Sea air and cliff views in one day. This Rhodes day trip pairs a classic visit to Lindos with cooling swims at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn’s Bay on the way back. You also get a big chunk of free time in Lindos to explore town and head up to the Acropolis area.

What I like most is the rhythm of the day. You leave Rhodes Harbor at 08:40 and are in Lindos around 11:00, so you’re not stuck rushing in the hottest part of the afternoon. And the swim stops are built in as real breaks, not a quick dip—plus you’ll have restroom access on board and a bar for snacks and drinks.

One thing to keep in mind: the day is long and it can feel warm. The boat can run crowded (you may want the top deck early), and Lindos is on a steep hill—great views, but expect real walking in the sun.

Key points before you go

• 08:40 Harbor departure (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat) means an early start and a full day
• About 3 hours in Lindos with a clear return deadline before the boat leaves
• Tsambika Bay swim/snorkel stop is short and sweet at around 30 minutes
• Anthony Quinn’s Bay ties to the movie The Guns of Navarone and has standout scenery underwater
• Bring goggles and sunscreen for the swim stops, since snorkeling gear isn’t guaranteed
• Boat capacity up to 180 travelers can mean tight seating on busy sailings

Getting to Lindos: 08:40 Harbor Departure and Smooth Hotel Pickup

This trip runs on specific days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with departure from the harbor at 08:40. The total outing is about 7.5 hours, and you’re back at the meeting point around 17:30.

If you choose pickup, the day starts with a pickup from your hotel area. The operator directs you to put your hotel name in the special requirements field, then they’ll get back to you with the pickup time. In practice, that means you should treat this as an early morning plan—one traveler noted an even earlier pickup than they expected.

The morning is designed to get you moving quickly and avoid the worst of the day’s heat. The boat ride to Lindos takes roughly 2.5 hours, and you arrive around 11:00. That timing matters because Lindos town and the Acropolis area involve more walking and stair-stepping than most people expect, especially once you factor in the sun.

Also, plan for queues at the port. Even when transfers are organized, you may still be asked to line up briefly to check tickets and board. If you want decent spots (especially on the upper deck), arriving early and staying organized at pickup time is your friend.

Three Hours in Lindos Town: Acropolis Views, Shade Reality, and Lunch Timing

You get about 3 hours in Lindos, with a return deadline of 13:45 and departure from Lindos Harbor around 14:00. That’s enough time to do the main highlights without turning it into a sprint—if you plan your route.

The Lindos walk: gorgeous, but expect heat

Lindos is famous for its views, but the town is built up on a hill. Expect a steep climb from the harbor area toward the Acropolis/ruins area. On a hot day, that climb can feel brutal—one review called out 43 degrees heat and noted the hill is too steep for some visitors.

So I’d make your footwear call early:

• Wear trainers or sensible shoes if you plan to reach the Acropolis area.
• If you wear sandals, know that cobblestones and steep steps can get uncomfortable fast.

Acropolis time: budget extra and think about tickets

The Acropolis area has its own admission fee. One traveler reported paying about €12 for entry and said it can be paid by card. They also noted there’s a queue for entry at the top, even if you buy tickets online.

Here’s the practical part: your Lindos time is limited. If you want Acropolis entry, keep a buffer for the climb, the ticket line, and time to actually enjoy the views.

One traveler also raised an important timing concern: if the boat situation changes and you end up swimming earlier than planned, it can create problems with a timed-entry plan. The takeaway for you: if you’re using timed tickets, check with your crew and keep your schedule flexible enough to handle a few minutes of delay.

Where to spend your Lindos hours

You’re not forced into one exact experience. You have options:

• If you want the big landmark views, head up first, then come down for lunch and wandering.
• If you’d rather skip the steep climb, you can still enjoy the harbor area and do a slower day with drinks and shops near the coast.

Lunch is on you. The day includes free time in Lindos so you can grab food on land. There’s also a bar on the boat for snacks and drinks, but most people will want a proper meal once they’re in town.

Tsambika Bay Stop: 30 Minutes to Swim and Snorkel

On the return from Lindos, the plan includes a stop at Tsambika Bay. You’ll get about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling here.

Tsambika is one of those places you hear about because it looks great from above and feels even better when you’re in it. With only half an hour, think of this as a reset button: cool off, get some photos, and try snorkeling if you brought what you need.

Practical notes:

• Come prepared with goggles. Multiple people specifically recommended bringing them.
• Sunscreen matters. You’ll be out on deck and in sun-heavy water time.
• If you’re relying on snorkeling gear, don’t assume it will be provided. One review noted there wasn’t snorkeling gear included, though buying some onboard might be possible if it’s available.

In other words: bring your own basics if you can. It keeps the 30 minutes focused on water time, not shopping time.

Also, remember you’re on a schedule. That half-hour can disappear fast if you linger on deck or spend time changing. If you want the full benefit, head in early and enjoy a calm swim before you feel rushed.

Anthony Quinn’s Bay: Movie Fame and Colorful Seabeds

The last swim stop is Anthony Quinn’s Bay, tied to the natural setting used for the movie The Guns of Navarone. If you like the idea of seeing cinematic scenery in real life, this is the moment.

You get another 30-minute stop here. The main draw is underwater life. The tour description highlights an impressive seabed in the Mediterranean with colorful fish among corals and seaweed.

