Rhodes: Full Day East Coast Bay to Bay Boat Trip with Lunch

Four bays, one generous day at sea. This Rhodes boat trip packs the island’s best-known East Coast swimming stops into an easy 8 to 9-hour outing. I like the mix of clear-water swims and coastal views, and I like that a hot Greek buffet lunch is included rather than leaving you to fend for yourself on board. The main tradeoff is the large boat, which carries up to 280 people, so this feels more like a lively group cruise than a quiet sailing trip.

You get hotel-area transportation from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, and Faliraki, with a return to Rhodes Town later in the afternoon. Bring a towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. Drinks and snacks cost extra, and the short swim stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, and Kallithea may feel brief if you want a long, unhurried swim.

Key things to know before booking

• Four East Coast stops: Swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Bay, Afandou Beach and Caves, and Kallithea Bay.
• Tsambika gets two hours: This is the main stop, with time for swimming, beach access, and the buffet lunch.
• Large three-deck boat: The vessel holds up to 280 people and has toilets, a snack bar, and space to sit in the sun or shade.
• Lunch includes Greek favorites: Expect tzatziki, Greek salad, potatoes, moussaka, pasta, beans, meatballs, beef steaks, and chicken.
• Pickup is available in several resort areas: Exact pickup time depends on your accommodation and is usually between 7:30 and 8:15 AM.
• Good value at $68: The price covers transport, the boat trip, four swimming stops, and lunch, but not drinks or snacks.

Starting early at Mandraki Port

The day starts early. If you meet the group at Mandraki Port, arrive around 8:30 AM at the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation, on Elefterias Avenue. Look for the red Manos Going sign and staff member. You will show your booking confirmation, receive boarding cards, and get a map with tour information.

The boat leaves at 9:00 AM. That timing matters because this is a full day, not a short harbor cruise. If you select hotel pickup, do not assume the 9:00 AM boat departure is your pickup time. Transportation is scheduled from 7:30 to 8:15 AM, and the exact time depends on where you stay.

The bus serves a wide range of places, including Rhodes Town, Ialyssos, Ixia, Kallithea, and Faliraki. At the end of the day, the red buses collect passengers near the Rhodes Town Hall before taking them back to the listed drop-off points. Check your email for the exact pickup details, including the spam folder, and be ready at least five minutes early.

The first hour brings Rhodes into view

Once you leave port, the boat gives you a different view of Rhodes Town. You can see the medieval town and coastline from the water, which is a pleasant opening to the day. The first cruise section lasts about an hour, giving you time to settle in before the swimming begins.

With three decks, you can choose how you want to spend the crossing. Sit back for the coastal views, find a sunny place for a tan, or stay close to the swimming areas when the boat arrives. The size of the vessel also means you should not expect a private, quiet cruise. You will be sharing the day with a sizable group, but the large layout gives you room to move around.

The boat has a toilet and snack bar. Since drinks and snacks are not part of the price, bring money for anything you want between stops. The tour includes pool noodles and life jackets for small children, though the activity is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Anthony Quinn Bay offers the most striking first swim

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ best-known swimming spots. You get about 30 minutes in the water, so have your swimwear ready before the boat arrives.

The bay is known for emerald-colored water, a sheltered rocky beach, and cliffs rising around the cove. The supplied details also point to fish, sea urchins, coral formations, and other marine life in the water. This makes it the stop where a mask or goggles could be especially useful, although snorkeling equipment is not listed as included.

The short stop works well as an introduction. You can get into the water, look around, and enjoy the cove from sea level. The drawback is simple: 30 minutes passes quickly. If you prefer to swim slowly, explore every corner, or spend time on shore, Anthony Quinn Bay may feel more like a quick sample than a full beach visit.

Be careful around rocky areas and sea urchins. That is not a reason to skip the swim, but it is a reason to move slowly and watch where you place your feet.

Tsambika Bay is the heart of the day

After another roughly 30-minute cruise, the boat reaches Tsambika Bay. This is the longest stop, with two hours for swimming and relaxing. You can swim toward Tsambika’s fine golden sand beach, which stretches for about 800 meters, or stay near the boat.

This longer stop gives the day a better rhythm. Instead of rushing from one photo stop to the next, you have time to enjoy the water, dry off, and settle into the beach setting. If you want the most relaxed part of the trip, this is it.

The beach is also a good choice for anyone who prefers sand underfoot instead of a rocky swimming area. You can split your time between the beach and the boat, though the exact ease of reaching shore depends on how the boat is positioned and the conditions on the day.

Lunch is served during the Tsambika stop. The buffet includes:

• Tzatziki
• Greek salad
• Oven-baked potatoes
• Moussaka
• Pasta with red sauce
• Beans
• Meatballs
• Beef steaks
• Chicken

That is a substantial meal for a boat excursion. I particularly like that the menu offers several familiar Greek dishes alongside simpler choices such as pasta and potatoes. It gives you a chance to try moussaka, tzatziki, and Greek salad without making lunch complicated for children or picky eaters.

Beverages are not included. Buy them from the snack bar or plan ahead for the day. The tour information does not state that outside drinks are supplied, so do not count on the lunch package to cover refreshments.

Afandou combines a rocky shore with a cave

The next cruise lasts about 30 minutes and leads to Afandou Beach and its rocky bay. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, with the main attraction being a cave that you can explore directly from the water.

