Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

Rhodes looks especially good from the water, and this six-hour cruise from Mandraki Harbour makes a full day of it. You pass the medieval Old Town, the legendary site of the Colossus, and three very different bays, with lunch and drinks served aboard the comfortable Romantika.

I like the limited passenger count of 40 and the reserved bean bags and sun benches, which spare you the usual scramble for a seat. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are included. The main caution is simple: this is a lively party cruise, not a quiet sailing trip. Music can get loud, and Captain Alexander’s dancing is part of the show.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swimming stops: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay each offer a different setting.
• Open bar included: Cocktails, beer, wine, aperitifs, water, sodas, and other nonalcoholic drinks are available.
• Greek buffet lunch: Expect freshly prepared dishes, with vegan and gluten-free choices.
• Comfortable limited-capacity boat: The maximum group size is 40, with allocated seating on bean bags and sun beds.
• Active and social mood: Music, dancing, and a cheerful crew make this better for fun than for quiet reading.
• Easy swimming support: Snorkel gear, floaters, pool noodles, and life jackets are supplied.

Starting at Mandraki Harbour with Rhodes at your feet

The boat leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece. This is a handy starting point in Rhodes Town, though finding the exact boat can take a little care, so give yourself time before departure.

Mandraki is one of the most scenic parts of the city waterfront. The harbour was one of ancient Rhodes’ five ports, and today its entrance is marked by columns topped with statues of a stag and doe, the symbols of Rhodes. Across the water, you can see the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos and three preserved medieval windmills.

As the Romantika moves away from port, you get a fine sea-level view of the medieval Old Town walls. This is one of the best early photo moments of the day because the city’s stone fortifications rise clearly above the water. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and seeing it from the coast gives you a useful sense of how strongly Rhodes was built around its harbour.

The cruise also passes the entrance where the Colossus of Rhodes is traditionally said to have stood. The huge statue of the sun god was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. There is no proof that it actually straddled the harbour, despite the familiar image, but the site still gives the journey a good historical touch.

Kallithea Springs: a calm first swim

The first stop is Kallithea Springs, where the boat stays for about an hour. You can swim from the boat and, if you wish, go ashore to see the spring complex. Admission from the sea is free.

Kallithea has been associated with healing waters since ancient times. Its buildings were designed and decorated by Italian architects, including Pietro Lombardi and Armando Burnaby, with the structures planned to work around the rocky setting. The reddish water emerging from the rock helped draw visitors here for centuries.

For you, the practical appeal is the mix of swimming and sightseeing. You do not need to commit to a long shore visit. Stay on board with a drink, swim in the clear water, or go ashore for a quick look before the boat moves on.

The one-hour stop is enough for a refreshing start, but it is not a full visit to the springs complex. If your main goal is to study the architecture or spend a long time on shore, the cruise format will feel brief. This is primarily a swim stop with a cultural detail attached.

Afandou Beach and the long pebble coast

The second main stop is Afandou Beach, a very different setting from Kallithea. Afandou stretches for about six kilometres and is known for clear water, a pebble shore, and a nearby golf course. You have more than an hour here to swim, look around, and explore the caves in the area.

The name Afandou comes from the Greek word for invisible. The original settlement was moved inland behind rocks after repeated attacks on the coastal area, making it harder to spot from the sea. The surrounding region also contains old tombs and temple foundations.

You can swim toward shore if conditions suit you, or remain near the boat with the supplied floaters and noodles. The pebbles are part of the character of the beach, but they can be less comfortable underfoot than sand. Bring footwear you can manage around rocky or pebbled water if you have it.

Lunch is served back on board after this stop. That timing works well because you return from the water hungry, and the boat provides a proper place to sit, dry off, and eat rather than handing you a basic snack on shore.

Ladikos and Anthony Quinn Bay

The cruise also passes the small bay of Ladikos, located behind Anthony Quinn Bay and surrounded by caves. Its name comes from the area’s former role in the olive oil trade, when cargo ships loaded oil for Egypt and the Middle East. Local fishermen have found clay containers from old shipwrecks connected with that trade.

The main swimming stop here is Anthony Quinn Bay, which feels more enclosed than Afandou. High rocks surround the small bay, and the water is deep and clear. This is the best part of the trip for snorkeling, since small fish gather near the boat and the crew provides equipment at no extra charge.

You can also use the life jackets and floaters if you are not a confident swimmer. That makes the stop more approachable for mixed groups, where one person wants to snorkel and another simply wants to bob in the water. Some people use bread to attract fish, though you should follow the crew’s directions and avoid treating the bay like an aquarium.

Anthony Quinn Bay received its name after the actor appeared in The Guns of Navarone, filmed in Rhodes in the 1960s. Quinn admired the bay and tried to acquire it, but the agreement was never completed. The local name remained as a tribute.

This is likely to be the visual highlight of the day, but it is also the stop most likely to feel busy in high season. The bay is small, and several boat trips use the area. The cruise’s limited capacity helps, but you should not expect a completely private cove.

What lunch and the open bar are really like

The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise instead of a cheaper basic swim boat. The Greek buffet is prepared on board and includes a choice of dishes such as prawn pasta, mussels, chicken, salad, bread, tzatziki, and a brownie-style dessert. The exact menu can vary, but the meal is more substantial than the usual sandwich-and-fruit boat lunch.

