Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

Rhodes looks best from the water. This six-hour cruise pairs three beautiful swimming bays with a Greek buffet and open bar, making it more than a simple boat transfer. I like the limited group of up to 40 people and the comfortable bean bags and sun benches, but you should know the music can become lively and loud.

I also like the range of included equipment, from snorkels and life jackets to pool noodles and floaters. Captain Alexander’s cheerful dancing has become part of the entertainment, though anyone seeking a quiet sailing day may prefer a calmer boat.

Key points before you book

• Three different swimming stops: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay each offer a different setting.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect a Greek buffet, snacks, wine, beer, cocktails, soft drinks, and water.
• A smaller-capacity boat: The maximum group size is 40, with allocated seating and more room than many crowded day boats.
• Anthony Quinn Bay is the snorkeling highlight: Clear water, rocky walls, caves, and plenty of small fish make this the most memorable swim.
• The mood is often festive: Music, dancing, and an open bar create a social party atmosphere rather than a silent cruise.
• Mandraki Harbour gives you a fine start and finish: You pass Rhodes Old Town, the medieval walls, the harbor entrance linked to the Colossus legend, and St. Nicholas Fortress.

Why this Rhodes cruise offers good value

At $107.63 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get into the sea. It is a six-hour experience with a meal, open bar, swimming equipment, seating, entertainment, and three coastal stops built into the price.

That package matters in Rhodes. You are not paying separately for lunch onshore, drinks at each beach, snorkel hire, and a boat excursion. The open bar includes wine, beer, cocktails, signature drinks, soft drinks, and water. For a person who expects to enjoy a few drinks during the day, the cost can make sense quickly.

The food also helps the value. The buffet has included dishes such as prawn pasta, mussels, chicken, salad, bread with dips, and dessert. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are available, although the exact menu may vary.

I would not book this purely for a gourmet dining experience. The meal receives high praise, but one less enthusiastic account described it as decent rather than exceptional and found some dishes salty. The sensible view is that you get a generous, freshly prepared Greek-style lunch in a pleasant setting, not a formal restaurant meal.

The boat also helps justify the price. Seating is allocated, and the setup includes bean bags, sun benches, and larger couch-style areas. The capacity is limited to 40 people, so you have a better chance of finding comfortable space than on a large party boat packed with people shoulder to shoulder.

Starting at Mandraki Harbour

The cruise starts at 10:00 a.m. from the Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise departure point at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece. It returns to the same place after the day on the water.

Allow time to find the boat. One passenger found the meeting point a little hard to locate, so I would arrive early and use the full name of the operator and the port landmark when asking for directions. Hotel pickup is not included, though an optional transfer is available for an extra fee.

Mandraki is one of Rhodes Town’s most attractive waterfront areas. The harbor was one of ancient Rhodes’ five ports, and its name comes from mandri, meaning a small enclosed harbor. Local legend says the Colossus of Rhodes once straddled the entrance, but there is no proof that the statue actually stood there.

Today, deer statues on twin columns mark the harbor entrance. Across the water, you can see the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos and three well-preserved medieval windmills. The cruise begins with these views, so keep your phone ready before the boat reaches open water.

Old Town walls and the Colossus story

As the boat leaves Mandraki, you pass the medieval Old Town of Rhodes from the sea. The stone walls and towers look especially impressive from this angle, and the view gives you a useful sense of how the city was defended.

Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so this first stretch is not just a scenic warm-up. It links the swimming day to the island’s past. You get photographs of the walls without spending the morning inside museums or walking the busy streets.

The route also passes the harbor entrance associated with the Colossus of Rhodes. The giant statue represented the sun god and was counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The exact position of the statue remains uncertain, but the harbor is the place traditionally connected with the story.

This portion is best enjoyed from the upper deck if you want wider views. One practical limitation is that announcements may be hard to hear from upstairs, so move closer to the crew when historical information is being given.

Kallithea Springs: the first one-hour swim

The first stop is Kallithea Springs, where the boat stays for about an hour. From the water, you can swim and look toward the bay’s rocky shoreline and historic spring buildings.

Kallithea has been associated with healing waters since ancient times. Reddish water once emerged from rock formations in the Gulf of Kallithea, drawing people who came for physical and mental cleansing. The site’s buildings reflect Italian design, with Pietro Lombardi responsible for the main architectural work and Armando Burnaby handling decorative details.

An international hydrological conference was also organized there by the Italian doctor Alberto Mocci. More than 200 scientists attended, which gives the springs an unusual connection to early health tourism.

The boat’s stop is focused on swimming rather than a full land visit. Admission from the sea is free, and you have time to explore if you swim ashore. Still, do not expect a long guided tour of every building. If your priority is seeing the springs’ architecture up close, this may feel brief.

For swimmers, it is a gentle first stop. You can use the provided snorkel equipment, floaters, noodles, or life jackets. Non-swimmers are not left out, since the safety equipment makes it easier to enter the water with confidence.

Passing Faliraki on the way south

After Kallithea, the route passes Faliraki Beach. Faliraki is known for its clear water, long beaches, resort atmosphere, and nightlife.

From the boat, you mainly get a coastal view rather than a full visit. That is useful if you want to see the popular resort without giving up swimming time at the three main stops. It is also a reminder that Rhodes offers two very different kinds of seaside experience: organized resort beaches and small rocky coves reached by boat.

Afandou Beach and the caves

Afandou is the second main stop, with more than an hour to swim and explore. Its beach stretches for about six kilometers and is made of pebbles, so water shoes may be useful if you have them, though they are not listed as included equipment.

The water is clear, and the coast has caves and rocky sections to explore. The setting is more open than Anthony Quinn Bay, so you get a broader stretch of sea rather than a tight cove enclosed by cliffs.

