Sun, salt, and three great swim stops. This Rhodes Town cruise focuses on classic Aegean water time, with snorkeling gear included and a spacious feel that makes the day feel unhurried. My favorite part is how the schedule gives you real chances in the water at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs—though the one catch is you need to get to Mandraki Harbor on your own, with no hotel pickup.

Another thing I appreciate is the human touch. A guide named Markos (and his family) helps bring context to the beaches and Rhodes itself, and that makes the cruise more than just moving from one photo stop to the next. Still, it’s not the kind of trip for people who need wheelchair access, so plan accordingly.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel During the Trip

• Mandraki Harbor departure on the Alkmini with an easy “look for the Alexander Statue” meeting point
• Three swim/snorkel anchor stops built into a six-hour outing (not a quick drive-by)
• Markos and family-style guidance that adds beach and Rhodes history while keeping things relaxed
• Snorkeling gear included so you can spend more time in the water and less time shopping
• Family-friendly pacing, with time for breaks and water fun across ages

Rhodes Town to the Sea: Finding Alkmini at Mandraki Harbor

This tour is simple in concept: you start in Rhodes Town and spend the day along the coast by boat. The meeting point is at Mandraki Harbor, and the fast way to find the right boat is to look for the Alexander Statue. The boat name is Alkmini, so once you spot it, you’re set.

Because there’s no hotel pickup, your timing starts when you leave your accommodation. If you’re coming from a cruise ship, plan on walking to Mandraki Port with a little buffer, since the tour runs on “all aboard” punctuality. The good news: Mandraki is central, and this departure point is built for people who can reach the harbor on foot.

A Relaxed Boat Day With Real Water Time (Not Just Photos)

What makes this cruise work is how the day is structured around swimming and snorkeling, not just scenery. You’ll sail from Rhodes Town and then spend multiple stretches anchored in the water long enough to enjoy it—bring your towel and sunscreen, because sun time is part of the deal.

I also like that the crew experience is front and center. The boat includes music on board, and the guide shares history and context during the ride so the trip feels purposeful. Even better, the boat experience tends to be roomy rather than packed, which matters when you’re trying to move between viewing areas, the water stops, and getting back on board.

One note to keep expectations straight: this is a sea day, not a lounge-only cruise. You’ll want swimwear, and you’ll likely do more than “dip your toes,” especially at the snorkeling stops.

Stop 1: Anthony Quinn Bay for Clear-Water Snorkeling and Beach Photos

Your first major water stop is Anthony Quinn Bay. The schedule gives you time for a photo moment, a bit of guided info, and then swimming and snorkeling for about an hour.

Anthony Quinn Bay is the kind of place where the visuals are the point. From the boat, you get those classic coastal views, then you drop anchor and get actual time in the water. If you’re bringing snorkeling expectations down to earth, this is a great fit: you’ll have time to gear up, float around, and look for fish and other sea life in clearer water.

Practical drawback: if you’re the type who gets impatient in the water, you’ll still want that one-hour block. It’s enough for a proper snorkel round and some swimming, but it’s not a whole afternoon.

Afandou Beach: Sunbathing, Swim Breaks, and Time for Scuba

Next comes Afandou Beach, where the day shifts from “first swim stop” energy into a longer, sun-forward break. You’ll have a guided/photo component, then free time, plus scheduled water time for snorkeling. There’s also time marked for scuba diving (about an hour in the plan).

Here’s the value of this stop: it gives you options. If snorkeling is your comfort zone, you can focus there. If scuba is on your personal wishlist, this is the moment built into the cruise where you can ask the crew how it’s handled on the day.

What I’d watch for is the typical beach reality—sunscreen reapplication, water shoes if you prefer them, and making sure your towel and basics are easy to grab on board. Afandou is more of a relax-and-reset stop, so it’s also a good moment to eat later (since lunch isn’t included, you’ll want your own snack plan if you’re hungry).

Kallithea Springs: The Final Snorkel Hour With Fish and Squid Chances

Your last swim/snorkel stop is Kallithea Springs. Before you get there, the boat ride includes music, which makes the transition feel more like a cruise than a transit segment. Once anchored, you’ll again have time for guided info and then water time.

The water time here is about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. Based on the experience description, this is one of the spots where you’ll be looking for colorful fish, and possibly squid and other sea creatures. Even if you don’t spot everything, this stop is still worth it because the goal is to spend your final hour enjoying the water—rather than racing back to the harbor immediately.

