Rhodes Day Cruise (with lunch & unlimited drinks) 5,5 Hours

What makes this Rhodes day cruise interesting is the mix of three beach-and-snorkel stops plus an easy, all-inclusive feel on a classic wooden boat. I love that you get snorkeling equipment included and that the lunch is proper Greek-style food, not a sad afterthought. The one thing to keep in mind is timing, you only get about 50 minutes at each swimming stop, so you’ll want to be ready when the boat anchors.

This is a good-value half-day if you want Rhodes sea time without spending your day chasing beach buses. I also like the small-group vibe, with a maximum of 35 people, and the crew staying on top of drinks and comfort. One practical caution: getting on and off can involve steps, so if you’re traveling with mobility limits, plan extra time and go prepared.

Key things to know before you go

• Three swim stops in one outing: Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kalithea Springs, each with about 50 minutes in the water.
• Unlimited drinks with lunch: beer, red and white wine, plus soft drinks, coffee or tea, and water kept coming.
• Snorkeling gear is included: you don’t need to pack equipment, just show up.
• On-board comfort basics: restroom on board, shower, and WiFi (handy for quick updates).
• Small group size: up to 35 travelers means less chaos than the big-boat day.
• Arrive early for the best spot: some guests recommend getting there about 30 minutes early to snag the nicer viewing area.

A classic wooden-boat Rhodes cruise with real swim time

If your Rhodes plan includes sea views, this trip delivers. You start at Royal Sailing Rhodes in the marina area, then head out for a slow, scenic boat day where the main event is water time. This is not a long sightseeing day. It’s a half-day focused on beaches, snorkeling, and hanging out on board with food and drinks.

The boat itself feels like part of the experience. Reviews often mention comfy seating up on the bow area with padded spots and bean bag chairs. That matters because it makes the ride pleasant, even when you’re just waiting for the next swim stop.

Royal Sailing Rhodes: where to meet and how the day flows

You meet at Royal Sailing Rhodes, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The start time is 10:00 am, and the cruise returns back to the meeting point at the end.

Most days run as a smooth loop: board, set off, anchor for a swim, eat, swim again, then head back. You should expect a relaxed rhythm rather than a strict, every-minute schedule. That’s good news if you want the day to feel like a vacation, not an itinerary project.

Two logistics points I think are worth your attention:

• Get there early. Some guests say arriving about 30 minutes ahead helps you secure better seats for sun and views.
• Boarding and re-boarding involve steps. There’s at least one complaint about the stairs feeling a bit hard when it’s time to climb back on, especially for older travelers. If you have knee issues, go slow and consider asking crew for help.

The boat has the basics you’ll want for a day on the water: a restroom on board, a shower, and WiFi. That shower can be a real morale boost after you’ve been splashing around.

Stop 1, Afandou Beach: a quiet warm-up with lunch included

Afandou Beach is your first anchor stop, and it’s set up like a gentle start. You get about 50 minutes to swim and snorkel, plus time to relax on a quieter shoreline and let the sea air do its job.

This stop is the one where the food timing works well. You’ll eat a lunch buffet with local flavor, including vegetarian dishes. The menu includes items like Greek salad, tzatziki, olives, bread, and mains such as chicken, rice, and pasta. You’ll also have red or white wine with the lunch.

A practical way to enjoy this first stop: snorkel early, then spend the remaining time just drifting and swimming. Because the stop is timed, you’ll get more out of it if you avoid doing everything at the last 10 minutes.

Stop 2, Anthony Quinn Bay: snorkeling gear, clear water, and famous vibes

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star name on the route, and it’s easy to see why. It’s one of Rhodes’ most impressive beach areas, and the water is often described as calm and crystal clear. You get another 50 minutes to swim and snorkel, with equipment provided.

This is the stop where having your snorkeling basics handled for you pays off. You do not have to rent gear or fuss with your own mask. You can just get in, check your comfort level, then go from there.

One more tip: if you’re the type who likes photos, this is where to be ready. The water clarity and the bay setting make it a natural backdrop. Even if you don’t snorkel far, you’ll still enjoy the view from the boat and from the water.

Stop 3, Kalithea Springs: the last swim in bright, clean water

Kalithea Springs is the final swim stop. You’ll get about 50 minutes to swim and snorkel again in crystal-clear water.

By the time you reach the last anchor, you’ll probably understand the whole rhythm of the day, swim, reset, snack or drink, repeat. This final stop feels like your chance to linger a bit more because you know the boat will be back for you at the end.

If you’re someone who gets cold easily, plan for it. Even in good weather, sea water can feel cooler than you expect, especially if there’s wind. Still, the general vibe here is that the water is easy to enjoy.

Unlimited drinks and lunch: what you actually get

The all-inclusive part is one of the biggest reasons people recommend this cruise. The drinks are not just bottled water and one sad beer. You get ongoing service for beer, red and white wine, plus soft drinks like Pepsi and Fanta (orange and lemon), juice, and bottled water. Coffee and tea are also included.

Snacks like fruits show up too, so you’re not waiting for a big meal to feel human again. Reviews specifically highlight the crew regularly topping up drinks and keeping people comfortable.

