Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

Rhodes’ best scenery is often seen from the water, and this 2.5-hour RIB cruise gives you four chances to get into it. You race along the east coast in a small, comfortable boat, stopping at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves for swimming, snorkeling, and photos.

I like the small group of no more than eight people, which makes the outing feel far more personal than a large harbor cruise. I also like the practical touches: masks, noodles, buoyancy aids, a restroom, Wi-Fi, drinks, and a spacious deck. The main drawback is time. Four stops in two and a half hours means the visit is active and fairly brisk, and a fast RIB may not suit very young children or anyone who prefers a slow boat ride.

The four details that make this cruise different

• Anthony Quinn Bay: Swim and snorkel beside one of Rhodes’ most famous coves, named after the Hollywood actor who bought the area after filming The Guns of Navarone.
• A small, fast RIB: The boat covers the east coast quickly and carries up to eight people, giving you more room than a standard excursion boat.
• Four water stops: You get more than one photo stop, with time for swimming at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area.
• Helpful gear onboard: Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids are available, useful for children and less confident swimmers.
• Pickup from several resort areas: Optional collection is available near hotels in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.
• A captain-led outing: Captains such as Michael and Lazaros provide the local stories, swimming guidance, and relaxed personal service that suit a small boat.

Why a RIB is the right boat for this route

A rigid inflatable boat, or RIB, sits between a speedboat and a traditional inflatable craft. It is built for quick movement, but this vessel is also described as comfortably furnished, with a roomy deck for sitting, sunbathing, and watching the coast slide past.

That combination matters on Rhodes. The four stops are spread along the island’s east coast, so a slow boat would spend more of your short outing in transit. The RIB gets you from cove to cove, leaving the focus on swimming and snorkeling.

You should expect a lively ride rather than a quiet sail. The boat moves quickly, and one family found the speed worth keeping in mind with younger children. If your idea of a perfect afternoon is wind in your face, quick access to secluded-looking coves, and the option to leap straight from the boat, this format fits well.

The group limit is one of the strongest features. With only eight people, the captain can hand out equipment, explain where to swim, and help someone who is nervous about entering the water. Several outings have felt almost private when fewer people book, though the experience is still sold as a small-group cruise rather than a guaranteed private charter.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal spots. Its name comes from actor Anthony Quinn, who acquired the area after filming The Guns of Navarone on Rhodes. That film connection gives the bay a bit more character than a standard beach stop.

The water here is clear enough for snorkeling and marine-life viewing, and the rocky setting makes it more interesting than a wide, sandy beach. Bring your camera for the view from the Guns of Navarone Pier, described as one of the most photographic points in the area.

This is also a good place to get comfortable with the boat’s equipment. You can use a mask and snorkel, or take a pool noodle or buoyancy aid if you want extra support. The crew can help children and hesitant swimmers, but you should still be comfortable around open water and follow the captain’s instructions.

The bay can be the busiest-feeling stop simply because it is famous. The scenery is the attraction, but it also means you are unlikely to have the cove entirely to yourself. The boat helps by letting you see the area from the water rather than spending the whole stop on the beach.

Ladiko brings another view of the same coast

The cruise then heads to Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. This stop gives you another angle on the same dramatic stretch of coastline, with turquoise water and rugged cliffs framing the swimming area.

You can jump from the boat, swim around it, or stay aboard on the open deck. If you prefer not to go ashore, that makes the stop easy and flexible. You can spend your time in the water, dry off in the sun, or take photographs from the boat.

Ladiko is especially useful for people who want scenery without turning the trip into a formal sightseeing tour. There is no long walk, museum visit, or scheduled beach activity. You simply get a short window in a beautiful cove, then move on.

The tradeoff is that the cruise does not give you an entire afternoon at one beach. If you want to settle under an umbrella and read for several hours, book a beach day instead. This trip is for collecting several different coastal views and water stops in one compact outing.

Traganou’s gravel shore and rocky caverns

Traganou changes the mood. Instead of the polished postcard feel of Anthony Quinn Bay, you get a gravel beach, rocky surfaces, clear water, and a wilder shoreline with caverns.

This stop is well suited to snorkeling. The rocky setting creates places to look beneath the surface, and the clear water makes it easier to spot fish. You can swim from the boat or explore near the beach, depending on the captain’s instructions and sea conditions.

Wear comfortable shoes, as requested by the operator. Gravel and rock are less forgiving than a sandy beach, especially when you are moving in and out of the water. Water shoes would be useful if you have them, although the stated requirements only call for comfortable footwear.

Traganou is also a reminder that this is not a polished resort beach tour. The appeal comes from the rough rock formations and clear water, not from beach facilities. Keep your belongings compact, since large bags and luggage are not allowed onboard.

The Alikies caves are the most unusual stop

The final beach area is home to the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can enter the cave area or relax on the beach, making this stop a little more exploratory than the others.

The caves give the cruise its most distinctive setting. Instead of simply stopping for a swim beside a famous bay, you get a chance to look into the rock formations and see a less familiar part of the east coast. The cave area is also a strong choice for photographs, especially if you like rough stone, bright water, and natural openings in the cliffs.

