Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board

Fishing, lunch, and a cave swim make a fine Rhodes morning. The Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip combines simple sea fishing with a stop at the rocky coves near Kallithea Springs, followed by a generous BBQ meal on board. I especially like the small group of up to 12 people and the warm, comic help from Angelo and the captain. The main catch is not guaranteed, and three hours of fishing may feel long for younger children.

The boat is not fancy, but the day is built around good company, fresh food, and time in clear water. You get free soft drinks, beer, and wine, plus help with baiting hooks and sorting tangled lines. Allow extra care if you are joining from a cruise ship, since one late departure caused serious timing trouble for a passenger.

Key points at a glance

• Fishing for beginners: Angelo and Vasili help with bait, rods, and tangled lines, so you do not need prior experience.
• Kallithea cave swim: The one-hour stop brings you to rocky beaches and clear water suited to swimming and snorkeling.
• BBQ lunch on board: Expect a hearty meal with fish, chicken, salad, bread, and fruit, with the day’s catch sometimes added to the grill.
• Small boat atmosphere: A maximum of 12 people makes the outing friendly and personal, though the boat is older rather than luxurious.
• Useful meeting-point warning: Meet on the waterfront at 25is Martiou 2, not at the spot Google Maps may suggest.
• Cruise timing matters: The trip lasts about five hours and may not be shortened if the boat leaves late.

A five-hour Rhodes outing with a local feel

At $78.60 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Rhodes. It is also more than a simple boat ride. Your price covers a half-day on the water, fishing equipment and instruction, a swimming stop, a cooked meal, and complimentary drinks.

I see the value in the combination. You are not paying only for the fish you catch, since some people catch little or nothing. You are paying for the whole rhythm of the outing: casting a line, chatting with a small group, swimming by the caves, and sitting down to a meal prepared on the boat.

The strongest part is the atmosphere. Angelo is often praised for his humor and help, and the captain adds to the welcoming, family-style mood. This is the kind of trip where the crew matters as much as the route. If you prefer polished equipment and a quiet, formal setting, you may find the boat too basic. If you like an easygoing day with a human touch, that rough edge can be part of the charm.

Finding 25is Martiou 2 on the Rhodes waterfront

The listed meeting point is 25is Martiou 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The important practical detail is that the boat meets you on the waterfront, not necessarily at the exact place Google Maps directs you.

I would allow time to find the pier and look for the boat or crew rather than arriving at the last minute. The organizer is known for sending useful communication before the trip, which helps, but the waterfront location still deserves attention.

The meeting point is near public transportation. The activity ends back at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the swimming cove or fishing grounds.

The boat carries no more than 12 people. That size matters. You can get help with your rod without waiting behind a large crowd, and lunch feels more like a shared table than a buffet line. It also means the schedule is shared by everyone. If you need to leave early, the captain may not be able to adjust the outing for you.

Three hours of hands-on fishing

The first main part of the trip is fishing in the waters around Rhodes. The crew supplies practical help, including baiting the hook, handling the reel, and untangling lines.

For a first fishing trip, this is a sensible setup. You do not need to arrive knowing how to cast or what sort of fish to expect. You can start with the basics and learn by doing. Angelo and Vasili are there to guide you, and the small group makes it easier to ask for help.

If you already fish, the experience may feel more relaxed than specialized. The boat makes stops in several fishing areas, with some outings using two spots and others stopping at three. The catch varies. Some people land fish, including a few unexpectedly good ones, while others catch only small fish or nothing at all.

That is the key expectation to set before booking: the fishing is an activity, not a promise of a large catch. Photos showing many fish should not be treated as a guarantee of what will be caught on your day.

Three hours is a fair amount of time for adults who enjoy fishing. For children aged seven to fourteen, it can be a little long, especially if the fish are not biting. Families may want to bring a simple plan for the slower stretches, though the swimming stop breaks up the day later.

The crew may grill fish caught during the outing. That adds a pleasant sense of connection between the morning’s work and the meal, but you should not count on freshly caught fish being the only main dish.

Kallithea Caves and the one-hour swim

The boat then heads to the rocky beaches and caves near Kallithea Springs, often called Kalithea Caves in the trip details. This is the visual highlight for many people.

You get about an hour to swim and snorkel in the clear water around the caves. The stop is not just a quick photo pause. You have time to get in the sea, look around, and enjoy the cove before returning to the boat.

I like the contrast between the two parts of the trip. Fishing asks you to sit, watch, and wait. The cave stop lets you stretch out, swim, and cool off. Even people who catch no fish can still have a satisfying day because the water stop gives the outing a second purpose.

Bring whatever you need to feel comfortable around the water. The available information confirms swimming and snorkeling, but it does not promise supplied snorkeling equipment, so you should check with the operator if you need gear.

The boat has a toilet, which is useful during a five-hour outing. It is described as basic, and reports point out that it may need a better clean and a proper door lock. There is no sink, so carrying wipes is a smart practical move.

BBQ lunch, fresh fish, salad, and fruit

The meal is one of the most praised parts of the day. The captain prepares a BBQ on board, and the food is served after the fishing and swimming portions.

