Morning light over Rhodes makes the sea feel different. This full-day East Coast bay-to-bay boat trip is built around swimming stops in four of the island’s best-known waters, with a proper Greek buffet lunch when you’re ready to eat. I love that you get big scenery time from the water plus real swim/beach time at each stop; I also like that transport and lunch are wrapped into the ticket. The main drawback to think about is that it’s not suitable for non-swimmers, and you’re on a schedule for a full 8–9 hours.

You’ll start the day at Mandraki Port (meet outside the Church of the Annunciation area, with a Manos Going staff member and a red sign). From there, you’re shuttled by bus if you’re joining pickup, then the boat handles the hopping between bays—easy, low-effort travel. I do recommend packing for sun and salt, because there’s limited shade once you’re in the swimming rhythm, and drinks/snacks aren’t included with lunch.

Key Points at a Glance

• Four famous East Coast swim stops with short ferry legs in between
• Tsambika Beach gets the long stay (about 2 hours) for real beach time
• Afandou Caves give you a fun water-from-the-start perspective
• Greek buffet lunch aboard the boat (tzatziki, Greek salad, moussaka, pasta, more)
• Family-friendly add-ons like pool noodles and life jackets for small children
• Drinks cost extra at the on-board snack bar

How This Boat Trip Works (and Why It’s Good Value)

This is the kind of day that works best when you want a lot of variety without stress. Your ticket covers round-trip transportation from several Rhodes-area pick-up points plus a full boat day with multiple swim opportunities and lunch. With a starting price around $68 per person, the value comes from the combo: transport + four coastal stops + an included buffet meal.

The boat itself is built for a crowd—up to about 280 passengers across three decks—so this isn’t a quiet, private yacht day. Still, the schedule is simple: depart in the morning, hit four swimming bays, then head back around late afternoon. If you’re the type who enjoys sun, water, and moving on before the day gets too slow, this fits well.

One practical note: the company offers optional pickup, but your actual pickup time depends on where you’re staying. You’ll get the precise pickup details by email, and it’s smart to check spam folders.

Getting to Mandraki Port: Where You Meet and What to Bring

You meet at Mandraki Port on Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation (Evaggelismos). Plan to arrive by about 8:30 AM. The staff member will have the Manos Going logo (red sign), and you’ll need your booking confirmation to receive boarding cards and a map.

What you should pack is straightforward and worth doing early:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

The tour also isn’t a good fit if you’re a wheelchair user or if you’re pregnant. It’s also listed as not suitable for non-swimmers—because several stops are centered on water access and swimming time.

Rhodes Town From the Water: The First Payoff

The day starts with a bus transfer from your accommodation area (if you selected pickup), then you join the group at the port. Once aboard, you’ll get panoramic views of Rhodes’ medieval town and coastline from the sea. That’s a big part of why this trip feels like more than just getting to swimming spots.

The first main activity isn’t a long lecture or museum stop—it’s movement. After an initial ferry segment, you head to the first named swim bay, where the schedule tightens into “get in the water, then cool down, then repeat.”

Stop 1: Anthony Quinn Bay Swim (30 minutes)

Your first swimming stop is Anthony Quinn’s Bay, known for crystal-clear emerald water and a sheltered rocky beach. The waters here tend to feel scenic in a different way than big sandy beaches—more “rocky coastline with life in it” than “sit and sprawl.”

What you can expect from the setting:

• sheltered rocky access
• a chance to swim where you may see marine life
• cliffs rising above the water, creating that postcard feeling

The swim time is about 30 minutes, which is short enough that you’ll want to be ready to go as soon as you’re at the water. If you’re traveling with kids, remember the boat includes pool noodles and life jackets for small children, which can be helpful if your group includes less-confident swimmers.

Stop 2: Tsambika Bay and the 2-Hour Beach Window

Next comes Tsambika Bay, and this is the longest stop of the day. You’ll spend about 2 hours here, plus lunch later at the same general area. Tsambika is a classic beach-and-swim setup: fine golden sand stretches for about 800 meters, and you can swim over toward the long beach line.

Why this matters: if the earlier bay felt like “rock swimming,” Tsambika gives you an “actually be on the beach” break. It’s also the easiest stop to tailor to your own pace. If you want to lounge, this is where you do it. If you want more swimming, you can keep it going with more surface time.

Lunch happens after swimming

The buffet lunch is included, served aboard during the Tsambika section. The menu is clearly spelled out: tzatziki, Greek salad, oven-baked potatoes, moussaka, pasta with red sauce, beans, beef steaks, and chicken. That’s a solid mix if you eat different styles (meat and pasta options) and it’s helpful that it’s not just one or two basic items.

