Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

Lindos looks even better from the sea. This full-day cruise from Rhodes combines three hours of free time in Lindos with swimming at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Beach. I like the relaxed mix of sightseeing and swimming, and I like that you can explore Lindos independently instead of following a guide all day.

The clean, spacious boat has several seating areas, an air-conditioned section, toilets, a snack bar, and an open deck with sunbeds. At $47 per person, it offers good value for a long day out. The main compromise is time: three hours in Lindos is enough for the Acropolis, lunch, and a quick look around, but you may wish for another half-hour.

Quick facts about the Rhodes Lindos cruise

• Anthony Quinn Bay comes first, with a 30-minute swim from the boat in clear emerald water and rocky surroundings.
• Lindos gets three full hours, giving you time for the Acropolis, village lanes, beach, shopping, and lunch.
• Tsambika Beach is the final swim stop, with around 30 minutes in turquoise water before the return to Rhodes.
• Sunbeds are limited and popular, so arrive early if you want one on the upper deck.
• The onboard bar sells snacks and drinks, including sandwiches, toasties, ice cream, coffee, cocktails, and cold drinks.
• Optional hotel transfers are available, but the main meeting point is Mandraki port near the Nea Agora Building.

Why this cruise works well for a day in Rhodes

Rhodes has plenty of ways to reach Lindos, but the boat adds something a bus trip cannot: two swims in scenic bays and a cooling breeze on the way home. You spend the morning looking at the east coast from the water, then have time ashore, then return by sea with another chance to swim.

I especially like the balance. The cruise is not a guided historical tour, so you are free to choose your own pace in Lindos. You can climb to the Acropolis, eat lunch by the bay, browse the whitewashed lanes, or simply spend time on the beach.

The price is also sensible for an eight to eight-and-a-half-hour outing. Your fare covers the cruise, the two swim stops, sunbeds where available, floats, onboard toilets, WiFi, an air-conditioned area, and insurance. Food, drinks, towels, and the Acropolis admission fee cost extra, but you are not forced into a meal package or paid add-ons.

The day is best for people who want several highlights in one outing. It suits couples, families, and anyone who would rather see Lindos independently than spend the whole day with a guide. It is less suitable if your main goal is a long, quiet visit to Lindos or a full historical tour of the Acropolis.

Finding the boat at Mandraki port

The main meeting point is Mandraki port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building. The nearby bus stop is called Roda.

You should arrive about 30 minutes before departure. The stated morning arrival window is between 8:00 and 8:30, so give yourself time to find the boat and settle in. Several people found the boat easy to spot, but an early arrival matters for another reason: the upper-deck sunbeds go quickly.

Optional pickup is offered from a long list of hotels and local accommodation points. If you choose it, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen, and drivers wait no longer than two minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Delays of up to 15 minutes can occur because of traffic, so do not leave the pickup point if the vehicle is late.

One practical point: hotel pickup does not necessarily mean you will be among the first people at the boat. If an upper-deck lounger is important to you, the port meeting option may give you a better chance, provided you can reach Mandraki easily.

The boat ride along Rhodes east coast

The boat spends a good part of the day underway. From Rhodes to Lindos, the schedule includes about 45 minutes of coastal sightseeing, a 30-minute swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, and another 70 minutes of sailing before arrival. Lindos is reached in just under two hours from departure, depending on the exact operating schedule and sea conditions.

That is a long ride, but the boat gives you several ways to use it. The open sundeck is the place for sun and sea views. Other seating areas offer shelter, and the air-conditioned section is useful during the hottest part of the day. The boat has been kept clean, including the toilets, and it is spacious enough that many people found the journey comfortable even when well occupied.

I would bring something small to read or listen to during the longer sailing sections. The views help, but the ride can feel slow if you expect constant activity. The return trip may also feel longer than the outward journey, particularly after a hot afternoon in Lindos.

