Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide

Fish, swim, then eat your catch. This five-hour Rhodes excursion combines hands-on sea fishing, a Mediterranean swim, and a generous BBQ lunch aboard a traditional 10-meter wooden boat. I especially like the small group of up to 10 people and the warm father-and-son team of Skevos and Captain Mike. One thing to consider: fishing depends on weather, season, and luck, so no one can promise a trophy catch.

The $88 price feels fair because it covers fishing gear, bait, lunch, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, snorkelling equipment, Wi-Fi, and the boat itself. I also like that beginners are welcome, with professional equipment and plenty of patient instruction. The main drawback is that the boat trip takes place rain or shine, except during storms, and the sea can be lively.

What makes this Rhodes fishing trip special

• A real working fishing boat: Cruise aboard a handcrafted 10-meter wooden vessel rather than a large party boat.
• Two kinds of fishing: Start with trolling for predator fish, then spend about two hours with lines near the seabed.
• Fresh lunch from the sea: Fish caught during the trip is grilled aboard, alongside sea bass, gold seabream, Greek salad, bread, and drinks.
• A father-and-son crew: Captain Mike brings more than 35 years of professional fishing experience, while Skevos also works as a certified chef.
• Quiet swimming stop: Anchor at Kallithea Springs, Santa Marina, or a sandy beach, depending on conditions.
• Beginner-friendly setup: The crew supplies rods, bait, and guidance, making this suitable for first-time fishers and regular anglers.

Setting out from Kolona Port

The boat is moored at Kolona Port, just outside Rhodes Old Town. This is a handy starting point if you are staying in Rhodes Town, though anyone arriving by car should allow extra time to find parking. The port can be busy, especially in peak summer.

The experience lasts five hours from departure to return. It is not a quick sightseeing cruise with a short fishing demonstration. Much of the morning or afternoon is given to actual fishing, followed by time to swim and eat aboard the boat.

You join a small group capped at 10 people. That number matters. Fishing needs a little elbow room, and a smaller boat group makes it easier to receive personal help from the crew. It also creates a friendly setting where you can chat with the other people on board without shouting across a crowded deck.

Trolling along the Rhodes coast

The first part of the cruise takes roughly an hour as the boat heads toward one of several possible destinations. The exact route depends on wind, waves, and sea conditions, so you should not expect a fixed sightseeing schedule.

During this opening cruise, the crew sets up trolling with professional fishing equipment. The aim is to attract predator fish such as small tuna, mahi mahi, amberjack, barracuda, trumpetfish, and great trevally.

This is the most exciting part for anyone hoping for a larger catch. Trolling gives you the chance to work with heavier equipment and learn how the crew reads the sea. When a fish takes the line, the moment can become a lively team effort, particularly if the catch is strong.

The boat uses a Lowrance 1000W fish finder, GPS, depth sounder, and radar. You do not need to understand the electronics to enjoy the trip, but this equipment helps explain why the crew can select fishing areas with purpose rather than simply dropping lines at random.

The fishing gear comes from brands including Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi. That is useful for beginners, who do not need to pack or rent anything, and for experienced anglers, who can expect proper sea-fishing equipment rather than basic holiday rods.

Two hours of ground fishing

After trolling, the crew switches to ground fishing for about two hours. Here, the lines are lowered toward the seabed in search of fish living closer to the bottom.

This stage is less dramatic than trolling, but it may offer more regular action. The crew explains how to handle the equipment and helps you adjust your technique. First-time fishers have a good chance of catching something, and the guides make an effort to keep everyone involved.

That said, the sea does not follow a script. One August outing had difficult fishing conditions, yet the crew continued to adjust the plan and make the day worthwhile. In May, windy conditions also tested the trip, but the crew worked hard to keep the fishing going.

I would treat the catch as part of the fun, not the sole reason to book. You might catch several species, as some people do, or you might have a quieter day. The hosts are direct about changing conditions, which is better than promising a big fish that may not appear.

A quiet bay for swimming and snorkelling

After the fishing, the boat anchors in a sheltered bay. The possible destinations include the well-known Kallithea Springs area, Santa Marina, or a shallow sandy beach. The choice depends on the sea that day.

This pause gives the trip a welcome change of pace. You can swim, snorkel, or simply sit back while lunch is prepared. Snorkelling equipment is included, so you can use the supplied gear if you want to explore the water without bringing your own.

The stop is also useful for anyone who enjoys the boat trip but does not want to fish every minute. One person can swim while another relaxes or watches the meal being prepared. Pool noodles have also been available for less confident swimmers, a thoughtful touch for anyone who feels nervous in open water.

Bring beachwear and a towel. Wear clothing that can get wet, since spray from the sea is possible even when you are not swimming. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, and you should be comfortable moving around a fishing boat.

Lunch on Skevos’s family-built BBQ

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Fish caught during the outing is grilled aboard the boat, along with fresh gold seabream and sea bass weighing 250 grams or more.

The BBQ was handcrafted by Skevos’s father, which gives lunch a family touch that fits the setting. The fish is cooked with extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt. The meal also includes Greek salad, charcoal-grilled bread with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano.

Skevos prepares the salad, and it has become a memorable part of the meal for many people. His homemade lemon sauce is another highlight. The combination of freshly grilled fish, sharp lemon, herbs, and warm bread is far more satisfying than a packaged lunch brought from shore.

