Rhodes: Bay to Bay Swim Cruise with Greek Buffet and Wine

Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this six-hour cruise makes a full day of it. You sail from Mandraki Port to three attractive bays, spend about an hour at each stop, and return with lunch, wine, music, and plenty of salt on your skin. I especially like the three proper swimming stops and the fact that you can borrow masks, pool noodles, and life vests without paying extra.

The Greek buffet and unlimited local white and rose wine add real value at $69 per person. The main thing to consider is that the boat anchors offshore. If you want to reach the beach or caves, you need to swim, so this is not a traditional shore-excursion boat trip.

Key points at a glance

• Three one-hour water stops: Swim and snorkel at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach near the Traganou Caves, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
• A full Greek lunch onboard: Expect homemade-style Greek dishes, vegetarian choices, and vegan and gluten-free options when arranged with the crew.
• Wine included in the price: Local white and rose wine, plus water, are served during the cruise.
• Two decks and a lively return: You can sit in the sun, find shade, use the bar, or join the music and dancing later in the day.
• Bring a warm layer: The boat can feel breezy, even on a sunny Rhodes day.
• No need to pack snorkeling gear: Masks, pool noodles, and life vests are available onboard, though you should ask for a mask at the bar.

A relaxed day on Romantika Dreams

Romantika Dreams leaves from Mandraki Port, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace. The crew wears blue shorts and red striped shirts, making the meeting point easier to spot among the harbor activity.

Boarding begins from 9:45 a.m., with departure at 10:15. That first half-hour gives you time to find a seat, stow your things, and choose between the boat’s two spacious decks. I would arrive early if you care about a particular position, especially in the busy summer months.

The boat’s layout suits two different kinds of day out. You can settle into a chair, watch Rhodes slide past, and treat the cruise as a floating lunch outing. Or you can spend most of the day in the water, using the boat as a comfortable base between swims.

As Romantika Dreams leaves the harbor, the view includes St. Nicholas Fortress, Rhodes’ Medieval Old City, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Fontana Grande, and Rams Rock. These sights give the outward journey some context before the swimming begins. You are not simply being carried from one beach to another. You are also seeing Rhodes’ eastern coast from a viewpoint that roads cannot provide.

The crew uses three horn blasts to signal that it is time to return onboard. That simple system matters because you are free to swim, snorkel, walk on the beach, or relax on deck without constant announcements.

Kallithea Bay and the springs

The first stop is Kallithea Bay, home to the famous Kallithea Springs. The springs are known for their combination of seaside architecture, nature, and history, and they give this first stop a little more character than a standard swimming break.

You have about an hour here for swimming, snorkeling, taking photographs, or remaining on deck with the music. The water is the main attraction, but the setting also gives you something to look at while you dry off.

Kallithea is a good opening stop because it eases you into the day. You can test the water, try the snorkeling equipment, and decide how active you want to be for the remaining bays. If you are nervous in deep water, a pool noodle or life vest can make the first swim much less intimidating.

One practical point is easy to miss: the boat remains at anchor. You do not step directly onto the shore from Romantika Dreams. If you want to reach land, you need to swim there, so anyone who prefers a beach walk without entering the water should plan to stay onboard.

Along the coast past Faliraki and Ladiko

After Kallithea, the boat continues south past Faliraki and Ladiko Bay. These are sightseeing passages rather than scheduled swimming stops, so you get a moving view of the coast instead of another long break.

This section helps the cruise feel like a proper coastal outing rather than three disconnected swims. You pass beaches and rocky sections while the boat heads toward Afandou. The change of scenery is welcome after the first stop, and the open water gives you time to settle into the pace.

The cruise is not designed around formal historical commentary. The focus is the sea, the bays, the food, and the social mood onboard. If you want a detailed guided tour of every coastal landmark, this may feel light on explanation. If you want a day with fewer schedules and more time outside, that is part of its appeal.

Afandou Beach and the Traganou Caves

Afandou is the middle stop, with roughly an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the shoreline. The beach stretches for about four kilometers and includes the Caves of Traganou, which give this stop a little more variety.

You can swim from the anchored boat, make your way toward the beach, look around the caves, or jump from the boat’s lower or higher decks. The choice is yours, and that freedom makes Afandou a useful stop for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can head off exploring, while people who prefer a slower hour can remain on the boat with a drink.

The rocky setting also makes this a good place for water activities. Snorkeling conditions can vary with weather and visibility, so you should think of the equipment as a way to look around rather than a promise of a major underwater show. The day is about enjoying several coastal settings, not taking a specialist marine excursion.

While you are in the water, the crew prepares lunch onboard. That timing is practical. You swim first, build an appetite, then return to a meal rather than carrying food to a crowded beach.

Greek lunch, local wine, and the onboard bar

Lunch is served as a Greek buffet, with traditional recipes and vegetarian dishes. Vegan and gluten-free choices are also available, but I would tell the crew about dietary needs when you arrive rather than waiting until the buffet is open.

The exact dishes can vary. A typical spread may include bread rolls, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, and a chicken and onion pasta dish. That is not a restaurant tasting menu, but it is a generous and convenient meal for a day on the water. The food has been one of the most consistently praised parts of the experience, especially when paired with the setting.

Local white and rose wine is included and served throughout the cruise. Water is included as well. Some accounts also describe beer and soft drinks being available, but the official inclusions specifically promise wine and water, so I would not book the trip expecting every bar drink to be included.

Additional cocktails, champagne, lager, and other drinks are available from the bar for an extra charge. The bar is described as having reasonable prices, and it adds another option if you want something different from the included wine. Still, keep your spending in mind, since it is easy for small purchases to add up during a six-hour outing.