This is a different kind of stop from Tsambika. There is less emphasis on a long beach stay and more on seeing a feature of the coast from the water. If you enjoy short swims with something specific to look at, Afandou gives the afternoon a useful change of pace.

Again, the time is limited. You may have enough time to swim toward the cave and look inside, but you should not treat this as a slow exploration session. Stay aware of the boat’s instructions and keep your return time in mind. A rocky shoreline and cave entrance also call for care, especially if you are not a confident swimmer.

Kallithea Bay closes the swimming schedule

The final swimming stop is Kallithea Bay. This sheltered bay allows about 20 minutes for one last swim or for sunbathing on the boat.

Kallithea is a sensible final stop because it is brief and sheltered, giving you a last chance to get into the Mediterranean before the return trip. If you have had enough water by this stage, you can simply rest on deck and enjoy the final coastal views.

Twenty minutes is short, so I would not save your favorite swimming plans for Kallithea. Think of it as a final dip rather than another major beach visit. Afterward, the boat cruises back toward Rhodes, with arrival in Rhodes Town expected at about 5:00 PM.

What the boat setup means for your day

The boat holds up to 280 people across three decks. That number tells you a lot about the experience. You will have the stability and facilities of a large excursion boat, but you will not get the personal service or quiet atmosphere of a small private charter.

The benefit is practicality. A large boat can carry families, couples, and groups together, with a snack bar and toilet on board. You can move between decks and choose a place to sit instead of being confined to a small vessel.

The cost is crowding at the popular swimming spots. Boarding and getting into the water may take longer with a full boat, and the bays themselves can be busy. If you want personal space, the optional private group arrangement may be worth checking, though the supplied details do not give a separate private-group price or boat size.

The boat also makes this a forgiving day for people who do not want to arrange transport, find parking, or plan several beaches themselves. You follow one schedule, eat lunch on board, and return to the same general area.

Is $68 a fair price?

At $68 per person, the value is good if you want a full day on the water without assembling the pieces yourself. The price includes transportation from several Rhodes resort areas, the boat trip, four swimming stops, and a buffet lunch.

That matters because a self-planned day would require arranging transport to the port, finding a way to reach four separate coastal locations, and paying for food along the way. You also get the coastal view from the boat, which is the main feature you cannot reproduce simply by visiting beaches by road.

The price is less attractive if you only want one beach and a few hours of swimming. In that case, this excursion may feel long. You are paying for a full schedule, and the return does not come until around 5:00 PM.

Remember to budget for drinks and snacks. They are available at the onboard snack bar but are not included in the buffet. The lunch itself is generous, so you may not need much extra food, but water and other drinks are separate.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is helpful when your Rhodes plans are still shifting.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes boat trip?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to see several famous bays in one day and prefer a planned experience over independent beach hopping. It suits families with swimming children, couples who like a full day outdoors, and first-time visitors who want a quick survey of the East Coast.

It is also useful for anyone staying outside Rhodes Town. Hotel-area transportation removes much of the morning hassle, though you still need to follow the assigned pickup time closely.

You should think twice if you dislike large groups, short swim periods, or fixed schedules. The stop at Tsambika is generous, but Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, and Kallithea are all brief. Pregnant women, wheelchair users, and non-swimmers should not book this activity according to the stated restrictions.

For small children, pool noodles and life jackets are available. That is useful, but adults still need to supervise children closely around the water and boat edges.

Practical tips for making the day easier

Wear your swimwear under your clothes so you can get ready quickly at the first stop. Pack a towel and sunscreen, and keep them in a small day bag that is easy to reach.

Bring some cash or another payment method for the snack bar. Since drinks are not included, this is one of the few extra costs you can expect during the day.

If you want to see marine life at Anthony Quinn Bay, pack your own mask if you have one. Snorkeling gear is not listed as included, and the bay’s fish, sea urchins, and coral formations are among its most interesting features.

Use the longer Tsambika stop wisely. Eat lunch, swim, and spend time on the beach rather than expecting all four stops to provide the same amount of free time. The short stops are best approached as quick coastal highlights.

Finally, keep your booking confirmation available at Mandraki Port. You need it to receive your boarding cards and the map. That small step gets the morning moving without confusion.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes boat trip last?

The activity lasts about 8 to 9 hours. The boat leaves Mandraki Port at approximately 9:00 AM and returns to Rhodes at about 5:00 PM.

Which bays does the boat visit?

The stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Bay, Afandou Beach and Caves, and Kallithea Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included at Tsambika Beach. It includes dishes such as tzatziki, Greek salad, potatoes, moussaka, pasta, beans, beef steaks, chicken, and meatballs.

Are drinks included in the price?

No. Drinks and snacks are available to buy from the snack bar on board, but they are not included with the tour.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is at Mandraki Port, in front of the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation on Elefterias Avenue. A Manos Going staff member with a red sign will provide boarding cards.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Transportation is available from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, and Faliraki. Pickup usually takes place between 7:30 and 8:15 AM, with the exact time depending on your accommodation.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want an easy, good-value day that combines Rhodes coastline views, four swims, and a proper Greek lunch. The two hours at Tsambika make the schedule worthwhile, while Anthony Quinn Bay and Afandou provide memorable shorter stops.

Skip it if your ideal day means a small boat, quiet coves, or long uninterrupted swims. With a capacity of 280 people and several 20 to 30-minute stops, this is a lively sightseeing cruise with swimming, not a private beach escape. For many visitors, though, the included transport, lunch, and wide sweep of the East Coast make $68 a sensible way to spend a day around Rhodes.