Three swim stops in one calm day. I like how this Rhodes cruise builds in snorkeling time with provided gear at the prettiest east-coast spots. I also like the Greek lunch buffet on board, paired with wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruits. The one drawback to plan for is practical: bring a towel and expect there’s not tons of shade when everyone’s chasing sun.

The crew, often led by Theodore, keeps things friendly and on schedule. The boat feels old-school and small, with room to relax, plus free WiFi and a shower onboard after your swims.

If the sea turns a little rough, you’ll still be okay—staff check in and help you ride it out.

Key highlights you’ll care about

• Small-boat feel with a lively crew (Theodore is a standout name you’ll hear onboard)
• Three serious water stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs
• Snorkeling equipment and floats available for the water breaks
• Lunch + drinks are built into the price (wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruits)
• Shower on board helps you stay comfortable after swimming
• Old wooden boat with viewing spots—arrive early if you want the best deck seats

Setting out from Rhodes Town: what this cruise feels like

This is a classic day-on-the-water setup: you leave Rhodes Town in the morning and spend about 5.5 hours cruising along the island’s east side. You’re not bouncing around from pier to pier all day. Instead, the rhythm is slow and simple—sail for a bit, anchor, swim, eat, repeat.

The launch point is Royal Sailing Rhodes, right near the Mandraki area. Your meeting spot is next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk. Go a few minutes early. Boarding can get busy, and you’ll want to position yourself before the deck fills.

One of the best things about this cruise is how it balances “do stuff” with real downtime. There’s guided context on board, but you also get freedom to float, sunbathe, and switch between swimming and relaxing. That matters in Rhodes, where half the fun is pacing yourself instead of rushing from site to site.

Also: the boat has free WiFi, so you can post the bay shots (and then stop checking your phone like the rest of us).

On board Royal Sailing Rhodes: wooden-boat comfort and good spots

You’re sailing on a traditional wooden boat, which instantly changes the mood. It feels more like a laid-back outing than a big cattle-call tour. One review specifically called out how the group felt intimate—around 18 people—so you’re not packed shoulder-to-shoulder.

You’ll likely spend most of your time on the deck. Seats and standing room matter. If you want the best views, aim for the front sections. I’d also prioritize being in place early because once everyone’s boarded, there’s less “best-spot trading.”

A few comfort details are genuinely useful:

• There’s a shower onboard, so you’re not dealing with saltwater all day.
• There’s a first aid kit onboard, which is good common sense for a water-based trip.
• Snorkel stops are supported by provided equipment, and you can use floats if you want extra confidence in the water.

Bottom line: this is the kind of cruise where the boat itself is part of the experience, not just a vehicle.

Anthony Quinn Bay swim stop: emerald water and a real snorkel window

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first big “wow” moment. It’s the kind of place where the water looks too clean to be real, and the coastline greenery makes the whole scene feel lush. Expect photo opportunities on the way in, then a 50-minute swim and snorkeling period once you’re anchored.

What makes this stop work for me is that it doesn’t rush you. You get enough time to actually do the water part—dip in, try snorkeling, and then decide whether you want a second pass or just relax. You’re not sprinting through.

You’ll also get guided time and basic direction onboard before the water break, so you know what’s coming next. The bay is set up for deck-to-water access, which makes it easy to jump in without awkward logistics.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, don’t panic. Floats and equipment are provided, and the anchoring stops are calm compared to open-water riding. And yes, this bay is a favorite for lots of people for a reason.

Afandou Beach: the longest break for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking

After a short cruise segment, you reach Afandou Beach. This is your longest stop—about 110 minutes—so it’s where you can choose your own pace. There’s time for:

• a swim and snorkeling session
• relaxing on a quieter beach vibe
• optional water fun like kayaking (when the staff set it up)

This longer window is a big deal. Rhodes day tours can feel like “arrive, look, leave.” Here, you can actually settle in. If you want to snorkel properly (not just a quick face-in-the-water check), Afandou gives you the time.

The water tends to be clear, and the beach setting feels relaxed—more “breathe in and hang out” than “tour stop.” There are also photo opportunities, plus onboard snacks and drinks timed to keep the energy up between water activities.

One note to plan around: with a longer beach stop, sun exposure becomes a factor. Bring sunscreen and accept that shade is limited if everyone wants the same deck spots.

