Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is simple: you get a full day on clear Aegean water without paying separately for lunch, drinks, or swimming gear. The boat visits Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, giving you three very different places to swim and explore.

I like the comfortable seating arrangement and the fact that the boat is capped at 40 people. I also like the generous food and drink package, from Greek dishes and seafood to beer, wine, and prepared cocktails. The main thing to consider is the atmosphere: music and dancing are part of the fun, so this is not always a quiet sailing trip.

Key points

• Three swim stops: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay each offer a different setting.
• A genuine all-inclusive package: Buffet lunch, cocktails, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, snacks, and swimming equipment are included.
• Comfortable seating: Bean bags and sun benches are allocated for guests, with a maximum of 40 people aboard.
• Captain Alexander brings the party: Expect music, dancing, and a cheerful crew rather than a formal sightseeing lecture.
• Good water access for non-swimmers: Life jackets, pool noodles, and floaters make it easier to enjoy the sea.
• Useful timing: The cruise leaves Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 a.m. and lasts about six hours.

A full day on the Aegean for $107.63

At $107.63 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get onto the water around Rhodes. It is a strong value if you plan to drink cocktails, eat lunch aboard, and use the swimming equipment. Buying those pieces separately can add up quickly, and here they are rolled into one fare.

The boat also avoids one common problem with Rhodes swim cruises: cramming too many people onto a small deck. The advertised limit is 40 people, with allocated bean bags and sun benches. That does not turn the boat into a private yacht, but it gives you a proper place to sit between swims.

I would think of this as a social day cruise rather than a peaceful sailing charter. The crew keeps the mood lively, and Captain Alexander is known for dancing and getting people involved. Music may be energetic, and one particularly important warning is that it can become too loud for easy conversation. If you want a silent sea day, this may not be your best choice.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbour

The meeting point is Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece. The cruise begins at 10:00 a.m. and returns to the same harbor. Hotel transfer is available only as an optional extra, so you need to arrange your own way to the port unless you add that service.

Mandraki is one of the most scenic places to begin a boat trip in Rhodes. Its name comes from the Greek word mandri, meaning an enclosed area or small pen. In ancient times, it was one of Rhodes’ five ports and served as the naval harbor.

As you leave, look back toward the medieval walls of Rhodes Old Town. The sea gives you a fine angle on the fortifications, and this is one of the best early photo opportunities of the morning. The Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so the view connects your swim day with the city’s long story.

The harbor entrance is also tied to the legend of the Colossus of Rhodes. The huge statue of the sun god was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It did not actually straddle the harbor entrance, despite the familiar image, but the cruise passes the area traditionally linked with its location.

You will also see the twin columns topped by Rhodian deer, the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos, and three well-preserved medieval windmills. This is sightseeing from the water, not a guided history tour, so listen when information is given. If you are seated on the upper deck, it may be harder to hear announcements.

Kallithea Springs brings history to the water

The first swimming stop is Kallithea Springs, where the boat stays for about an hour. The name refers to natural springs that have drawn people to the area for centuries. Reddish water once rose from the rocky ground in the Gulf of Kallithea, and the springs were valued for their supposed healing qualities.

The setting is more than a swimming cove. Italian designers Pietro Lombardi and Armando Burnaby shaped the spring complex in a way that respects the surrounding rock, while doctor Alberto Mocci later organized an international hydrological conference there. From the sea, you can take in the curved shore and the old spring buildings before or after your swim.

Admission from the sea is free. You can swim near the boat, head toward the shore, or spend the hour simply enjoying the water. Snorkel gear, noodles, floaters, and life jackets are available aboard, so you do not need to pack your own equipment.

The first stop is a good place to settle into the rhythm of the trip. You may want to swim right away, but remember that two more stops follow. If you are not a confident swimmer, a life jacket or noodle makes the water far less intimidating.

Passing Faliraki on the way north

After Kallithea, the boat passes Faliraki Beach. Faliraki is one of Rhodes’ best-known resort areas, with a long beach, clear water, and a busy nightlife scene. From the boat, you see the coastal side of the resort rather than spending time in town.

This section gives you a useful contrast. Faliraki is built around a major holiday scene, while the next stop, Afandou, feels more open and tied to the island’s older coastal communities. Keep your camera ready, but do not expect a separate shore visit here.

Afandou offers a long beach and room to explore

Afandou Beach is the second main stop, with more than an hour to swim and explore. The beach stretches for about six kilometers and is made of pebbles rather than soft sand. The water is clear, but water shoes may be helpful if you find pebbles uncomfortable. They are not listed as provided equipment, so bring your own if you use them.

Afandou has an interesting name. Afando means invisible in Greek, a reference to the inland village being hidden from attackers arriving by sea. After repeated raids by pirates, Persians, Arabs, and Turks, residents moved away from the exposed shore and behind the rocks.

The area also has old tombs and temple foundations, while Afandou’s pebbles were used in the sidewalks of Rhodes Old Town. You may have time to look toward the caves and shoreline, collect a small souvenir rock where permitted, or swim in the open water.

Lunch follows this stop back aboard the boat. The menu can include mussels, prawn pasta, chicken, salads, bread, tzatziki, spinach rice, and a brownie-style dessert. The food is freshly prepared by the onboard chef, with vegan and gluten-free choices listed as available.

