Sun & Sea All Inclusive 3 Hour Swimming Cruise (WITH PICK UP SERVICE)

A short Rhodes swimming cruise is a smart break from temples and old towns, because you trade sightseeing for clear water and quick, frequent swims. This one keeps things simple: you go from Faliraki to three of the island’s most swimmable anchor spots and you are back on land fast.

I really like that it is all inclusive on the boat, with soft drinks plus an open bar (beer, wine, water, and a cocktail of the day made from fresh fruit), along with snacks like local honey and sesame bars plus a fruit platter. You also get snorkel equipment and swimming noodles, so you do not need to pack or rent much just to enjoy the water.

One thing to consider up front: you do not really get beach time. You swim right off the boat, and the stops are short, so plan on quick swims and not lingering around sand.

Key Highlights You Will Feel on This Cruise

• Three swim stops in about 3 hours: Afandou Beach, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay
• Traganou Caves at Stop 1, where you can snorkel around the cave area from the anchored boat
• All inclusive food and drinks on board, including local snacks and a cocktail made on the spot
• Snorkel gear plus noodles included, which makes this easy for families and first-timers
• Faliraki round trip pickup by minibus, with a smaller group size (maximum 28 travelers)
• Anthony Quinn Bay film connection, known for being a filming location for Guns of Navarone

Three Swim Stops in 3 Hours, and How That Shapes Your Day

This is the kind of tour that fits when you want sea time without committing to a full half day or all-day boat trip. The schedule is tight on purpose, with three stops that range from about 30 minutes each, plus a longer final stop. You are not touring Rhodes by land, you are using the time to get in and out of the water.

For me, the value is how much is included for the price. At about $66.51 per person, you are paying for boat transportation, three swim opportunities, snorkeling gear, and an on-board snack and drink setup. If you have ever tried to cobble that together in Rhodes on your own, it can add up quickly, and this gives you one paid plan with fewer decisions.

The pacing matters though. Short stop times mean you will want to be ready fast when the crew drops anchor, especially at the best-looking water. Also, the access is from the boat. You are not arriving at a sandy beach where you can wander for an hour. If that beach-style day is what you want, this is not the right fit.

Price and Logistics: Where the Pickup Really Works

This cruise runs out of Faliraki Harbor and returns there. If you are staying in Faliraki, you get round trip transfer by a minibus. One key detail: transfers must be arranged the day before. That means you should not wait until the morning of the cruise to confirm pickup points.

If you are starting from cruise ships, Rhodes Town, or Ixia, there is an extra transfer charge of 10 euros per person. The tour also notes that a cruise ship transfer is not simply automatic in the same way as the Faliraki hotel pickup.

You will need to think about timing too. Some reviews mention that transfer to the marina can be a squeeze and hot, especially on crowded days. If you are sensitive to cramped rides, bring water and plan to keep expectations realistic during the transfer portion.

The Boat Experience: Catamaran Comfort, With a Reality Check

The tour description calls it a comfortable 36-foot catamaran with couch-style seating and a laid-back feel. Many people like the open-air setup, the easy seating, and the fact that you can relax while the crew takes you between anchor points.

But a few reviews point out something important for your planning: the boat may feel older than what photos suggest, and some seats or cushions can be wet. A couple of people also noted limited variety in drink options and that snorkeling gear may not be their preferred condition.

So here is how I would treat it: expect a small, fun swimming boat more than a brand-new luxury craft. If you come for the water and the stops, you are likely to be happy. If you come for a polished, photo-perfect yacht vibe, you might feel disappointed.

Stop 1: Afandou Beach and the Traganou Caves Snorkeling Spot

The first stop is Afandou Beach, with the boat anchoring near the Traganou Caves. This is the most interesting stop for people who want something beyond plain open-water swimming.

What makes it special is the cave element. You can snorkel around the cave area from the anchored boat, and the water there tends to look deep and clear. Even when you are not an experienced snorkeler, the setup is straightforward: you use the snorkel gear provided, take your time getting comfortable, and then focus on enjoying what is around you in the water.

A practical drawback: because the cruise runs on a fast timeline, you get only about 30 minutes here. That means you should treat it like a focused session. Put on your snorkel gear quickly, swim to the cave area while the boat is stopped, and avoid spending the first half of the time figuring everything out.

Also note that reviews include different impressions of water conditions. Some people said other stops had more wave action, while the caves stop was often described as the more memorable one. If you are choosing this cruise mainly for snorkeling, Afandou and Traganou Caves are the reason to go.

Stop 2: Ladiko Bay, Calm Water and the Meaning Behind the Name

The second anchor point is Ladiko Bay, and there is a neat story attached to it. The name comes from the Greek word Λάδι, which means oil, referring to how calm and clear the water can feel in this bay.

This stop is ideal when you want a more relaxed swim without fighting chop. If you like snorkeling but do not want heavy currents or busy water, this is likely to feel easier.

In practice, you still have limited time. About 30 minutes at Ladiko means you will probably do one main swim pass and maybe a short snorkel session if you feel comfortable. It is also a good stop for taking quick photos from the waterline, since Ladiko can look glassy when conditions cooperate.

If you are bringing kids, this is also the kind of stop that tends to work well. Several people described the overall trip as laid back and the timing as manageable, which can help younger swimmers avoid burnout.

Stop 3: Anthony Quinn Bay, Film Location Views, and a Longer Swim

The final and longest swim stop is Anthony Quinn Bay. It is often described as the most beautiful bay on Rhodes, with clear water and green surroundings. It also has a strong connection to pop culture, since it is known for being a filming location for Guns of Navarone.