Some dishes reflect familiar Greek and Mediterranean cooking. Dakos, for example, uses a crisp barley rusk with tomato, cheese, oregano, capers, and olive oil. You may also find spanakorizo, a spinach-and-rice dish, rather than a pastry-based spinach pie.

Vegan and gluten-free options are included, which is useful, though you should still speak with the crew about your needs before serving yourself. The buffet format lets you choose what suits you, and lunch comes after the longer swimming time at Afandou.

The bar includes cocktails, signature cocktails, wine, beer, ouzo, water, sodas, and other nonalcoholic drinks. Cold beer and bottled water are available, and the bartender prepares mixed drinks during the cruise.

There is a small tradeoff. The cocktail menu is not unlimited in variety, and one account found some drinks weak. Think of the open bar as a generous holiday drinks package, not a specialist cocktail bar. At roughly $107.63 per person, the inclusion of lunch and drinks adds real value if you plan to have more than one beverage.

The Romantika mood: fun, music, and dancing

The crew shapes the feel of the day. Captain Alexander is known for dancing and playful performances, and the music often encourages people to leave their sun beds and join in. The atmosphere can be warm and sociable, especially when the boat is full of couples, friends, and cruise passengers looking for a carefree day at sea.

You may also see the crew bring drinks out toward swimmers at Anthony Quinn Bay. That small touch turns the swimming stop into a social event rather than a simple swim from point A to point B.

But keep your expectations straight. The boat is not designed as a silent retreat. Music may become loud enough to make conversation difficult, particularly near the speakers or on the upper deck. If you want a peaceful cruise with quiet commentary and long stretches of reading, this may not be your best match.

The entertainment also means the amount of formal guiding is limited. One passenger found it hard to hear information from the upper deck. If the history of Rhodes matters to you, listen for announcements from a central area or ask the crew directly.

Space, seating, and the value of a smaller group

The boat uses allocated seating with bean bags and sun benches. You are not left to fight for a lounger after boarding, and the maximum group size is 40. That matters because many Rhodes swim boats pack people closely together, leaving little room to stretch out between stops.

The boat has two decks, and the seating is described as spacious, with couches and double sun beds. If shade matters to you, ask the crew for help choosing a suitable place early in the day. Sun exposure is strong on the water, so bring plenty of sunscreen and use the shaded areas when you can.

This is not a private charter. You share the boat, the buffet, and the swimming stops with the rest of the group. Still, the lower passenger count gives the outing a more comfortable feel than a large party vessel.

The equipment is practical rather than fancy. Snorkels, floaters, pool noodles, and life jackets are provided. Clean toilets are available on board, according to the information supplied, which is useful during a six-hour trip.

Who will get the most from this cruise

I would choose this cruise if you want to combine swimming, Greek food, drinks, and entertainment without arranging separate transport between beaches. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and anyone who wants a social day on the water.

It is especially useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel in Anthony Quinn Bay, while less confident swimmers can use a life jacket or noodle. Someone who prefers not to swim can stay aboard, eat, take photographs, and enjoy the coast from the sun beds.

The cruise is less suitable if you want a quiet luxury charter, a serious history tour, or long shore visits. The three stops give you time to swim, but not enough time for an in-depth visit to every site. The phrase exclusive refers to the limited capacity and seating setup, not to having the boat to yourself.

Is $107.63 a fair price?

At $107.63 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see Rhodes from the sea. The price becomes easier to justify when you add up what is included: around six hours on the water, three swimming areas, a prepared Greek buffet, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, flotation gear, entertainment, and reserved seating.

You also avoid the extra cost of buying lunch and drinks during the day. If you would normally pay separately for cocktails, beer, or a seafood lunch, the package can work out well. The limited group size adds value too, since comfort and space are often what cheaper boat trips sacrifice.

The price is less attractive if you do not drink, dislike loud music, or plan to spend most of your day on shore. In that case, a simple beach outing or a quieter boat trip may suit you better.

The experience is recommended by 96 percent of customers and carries a 4.8 rating from 1,230 ratings. That does not remove the tradeoffs, but it confirms that the main formula, food, swimming, drinks, space, and crew energy, works very well for most people.

Practical details before you go

The cruise begins and ends at Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise in Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra, so check your route to the harbour before booking.

A mobile ticket is accepted, and confirmation is provided when you book. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can take part.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not accepted.

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a phone or camera with protection from water. You may want water shoes for the pebbled areas, although they are not listed as included equipment.

Should you book the Rhodes swim cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social day on the Aegean with excellent swimming stops, plentiful drinks, a proper buffet, and a crew that likes to keep the mood moving. Anthony Quinn Bay, the Old Town views, and the reserved seating are the main draws.

Skip it if your ideal boat day means silence, private service, or extended time ashore. The music can be loud, the cocktail choices are limited, and the bays are shared with other boats. For everyone else, the combination of three distinct coastal stops, a full meal, open bar, and a manageable group size makes this a strong-value choice in Rhodes.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes swim cruise start?

It starts at Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise in Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece in Rhodes Town.

What time does the cruise depart?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours.

Where does the cruise end?

It returns to the same meeting point at Mandraki Harbour.

Which swimming locations are included?

The cruise stops at Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay. It also passes Ladikos Bay and Faliraki Beach.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek gourmet buffet prepared by the onboard chef is included.

Are special dietary choices available?

Vegan and gluten-free choices are included.

What drinks are included?

The package includes aperitifs, snacks, cocktails, signature cocktails, wine, beer, water, sodas, and other nonalcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are available for use.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the cruise to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.