Rhodes: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Sea time is Rhodes at its best. This six-hour cruise follows the east coast by sailing or power catamaran, with stops at clear-water bays, a Greek buffet, and drinks included. I especially like the small group size of up to 24 passengers and the generous swimming time at each stop. The main consideration is simple: you must swim from the anchored boat to reach the shore, so this is not suitable if you have limited mobility.

I also like the relaxed mix of sailing, snorkeling, food, and free time. The crew, including Andreas and Hope on some departures, receives strong praise for being friendly and helpful, but the onboard toilet can need more attention than the rest of the boat.

Key points at a glance

• Up to 24 passengers: The catamaran has room to move without the packed feeling of a large excursion boat.
• Three or four swim stops: Sailing trips visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. Power catamarans add Afandou Beach and its caves.
• One hour in the water: Most stops allow enough time to swim, snorkel, use a pool noodle, or simply stay aboard.
• Greek buffet included: Expect grilled chicken, salads, dips, feta, olives, bread, fruit, and a breakfast tortilla snack.
• Drinks flow from noon: Wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.
• A weather-dependent day: The captain can change the route or stops if conditions make the planned itinerary unsafe.

Starting at Mandraki Harbor at 10:00

Your day begins at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk in Mandraki Harbor. The scheduled departure is 10:00, and I would arrive early rather than trying to make a last-minute dash along the waterfront.

That advice matters here. If you miss the boat, the stated rebooking fee is €25 per ticket for another day. The crew has sometimes waited briefly when passengers called ahead, but you should treat that as courtesy, not as part of the booking.

The opening cruise lasts about 70 minutes. This gives you time to settle into the catamaran, find a comfortable seat, and watch Rhodes recede from the water. The boat offers indoor toilets, an outdoor shower, snorkeling gear, life jackets, and floating pool noodles.

You can choose a sailing catamaran or a power catamaran. The sailing option gives the day a quieter, slower rhythm. The power boat covers more ground and includes the additional Afandou stop and caves. If the boat is important to you, check the exact option before paying, since the route changes with the vessel.

Anthony Quinn Bay: your first hour in the water

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first swimming stop after the long opening cruise. The boat stays at anchor, so you enter the water directly from the catamaran rather than walking onto a beach.

You get about one hour here for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear, and the crew may toss bread into the sea, bringing colorful fish close to swimmers. That makes this a friendly introduction to snorkeling, especially if you are new to it or traveling with children.

The bay is one of the prettiest parts of the route, with rocky shores and striking views from the water. The tradeoff is that its popularity can make it feel less peaceful than the later stops. Still, from a boat, you get a fine view without having to search for a place on the shore.

I would use this first stop to test the water, mask, and fins. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain on deck, use the outdoor shower afterward, or simply enjoy the view. The crew provides equipment, but bring your own mask if you are particular about fit.

Ladiko Bay: a calmer second swim

After a short cruise of around 10 minutes, the catamaran reaches Ladiko Bay. You normally have another hour here, giving the day a welcome pause from the open-water ride.

Ladiko is a good place for a slower swim. The water is crystal clear, and the sheltered setting can make it feel more relaxed than the first stop. You can snorkel around the boat, float with a noodle, or stay on deck with a cold drink.

The key thing to understand is the swimming setup. The catamaran does not pull up to a beach, and there is no scheduled shore visit at Ladiko. If you want to stand on land, this is not that kind of excursion. It is a water-based stop with the boat as your base.

Some people find an hour in the sea exactly right. Others may wish for more time on shore and less time at anchor. I would choose this cruise for swimming first, not for collecting beach visits.

Lunch on board, with Greek flavors rather than fancy dining

Lunch is served during the middle part of the day, with the exact timing linked to the route and boat. It is a Mediterranean buffet designed for eating outdoors and returning to the water, not a formal restaurant meal.

The spread includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread. A breakfast tortilla snack comes earlier, and a cup of seasonal fruit is also included.

I like this menu for a boat trip because it gives you several easy choices. You can build a full plate, take something light, or rely on salads and dips if you do not want a heavy meal before swimming. The food has earned repeated praise, though one useful limitation is that chicken is the main substantial meat option. If you strongly prefer fish, this is worth knowing.

If you have dietary needs, tell the crew in advance. The chef has accommodated special requests, but it is always better to arrange that before sailing rather than hope for a solution at the buffet.

Drinks are part of the price too. Bottled water, juice, and soft drinks are available, while unlimited beer and wine begin from 12:00. The crew can stop alcohol service if someone appears intoxicated, a sensible rule on a boat where swimming and safety come first.

Afandou Beach and caves on the power catamaran

The power catamaran adds Afandou Beach and the nearby caves. This is the most important difference between the two main boat choices.

Afandou gives you another setting for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling, with about an hour allocated in the published schedule. The caves add visual variety and give the power option a little more sightseeing value.

The route descriptions are not identical in every detail, so confirm the final order with the crew on the morning of departure. Some schedules place lunch around Afandou and Ladiko, while the sailing route focuses on three bays. The captain may also alter the stops because of weather.

I would choose the power catamaran if seeing the caves matters to you or if you want four coastal stops. Choose sailing if you care more about a gentle ride and the simple pleasure of moving under sail. Both options share the main strengths: swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks.

Kallithea Springs: the final swim

The final stop is Kallithea Springs, usually reached after a longer 30-minute cruise. You get roughly 45 to 60 minutes here for one last swim and snorkeling session.

Kallithea is different from the other bays because of its famous springs and the small lagoon area you can swim toward. It provides a pleasant finish, with something more distinctive than another stretch of open coast. Families have found the sheltered swimming area especially enjoyable, and younger children can use the boat’s floats and noodles.

