Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise-Greek Buffet w/wine included

The best Rhodes days are spent on the water. This six-hour cruise links three very different bays with swimming, snorkeling, views of the Medieval City, and a Greek buffet served with white and rosé wine. I especially like the three-hour-plus rhythm of swimming and cruising, which gives you time to enjoy the sea without rushing, and the comfortable seating, shaded areas, and friendly crew praised again and again by passengers.

The main point to consider is that this is a swimming cruise first and a sightseeing cruise second. You will pass important sights, including the place where the Colossus once stood, but the explanations along the way may be brief. The buffet is generous and well received overall, though some diners found it simple rather than special.

At about $71.38 per person, this is a strong value if you want a relaxed day at sea with food, drinks, and equipment included. It is less suitable if you want a guided historical tour, a quiet sailing trip, or a tightly organized schedule with long stops on land.

Key points to know before booking

• Three different swimming spots: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay each offer a different setting, from reddish spring water and rocks to pebbled shoreline and fish-filled coves.
• Rhodes Old Town from the sea: The cruise leaves Mandraki Port with clear views of the Medieval Walls, the Old Town, and the Castle.
• Snorkeling equipment included: Masks and snorkels are available, along with life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles.
• Greek buffet and wine included: Lunch includes vegetarian and gluten-free choices, with white and rosé wine, bottled water, and lemonade.
• Comfort matters: Cushioned seating, shaded deck space, two bars mentioned by passengers, and a clean bathroom make the six hours easier.
• Easy for cruise ship passengers: The meeting point is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise port, according to passenger directions.

Leaving Mandraki Port with Rhodes behind you

The day starts at 10:15 am from Romantika Dreams Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port, beside Nea Agora. This is one of the most memorable places to begin a boat trip in Rhodes because the harbor opens toward the city’s old defenses.

As the boat moves away, you get a fine view of the Medieval Walls, the Old Town, and the Castle. From the water, the fortifications make more sense than they do from a narrow street. You can see how Rhodes was built to face the sea, with stone defenses rising behind the port.

This first section is mainly scenic. Keep your camera ready as the boat leaves the harbor, and listen for the crew’s announcements. One useful caution: the tour does not appear to offer a full historical commentary, so you should not expect a guide to explain every building or landmark in detail.

Finding the Colossus at the harbor entrance

The cruise passes the area at the entrance to Mandraki Harbor where the Colossus of Rhodes is traditionally said to have stood. The giant statue represented the sun god and was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

There is no statue waiting in the water today. The value of this part of the ride is the setting and the story. You are looking at the harbor mouth connected with one of antiquity’s most famous monuments, even though the exact appearance and position of the Colossus remain subjects of historical debate.

This is a good example of why the trip is best viewed as a coastal outing rather than a formal sightseeing tour. You will pass the site, but you may need to bring your own interest in the story. If you want detailed history, read about the Colossus before boarding.

Kallithea Springs: reddish water and a rocky Gulf

Kallithea Springs is listed as the first stop, reached after about 45 minutes. The boat stays for roughly one hour, giving you time for a swim and a look around from the sea.

The bay is known for reddish water emerging from rocky formations. Ancient visitors valued the springs for their supposed healing properties, and the site later gained elegant buildings designed and decorated by Italian architects during the Italian period of Rhodes. From the boat, you can appreciate the unusual mix of rock, sea, and historic architecture.

Admission from the sea is free, which keeps this stop simple. You do not need to budget for a shore ticket based on the supplied tour details. The stop is also a nice change from an ordinary beach visit because the springs give the bay a strong sense of place.

The limitation is time. One hour is enough for a swim and a quick look, but not a long exploration of the full springs complex. If you want to study the architecture or walk around at length, a separate visit by land would suit you better.

Afandou Beach: open water and a long pebbled shore

Afandou offers a sharp contrast to the smaller coves. Its beach stretches for about six kilometers and is known for clear water, pebbles, and the nearby golf course. The boat allows about an hour and 15 minutes here, making it the longest of the three stated swimming stops.

The pebbles from this area were used in sidewalks in Rhodes Old Town, a small detail that connects this beach with the city you saw at the beginning of the trip. The area also has archaeological remains, including tombs and temple foundations.

The name Afandou is linked to the Greek word for invisible. After repeated attacks on coastal settlements, residents moved inland behind rocks where they were less visible from the sea. That story gives the area more depth than its modern reputation as a beach stop.

For you, the practical difference is space. Afandou is a broad coastal setting rather than a tight cove. You can swim, sunbathe, and look toward the shore, though the beach is pebbled rather than sandy. Bring footwear that is comfortable around stones if you plan to enter from shore, although the cruise centers on getting into the water from the boat.

The lunch buffet is served back on board after this part of the route. That arrangement is useful because you can return to a shaded seat, rinse off with the onboard shower, and eat without having to search for a beach restaurant.

Anthony Quinn Bay: rocks, fish, and the best snorkeling

Anthony Quinn Bay is the most dramatic swimming stop. The cove is small, enclosed by high rocks, and has deep water. The boat spends about one hour here, giving you time to swim and use the complimentary masks and snorkels.

The clear Mediterranean water is the main attraction. Small fish gather around the boat, and bread may be offered to attract them. The bay is particularly well suited to a relaxed snorkel because you do not need to arrange separate equipment or carry your own mask.

The cove takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who came to Rhodes while filming The Guns of Navarone in the 1960s. He wanted to buy the bay, but the agreement was never completed and later legal action found it unenforceable. The local name remained as a tribute.