One practical tip: treat this as your “save your best energy” stop. Your last snorkel hour comes near the end of a six-hour day, so pace yourself and keep your phone and valuables secured while you’re gearing up.

The Trip From Rhodes Town: What You Gain by Sailing

This is one of the best ways to see Rhodes’ coast without turning your day into a transportation mission. Sailing out of Mandraki Harbor means you’re getting views you don’t get from shore, and the anchor stops mean you’re spending time where the water is worth it.

Also, the ride itself has value. The guide’s explanations add context to what you’re seeing, including history tied to the beaches and Rhodes in general. I like this mix because it prevents the cruise from feeling like a checklist of stops.

And since music is on board, the energy stays light. It’s not a formal lecture, and that matters when you’re traveling with family or just want a relaxed break from walking all day.

What’s Included (And Why It Matters for Your Planning)

You get a lot of the “stuff that makes it easy” included, which is where the value really shows.

Included:

• Boat cruise
• Experience crew
• 3 swim and snorkel stops
• Snorkeling gear
• Music on board

Not included:

• Snacks and drinks
• Lunch
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

The included snorkeling gear is the big planning win. You don’t need to pack a mask or hunt down rentals in advance. That’s especially helpful if you’re already juggling beach towels, sunscreen, and travel documents.

The not-included part is mostly food. If you need a steady energy level, plan to bring a snack or consider how you’ll handle a lunch gap during the six hours. The cruise structure has breaks, but you shouldn’t assume a meal is part of the package.

Price and Value: Is $32.57 Worth It?

At about $32.57 per person for a roughly six-hour outing, this is priced like a classic “sea day” value option. The math is strongest when you consider what’s included: the boat ride, three water stops, snorkeling gear, and on-board music with a live guide.

If you’re doing Rhodes Town sightseeing only on land, it’s easy to burn time moving around. This tour replaces a chunk of walking with actual time on the water. You also get multiple different spots in one trip, instead of picking just one beach and hoping it’s perfect.

What keeps the value honest is that you still need to show up, bring swim basics, and handle your own food. But for people who want water time without the hassle of DIY boat planning, it’s a solid deal.

What to Bring (So You Don’t End Up Buying Something on the Fly)

The basic packing list is straightforward, and you’ll feel the benefit once you’re on board:

• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

I’d also suggest you keep your towel and sunscreen easy to access. At the water stops, you’ll want quick changes without rummaging through your bag in the sun.

One more practical reminder: the tour doesn’t allow bikes. If you’re traveling with one, plan another way to get around Rhodes Town.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Feel Frustrated)

This is a great match for people who want a balanced day: some sailing time, some anchoring time, and multiple chances to swim and snorkel. It also tends to work well for families, including kids across different ages, because there are breaks, guided moments, and plenty of onboard downtime between stops.

If you love marine life and want organized water time but don’t want to spend hours arranging rentals, this is your kind of outing. It’s also a nice choice if you’re staying in or near Rhodes Town and want something that doesn’t depend on driving.

The main mismatch is mobility needs. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, so if that’s relevant, you’ll want a different plan.

Weather Timing and the Windy-Season Note

Like most coastal cruises, conditions can affect the schedule. From 20/09/24 till 15/10/24, if it’s windy during the swimming stops, the boat may change the program of the swimming stops. That means your exact water locations and timing can shift in that window.

If you’re traveling during those dates, I’d keep expectations flexible. The overall plan stays focused on swimming and snorkeling, but the sequence or specific spots can adjust for safer conditions.

Should You Book This Rhodes Town Cruise?

You should book this tour if you want the easiest way to get three swim and snorkel stops from Rhodes Town, with gear included and a guided touch that adds context to the coast. It’s especially worth it if you care about not overcrowding and prefer a relaxed boat day with real time in the water.

Skip it if you expect lunch to be provided, need wheelchair accessibility, or would rather spend all day on land exploring at your own pace. Also, be honest with yourself about logistics: you’re responsible for getting to Mandraki Harbor on time.

If your goal is a classic sea-day that’s good value and genuinely built around time in the water, this one earns a spot on your Rhodes checklist.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?

It lasts about 6 hours. You can check available starting times when you book.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town. Look for the Alexander Statue, and the boat is called Alkmini.

What swim and snorkel stops are included?

The cruise includes three swim and snorkel stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included in the tour.

Is lunch or drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks and lunch are not included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if it is windy during the swim stops?

From 20/09/24 till 15/10/24, if it is windy the swimming stops during the voyage may be changed as the program adjusts.