Rhodes: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Buffet & Drinks

Sunset looks better from the water. This three-hour cruise combines a late afternoon swim at Kallithea Bay with a Greek buffet, open drinks, music, and a carefully timed sunset view from the Aegean Sea. I like the small-group feel reported on many departures, with some boats carrying only about 14 to 16 people. I also like that the price, $58 per person, includes dinner, wine, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water.

The main thing to consider is that the boat anchors offshore, so you need to swim from the catamaran to reach the water or nearby rocks. That makes the cruise a poor fit if you cannot swim comfortably, and the stop can feel busy when other boats gather at Kallithea Bay. Still, a 4.8 rating from 644 bookings suggests this is one of Rhodes’ stronger choices for an easygoing evening at sea.

The quick take

• A small-boat atmosphere: Some departures carry roughly 14 to 16 people, leaving plenty of room to sit, move around, and enjoy the views.
• Kallithea Bay swim stop: The catamaran anchors in water reported at about six meters deep, with snorkeling gear and floating noodles available.
• A proper buffet, not just snacks: Expect grilled chicken, several salads, hummus, tzatziki, aubergine salad, olives, feta, bread, and pasta salad.
• Drinks are included: Wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are available without extra charges during the cruise.
• Sunset is the grand finale: The return toward Rhodes is timed for a stop or slow cruise in a good viewing spot around sunset.
• Three boat choices: You can choose among sailing and powered catamaran options, though the exact vessel may change in quieter months.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor on a three-hour cruise

The meeting point is in front of the Poseidon Submarine and the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks at Mandraki Harbor. Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before departure. This is not a casual suggestion: the catamarans leave on time, and missing the boat can mean a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

Once aboard, you settle into an outdoor seat and leave Rhodes Town behind. The boat follows the east coast, giving you a different view of the island than you get from the road. The cruise is not built around guided sightseeing, so do not expect a long commentary program or a list of historic stops. Its appeal is simpler: sea air, coastline views, music, food, and time away from town.

The exact boat matters a little. You can select from three catamaran options, including sailing and powered boats. Some boats are described as clean, modern, and well maintained, with indoor toilets, an outdoor shower, life jackets, and room to sit in different parts of the deck.

The sailing catamaran offers a quieter feel when the conditions are right. The powered catamaran is a practical choice if you prefer a more direct ride. The captain can change the route or swimming stop if weather conditions require it, so treat the advertised plan as a good outline rather than a fixed promise.

Kallithea Bay: a swim with a view

After roughly 45 minutes on the water, the boat reaches Kallithea Bay, also referred to as Kallithea Springs. Here, the crew drops anchor for about 45 minutes, giving you time to swim and use the snorkeling equipment.

You do not walk directly onto a beach from the catamaran. The boat remains offshore, and reaching the shore or nearby rocks requires swimming. That is an important practical detail for families, less confident swimmers, and anyone who dislikes getting into open water from a boat.

The water is clear, and the rocky setting gives the stop some character. One child-friendly detail is the supply of floating pool noodles, which can make time in the water easier for people who want support. Life jackets are also available, though they are safety equipment rather than a substitute for swimming ability.

The snorkeling can be enjoyable, but keep expectations sensible. You might see small fish and marine life around the rocks. One departure produced a sighting of a lionfish, while another described the underwater scene as mostly rocks with limited marine life. That is a fair description of the stop: it is primarily a chance to swim in clear Mediterranean water, with snorkeling as a pleasant extra.

Kallithea Bay can also be popular with other boats. You may find several catamarans anchored nearby, which takes away some of the quiet. The upside is that the stop feels lively rather than isolated, and the 45-minute window gives you enough time to swim without turning the whole evening into a beach excursion.

Bring swimwear, and consider a towel even though it is not listed among the required items. The boat has an outdoor shower, useful for rinsing salt water before dinner and the sunset portion of the cruise.

Dinner on deck: simple Greek food with generous portions

The buffet is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is not a restaurant meal with multiple courses, but it is far more substantial than the usual boat-trip snack tray.

The spread includes:

• Grilled chicken
• Pasta salad
• Potato salad
• Greek salad
• Green salad
• Tzatziki
• Hummus
• Aubergine salad
• Olives
• Feta
• Fresh local bread

This works well after a swim. You can build a full plate, return for more, and choose lighter food if you do not want chicken. The salads, dips, feta, olives, and bread also give the meal a useful range of vegetarian choices.

Still, vegetarians should look carefully at the menu before booking if food is a major reason for choosing the cruise. One person found the meat-free and fish-free selection too limited and chose not to take the food option. The buffet has several vegetarian items, but it is not designed as a dedicated vegetarian or seafood dinner.

Food timing is worth watching. On at least one departure, the buffet came out while people were still snorkeling. If you want first choice or a relaxed meal, listen for the crew announcement and return before the swim period ends. You can also ask the crew when dinner will be served.

Drinks are included throughout the cruise: unlimited wine and beer, plus juice, soft drinks, and bottled water. The crew serves drinks, and several departures received praise for attentive service, including one host named Eleni who made a point of checking that everyone had enough.

The alcohol policy is sensible. The crew can stop serving alcohol if someone appears intoxicated. That helps protect the relaxed mood for couples, families, and solo passengers.

