Six hours, four swims, and paddle toys.

This Rhodes gulet trip on El Greco feels like a floating day off: you cruise the island’s east coast, then cool off in two standout swim zones with SUP and snorkeling gear included. The rhythm is simple—sit back for the views, then jump in when the boat stops.

What I especially like is how the food and drinks fit the day. You get a traditional Greek lunch with fruit, plus unlimited soft drinks and wine, and it’s stated as suitable for both vegans and non-vegans.

One thing to plan around: it’s a popular boat trip, so if you don’t arrive early you may end up in a shadier spot and be more packed in during the long stretches on board.

Key things to know before you go

• Free SUP, kayaking, and snorkeling gear at the best swim break
• Anthony Quinn Bay for photos and a solid swim window
• Fun Island–Ladiko with floating sofas/platforms and multiple water activities
• Kallithea Thermal Springs for architecture, short swim time, and local snacks
• Unlimited wine and soft drinks with a homemade Greek lunch (vegan-friendly per the info)
• Price-value is strongest if you’ll use the included activities and eat on board

Rhodes’ Eastern Coast, From the Waterline Up

Rhodes looks different from the sea. You get a long stretch of coastline views, then sudden color shifts when the boat reaches the bays. It’s the kind of outing where you can spend half the day doing nothing but watching the shore slide by, then swap into swim-and-snorkel mode.

The format is also built for real vacation energy. You don’t just stop once and hurry along. Instead, the trip gives you multiple chances to cool off—plus active options—so the day never feels like one long waiting game.

If you’re the type who likes both relaxation and a little motion, this one hits the sweet spot: sunbathing time on deck, then a water break that’s long enough to actually enjoy it.

Mandraki Meeting Point: Find the El Greco and Beat the Shade

The trip starts at Mandraki port, opposite Eleftherias Square, where you look for the traditional wooden gulet El Greco. The meeting point is central, but boats still fill up fast.

Here’s the practical tip I’d follow: arrive early. People repeatedly suggest coming about an hour early if you want the best sunbeds and more of the outdoor space. If you’re late, you can still have a good day—but you might end up in a darker, more shaded seating area for most of the cruise.

This matters because the day includes multiple long stretches on the water. Good sun access makes those in-between sightseeing portions feel like part of the fun, not just transport.

A Traditional Gulet Cruise Feel, With Room to Lounge

You’re sailing on a traditional Greek gulet, and the overall vibe is classic beach-day Greece: open deck space, comfortable seating, and easy movement between lounging and activities.

The included setup really helps. You’ll have sun deck areas, and there are floating sofas/platforms at the main water stop later on. That means you’re not just swimming—you can also float, rest, and snack off the boat when you want a slower pace.

One more small detail that makes a difference: the trip includes morning treats and seasonal fresh fruits. It’s not a full extra meal, but it keeps the day from feeling like you’re waiting for lunch forever.

Anthony Quinn Bay Stop: Emerald Water and Photo Breaks

This is the first big swim-and-sight moment: a stop at Anthony Quinn Bay for photos plus swimming and snorkeling. The bay is described as a “heaven on earth,” and the key visual is the deep emerald color that comes from the green vegetation around the water.

What this means for you: it’s a great place to reset your day early. After some sightseeing cruising, you finally get the payoff—time in the water with a scenic background that makes even basic phone photos look better than expected.

Timing here is also reasonable. The stop is listed as 40 minutes, which is enough to:

• dip in and get comfortable
• do a quick snorkel look around
• get back on board before you feel rushed

If you want a calmer first water moment, this stop is a good entry point before the longer activity time later.

Fun Island–Ladiko: The Included Activity Zone

This is where the trip turns into a playground. Ladiko Bay (Fun Island) is described as a floating water area accessible only by the El Greco Gulet, and it’s the main spot for water activities.

During this 2-hour stop, you can use the included gear for:

• SUP paddleboarding
• kayaking
• snorkeling
• and just hanging out on the floating sofas/platforms

This is also the part of the day that reviewers call out again and again. The best value comes if you actually take advantage of the water toys instead of staying on the edges of the group. You’ll likely find you aren’t waiting long to use the gear, and you can rotate between activities and relaxing.

One real-world note to file away: one person mentioned that asking for certain parts of the SUP setup (like fins) mattered. If you want the full experience, don’t be shy about checking with the crew and requesting what you need to feel comfortable in the water.

And if you’re traveling with family or mixed ages, this stop is the reason the trip works. There’s something here for active folks and something for people who’d rather float, sunbathe, and snack.

Kallithea Thermal Springs: Architecture, Short Swims, Local Snacks

After more cruising, the trip heads to Kallithea Thermal Springs, where nature and architecture meet. This isn’t just a quick picture stop. You get a photo stop and swimming and snorkeling time, plus local snacks.

The swim window is shorter here—listed as 30 minutes—so treat it like a sea-break, not a full second swim session. You’ll likely want to do something simple: go in for a reset, check the water briefly with snorkeling, then get back to dry off and enjoy the setting.

