Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide

This is the kind of Rhodes day trip that feels local because you are out on a real fishing boat, not a parade of people in matching hats. I like the father-and-son setup, with Skevos guiding the fishing and Captain Mike handling the boat like he has done it for decades. You also get a proper sea stop for swimming and snorkelling, then you eat what you caught.

I especially like the small group size and relaxed vibe, plus the equipment and food quality. You are not stuck with random, flimsy gear, because the boat runs serious fishing kit and the lunch is cooked onboard by Skevos with the BBQ built by his father.

The one consideration is that this trip is physical in a simple way. You should be ready to get splashed, spend time on the water, and avoid it if you are pregnant or use a wheelchair.

Key things that make this trip work

• Trolling and ground fishing in a single 5-hour session, with a real plan for predator fish and seabed catches
• Captain Mike and Skevos run the day together, with coordinated hands-on help during big moments
• Onboard lunch is cooked from the catch, plus Greek salad and grilled bread with Rhodian oregano
• Snorkelling time in a quiet bay, with equipment provided if you want it
• A traditional wooden 10-meter fishing boat, with space for fishing, dining, a WC, and a freshwater shower

Setting Sail From Kolona, Outside Old Town Rhodes

Your morning starts at the port of Kolona, just outside the old town of Rhodes. That location matters because you avoid the hassle of far-flung meeting points, and you can easily get there from Rhodes town if you are exploring on your own.

Once you step onboard, the day has a clear rhythm. There is cruising time, focused fishing time, then a calm anchor moment for swimming and snorkelling.

If you can, eat breakfast before you go. You are on the water long enough that you will appreciate food timing once the BBQ starts up.

The Boat and Gear: Real Setup, Not Just a Token Fishing Line

This is a traditional, handcrafted wooden fishing boat that is about 10 meters long. It has a dedicated fishing area designed for up to 10 people, plus separate space for dining and relaxing, so you do not feel cramped once the group settles in.

You also get practical comfort pieces that make a sea trip easier than you might expect. There is a WC and a freshwater shower, and Wi-Fi is on board, which is handy if you want to share a quick photo later.

What really wins for me is that the fishing gear is upgraded, not basic. You fish with professional brands like Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi, and the boat runs a Lowrance fish finder (1000W), GPS, depth sounder, and radar. That means your guide is not guessing blind, and you get a more “real fishing” experience.

Choosing the Sea Spots: Kallithea Springs, Santa Marina, or a Shallow Sandy Beach

You do not fish in only one place. The trip selects destinations based on weather and sea conditions, which is a smart approach on a Mediterranean coastline where conditions can change fast.

On an easy day, you might head to Kallithea Springs, a famous coastal area. On quieter days, you might go to the bay of Santa Marina, which is described as calm. If the sea allows, you can also end up at a shallow sandy beach style stop.

This flexibility is one of the reasons the day feels smooth. Instead of forcing a stop that is uncomfortable, you go where it makes sense for both fishing and your swim.

Trolling for Predators: Learning the Boat Fishing Game With Skevos

After about an hour of cruising, you start trolling, which is where the “action” part of the trip kicks in. You use professional equipment provided onboard, and you are guided while you learn the mechanics.

This is not just casting and hoping. The plan targets predator fish, including small tunas, mahi mahi, amberjacks, barracudas, trumpetfish, and great trevally. Even if you do not know fishing terms, you will understand what is happening because the guide shows you what to do and when to adjust.

I like the way this is taught because you get the thrill without feeling like you are fumbling through a new hobby alone. Many first-timers end up catching, mainly because the crew keeps it practical, and the gear and boat setup are doing a lot of the work for you.

Also, you should expect the moment when everyone pays attention. The father-and-son team is trained in lifeguarding and works in coordination, so when there is a bigger catch, you see real teamwork unfold right there on deck.

Ground Fishing Near the Seabed: When the Trip Turns Patient and Real

After trolling, you shift to ground fishing for around two hours. This is targeting fish closer to the seabed, which changes the feel of the outing from fast action to steady focus.

For you, that means two things. First, you get a different type of technique to learn, and you are not repeating one pattern for the whole day. Second, you have longer stretches where you can settle in, talk with the group, and enjoy the scenery while you wait for bites.

If you are hoping for a “learn something and feel it” experience, this part is the payoff. It is where the trip becomes more than a swim and lunch, because the guides keep working the water and adjusting how you fish based on conditions.

Snorkelling and Swimming in a Quiet Bay: A Break That Feels Earned

Once the fishing is done for the session, the boat anchors in a quieter bay. This is the part you will likely remember even more than you expect, because Rhodes waters can be wonderfully clear when the wind cooperates.

You can swim or snorkel there, and snorkelling equipment is provided if you want it. Reviews also mention the use of pool noodles, which can be a confidence booster if you are not a strong swimmer.

This is also when the day’s pace turns from busy to calm. You are not “between activities,” you are actually in a proper sea break, with time to relax before lunch.

Lunch on the Boat: Fish BBQ, Gold Seabream, Sea Bass, and Greek Salad That Steals the Show

Then comes the smell test, and it is hard not to get excited. Traditional lunch is prepared onboard after the fishing and swim.