Drinks are included throughout the meal and the rest of the trip: beer, cola, lemonade, and bottled mineral water. That makes the $88 cost easier to justify, particularly because there is no separate charge for the rods, bait, snorkelling gear, or food.

The menu is strongly focused on fish and Greek salad. If you do not eat either, bring snacks, since the included meal may not suit you. It is sensible to eat breakfast before the trip as well, especially if you are joining an early departure and expect several hours on the water.

Meeting Skevos and Captain Mike

The crew gives this outing its character. Captain Mike has more than 35 years of professional fishing experience. Skevos grew up on the boat, learned the trade from his father, and is also a certified professional chef.

Together, they handle the fishing instruction, boat duties, lunch, and safety. Both are trained in lifeguarding. Their teamwork becomes especially visible when someone hooks a stronger fish and needs help managing the rod and line.

Their approach suits people who want instruction without a formal classroom feel. The guidance is practical and relaxed. You get tips as you fish, and the crew steps in when a beginner is struggling.

Families can also find this a good choice. A young fishing enthusiast received special encouragement and patience from the crew, which made the experience feel personal rather than rushed. Solo visitors may also appreciate the small group, since the social setting makes it easy to talk with people on board.

Comfort and safety on the wooden boat

This is an authentic fishing boat, but it is not a bare-bones vessel. It has a separate fishing area designed for 10 people, along with an independent dining and relaxation space.

Onboard facilities include a comfortable toilet, freshwater shower, Wi-Fi, and certified VHF and UHF communication systems. The boat also follows the required safety regulations and carries radar, GPS, and depth equipment.

You should still set your expectations correctly. A traditional wooden boat provides character and a close connection to the sea, but it will not feel like a large modern ferry. If you are prone to seasickness, eat breakfast as advised, and remember that the boat can move with the waves.

The trip runs in rain unless conditions become stormy. Weather can also affect the fishing grounds and swimming location. The crew chooses the safest and most suitable destination rather than forcing a particular stop.

What $88 buys you in Rhodes

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. It is also not simply a fishing lesson. You are paying for a five-hour outing that combines equipment, instruction, boat time, two fishing methods, swimming, snorkelling, and a full meal.

The included drinks add practical value. Beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are provided without requiring you to keep buying refreshments. The fresh fish lunch is another major part of the price, particularly since it includes both the catch and additional sea bass or gold seabream.

The small group improves the value. A large boat might offer more space, but it rarely gives every person much attention at the fishing lines. Here, the maximum of 10 people allows the crew to help beginners and stay involved when someone hooks a fish.

I would call it good value for people who want several activities in one half-day. It is less suitable if you only want a fast swim, a quiet cruise, or guaranteed big-game fishing.

Practical advice before you go

Eat breakfast before departure, even though lunch is included. Fishing, wind, and time on the water can make five hours feel long if you start hungry.

Pack:

• Beachwear
• A towel
• Snacks if you do not eat fish or Greek salad
• Clothing that can get splashed

You do not need to bring fishing equipment, bait, or snorkelling gear. Those are supplied. Bottled water, beer, cola, and lemonade are also included.

The meeting point is Skevos Fishing Trip at Kolona Port, outside Rhodes Old Town. If you drive, allow time for parking. If you are staying in the old town, the port location is convenient, but check the exact meeting instructions before setting out.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

Who should book this fishing trip?

I would choose this for a couple, family, solo visitor, or small group that wants an active half-day with a strong food element. It works especially well if you have never fished before, since the crew supplies the gear and explains the basics.

Regular anglers may also enjoy it, particularly the trolling section and the chance to target tuna, mahi mahi, amberjack, and barracuda. Still, experienced fishers should remember that conditions control the catch.

This is not the right pick if you dislike fish, need guaranteed calm water, use a wheelchair, or are pregnant. It is also not ideal for anyone seeking a luxury yacht atmosphere. The appeal is the working wooden boat, the family crew, and the simple pleasure of catching food and eating it by the sea.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a personal and good-value day on the water rather than a crowded cruise. The strongest parts are the small group, patient fishing instruction, quiet swimming stop, and lunch cooked fresh aboard the boat.

Book with realistic expectations about the catch. You may catch several fish, or the sea may offer less. Either way, Skevos and Captain Mike provide a full five-hour experience with food, drinks, swimming, and plenty of practical help. For many visitors, that mix makes this one of Rhodes’s better choices for an active outing.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes fishing trip last?

The experience lasts five hours, including the boat cruise, trolling, ground fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and lunch.

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat is located at Kolona Port, outside the Old Town of Rhodes. The meeting point is listed as Skevos Fishing Trip.

How many people can join the trip?

The group is limited to 10 participants, giving the outing a small-group feel.

Is fishing equipment included?

Yes. Fishing equipment and bait are provided on board. The boat carries professional gear from brands including Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi.

Can beginners join?

Yes. The crew gives fishing instructions and helps people who have never fished before. The experience also suits regular anglers.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included for the swimming stop.

What food and drinks are included?

The meal includes freshly grilled fish, sea bass, gold seabream, Greek salad, and charcoal-grilled bread. Beer, cola, lemonade, and bottled mineral water are included.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel. You may also want snacks if you do not eat fish or Greek salad.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.