Rhodes: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is simple: you spend a full day moving between beautiful bays instead of choosing just one. The catamaran anchors offshore, and you swim straight into clear water filled with small fish. It is a relaxed way to see the island from the sea, with lunch and drinks already covered.

I especially like the small maximum group of 24 passengers, which gives you more room than a packed excursion boat. I also like the generous swim stops, usually around an hour each, plus the ready supply of snorkels, pool noodles, and life jackets. The main catch is that you need to swim from the boat to reach the shore, so this is not a good fit if you have limited mobility or dislike open-water swimming.

The choice between sailing and power catamaran matters. The sailing boat visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs, while the power boat can add Afandou Beach and its caves. The crew, including Andreas and Hope on some departures, is attentive and practical, but the captain may change the route if the sea or weather turns rough.

Key points to know before booking

• Three or four long swim stops: Plan on about an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea Springs, with the power catamaran adding Afandou caves.
• Swim from the boat: The catamaran anchors in each bay, so shore access is by swimming rather than a gangway.
• Lunch is a real buffet: Expect grilled chicken, salads, hummus, tzatziki, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh bread.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water are available throughout, with unlimited beer and wine from noon.
• Comfortable but not spotless everywhere: The boats are generally clean and spacious, though the toilet area has drawn occasional criticism.
• Arrive early at Mandraki Harbor: Departure is at 10:00 AM, and missing the boat can mean a €25 rebooking fee per ticket.

A full day on Rhodes’ east coast

This is a six-hour outing from Mandraki Harbor, Rhodes Town’s main harbor area. You meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk, then board one of the available sailing or power catamarans.

The first part of the trip is a coastal cruise of roughly 70 minutes. That gives you time to settle in, claim a good seat, and watch Rhodes recede behind you. If you want a prime spot, arrive early. One useful tip from the boat experience is to look for a place on the upper deck or near the front, though the best position depends on sun, wind, and how much movement you prefer.

The boats are designed for comfort rather than speed. You get outdoor seating, an outdoor shower, indoor toilets, and room to move around. The maximum group size is 24 passengers plus crew, and that limit matters. A catamaran has wide decks, but too many people can still make swim ladders and shaded seats feel crowded.

The crew helps with the practical side of the day. Andreas is often praised for being friendly and helpful, while Hope has been singled out for her warm hospitality. Dimitri has also been noted for handing out drinks and offering to take photographs. The exact crew can vary, but the general setup is service-focused without feeling formal.

Choosing sailing or power catamaran

You have three catamaran options when booking, and the differences are worth checking carefully. The sailing catamaran follows a three-stop plan: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

The power catamaran follows a longer four-stop route that includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and caves, Kallithea Springs, and Ladiko Bay. The power boat is the better choice if Afandou’s caves are high on your list. It also lets you cover more of the coast in the same six-hour period.

A sailing catamaran gives you a calmer, slower feel when conditions allow. You may appreciate the quiet movement and the extra sense of being on the water rather than simply being transported along it. The power catamaran covers more ground, but the boat choice does not remove the main weather factor. The captain can alter the route or swimming stops for safety.

The advertised stop order can also shift. The detailed schedule places lunch around Afandou and Ladiko, but the crew may serve the buffet at a practical point in the day depending on timing and conditions. Treat the route as a strong outline, not a fixed promise.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the first swim

After the coastal cruise, the first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, with about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. This is one of the most scenic bays on the east coast, with rocky edges and clear water that makes it especially rewarding from the boat.

You do not step onto a beach here. The catamaran drops anchor, and you use the swim access to enter the water. If open-water swimming is new to you, take your time. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, and the crew can help you get comfortable before you move away from the boat.

The snorkeling is easy and casual rather than a formal guided activity. The crew may scatter bread into the water, attracting colorful fish close to swimmers. That makes the first stop especially good for children and first-time snorkelers, since you can see fish without needing to swim far.