By this point, you may be ready for a slower stop. The day includes a lot of sun, water, and movement, so bring your towel, hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sunscreen. There is an indoor toilet and an outdoor shower, but the toilet is a practical facility rather than a polished one. Keep expectations modest and use the shower to rinse off salt before the return trip.

After Kallithea, the catamaran cruises back to Mandraki Harbor. The return portion takes about 45 minutes, giving you time to dry off, have another drink, and enjoy the coast from the deck.

What the boat feels like for six hours

A maximum of 24 passengers is a strong feature. It does not guarantee a private experience, but it usually leaves enough room for comfortable seating and movement. Several people have found the boats spacious even when full, with upper-deck seating particularly desirable.

Arrive early if you want the best choice of seats. The front can be a pleasant place for views, while the upper deck offers a better angle for photographs and a breeze. The tradeoff is more direct sun, so a hat and sunscreen are not optional extras.

The catamarans are described as clean and well maintained. The crew keeps the mood friendly, offers drinks, explains the stops, and helps with snorkeling equipment. Andreas is frequently singled out for his helpful manner, and the wider crew has been praised for assisting families, solo passengers, and people needing a little extra help in the water.

The toilet is the weak point. It may not be kept as clean as the rest of the boat, especially during a full day at sea. That should not ruin the trip, but it is fair to include in your decision.

Sailing or power: which should you book?

The sailing catamaran is the better fit if you want a peaceful day and do not need the extra cave stop. Its stated route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Bay or Springs. The slower pace can be part of the pleasure, especially when the weather is calm.

The power catamaran is the practical choice if you want four stops and the Afandou caves. It also makes sense if you prefer a faster ride between bays. The extra stop gives you more variety, though a longer route can also mean more time moving between places.

The booking information refers to three catamaran options, and past passengers have named boats such as Bali and Freedom. Since the exact vessel can depend on availability, focus on the route and boat type rather than assuming a particular boat name.

Is $83 good value for Rhodes?

At $83 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach in Rhodes. But the price covers six hours on the water, several scenic stops, snorkeling equipment, safety gear, breakfast, fruit, a substantial lunch, and drinks.

Buying those pieces separately would take planning and transport. You would also lose the easy rhythm of having one crew handle the route, food, equipment, and timing. I consider the price good value if you plan to use the included drinks and swimming stops.

The value is weaker if you do not drink alcohol, do not swim, or mainly want a short sightseeing cruise. In that case, you are paying for features you may barely use. For a day built around swimming, snorkeling, and a relaxed meal, the package makes much more sense.

Weather, sea conditions, and practical limits

The captain can change the route and swimming stops according to weather conditions. That is important in Rhodes, where a sunny day on shore does not always mean calm water along the full coast.

One departure was affected by heavy rain. The crew explained the options, waited for the weather to pass, and tried to add another swim stop afterward. That is the right attitude to expect from a responsible operator, but no captain can promise perfect conditions.

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Wear something easy to move in, since you may go from a swim to lunch and back into the water several times.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments. You need to board a catamaran and enter the sea from an anchored boat. If you are not a confident swimmer, life jackets, noodles, and crew assistance are available, but you should still be comfortable in open water.

Alcohol service starts at noon, and the crew can stop it if anyone becomes unsafe. That policy helps keep the atmosphere pleasant for families and solo passengers alike.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and anyone who wants a full day outdoors without arranging several separate activities. The crew has been especially good with children, and the floats make the swim stops less intimidating for younger passengers.

It also suits first-time snorkelers. You do not need to bring all your own gear, and the fish near Anthony Quinn Bay provide an easy reason to put on a mask. The one-hour stops are long enough to learn at your own pace without feeling rushed.

You may want a different outing if your priority is a long shore visit, a quiet private charter, or a gourmet meal. This is a shared cruise with a planned route. It gives you a well-organized taste of Rhodes from the water, not a private yacht day.

Should you book the Rhodes catamaran cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want beautiful bays, repeated swimming opportunities, and a generous all-inclusive package. The strongest reasons are the small passenger limit, friendly crew, good food, and the fact that each stop gives you real time in the water instead of a quick photo pause.

Choose the sailing option for a calmer three-stop day. Choose power if Afandou and the caves are important. Arrive before 10:00, confirm the day’s departure times with the crew, and accept that weather may change the plan.

Skip it if you cannot comfortably swim from an anchored boat or if you want to spend the day walking on beaches. For everyone else, $83 buys a well-paced Rhodes day with little to organize once you reach Mandraki Harbor.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes catamaran cruise begin?

Meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

What time does the catamaran depart?

The catamarans depart at 10:00. Arrive earlier so you have time to check in and board.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours, including cruising, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and the return to Mandraki Harbor.

How many passengers can join the cruise?

The catamaran carries a maximum of 24 passengers plus the crew.

Which bays does the sailing catamaran visit?

The sailing catamaran stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Bay or Kallithea Springs.

Which stops are included on the power catamaran?

The power catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and its caves, Kallithea Bay or Springs, and Ladiko Bay.

Can I walk onto the beaches during the stops?

The boats stay anchored in the bays. To reach the shore, you need to swim from the catamaran.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The Mediterranean buffet includes grilled chicken, several salads, dips, olives, feta, and fresh local bread. Seasonal fruit and a breakfast tortilla snack are also included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Bottled water, juice, and soft drinks are included. Unlimited beer and wine are available from 12:00.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, floating pool noodles, and life jackets are provided. An outdoor shower and indoor toilets are also available.

Can the route change?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stops according to weather conditions. In April, May, and October, passengers may also be moved to another catamaran if a boat does not reach its minimum number of participants.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments because the boat remains at anchor and reaching shore requires swimming.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.