Sun & Sea 6 Hour All Inclusive Swimming Cruise with Greek BBQ & Unlimited Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is simple: you spend a full day moving between beautiful swimming spots instead of trying to reach them by road. The catamaran leaves Mandraki Marina at 10 a.m., serves food and drinks throughout the trip, and gives you three chances to jump into clear Mediterranean water.

I especially like the generous food schedule, from morning donuts and coffee to hot dogs, Greek barbecue, and waffles on the way home. I also like the crew’s friendly approach. Thanos, Vamos, and the rest of the team are often praised for keeping an eye on swimmers and helping nervous swimmers get into the water. The main caution is the seating: the upper-deck bean bags cost extra, and the lower deck can feel less relaxing, while the sunny top deck can become very hot.

Key points to know before booking

• Three substantial swim stops: Visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach, with roughly an hour allocated to each stop.
• Food arrives all day: Expect coffee and sweet donuts, a hot dog snack, Greek souvlakia with salad and tzatziki, then waffles with chocolate sauce.
• Unlimited drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and iced frappes are available during the cruise.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided: You can use masks, snorkels, noodles, and life vests without packing your own gear.
• Upper-deck seating changes the experience: Bean bags provide a more comfortable place to sunbathe or rest, while standard seating uses tables and benches.
• This is a social boat day: Music plays throughout the trip, and the atmosphere is lively rather than quiet.

Six hours from Mandraki Marina to Rhodes’ best bays

At $78.60 per person, this is not merely a boat ride to one beach. Your fare covers about six hours on the water, three swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, several food services, and unlimited drinks.

That makes the price fairly strong for a full day out, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, beach transport, drinks, and equipment. The value is best for people who plan to swim often and make use of the food and bar. If you mainly want a quiet scenic cruise, you may find cheaper and calmer ways to spend six hours in Rhodes.

The boat departs from Rhodes Sea Lines at Pl. Eleftherias, near Mandraki Marina, and returns to the same meeting point. This is useful if you are staying in Rhodes Town or arriving on a cruise ship. Some people have walked from the cruise dock in about 15 minutes, but you should still allow extra time because the pier has several booths and the correct reception desk may not be obvious.

The advertised group limit is 75 people. That is large enough for a sociable atmosphere, but small enough to avoid the feeling of a giant ferry. Arrive early if you care about seating, particularly if you have reserved an upper-deck bean bag.

Morning treats before the first swim

Once underway, the boat gets into holiday mode quickly. Breakfast includes sweet donuts and coffee, followed later by a hot dog service. This is a practical touch, since the first swim stop may come before lunchtime and you will probably work up an appetite in the sun.

The crew keeps food and drinks moving through the day rather than treating lunch as the only meal. Beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and iced frappes are included. The bar selection is generous in quantity, but keep your expectations sensible. The drinks are casual boat-bar choices, not a cocktail lounge menu. Canned beer, cask wine, juice-based cocktails, and soft drinks are part of the setup.

The steady refreshments are one reason the price works well for many people. You can settle in without watching every order or carrying a cooler aboard. If you do not drink alcohol, the iced frappes and soft drinks give you alternatives.

Music plays throughout the trip. This adds energy and helps create a party-like mood, but it also means the cruise is not designed for silence, reading, or a peaceful sail. Some music may include explicit lyrics, so families and people seeking a quiet day should take note.

Anthony Quinn Bay and its movie connection

Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the headline stops, and it is easy to understand why. The small bay has striking rocky edges and clear water that looks especially good from the catamaran.

The bay takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who appeared in The Guns of Navarone and Zorba the Greek. Some scenes from The Guns of Navarone were filmed here, giving the stop a bit of film history along with its swimming appeal.

You have about an hour here. That is enough time for a proper swim, a little snorkeling, and some time on deck, but it is not a long beach visit. The boat stops in the water, so the main activity is swimming from the vessel rather than wandering ashore.

The water can be clear enough to spot fish, especially if you bring or use a mask. The provided snorkel equipment is convenient, though you may prefer your own full-face snorkel if you already use one. Noodles and life vests are also available, which matters if you are not a confident swimmer.

Anthony Quinn Bay can be the most scenic stop of the day, but it may also be the busiest-feeling one because it is so well known. You will get the best value from it by swimming early in the stop, then returning to the boat before the sun becomes tiring.

Kallithea Springs, a quieter bay stop

Kallithea Springs offers a second chance to swim in a beautiful coastal setting. It is described as similar to Anthony Quinn Bay but quieter, which makes it a useful contrast rather than just another repeat stop.

The name can cause some confusion. The cruise visits the bay area associated with Kallithea Springs, but the six-hour schedule is centered on swimming and cruising, not on a guided visit through the springs’ buildings or grounds. Do not book this expecting an inland cultural tour.

You can expect about an hour in the area. Use that time to swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. If Anthony Quinn Bay feels crowded or dramatic, Kallithea may feel more relaxed.

The boat may adjust the running order. The route information lists Anthony Quinn Bay first, followed by Kallithea Springs, while onboard descriptions have placed Kallithea first on some departures. The important point is that all three swimming areas are part of the day, even if the sequence changes.

Traganou Beach and the 30-metre sea caves

Traganou Beach brings the most unusual swimming setting. Here, you can swim into sea caves said to reach about 30 metres, with a tiny beach at the far end.

