person, the price makes more sense when you count what is included. You get five hours on the water, fishing equipment, instruction, food, drinks, and a swim and snorkeling stop. It is not the cheapest way to reach the sea, but it combines several separate holiday costs into one outing. If you would otherwise pay for a boat trip, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and a short fishing activity, the value is solid.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor beside Evangelismos church

The meeting point is Mandraki Harbor, at Evangelismos church, kiosk 2 Makarounas. Pay close attention to that wording because Mandraki is a busy part of Rhodes Town, and arriving at the harbor is not the same as finding the boat immediately.

Once on board, the first views give you a pleasant change of angle on Rhodes Town. The boat passes around the city gate area, letting you see the harbor and coastal defenses from the water. This opening section is a good time to settle in, meet the crew, and get used to the boat before the fishing begins.

The crew speaks Greek and English. Angelo handles much of the interaction with passengers, while the captain manages the boat and helps with fishing and the meal. The tone is informal and playful. Angelo has a reputation for claiming expert status in nearly everything, from fishing to swimming, which gives the trip a light, family-friendly feel.

There is a toilet on board, and drinks are included. Those details matter on a five-hour outing. You are not left to plan a separate stop every time you need water or a restroom.

Learning to fish without needing experience

Fishing is the main activity during the first part of the trip. The crew stops in areas they consider suitable, then helps you get started with the equipment provided on board.

If you have never fished, you can expect a quick practical lesson. You will be shown how to place bait on the hook, how to hold the rod, and how to reel in a fish. The crew also helps children and adults, so you do not need to arrive with your own gear or a polished fishing technique.

Two fishing methods may be demonstrated. The exact catch depends on conditions and luck, but the point is participation rather than a guaranteed haul. The crew can also identify the fish and explain which ones are edible. That adds a useful local touch, especially if you know little about the fish found around Rhodes.

I would set your expectations properly here. You might catch something, or you might spend most of the fishing time watching other people pull in their lines. That does not make the trip a poor choice, but anyone seeking a serious fishing charter should understand the difference. This is a relaxed shared outing with food and swimming, not a specialist expedition built around landing a particular species.

Fishing also gives children a clear focus. Instead of asking them to sit quietly through a long cruise, you can let them take turns with the rod and learn how the equipment works. The crew’s help is especially useful for younger passengers who may need assistance with bait, tangled line, or reeling.

The barbecue turns your catch into lunch

The most distinctive part of the trip is the on-board meal. While you swim and snorkel, Angelo and the captain prepare the barbecue. Fish caught during the outing is grilled and served with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks.

There is something satisfying about eating a fish that was caught only a short time earlier. The meal is not a formal restaurant service, and that is exactly the appeal. You eat on a boat, with the coastline around you and the sea underfoot.

The portions are described as generous, and the food is one of the strongest reasons to consider the trip. Fresh seafood is the natural choice, but not everyone likes fish. Some bookings have been offered chicken or a vegetarian option, and dietary needs or allergies can be discussed with the company before the trip. Do not assume those alternatives are automatic, so make your preference clear when arranging your place.

The crew’s role is part of the experience. Captain Vassilis is not only responsible for the boat. He also helps with fishing and cooking, while Angelo moves between passengers, lines, equipment, and the galley area. That teamwork keeps the day informal and personal.

If you do not catch anything, your lunch is not lost. The crew prepares the meal for the group, and the catch is shared as part of the outing. One passenger who became seasick was unable to eat at the time, but the food was wrapped to take away. That is a thoughtful touch, though you should not count on every situation being handled in exactly the same way.

A quiet cove for swimming and snorkeling

The second half of the trip shifts from fishing to water time. The boat stops at a secluded cove where you can swim and snorkel. Masks, life jackets, and other needed equipment are provided, including an underwater camera on at least one outing.

The water offers a chance to see small fish, sea life, and underwater rock and coral areas. You will not be joining a formal marine biology tour, but the stop gives you time to explore at your own pace rather than simply looking over the rail.

The cove is also a welcome break after sitting with a fishing rod. You can swim, snorkel, or remain on board and enjoy the view. That flexibility is important because sea temperatures vary with the season. One passenger found the water too cold for a swim in late April, while others enjoyed the stop in warmer months.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for a life jacket and use the equipment supplied. The crew assists both children and adults, but you remain responsible for deciding how much time in the water feels comfortable. The available information does not promise a particular beach, depth, or current condition, so think of this as a sea stop rather than a guaranteed beach day.

The timing also works well. While you are in the water, the crew prepares the barbecue. You return to the boat with an appetite, and lunch follows the active part of the stop.

