Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

Lindos is the star here: a whitewashed village below an ancient Acropolis, reached by boat rather than a long road transfer. I like the combination of three free hours in Lindos and two short swims in clear bays. It gives you ruins, village streets, sea views, and a cool break in one day.

I also like the practical setup: hotel pickup may be arranged, the boat has a restroom and food for purchase, and the crew is often praised for being friendly and helpful. The tradeoff is time. The boat ride is slow, and a full boat can mean a scramble for good seats. Lindos is also hot, steep, and exposed.

Key points to know before booking

• Lindos is your main stop: You get about three hours to visit the Acropolis, eat, shop, or swim.
• Two 30-minute bay stops: Tsambika and Anthony Quinn Bay are used for swimming and snorkeling from the boat.
• The journey takes time: The full outing lasts about seven and a half hours, with roughly two hours or more at sea each way.
• A full boat is possible: Capacity is listed at up to 180 people, and seating can feel limited on busy departures.
• Bring your own goggles: Snorkeling equipment is not included, and onboard stock may not always be available.
• The price covers the boat and skipper: At $60.46 per person, it is useful for seeing Lindos and two bays without arranging separate transport.

Why this boat trip works for a Lindos day

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ most appealing day trips, but getting there by road can take time and leave you with little more than the village and Acropolis. This outing makes the journey part of the day. You travel along the coast, arrive at Lindos Harbor, then return by sea with swimming stops built into the schedule.

That combination is the real selling point. You are not simply paying for a boat transfer. You are getting a day with several different moods: open water on the way out, ancient stone and whitewashed lanes in Lindos, then warm water and rocky coves on the way back.

At $60.46, I consider the price fair if you want all three elements. It includes the skipper, the cruise, the swimming stops, and a restroom onboard. It does not include lunch, Acropolis admission, or snorkeling equipment, so your actual spending will be higher if you choose the archaeological site, eat out, or buy gear.

This is not the best choice if you want a fast ride. A quicker boat could leave you more energy and more time on land. Here, the long cruise is part of the experience, but some of your day will be spent sitting, sunbathing, listening to onboard music, or watching the coast pass.

Leaving Rhodes Harbor around 8:40

The scheduled departure is at about 8:40 am from Rhodes Harbor on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. If you choose a hotel pickup option, enter your hotel name in the special requirements field. The operator then provides the pickup time, and some pickups are quite early, around 7:30 to 7:45 am.

That early start matters. You may need to collect boat tickets at the port before boarding, and queues can form. I would arrive with enough time to deal with the meeting process without rushing. The listed meeting and ticket redemption point is Half Price Tours on Gallias 6 in Rhodes, but your selected pickup option may direct you elsewhere first.

The boat has open seating, and early arrival can help you find a more comfortable spot. The top deck and front areas are popular because they offer sun, air, and a better view. Those seats may not remain available once the boat fills.

The listed maximum is 180 people. That is a sizable group, not a small private cruise. On quieter days, the boat may feel easygoing. On a busy departure, chairs can seem to occupy every spare patch of deck, and finding a seat together may take some effort.

Bring sunscreen, a hat, water, and something to cover your shoulders. You will be outdoors for much of the day, and the sun becomes especially strong during the walk around Lindos.

The sea journey to Lindos Harbor

The outward ride takes about two hours and twenty minutes according to the schedule, with arrival at Lindos Harbor near 11:00 am. Some accounts describe a swim stop occurring before Lindos, while the standard plan places the two bay stops on the return. The practical advice is simple: wear or pack your swimwear from the start, not at the bottom of your luggage.

A long ride can be relaxing if you treat it as a coastal cruise. You can sit on the upper deck, lie on a sunbed where available, or buy a drink and snack from the onboard bar. The boat also has a restroom, a small but useful comfort on a full-day outing.

The downside is that the ride may feel uneventful if you prefer constant activity. There is not a formal guided program described for the cruise, and music may play onboard. If you are sensitive to noise, bring headphones. If you want the best possible view, stay flexible and move around when the boat is not crowded.

The crew is a strong part of the experience. Staff are described as friendly and willing to help, including assisting a passenger who felt unwell and finding a more comfortable place to sit. The operator also arranges return transfers for selected hotels, which removes some of the hassle at the end of a long day.

Three hours in Lindos: ruins, lanes, and the bay

The boat reaches Lindos Harbor around 11:00, giving you about three hours before the planned return at 2:00 pm. You need to be back at the boat by about 1:45. Keep that deadline in mind from the moment you walk ashore.

Lindos is compact but steep. The village sits below the Acropolis of Lindos, and reaching the entrance means walking uphill through narrow, cobbled lanes lined with small shops and cafes. The climb can be tiring in summer heat, especially after a sea journey and before the later swim stops.

The Acropolis is the main sight. Admission is not included, and the cost has been reported as about €12 per person. You may face a ticket queue at the entrance, so an online ticket can save time if timed entry is available for your visit. Be careful with timing: if the boat schedule changes or a swim stop happens earlier than expected, a timed ticket could become awkward. You need to allow time to climb up, visit, and return to the harbor.

Wear trainers or other sensible shoes. Sandals may be fine for the beach, but the steep streets and stone surfaces are less forgiving. Carry only what you need, since you will be walking uphill in heat and then returning to the boat.

The reward is the view from the Acropolis and the chance to see Lindos from above. You can look back toward the village, harbor, and pale coastline, then descend for a cold drink or lunch. If the climb does not appeal, you can stay lower in the village, eat at a restaurant, or spend time by the bay instead.

