Sailing tour around Lindos with food and drinks

Lindos is best seen from the water, and this small-group sailing trip gives you more than a ride along the coast. You can help raise the mainsail and jib, steer under Georgios’s guidance, swim at Red Sand and cave-lined coves, and finish with views of Lindos from offshore. I especially like the hands-on sailing and the fact that lunch, fruit, snorkeling gear, and drinks are included.

The boat holds up to 13 people, though numbers are usually kept closer to 10. That makes this feel more personal than a large day boat. I also like the generous swim deck and bed-like cushions. The main consideration is that the schedule changes with the wind and sea, and last-minute bookings made less than 12 hours ahead may not include lunch.

Key things to know before you book

• Steer the yacht yourself: Georgios may let you take the helm and help trim or raise the sails, depending on conditions and your interest.
• Several swim stops: Red Sand, Agathi, Lindos Bay, St. Paul’s Bay, Navarone Bay, and sea caves may be included, with at least two swim stops planned.
• Food and drinks included: Expect Greek lunch, salad, fruit, water, and the alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks included with your booking option.
• Small boat, limited capacity: The yacht carries a maximum of 13 passengers, but the usual group is around 10.
• Weather shapes the day: The skipper may change swim stops, use the engine, or shorten the sailing portions if the wind is weak.
• Bring a towel: Hotel pickup is not included unless arranged separately for an additional charge.

A personal day on the water near Lindos

This is not simply a boat shuttle between beaches. It is a relaxed sailing day built around three things: time under sail, time in the water, and time eating on board.

Skipper Georgios handles the boat and shares practical sailing tips as he goes. If you want to participate, you may help with the sails or steer for a while. If you prefer to sit back, the yacht has wide cushions and a large swim platform at the stern, so you can enjoy the ride without being expected to become a sailor.

That flexibility matters. Some people book a sailing trip for the mechanics of the boat. Others want a quiet day with swimming, sun, food, and a glass of prosecco. This trip makes room for both.

The standard daytime plan leaves the big jetty near Pallas Beach at 10 a.m. and returns around 3:30 p.m., though the exact length depends on the package you choose. Other options include a shorter sailing-only outing, a three-cave route, a longer 9 a.m. plan, and a late afternoon departure.

Boarding at the Lindos jetty

The meeting point is the big jetty near Pallas Beach, at the Gin Tonic Lindos sailing base. You should arrive ready to board and free of excess sand. Sand on a boat quickly gets into cushions, walking areas, and the cabin, so the request is practical rather than fussy.

Passenger names and passport or ID numbers are required under local safety rules. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the standard price, though transport may be arranged for an extra fee depending on where you are staying.

The yacht is a useful middle ground. It is larger and more comfortable than a small open boat, but it is not a floating party platform with dozens of passengers. The maximum is 13, with the usual group closer to 10. That gives you a better chance to talk with the skipper, find a good place on deck, and get a turn at the helm.

Sailing with the mainsail and jib

The most distinctive part of the day is the sailing itself. The crew can raise the mainsail and jib after leaving the jetty, then use the wind to move along the coast. When the sea is calm and the breeze is right, the boat becomes remarkably quiet. You hear the water and the sails instead of a constantly running engine.

You can sit on the swim platform with your feet near the water, stretch out on the cushions, or watch the skipper work. Georgios is willing to explain what he is doing and let interested passengers take part. Some guests have received a short steering lesson, while others have simply enjoyed being shown how the sails are handled.

The phrase sailing only needs a little explanation. The engine may still be used while anchoring, while looking for a suitable wind, or when there is not enough wind to make reasonable progress. That is normal seamanship. The trip is not promising a full day without any engine noise, but the skipper makes a real effort to use the sails when conditions permit.

If you want the strongest sailing focus, choose the package described as sailing only. If swimming and sightseeing matter more, choose an itinerary with several planned stops.

Red Sand Beach and the first swim

On the standard 10 a.m. route, the first stop is Red Sand, reached after roughly 80 minutes on the yacht. You have about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

The stop gives you an early chance to settle into the rhythm of the day. Put on the supplied snorkel gear, use one of the noodle floats, and get comfortable in the water before lunch. The clear sea and dramatic shore views are a strong reason to choose a boat trip instead of trying to visit every cove from land.

