Rhodes: Anthony Quinn, Ladiko and Caves All-Inclusive Cruise

The best Rhodes views come from the sea. This three-hour catamaran cruise links Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and the Traganou Caves with time to swim, snorkel, and relax between stops. I like the small passenger limit, which keeps the 36-foot Aphrodite from feeling like a floating bus, and I like the open bar, especially the fresh frozen strawberry cocktails made on board.

The main drawback is the short schedule. You get three beautiful swimming stops, but only 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and 30 minutes at each of the other two. You also need to reach Faliraki port yourself unless you arrange a paid transfer.

Key things to know before booking

• A 28-person limit matters: The catamaran is licensed for 45 people, but the operator caps each trip at 28 for more room on the sofas and around the bar.
• The three stops each feel different: Anthony Quinn Bay is the photogenic favorite, Traganou offers the unusual chance to swim into caves, and Ladiko is the best stop for guided snorkeling.
• The drinks are part of the value: Beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit cocktails are unlimited during the cruise.
• The boat is set up for comfort: Sofas, a toilet, snorkeling gear, flotation aids, and a fresh-water shower make this more than a simple boat transfer.
• Faliraki is the meeting point: Aphrodite waits beside the small church at Faliraki port, with the cruise ending in the same place.
• A €51 price can be good value: The cost includes the cruise, drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, and three swim stops, but not standard hotel pickup.

What this Rhodes cruise is really like

This is a relaxed sea outing rather than a sightseeing cruise packed with facts. You board Aphrodite at Agioi Apostoloi, beside the small church in Faliraki port, then head along the Rhodes coast for a mix of swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing, music, and drinks.

The boat is a 36-foot catamaran. That size gives you a stable, open platform without the feel of a large excursion ship. The most praised feature is the seating: each couple or small group can settle onto a sofa, rather than hunting for a plastic chair or standing for the whole trip.

The operator keeps the group below the boat’s legal capacity. That matters most when people return from the water, collect snorkeling equipment, and gather around the bar. A 28-person limit cannot make a catamaran private, but it should give you more breathing room than a full 45-person sailing.

The mood is casual and social. Music plays during the cruise, and the hosts keep the drinks moving. Mike and George are frequently singled out for friendly, attentive service, while Elena, James, and other crew members are also named warmly by people who enjoyed the trip. The consistent theme is simple: the crew makes it easy to relax.

Anthony Quinn Bay, 40 minutes in Rhodes’ postcard cove

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first swimming stop and the longest one, with 40 minutes in the water. That extra time is useful because this is the place most likely to tempt you into a quick swim, a snorkel, and a few photographs from the boat.

The bay is known for its tightly enclosed shape, rocky edges, and clear blue water. From Aphrodite, you get the view that beach visitors cannot: the curving cove spread around you, with the Rhodes coast rising behind it. It is an excellent first stop because the scenery announces what this outing is about without wasting time on a long introduction.

You can swim or snorkel here, and the water below the boat is part of the attraction. Bring your own mask if you have one you prefer, but snorkeling equipment is included. The crew can also point out what to look for beneath the surface.

Forty minutes passes quickly. If you want photographs, take them early. Then use the remaining time for the water, since the boat will signal when it is time to return. The schedule is organized, so you should not expect to wander ashore or spend a full afternoon in the bay.

This stop suits confident swimmers and beginners alike, provided you are comfortable entering the sea from the boat. Flotation devices and pool noodles are available, according to the onboard setup described by the operator and past participants. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask the crew for help before getting in.

Traganou Caves, a swim into the rock

The second swimming stop is at the Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay. You get about 30 minutes here, and the attraction is not simply swimming beside cliffs. You can actually swim inside the caves.

That makes Traganou different from Anthony Quinn Bay. Anthony Quinn is the classic scenic cove, while Traganou gives you a more active little mission: follow the rocky shoreline, enter the cave openings, and look back toward the bright water outside.

The 200-meter-deep cliff nearby adds drama to this section of the cruise. You can see the rock drop sharply toward the sea and understand why the coast looks so striking from the water. This is also a good place to keep your camera ready, although you should protect it carefully around the water.

Thirty minutes is enough for a swim and a look inside the caves, but not enough for a slow exploration of every opening. Stay close to the boat’s advised area and listen for the signal to return. The crew uses the boat horn to call people back, which is helpful when you are busy looking at the rock rather than watching the clock.

If caves are your main reason for booking, keep your expectations in check. This is a short swim stop, not a guided cave expedition. The pleasure comes from the setting and the freedom to enter the water, not from a long explanation or a complex route.

Ladiko Bay, the best stop for snorkeling help

The final swimming stop is Ladiko Bay, also for 30 minutes. The host shows you the best place to snorkel, so this is the stop where crew guidance matters most.

Ladiko is another sheltered Rhodes bay with clear water and rocky areas that reward a look below the surface. You may see small fish and underwater rock formations, though the exact conditions depend on the day. The crew can help you get equipped and suggest where to focus your attention.

For a first-time snorkeler, this guidance is valuable. You do not need to guess where to swim or spend half your stop adjusting equipment. One person described this as a first snorkeling experience that felt easy and enjoyable because the crew helped throughout.