This stop is more active than simply floating beside the boat. The caves give you something to explore, and the small beach creates a memorable target for your swim. You will need to be comfortable in open water, though noodles and life vests can help.

The water around this part of the coast is also well suited to snorkeling when visibility is good. Do not expect a formal underwater tour or a marine guide. You are using the equipment independently, with the crew focused on general safety.

Some route descriptions refer to the third stop as Faliraki Bay, while the published stop is Traganou Beach. The exact stop name may depend on the day’s route and local conditions. Ask the crew at the start if the cave swim is a priority for you.

Greek barbecue and snacks from bow to stern

Lunch is the heart of the food service. The Greek barbecue includes meat skewers, known as souvlakia, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread. It is straightforward, filling boat food, and the chicken skewers and fresh salad are particularly useful after a morning of swimming.

The timing can vary with the route, but you will not be left waiting all afternoon. Donuts and coffee begin the day, hot dogs provide another snack, and waffles with chocolate sauce appear on the way back. This is closer to a full day of grazing than a single set lunch.

The food is included, but dietary information is limited. If you have allergies or strict dietary needs, contact Rhodes Sea Lines before booking rather than assuming substitutions will be available.

The spread also makes this cruise a good choice for birthdays, friend groups, and families with older children who tend to get hungry between swims. One birthday group even received a song from the crew, showing how personal the atmosphere can become when the boat is in a celebratory mood.

Choosing between the bean bags and standard seating

The upper deck is the cruise’s biggest comfort upgrade. The bean bags let you stretch out, with a choice between sun and some shade. People who reserved them found the space much more comfortable than the lower deck’s tables and wooden benches.

I would pay extra for the upper deck if you plan to spend much of the day lying down, taking photographs, or watching the coast between stops. It can change the feel from a basic group excursion to a more relaxed day at sea.

There are two cautions. First, upper-deck space may be limited, so do not assume a standard ticket guarantees a shaded spot. Second, the top deck gets extremely hot. Bring sun protection, drink water, and use the lower deck when you need a break.

Standard seating is perfectly workable for meals and conversation, but it is less appealing if you expect to lounge comfortably for six hours. A few people found the lower area dull compared with the bean-bag section. If comfort matters, check the seating option carefully when booking.

Safety, swimming ability, and motion sickness

The crew takes water safety seriously. They give instructions, watch swimmers near boats and obstacles, and check on people who appear uncertain. Vamos is specifically remembered for encouraging a nervous swimmer and checking back several times while that person was in the sea.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer, but you should be honest about your ability. The stops take place in open water, not in a shallow hotel pool. Life vests and noodles can make a major difference, and crew members are available to help.

Jumping from the boat is part of the fun for many people, particularly from the top deck, but it is optional. You can enter the water in a way that feels comfortable or remain aboard.

The boat’s movement between bays may trouble people prone to seasickness. Take your usual precautions before departure and choose a lower, more stable area when you need a rest. The hot sun, alcohol, and motion can combine badly, so pace yourself even with unlimited drinks.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a ready-made beach day with transport, lunch, drinks, and equipment handled in one booking. It suits couples, friend groups, solo people who enjoy a social setting, and families whose children are comfortable around open water.

It is also a good match for cruise ship passengers. The start and end point are in Rhodes Town, and the six-hour schedule leaves you with a chance to walk around after returning, provided your ship’s departure time allows enough margin.

You may want a different outing if your priority is quiet sailing, a long stay on a beach, or detailed sightseeing on land. The music is continuous, the boat can feel warm, and three swim stops mean much of your day is spent in or around the water.

The maximum group size of 75 makes this a shared experience, not a private charter. The upside is the friendly atmosphere. The tradeoff is less control over music, seating, and the pace of each stop.

Meeting point, cancellation, and useful planning tips

The meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines at Pl. Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00. The activity starts at 10 a.m. and ends back there. If you need a hotel transfer, check whether you selected that option. If not, the operator says you can arrange a transfer by messaging through WhatsApp.

Allow time to find the correct desk at the pier. There are several booths, and the check-in point may not be immediately clear. This is one area where a little preparation pays off.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a dry bag for valuables. Your own snorkel mask may be worthwhile if you prefer a familiar fit, though equipment is supplied.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refundable. The cruise depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of people. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Sun & Sea cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social day with three clear-water swim stops, plenty of food, and a bar included in the price. The friendly crew, useful safety support, Greek barbecue, and regular snacks give this outing more substance than a basic sightseeing sail.

I would strongly consider the upper-deck bean bag option if you dislike wooden benches or expect to spend long periods relaxing on board. Just remember that the top deck needs shade breaks and plenty of water.

Skip it if loud music, open-water swimming, or a group boat atmosphere will wear you down. For everyone else, $78.60 buys a busy but generous six hours around Rhodes, with enough swimming and food to make the day feel like a proper holiday.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Rhodes Sea Lines at Pl. Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece, near Mandraki Marina.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10 a.m.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Which bays and beaches does the cruise visit?

The published route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach. Some route descriptions refer to the third swimming area as Faliraki Bay.

How long do you spend at each swimming stop?

The itinerary allows about one hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, one hour at Kallithea Springs, and one hour at Traganou Beach.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with noodles and life vests.

What food is included?

The food includes sweet donuts and coffee, a hot dog service, Greek barbecue with meat skewers, Greek salad, tzatziki and bread, plus waffles with chocolate sauce.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, and iced frappes are included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable.