Rhodes Town: Anthony Quinn, Kalithea & Afandou Boat Cruise

Rhodes looks best from the water. This six-hour cruise links Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay aboard the traditional Greek boat Alkmini, with time at each stop for swimming, snorkeling, and sun. I like the relaxed three-stop plan, and I like that snorkeling gear and an experience crew are included.

The main thing to consider is that this is a full half-day on the sea, with no lunch, snacks, drinks, or hotel transfer included. You need to reach Mandraki Harbor on time, find the Alexander Statue, and bring your own towel, water, sunscreen, and anything else you want between swim stops.

Key points to know before booking

• Three one-hour swim stops: You get about an hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.
• Traditional boat from Mandraki Harbor: Look for the Alkmini near the Alexander Statue in Rhodes Town.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can use the equipment at all three swim stops.
• A family-friendly crew: Markos and his family have been praised for being welcoming, helpful, and good with children of different ages.
• Good value at $32.57: The price covers the cruise, crew, music, and three swim stops, but not food, drinks, or transfers.
• Weather can change the plan: From September 20 through October 15, strong wind may lead to changes in the swimming stops.

Starting at Mandraki Harbor with the Alkmini

Your meeting point is easy to identify in central Rhodes Town. Go to Mandraki Harbor and look for the Alexander Statue, then find the boat named Alkmini. The cruise ends at the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back.

That central return matters if you are staying in Rhodes Town or arriving from a cruise ship. One guest found the port meeting point within walking distance and had enough time to join the excursion before returning to the ship. Still, do not cut it close. Everyone must be on the boat on time, and the crew cannot hold the departure for late arrivals.

The boat is described as a traditional Greek ship, giving the outing more character than a plain motorboat transfer. You will spend a good part of the six hours moving along the coast, so the journey itself is part of the experience. The crew also plays music on board, which suits the easygoing mood of a swimming day.

This is not a private charter. The available comments describe the boat as spacious and not over-packed, but the exact group size is not provided. You should expect a shared cruise rather than a quiet, private sailing trip.

Sailing away from Rhodes Town

As the Alkmini leaves Mandraki Harbor, the focus shifts from streets and monuments to open Aegean water. The cruise gives you wide coastal views and a different sense of Rhodes than you get from a road tour.

The route is designed around three stops rather than nonstop sightseeing. That is a smart choice if your priority is getting into the water. You will have time to swim and snorkel at every main stop, rather than spending the entire day looking at beaches from the deck.

The crew speaks English, German, and Greek. Commentary is part of the experience, and Markos and his family have been praised for explaining the beaches and parts of Rhodes in a friendly way. That personal touch can make the ride feel less like a simple transfer between swimming spots.

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. You will want your sun protection close at hand, since the day combines open-deck sailing with long periods in the water. Snacks and drinks are not included, and lunch is not provided, so plan ahead before boarding.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a striking first swim

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, where the boat anchors for about an hour. The schedule allows time for photos, free time, swimming, and snorkeling.

This bay is a strong opening stop because the view begins before you enter the water. From the boat, you can take in the curved coast and clear blue sea, then enjoy the rare pleasure of swimming without first having to find a place on shore. The boat setting also gives you a good angle for photographs.

Snorkeling is included here, and the clear water makes this a natural place to try the gear. You can stay near the boat, swim, or spend the hour moving between the water and the deck. If you prefer not to snorkel, the stop still works well for a cool swim and a look at the coast.

Keep your expectations sensible. One hour goes quickly once you take photographs, get into the water, and dry off. If you want a long, unhurried beach session, three one-hour stops may feel a little structured. If you enjoy variety, the timing keeps the day moving.

Afandou Beach: room for sun and water time

The second stop is Afandou Beach, again for around an hour. The plan includes swimming, snorkeling, photographs, and free time, with scuba diving also listed as an activity at this stop.

Afandou gives the day a different rhythm. After the first bay, you can settle into a longer stretch of sun and sea, listening to music on the boat as the cruise continues. I would treat this as the best stop for simply relaxing. You do not need to make every minute active.

The supplied information does not specify whether scuba equipment or instruction is included, so do not assume that it is. The included equipment is snorkeling gear. If snorkeling is your goal, you can use the provided gear and look for fish or other sea life in the clear water.

The beach stop also works well for families. The crew has been praised for welcoming children of different ages, and the three-stop format gives younger swimmers several chances to enjoy the water without committing to one long session. Parents should still keep an eye on children, since this is an open-water boat excursion and the package does not describe a dedicated children’s program.

Kallithea Springs: the final water stop

The cruise finishes its swimming portion at Kallithea Springs, also called Kallithea Bay in the tour description. You get about an hour for photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and free time.