Crew members who shape the day

The boat and coastline matter, but the crew is the heart of this activity. Angelo appears to spend much of the day helping people fish, sorting tangled lines, explaining the catch, assisting swimmers, and keeping the conversation lively. His humor is a recurring part of the experience, although travelers who prefer a quiet, silent cruise may find the constant banter less appealing.

Captain Vassilis provides the steady practical side. He takes the boat to fishing areas, offers advice, helps with the catch, and prepares the food. Mike has also helped with fishing and the barbecue on some departures.

The result is a trip where you are not left to figure out the equipment alone. That is especially valuable for families and first-time fishers. You can ask questions without feeling out of place, and the crew takes time to show the fish to everyone rather than treating the catch as a private matter.

The social element is worth noting. You share a small boat, fishing spots, and lunch with the other people on board. That can lead to an easy, friendly day, but it does mean you do not control the pace as you would on a private charter.

What the $76 price includes

The $76 price covers more than a short ride along the coast. Included are:

• Five hours on the boat
• Fishing equipment
• Help and instruction from the crew
• Fresh fish as part of the meal
• Greek salad
• Garlic bread
• Food and drinks
• Swimming and snorkeling equipment
• Assistance for children and adults

The strongest value comes from combining food and activities. You do not need to rent fishing gear, arrange a separate snorkeling stop, or buy lunch during the trip. The fish meal is also more memorable than a standard packed lunch because it is prepared on board.

Still, value depends on what you want. If your main goal is a quiet cruise with plenty of room to sunbathe, a fishing boat with group activity may feel busy. If you want a private fishing charter, this is not the right format. But for a half-day outing that gives you fishing, swimming, food, and coastal views in one package, the cost is reasonable.

Practical tips for a smoother outing

Meet at the exact Mandraki Harbor point by Evangelismos church, kiosk 2 Makarounas. Allow enough time to find the kiosk and boat area, since the harbor has several possible meeting spots.

Bring whatever you normally use for a day near the sea, including swimwear and a towel. The company provides fishing and snorkeling gear, but the supplied information does not say that towels or personal sun protection are included.

If you are sensitive to motion, plan ahead. One person became badly seasick during the trip, and swimming was suggested as a way to help the body readjust. That is not a substitute for medication or medical advice, so bring your usual travel-sickness remedy if you need one.

Tell the company about food allergies, intolerances, or dietary preferences before departure. Fish is central to the meal, but chicken and vegetarian food have been available for some people.

The trip runs for five hours, with departure times varying by availability. Check the starting time when you book, and remember that the fishing, meal, and swim stop all share the same half-day schedule.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging the rest of your Rhodes plans.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to families, couples, and small groups who want an active half-day without committing to a full-day cruise. You do not need fishing experience, and the crew makes it easy to take part from the first cast.

It is also a good match if local food matters to you. The meal is not an afterthought. The fish, Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks give the outing a clear sense of place and purpose.

Children can enjoy the fishing lessons, while adults can focus on the views, conversation, or swim stop. The boat’s 12-person limit helps keep the day manageable, although the exact group size can change.

I would think twice if you are very prone to seasickness, dislike shared activities, or want a guaranteed catch. You should also consider the season. The sea may be too cold for some swimmers in spring or late autumn, even when the weather above the water feels pleasant.

Should you book Makarounas Fishing Trip?

Book this trip if you want Rhodes from the water with more substance than a standard sightseeing ride. The combination of practical fishing help, a secluded cove, a fresh barbecue, and a crew led by Angelo and Captain Vassilis gives the day a warm, memorable character.

The best reason to go is not the promise of catching fish. It is the whole rhythm of the outing: learning a simple skill, waiting for a bite, watching the crew cook, swimming when the boat stops, and eating together on the way back to Mandraki Harbor.

At $76, it is a fair choice for a five-hour, all-inclusive sea experience. Take seasickness precautions, ask about meal needs in advance, and accept that the catch is down to luck. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is an easy trip to add to a Rhodes Town itinerary.

FAQ

How long is the fishing boat trip?

The trip lasts five hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The price is $76 per person.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Mandraki Harbor, beside Evangelismos church, at kiosk 2 Makarounas.

How many people can the boat hold?

The traditional fishing boat is 10.5 meters long and has capacity for up to 12 people.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing gear is included, and the crew explains how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in the catch.

Do I need previous fishing experience?

No. The crew assists beginners as well as experienced fishers, and they help both children and adults.

What food is included?

A fresh fish meal is included, along with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Chicken and vegetarian options have also been available for some bookings, so ask about your preference in advance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, life jackets, and other necessary snorkeling equipment are provided.

What languages does the crew speak?

The activity is available in Greek and English.

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.