Lunch is served after the Afandou stop, as the boat cruises toward Anthony Quinn Bay. This is a pleasant rhythm: swim, eat, watch the coast, then swim again.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the final swimming stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is the last scheduled stop and often the visual highlight of the route. Its name comes from actor Anthony Quinn, who bought the land after filming Guns of Navarone in the area. The Greek government reclaimed it in 1984, and the bay is now one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal sights.

The cove is smaller than Afandou, with striking rock formations around the water. It is well suited to a final swim because the setting feels compact and dramatic. You can snorkel, watch marine life, swim around the rocks, or stay onboard for the bar’s happy hour.

Fish are often visible here, especially when food is put into the water. You should not count on a particular number or species, but the bay is a good place to bring a waterproof camera if you have one. A waterproof phone pouch is another smart purchase or packing choice. The boat provides snorkeling gear, but it does not provide a way to protect your phone once you are in the water.

By this stage, the mood can shift from quiet sightseeing to a small party. Music plays through the sound system, and some sailings turn into singing, dancing, or a lesson in the Greek Zorba dance. That atmosphere is fun if you like a social cruise. It may be less appealing if you want a silent ride back, though you can still choose a quieter place on deck.

What the six-hour schedule feels like

The schedule gives each main bay about an hour. That is long enough for a satisfying swim and a quick look around, but not long enough for a full beach day at any one location.

You will not have time to wander far inland, visit every cave, or treat Afandou as a separate beach holiday. The benefit is variety. In one day, you see Kallithea’s historic seaside setting, Afandou’s long shore and caves, and Anthony Quinn Bay’s compact rocky cove.

The cruise returns to Mandraki Port at about 4:15 p.m. That timing leaves the late afternoon available for Rhodes Old Town, dinner, or a slower evening. It also makes the trip easier to fit into a short stay than an outing that runs into the evening.

The pace is gentle, but the day is not physically effortless. You will climb in and out of the water, swim from the boat, and deal with sun and wind. Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a hat belong in your day bag. I would also bring a light cardigan because the upper deck can feel breezy while the boat is moving.

Who will get the most from this cruise

This trip suits you if you want a simple way to see several Rhodes bays without arranging beach transfers or renting equipment. It works particularly well for couples, friends, and families with older children who are happy to swim from a boat.

It is also a good option for mixed groups. One person can snorkel, another can sunbathe, and someone else can sit at the bar or enjoy the views. The two decks provide more room than a small day boat, and the pool noodles and life vests help less confident swimmers take part.

You should think twice if your ideal beach day means walking directly onto sand, carrying a stroller across a beach, or staying in shallow water beside shore. The boat anchors offshore, and reaching the beach or caves requires a swim. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the swimming requirement may still affect how much of each stop you can enjoy.

This is also not aimed at serious scuba divers or dedicated snorkel specialists. You get three chances to look beneath the surface, but the main product is a social coastal cruise with food and drinks, not a technical water-sports trip.

Is $69 good value?

At $69, the price is strong for a six-hour cruise that includes three swimming stops, a Greek buffet, local wine, water, snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests. You are also paying for the boat, crew, fuel, music, and the convenience of moving between several bays in one outing.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, drinks, and snorkeling equipment. Unlimited wine is especially notable at this price, though you should drink sensibly in the sun and remember that the boat’s extra bar menu costs more.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to Mandraki Port, opposite Nea Agora marketplace, or pay an additional fee for transfers. Since the meeting point is central to the port area, check your route and allow enough time to board by 9:45 a.m.

The activity has a 4.8 rating from 187 bookings, which matches the strongest parts of the offering: friendly service, good food, comfortable seating, generous drink service, and well-spaced swimming breaks. The main limitation is not value but style. This is a lively, social boat day, not a private yacht charter or a quiet nature cruise.

Small details that improve the day

Ask for snorkeling masks at the bar. They are available onboard, but they may not be placed directly beside every seat.

Keep your towel, sunscreen, and phone in a small day bag that can handle spray. A waterproof camera or phone pouch is worth bringing if you want photographs while swimming toward the caves or rocks.

Tell the crew about food restrictions when you arrive. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available, but early notice makes the meal easier for everyone.

Use the boat’s horn signals as your clock. When you hear three blasts, it is time to return. You do not want to be the person swimming back after the boat is ready to leave.

Choose your deck with the weather in mind. The top deck offers an open view and a good place for music, while a lower or more sheltered area may feel better when the wind picks up.

Should you book Romantika Dreams?

Book this cruise if you want three scenic Rhodes swimming stops, a filling Greek lunch, included local wine, and an easygoing social atmosphere for less than the cost of arranging those pieces separately.

Skip it if you need direct beach access, a quiet boat, or a highly detailed guided tour. For confident swimmers and anyone who likes a little music with their sea day, Romantika Dreams offers particularly good value at $69. I would reserve it for a sunny day, pack a light layer and waterproof phone protection, and arrive ready to spend the day moving between water and deck.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise depart?

The cruise departs from Mandraki Port in Rhodes, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace. The crew wears blue shorts and red striped shirts.

What time should I arrive?

Boarding begins at 9:45 a.m., and the boat departs at 10:15 a.m. The cruise returns to Mandraki Port at about 4:15 p.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours.

Which bays does the boat visit?

The boat stops at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach near the Traganou Caves, and Anthony Quinn Bay. It passes Faliraki and Ladiko Bay during the coastal cruise.

Can I swim to the beach from the boat?

Yes, but the boat remains anchored offshore. You need to swim to reach the shore, caves, or beach areas.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests are included. You should ask for snorkeling masks at the bar.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek buffet lunch is included, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available.

Are drinks included?

Local white wine, rose wine, and water are included. Additional drinks from the bar, including cocktails and champagne, cost extra.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an additional fee.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.