Lunch is a real meal. Based on what’s listed, you’ll get:

• Greek salad and tzatziki
• olives and bread
• mains like chicken, rice, pasta, plus other Greek items like dolmadakia (listed as Ntolmadakia)
• vegetarian options as part of the buffet spread

One caution, because I’ve learned to trust small differences: not every day’s food experience lands the same. There are complaints in the reviews about the lunch not matching expectations on some departures. That said, most feedback is strongly positive, with many guests calling the food fresh and enjoyable.

If you care about the food, show up hungry and don’t rely on it being a fancy restaurant meal. It’s a boat buffet built for feeding people well during a swim-focused day.

Snorkeling without the stress: equipment, floats, and a smart plan

You get snorkeling equipment included, which is the easiest possible way to handle the day. That matters because snorkeling gear can be the biggest hidden hassle on boat trips: you either pack it, rent it, or skip it.

Reviews also mention floats available, which is a nice safety and comfort detail. Even if you feel confident in the water, floats can help you relax and enjoy the moment without feeling rushed.

Here’s the smart way to use your limited 50-minute swim windows:

• Put your gear on immediately after the boat anchors.
• Do one calm snorkeling pass first.
• Then decide if you want to swim farther or just hang out.

If you’re traveling with beginners, this structure helps everyone. It’s not an all-day snorkeling commitment. It’s repeated short chances.

On-board comfort: WiFi, shower, and why the bow matters

This cruise does a few small things right for life on a boat. There’s a restroom on board, and there’s even a shower, so you can rinse off salt after your swims. WiFi on board is included, which is useful if you want to send a message or check something quickly before you disconnect.

The seating also comes up a lot in reviews. People talk about padded cushions and bean bag chairs at the bow. That means you’re not stuck sitting upright the entire time. You can spread out, sunbathe a bit, and take in the marina views as the boat pulls away.

If you want the best experience, try to get one of the more comfortable spots early. And because this is a popular trip, arriving early helps.

Timing realities: why 50 minutes can feel perfect or rushed

The itinerary is built on three about-50-minute swim stops. That’s a great balance for most people. You get real time in the water, but you’re not stuck in long stretches between anchors.

Still, one of the risks of any half-day boat trip is that if conditions change, it can affect timing. A few issues showed up in the reviews: late departures in some cases, and complaints that the water time felt shorter than expected. There were also comments about boat speed affecting how quickly the trip moved between locations.

What that means for you: if you’re trying to plan around a cruise ship schedule or a tight day, build in a buffer. Also remember that “about 50 minutes” is not the same as “exactly 50 minutes.” Your best move is to treat the stop times as flexible and enjoy what you get.

Price and value check for $72.56 per person

At $72.56 per person, this cruise sits in the mid-range for Rhodes day trips. The value comes from the combination, not just one feature.

You’re paying for:

• three swimming stops in famous areas
• snorkeling equipment included
• lunch buffet plus snacks
• unlimited drinks during the cruise (beer, wine, soft drinks, water)
• onboard conveniences like restroom, shower, and WiFi

If you tried to piece that together yourself, you’d spend money on boat transport, beach access, and food. Even if you found cheaper boat tickets, the all-inclusive drinks and the included lunch are a big part of why this price can feel fair.

I think it’s especially good value if you don’t want a headache day. You get a structured outing with the main work handled for you, find the boat, anchor at beaches, feed you, refill drinks.

Who this Rhodes day cruise suits best

This is a great match if you want:

• a swim-focused half-day in Rhodes
• a smaller-group feel (up to 35 people)
• included snorkeling gear and a boat-hosted lunch
• steady drinks without tracking costs

It can also work well for families and groups, since the day’s built around simple activities. One review even singled out the cruise as a favorite for teen boys because there were multiple swimming stops and an easy, fun structure.

Who might want to skip or adjust expectations:

• If you’re expecting a long, deep sightseeing tour, this is not that.
• If you need maximum time in the water, the about-50-minute stops might feel short.
• If steps are a big issue for you, plan for the boarding process and consider whether that matters more than the itinerary.

Should you book the Rhodes Day Cruise with lunch and unlimited drinks?

I’d book it if your priority is sea time plus an easy meal and drink plan. The best parts are consistent: three beautiful swim stops, snorkeling gear included, and a crew that keeps things moving and people comfortable.

I’d hesitate only if your travel style depends on long, unhurried beach sessions or if you’re very sensitive to timing. Because the day is packed with anchor stops, you’ll feel it if your departure runs late or if conditions make the schedule tighter.

My practical call: book it if you want a classic Rhodes day on the water. If you’re sailing from a cruise ship day, give yourself extra buffer time and get to the marina early so you are not scrambling at the last minute. Then spend the whole day doing the simple thing, swim, snorkel, eat, repeat, and enjoy Rhodes’ coastline from the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Day Cruise with lunch and unlimited drinks?

The cruise runs about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 10:00 am. You meet at Royal Sailing Rhodes, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece.

What beaches are included on the route?

There are three stops: Afandou Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Yes. Lunch is included, with a buffet menu that includes items such as chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, olives, and bread. Vegetarian dishes are also available as part of the lunch.

Are drinks included, and what’s available?

Yes. Alcoholic drinks are included, including beer, white and red wine, and there are also soft drinks such as Pepsi and Fanta, plus juice and bottled water. Coffee and tea are included too.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Flippers and towels are not included.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi is available on board.

What is the cancellation policy if weather is poor or plans change?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.