Rhodes Day Cruise (with lunch & unlimited drinks) 5,5 Hours

Rhodes’ best coastline is easiest to enjoy from the water, and this traditional wooden boat cruise gives you three separate chances to swim in clear Aegean water. Between stops, the crew serves Greek food, fruit, beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee, so you can settle into a relaxed half-day without watching the clock or your bar tab.

I like the generous swim schedule, with about 50 minutes at each bay, and I like the personal service from Theodore and his crew. The group is limited to 35 people, which feels more manageable than a packed excursion boat. The main consideration is the boat’s pace and boarding stairs. One poor experience reported a slow return and difficult access back onto the boat, so this is not the best choice for anyone who needs easy step-free boarding.

Key points at a glance

• Three swim stops: Spend roughly 50 minutes each at Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs.
• A proper Greek-style lunch: Expect chicken, pasta, rice, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread, with vegetarian choices included.
• Drinks included all day: Beer, red and white wine, bottled water, Pepsi, Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea are covered. Cocktails cost extra.
• A classic wooden boat: Cushioned seating and beanbag chairs create a laid-back setting, though the vessel is not built for speed.
• Helpful crew: Theodore is frequently named as a warm host who keeps drinks topped up and checks that people are comfortable.
• Arrive early: The listed start is 10:00 a.m., but one booking note advises arriving at least 30 minutes early for better seating and a smooth check-in.

A relaxed way to see the Rhodes coast

At $72.56 per person, this cruise is priced as a full half-day package rather than a simple boat transfer. You are paying for the vessel, crew, three swimming locations, snorkeling equipment, lunch, fruit, and drinks. That makes the cost reasonable if you plan to eat and buy refreshments during the day anyway.

The experience begins at Royal Sailing Rhodes near Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. Look for the Royal Sailing booth along the marina, not just a generic boat with a similar route. The meeting point is convenient if you are staying in the old town, and one family found it easy to reach on foot from the cruise port through the medieval city.

The boat carries a maximum of 35 people. That is small enough for the crew to keep an eye on the group, but you should not expect a private charter or a quiet boat with only a handful of passengers. The mood is social. Music may be part of the day, and one trip even included live entertainment from a musician on board.

Leaving the harbor on a wooden boat

The boat itself is part of the appeal. This is not a sleek speedboat built to race from bay to bay. It is a traditional wooden vessel with padded seating, including comfortable cushions and large beanbag chairs toward the bow.

That design suits the route. You get more time to sit, talk, watch the coastline, and enjoy the sea air. The trade-off is speed. One dissatisfied customer felt that the boat’s top pace was only about five knots, leaving too little time at the stops and causing a late return. Most of the positive feedback focuses on the relaxed pace, but you should still keep this limitation in mind if you have a firm afternoon appointment.

The cruise lasts about five and a half hours. It starts at 10:00 a.m., with the return expected during the afternoon. One booking returned at 3:45 p.m., which worked well for someone catching a cruise ship schedule, but you should leave a little breathing room if you have a train, transfer, or timed attraction afterward.

Afandou Beach: lunch with your first swim

The first stop is Afandou Beach, where the boat anchors for about 50 minutes. This is your chance to get into the water early, before the day becomes too hot, and to try the provided snorkeling equipment.

The stop is described as a quieter beach setting. Do not expect a long shore visit or a guided tour on land. You stay connected to the boat, swim from it, and keep your belongings on board while you are in the water. That arrangement is convenient because you do not need to carry valuables onto a beach.

Lunch is served around this part of the cruise, with a local-style buffet. The stated menu includes roasted or cooked chicken, pasta, rice, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread. Vegetarian dishes are included, which makes the meal more useful for mixed groups. The food is casual rather than restaurant-style, but it fits the setting and removes the need to pack a meal.

There is some inconsistency in individual descriptions of the chicken and pasta, so keep your expectations sensible. Most feedback praises the fresh, tasty food, while one complaint described the chicken as frozen nuggets and the noodles as plain. Food quality can vary from day to day, but the range of dishes gives you several choices.

The crew also serves red and white wine with lunch. Fruit, including watermelon on at least one departure, is offered as a snack.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the prettiest swimming stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is likely to be the visual highlight. The water is known here for its clear color and calm feel, and the stop provides another 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

You receive snorkeling equipment on board, but flippers are not included. Bring your own if you prefer to swim with fins. Towels are also excluded, so pack one from your hotel or cruise ship. A swimsuit, sun protection, and a dry bag for small personal items will make this part of the day easier.

The boat remains your base. You can leave your larger belongings safely on board while you swim, and there is a restroom, shower, and WiFi available. The shower is especially useful after the final swim, though the information provided does not specify how private or extensive it is.

Anthony Quinn Bay is a popular name on the Rhodes coast, so do not assume you will have the water entirely to yourself. The boat format still lets you appreciate the bay without arranging your own transport, and the 50-minute stop is long enough for a proper swim rather than a rushed dip.

Kallithea Springs: clear water to finish

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, where the boat anchors for another 50 minutes of swimming and snorkeling. The water here is described as crystal clear, making it a strong final stop for people who care more about swimming than sightseeing on land.

This cruise does not include a visit to the springs’ buildings or a walk around the historic spa complex. You experience Kallithea from the sea. That is worth understanding before you book, because the name may suggest a cultural or architectural visit. The focus is water time, not a shore excursion.