Why this stop is worth it: it adds a “Rhodes moment” that’s not only about water sports. You can see the site as you take a break between bays, and it helps break up the day so it doesn’t feel like the same routine over and over.

The Greek Lunch and Unlimited Drinks: Worth the Price

Let’s talk about the meal, because this is one of the clearest value points. You’ll have a homemade traditional Greek lunch with:

• Greek salad
• seasonal fresh fruit
• and unlimited soft drinks and wine

The info also says lunch is suitable for both vegans and non-vegans. In practice, that means you shouldn’t feel locked out if you eat differently—just keep expectations realistic if you’re looking for a menu with many choice options.

Drinks included are listed as unlimited wine and soft drinks. What is not included: beers, slushies, and cocktails. If beer is part of your usual vacation rhythm, plan on paying extra. The win here is that you won’t be constantly reaching for your wallet for basic refreshment while you’re on the boat.

Also, the flow matters. Lunch happens around the main Ladiko stop time, so you don’t miss the best water zone waiting to eat. It feels like a natural pause between activity rounds.

Stop Timing That Makes the Day Work (Even in Hot Weather)

A lot of boat trips fail in one of two ways: too little time at stops, or too much time cruising with nothing to do. This one does better because each stop has a clear purpose.

• You start with sightseeing cruising and then land at Anthony Quinn Bay for an early swim break.
• You then hit Fun Island–Ladiko for the longest activity block: 2 hours.
• You finish with Kallithea Springs, where the short swim and snacks complement the architecture break.

In hot months—Rhodes can be intense—these planned cooling points feel smart. You’re not stuck baking on deck without a chance to get in the water. And the floating platforms and sofas at Ladiko give you a way to rest without fully returning to the deck every time.

Comfort, Gear, and What to Bring

You’ll want to bring the basics that make a boat day easy:

• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen

The trip notes that you should not bring food and drinks. So plan to eat what’s served on board, and use the included drinks.

Also, don’t over-pack for the activities. Kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling gear are included, so you’re mostly just bringing your body and the right sun protection. If you forget sunscreen, you’ll feel it quickly in open-water sun.

And one more comfort tip: shoes with grip can help getting around wet areas on a boat and on floating platforms. The tour data doesn’t specify footwear requirements, but the setting practically calls for something secure.

Price and Value: $78 Makes Sense If You Use the Included Activities

At $78 per person for about 6 hours, the value depends on what you want from the day. This price is strong if your goal is water time plus a full meal plus drinks.

Here’s why it adds up:

• you get a full gulet cruise
• you get a homemade Greek lunch
• you get unlimited soft drinks and wine
• you get multiple swim windows
• and you get included water activities (SUP, kayaking, snorkeling gear)

What weakens the value a bit is what’s not included. Beer, slushies, and cocktails cost extra. Also, if you only want one short swim and don’t care about the SUP/kayak/norking gear, you might feel the price more than if you’re actively participating.

Still, the overall structure makes this a solid “one ticket, full day” option. It’s not just transport. It’s an organized sea day with real time in the water.

Who Should Book This Rhodes Gulet Trip

This fits best if you want:

• multiple swim stops in scenic bays
• included water activities
• lunch and drinks handled for you
• a relaxed day without complicated planning

It’s a good match for families too, because the water activities are available for different comfort levels. It can also work well for couples who want something fun to do together but still want downtime.

If you dislike crowds and tight timing, you’ll need to be strategic. Boats get busy, and sunbed space can be limited. The simple fix is arriving early and keeping an eye on where you sit so you’re not stuck in shade for hours.

Should You Book El Greco Cruises?

I’d book it if you’re the kind of traveler who actually uses what’s included—especially the SUP and kayaking at Fun Island, plus the swims at Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea Springs. The combination of scenery, water time, and a proper Greek lunch is a good deal.

I’d hesitate if you only want a passive cruise day. While you can relax onboard, the main “wow” comes from being in the water and using the gear during the longer Ladiko stop.

If you do book, do two things for the best day: arrive early for outdoor seating, and check with the crew if you need help setting up for your chosen activity. With that, this trip turns into exactly what the name implies—a lot of fun on Rhodes, from the sea.

FAQ

What’s included in the Rhodes gulet trip?

You’ll get the gulet cruise, a traditional Greek lunch, unlimited wine and soft drinks, morning treats and seasonal fresh fruits. Swimming stops include time at Anthony Quinn Bay, Fun Island (Ladiko), and Kallithea Springs, and kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling gear are included.

Are beers or cocktails included?

No. The trip includes unlimited wine and soft drinks, but beers, slushies, and cocktails are not included.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as 6 hours.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet right opposite Eleftherias Square in the port of Mandraki. Look for the Traditional Legendary wooden Gulet El Greco.

Is the lunch vegan-friendly?

The information says the lunch is suitable for both vegans and non-vegans.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are wheelchair users able to join?

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

How much time do I get for swimming at each stop?

Anthony Quinn Bay is listed as 40 minutes, Fun Island (Ladiko) as 2 hours, and Kallithea Springs as 30 minutes.