Expect a generous, straightforward meal rather than restaurant dining. Specific meals have included grilled fish, chicken, Greek salad, bread, and fresh fruit. Gluten-free bread was available for at least one meal, though you should confirm any dietary needs before departure rather than assume every request can be met.

The portions can be large. Some people found the fish meal so generous they could not finish it. The Greek salad and grilled fish are especially memorable, and the catch of the day may be cooked for the group when there is enough to serve.

Drinks are included. You can have soft drinks, beer, or wine while on board. That adds real value to the $78.60 price, particularly since the food is cooked for you rather than being a meal you need to carry or buy separately.

The presentation may surprise you. The boat itself is older and fairly plain, yet the meal can be laid out with care. This is a good example of why you should judge the trip as a whole. The setting is casual, but the food is often treated as a central part of the day.

What the boat is really like

Do not book this outing expecting a luxury yacht. The boat is described as older and somewhat primitive, with a basic toilet and limited facilities.

That said, the boat’s size helps create the social mood. You are close to the crew, close to the fishing action, and part of a small group rather than one face in a crowd. People who enjoyed the trip often valued the friendly service more than the boat’s finish.

The vessel does have a bathroom, which is important on a five-hour trip. Just remember the practical limitations: no sink, and the lock and cleanliness may not meet everyone’s standards.

I would also think about comfort at sea. The supplied details do not state how the boat handles seasickness, shade, or seating, so ask the provider if those points matter to you. The trip requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a different date or a full refund.

Angelo, Vasili, and the crew make the difference

The crew is central to this outing. Angelo is repeatedly described as funny, helpful, and welcoming, with an infectious laugh. His role is not just to explain fishing. He keeps the mood light when the fish are slow and helps turn mistakes into part of the fun.

Vasili is also named as one of the people teaching passengers how to fish. The captain prepares the BBQ and helps run the boat. Together, they create the feeling of a shared local outing rather than a highly scripted excursion.

One caution is worth noting. A single account found the younger staff member’s communication irritating and insincere. That is a personal reaction, and it differs from the many positive comments about the crew, but it is fair to say that a lively guide style will not suit everyone. If you prefer calm, minimal commentary, the banter may feel like a bit much.

Why cruise passengers need to plan carefully

The trip can work well as a shore excursion, but cruise passengers need to pay close attention to the schedule. The listed duration is about five hours, and the outing may not return early simply because one person has a ship to catch.

A serious timing problem occurred when the boat was late returning from an earlier trip. The captain could not shorten the current outing because other people were on board. The passenger chose not to risk missing the ship and lost the money paid for the excursion.

My advice is simple: do not book this if the advertised return time leaves only a narrow margin before your ship departs. Port traffic, boat delays, and weather can all work against you. If you have a generous buffer, the small-group format can be appealing. If you need a precise return, book through the cruise line or choose an activity with a shorter, firmer schedule.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it most strongly to:

• First-time fishers who want patient, hands-on help
• Couples looking for a relaxed day on the water
• Families with older children and teenagers
• People who value a good meal as much as the fishing
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want a cove stop
• Small groups who prefer personal service over a large boat

You may want to choose something else if you need luxury facilities, guaranteed fishing success, a quiet boat, or a tightly controlled return time.

For families, consider the age and patience of your children. Younger children may enjoy catching a fish and swimming in the caves, but three hours of fishing can test their attention if the lines stay quiet. Teenagers, college-age children, and adults are more likely to enjoy the full pace.

Booking, cancellation, and practical details

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity is offered in English. Most people can participate, and the group is capped at 12.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the payment is not refunded for a late cancellation. All cut-off times use local Rhodes time.

Bad weather is handled differently. If the provider cancels because conditions are poor, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Because the meeting point can be confusing on map apps, I would save the waterfront address and contact details before leaving your hotel. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and wipes for the basic bathroom. If you need gluten-free food, snorkeling equipment, or other special arrangements, ask before the day of departure.

Should you book the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group day that mixes fishing, swimming, and a filling BBQ. The best parts are the crew, the fresh meal, the clear water near the caves, and the chance to learn fishing without having any previous skill.

Do not book it for a guaranteed catch or a polished boat. The vessel is older, the bathroom is basic, and the fishing can be slow. Cruise passengers should only choose it with plenty of time before sailing.

At $78.60, I consider it good value for someone who will enjoy all three parts: fishing, swimming, and lunch. If you catch nothing but still eat well, swim through a rocky cove, and spend an easy morning with Angelo and the captain, the day can still feel worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. Around three hours are set aside for fishing, and about one hour is spent swimming and snorkeling near Kallithea Caves, with time also needed for travel and lunch.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $78.60 per person.

Where does the boat trip start and finish?

It starts at 25is Martiou 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece, on the Rhodes waterfront. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the trip suitable for beginners?

Yes. The crew helps beginners bait hooks, use the reel, and manage tangled lines. No previous fishing experience is required in the supplied tour details.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ meal is prepared on board. Meals described include grilled fish, chicken, Greek salad, bread, and fresh fruit. Soft drinks, beer, and wine are also available at no extra charge.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start are not accepted for a refund.