Rhodes: Captain Manolis Fishing Trip with BBQ and Swimming

The best part of this Rhodes outing is the mix of hands-on fishing and easygoing sea time. You head out with an experienced captain, try several fishing spots, then stop near a beach for swimming, snorkeling, drinks, and a barbecue cooked on board.

I like the generous food allowance, with 500 grams of fresh fish per person plus salad and bread, and I like the small group size, capped at 10 people. The main caution is simple: fishing is fishing. You may catch tuna or smaller species, but there is no guarantee of a big haul, and this trip is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Captain Mike may be your fishing guide: The activity is sold as Captain Manolis Fishing Trips, while several recent departures were led by Captain Mike, who showed people how to use the rods and cooked the meal.
• You fish in several spots: The outing can include bottom fishing, trolling, and stops at different parts of the Rhodian coast.
• The meal is more than a snack: Each person receives 500 grams of fresh fish, along with Greek salad, bread, soft drinks, or beer.
• Swimming comes after the fishing: The boat stops near a beach, giving you time for swimming and snorkeling in clear Aegean water.
• The boat is small and social: With no more than 10 participants, the trip feels more personal than a large excursion boat.
• Your catch is not guaranteed: Past catches have included tuna, puffer fish, and rosseta, but conditions and luck decide what comes aboard.

A working fishing trip, not just a boat ride

From Kolona Port, about five minutes from Rhodes Town’s central bus station, you board a fully equipped fishing boat and head into the waters off Rhodes. The point is not simply to sit back and look at the coast. You get a rod, bait, and instruction, then take part in the fishing yourself.

That makes this a good choice if you want an activity with a little purpose. The crew helps beginners get started, explains useful fishing tips, and guides you toward the better spots. You do not need to arrive as an angler. You need patience, a willingness to try, and enough interest to enjoy the process even if the fish are not cooperating.

The boat carries the equipment you need, including rods and bait. That keeps the outing easy for visitors who do not want to arrange a fishing charter or pack specialist gear. You can simply arrive in comfortable clothing, ready for a half-day on the water.

Several departures have included Captain Mike, who is described as both a practical instructor and a good cook. The booking information identifies the experience as Captain Manolis Fishing Trips, so it is sensible to confirm the exact captain and meeting details when you book. Either way, the important point is that the crew handles the fishing setup while you focus on learning and enjoying the sea.

What the 4.5-hour schedule feels like

This is a half-day outing, not a full-day expedition. The total time is 4.5 hours, with fishing, cruising, swimming, snorkeling, food, and scenic views all fitted into one compact trip.

The exact order can change with the day’s conditions and the captain’s decisions. A typical outing begins with the boat leaving Kolona Port and traveling along the Rhodian coast. You may get views of beaches, open water, and Rhodes monuments from an angle you cannot see from shore.

The fishing section can involve more than one method. One account describes starting with bottom fishing and trying three or four spots before moving on. Another describes a short round of tuna trolling on the return to the harbor. These details show that the crew may adapt the plan instead of staying in one place for the whole morning or afternoon.

That variety is useful for beginners. You can try fishing close to the bottom, then learn how a different setup works when the boat trolls for larger fish. Do not expect a formal fishing lesson with a fixed syllabus. The instruction is practical, given as the captain helps you use the equipment and responds to what is happening on the water.

The trip also includes marine-life viewing and scenic cruising. If fishing becomes slow, you still have the coast and sea around you, plus the promise of a swim and meal later in the outing. The pace is relaxed, but the fishing means you are not simply a passenger.

Fishing success depends on luck and conditions

You might catch several fish, as some outings have. Past catches have included smaller species such as puffer fish and rosseta, as well as tuna. One group managed to catch a tuna around 40 centimeters long during a short trolling session, while another outing produced several tuna and rosseta.

That sounds promising, but you should read it correctly. These are examples, not a guarantee. Fish numbers vary, and the catch depends on the location, weather, season, and luck. The trip remains worthwhile if you treat catching fish as the bonus rather than the entire purpose.

The captain’s help matters most here. Beginners may find the first cast or setup unfamiliar, but the crew supplies the gear and shows you what to do. The best attitude is to enjoy the small successes, ask questions, and stay involved even during quiet stretches.

The trip may also include fish purchased in advance for the barbecue. That is good news for the meal, since lunch does not depend on what you catch. Your own catch may add to the experience, but you should not assume that every fish served will come from that day’s fishing.

The barbecue is the trip’s big reward

After the fishing, the boat stops near a beach for the meal and swimming. The barbecue includes one fresh fish per person, listed as 500 grams, along with salad and bread. Soft drinks and beers are also included.

The food is prepared in a deliberately simple Greek style. Fish is grilled, bread may be roasted, and the salad gives the meal a fresh side. I like this approach for a boat trip. You are not expecting a restaurant kitchen at sea, and the meal works because it is direct, local, and suited to the setting.

Captain Mike has cooked for some departures, while another account describes Captain Mike and his wife preparing the meal. The supplied details show a crew that takes the food seriously, but the exact cooking arrangement may vary. You can expect a barbecue meal on board, not a set restaurant menu.

The 500-gram fish portion gives the $92 price more weight. You are paying for a half-day boat experience, equipment, instruction, swimming, drinks, and a substantial meal. A basic boat ride might cost less, but it would not include the same fishing setup or food. A private fishing charter would usually be a different price category altogether, while this outing keeps the cost down through a small shared group.

One practical point: fish is the centerpiece of the meal. If you do not eat fish, the salad and bread may not feel like a full substitute. The provided details do not list vegetarian, vegan, or allergy alternatives, so ask before booking if your diet requires special arrangements.