That means two things for you:

1. Even casual snorkeling can feel rewarding, because there’s real-looking habitat close to where people swim.
2. Your water experience depends on your comfort level. If you’re steady in the water, you’ll likely see more. If you’re only dipping in, it’ll still be scenic, just less “snorkel-y.”

One review singled out Anthony Quinn’s Bay as spectacular with crystal-clear warm water and cliffs in the background. That tracks with why people talk about this stop so much.

Again, make sure your gear prep is fast. Goggles help a lot, and the shorter the stop, the more you want to be ready the second you drop into the water.

Boat Comfort on the Discovery: Seats, Sun Deck, Snacks, and Toilets

The boat experience is a big part of why this tour works as a full day. This is a skipper-led excursion with restroom access onboard, and there’s also a bar where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Seating and crowding

The boat can be crowded. One traveler complained about too many people and chairs everywhere. Others said it wasn’t too bad, but seating can still feel tight.

So here’s my advice:

• If you care about being comfortable, get to the upper deck early.
• Pick your spot for the day’s light. The top deck tends to be where people spread out and enjoy the ride.

You might not have total freedom because boarding and the boat’s layout can bring people together in busy areas, but you can usually find a workable angle—especially for the view parts.

Onboard food and drinks

Lunch isn’t included, but there’s a bar onboard for snacks and drinks. In Lindos, you’ll have free time to eat properly. On the boat, it’s more like grabbing something quick if you want it.

One review mentioned food at the Lindos yacht club, plus bar options onboard at sensible prices. That suggests there’s enough choice onboard to keep the day comfortable without feeling trapped.

Music and atmosphere

Some boats play music during the cruise, and at least one review said it was annoying. That’s not a dealbreaker for most people, but if you’re sensitive to sound, plan for it.

Restrooms matter

With a day that includes travel time plus three separate chunks (Lindos + two swim stops), having restroom access onboard is a real convenience. It’s the kind of thing you notice when you don’t have it.

Price and Value for a Rhodes Day Trip at About $60

The price is listed at about $60.46 per person, and it includes the skipper, onboard restroom access, and the swimming/snorkeling stops.

Is it “cheap”? Not exactly. Is it good value? That depends on what you compare it to.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in plain terms:

• Transport by boat between Rhodes and Lindos
• A day plan that avoids you having to figure out how to reach the bays and return on your own
• Built-in swim stops that are timed so you don’t waste a day doing logistics

If you had to DIY Lindos plus Tsambika plus Anthony Quinn in one outing, you’d likely spend time and money bouncing between places. This tour packages it into one day with clear timing.

Also, the free swim-stop admission note is helpful. Even when the stops are “free,” you’re still getting time in the water. And that’s what people end up talking about most: the water time, not the travel math.

Where value can drop a bit: if you’re hoping for long snorkeling sessions or lots of time in each bay. Each stop is around 30 minutes, and Lindos is the main long block at about 3 hours. If you want a beach-heavy day, this isn’t a full day at one beach.

Who This Lindos Boat Trip Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Another Plan)

This works especially well if you want a mix:

• Land sights in Lindos
• Water time at two bays on the return trip
• A day that’s mostly planned for you, with minimal decisions

You’ll likely enjoy it more if you:

• Like day trips that balance sightseeing with a cooling break
• Are comfortable with walking uphill in Lindos (or you’re okay staying closer to the harbor)
• Can use goggles and want a quick snorkel opportunity

You might want a different approach if:

• You strongly hate crowds. The boat capacity up to 180 travelers can make it feel packed.
• You want a slower pace in the bays. The swim time is short by design.
• You need guaranteed snorkeling gear. Bring your own if snorkeling matters to you.

One more practical fit question: if you’re mainly after the Acropolis, you still need to manage the timed entry and heat. The trip gives you the time to do it, but you have to plan your minutes well.

Should You Book This Boat Trip to Lindos with Swimming Stops?

I’d book it if your ideal Rhodes day looks like this: morning travel, a solid chunk in Lindos, then two chances to cool off in the water on the way back.

It’s hard to beat the value when you consider that you get both the Lindos experience and the bay swimming plan in one go. The standout moments tend to be the swim stops, especially Anthony Quinn’s Bay with its movie tie-in and reef-style seabed. And the Lindos time is long enough for Acropolis area views if you move with purpose.

Before you hit book, do these three things:

• Pack goggles and sunscreen so the swim stops are actually fun.
• Wear shoes you can climb in. Lindos uphill is real.
• Plan for an early start and a long day. This is not a late-morning stroll.

If that sounds like your style, this is a strong, straightforward way to see Lindos and get back to Rhodes with sun and salt in your day bag.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip to Lindos with swimming stops?

The full experience is listed at about 7 hours 30 minutes. You depart Rhodes Harbor around 08:40, arrive Lindos around 11:00, and return to the harbor around 17:30.

How much time do I get in Lindos?

You get about 3 hours free time in Lindos, with instructions to be back at the boat by 13:45. The boat leaves Lindos Harbor around 14:00.

What swimming and snorkeling stops are included?

Swimming and snorkeling stops are included at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn’s Bay, each with about 30 minutes time in the water. Admission tickets for these stops are described as free.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You’ll have free time in Lindos where you can eat, and there is also a bar on board where you can buy snacks and drinks.

Do I need a separate ticket for the Acropolis area?

The Acropolis area has its own entry fee, so plan on paying separately. One traveler reported a fee of about €12 per person and said card payment was available.

What happens if the trip is canceled due to poor weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.