Pay attention to the time here. One passenger wanted longer at the final bay because it was especially scenic and had plenty of fish. With four stops packed into 150 minutes, you may find yourself wishing for more time at the place you like best.

That is the central compromise of the trip. You see more in a single outing, but you do not control the length of each stop. If Alikies is your priority, ask the captain how the timing will work at the start of the cruise.

Swimming, snorkeling, and safety equipment

The water activities are simple and self-directed. At each suitable stop, you can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or take photographs. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids, so you do not need to pack your own mask unless you prefer a familiar fit.

This setup works well for mixed groups. Confident swimmers can enter the water directly from the boat, while less confident swimmers can use a float or stay close to the vessel. One captain even helped a child build confidence before jumping in, which gives you a sense of the personal attention possible on a small craft.

That said, flotation gear does not replace water confidence or adult supervision. Children should be watched closely, and you should listen carefully to the captain’s instructions about where to swim. The boat is not described as wheelchair accessible, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Biodegradable sunscreen is requested. Apply it before boarding if possible, then reapply as needed while protecting the sea environment. A towel is not provided, so bring one.

Drinks, snacks, and the practical comforts onboard

The experience includes soft drinks and bottled cocktails. The description also includes drinks and snacks on the boat, making this more than a bare transport service. The exact drink selection may vary: one family reported receiving fizzy drinks and water rather than cocktails, while other passengers had a bottled cocktail each.

I would treat the drinks as a pleasant extra, not the main reason to book. If you need a particular beverage, have dietary needs, or want a full meal, check before departure and plan accordingly. Two and a half hours is short enough that most people will manage with the onboard refreshments, but this is not a lunch cruise.

The vessel has a restroom and Wi-Fi. Those are small details until you are several stops from the marina, especially with children. The open deck also gives you room to dry off, sit in the sun, and enjoy the ride between coves.

Do not bring luggage or large bags. A small day bag with swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a phone is the sensible approach. Some outings have included waterproof phone covers, but that is not listed as a standard inclusion, so do not count on one. A secure waterproof pouch is worth bringing if you want photographs from the water.

What the crew adds to the day

The captain is central to this experience. Michael and Lazaros are named as captains who combine driving with stories, swimming guidance, and informal conversation. Harry has also handled transfers, offering scenic photo stops on the way to and from the marina.

The best part of a small boat is the easy contact with the crew. You can ask about the bays, get help with a mask, or request a little assistance before entering the water. A child may get to sit near the controls or help feed fish, depending on the captain and the situation, but those extras should be seen as personal touches rather than guaranteed parts of the schedule.

The English-language service makes the cruise accessible to English speakers. Instructions are important because the boat is fast and the water stops are informal. A friendly guide can make the difference between feeling rushed and feeling well looked after.

Pickup is optional from central points near hotels in several resort areas, including Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. If you use the transfer, personalized pickup information is sent separately, so check your spam folder if the message does not appear.

The boat itself departs from the port, moored next to Stama restaurant. The activity returns to the same meeting point after roughly two and a half hours.

Is $48 a fair price?

At $48 per person, the value is strong if you want several swim stops without hiring a private boat. The price includes the boat ride, four water locations, soft drinks and bottled cocktails, snorkeling equipment, flotation aids, and the attention that comes with a group capped at eight.

A large cruise may cost less per person, but it will usually give you less space and less direct contact with the captain. A private boat will offer more control, but normally at a much higher total cost. This RIB sits in the useful middle: personal enough to feel special, but still priced for a couple or small family.

The price makes less sense if you do not plan to swim. The coast views are attractive, but the heart of the outing is getting into the water. You are paying for access to several coves, not for a long guided tour of Rhodes’ monuments.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure adds useful flexibility, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure that fits your day. Pickup may also change the practical value depending on where you are staying.

Who should book this Rhodes boat trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to couples, friends, and older children who want an active afternoon on the water. It is also a good choice for families with children who can manage a fast boat and open-water swimming, especially because floats and buoyancy aids are available.

You should book it if you want:

• Several scenic coves in one short outing
• Small-group service rather than a crowded party boat
• Snorkeling and swimming as the main activity
• A fast ride along Rhodes’ east coast
• A chance to see caves, cliffs, fish, and clear water
• Optional pickup from major resort areas

Think twice if you need a wheelchair-accessible activity, dislike fast boat rides, or want a leisurely day at one beach. You should also bring realistic expectations about the dolphins. The return trip offers a chance to watch for them, but sightings are not guaranteed.

Final verdict: a high-value coastal outing

This is a compact, well-priced way to see the east coast of Rhodes from a much better angle than the road. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and Alikies caves gives you variety, while the small group and helpful captains keep the outing personal.

I would book it for the water, the coves, and the chance to snorkel from a quick RIB. I would skip it only if you want a slow cruise, a full beach day, or a guaranteed cocktail menu. For couples and active families, it offers a lot in 150 minutes, with enough practical support to make the swimming easy to enjoy.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes RIB cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

What places does the boat visit?

The route includes swimming and sightseeing around Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area along Rhodes’ east coast.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. The available selection may vary, so do not assume every departure will offer the same drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels and masks are available, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids for extra support in the water.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

Go to the port and find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I get picked up from my hotel?

Optional pickup is available from a central point near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Personalized pickup details are sent separately.