Having the last swim near the end works well. You can cool off before the ride back and use the boat’s shower afterward. On the other hand, if sea conditions become rough, the final swim may feel less comfortable. The excursion requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Lunch, drinks, and the all-inclusive value

The food and drink package is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise. You are not limited to a single soft drink or a small packed lunch. Beer, red and white wine, bottled water, Pepsi, orange and lemon Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea are included.

The crew regularly offers drinks during the cruise, which is useful in the Rhodes sun. You do not need to return to a bar or carry a cooler onto the boat. Cocktails are the clear exception and must be purchased separately.

I would describe the meal as hearty and practical. Chicken, pasta, rice, salad, tzatziki, olives, dolmadakia, and bread provide enough variety for most diets, and vegetarian dishes are specifically offered. This is not a gourmet food tour, but it is more substantial than the snack box served on many boat excursions.

If you do not drink alcohol, the package still has value through water, soft drinks, juice, hot drinks, fruit, and lunch. If you rarely eat or drink during excursions, a cheaper swim-only cruise might suit you better.

What the crew adds to the day

Theodore is the name most often associated with the hosting. His role appears to go beyond simply steering the boat. He welcomes people, checks on comfort, keeps refreshments moving, and helps create the friendly tone that makes a shared boat feel less anonymous.

The rest of the crew works behind the scenes with food, equipment, and boarding. Several accounts describe them as attentive and willing to help. One serious account also described a crew member rescuing someone from choppy water, which underlines the importance of following instructions during the swim stops.

The strong personal service is a real benefit, but it should not make you careless. Sea conditions can change, and snorkeling from a boat requires basic confidence in the water. If you are not a strong swimmer, stay close to the vessel and ask the crew for help.

Seating, swimming, and practical comfort

Arrive early. The official start time is 10:00 a.m., but one useful tip is to arrive at least 30 minutes ahead if you want first choice of seats. The bow cushions and beanbag chairs are popular, and the best position depends on whether you want sun, shade, a clear view, or quick access to the water.

Bring a towel, since none is included. Bring flippers if you use them, along with sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof case for your phone. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to bring a mask unless you prefer your own.

Boarding involves stairs. One account specifically found the staircase a little difficult and wished it had more steps or an easier design. The activity states that most people can participate, but it does not promise step-free access. If you are booking for an older relative or anyone with mobility concerns, ask the operator about boarding before paying.

The boat has a restroom and shower, and service animals are allowed. It is near public transportation, but private transportation is not included. You make your own way to the marina and return to the same meeting point at the end.

How this cruise compares with a faster boat trip

This excursion is for people who want a sociable day at sea, not the fastest possible route between beaches. The wooden boat gives you time to sit, eat, listen to music, and meet other people. A speedboat would likely cover more coastline and feel more exciting, but it would not offer the same padded seating, buffet meal, and steady flow of drinks.

The three stops are well chosen for a swim-focused day. You get variety without spending the whole outing rushing from one location to another. Still, the 50-minute stops may feel short if you want long snorkeling sessions, and one person felt the actual water time did not match the advertised impression.

The group limit of 35 offers a useful middle ground. You avoid the intimacy and cost of a private boat, but you also avoid the scale of a very large party vessel. Expect conversation, shared seating, and a lively atmosphere rather than solitude.

Who will enjoy the Rhodes day cruise

I would recommend this tour to couples, families, groups of friends, and cruise ship passengers who want a simple half-day on the water. Teenagers often enjoy the swimming, snorkeling, music, and relaxed social feel. It also suits anyone who wants lunch and drinks handled in advance.

It is a particularly good fit if your priority is swimming in several attractive bays without arranging taxis or beach transfers. You can leave larger items on board, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, and return to Rhodes Town in the afternoon.

You may want another option if you need easy wheelchair access, dislike boat stairs, want a quiet private setting, or have a strict return time. You should also look elsewhere if your main goal is visiting Kallithea Springs on land, since this outing stops in the water near the springs rather than touring the site.

At $72.56, the package offers good value for a five-and-a-half-hour outing, especially if you will make use of lunch, fruit, drinks, and snorkeling gear. The value drops if you want a fast boat, extensive sightseeing, or guaranteed long periods in the water.

Should you book Royal Sailing Rhodes?

Book it if you want an easy, friendly day built around swimming, a wooden boat, and an included Greek lunch. Theodore and the crew appear to be a major part of the appeal, and the three bays give you a good sample of Rhodes from the sea.

Before booking, confirm the meeting details, arrive early, and plan for stairs. Keep your afternoon flexible, bring a towel and sunscreen, and remember that cocktails, flippers, towels, and private transport cost extra or are not provided.

For most able-bodied visitors who value comfort, food, and a relaxed pace over speed, this is a solid Rhodes excursion. If fast travel and maximum swim time matter most, compare it with a smaller speedboat trip before deciding.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes day cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes.

What time does the cruise start?

The listed start time is 10:00 a.m.

Where does the cruise meet?

The meeting point is Royal Sailing Rhodes at Platia Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Which places does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

How long is each swimming stop?

Each listed stop lasts approximately 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, dolmadakia, olives, and bread. Vegetarian dishes are also available.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are beer, red and white wine, bottled water, Pepsi, orange and lemon Fanta, juice, coffee, and tea. Cocktails are available for an additional charge.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Flippers and towels are not included.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 35 people.

Is transportation included?

Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is near public transportation.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.