The phrase gourmet should be taken in the context of a boat buffet. You are not getting a restaurant tasting menu, but the meal is more substantial than the usual sandwich or basic snack served on a day cruise. The mix of seafood, Greek flavors, salads, and dessert gives you a satisfying break before the final swim.

Ladikos Bay and the story behind its name

Before the final stop, the boat passes Ladikos Bay, a small cove set behind Anthony Quinn Bay. Ladikos was once a commercial loading point for olive oil. Ships collected oil here for trade with Egypt and the Middle East, and local fishermen have found clay containers linked to old shipwrecks in the area.

Today, Ladikos is known for its caves, beach, and water activities. You may see other boats in the bay because this part of the coast is popular for swimming and snorkeling. The view is especially good from the water, where the rocks enclose the small beach.

There is no separate listed swim period at Ladikos. It is mainly part of the coastal sightseeing between Afandou and Anthony Quinn Bay. If you want photographs of the caves, this is the time to keep your phone or camera close, while protecting it from spray.

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star swim stop

The final stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, and it is the most dramatic swimming setting of the day. Tall rocks enclose the narrow bay, creating a more sheltered feel than Afandou. The water is deep and famously clear, with small fish gathering near the boat.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and this is the place to use it. You can look down through the clear water and watch fish around the rocks. Bread may be offered to attract them, but keep your hands sensible around any fish and follow the crew’s instructions.

The bay takes its name from Mexican actor Anthony Quinn, who filmed The Guns of Navarone in Rhodes during the 1960s. He liked the cove so much that he tried to buy it. The arrangement never became legally valid, but the name remained.

You get about an hour here. Strong swimmers may enjoy jumping from the upper deck when the crew allows it, while less confident swimmers can use a life jacket or float. The deep water means you should not treat this as a shallow beach entry. Ask the crew for help if you are unsure about getting into the sea.

The final stop also captures the personality of the trip. Cold beer may make its way to people in the water, music continues, and Captain Alexander may turn the return journey into a small dance party. That is fun for many people, but it is also why I would not book this cruise expecting a quiet end to the day.

Food, cocktails, and the open bar

The drink package is one of the strongest reasons to compare this cruise with cheaper boat trips. You get wine, beer, water, sodas, nonalcoholic drinks, aperitifs, snacks, and signature cocktails. A bartender prepares drinks from a set menu, and the open bar is available during the cruise.

The selection is generous, but you should not expect every cocktail to be custom-made exactly to your taste. The preset choices may feel limited, and some drinks can taste lighter than expected. Beer and wine are the safer choices if you want something simple and consistent.

Lunch is served buffet-style, usually after the Afandou stop. Seafood dishes such as mussels and prawn pasta can appear alongside chicken, salads, bread, tzatziki, Greek preparations, and dessert. Vegan and gluten-free choices are included, though you should identify your dietary needs when booking or boarding.

I like that food is part of the main experience rather than an afterthought. You can swim, dry off, eat, and return to the water without hunting for a beach taverna or carrying lunch ashore.

Comfort, music, and the mood aboard

The boat has two decks and uses bean bags and sun benches rather than making everyone fight for a narrow strip of rail space. Allocated seating matters because you can leave a towel or personal items at your place while swimming, instead of trying to reclaim a seat each time.

The limit of 40 people helps keep the boat from feeling packed, especially compared with larger day boats that load far more passengers. The crew also provides clean toilets, according to the onboard details available for this trip.

Music is a major part of the mood. Captain Alexander is a lively presence, and his dancing has become part of the entertainment. The crew may encourage dancing and group participation, so you can expect a friendly, outgoing atmosphere.

I would choose a shaded seat if you burn easily, then use sunscreen often. The boat offers open sun exposure, and the bright water reflects light for much of the day. Bring a swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and a waterproof phone case if you want photographs from the water.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise?

I would book this for couples, friends, solo passengers who enjoy meeting people, and families with older children who can follow water-safety instructions. The included floaters and life jackets make it more approachable for people who are not strong swimmers.

It also suits cruise ship passengers looking for a full coastal day, as long as the 10:00 a.m. start fits your port schedule. The boat returns to Mandraki Harbour, which keeps the route simple.

I would hesitate if your ideal day means silence, formal commentary, or a long time alone on an empty beach. The music can be loud, the bar encourages a festive mood, and the swim stops are shared with other boats in this popular part of Rhodes.

The cruise is also weather-dependent. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, while poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transport, and most people can participate.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want swimming, food, drinks, and entertainment in one package. The value is especially good for anyone who expects to use the open bar and eat lunch aboard. The three stops give you variety: historic Kallithea, broad Afandou, and rocky Anthony Quinn Bay.

Skip it if you want a hushed sailing experience. For everyone else, the comfortable seating, capped group size, capable crew, clear water, and Captain Alexander’s cheerful energy make this one of the more rounded ways to spend six hours on the Rhodes coast.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes swim cruise leave from?

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

What time does the cruise start?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours and ends back at Mandraki Harbour.

Which swimming locations does the cruise visit?

The main stops are Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay. The boat also passes Faliraki Beach and Ladikos Bay.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes a Greek buffet, vegan and gluten-free choices, aperitifs, snacks, cocktails, wine, beer, water, sodas, and other nonalcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are available for use aboard the boat.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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