Bring your own mask if you have one you prefer, but equipment is supplied. The provided gear is useful for a spontaneous swim, and pool noodles give nervous swimmers another option. You will also want sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a towel. The Greek sun is strong even when the breeze makes the deck feel cool.

Afandou Beach and caves on the power route

Afandou is the extra stop associated with the power catamaran. The plan includes time around Afandou Beach and its caves, along with swimming, snorkeling, and lunch.

The caves add a different feel to the day. Anthony Quinn Bay is known for its clear swimming water and fish, while Afandou gives you a chance to see a more unusual rocky setting from the sea. The boat route may take you near the caves rather than onto a beach, so do not expect a long shore visit.

This is also one of the places where the power option earns its higher appeal. If you want the widest mix of bays and coastal sights, four stops provide more variety. The tradeoff is a busier schedule, with more cruising between anchorages and slightly less time for lingering at any one location if conditions or timing change.

The power catamaran itinerary includes lunch at Afandou in the supplied schedule, though the meal timing may be adjusted by the crew. The menu is practical for a day at sea, with cold salads and filling chicken rather than a restaurant-style plated meal.

Ladiko Bay and a generous lunch break

Ladiko Bay is another swimming and snorkeling stop, normally with about an hour in the water. It is described as quieter than some of the better-known Rhodes bays, and its clear water gives you another good chance to use the snorkeling gear.

One advantage of having three long swim stops is that you never need to rush into the water. You can swim for a while, climb back aboard, dry off, take photographs, or simply sit in the sun. If you are traveling with children, that flexibility helps. Some children will spend the full hour in the water, while others will prefer the noodles, the deck, or a short swim followed by a snack.

Lunch is a Mediterranean buffet, served on board. The spread includes:

• Grilled chicken
• Pasta salad and potato salad
• Greek salad and green salad
• Tzatziki, hummus, and aubergine salad
• Olives and feta
• Fresh local bread

There is also a breakfast tortilla snack early in the outing, followed by a cup of fresh seasonal fruit later. The food is not the reason to book a boat cruise, but it is better than a token sandwich and substantial enough to keep you going through a long afternoon in the sun.

The menu leans toward chicken and vegetarian sides. If you prefer fish, this may feel limited, and dietary needs should be raised with the crew as early as possible. One useful detail is that the chef has accommodated special dietary requests when notified.

Kallithea Springs: the final swim

The last major stop is Kallithea Springs, with roughly 45 to 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water here is another highlight, but the setting feels different from the earlier rocky coves.

Kallithea is known for its attractive coastal setting and sheltered swimming areas. From the catamaran, you can swim toward the lagoon area if conditions and access allow, or stay near the boat with the snorkeling equipment. Families often find this stop manageable because swimmers can choose between a full swim and a short dip.

By this point, lunch has been served and the day has settled into an easy rhythm. You can swim, rinse off under the outdoor shower, and return to the deck without worrying about finding a changing room. The indoor toilet is useful, but keep expectations modest. It is functional, and some passengers have found the toilet area less clean than the rest of the boat.

After Kallithea, the catamaran makes the return journey to Mandraki Harbor. The schedule allows another period of sightseeing on the way back. Drinks remain available until near the end, so you can enjoy a cold beer, wine, soft drink, or water while the coast passes by.

Food and drinks: what all-inclusive means here

The all-inclusive part is one of the strongest practical features. You receive unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water, with unlimited beer and wine from 12:00 PM. That removes the usual worry about carrying enough drinks for six hours in the sun.

The selection is suited to a warm day at sea. Cold beer and Greek wine fit the setting, while soft drinks and water make the package workable for children and anyone avoiding alcohol. The crew can stop serving alcohol if someone appears intoxicated, a sensible rule on a moving boat with swimming stops.

The buffet is simple, fresh, and filling. I would rate it as a good lunch for an excursion rather than a destination meal. The salads, dips, feta, olives, and bread give you plenty of choice, and the grilled chicken provides something substantial. Fresh fruit is a welcome lighter finish.