The upper deck is breezy when the boat is moving. That is welcome in July and August, but it can feel cool in October or at the beginning and end of the season. A light jacket is a smart addition, even if the weather looks warm at the port.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the first 30-minute swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, allowing you to enter the water directly from the vessel.

The bay is known for clear emerald water, rocky edges, and a striking setting. From the boat, you get a different view than you would from shore, with the rocks wrapping around the water and swimmers spread below the decks. It is a good place for a quick swim and some snorkeling, although snorkeling equipment is not included.

You can use the provided floats if you want extra support. Noodle floats are especially helpful for less confident swimmers, and life jackets are available for children. The crew gives clear instructions and tells you in advance when a swim stop is approaching, so you have time to change and prepare.

Thirty minutes goes by fast. If you prefer a long swim, this will feel brief, but the short stop keeps the full day moving and leaves room for Lindos. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel handy. Towels are not included, and you will be returning to the boat rather than a beach with changing facilities.

The crew cleans the boat after the swim stops, another small detail that makes the day more pleasant. Music may be played during the swim period, adding a lively holiday feel rather than a silent nature excursion.

Three hours in Lindos: choose your priorities

The boat reaches Lindos after the first swim and the remaining coastal cruise. You then have about three hours of free time.

Lindos is a whitewashed village built below the Acropolis. Its narrow lanes, bright buildings, shops, tavernas, beaches, and steep approach make it one of the most memorable stops on Rhodes. The free-time format lets you decide how much energy and money to spend.

If the Acropolis is your priority, head there first. The climb is worth it for the views, but the route includes a substantial uphill walk and can be very hot. One person who made the climb advised avoiding the donkeys, and that is sensible advice if you are able to walk at your own pace. Bring water, wear a hat, and do not leave the Acropolis until late in your visit unless you are certain of the route back to the harbor.

The Acropolis admission fee is not included. Set aside extra cash for it, along with lunch, drinks, or shopping. The tour does not provide a guide in Lindos, so you will need to arrange your own visit and keep track of the meeting time.

Three hours can cover the main sights if you plan well. A practical split might be:

• About 90 minutes for the Acropolis and the uphill walk
• About 45 minutes for lunch or a drink
• The remaining time for lanes, shops, photographs, or the beach

That plan is only a suggestion. You might prefer to skip the Acropolis and spend the whole visit near the water. Lindos has enough variety to suit both choices, but not enough time to do everything slowly.

Keep an eye on the clock. The boat leaves on schedule, and getting lost in the village can create unnecessary panic. Return toward the harbor early rather than trying to squeeze in one last shop. You can leave bags on the boat while exploring, which makes the climb and village walk easier, but keep valuables with you and follow the crew’s instructions.

Some people would like more than three hours here. I understand why. The Acropolis, village, beach, and lunch compete for the same block of time. Still, three hours is a workable compromise because the cruise also includes two swimming stops.

Tsambika Beach and the final swim

The return journey includes a final 30-minute stop at Tsambika Beach, sometimes described as the Blue Lagoon. The boat stops offshore, and you enter the water directly from the deck.

The water is turquoise and refreshing after time in Lindos. This stop feels particularly useful in the afternoon, when the heat may have built up during the Acropolis climb and village walk. You can swim, use a float, sit on the deck, or simply enjoy the last stretch of the day before the boat heads back.

As with Anthony Quinn Bay, half an hour is enough for a pleasant swim but not for a long beach-style stay. You are not docking for a full visit to Tsambika Beach, so think of this as a water stop, not a separate beach excursion.

The boat then sails back toward Rhodes, arriving at the harbor at approximately 17:30. The full day lasts around eight to eight-and-a-half hours, though exact times can vary with the chosen departure and operating conditions.

Food, drinks, seating, and onboard comfort

The onboard bar is one of the more useful features. You can buy cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, sandwiches, and toasties. Prices have been described as reasonable, with sandwiches available for around $3 during one outing.

