Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

Clear water, fast boat, easy afternoon fun. This 2.5-hour RIB cruise packs Rhodes’ best east-coast swimming spots into a lively little outing, with snorkeling at Anthony Quinn Bay, cave exploring, drinks, and room to stretch out on deck. I especially like the small group limit of eight and the chance to jump straight from the boat into clear water. The main thing to consider is that this is a quick-moving trip, not a slow beach day, so some stops may feel short.

I also like the friendly, hands-on crew. Guides such as Lazaros and Michael have helped nervous swimmers, handed out pool noodles and buoyancy aids, and shared stories about the coast. The optional pickup from Rhodes Town and nearby resort areas is useful, though you should confirm exactly what drinks are available, since one recent outing had soft drinks and water rather than cocktails.

Key points to know before booking

• Four swim areas in 2.5 hours: You get a brisk sampler of Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area.
• Small RIB, small group: With space for up to eight people, the boat feels more personal than a large sightseeing vessel.
• Anthony Quinn Bay comes with a film connection: The bay is linked to actor Anthony Quinn, who bought the area after The Guns of Navarone was filmed nearby.
• Snorkeling gear and floats are provided: Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids make the water easier for less confident swimmers.
• Optional pickup saves time: Transfers can be arranged from central points near Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.
• Bring your own towel: Towels are not included, and large bags or luggage are not allowed aboard.

What this Rhodes boat trip is really like

This is a coastal swimming trip first and a sightseeing cruise second. You board a modern, comfortably furnished RIB and spend the afternoon moving between coves and beaches along Rhodes’ east coast. The boat gives you a better view of the cliffs and shoreline than you get from a beach, while its smaller size allows the captain to bring you close to rocky coves and cave areas.

The advertised price is $48 per person, which is fair for a short trip that includes the boat ride, four swimming areas, soft drinks, bottled cocktails, and snorkeling equipment. Optional pickup adds convenience, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. You are not paying for a full-day charter, though, so the value depends on what you want. For a compact introduction to the coast, it works well. For long swims, a full lunch, or hours at one beach, choose a longer cruise.

The RIB moves quickly. That is part of the fun, but it matters if you are traveling with very young children or anyone who dislikes a brisk ride. A larger cruise ship may feel steadier and more relaxed for some families. Couples, small groups of friends, and active families usually get more from this format.

Meeting the captain near Stama restaurant

The main meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. The activity ends at the same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the marina.

Pickup is available from a central point near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. The exact pickup details arrive separately, so check your email and spam folder. Several outings included an on-time transfer in a comfortable vehicle, with passengers dropped right beside the boat.

If you use the pickup option, it can save you the trouble of finding the marina. If you meet at the port yourself, wear shoes that are easy to walk in and avoid bringing anything bulky. The boat does not accept luggage or large bags.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most photogenic coves on Rhodes. The water is clear, the cliffs are rugged, and the setting feels more enclosed than an ordinary open beach. It is a good place to start snorkeling because you can look down into the water from the boat or swim toward the shore.

The bay takes its name from Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn. After The Guns of Navarone was filmed in the area, Quinn purchased the site, giving this otherwise natural cove an unusual connection to classic cinema. Your guide shares the story while you take in the view, and the nearby Guns of Navarone Pier is especially good for photographs.

This is also one of the busier and more famous locations on the route, so do not expect complete solitude. Its appeal is the mix of scenery, film history, and clear swimming water. Bring a waterproof phone case if you want photographs from the water. The crew has supplied waterproof phone covers on some trips, but bringing your own remains a sensible backup.

You can enter the sea from the boat or relax on the spacious deck. If you are not a strong swimmer, ask for a buoyancy aid or pool noodle before getting in. The crew has been praised for giving clear instructions and helping children build confidence in the water.

Ladiko: turquoise water beside rugged cliffs

The boat then heads to Ladiko, located on the other side of the bay. This stop continues the same visual theme, with turquoise water, rocky cliffs, and a compact beach setting that looks particularly good from the boat.

Ladiko is a useful contrast to Anthony Quinn Bay. At the first stop, the film connection and pier provide the main talking points. Here, the focus is more direct: swim, snorkel, take photographs, and enjoy the setting without much fuss.

You may choose to stay on the boat and sunbathe, or enter the water for a swim. The spacious deck gives you a dry place to rest between stops, which is important on a short trip with several water activities. Since the cruise keeps moving, have your swimwear on before boarding and keep your towel easy to reach.

The exact time at each location can vary, so I would not book this expecting a long, unhurried session at Ladiko. Think of it as one part of a coastal sampler.

Traganou and the rocky caverns

Traganou offers a wilder feel. The beach is gravelly, with a rocky surface and clear water framed by rough cliffs. It is less about a polished beach experience and more about the natural shape of the coast.

The rocky caverns are the main attraction here. Depending on sea conditions and the captain’s plan, you can swim toward the cave areas and look around, or stay close to the boat. The setting is well suited to snorkeling, especially if you enjoy seeing fish among rocks rather than swimming over a sandy bottom.