The timing is practical but not generous. Thirty minutes gives you enough for a proper look, yet you will need to move efficiently if you want to snorkel, float, and spend time simply enjoying the water. Put sunscreen on before boarding, and keep your towel and dry clothes within easy reach for the ride home.

Unlimited drinks and local snacks on Aphrodite

The open bar is one of the cruise’s biggest selling points. You can choose from fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water throughout the trip. The frozen strawberry cocktail is the signature drink, blended fresh on board from fruit, with alcohol available according to the drink served.

The strawberry drinks receive the most praise, but beer and wine are available if you prefer something simpler. One useful point: at least one person found the cocktails delicious but was unsure how much alcohol they contained. Treat them as refreshing drinks first, not as a reliable measure of spirits.

That is also sensible for a swimming cruise. It is wise to pace yourself, drink water, and wait until you are finished swimming before having much alcohol. Unlimited does not mean you need to accept every refill.

Food is light. You get a fruit salad or fruit platter and melekouni, a traditional Rhodian bar made with honey and sesame. Local produce is also served. This is enough for a snack between swims, but it is not a full lunch, so eat beforehand if you need a substantial meal.

I especially like that the food fits the setting. Fresh fruit works well in the heat, and melekouni gives you a taste of Rhodes without turning the trip into a formal food tour.

Comfort, facilities, and the small-group promise

The boat’s sofas are central to the experience. You can sit in the sun, stretch out, listen to music, or watch the coastline without spending the entire cruise on a hard bench. The layout also makes the trip appealing to couples, friends, and solo passengers who want a low-pressure outing.

A toilet is available on board, along with a fresh-water shower for rinsing off salt. These are small details, but they matter after three swims. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and flotation aids are available for people who want extra support in the water.

The cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is important for you, confirm the exact boarding and water-entry arrangements before booking, since the supplied information confirms accessibility but does not explain the details of every transfer onto the boat.

The group is social, not silent. There is music, conversation, and a bar area that people use regularly. If you want a private, quiet sailing with no shared atmosphere, this is probably not the right choice. If you like a friendly boat and easy conversation, the format works well.

Is $51 good value for three hours?

At $51 per person, this cruise offers solid value if you plan to use the inclusions. You are paying for a three-hour catamaran ride, three carefully chosen swimming locations, snorkeling gear, unlimited drinks, fruit, and a traditional Rhodian snack.

Buying those elements separately would usually make the outing more complicated. Here, the boat, timing, equipment, and refreshments are handled together. The 28-person limit also improves the value because the experience is designed around comfort rather than filling every available seat.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, do not swim, or prefer to spend a long time at one beach. The cruise is built around being in the water and enjoying the bar between stops. Someone who wants a quiet coastal sightseeing trip may find the activity too focused on swimming.

Transfers are separate. The meeting point is at Faliraki port, beside the small church, so you need to arrange your own transport if you are staying elsewhere. A return transfer from Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, or Kallithea can be arranged for an extra €10 per person. The operator says to request it in advance through WhatsApp, no later than the day before, during office hours from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

For a cruise ship passenger, the €10 transfer could still be worthwhile. It may cost less than a ship-organized shore excursion, but you need to allow enough time for the trip to Faliraki and back to the port.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This is a strong pick for couples who want a simple half-day activity with a comfortable place to sit. It also works for groups of friends, solo passengers, and families who want swimming without arranging their own boat or equipment.

You should book it if you want:

• Several scenic swimming stops in one outing
• A casual boat with sofas and music
• Fresh cocktails, beer, wine, and soft drinks included
• A chance to swim into sea caves
• Help finding a good snorkeling area
• A small-group feel rather than a full-capacity cruise

Think twice if you want a private boat, a long meal, extensive coastal commentary, or hours at one location. The cruise is active enough that you should bring a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen, but relaxed enough that you can spend much of the ride stretched out with a drink.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make it easier to fit into a changing Rhodes schedule. Starting times vary, so check the available departure before arranging transportation.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn and Caves cruise?

I would book this cruise for a first visit to Rhodes when I wanted a good mix of scenery, swimming, and easygoing Greek hospitality in just three hours. The strongest reasons are the three different bays, the comfortable sofa seating, and the crew’s hands-on service. Mike and George, in particular, are praised for keeping people comfortable and making the trip feel personal.

The best practical tip is to arrive ready for the water. Wear swimwear, pack a towel, use sunscreen before boarding, and keep your expectations focused on fun rather than a formal sightseeing program.

Book it if you value variety and included refreshments. Skip it if you dislike shared boats or want a slow, private day at sea. For most visitors based near Faliraki, $51 is a fair price for a well-organized swim cruise with a generous drinks package and three memorable coastal stops.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

The cruise starts at Faliraki port, at the boat Aphrodite beside the small church in Faliraki 851 00, Greece.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Faliraki port.

How long is the cruise?

The total duration is three hours. Departure times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Which bays does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, the Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay, and Ladiko Bay.

How long do you spend swimming at each stop?

You get 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, 30 minutes at Traganou Caves, and 30 minutes at Ladiko Bay.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included during the cruise.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Flotation aids are also available on board.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price. A return transfer from Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, or Kallithea can be arranged for €10 per person with advance notice.