The value improves if you would otherwise buy lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment separately. At $83 per person, you are paying for six hours on the water, three or four anchorages, food, drinks, equipment, and crew service. That is a fair package for a full day, especially if you plan to make use of the wine and beer. It is less compelling if you do not drink, dislike swimming, or mainly want a short sightseeing cruise.

How crowded and comfortable is the boat?

The maximum capacity of 24 passengers keeps this from being a huge party boat. Several departures have felt spacious even when full, with enough seating for people to spread out. That is important on a six-hour trip, since you need somewhere to sit between swimming stops.

Comfort still depends on your seat choice and the weather. The front can be a pleasant place for views, but it may feel windier. The upper deck gives you a good outlook, while lower seating may offer more shelter. Arriving early is the best way to give yourself options.

The boats have been described as clean and in good shape, with one notable exception: the toilet area may need more attention during a busy day. The outdoor shower is far more important than it sounds. After snorkeling, rinsing off saltwater before lunch or sitting down makes the whole trip more comfortable.

This is not a luxury yacht with hotel-level facilities. It is a well-equipped excursion catamaran with wide outdoor space, simple onboard services, and a friendly crew. That is the right expectation.

Timing, weather, and the small print

Departure is at 10:00 AM from the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor. Be early. The provider states that missing the boat can lead to a €25 rebooking fee per ticket, even if the rest of your day is flexible.

The route depends on the sea. The captain has the final say on swimming stops, and a bay may be changed for a more sheltered one. That is not a flaw. Swimming conditions matter more than sticking to a printed route, particularly in shoulder months.

The months of April, May, and October also bring a special possibility. If one catamaran does not reach its minimum number of passengers, the provider may move you to another catamaran and notify you by message. You should keep an eye on your booking messages during those months.

The activity is offered in English, with a live guide. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because getting into the water and reaching shore requires swimming.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident children, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a relaxed day rather than a packed sightseeing tour. The crew is used to helping first-time boat passengers, and the combination of noodles, life jackets, and supervised practical guidance makes the swimming stops approachable.

It also works well for solo visitors. You can sit near other passengers, use the swim stops as an easy social setting, or simply find a quiet place on deck. You do not need to arrange separate beach transport, lunch, or equipment.

You should think twice if you want extensive time ashore. This cruise is about swimming from the catamaran, not walking along beaches or visiting the Kallithea Springs buildings. It is also not ideal if you cannot swim comfortably in open water, though a life jacket or noodle can help if your concern is confidence rather than mobility.

Should you book the $83 catamaran cruise?

I would book this if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three long swim stops, a good buffet, and drinks served without constant extra charges. The strongest parts are the roomy 24-passenger format, friendly crew, useful snorkeling gear, and the amount of time spent at each bay.

Choose the sailing catamaran for a calmer three-stop day. Choose the power catamaran if Afandou caves and the fourth stop are worth more speed and variety to you. Arrive early, bring a towel and strong sunscreen, and remember that the boat stays at anchor offshore.

At $83, this is good value for a six-hour outing, provided you actually want a swimming holiday on the water. If that sounds like your kind of Rhodes afternoon, this cruise offers an easy, well-fed, and pleasantly unhurried way to see the island’s east coast.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran cruise depart from?

Meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

What time does the catamaran depart?

The catamarans depart at 10:00 AM. You should arrive earlier so you have time to find the kiosk and board.

Which bays does the sailing catamaran visit?

The sailing catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Bay or Kallithea Springs.

Which extra stop does the power catamaran include?

The power catamaran includes Afandou Beach and the Afandou caves, in addition to Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Bay or Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Mediterranean buffet includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread. A breakfast tortilla snack and seasonal fruit are also included.

Are drinks and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Juice, soft drinks, bottled water, beer, and wine are included, with unlimited beer and wine available from 12:00 PM. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and life jackets are provided.