There is one practical point to remember: swim stops depend on wind, waves, and anchoring conditions. Red Sand may be replaced or the order may change. The skipper plans the stops on the day and promises at least two swimming opportunities, not a fixed list under every weather condition.

Agathi caves and underwater time

After about 20 minutes of sailing, the boat reaches the Agathi area for another 40-minute swim and snorkel stop. The caves are the draw here. You may be able to swim near or through the openings, depending on the sea and the skipper’s judgment.

This stop is a good example of why the trip offers more than a scenic cruise. You are not only looking at the Rhodes coast from the deck. You get time to enter the water, examine the coves, and use the equipment on board at your own pace.

The available snorkel gear and floats are included. A waterproof camera is also listed as part of the equipment. If any gear is faulty, return it to the skipper for a replacement rather than leaving it on deck. You should return everything to the storage basket when finished.

Greek lunch, fruit, and drinks on board

Lunch is served after the morning swim stops. The included food is described as a Greek lunch with salad and fruit. Previous menus have included a filling dish such as pastitsio alongside Greek salad, with fresh fruit available during the day.

That is welcome after several swims. You are not buying a basic excursion and then paying extra for every drink or snack. Water is free, and the booking option includes alcoholic or nonalcoholic drinks such as prosecco, beer, wine, soda, and bottled water. Depending on the option booked, drinks are limited to four per person or are unlimited.

Read that drink condition carefully before paying. The advertised package is not identical for every option. If you book close to departure, less than 12 hours ahead, lunch may not be available. That is the one food-related warning I would take seriously.

The meal is also part of the social side of the trip. A long lunch break gives you a chance to sit in the shade or on the cushions, talk with the other passengers, and enjoy the coast without rushing straight from one swim into the next.

Lindos Bay from the sea

After lunch, the standard route spends about 80 minutes sailing toward Lindos. The next scheduled stop is Lindos Bay, with another 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Seeing Lindos from the sea changes your sense of the town. From shore, the white buildings and acropolis dominate the view. From the yacht, you see the curve of the bay, the cliffs, and the settlement gathered above the water. The boat gives you a wider angle and a calmer pace than a walk through the busy streets.

The planned timetable includes a final 15-minute sail around Lindos Bay before returning to the jetty. That portion is especially good for photos, since you can focus on the coastline instead of preparing to jump into the water.

Keep your expectations flexible. The 10 a.m. schedule is weather dependent, and the actual order of the stops may change. A day with a strong wind may offer better sailing but require different anchoring points. A light-wind day may mean more engine time.

Other routes: caves, bays, and sunset light

The sailing company offers several route patterns, so you should check the exact option rather than assuming every trip follows the standard itinerary.

The three-cave plan visits Agathi caves, Stegna caves, and Lindos caves, with swimming stops of roughly 30 to 40 minutes. It includes lunch and a final sail around Lindos Bay. This route suits you if exploring sea caves is your main goal.

The 9 a.m. itinerary can include Stegna Caves, Red Sand, Agathi Caves, Haraki, and Navarone Bay, or the Blue Lagoon and St. Paul’s Bay. Since this is a longer route, it may be the better choice if you want to cover more coastline in one day.

The 4 p.m. departure is built around late-day swimming. It leaves Lindos at 4 p.m., stops at Navarone Bay from about 4:30 to 5:15, sails toward St. Paul’s Bay, then allows about an hour for swimming and snorkeling before returning. This is the option to consider if you prefer a shorter afternoon on the water and later light around Lindos.

There is also a sailing-only option. The sails go up soon after leaving the jetty, and the skipper uses the wind as much as possible. Swim stops are not the focus of that package, though the skipper may schedule stops based on the conditions.

What is included for $76

At $76 per person, the price is strong for a small-group sailing day because several costly extras are already folded in. You get the skipper, fuel, insurance, lunch, fruit, drinks, snorkeling equipment, floats, and a waterproof camera.

The value improves if you plan to swim several times and would otherwise rent gear or buy lunch and drinks separately. The boat’s size also matters. You are paying for a more personal outing rather than the cheapest possible seat on a large excursion boat.

Some optional equipment costs extra. A stand-up paddleboard is listed at 30 euros per day, a seascooter at 70 euros per battery cycle, and fishing rods at 30 euros per day. None is needed for the basic trip, but these charges can change the total if you want more activities.