This stop adds another setting to the day rather than repeating the first two. The water is described as clear, with colorful fish, squid, and other marine life visible while snorkeling. For many people, this will be the most rewarding stop if they enjoy watching sea life instead of only swimming.

The timing is helpful here. You have enough time to try the mask and snorkel, search the water, and take a break on board. As with the other stops, you should not expect a full beach day. The cruise is built around three short visits, so the advantage is variety, not extended time in one bay.

Kallithea is also a pleasant final swim before the return ride. You can dry off, listen to music, and settle into the scenic trip back to Mandraki Harbor. The return gives you a last look at Rhodes from the sea and a chance to rest after several hours in the sun.

What the six-hour schedule means for you

Six hours is long enough to feel like a real day out, but short enough to fit into a wider Rhodes itinerary. The three main stops account for roughly three hours, leaving the rest for sailing to and from the bays, boarding, and time on the boat.

That balance is the heart of the experience. You are not paying only for transport to one beach. You are paying for a coastal cruise, several swim opportunities, crew support, music, and snorkeling equipment.

At $32.57 per person, the price is attractive if you plan to swim and snorkel. Buying separate transport to three coastal spots would take more planning, and a simple harbor cruise would not give you the same amount of water time. The value is weaker if you do not want to swim, since much of the schedule is built around being in the sea.

Food is the main extra cost to remember. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are not included. Since the cruise lasts six hours, bring what you need or eat before departure. The supplied information does not confirm whether food and drinks can be bought on board, so do not rely on that.

The crew and atmosphere on board

The crew is a major part of this cruise. Markos and his family have been praised for being accommodating, easy to talk with, and willing to explain the beaches and Rhodes. That kind of family-run approach can make a shared boat trip feel more personal.

The atmosphere appears relaxed rather than formal. Music plays on board, and you have time to sit back between stops. The boat has been described as spacious and not over-packed, though the exact capacity is not given.

The crew also received praise for interactive activities and games, including onshore stations. Since the available details do not explain exactly when or how these activities take place, I would view them as a possible bonus rather than the main reason to book.

The language setup is useful for international visitors. Live guiding is available in English, German, and Greek. If you need detailed information in another language, this tour may not be the right fit.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a straightforward sea day with several chances to swim. It is especially suited to:

• Families looking for a relaxed activity for children of different ages
• Couples who want coastal views and time in the water
• Cruise ship passengers with enough time to walk from the port
• Visitors staying in Rhodes Town who want a boat experience without arranging transport
• Snorkelers who like changing locations instead of staying at one beach
• Budget-minded visitors who want a six-hour activity at a moderate price

You may want a different plan if you dislike boats, need a long beach stay, or want a private and quiet experience. The schedule is shared, the stops are timed, and the day depends on sea conditions.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. Bikes are not allowed, and the information provided does not describe special boarding help or facilities for limited mobility.

Weather, timing, and practical limits

All three swimming stops depend on conditions at sea. From September 20 through October 15, the boat may change the swimming-stop program if wind makes the planned route unsuitable. That is a sensible safety measure, but it means the named bays are not an absolute guarantee during that period.

You should also expect sun, wind, and spray. Sunglasses and sunscreen are not minor extras here. A towel and swimwear are essential, while a small bag for dry clothes can make the return ride more comfortable.

Keep your belongings organized. The provided information does not describe lockers or storage, so bring only what you need and keep phones and cameras protected around the water.

Cancellation is flexible if your plans shift. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Starting times vary, so check availability before you plan other activities around the cruise.

Is the Anthony Quinn and Kallithea cruise worth booking?

Yes, if you want a good-value boat day built around swimming, snorkeling, and coastal scenery. The strongest reasons to book are the three different water stops, included snorkeling equipment, a central Rhodes Town meeting point, and a friendly family crew led by Markos.

I would book it for a family, a couple, or a cruise passenger who wants more than a quick harbor ride. I would skip it if you need hotel pickup, a supplied lunch, wheelchair access, or a private boat.

The best way to judge the value is simple: if three one-hour swims sound appealing, $32.57 is a fair price for six hours on the water. Bring food, arrive early at the Alexander Statue, and stay flexible about the route if wind affects the sea.

FAQ

Where does the boat cruise start?

The cruise starts at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town. Look for the Alexander Statue and find the traditional Greek boat named Alkmini.

Where does the cruise finish?

The boat returns to Mandraki Harbor, at the same meeting point where the activity begins.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts six hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs or Kallithea Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, along with three swimming and snorkeling stops.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks, drinks, and lunch are not included.

What languages are available on the tour?

Live guiding is available in English, German, and Greek.