Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide

The best part of this Rhodes boat trip is that your lunch begins with a fishing rod. Skevos and his father, Captain Mike, take up to 10 people aboard a handcrafted 10-meter boat, teach you the basics, and grill the catch later on their onboard BBQ. I like the small group and the mix of active fishing with a proper swim stop. The fresh fish lunch and Skevos’s Greek salad are another strong reason to book.

The main consideration is that fishing depends on the sea, weather, and season. You may catch several species, but there is no promise of a big haul. The boat runs in rain unless conditions become stormy, and parking near Rhodes Town can take time, so arrive early and eat breakfast first.

Key points before you book

• A father-and-son fishing team: Skevos is a certified professional chef, while Captain Mike brings more than 35 years of professional fishing experience.
• Two kinds of fishing: You start with about an hour of trolling, then spend roughly two hours on ground fishing near the seabed.
• Lunch comes from the sea: Your catch is grilled with extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt, alongside sea bass, gold seabream, Greek salad, and bread.
• Only 10 participants: The separate fishing area gives each person a better chance to take part than a large party boat.
• Swimming is built in: The boat anchors in a quiet bay for swimming, snorkelling, and rest after the fishing sessions.
• A practical five-hour outing: Fishing equipment, bait, snorkelling gear, drinks, Wi-Fi, a toilet, and a freshwater shower are included.

Leaving Rhodes Town aboard a working wooden boat

The meeting point is Skevos Fishing Trip at Kolona port, just outside the Old Town of Rhodes. This is a useful location if you are staying in Rhodes Town, though driving there deserves a little planning. Parking can be busy, especially in high season, and one of the best practical tips is to allow extra time rather than arrive at the last minute.

The boat is a traditional, handcrafted wooden vessel about 10 meters long. It is not a huge excursion ship with rows of deck chairs. That gives the trip a more personal feel, but it also means you should expect a genuine fishing boat rather than a luxury yacht.

There is a separate fishing area designed for 10 people, plus an independent space for eating and relaxing. You also have access to a toilet, freshwater shower, Wi-Fi, and snorkelling equipment. The boat carries certified VHF and UHF communication systems and is fitted with GPS, radar, a depth sounder, and a Lowrance 1000W fish finder.

Those details matter because this is not a simple ride along the coast with a few lines dropped over the side. The equipment helps the crew locate suitable fishing areas, while the fishing gear comes from brands including Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi. Beginners can use it with guidance, and experienced anglers still get proper equipment rather than basic tourist tackle.

The first hour: trolling along the Rhodes coast

Once the boat leaves port, you cruise for about an hour toward one of several possible destinations. The crew chooses between Kallithea Springs, Santa Marina Bay, or a shallow sandy beach according to the weather and sea conditions.

Kallithea Springs is the best-known of these coastal areas, with attractive shores and clear water. Santa Marina Bay offers a quieter setting, while a shallow sandy beach is a practical choice when calmer water suits the day. You do not choose the destination yourself, so keep your expectations flexible. The point is to find the best conditions for the outing rather than follow a fixed sightseeing route.

During this first section, you try trolling with professional equipment. The lines move behind the boat as you search for predator fish such as small tuna, mahi mahi, amberjacks, barracudas, trumpetfish, and great trevally. A catch is never guaranteed, and conditions can change by month. An August outing, for example, may produce less fishing action, but the trip still includes the boat ride, swimming, and meal.

Skevos works with first-time anglers in a calm, practical way. You do not need to arrive with fishing experience. He explains how to use the equipment and helps when a fish takes the line. The crew also tries to give everyone a turn, which makes this a good choice for couples, families, and solo participants who want instruction rather than a private charter focused only on expert anglers.

The bigger fish can require real effort. You may have to follow directions closely and work the rod while the crew helps manage the catch. That physical element is part of the fun, but you should not expect a passive sightseeing cruise. If you want to sit quietly for five hours, this is probably not the right boat trip.

Two hours of ground fishing near the seabed

After trolling, the boat switches to ground fishing for about two hours. This changes the rhythm of the outing. Instead of targeting faster predator fish near the surface, you fish closer to the seabed, using bait supplied by the crew.

This is often the most accessible part for beginners because the instructions are straightforward and the crew can give direct help. Several people who had never fished before managed to catch fish with Skevos’s guidance. At the same time, regular anglers have enough proper equipment and technique to stay involved.

The small group helps here. With a maximum of 10 participants, you are not competing with dozens of people for one brief turn. The boat has a dedicated fishing area, and the father-and-son team can keep an eye on the lines and help when needed.

Still, fishing is fishing. You may catch different species, a modest amount, or very little on a slow day. That uncertainty is part of the experience, but it is worth understanding before you pay. The meal does not rely only on what you catch, since the crew also provides fresh gold seabream and sea bass weighing at least 250 grams and up.

Swimming and snorkelling in a quiet bay

Once the fishing sessions finish, the boat anchors in a sheltered bay. This is your chance to swim, snorkel, or simply sit back while lunch is prepared. Snorkelling equipment is included, and pool noodles were available for swimmers who wanted extra support during the water stop.

The swimming break gives the day a useful change of pace. After several hours of fishing, you can cool off in the Mediterranean and look back toward the shores of Rhodes from the water. The exact bay depends on the conditions, so the scenery is not fixed, but the crew aims for a quiet spot suitable for a swim.

Bring beachwear and a towel. You can get splashed during the boat ride, even when the sea is calm, so avoid wearing anything you do not want wet. This is also worth considering for cameras, phones, and other personal items.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew and use the available flotation support. The boat provides a freshwater shower afterward, which is handy before lunch and the ride back to port. Pregnant women and wheelchair users should choose another activity, as this trip is not suitable for them.

