Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

Lindos looks best from the water. This full-day cruise combines roughly three hours in Lindos, a visit to its hilltop Acropolis, and swimming stops at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay. I like the simple mix of sightseeing and sea time, and I also like that hotel pickup can be arranged. The main drawback is the long boat ride, especially if the vessel is full or the sea is rough.

At $60.46 per person, this is a fair way to reach Lindos without arranging your own transport, particularly if you want swimming included. Just expect a long day, hot walking, extra charges for the Acropolis and lunch, and a large boat that can hold up to 180 people.

Key points before you book

• Three hours in Lindos: Enough time for the town, lunch, the Acropolis, and a little beach time, but not enough for a relaxed version of everything.
• Two 30-minute swim stops: Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay provide a welcome break from the heat.
• The Acropolis requires extra planning: Admission is not included, queues can be long, and the walk uphill is steep and exposed.
• Hotel pickup is available: You must provide your hotel name when booking so the operator can give you the pickup time.
• The boat has a bar and restroom: Snacks and drinks are available for purchase, while lunch in Lindos is your responsibility.
• It is a large-group cruise: The boat may feel crowded, so arriving early is useful if you want a good seat.

Why this boat trip works for a Rhodes day out

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ essential stops. Its white buildings, narrow lanes, broad bay, and ancient Acropolis make it very different from Rhodes Town. Reaching it by boat adds a pleasant sense of arrival, even though the journey takes time.

The tour departs from the harbor at about 8:40 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. The boat reaches Lindos Harbor around 11:00 a.m., giving you close to three hours ashore before departure at about 2:00 p.m. The return journey includes the two swimming stops and ends back at the harbor around 5:30 p.m.

That schedule gives you a useful day, but it is not a quick transfer. You spend several hours on the boat, so I would book this for the combination of Lindos and swimming, not simply as the fastest way to reach the village.

The cruise has earned a 4.8 rating from 557 ratings, with 96 percent recommending it. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, reliable transfers, attractive swim stops, and the chance to see Lindos without hiring a car or arranging a separate boat trip.

Getting to the harbor and boarding

The listed meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. Pickup is also offered from selected hotels and resorts. When you book, enter your hotel name in the special requirements field. The operator then sends the pickup time.

Do not assume the harbor departure time is your pickup time. One reported pickup was at 7:45 a.m., even though the boat left at about 8:40. That early start allows time for the transfer and boarding process.

Plan to arrive early. You may need to queue to exchange your booking for boat tickets and then join another queue to board. Early arrival also helps if you want a top-deck sunbed or a seat with a clear view.

The boat includes a restroom, a bar, snacks, and drinks for purchase. Food and drink prices were described as sensible, which matters on a seven-and-a-half-hour outing. Still, bring water, sunscreen, and anything specific you need, since lunch is not included.

The vessel can carry up to 180 people. That capacity explains the mixed comments about space. Some passengers found plenty of room, including sunbeds on the upper deck, while others found the seating crowded. If having a particular seat matters to you, arrive early rather than expecting a quiet, small-boat setting.

The cruise south to Lindos

The outward journey takes roughly two and a half hours. That is a fair amount of time to sit in the sun, watch the coast, and settle into the day. Some passengers enjoy the calm ride, while others find the boat time slow because there is limited organized commentary or interaction.

Music may play during the cruise. This is a minor detail for some people and an annoyance for others, especially if you prefer a quiet ride. I would bring a book, headphones, or simply plan to treat the trip as open time on the sea.

The crew is one of the tour’s strongest points. They are described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, including when a passenger felt unwell and needed a more comfortable place to sit. Drivers also receive praise, with George specifically noted for being polite and punctual during hotel transfers.

The first swim stop may occur before Lindos, depending on the day’s operation. This is worth noting if you plan to visit the Acropolis with a timed entry ticket. Getting wet before reaching Lindos can leave you walking through the hot town in damp clothes, and an unpredictable order could affect a timed admission slot.

Three hours exploring Lindos

The boat reaches Lindos Harbor at about 11:00 a.m. You then have free time until 1:45 p.m., with departure around 2:00 p.m. The crew’s return deadline matters. The boat will not wait for a late arrival, so leave enough time to walk back down to the harbor.

Lindos itself is compact but demanding under the Greek sun. The route from the harbor toward the village and Acropolis includes steep sections and cobbled lanes. Small shops and cafes line the way, giving you plenty of places to pause, but shade can be limited.

The Acropolis sits above the town and offers wide views over Lindos Bay. Admission is extra, and the entrance queue may be long. Buying an entry ticket online in advance can help you avoid the ticket queue, but a timed ticket creates a problem if the boat changes the order of the swimming stops or arrives later than planned.

You need to decide what matters most before stepping ashore:

• Choose the Acropolis first if the ruins and views are your priority.
• Choose lunch and the village if you want a slower visit.
• Choose the beach if cooling off matters more than monuments.
• Leave plenty of time to return to the harbor.

The climb is not a good match for everyone. Several passengers chose to remain near the bay or relax at a beach club rather than tackle the steep hill. The heat can make the walk much harder, and sensible shoes are a good idea. Sandals may feel uncomfortable on the cobbles and incline.

The treatment of donkeys used for uphill rides is another consideration. One passenger chose to walk rather than use them in high heat. You can make your own choice, but the walk is the more considerate option if you are able to manage it.