Here is what you can count on:

• The BBQ grills the fish you catch
• It also includes fresh gold seabream and sea bass, listed at 250g and up
• Greek salad is served with secret herbs that give it its own taste profile
• Charcoal-grilled bread comes with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano
• Drinks include cold beer, soft drinks, and bottled mineral water

Skevos is a certified professional chef, so this is not casual boat food. The lunch is built around extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt, and the BBQ setup is handcrafted, built by Skevos’s father himself.

I love that the meal ties into the fishing. You are not just handed lunch, you are eating a result of the trip, plus the crew makes sure nobody leaves hungry.

The Dynamic Duo: Skevos, Captain Mike, and the Real Teach-While-You-Go Style

You get a guide team with serious credibility and a family feel. Skevos runs a lot of the “on the water” instruction and also cooks, while Captain Mike brings over 35 years of professional fishing experience.

Skevos grew up around the boat, learning from his father from a young age. That matters because the explanations feel like fishing craft, not a script.

You also get a vibe that is friendly but still focused. Many people mention that everyone gets encouragement and simple instructions, even if you are new to fishing. If you are experienced, you get to try real methods with better gear than you usually find on casual tours.

Small Group Size and Shared Conversations

The trip is limited to 10 participants, which is the sweet spot for this kind of outing. You are close enough that you end up chatting, but you are not packed in.

That matters when you are learning. Better group size helps the guides respond quickly when someone is new with a reel or unsure how to handle the moment a fish takes the bait.

It also makes the lunch feel more social. People talk about what they caught, where the bite was happening, and what everyone thought of the Greek salad.

Price and Value: What $88 Buys You in a 5-Hour Sea Adventure

At $88 per person for a 5-hour trip, the value comes from the whole bundle, not one highlight. You are paying for:

• fishing equipment and baits
• guidance to use that equipment
• a full onboard meal built around fresh fish and Greek sides
• unlimited soft drinks, unlimited beer, and bottled water
• snorkelling equipment
• Wi-Fi and onboard amenities like the WC
• a small group experience rather than a crowd

For Rhodes, that is a strong deal if you want more than scenery. The day is built around doing, catching, and eating what you get on the water.

It also helps that the trip is designed with safety and communications in mind, with certified VHF/UHF systems onboard. You are not just hoping for the best.

Practical Tips Before You Go (So Your Day Stays Fun)

A few practical notes can make your experience smoother.

Wear beachwear you are okay with getting wet. This is a boat day, and you should assume some splashing. Bring a towel, since you will want to dry off after the swim.

The crew advises you to eat breakfast beforehand. If you arrive hungry, you will feel it once the sea time gets going, and lunch is later.

The trip runs rain or shine, but it does not run during storms. In other words, plan like weather can shift, but the team will still prioritize safety.

If you do not want fish or Greek salad, consider bringing a snack. The meal is built around grilled fish and salad, so it is better to be prepared if your appetite is picky.

Who This Rhodes Fishing Trip Fits Best

This trip is ideal if you want a hands-on day in the Mediterranean that mixes fishing with sea time and a proper meal. You will especially like it if:

• you are a beginner and want guidance you can follow on a boat
• you want small group attention instead of a large tour shuffle
• you care about food and want it cooked onboard from what was caught

It is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, based on the activity requirements.

If you hate boats or being in open water, you might find this tiring. But if you are comfortable on the sea and like the idea of learning a skill, you will probably have a great time.

Should You Book Skevos Fishing Trip?

I think you should book this if you want a Rhodes outing that feels genuinely “worked for,” not just photographed. The combination of small group fishing, a calm swim stop, and a chef-led onboard BBQ lunch makes the whole day feel complete.

Book it sooner if you can. You are paying for more than a ride, you are paying for gear, instruction, and food, all run by Skevos and Captain Mike with decades of real sea experience.

Skip it if mobility or pregnancy makes a boat day unrealistic for you, or if you only want a short, easy sightseeing stop. For the rest of you, this is one of the most value-heavy ways to spend half your day on the water in Rhodes.

FAQ

Where do we meet for the fishing trip?

You meet at the port of Kolona, outside the old town of Rhodes, at your fishing boat.

How long is the tour?

The tour lasts 5 hours.

What is included with the ticket price?

Fishing equipment and baits are included, along with an onboard meal, unlimited soft drinks, unlimited beer, bottled mineral water, snorkelling equipment (if you want it), Wi-Fi, and a toilet.

Do I get time to swim or snorkel?

Yes. After the fishing, the boat anchors in a quiet bay where you can swim and snorkel. Snorkelling equipment is available if you wish to use it.

Is there a guide, and what language do they speak?

Yes. The instructor is English, and the fishing is guided by the hosts including Skevos and Captain Mike.

Is the lunch cooked onboard?

Yes. Lunch is prepared onboard, using a traditional BBQ to grill fish and includes Greek salad and grilled bread.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel.

Should I eat before the tour?

Yes, it is advised that you eat breakfast before you go.

What kind of weather does the trip run in?

The tour runs rain or shine, but it will not take place during storms.