There is a practical point here. The water is deep, and the bay is enclosed by rocks, so this stop will appeal most to confident swimmers. Life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles are available, but you should still choose the equipment that matches your comfort level.

The boat also passes Ladiko Bay, located behind Anthony Quinn Bay and surrounded by caves. Ladiko’s name is linked to oil, since the area once served as a loading point for olive oil bound for Egypt and the Middle East. Fishermen have found clay containers from shipwrecks in the area, adding an interesting maritime detail to the view.

The ride past Faliraki and back to Mandraki

On the return journey, the boat passes Faliraki Beach before heading back toward Mandraki Port. Faliraki is one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal resorts, with beaches, clear water, and a busy nightlife scene.

This part of the cruise is less about another major stop and more about unwinding after the swimming. The six-hour schedule gives you time to sit on deck, listen to music, and watch the coast move past. Several passengers particularly liked the atmosphere on the return ride, with music creating a party mood without turning the entire day into a loud event.

The boat has cushioned seating and areas where you can choose sun or shade. Passengers also describe a covered deck with its own bar, plus another bar on a second deck. That matters on a six-hour outing. You can move around, find a cooler seat, or settle into the sun instead of being stuck in one position.

What lunch and drinks are really like

The Greek buffet is included in the price and is served with vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Dishes described by passengers include pasta with chicken, salads, and briam, a Greek vegetable dish. The overall response is positive, with several people calling the food delicious, while one person found it basic.

That sounds like the fair expectation: a satisfying buffet lunch on a boat, not a fine-dining meal. I like that the menu includes options for different diets, especially since gluten-free and vegetarian choices are not always a given on boat trips.

White and rosé wine are included throughout the cruise. Bottled water, soda, and lemonade are also provided. Beer is not included, and extra cocktails or other drinks may cost more. If you do not drink alcohol, the water and lemonade still give you useful alternatives.

The wine is one of the better value points. At this price, unlimited included wine can make the cruise compare favorably with a basic boat trip where lunch and drinks are added separately. Please pace yourself, especially in the Greek sun. The sea may be calling, but it does not make a good excuse for forgetting water.

Comfort, equipment, and group size

The maximum group size is listed as 100 people. That is not a small private sailing, but the boat seems arranged with enough seating and deck space for people to spread out. Passengers repeatedly describe it as not overcrowded, with room to walk around and choose between sunny and shaded areas.

The included equipment is useful:

• Masks and snorkels
• Life jackets
• Floaters
• Pool noodles
• An onboard shower
• Cushioned seating
• Bathroom facilities
• Bottled water and lemonade

The bathroom received specific praise for being clean and comfortable. That may sound like a minor detail, but it matters on a six-hour cruise, especially for families and anyone who does not want to spend the entire day planning around shore facilities.

Hotel pickup is not included. It can be arranged for an extra fee, but many people will not need it if they are staying near Rhodes Town or arriving by cruise ship. The meeting point is at Mandraki Port, and the walk from the cruise ship area is described as about 15 minutes.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a simple, social day on the water with swimming as the main event. It works well for families, couples, groups of friends, and older visitors who want to enjoy the bays without arranging several separate beach visits.

It is also a good fit if you are arriving on a cruise ship. The central meeting point and walkable port location make the logistics easier, and the six-hour duration leaves part of the day for other plans, depending on your ship schedule.

You will probably enjoy it less if you dislike deep water, cannot easily board a boat, or want long periods on land. The stops are designed for swimming and short exploration, not for touring the full sites of Kallithea, Afandou, or Anthony Quinn Bay.

Music is part of the atmosphere. Many passengers liked the friendly mood and party-style return, while one person wanted a little more fun from the crew. In other words, expect a pleasant social boat day, not a silent nature cruise.

Is $71.38 good value?

At $71.38 per person, the price covers a lot: approximately six hours on the coast, three swimming stops, snorkeling gear, a Greek buffet, wine, soft drinks, water, and the use of onboard facilities.

The value is strongest if you plan to eat lunch and rent or bring swimming equipment anyway. It is also strong for cruise ship passengers who want an organized day without paying for separate transport to several beaches.

The price is less attractive if you only want a short boat ride or plan to stay dry. You can still enjoy the views and music without swimming, but the cruise is built around repeated water stops. You are paying for the full package, not just the ride.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not refunded, and the trip depends on suitable weather. If poor weather cancels the cruise, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Bay to Bay Swim Cruise?

Book it if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, three very different bays, easy snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and wine served on deck. The strongest features are the variety of stops, the relaxed schedule, the clean and comfortable boat, and the amount included in the price.

Skip it if you want detailed history, a private boat, or a quiet trip with no music. Also think twice if deep water makes you uneasy, since Anthony Quinn Bay in particular is built around swimming from the boat.

For most people who want a fun coastal day at a sensible price, I would book this cruise. Just bring sun protection, expect a basic but welcome buffet, and treat the Colossus story as a scenic landmark rather than a full guided lesson.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

What time does the cruise start?

Departure is at 10:15 am.

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Romantika Dreams Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port, Nea Agora, Rhodes.

Does the cruise return to the same place?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point in Mandraki Port.

Which swimming locations are included?

The stated stops are Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek buffet lunch is included, with vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

Are drinks included?

Yes. White and rosé wine, bottled water, soda, and lemonade are included. Beer is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available, along with life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfer is optional and available at an additional cost.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Poor weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.