Swimming and snorkeling near the beach

The swimming stop gives the day a welcome change of pace. After handling rods and watching the water for fish, you can get in for a swim near the beach and cool off in the Aegean.

Snorkels are available on the boat, according to the activity details and past experience. That lets you look beneath the surface and spend time around the marine life rather than simply taking a quick dip. Still, snorkeling is an included option, not a separate guided session, so do not expect a formal lesson or a dedicated reef tour.

The swimming stop is especially useful for people joining the trip as a mixed group. One person can enjoy the fishing while another prefers swimming, scenic views, or a beer on board. The boat format gives you several ways to spend the same half-day.

There is one firm limitation: non-swimmers should not book this activity. The trip is built around time in the sea, and the operator also warns that it is unsuitable for people prone to seasickness. If you are uncertain, bring sensible precautions and consider whether a smaller boat in open water is right for you.

Why the small group makes a difference

The maximum group size is 10 people. That does not mean every departure will be full. Some recent outings had only three or four participants, creating what felt like a nearly private trip without the usual private-charter cost.

A smaller group helps in several ways. You get more chances to use the fishing gear, more direct help from the captain, and less waiting for other people to finish. It also makes the meal more social without turning the boat into a crowded party vessel.

The mood depends on the group, of course. You may share the boat with families, couples, or solo participants, and everyone has to work within the same 4.5-hour plan. If you want complete control over the route, fishing time, and menu, book a private charter instead. If you like meeting a few people and keeping the price moderate, the group limit is a strong feature.

The boat itself is described as clean and fully equipped. You should still expect a working fishing boat rather than a luxury yacht. Wear clothes you do not mind getting splashed, and keep cameras and phones protected around the water.

Views of Rhodes from the sea

The Rhodian coast looks different from the deck of a fishing boat. As you cruise between fishing spots and the swimming area, you get open views toward beaches, rocky shorelines, and monuments around Rhodes.

This is not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of historical commentary. The English-speaking captain’s main job is fishing and running the boat. Still, the route gives you a pleasant visual layer that you would miss on a land-based fishing activity.

I particularly like the way the trip combines a working view of the coast with leisure time. You are not racing from one photo stop to another. You spend time looking for fish, eating what is prepared on board, and swimming in a quieter coastal setting.

Bring a camera, but protect it from spray. A hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and comfortable clothes belong in your day bag. The sun can feel strong on open water, even when a breeze makes the temperature seem mild.

Meeting point, timing, and what to bring

You meet the boat at Kolona Port, around five minutes from the central bus station in Rhodes Town. Transportation to and from the port is not included, so you need to make your own way there.

That location is practical if you are staying in or near Rhodes Town. If you are based farther away, allow time for your own transfer and check the start time when booking. The activity page asks you to check availability for departure times, so do not assume that every day offers the same schedule.

Pack light, but bring the basics:

• Hat and sunscreen
• Swimwear and towel
• Comfortable clothes
• Camera
• Any personal seasickness remedies you normally use

The boat provides fishing gear, bait, food, and drinks. You do not need to bring a rod. You should also avoid wearing anything precious or delicate, since fishing and swimming create the usual risk of saltwater and splashes.

The tour is offered in English with a live guide. If you need detailed fishing instruction, tell the captain that you are a beginner at the start. The crew’s help is a central part of the experience, and asking early makes it easier to get comfortable with the equipment.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes excursion

I would recommend this trip to people who want a more active day on the water than a standard cruise provides. It suits couples, families with confident swimmers, small friend groups, and solo visitors who enjoy a friendly shared activity.

It is also a good pick if you want several experiences in one booking. You get fishing instruction, a boat ride, coastal scenery, a barbecue, drinks, swimming, and optional snorkeling. None of these sections lasts a full day, but together they create a varied half-day.

The trip is less suitable for anyone seeking a guaranteed catch, a quiet luxury cruise, or a full fishing charter focused only on serious angling. It is also a poor fit for non-swimmers and anyone who regularly feels ill on boats.

At $92 per person, I see solid value if you plan to eat the fish meal and take part in the fishing. The price is less compelling if you only want a swim, since a simpler beach outing would cost less. The small group, included equipment, food, beer or soft drinks, and hands-on captain support help justify the fare.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add useful flexibility. These are practical advantages when your Rhodes schedule depends on weather or changing port plans.

Should you book Captain Manolis Fishing Trip?

Book it if you want to fish, eat a fresh grilled meal, and swim from a small boat in one half-day. The strongest reasons are the personal instruction, the small group limit, and the amount included in the price. Captain Mike has been especially effective at helping beginners and preparing the barbecue, though you should confirm which captain will lead your departure.

Do not book it if you dislike open-water trips, cannot swim, or need a guaranteed catch. The fishing is real, which means the results are unpredictable, but that uncertainty is part of the fun. For an active and social morning or afternoon on the Rhodian coast, this is a well-priced choice with a memorable meal at its center.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

The boat meets you at Kolona Port, about five minutes from Rhodes Town’s central bus station.

How long does the experience last?

The fishing trip lasts 4.5 hours, including fishing, cruising, swimming, snorkeling, the barbecue, drinks, and scenic coastal views.

What is included in the price?

The trip includes the half-day boat outing, fishing gear, an experienced captain, a barbecue, 500 grams of fresh fish per person, salad, bread, soft drinks or beers, and swimming near the beach.

Is transportation to the port included?

No. You are responsible for getting to and from Kolona Port.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The boat is fully equipped and provides fishing rods, bait, and the other necessary fishing gear.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The itinerary includes swimming near a beach, and snorkels are available on the boat.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Can I cancel the booking for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.