Captain Manolis Fishing with barbecue on the boat

Catch dinner, then eat it at sea. Captain Manolis’s half-day trip pairs small-group fishing with a boat barbecue, swimming, and snorkeling off Rhodes. I like the friendly, hands-on hosting, especially the help offered by Captain Mike and Katerina, and I like that your catch becomes part of lunch rather than a forgotten photo.

The other strong point is the relaxed scale. With no more than 10 people, you get more room and attention than on a large excursion boat. The main consideration is expectations: this is ordinary recreational fishing, not a serious big-game expedition, and small fish are common.

Key points at a glance

• Trolling comes first: The trip begins by looking for little tuna before moving to bottom fishing.
• Your catch becomes lunch: Each person receives one fresh fish weighing about 500 grams, with Greek salad and bread.
• Drinks are included: Water, soft drinks, and beer are provided at no extra charge.
• Swimming and snorkeling add variety: You are not tied to a fishing rod for all four and a half hours.
• Small group, maximum 10: The size allows the captain and crew to give direct help.
• Shared-trip expectations matter: The experience is designed for a pleasant boat outing, not guaranteed large catches.

What this Rhodes fishing trip is really about

Captain Manolis Fishing Trips leaves from Akti Sachtouri in Rhodes Town and returns to the same meeting point. The outing lasts about four and a half hours, making it easy to fit into a day of sightseeing, beach time, or a relaxed evening in town.

I would think of this as a Greek lunch on the water with fishing included, rather than a fishing charter with lunch added later. That distinction matters. You may catch fish, but the size and number are not promised. The pleasure comes from being outside, learning the basic rhythm of fishing, enjoying the coast, and eating a fresh meal with your group.

The 97 percent recommendation rate and 4.9 rating suggest that the overall experience works well for most people. Still, the occasional poor rating points to one clear issue: anyone expecting large tuna or amberjack may feel disappointed. The operator makes a distinction between this shared trip and a much more expensive private fishing trip costing about €850. At roughly $78.64 per person, this outing is priced as a social, accessible excursion, not a professional fishing mission.

Starting at Akti Sachtouri in Rhodes Town

Your meeting point is Fishing Trips Rhodes Captain Manolis at Akti Sachtouri, Rhodes 851 00. The activity ends back there, so you do not need to arrange a separate return transfer from another harbor.

The central location is useful if you are staying in or near Rhodes Town. The information provided does not include hotel pickup, so plan to reach the meeting point on your own and allow enough time to find the exact departure spot.

This is a good trip to schedule when you want a clear half-day plan. At four and a half hours, it takes long enough to feel like a proper outing but does not consume the entire day. You still have time before or after for the Old Town, a swim, or dinner.

The group limit is 10 people. That is small enough for the captain to help you with the rod, bait, and technique, while still giving the boat a sociable feel. If you are new to fishing, this matters more than it might seem. A large boat can leave beginners waiting for assistance. Here, direct guidance is part of the appeal.

Trolling for little tuna

The first fishing stage uses trolling for little tuna. Trolling means the bait or lure is moved through the water behind the boat while the boat travels. It gives the outing a sense of motion from the start and offers the possibility of a more active catch than simply waiting over one spot.

You should treat this part as an opportunity, not a guarantee. Fish do not follow a timetable, and the catch can vary from one departure to another. The captain chooses the fishing areas, which is valuable because local conditions, water movement, and fish activity all affect the day.

The information does not promise a particular species or number of catches. That is worth keeping in mind before booking. The pictures or expectations some people bring from serious fishing trips may not match this shared outing.

Still, trolling adds a pleasant change from sightseeing by boat. You have a task to focus on, and the captain can help you understand when to hold the rod and how to respond when there is activity on the line.

Bottom fishing and the chance of smaller catches

After trolling, the boat moves on to bottom fishing. This usually means fishing at a lower depth with baited hooks, waiting for fish that stay near the seabed. It is the more relaxed part of the program and suits people who want to try fishing without committing to a full-day charter.

The key word is normal fishing. Some catches may be quite small. One person described catching fish around two inches and felt that the outing did not meet their expectations. Another family caught only small fish but still enjoyed the swimming portion. A separate account described a 16-inch catch, so larger fish are possible, but they are not something you should count on.

That range tells you how to judge the experience. If your priority is bringing home a trophy fish, choose a private or specialist charter instead. If your goal is to learn, relax, and enjoy a chance at lunch, the shared trip makes more sense.

The captain’s help is especially useful here. Fishing from a boat can feel unfamiliar, even if you have fished from shore before. The small group gives the crew time to assist beginners and help families or older participants take part.

The barbecue is the heart of the outing

Once the fishing ends, the crew prepares a barbecue on the boat. Each person receives one fresh fish weighing about 500 grams, along with Greek salad and bread.

This is the most distinctive part of the trip. Your meal is tied to the day’s activity, and the barbecue gives the outing a clear finish. I like that the meal is simple rather than overcomplicated. Fresh fish, salad, bread, and a drink fit the setting far better than a formal lunch would.

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included. That improves the value, particularly for a four-and-a-half-hour trip in the sun. You do not need to budget separately for basic drinks, though the supplied information does not specify other beverages or any special dietary arrangements.

