Rhodes Town: Fishing Boat Trip with Fish Meal and Swim Stops

Fishing, swimming, and lunch on the sea. This five-hour trip pairs a traditional Greek fishing boat with quiet bays, hands-on instruction, and a freshly grilled meal. I especially like the small boat setting, limited to 12 people, and the warm, playful crew led by Angelo and the captain. The main caution is simple: sea conditions can affect comfort, and one passenger reported serious seasickness, so bring travel tablets if you are prone to it.

I also like that the food is not an afterthought. The crew grills the catch on board and serves it with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. You can request fish, chicken, or a vegetarian option in advance, which is useful if your party has mixed tastes. The swimming cove is a fine reward after fishing, though the water may feel cold outside the warmer summer months.

Key points before you book

• A traditional 10.5-meter fishing boat: The boat carries up to 12 people, giving the trip a small-group feel rather than a crowded excursion-boat atmosphere.
• Angelo makes fishing easy for beginners: He shows you how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in a catch, while helping with tangled lines and children.
• The catch becomes your lunch: Fresh fish is grilled on board and served with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks.
• Several fishing stops and one swim break: The day is divided between fishing in productive waters and snorkeling in a secluded cove.
• Food can be arranged around your needs: Fish, chicken, and vegetarian meals are available, with allergies and intolerances discussed before departure.
• The price is $76 per person: For five hours with fishing gear, food, drinks, crew help, and snorkeling equipment, that is a strong value for a sea-based day out.

Starting at Mandraki Harbor

You meet at Mandraki Harbor, beside the Church of Evangelismos, at kiosk 2 marked Makarounas. This is a central Rhodes Town location, but allow a few minutes to find the exact kiosk because a harbor can have several boats and meeting points close together.

The boat is a 10.5-meter traditional Greek fishing vessel with room for up to 12 people. That size matters. You are close to the crew, close to the rods, and close to the food preparation. You are not one face in a large crowd watching a fishing demonstration from a distance.

The boat has a seating area and a toilet on board. The seating is useful during the longer stretches between fishing spots, while the toilet is a small but welcome comfort on a five-hour trip. English and Greek are spoken by the crew, so basic instructions are available in English.

The first part of the outing includes a view around the harbor entrance and the city. It is a pleasant way to settle in before the fishing begins. You see Rhodes from the water, with the harbor and coastline providing a different angle from the usual town walk.

Learning to fish with Angelo

You do not need fishing experience. Angelo gives practical help with putting bait on the hook, holding the rod, and reeling in the fish. He also has a reputation for sorting out tangled lines, a job that sounds minor until several people are fishing at once.

The crew uses two fishing methods, and the exact method depends on the conditions and location. The lesson is hands-on rather than technical. You get a rod, try the process, and receive help when needed.

This is one of the best parts of the experience for families. Children and first-time fishers can take part without feeling out of place. The crew assists both children and adults, and Angelo keeps the mood light with plenty of jokes. His comic claims of being an expert at everything from fishing to swimming give the outing a relaxed character.

Experienced fishers should also have room to enjoy themselves. The point is not to sit through a long lesson, but to get fishing quickly. You may catch several types of fish, although no one can promise that every person will bring one aboard. One passenger caught nothing and still found the trip worthwhile, while others had better luck.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal, but it is worth understanding before you book. This is a real fishing outing, not a guaranteed-catch activity. You might land a fish, help with someone else’s catch, or spend part of the time waiting for a bite.

Fishing across several Rhodes sea spots

The boat visits more than one fishing area. Moving between spots keeps the day from becoming repetitive and gives you different views of the Rhodes coastline.

Fishing in clear Mediterranean water is a relaxed activity, but it is not passive for everyone. You need to pay attention to the rod, work with the crew, and wait for the right moment. The crew can identify the fish you catch and explain which are suitable to eat.

The stops also give you time to enjoy the boat itself. A small fishing vessel feels more connected to the water than a large sightseeing boat, but that also means you will feel the movement of the sea more directly. If you suffer from motion sickness, take sensible precautions before departure. One person became badly seasick, despite the crew trying to help, and was advised that swimming might help restore balance.

That is the main practical weakness of this excursion. Conditions can be calm and pleasant, but the boat is still a working-size fishing boat rather than a large, stable cruise vessel. Anyone who is sensitive to motion should consider this carefully.

A swim and snorkel stop in a secluded cove

The second half of the trip shifts from fishing to swimming and snorkeling. The crew provides masks, life jackets, and other needed equipment. One account also noted an underwater camera, though equipment can vary, so it is wise to confirm what is available when you book.

The cove gives you a chance to cool off and see the underwater life around Rhodes. The supplied description refers to colorful fish, coral reefs, and other sea creatures. You do not need to be an experienced swimmer, since life jackets are provided, but you should be comfortable with the conditions you choose to enter.

The water temperature deserves attention. In late April and November, some people found it too cold for swimming. In summer, the stop is likely to feel more inviting, but the trip does not promise a heated-water experience. You can still enjoy the cove and the views from the boat if you decide not to get in.

The swim stop is not just a quick photo pause. It is a useful change of pace after the concentration of fishing. You can snorkel, swim, or stay aboard while the crew prepares lunch. That flexibility helps mixed groups, especially when some people want water time and others would rather remain dry.

Grilling the catch on board

The meal is the heart of the outing. The crew prepares a barbecue on the boat, using freshly caught fish when available. The food is served with Greek salad, garlic bread, and refreshing drinks.