Food is not included, so budget for purchases or bring what the operator permits. Buying lunch in Lindos gives you the chance to eat in the village, but a snack from the boat can fill the gap during the sailing sections.

The vessel has several decks and seating types. The open top deck offers the best sun, but the loungers there are limited and have no shade. They are highly sought after, so arriving early is the key tip repeated by almost everyone who enjoyed them.

You will find shade elsewhere on the boat, along with indoor seating and air conditioning. The seating is generally comfortable, and the boat has enough room to avoid feeling cramped. Still, on a busy summer departure, you should not assume that every person in your group will get a sunbed.

WiFi is included, though the main reason to choose this cruise is the sea views, not internet access. Toilets are onboard and have been kept in notably good condition. Floats are provided, which saves you from having to pack one.

What to bring for the day

Pack as if you are combining a beach day, a village walk, and a boat ride:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash for the Acropolis, food, and drinks
• Snorkeling gear if you want to explore the water
• Light jacket in cooler months
• Comfortable shoes for the Acropolis and Lindos lanes

A dry bag or small waterproof pouch is useful for your phone and valuables during the swim stops. The boat remains available while you explore Lindos, so you do not need to carry every item up to the Acropolis.

The steep walk in Lindos deserves attention. Even if you plan only a short visit, the heat, uneven lanes, and uphill route can make the village more tiring than it first appears. Take water with you and leave enough time to return to the harbor.

Who should book this Lindos cruise?

I would choose this excursion if you want Lindos, but also want a full day on the water. The swim stops give the trip more variety than a direct transfer, and the boat facilities make the long sailing time easier.

It is a particularly good fit for:

• Families who want swimming, sightseeing, and simple onboard facilities
• Couples looking for a relaxed day with attractive coastal views
• Independent visitors who do not want a fixed walking tour in Lindos
• People who enjoy swimming from a boat
• Visitors staying in Rhodes City or near the listed pickup areas

I would think twice if you want a slow, detailed visit to Lindos. Three hours is enough for a strong first look, but the Acropolis, lunch, shopping, and beach require choices. I would also reconsider if you dislike long boat journeys or do not enjoy entering the sea from a vessel.

The experience is not built around luxury dining or a private boat. It is a shared day cruise with a practical bar, several decks, and organized stops. That is exactly why the $47 price feels fair: you get transport, two beautiful swim breaks, free time in one of Rhodes’ major sights, and a comfortable place to spend the day.

Should you book the Rhodes to Lindos cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-priced combination of Lindos and swimming. The strongest features are the clean, roomy boat, friendly crew, clear timing, reasonable snack-bar prices, and the two stops in beautiful bays.

Arrive early if you want a top-deck sunbed. Plan your three hours in Lindos before you arrive, and make the Acropolis your first stop if it matters to you. Bring a towel, cash, and a light jacket, then enjoy the day at your own pace.

For a single outing from Rhodes that includes both an iconic village and time in the sea, this is a smart choice. Just remember that Lindos is the centerpiece, while the two swims are refreshing highlights rather than long beach visits.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately eight to eight-and-a-half hours. The boat is expected to return to Rhodes Harbor at about 17:30.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Lindos. You can visit the Acropolis, walk through the village, eat at a taverna, shop, or spend time at the beach.

Are the Acropolis entrance fees included?

No. Acropolis admission is not included in the cruise price.

How long are the swimming stops?

The stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about 30 minutes. The stop at Tsambika Beach also lasts about 30 minutes.

Can I borrow a float during the swim stops?

Yes. Floats are provided onboard, including noodle floats. Life jackets are also available for children.

Is food available on the boat?

Yes. The onboard bar sells drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, sandwiches, and toasties. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The main meeting point is Mandraki port in Rhodes, near the Nea Agora Building and the Roda bus stop. Look for the DISCOVERY boat and arrive about 30 minutes early.