Afandou also has an interesting name. The word afanto means invisible in Greek, a reference to the older settlement being moved inland behind rocks so it could not be easily seen by attackers from the sea. The coastal area was attacked several times over the centuries, including by pirates, Persians, Arabs, and Turks.

Local stone from Afandou was used in the sidewalks of Rhodes Old Town. Around the area are tombs and foundations linked to older monuments and temples. You will not see all of this from the boat, but knowing the background makes the shoreline more meaningful.

Lunch is served back on board after this stop. That timing works well. You can swim first, return hungry, and eat without carrying food onto the beach or searching for a restaurant.

Ladikos and the route toward Anthony Quinn Bay

The boat also passes Ladikos, a smaller bay behind Anthony Quinn Bay. Its name is linked to the Greek word for the container used to store oil.

Ladikos was once a commercial point for loading olive oil onto ships bound for Egypt and the Middle East. Local fishermen have found clay containers in the area, likely linked to old shipwrecks and maritime trade.

Today, Ladikos is a popular beach and a place for water activities. From the boat, it adds another layer to the route, showing how the same coast has served swimmers, fishermen, traders, and sailors across different periods.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the best stop for clear water

Anthony Quinn Bay is the final major stop and the most dramatic swimming location. High rocks surround this small cove, and the water is deeper than at Afandou.

The bay is named for the Mexican actor Anthony Quinn, who came to Rhodes while filming The Guns of Navarone in the 1960s. He reportedly 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.

This is where you should use the snorkeling equipment. Small fish gather in the clear water, and the rocky sides create a more interesting underwater scene than an ordinary open beach. Some people even bring small pieces of bread to attract fish, although feeding wildlife is best kept modest.

The crew may bring cold beers out to swimmers, adding to the playful feel of the stop. You can also use the floaters and noodles, while life jackets are available if you are not a confident swimmer.

The main drawback is space. Anthony Quinn Bay is popular, and the cove can feel busy when several boats arrive. The cruise sometimes reaches stops ahead of other boats, which helps, but crowd levels depend on the day and sea conditions.

Food, cocktails, and the onboard mood

The open bar is a major part of the experience. You can order preset cocktails and signature drinks, along with wine, beer, water, sodas, and other non-alcoholic options. The drinks are repeatedly praised for being plentiful, and the beer is served cold.

Cocktail choices are not unlimited in the sense of ordering any drink imaginable. The menu offers a set selection, and one account found some cocktails weak. If you want a particular spirit or a strong custom drink, ask the bartender what is available before settling in.

The buffet is served fresh on board. Dishes can include mussels, prawn pasta, chicken, salad, bread with tzatziki, Greek specialties, and a brownie-style dessert with sauce. Vegan and gluten-free choices are included, which is helpful if you have dietary needs.

The atmosphere is social. Music plays throughout the cruise, and Captain Alexander is known for dancing and encouraging people to join in. His Michael Jackson-style performance and other dance routines have become a memorable part of the day.

That energy is a benefit if you want entertainment with your swimming. It is a drawback if you pictured a quiet sail with soft background music. One passenger found the music too loud for conversation, while the operator describes the program as relaxed music that can become more festive depending on the mood onboard.

I would choose a shaded seating area if possible, especially during the hottest part of the day. One account describes the crew helping passengers find a shady couch. Bring plenty of sunscreen, since the boat has open areas and the Greek sun is strong even when the breeze feels cool.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

This cruise suits couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a full day at sea without organizing separate activities. It is especially good for mixed groups, since confident swimmers can snorkel while less confident swimmers use flotation gear.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• Swimming in several different settings
• Greek food and unlimited drinks
• Music, dancing, and a friendly social atmosphere
• A boat with more space than a tightly packed excursion
• A mix of coastal scenery and light historical context

I would choose another option if your main goal is silence, long shore visits, or serious sightseeing. The stops are built around swimming, and the entertainment can become lively. You also spend only about an hour at each main bay, so this is a sampler of the coast rather than a slow day at one beach.

The maximum of 40 people is a useful middle ground. It is not a private charter, but it is small enough to feel more comfortable than the largest excursion boats.

Booking details and cancellation

The tour is offered with a mobile ticket, and confirmation is received at booking. Most people reserve about 30 days ahead, so I would not leave this until the last minute during the busy summer period.

The experience requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the cruise, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10:00 a.m. start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded.

Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra.

Should you book the Rhodes swim cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want one convenient, well-rounded day on the water. The combination of three bays, comfortable seating, Greek food, snorkeling gear, and an open bar gives you strong value at $107.63, especially if you plan to enjoy the drinks.

The clearest decision point is the music. If Captain Alexander’s dancing, upbeat playlists, and a party-friendly boat sound fun, this could become one of your best days in Rhodes. If you want peace and quiet, choose a smaller sailing trip designed for relaxation instead.

For most people who want swimming, food, scenery, and good company in one outing, this is an easy recommendation. Arrive early at Mandraki, bring sunscreen, choose your seat carefully, and save your best swim for Anthony Quinn Bay.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes swim cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and begins at 10:00 a.m. It returns to Mandraki Harbour, where it starts.

Where does the cruise depart?

It departs from Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece in Rhodes Town.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The main swimming stops are Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay. The boat also passes Faliraki Beach and Ladikos.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek gourmet buffet is included, with dishes such as pasta, mussels, chicken, salad, bread, dips, and dessert. Vegan and gluten-free choices are available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The cruise includes a cocktail open bar, wine, beer, signature cocktails, water, sodas, and other non-alcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are available for use during the swimming stops.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The activity has a maximum of 40 travelers and includes allocated seating on bean bags and sun benches.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.