There is also a practical point here: the advertised meal is one fish per person, about 500 grams. Do not assume that every individual fish caught during the trip will be large enough to serve as a full portion. The meal description sets a clear expectation, but the fishing itself remains dependent on luck and conditions.

The barbecue also makes this a good choice for mixed groups. Someone who is only mildly interested in fishing can still look forward to lunch and time on the water. That balance helped one group with both teenagers and seniors enjoy the same outing.

Swimming and snorkeling break up the fishing

Swimming and snorkeling are included, giving you a break from the rod. This is important because four and a half hours can feel long if every minute is spent waiting for a bite.

The information does not specify the exact swimming location, water depth, or whether snorkeling equipment is supplied. Bring your own gear unless the operator confirms that equipment is available. The safest assumption is that the activities are part of the boat outing, but the details of the swim stop are not set out.

For families and mixed-interest groups, this extra time may be the difference between a good day and a frustrating one. People who are not keen anglers can enjoy the water while others continue fishing. One family specifically enjoyed the swimming even though the catch was small.

I would also treat swimming as a bonus rather than the main purpose. The core program is fishing and barbecue. If you want a dedicated snorkeling cruise with a detailed focus on marine life, this is not presented as that kind of excursion.

The crew and the feel on board

The strongest praise centers on the hospitality. Captain Manolis is the named provider, while Captain Mike and Katerina are also identified as hosts on some departures. Their role appears to be practical as well as social: helping with fishing, preparing lunch, and making the group feel welcome.

That personal contact is one reason the small-group format works. You are not simply handed a rod and left alone. The crew helps you catch fish, including first-time anglers who may need basic instruction and encouragement.

The mood is described as warm, friendly, and relaxed. One group called it a pleasant way to see Rhodes, while another praised the beautiful views and easygoing pace. You should expect a family-style outing rather than a polished luxury cruise.

The boat itself is not described in detail, so I would not book this for premium yacht comforts. The value lies in the activity, the meal, and the company. If you prefer a quiet private boat with complete control over the schedule, the shared format may feel less personal.

Is $78.64 a fair price?

At $78.64 per person, the cost includes about four and a half hours on the water, fishing gear, bait, the crew’s assistance, swimming and snorkeling time, a fish barbecue, salad, bread, water, soft drinks, and beer.

That is a fair package if you value the whole outing. You are paying for more than the fish itself. The boat, captain, fuel, equipment, food preparation, and crew time are part of the price. A successful catch is a welcome extra, not the only measure of value.

The price becomes less attractive if you judge the trip solely by fish size. It is possible to catch only small fish, and there is no promise of tuna, amberjack, or a particular quantity. The operator clearly separates this shared experience from a private, high-end fishing charter.

I would compare it with the price of a standard boat trip plus lunch in Rhodes. Here, you get an active element and a meal connected to the activity. For a couple, family, or small group looking for a social half-day, that combination is sensible. For a dedicated angler, spend the extra money on a trip built around serious fishing.

Who will enjoy it most

I would recommend this experience to:

• First-time anglers who want patient help with the basics
• Families with different interests
• Couples who like food and time on the water
• People who want swimming and snorkeling alongside fishing
• Visitors seeking a half-day activity from Rhodes Town
• Anyone who enjoys a relaxed group atmosphere

I would be cautious about booking it if your main goal is a large catch. The trip may produce a satisfying fish, but it may also produce small fish or no notable catch. Fishing involves luck, and the supplied details do not offer a guarantee.

The maximum of 10 people is a useful middle ground. It is intimate enough for assistance but not so private that the cost becomes excessive. One account found seven people on board to be a comfortable number, which gives you a practical idea of how the boat may feel on a typical departure.

Practical details before you book

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation is received at booking, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can take part.

The activity depends on good weather. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not met.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local Rhodes time.

Wear clothes you are comfortable wearing around water and bring anything you need for the swimming break. Since equipment details for snorkeling are not specified, check with the operator before departure if that part is important to you.

Should you book Captain Manolis Fishing Trips?

Book it if you want a friendly, manageable half-day on the water with fishing, swimming, and a fresh fish lunch. The crew’s help, small group, included drinks, and boat barbecue give the experience real value at $78.64.

Do not book it expecting a guaranteed big-game catch. The better mindset is simple: enjoy the sea, try your hand at trolling and bottom fishing, and regard the fish as a bonus that may become lunch.

For families, beginners, and mixed-age groups, this is one of the more flexible ways to spend a half-day in Rhodes. For serious anglers, choose a private specialist charter instead. For everyone else, Captain Manolis’s trip offers a pleasant taste of fishing life without taking over your holiday.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

It starts at Fishing Trips Rhodes Captain Manolis, Akti Sachtouri, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

Where does the activity finish?

The trip ends back at the meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours and 30 minutes.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 10 travelers.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing rods and bait are included.

What type of fishing takes place?

The trip begins with trolling for little tuna and then continues with bottom fishing.

Is a meal included?

Yes. The barbecue includes one fresh fish weighing about 500 grams per person, Greek salad, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included.

Can I swim or snorkel during the trip?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are included as part of the experience.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If bad weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.