The onboard BBQ is a real part of the experience

The meal is more than a standard snack served from a cooler. Skevos prepares the food while Captain Mike handles the BBQ, which was handcrafted by Skevos’s father. Fish caught during the trip is grilled with extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt, then served with fresh sea bass and gold seabream.

The crew also serves Greek salad made with herbs that give it a distinct aroma, plus charcoal-grilled bread with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano. Several dishes receive particular attention, but the salad is the item I would most want to try. It comes up repeatedly as a highlight, and it gives the meal a local touch that a basic catered lunch would miss.

Drinks are included throughout the meal and the outing: unlimited beer, cola, lemonade, and bottled mineral water. That makes the $88 price easier to assess. You are not paying only for transport and a fishing lesson. The fee also covers equipment, bait, snorkelling gear, a five-hour boat trip, and a full lunch with fish and side dishes.

The food focus does create one limitation. If you do not eat fish or Greek salad, your choices are narrow. Pack snacks if you need alternatives, particularly if you are not sure the included meal suits you. You are also advised to eat breakfast before the trip, which is sensible given the early fishing period and the length of the outing.

What makes the guides important

The character of this trip depends heavily on Skevos and Captain Mike. Captain Mike has more than 35 years of professional fishing experience, and Skevos grew up on the boat learning the trade from his father. Skevos is also a certified professional chef, so the fishing and cooking are handled by the same family team.

Their roles work well together. Skevos gives fishing instructions, manages the catch, and prepares the salad and meal. Captain Mike brings his sea experience and takes charge of the BBQ. When a large fish is on the line, they coordinate closely, which gives you a clear sense that this is their real craft rather than a scripted performance.

English is the activity language. The atmosphere is described as friendly and relaxed, with enough guidance for a complete beginner and enough fishing time to keep an experienced angler interested. The small group also helps people talk with one another, making this a social trip without the feel of a crowded excursion.

Families should note that the crew has made a point of encouraging younger fishers. A child who already loves fishing can get plenty of attention, while adults who have never held a rod can learn without feeling out of place.

Value at $88 per person

At $88, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Rhodes. It is also not a simple sightseeing cruise. The value comes from the number of separate elements packed into five hours.

You receive fishing equipment and bait, instruction from two working fishermen, a traditional boat, two fishing methods, a swim and snorkel stop, and a full meal. Beer, soft drinks, bottled water, Wi-Fi, and use of the toilet are included as well. A comparable outing that charged separately for food, equipment, or drinks could quickly approach the same total.

The strongest value is for people who want an active half-day rather than a short boat ride. If you fish, swim, eat lunch, and spend time talking with the crew, the price feels well balanced. If you mainly want a guaranteed catch or a luxury vessel, the value is less certain.

The food also helps. Freshly grilled fish tastes different when you have watched it come aboard, and the meal is prepared on the boat rather than served at a restaurant after the fact. Just remember that your own catch may be small, so the provided sea bass and gold seabream are an important part of the lunch.

Weather, comfort, and practical limits

The trip operates rain or shine, but it does not run during storms. Sea conditions also affect the route and the selected fishing grounds. On windy days, the crew may still work hard to provide a good outing, but the ride and fishing can feel less comfortable.

If you are prone to seasickness, think carefully before booking. The activity includes a long cruise and several hours on the water, though the information provided does not specify seasickness medication or special seating. Eat breakfast as advised, bring only what you need, and keep beachwear and a towel close at hand.

The boat includes safety equipment and certified communication systems, but this remains a working fishing vessel. You should be comfortable stepping aboard, moving around a boat, and spending time outside. Wheelchair users cannot take part, and the tour is not suitable during pregnancy.

The cancellation terms are reasonable for a weather-dependent plan. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Check the available start time for your date, since the trip lasts five hours from the Kolona port meeting point.

Who should book this Rhodes fishing trip?

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• Couples who want a half-day activity with food and swimming included
• Families with children who already enjoy fishing
• Solo visitors who like small-group activities and meeting people
• First-time anglers who want hands-on instruction
• Experienced fishers who value proper equipment and local guidance
• Anyone who prefers a traditional boat to a large sightseeing vessel

I would be more cautious if you need a guaranteed catch, dislike fish-based food, want a fully fixed route, or prefer a quiet luxury cruise. The destination changes with conditions, and the fishing can be unpredictable. The trip works best when you treat the catch as part of the adventure, not as a promised result.

Should you book it?

For most visitors who want to combine fishing, swimming, and lunch in one outing, I think this is a strong choice. The father-and-son setup gives the trip personality, while the small group and good equipment make it useful for beginners as well as regular anglers.

Book it if you like the idea of eating fish grilled shortly after it comes from the sea, learning from an experienced local fisherman, and spending time in a quiet bay. Skip it if you need guaranteed calm water, avoid seafood, or want a polished resort-style boat. Bring beachwear, a towel, and patience for changing sea conditions, and allow extra time to find the port and parking.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes fishing trip start?

The boat is located at the port of Kolona, outside the Old Town of Rhodes. The listed meeting point is Skevos Fishing Trip.

How long does the activity last?

The fishing, boat cruise, swimming, and snorkelling experience lasts five hours. Check the available start time for your chosen date.

What kind of fishing will I do?

You start with about an hour of trolling using professional equipment. After that, you spend about two hours on ground fishing near the seabed.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods, equipment, and bait are included. The boat uses equipment from brands including Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi.

What food and drinks are included?

The meal includes grilled fish from the catch, fresh gold seabream and sea bass, Greek salad, and charcoal-grilled bread. Unlimited beer, cola, lemonade, and bottled mineral water are also included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the trip?

Yes. The boat anchors in a quiet bay for swimming, snorkelling, or relaxing. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and you should bring beachwear and a towel.