There is something satisfying about seeing the catch move from the fishing line to the grill. It connects the activity with the meal in a way a standard restaurant lunch cannot. The food is generous, and several people singled out the taste of the fish and seafood.

You do not have to eat fish. Chicken and vegetarian options can be arranged, and the crew asks about allergies and intolerances before the trip. That is important for families and groups with different diets. One party included people who did not enjoy fish, and the chicken option worked well.

Lunch timing appears to vary with the day. The crew may grill while you swim and serve the food afterward, or prepare it during the return toward Mandraki Harbor. Either way, you eat while taking in the Mediterranean views rather than stopping at a restaurant on land.

Drinks are included, as are the meal and fishing equipment. At $76 per person, this is where the price begins to make sense. A simple five-hour boat trip can cost a substantial amount in Rhodes, while this outing adds food, drinks, gear, crew instruction, and a swim stop.

The crew is a major part of the experience

The boat and coastline matter, but the crew shapes the day. Angelo is repeatedly described as funny, helpful, and willing to handle nearly every task on board, from fishing assistance to swimming support and cooking.

The captain and cook also play an important role. Vassilis is identified as a host and captain in one account, while another refers to the owner, captain, and cook as Vanasis. The names may reflect different spellings or roles within the team, but the practical point is clear: the crew works together throughout the outing.

They prepare the barbecue, help with equipment, explain the fish, and keep an eye on people in the water. That personal attention is especially helpful when you are fishing for the first time or bringing children.

The atmosphere is friendly without being formal. You should expect conversation, humor, and shared activity rather than a quiet luxury cruise. If you want a private boat with complete peace and privacy, this may not be the right choice. If you enjoy meeting a small group and taking part in the work of the day, it fits well.

A particularly nice touch is the small fish souvenir created from a photograph of the catch and a shell. It is not a major feature, but it shows the crew pays attention to the memory people take home.

Who will get the most from this $76 trip

I would recommend this outing to several kinds of people:

• Families with children: The crew helps young fishers and provides life jackets and snorkeling gear.
• First-time fishers: You receive simple instruction and do not need to bring equipment.
• Couples or friends wanting an active half-day: Fishing and swimming give the day more shape than a basic coastal cruise.
• Food-focused visitors: The fresh grilled fish and Greek sides are a real part of the experience.
• Small groups: With a maximum capacity of 12, the boat feels personal and easy to follow.

It may be less suitable for anyone who wants a guaranteed catch, a large stable boat, or a long, warm swim. The weather and sea state will affect the trip, and the water can be cold in the shoulder seasons.

The five-hour length is well judged for most people. You have enough time for several fishing stops, a swim, and lunch without giving up the entire day. It also leaves room for more time in Rhodes Town afterward.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring sun protection, a towel, swimwear, and a light layer for the boat. The sea can feel cooler than the harbor, especially when the boat is moving. Wear something comfortable for sitting and moving around a working boat.

If you are prone to seasickness, take travel-sickness tablets before the boat leaves. Do not wait until you feel ill. The crew can help, but prevention is easier than recovery at sea.

You do not need to bring fishing rods, bait, masks, life jackets, or other basic fishing and snorkeling equipment. These are provided. Still, a phone or camera is useful for the coastline, catch, and swim stop.

The tour includes food and drinks, but confirm dietary requirements in advance. The crew has arranged fish, chicken, and vegetarian meals, and they have asked about allergies and intolerances before departure.

The cancellation terms are useful if your plans are uncertain. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times depend on availability.

Is the fishing boat trip good value?

At $76, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water, but it offers more than a short harbor cruise. The price covers five hours, fishing gear, crew instruction, a small-group boat, snorkeling equipment, a grilled meal, and drinks.

The meal alone is not the reason to book, but it strengthens the value. You are not paying for a boat ride and then buying lunch separately. The food is tied to the activity, especially when the catch becomes part of the barbecue.

The strongest value comes from the mix of experiences. In one half-day, you see Rhodes from the harbor, fish in several areas, learn a new skill, swim in a secluded cove, and eat a fresh meal at sea.

You should not judge the trip by the number of fish caught. The crew cannot control the fish, and luck varies from person to person. Judge it instead as a hands-on sea outing with fishing at its center.

Should you book the Makarounas fishing trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-group day with real fishing, a swim stop, and lunch cooked on board. The crew support, especially Angelo’s help with beginners and children, makes the activity approachable. The fresh meal and included drinks also make the $76 price fair.

Think twice if you get seasick easily, dislike shared boats, or need warm water for swimming. Take motion-sickness precautions and remember that a catch is never guaranteed.

For most people who want more than a standard boat tour, I would book this trip. It has a clear rhythm, a personal crew, good food, and enough activity to make five hours feel well spent.

FAQ

Where does the fishing boat trip meet?

The meeting point is Mandraki Harbor, at the Church of Evangelismos, kiosk 2 marked Makarounas.

How long does the trip last?

The trip lasts five hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $76 per person.

How many people can the boat carry?

The traditional fishing boat is 10.5 meters long and has capacity for up to 12 people.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing gear is included, and the crew helps you use it.

Can beginners go fishing?

Yes. The crew explains how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in the catch. Assistance is available for children and adults.

Is food included?

Yes. A fresh fish meal is included, along with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks.

Are other meal choices available?

Yes. Fish, chicken, and vegetarian options can be arranged. You can also provide information about allergies or intolerances before the trip.

Does the trip include swimming and snorkeling equipment?

Yes. The crew provides equipment for the swim and snorkel stop, including masks and life jackets.

What languages does the crew speak?

The activity is offered in Greek and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.