Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn, Kallithea & Traganou Bays

Rhodes looks best from the water. This six-hour cruise links three famous coves with time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, while the crew serves lunch, snacks, and drinks along the way. I especially like the one-hour swim stops, which give you enough time to enjoy each bay without feeling rushed, and the included hot buffet, a real benefit on a half-day boat outing.

The boat also earns praise for its comfortable bean bags, attentive crew, and relaxed music. Captain George and Captain Georgia are singled out for warm hospitality, and the crew often helps make the day feel personal. The main drawback is simple: these are popular bays, and the boat may anchor well offshore, so you might get beautiful water and scenery without reaching every cave or beach feature up close.

Key points to know before booking

• Three long swimming stops: The boat usually allows about an hour at Kallithea, Traganou, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect a buffet meal, snacks, beer, and other drinks during the cruise.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided: You do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.
• Comfort matters here: Bean bags, music, and a friendly crew make this more than a basic transport boat.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: Pickup is available across Rhodes, but the fee depends on your hotel’s location.
• The exact third bay needs checking: The schedule names Anthony Quinn Bay, while the stop list also mentions Ladiko Beach.

Why this Rhodes boat trip works so well

This is a good choice if you want to see several coastal highlights in one day without arranging taxis, beach chairs, and separate meals. You leave from Rhodes Town at about 10:00 a.m. and return around 4:00 p.m., giving you a complete morning and afternoon on the sea.

The appeal is not sightseeing from a distance alone. The boat anchors for swimming and snorkeling, so you can jump into the water, float near the boat, or stay on deck with a cold drink. If you prefer a quiet day, you can skip the water and stretch out on a bean bag in the sun.

At $93.16 per person, the price is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. It becomes more reasonable when you count the included lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, music, crew service, and access to three coves in one outing. You are paying for the boat day as a whole, not simply for a ride from one port to another.

The biggest question is your expectation. If you want a polished beach club experience with a private cove, this may feel too busy. If you want a sociable cruise with good swimming, pleasant service, and plenty of food, it offers solid value.

Leaving Rhodes Town at 10:00 a.m.

The meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. The boat returns to the same general meeting point at the end of the day, so you do not need to arrange a separate return journey.

Hotel pickup is offered for an additional charge. The fee depends on where you stay, with different pricing for southern resorts such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi compared with hotels in other areas. You should select the pickup option that covers your hotel and enter the hotel name in the special requirements field.

The operator then provides your pickup time. This matters because the central departure is listed for 10:00 a.m., but a hotel transfer will require an earlier start. One useful warning: transport coordination can be less tidy than the cruise itself. Clear instructions from the vehicle to the boat are important, and some passengers have found this part confusing.

If you are arranging your own transport, arrive with enough time to find the meeting point and board without a last-minute rush. On a full boat, boarding order can affect where you sit. A late arrival may mean splitting up your group or settling for less comfortable seating.

Kallithea Bay and the first swim

The first scheduled stop is Kallithea Bay, reached at about 10:40 a.m. The boat remains at anchor for roughly an hour, giving you time to swim, snorkel, or enjoy the view from deck.

Kallithea is known for clear water and attractive rocky edges. It is a strong opening stop because you can get into the sea early, before the heat of the afternoon becomes tiring. The boat provides snorkeling equipment, so you can try it without packing your own gear.

Keep your expectations measured. This is mainly a swim from the boat, not a guided shore visit. The boat may anchor some distance from the caves or shoreline, and one account specifically noted that reaching the caves was not possible from the anchorage. You should think of Kallithea as a water stop rather than a beach excursion.

The water may also feel cold, depending on the day and your own comfort level. That is worth remembering if you prefer warm, shallow swimming. The sheltered setting and bright water are attractive, but the experience depends on where the captain can safely anchor.

Traganou Bay at 12:20 p.m.

The boat continues to Traganou Bay, with swimming and snorkeling scheduled at about 12:20 p.m. This stop gives you another hour in the water and breaks up the morning nicely.

Traganou is a rocky coastal setting, so the views are best appreciated from the boat. You can swim near the anchored vessel, use the provided snorkeling gear, or remain on deck and watch the cliffs and coves pass by.

The cruise does not promise a reef or abundant marine life. Some swimmers found the water clear but saw few fish or coral. Bring snorkeling gear if you have a favorite mask, but the included equipment is useful for casual viewing rather than a serious underwater outing.

Popular bays can also feel crowded. Several stops are well-known, and other boats may be nearby. You will still get attractive water and scenery, but solitude is not part of the deal. The tradeoff is easy access: you can visit famous places without spending the day moving between separate beaches.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of staying aboard

At about 1:30 p.m., the crew serves a buffet, with the meal scheduled shortly after the Traganou stop. The food is one of the stronger parts of the experience. It is described as hot, fresh, and traditional, with snacks and drinks also available.

That changes the rhythm of the day. Instead of searching for a seaside taverna between swimming stops, you eat on board and keep moving. Beer and other drinks are included, and several accounts praise the supply of refreshments. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish.