I would compare the total package, not just the headline price. Check whether your selected drink option allows four drinks per person or unlimited drinks, and confirm the duration. The experience can run from 3 to 8 hours depending on the itinerary.

The small details that make the boat comfortable

The yacht has bed-like cushions and a large swim deck at the back. Those features are not decoration. A day on the sea includes long periods between stops, and comfortable seating makes the sailing legs far more pleasant.

The boat must remain tidy. Keep the pathways clear, return snorkel gear to its basket, and do not leave loose equipment on the swim platform. During mooring, the aft area must remain unobstructed so the skipper can work safely.

The boat includes a toilet, or head, but you need to use the bin for waste and flush before returning to the deck. Careless use can cause damage and may result in a charge. Smoking damage to cushions and blocked plumbing are specifically treated as passenger responsibility.

You also need to follow the basic sea rules. Do not jump in while the boat is moving with the engine on, and do not throw litter into the sea. These rules are easy to follow and help keep the trip safe for everyone.

Who will enjoy this Lindos sailing trip most

I would choose this outing for couples, families, and friends who want a relaxed day with some participation but no pressure to perform. It works particularly well for people who like the idea of learning a little sailing, then spending the next hour floating in a cove with a cold drink.

It is also a good alternative to a large group cruise. The usual group size of around 10 leaves room for conversation and makes it more likely that you can get a turn steering. Georgios has welcomed passengers into the sailing process while still handling the boat himself.

Strong swimmers and snorkelers will get the most from the stops, but you do not need to be an expert. Floats are provided, and the skipper decides where to stop based on the conditions.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or people over 80. Anyone with limited mobility should also consider that boarding a yacht and using a swim platform can be physically demanding, even though a formal mobility restriction is only specified for wheelchair users.

Timing, weather, and what to pack

Bring a towel. You should also arrive prepared to spend several hours exposed to sun, wind, and salt water, though the supplied information specifically requires only a towel.

The departure times are not interchangeable. The standard route begins at 10 a.m., the late option at 4 p.m., and the longer itinerary at 9 a.m. Some packages last only about three hours, while others run much longer. Confirm the start time and route before booking.

Weather has the final word. Swim stops may be moved, the skipper may use the engine while searching for wind, and the route can change. If you need a rigid schedule, this is not the right kind of activity. If you can accept a flexible day at sea, that flexibility is part of what makes sailing possible.

The activity has free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful when your Rhodes plans are still shifting.

Is this sailing tour worth booking?

Yes, if you want a small-group day that combines real sailing, swimming, Greek food, and drinks for about $76. The strongest reasons to book are the chance to steer, the quiet stretches under sail, the comfortable swim deck, and Georgios’s personal approach to teaching and hosting.

I would skip it if you want a fixed sightseeing route, guaranteed engine-free sailing, or a fully accessible boat. I would also check the exact package carefully if lunch and drink limits matter to you.

For most visitors staying near Lindos, this is a smart use of a half or full day. Choose the 10 a.m. plan for the classic mix of sailing and swim stops, the cave route if underwater scenery matters most, or the 4 p.m. option for a shorter outing with St. Paul’s Bay and late-day views.

FAQ

Where does the sailing tour begin?

The meeting point is the big jetty near Pallas Beach, at Gin Tonic Lindos.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $76 per person. The final package details can vary depending on the route, duration, and included drink option.

How long does the activity last?

Available packages range from 3 to 8 hours. The standard 10 a.m. itinerary returns around 3:30 p.m., while other options have different durations.

Who is the skipper?

The skipper is Georgios, who handles the yacht and can provide sailing instruction and allow passengers to steer when conditions permit.

Can I steer the yacht?

Yes. You may be invited to steer and help with the sails under the skipper’s guidance.

What food is included?

The package includes a Greek lunch, salad, and fruit. Last-minute bookings made less than 12 hours before departure may not include lunch.

What drinks are provided?

Included drinks can include prosecco, beer, wine, soda, and bottled water. Depending on the selected option, alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks are limited to four per person or available without that limit. Water is free.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear, noodle-type floats, and a waterproof camera are included.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price. Transport may be available for an additional charge depending on your location.

Can the route change?

Yes. The routes and swim stops depend on weather, wind, and sea conditions. The skipper will schedule the stops on the day and allow at least two swim stops.