Wear comfortable shoes for this stop. The tour specifically advises bringing them, and gravel and rock are less forgiving than a smooth beach. Water shoes may be useful if you already own them, though the supplied information only promises comfortable footwear, not specialist equipment.

The RIB’s size helps here. A large vessel would not offer the same close-up feel around small rocky areas. The tradeoff is that movement can be livelier, and the ride may not suit everyone.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The last beach area is home to the lesser-known Alikies caves. This is where you can venture into the cave area or simply relax by the beach. The caves give the final stop a sense of discovery without requiring a long walk or difficult excursion.

One important practical point comes from the timing. Some people have found the final bay the most attractive place for photographs and fish watching, yet wished they had more time there. If you love snorkeling, pay attention to the captain’s instructions and be ready to enter the water promptly when the boat arrives.

This final stop can feel like the reward for the earlier swims. The sea life, rocky formations, and cave setting create good variety after Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko. Still, the four-stop schedule means you should expect movement rather than a single long beach stay.

Snorkeling, safety gear, and comfort aboard

The boat carries masks and snorkels, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids. That makes this trip more approachable for people who can swim but are not fully comfortable in open water. One crew member even helped a child gain confidence before jumping in, a small but useful sign of the personal attention possible on a small boat.

You should still bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Towels are not included, and biodegradable sunscreen is requested to reduce the effect of swimming products on the marine environment.

There is a restroom onboard, along with Wi-Fi. Those are modest details, but they matter during a short boat trip, especially for families. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included in the tour description. In practice, the exact selection may vary, since one outing offered fizzy drinks and water rather than cocktails. If a particular drink matters to you, confirm it before departure.

Snacks have also been available on some trips. The supplied details list drinks as included but do not promise a full meal, so eat beforehand if you need more than a light bite.

The crew makes the small boat work

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Lazaros has been praised for hosting groups warmly, while Michael has been singled out for patient help in the water and for explaining the places along the route. Harry, who handles some transfers, has also been praised for friendly conversation and for stopping at scenic points on the way to the marina.

The style is informal and social. You might get stories about the bays, help with snorkeling gear, or a playful moment such as letting a child pretend to steer the boat. Birthday groups have also received small celebratory touches, including complimentary bubbles on one outing.

That personal service is easier to provide with a small group. The advertised limit is eight participants, and several outings have felt almost private when only a few people booked. If you prefer a quiet boat with lots of personal space, ask about the group size for your date. If you want a party boat with loud music and many passengers, this is not the right format.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to:

• Couples looking for a half-day activity with swimming and scenery
• Small groups who want a more personal boat experience
• Confident swimmers and snorkelers who enjoy several different coves
• Families with older children who can handle a fast RIB ride
• Visitors staying near the listed pickup areas
• Anyone who wants a coastal outing without spending a full day on the water

You may want another type of cruise if you need step-free access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also be a poor fit if you dislike boats that move quickly, need long periods on a sandy beach, or want a substantial meal included.

Children and less confident swimmers can still enjoy it, thanks to the floats and buoyancy aids. The key question is comfort with getting on and off a small boat and swimming in open sea conditions.

Is $48 a fair price?

At $48, the cost is reasonable for the combination of a small group, four swimming areas, transport on the water, snorkeling gear, and included drinks. You also get a crew that can provide more help than you usually receive on a large sightseeing vessel.

The tour is especially good value if you would otherwise pay separately for a beach transfer, snorkeling rental, and a short boat ride. It is less compelling if your main goal is simply to sit on a beach, since much of the 2.5 hours is spent moving between locations.

Pickup can improve the value if you are not staying near the port. The boat returns to the same meeting point, and the optional transfer covers several resort areas. You should still check the pickup terms for your hotel area before booking.

Practical tips for a smoother afternoon

Wear your swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Keep your belongings small, since large bags and luggage are not allowed.

A waterproof phone pouch is useful for photographs from the water. If the crew supplies phone covers, treat that as a bonus rather than something to rely on.

Expect a quick rhythm: boat ride, swim, snorkel, dry off, then move on. Keep drinking water, listen carefully to the captain, and tell the crew if you need a float or extra help.

The tour is conducted in English. If you are booking because of the drinks, ask what will be served on your departure, since the selection may vary between bottled cocktails, soft drinks, and water.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately. Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want.

Should you book the Rhodes RIB cruise?

Book it if you want a compact, active coastal outing with clear water, snorkeling, caves, and a friendly crew. The small group format, safety floats, optional pickup, and four different swim areas give it a lot for the price.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling with very young children, dislike fast boat rides, or want a long stay at one beach. For everyone else, this is a practical way to see several of Rhodes’ best-known east-coast coves in one afternoon, without committing to a full day at sea.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes RIB cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Starting times vary, so check availability for your chosen date.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the boat trip, swimming stops, soft drinks, and bottled cocktails according to the tour details.

Are snorkeling masks and floats provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids for people who want extra support in the water.

Where does the boat depart?

The main meeting point is at the port, where you can find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Personalized pickup details are sent separately.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Does the boat have a restroom?

Yes. A restroom and Wi-Fi are available onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.