Lunch is not included. You can eat at a restaurant in Lindos, buy something near the beach, or return to the boat for purchased snacks and drinks. Lindos prices can be higher in the busiest areas, so check menus before sitting down.

Three hours is enough for a focused visit. I think you can see the Acropolis, walk through the village, and stop for a drink, but you probably cannot linger over a long meal and spend much time at the beach as well.

Tsambika Bay and the first swim stop

On the return toward Rhodes, the boat stops at Tsambika Bay for about 30 minutes. This is a short but useful pause after walking around Lindos. You can swim from the boat and use the time to cool down rather than search for a beach chair.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes or keep it easy to reach. A towel, sunscreen, and goggles are also useful. Snorkeling equipment is not included, and availability for purchase on the boat is not guaranteed. One passenger bought equipment onboard and found little use for it, so bringing your own goggles is the safer choice.

The stop is best viewed as a refreshing swim rather than a guided snorkeling session. The tour includes time for swimming and snorkeling, but no dedicated instruction or equipment rental is promised. If you are hoping for a serious look at marine life, keep your expectations modest.

The half-hour limit goes quickly. Listen for instructions about reboarding, and do not swim so far from the boat that you spend the entire stop returning.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the best water of the day

The final stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, a striking cove used as a setting for the film The Guns of Navarone. Cliffs surround the small bay, and the clear water makes this stop especially attractive for swimming.

This is the stop I would most anticipate. The scenery is dramatic, and the water is described as warm and clear, with colorful fish among coral and seaweed. It is still a 30-minute stop, so it is not a full beach afternoon. You swim from the boat, enjoy the view, and climb back aboard when called.

Anthony Quinn Bay can feel busy because it is a popular location, and a large tour boat does not provide the privacy of a small private charter. Even so, the combination of clear water, rocky coves, and a short swim makes it a strong finish to the day.

The two swimming stops also break up the long return ride. Without them, the boat journey back to Rhodes would feel much more tiring, especially after walking in Lindos.

Is $60.46 good value?

At $60.46, the price covers the skipper, the boat ride, the Lindos visit, both swimming stops, and use of the onboard restroom. Hotel pickup may also be included depending on the option you select. For someone without a car who wants both a major sightseeing stop and sea time, that is a reasonable package.

The value is less convincing if you only want to visit Lindos. The boat takes much longer than a faster transfer, and you have limited control over the schedule. A bus or private transfer may suit you better if your main goal is the Acropolis and village.

Remember to budget for:

• Acropolis admission
• Lunch in Lindos
• Snacks and drinks onboard
• Snorkeling equipment if you do not bring your own
• Beach chairs or other personal purchases

The tour does not include an admission ticket for the Acropolis. That is important because the ruins are the main extra cost for many people. The exact admission price can change, so check current details before booking.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward full-day outing with several parts: a scenic boat ride, historic Lindos, and two swims. It suits people who prefer having transport and a boat schedule arranged for them.

It is also a good choice for families and mixed groups with different interests. One person can focus on the Acropolis, another can shop or eat in the village, and everyone gets a swim later.

I would think twice if you dislike large groups, long boat rides, loud music, or fixed schedules. The 180-person maximum means this is not an intimate sailing trip. It also may not suit you if steep walking in heat is difficult, since the Acropolis is reached uphill from the harbor.

The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions or because the minimum number is not reached, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside 24 hours are not refunded.

What to pack for the day

Pack for sun, salt water, and a steep walk. I would bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Goggles
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Dry clothes for Lindos
• Water and a small amount of cash or a payment card
• A phone pouch or other way to protect valuables near the water

Wear walking shoes for the Acropolis and save flip-flops for the boat. If you swim before Lindos, carry dry clothes so you are not climbing the hill in a wet swimsuit.

Should you book the Lindos boat trip?

Book it if you want Lindos plus two scenic swims in one organized day. The friendly crew, hotel pickup, onboard facilities, and beautiful Anthony Quinn Bay make this a good-value outing for many people.

Skip it if you want a quiet, small boat, a fast journey, or a relaxed day at the Acropolis. In that case, choose faster transport and spend your saved time in Lindos.

My practical choice would be to book this on a calm-weather day, arrive early for a seat, bring goggles and dry clothes, and decide before departure whether the Acropolis is worth the hot uphill walk for you. With those expectations, the tour offers a useful taste of Rhodes by land and sea.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Lindos last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, from the morning harbor departure until the return at about 5:30 p.m.

Which days does the boat operate?

The boat departs every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

What time does the boat leave Rhodes harbor?

Departure is scheduled for about 8:40 a.m.

How long do I have in Lindos?

You have approximately three hours in Lindos. The boat arrives around 11:00 a.m., and you must return by about 1:45 p.m. for the 2:00 p.m. departure.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The boat stops at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay for about 30 minutes at each location.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No snorkeling equipment is listed as included. You can bring your own goggles, and equipment may be available to purchase onboard, subject to stock.

Is lunch included?

No. You have free time to buy lunch in Lindos. Snacks and drinks can also be purchased from the boat bar.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered for selected hotels. Enter your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking so the operator can provide your pickup time.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number may also result in an alternative date, another experience, or a full refund.