This flexibility makes the three-hour stop useful. You can fit in the Acropolis and lunch, but only with a reasonably brisk plan. If you want a slow meal, shopping, beach time, and a full archaeological visit, the clock will feel tight.

Lunch is your responsibility. Lindos has restaurants, cafes, and places to buy drinks, while the boat sells snacks and refreshments for the ride. A practical plan is to visit the Acropolis early, then eat or stop for a drink before returning to the harbor. Do not leave the boat return until the last minute, since the walk from the upper village takes longer than it first appears.

Tsambika Bay and the first 30-minute swim

The return journey includes about 30 minutes at Tsambika Bay for swimming and snorkeling. The boat stops offshore, so you enter the water directly from the boat rather than walking onto a beach.

Tsambika is known for clear water and a pleasant setting, and it gives you a welcome cooldown after Lindos. Thirty minutes is enough for a swim and a little floating, but not enough for a leisurely beach session. You will need to be ready when the crew announces the departure.

Snorkeling gear is not listed as included. Bring your own goggles if you have them. The boat may sell equipment, but availability is not guaranteed, and buying gear for a short stop can be poor value if the seabed is not especially interesting that day.

Swimming conditions and visibility can change with weather and sea conditions. Some people may find the underwater sights modest rather than spectacular. Think of the stop primarily as a refreshing swim with a beautiful setting, and treat snorkeling as an extra rather than the main reason to book.

Use the stop sensibly. Apply sunscreen before boarding, keep a towel and dry clothes within reach, and do not assume you will have time to change in comfort after everyone returns to the boat.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the best water stop

The final stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, named for the actor and famously used as a setting for The Guns of Navarone. Its rocky sides and enclosed shape make it one of the most striking places on the route.

You get about 30 minutes in the water here. The bay is especially attractive from the boat, with clear water, rocky edges, and fish visible below the surface. Among the two swimming stops, this is the one most likely to make you glad you packed goggles.

Still, keep your expectations measured. You are not visiting a full beach for several hours. The boat pauses for a short swim, and the bay can feel busy when several boats are present. The stop is about the view and a quick swim, not quiet solitude.

For many people, the order of the day works well: Lindos provides the sightseeing, then the bays provide relief from the heat. You return to Rhodes around 5:30 pm, often tired, sun-warmed, and ready for a proper meal.

Boat comfort, food, and the crowded-seat question

The boat offers a bar with snacks and drinks, and the food selection is considered reasonably priced for a captive onboard audience. You can buy something during the long cruise, but lunch in Lindos gives you more choice and a chance to sit on land.

Seating is the main comfort issue. The boat is large, yet a capacity of up to 180 people means it can fill quickly. Some departures have plenty of room, while others feel crowded, with chairs arranged closely across the deck. Arriving early helps, especially if you want a top-deck sunbed or seats together.

The boat has a restroom, which is important on a trip lasting roughly seven and a half hours. Hotel transfers can also add value, particularly after a hot day and two hours at sea. Transport quality may vary by vehicle, so if your selected pickup includes a coach or minibus, check the arrangements when you receive the pickup details.

The crew receives consistent praise for being warm and helpful. That does not change the basic nature of the trip: this is a large-group excursion, not a quiet sailing tour with personal attention for every passenger.

Who should book this Rhodes excursion?

I would choose this trip if you want to see Lindos without organizing a separate transfer and you like the idea of adding two swims. It suits first-time visitors who want a broad taste of the east coast in a single day.

It also works well for people who enjoy a relaxed boat ride and do not mind spending several hours at sea. Families and mixed groups may appreciate the choice between the Acropolis, lunch, shopping, and the beach during the Lindos stop.

You should think twice if you dislike crowds, get bored on long boat rides, or want serious snorkeling. The water stops are short, and equipment is not included. You should also be comfortable with steep walking if the Acropolis is your priority.

Hot weather changes the calculation. Lindos can be punishing around midday, with little shade on the climb and at the archaeological site. Bring water, use sun protection, and consider visiting the Acropolis before spending time in the lower village.

The experience is offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking, service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The activity depends on good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Lindos boat trip?

Book it if you want a good-value full-day mix of Lindos and swimming, and you are happy to trade speed and privacy for a straightforward group outing. The two bays add real appeal, especially Anthony Quinn Bay, and the included skipper, restroom, and possible hotel pickup make the day simple to arrange.

Skip it if your dream Lindos visit means a quiet morning, a long meal, or an unrushed Acropolis visit. In that case, a faster boat or independent road trip may suit you better.

For the best day, arrive early, bring goggles, wear proper shoes, pack swimwear and sunscreen, and plan the Acropolis visit around the fixed boat departure. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund if your plans change. This is a practical Rhodes day out, not a private escape, but it covers a lot of ground and water for the price.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Lindos last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes. The scheduled return to Rhodes Harbor is around 5:30 pm.

On which days does the boat depart?

Departures are scheduled every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at about 8:40 am from the harbor.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours in Lindos. The boat arrives near 11:00 am, leaves around 2:00 pm, and you should return onboard by about 1:45 pm.

Is entry to the Acropolis of Lindos included?

No. Admission to the Acropolis is not included. You pay separately at the site, and timed online tickets may be available.

Are swimming and snorkeling equipment included?

Swimming stops are included, but snorkeling equipment is not listed as included. You can bring your own goggles. Equipment may be available for purchase onboard, subject to stock.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have free time in Lindos to buy lunch, and the boat bar sells snacks and drinks.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered for selected hotels. Choose the appropriate pickup variation when booking and enter your hotel name in the special requirements field so the operator can provide the pickup time.