A catamaran day in Rhodes beats standing in lines. You’ll cruise between some of the island’s prettiest bays, jump in for multiple swims with snorkel gear provided, and eat a proper Greek BBQ lunch with unlimited drinks. The whole thing is built for easy summer fun—snack-to-sunscreen pacing—starting from Mandraki Marina’s area and ending back where you started.

I love that this feels like a true all-in-one day: breakfast donuts and coffee, a hot dog brunch hour, Greek BBQ lunch, and sweet waffles on the way back, plus beers, wine, soft drinks, and iced frappe included. I also like the focus on water time, with three swimming stops that are long enough to actually enjoy the sea instead of just hopping in for a second. One consideration: if you’re sensitive to heat, plan for sun management—top deck can get intense unless you score a shaded spot.

Key highlights to look forward to

• Mandraki-style departure: convenient start near Rhodes Sea Lines / Pl. Eleftherias
• Three swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach’s deep caves
• All-inclusive by the clock: donuts + coffee, hot dog hour, Greek BBQ, then waffles
• Unlimited drinks included: beers, wine, soft drinks, and iced frappe
• Snorkel gear is on board: use it to make the underwater scenery easier to enjoy

Rhodes Catamaran Cruise: what the 6-hour day really feels like

This is the kind of Rhodes outing that makes you feel like you’re doing something big without spending hours on buses. In about 6 hours, you’ll go from bay to bay, get set up with snorkeling gear, and have multiple chances to swim in the Mediterranean. It’s simple: sail, eat, drink, swim, repeat.

The best part of this format is rhythm. If you’re the type who likes a day with clear blocks—rather than a full-day itinerary of stops and transfers—you’ll probably appreciate how straightforward it is. You’re also capped at 75 travelers, which helps keep it from feeling like a cattle-car day.

Getting to the boat: Rhodes Sea Lines and avoiding the usual dock stress

Your start point is listed as Rhodes Sea Lines, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00. The tour meets there at 10:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

The smart move is to arrive early enough to get your bearings, especially because dock areas often have multiple desks or meeting points. If you’re joining without a hotel transfer, you’ll want to allow extra time so you don’t end up running at the last minute. In the real world, that’s when small confusion turns into big stress—like finding the correct booth after you’ve already missed the boarding window.

All-inclusive food and drink: Greek BBQ, hot dogs, donuts, waffles

Food here isn’t an afterthought. It’s a full-on schedule of snacks and meals, and you’ll actually feel fed during the day instead of just tasting lunch.

Here’s what’s included:

• Breakfast: sweet donuts and coffee
• Hot dog brunch hour: hot dogs during the day
• Lunch: Greek BBQ with meat skewers (souvlakia), Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread
• Snacks: waffle hour on the way back
• Drinks: beers, wine, soft drinks, and iced frappe (alcohol included)

What this means for you is you can swim without worrying about when your next meal will land. It also means you’re less likely to blow your budget on onboard prices. The BBQ lunch is the centerpiece, but the donut and waffle moments are the little morale boosters that make the day feel fun from start to finish.

If you care about comfort, you’ll also be glad it’s not just bread and chips. You get real Greek salad and tzatziki, which makes a big difference when you’ve been in the sun all morning.

Snorkeling gear and swim stops: how to get the most out of the water

Snorkel gear is provided, and the crew typically keeps the day moving so you can actually use it. You’ll get multiple swim opportunities, and the bays are chosen for scenery as much as swim quality.

A useful tip: even if you’re a confident swimmer, use the provided snorkel gear for at least one swim stop. The underwater experience is one of the main reasons this cruise is more than a sun-and-soda boat day.

Also, plan your energy. You don’t need to sprint through every stop. A steady pace—swim, rest, drink something cool, repeat—usually works best on days when the sun is strong.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the big-name bay and a serious swim moment

Your first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay. This is the famous one, and it’s known for being one of the prettiest bays around Rhodes. The name comes from actor Anthony Quinn, and this area is connected to filming history from classic movies shot here.

What you should expect on the water: clear visibility and a “wow” feeling that makes people slow down and stay longer. The bay stop is about 1 hour, and you’ll get enough time to enjoy the view from the boat and then choose how long you want in the water.

Practical note: if you want photos, do them right after docking or during the start of the stop. Once more people jump in, it can be harder to find a clean angle without strangers crossing your frame.

Kallithea Springs: a quieter bay for easier floating

Next comes Kallithea Springs, another beautiful spot that’s described as calmer than Anthony Quinn Bay. This matters because swimming conditions and crowd energy can change from stop to stop.

Like the first stop, it’s about 1 hour. I like this kind of pacing because it gives you a softer landing after the most famous bay. You can snorkel at a more relaxed pace, take a breather, and still feel like you got a full experience.