Kallithea Springs: rocks, ladders, and clear-water snorkeling

Kallithea Springs is a different kind of swim stop. Instead of a classic sandy beach moment, you’re dealing with a rocky, structured entry—there are ladders that lead down into the sea. That setup is great if you like straightforward access back on the boat after swimming.

You’ll have about 50 minutes here. That’s enough time for a focused snorkel session if the water is clear (and it usually is the kind of color that makes you want to stay longer). You’ll also get guided context on the way in and time to relax after.

If you like snorkeling more than beach lounging, this is often the most satisfying stop because it’s visually driven: you’re surrounded by the water and can watch what’s moving below the surface. It’s also a nice counterpoint to Afandou, since it feels more “in-water” and less “beach day.”

Lunch on board: a Greek buffet that’s more filling than expected

Lunch is served on board as a buffet. It’s Greek-flavored and includes vegetarian options, which matters because boat lunches can sometimes get stuck in the bland zone. Here, you get a proper spread, and the portions are generous enough that you won’t feel like you need to find food right after you dock.

Lunch timing is built after the first swim period, so it feels like a reset—not an interrupt. And it’s not just bread-and-snacks. You’ll get a real meal you can base your day around.

Then there are the included drinks. In the price you typically get:

• wine
• beer
• soft drinks
• fruits

I like this format because it makes the cruise feel like a full day out, not a “cheap transfer plus one snack.” You can sip with lunch and then keep going.

One important note: cocktails aren’t included. They’re available for purchase separately. So if cocktails are your thing, plan on spending a little extra.

Unlimited drinks: how it keeps the mood up (and what to expect)

This is one of the most practical strengths of the cruise: the drinks are continuously available throughout the day. People talk about the flow of drinks because it changes the whole vibe. You’re not waiting in line. You’re not rationing water every hour. It feels relaxed.

For me, that’s the real value here: you can focus on the water stops instead of managing your budget or your energy. You’ll still want to pace yourself. But with unlimited beer/wine/soft drinks included, it’s easier to enjoy the day without doing math in your head.

Also, keep your eyes open when you’re boarding. If you care about views, getting to the top-deck positions early helps. Some folks end up seated farther back depending on how boarding lines up. Arrive early, grab your spot, then settle in.

What to pack so your day feels easy

You don’t need a travel kit the size of a carry-on, but a few things matter.

Bring:

• swimwear
• sunscreen
• a towel (towels aren’t included)
• anything you’d need for your own comfort if you’re picky about swim gear

Good to know what you’re getting:

• snorkeling equipment is provided
• shower onboard after you swim
• free WiFi if you want it

If you forget your towel, you’ll feel it fast. A lot of people assume it’s included on a water tour—it’s not here.

Price and value: why $70 makes sense for a 5.5-hour water day

At around $70 per person for a 5.5-hour cruise, the value comes from three things working together: time, food, and included water activities.

You’re paying for:

• a wooden boat ride with real sailing time
• three anchored swim/snorkel stops
• a buffet lunch with vegetarian options
• fruits plus wine/beer/soft drinks included

That bundle is where the price earns its keep. Many Rhodes day trips sell you on one “main attraction” and then charge extra for the rest. Here, the core experience is built in. If you snorkel at more than one stop, and you drink at least some of the included beverages, the math gets pretty favorable.

If you only want one quick swim and you hate buffet food, you might feel more cost-conscious. But for a typical beach-and-sea day, this is a straightforward way to spend your time.

Who should book this Rhodes east-coast cruise

I think this cruise fits best if you want:

• snorkeling without planning (gear is included and stops are scheduled)
• a small-boat feel rather than a huge group bus tour
• a day that mixes swimming with food and downtime
• included drinks so you can relax from the start

It’s also a solid choice for couples. The vibe tends to be social but not chaotic, and the intimate boat feel makes it feel more like a private day out than a packed excursion.

If you’re traveling with kids, it can work too because the day is straightforward: swim breaks, lunch, and a crew that helps people enjoy the water time. If you have mobility or balance concerns, you’ll want to consider the ladder access at rocky stops, but the cruise does provide flotation support for those who need it.

Should you book this tour?

Yes, I’d book it if you’re spending time in Rhodes Town and you want a simple, high-payoff day: three beautiful sea stops, snorkeling gear ready, and lunch plus drinks taken care of. It’s one of the more practical “pay once and enjoy the day” experiences on the island.

I’d think twice only if you know you’ll get sunburned easily and you’re extremely shade-sensitive, or if you want a very structured sightseeing tour with long land time. This cruise is about the water—and it does that really well.