Music, open water, and the sunset return

After the swim and dinner, the boat turns back toward Rhodes. This is when the cruise changes from a swimming outing into an evening sail.

Music plays an important role. The atmosphere is generally relaxed, with Greek-toned or romantic music during the sunset portion. Some departures had livelier songs and higher energy, while others felt intimate and calm. The tone depends partly on the group aboard, but the crew appears to set a mood suited to watching the sky change color.

The sunset is usually the emotional high point. The schedule allows about 20 minutes for sunset views near Rhodes Town, either while anchored or moving slowly through a scenic position. You will want to keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole time looking at your screen. The open deck gives you a wide view, and the boat’s return timing is planned around the changing light.

A small catamaran has a real advantage here. You are closer to the water, and the ride feels less like a large excursion boat. Several departures had fewer than 16 people, which meant passengers could spread out and find a comfortable viewing spot. On larger or fuller boats, move early if you want a particular place near the front or along the outer rail.

The ride back is not just transportation. It is the part of the evening when you can sit with a drink, listen to music, and watch Rhodes gradually become part of the sunset scene.

What the $58 price really includes

At $58 per person, this cruise offers solid value if you plan to eat and have drinks aboard. You are paying for three hours on the water, a catamaran ride, the Kallithea swim stop, snorkeling equipment, dinner, and unlimited included beverages.

The value improves for couples and friends who would otherwise pay separately for a short boat trip, a meal, and several drinks. It is also convenient because you do not need to arrange transport between a beach and a restaurant afterward.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, do not want dinner, or plan to spend the whole afternoon at the beach. In that case, the main benefit is the boat ride and sunset setting, and you should compare it with simpler sailing trips.

One pricing issue matters for families. An infant has been charged the full adult fare on at least one booking, even when the child was six months or 19 months old. Check the current child and infant pricing before you reserve. The cruise can work well for families, and the crew has been accommodating with babies and toddlers, but the fare may not feel proportional for very young children.

The flexible booking terms add value. 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. In April, May, and October, low numbers can lead the operator to move you to another catamaran, with notification sent as soon as possible.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this cruise for a couple wanting an easy romantic evening, especially if you like the idea of swimming before dinner rather than sitting at a table from the start. The sunset, music, and open deck create a pleasant date-night setting without requiring a formal dress code or expensive restaurant reservation.

It also suits friends who want a social boat trip with food and drinks included. The small-group departures can make it easy to chat with the crew and other passengers, while still leaving room to find a quieter seat.

Families can enjoy it too. The staff have been described as welcoming to babies and toddlers, and the noodles, life jackets, and roomy deck help. But you need to supervise young children closely around the railings and open water. The boat anchors offshore, and the swim stop is not a shallow beach activity.

Solo passengers should feel comfortable here as well. The boat is staffed, the route is organized, and one solo passenger described feeling safe and relaxed. You can join the group atmosphere or simply sit back and watch the coast.

I would skip it if you use a wheelchair, since the experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. I would also think twice if you cannot swim, dislike boat movement, or want a quiet snorkeling site away from other boats.

Practical tips for a better evening

Arrive early, especially because departure is strict. The meeting point is by the Poseidon Submarine and Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks at Mandraki Harbor, and you should be there 30 to 15 minutes ahead.

Ask the crew to confirm the return and sunset timing. Announcements give the correct departure details, and the operator specifically advises asking a crew member if you are unsure.

Wear swimwear under your clothes. Pack a towel, sunscreen, and a waterproof pouch for your phone, even though only swimwear is formally listed. The outdoor shower is useful after swimming, but it does not replace a towel.

If snorkeling matters to you, go into the water early in the stop. The bay can become busier, and dinner may be served before everyone returns from snorkeling. The equipment is provided, including masks and related gear, but you should still listen for the meal announcement.

The captain can alter the route or swimming stop in poor weather. That is normal for a sea outing, so book this for the overall evening rather than for one exact bay.

Should you book the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-priced evening that combines a swim, a filling Greek buffet, open drinks, music, and a sunset from the sea. The best features are the friendly service, small-group feel on many departures, good quantity of food, and the simple pleasure of watching Rhodes change color from the deck.

Book with a little caution if you need a shallow swimming area, a fully vegetarian menu, or infant pricing that reflects a very young child. For everyone else, $58 buys three useful hours and very little planning. I would place this near the top of the list for a relaxed final evening in Rhodes, especially when the weather is settled and the sea is calm.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours, including the catamaran ride, the Kallithea Bay stop, dinner, drinks, and the sunset viewing period.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Mandraki Harbor at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes meeting point, in front of the Poseidon Submarine and Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before the activity begins. The catamarans depart on time, and missing the departure may result in a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

Is dinner included in the price?

Yes. The buffet includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine and beer are included, along with juice, soft drinks, and bottled water. The crew may stop alcoholic service if a passenger appears intoxicated.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The catamaran anchors at Kallithea Bay for about 45 minutes, and snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and life jackets are provided. You must swim from the boat to reach the shore or nearby rocks.

Can the route change?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stop according to weather conditions. In April, May, and October, low participation can also result in a booking being moved to another catamaran.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.