If you don’t love fast-moving water days, this is the stop where you’ll likely feel most comfortable.

Traganou Beach caves: swimming inside caves 30 meters deep

The standout “this is different” stop is Traganou Beach. Here, you get a chance to swim inside caves about 30 meters deep, with a small beach at the end of the route.

This is the stop that turns a normal swim cruise into a memory. Caves change everything: light shifts underwater, and the whole experience feels more adventurous than open-water floating. It’s also a great moment to use your snorkel gear, since you’re already in the right mindset and equipment for seeing what’s around you.

Timing-wise, it’s another about 1 hour stop. The cave portion can feel thrilling even if you’re not a spearfishing type. Just keep it relaxed and let the environment do the work.

The Rhodes cruising block: what you do while you’re sailing

After your swim stops, you’ll have about 3 hours cruising from harbor and bay to bay and back to the harbour. This is where the day shifts a bit from active swimming to more lounging.

This is also when the food-and-drink cadence keeps you comfortable. People who like to snack constantly will be happy here, because the included schedule doesn’t suddenly stop after lunch. The goal is to keep the vibe easy while the boat moves between locations.

If you get motion sickness, this is the part to pay attention to. When the sea is choppy, you might feel it more during sailing time than during a swim stop where you’re focused on one place.

Where you sit can change your day: top deck bean bags vs lower benches

One thing you’ll feel fast on this cruise: comfort depends on where you end up on the boat.

Upper deck seating is often described as bean bags with optional shade. If you can, I’d treat getting a top-deck spot like part of the planning. It can be the difference between enjoying the sun and getting stuck sweating while everyone else is lounging.

Lower deck seating is more bench-and-table style. That doesn’t mean it’s bad—just less comfy for long stretches. If the sun is intense, you’ll probably want to move your downtime to wherever there’s shade or better airflow.

Here’s my advice: if heat is a concern, don’t pretend it won’t affect you. On a long, sunny catamaran day, sun management is the real comfort factor.

Value check: is $78.60 worth it in Rhodes?

At $78.60 per person for a ~6-hour all-inclusive cruise, you’re paying for three things at once:

1) Multiple swim stops in scenic bays

2) Provided snorkeling gear so you don’t buy or figure out equipment

3) Meals and drinks that would otherwise add up quickly in tourist areas

When you price it out as a normal day—boat rental or paid tour + lunch + drinks—you’ll usually find this type of package lands in the fair-to-good range, especially because the inclusions are practical, not just token snacks.

It’s also priced like a summer activity that you can fit into a holiday without needing a whole day of planning. If you’re on Rhodes for only a short time, this is the kind of experience that gives you scenery and water time without the hassle of constant transitions.

Who it’s for:

• You want a relaxed sea day with clear swim blocks
• You like being fed and watered without running to buy things
• You want snorkel time with minimal effort

Who should think twice:

• You hate loud music or any kind of nonstop onboard atmosphere
• You’re very heat-sensitive and don’t think you can secure shade

Who will love this cruise the most (and who won’t)

If you want a “go swim, eat, repeat” day, you’ll likely have an easy time. This is especially good for couples and small groups who want a shared experience without constant decision-making.

It’s also a solid choice if you enjoy meeting people on holiday. A smaller boat and a crew that interacts can turn the day into something social without feeling chaotic.

If you’re nervous about swimming, don’t assume you’re out of the game. The crew’s focus on safety and checking in—names like Vamos come up in descriptions of how they help nervous swimmers feel ready. You don’t have to be an Olympian; you just need to follow the guidance and use flotation options if you want them.

Should you book Sun & Sea? My practical take

I’d book this cruise if you want a Rhodes day that feels like a vacation highlight with minimal stress. The combination of three swim-worthy stops, included Greek BBQ lunch, and the steady flow of drinks and snacks makes it good value for the time you spend on the water.

Before you click confirm, I’d make one decision in your head: do you want top-deck comfort in the sun, or do you need shade and cooler downtime? If sun exposure is a real issue for you, plan for that from the start. If you’re okay with managing the heat and you want scenery + swimming without logistics headaches, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

What is the duration of the cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It meets at Rhodes Sea Lines, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Is the cruise all-inclusive?

Yes. The tour includes lunch (Greek BBQ), breakfast items (sweet donuts and coffee), hot dog brunch, waffles, and drinks (including alcoholic beverages).

Are drinks included?

Yes. You get beers, wine, soft drinks, and iced frappe.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is provided for use during the trip.

How many stops are there for swimming?

There are three swimming-focused stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, and Traganou Beach (caves).

Is hotel transfer included?

Transfer is not included unless you choose the hotel transfer option. Otherwise, you can arrange transfer by messaging on WhatsApp.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

How far in advance should I book and what if the weather is bad?

You’re often booking about 18 days in advance on average. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.