The meal also adds practical value to the price. A six-hour outing in the sun can become expensive once you add lunch, bottled drinks, and beach purchases. Here, those basics are already part of the package.

Alcohol is available, and the boat may feel livelier on the return journey. One useful caution is that the ride back can be quite lively, especially if the sea is moving and people have been enjoying the drinks. If you are prone to seasickness, keep that in mind and choose a seat with care.

Anthony Quinn Bay for the final swim

The final scheduled swimming stop is Anthony Quinn Bay at about 1:50 p.m. The boat departs around 2:50 p.m. and reaches Rhodes Town at approximately 4:00 p.m.

Anthony Quinn Bay is one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal views, with steep rocky sides and intensely colored water. Seen from the deck, it is a memorable finish to the cruise. The hour-long stop gives you time to swim and snorkel rather than simply take a quick photograph.

Again, the key detail is the boat’s position. You may not be able to reach every shoreline feature, cave, or beach area. The attraction here is the setting and the chance to swim in the bay, not a land tour of Anthony Quinn’s beach.

The published details create a small point of uncertainty. The timed program names Kallithea, Traganou, and Anthony Quinn Bay, while the separate stop list names Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Beach, and Ladiko Beach. If visiting a specific cove matters to you, confirm the final route with Half Price Tours before booking.

The boat, crew, and overall mood

Comfort is a major reason to choose this trip. Bean bags give you an easy place to lie back between swims, and selected music helps create a relaxed holiday mood. The setup is more comfortable than a bare sightseeing ferry, though it remains a shared boat experience.

The crew receives some of the warmest praise. Captain George is described as both a friendly host and a good cook, while Captain Georgia and George have been especially welcoming on a smaller replacement yacht trip. These personal touches matter on a six-hour outing, when the crew shapes the mood as much as the scenery.

The group can include up to 50 people. That is large enough to create energy and conversation, but it also means you should not expect private service or complete quiet. On a busy departure, seating can become an issue, especially for families who arrive late or board after a delayed transfer.

A cancellation or replacement boat can occasionally change the format. In one case, the original boat was canceled and the operator arranged a yacht trip for a much smaller group. That worked out well, but it shows that the final vessel may depend on operating conditions and availability.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a simple way to combine Rhodes’ famous bays with swimming, lunch, and drinks. It suits couples, friends, and families who are comfortable spending much of the day on a shared boat.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Rhodes Town and want an easy coastal day without renting a car. Hotel pickup can help if you are based farther away, though the added charge should be included in your budget.

You may want another type of outing if your main goal is serious snorkeling. The water can be clear, but fish and coral are not guaranteed. You should also look elsewhere if you want to spend time walking on each beach, exploring caves on foot, or finding a quiet stretch of sand.

This is best understood as a swimming cruise with scenic stops. The bays provide the setting, while the boat, food, drinks, and crew provide the structure.

Practical details that affect your day

The experience lasts about six hours and is offered in English. Confirmation is sent at booking, and most people can participate. The tour operates near public transportation, although hotel pickup is available for an additional fee.

The tour requires good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses Rhodes local time.

For your own comfort, bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a dry place for valuables. The provided snorkeling equipment covers the basics, but personal gear may fit better. Since the schedule includes sunbathing and long water stops, you should also plan for a full day in direct sun.

My verdict on the $93.16 price

At $93.16, this is a mid-priced boat excursion rather than a budget beach transfer. The value is strongest when you want an all-in-one day: three bays, several hours of swimming, lunch, snacks, drinks, music, snorkeling equipment, and crew service.

The value weakens if you only want a short swim or prefer visiting beaches independently. Popular locations may be crowded, and the boat may anchor too far from caves or shore attractions for a close look. You are also sharing the experience with as many as 50 people.

Still, the included food and drink help. A hot buffet is more useful than a small snack, and the relaxed boat setup makes the long gap between stops pleasant. For a first visit to Rhodes, seeing several famous coves from the sea is a practical use of one day.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay boat trip?

Book it if you want three scenic swim stops, dependable onboard food, and a friendly crew in a relaxed shared setting. The strongest parts are the generous stop times, comfortable bean bags, included refreshments, and the chance to see coastal Rhodes without organizing every detail yourself.

Think twice if you need quiet water, uncrowded beaches, or close access to caves and shorelines. Also confirm whether your departure will include Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Beach, or both, since the published route details are not fully consistent.

For most visitors who want an easy, social day at sea, I think the package is worth considering. Just arrive early, clarify your pickup and route, and treat the trip as a swimming cruise rather than a private coastal exploration.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. It departs from Rhodes Town at about 10:00 a.m. and returns to the harbor around 4:00 p.m.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an additional charge. The fee depends on how far your hotel is located from the departure area.

What bays does the cruise visit?

The timed program lists Kallithea Bay, Traganou Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay. The stop information also lists Ladiko Beach, so confirm the exact route if one particular bay is important to you.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the swimming stops.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The price includes a buffet meal, snacks, and drinks. A hot lunch and beer are specifically included in the onboard service.

How many people can join the boat?

The tour has a maximum group size of 50 people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.