One caution: the tour data states that beverages and drinks are not included. There’s a snack bar on board where you can buy drinks and extra snacks, so bring money/cards in whatever form your plan uses.

Stop 3: Afandou Beach and the Caves From the Water

After Tsambika, you head to Afandou—specifically a rocky beach area and bay known for its cave exploration from the water. Your swim window here is about 30 minutes, which is enough time to get a quick look and still feel unhurried.

The cave aspect is what makes this stop different. It’s not just another place to swim and sunbathe. The idea here is that you approach and explore with the waterline as your starting point, so you’re not relying on land access.

If you like visual variety—rocks, shelter, and water-level textures—this is where the day shifts from beach focus back to coastal scenery.

Stop 4: Kallithea Bay for a Final Swim or Sun Time

Your last named swimming stop is Kallithea Bay. You’ll have about 20 minutes here. That’s a short sprint at the end of a long day, but it works for a final dip before heading back toward Rhodes.

This final stop is described as sheltered, with the choice to either swim again or simply sunbathe on the boat. Given you’ve already had longer beach time earlier, this is more about wrapping the day with one last look at the coast than trying to do everything at once.

Timing and the Rhythm of the Day (So You Don’t Feel Rushed)

The tour runs roughly 8–9 hours. There’s an early morning pickup window (between about 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM), then the boat departs around 9:00 AM from Mandraki Port. You’re back at the meeting point around 17:00.

Here’s how the rhythm plays out:

• You get a quick first swim at Anthony Quinn (30 minutes)
• A ferry leg to Tsambika, then a big beach block (2 hours) plus lunch
• Afandou gives you a cave-style swim moment (30 minutes)
• Kallithea is your short final swim (20 minutes)
• Then you return by boat and rejoin your group

If you hate feeling rushed, the key is Tsambika. That two-hour block is your buffer zone, and it’s what makes the day feel balanced instead of “stop-stop-stop.”

Boat Details That Affect Your Comfort

This is a large-group boat day: about 280 passengers, three decks, plus a WC. There’s also a snack bar, which is important mainly because it’s where you buy drinks and extra snacks.

Large boats can mean more foot traffic and limited personal space, especially during boarding and meal timing. But they also keep the logistics easy—your movement between bays is handled for you, and the day doesn’t require you to keep planning transport on your own.

Who This Trip Fits Best

This is a strong match if you:

• love swimming in clear Mediterranean water
• want multiple stops without arranging anything
• enjoy Greek food and want lunch handled
• like a mix of rocky scenery and a real beach

It may be a poor fit if you:

• are a non-swimmer (listed as not suitable)
• need wheelchair accessibility (listed as not suitable)
• want a short, half-day outing instead of a full travel day
• are pregnant (listed as not suitable)

Should You Book This East Coast Bay to Bay Boat Trip?

Yes, if your Rhodes trip includes at least one full day where you want water time plus an included meal. The value is strongest when you factor in what you’re saving: you don’t need to coordinate boats, tickets, or separate transport between four named coastal stops.

I’d especially consider booking if you’re excited by Tsambika’s long beach window and you like the idea of Afandou’s caves from the water. On the flip side, if you’re worried about being on a schedule or you don’t swim, skip it—this trip is designed around being in the water.

If you can, pack early, arrive on time at Mandraki Port for your boarding cards, and plan to buy drinks from the snack bar during the day. That small prep makes the whole experience smoother.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Mandraki Port (Elefterias Avenue) in front of the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation (Evaggelismos). A Manos Going staff member waits there with a red sign.

What time does the boat depart?

The itinerary lists a 09:00 departure from the port.

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

Is lunch included, and what’s on the buffet?

Yes. Lunch is included as a buffet aboard the boat, featuring tzatziki, Greek salad, oven-baked potatoes, moussaka, pasta with red sauce, beans, beef steaks, and chicken.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks and snacks are available to buy at the snack bar on board, but beverages are not included.

What swim stops are included?

You’ll visit Anthony Quinn’s Bay, Tsambika Bay/Beach, Afandou Beach (caves area), and Kallithea Bay.

How much time is there for swimming at each stop?

Anthony Quinn’s Bay is listed for about 30 minutes. Tsambika Beach is listed for about 2 hours (swimming + lunch). Afandou Beach is about 30 minutes. Kallithea Bay is about 20 minutes.

Do they provide safety items for children?

Yes. The tour includes pool noodles and life jackets for small children.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is available from locations including Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kallithea, and Faliraki. The precise pickup time is scheduled between about 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM, depending on your accommodation.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users?

No. It’s listed as not suitable for non-swimmers and not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.