This stop tends to get the best reviews, mainly because the water quality and the scenery are hard to beat. Many people said this is where the swimming feels most rewarding, and it is also where the bay’s dramatic look works well for photos.

You get about 45 minutes here, so you have more time to settle in. If you want to explore a little, swim around at a slower pace, or spend extra minutes snorkel-watching, this is the moment to do it.

One caution: a few reviews noted that not all stops have equal swimming conditions. If Ladiko or Afandou feels choppier on the day, Anthony Quinn Bay can still end up being the best and most comfortable. That is why, even if you are not a super confident swimmer, you can still enjoy this cruise by using Anthony Quinn Bay as your main swim time.

Food, Drinks, and Snorkel Gear: What You Actually Get

This tour is clearly built around the idea that you do not have to pay for snacks or drinks on the boat. You get soft drinks and an open bar, with beer, wine, water, and a cocktail of the day made on the spot from fresh fruit. People specifically mentioned cocktails like a strawberry daiquiri, so if that kind of drink is your thing, this is one of the fun perks.

For snacks, you get local options such as Melekouni (honey and sesame bars) plus a fruit platter. Some reviews describe the fruit platter as decent and a nice add-on rather than a full meal substitute.

Snacks matter here because the trip is short. You might get hungry later, especially if you swim hard or do not eat much before boarding. Plan on having breakfast or an early lunch before you go, and treat the boat snacks as a supplement.

Snorkel equipment and swimming noodles are included. That is a big plus if you travel with minimal gear or if you want your kids to feel comfortable. A few reviews raised concerns about snorkel gear condition and noodle age, though. If you are a serious snorkeler or you are picky about fit, bringing your own mask or snorkel can be a smart safety net.

Finally, hydration is real. Rhodes sun can be strong, and several reviews specifically suggested sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, you can burn fast when you are out on open water.

How the On-Board Vibe Can Change Day to Day

This is a small-group outing, with a maximum of 28 travelers. In theory, that helps keep it social but not chaotic.

Still, the vibe can shift. Some people loved the relaxed atmosphere and friendly crew. Others complained about loud music and crowded seating on certain days. If you want quiet, calm, adult conversation, this is where you might want to manage expectations. If your priority is swimming and scenery, the cruise tends to deliver.

A good sign: many reviews mention the captain and crew as friendly and safety oriented. That matters because you are getting in and out of the water from the boat, and you are relying on the crew to manage the stops smoothly.

If you are sensitive to boat comfort details, keep this in mind. Some reviews mentioned wet cushions and an older-feeling boat. Not everyone cares, but it helps to know what you might be trading for the included swims and drinks.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Should Skip)

This experience is a great fit if you want a simple swim day in Rhodes. You do not have to navigate bus routes, you do not need to find a rental boat, and you get three distinct water environments in one outing.

It is also a solid option for mixed groups: couples who want a break from ruins, friends who want a fun, laid-back half day, and families who want manageable swim sessions. Several reviews mentioned that the timing worked well for kids, with short swim windows that prevent them from getting too tired.

It may be less ideal if you:

• Want a beach day with sand time instead of boat-to-water entry
• Expect a brand-new luxury catamaran based purely on photos
• Want a guided explanation of Rhodes history at each stop, because the trip can be light on narration
• Dislike crowded boats or lively music

If you are an adult who wants space to sit comfortably and stay dry, the stop style and boat layout could feel limiting. Also, a couple reviews mentioned limited drink variety and basic snack portions, so do not treat snacks as a full meal plan.

Booking Smart: What to Pack and How to Enjoy Your Swims

To get the most out of your time at anchor, pack like you are going to swim right away. Bring sunscreen, especially if you get sun easily. Bring swimwear that dries fast, and consider a light towel or something to manage wet seating if that bothers you.

If you like snorkeling, consider bringing your own snorkel mask if you are particular about hygiene or fit. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, but a few people raised questions about cleanliness and condition.

Also, remember this cruise is built around quick stop windows. You will enjoy it more if you keep your gear organized and ready before you board. Once you arrive at the first stop, you will have less time than you think, especially with cave snorkeling where you might want both comfort and focus.

Finally, if you are doing the cruise while the weather is changeable, be flexible in your mindset. The experience requires good weather, and on rougher days conditions can affect swimming at certain stops.

Should You Book Sun and Sea All Inclusive 3 Hour Swimming Cruise?

Book it if you want a value-packed, short Rhodes swim day with three anchor stops, included snorkel gear and noodles, and an open bar plus snacks. The itinerary hits the places most people want for clear water, including Traganou Caves and Anthony Quinn Bay’s film-location fame.

Skip it or choose another style of boat trip if you want beach time, long swims, or a heavily guided cultural tour. Also think twice if you know crowded boats and limited stop duration will frustrate you.

My bottom line: this is a practical pick for swimmers and snorkel fans who want maximum water time in minimum planning time, and who can handle the boat-to-water entry style without expecting sandy shores.

FAQ

How long is the Sun & Sea all inclusive swimming cruise?

It runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Faliraki Harbor in Faliraki and ends back at the same meeting point.

Do I get picked up from my hotel?

If you are staying in Faliraki, round-trip transfer from Faliraki hotels is offered, but you must arrange it the day before.

Which swim stops are included?

You visit Afandou Beach (near Traganou Caves), Ladiko Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

What is included on board?

Snacks and soft drinks are included, along with an open bar (beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a cocktail of the day). Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles are also included.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included.

Are transfers included if I am coming from a cruise ship or Rhodes Town?

Transfers are not included the same way. Clients from cruise ships, Rhodes Town, or Ixia require a 10 euros per person transfer charge.

How many travelers are on the boat at maximum?

The maximum group size is 28 travelers.

What happens if the weather is not good?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.