Lindos: Rhodes South-East Coast Cruise with Swim Stops

A Rhodes day trip that mixes history views with four real swim stops is hard to beat, especially when it starts right near Lindos. I like the way the Calypso boat keeps things relaxed, with shade onboard so you can recover between swims, and lots of comfortable places to sit.

My other favorite part is how the crew helps you actually enjoy the water, not just watch it, with snorkeling gear and float aids included. One consideration: if you are sensitive to smoke, be aware that smoking onboard came up as a frustration for at least one guest, so plan where you want to sit and what comfort matters to you.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Four swim stops along Rhodes’ south-east coast, including Kamares Pirate Caves and Agathi Beach
• Lunch and drinks included, plus fruit platters, so you can travel light
• Snorkeling equipment provided, and noodle floats make water time easier
• Shaded lower deck and comfortable seating, including cushions and beanbags
• Friendly English and Greek hosts, with clear guidance from the start

Lindos South-East Coast, four swim breaks, zero wasted time

This cruise is built for people who want their Rhodes day to feel like a hit list, but without the hard work. You start at the docks near Saint Paul’s Bay, then you cruise along the south-east coast with multiple chances to get in the water.

What makes it work is the rhythm. You are not stuck in one long stretch with nothing to do. Each swim stop gives you a clear moment to cool off, explore, and take photos, then you return to the boat for shade, lunch, and a drink.

The boat also keeps you from feeling glued to the timetable. You can hop between sun and shelter, and the crew makes sure you know what is happening next. If you want a day that feels both fun and efficient, this is a strong match.

Where you start: Saint Paul’s Bay docks, plus optional pickup

You meet at the docks of Saint Paul’s Bay. That matters because it is a short walk if you are based around Lindos, and it also helps you avoid the stress of getting to an out-of-the-way pier.

If you want a less complicated morning, pickup is optional. You choose your hotel, and the operator sends your pickup time and location. A few guests also mentioned an optional transfer style service, so if you prefer door-to-door, check what is available for your exact area.

Either way, arrive a little early. Even if the schedule is smooth most days, you will feel calmer when you do not have to rush to board.

Calypso boat comfort: shade, seating, and a small-group feel

The Calypso is described as clean and well set up, with enough room to spread out. On calmer days or early season, some guests reported small numbers onboard, like under 15. At peak times, you might see bigger groups, even around 60, but the layout still seems to work.

Here is what I would pay attention to if you want comfort:

• The lower deck gives you shade when the sun is strong
• The seating is not just benches, you get options like floor cushions and beanbags
• The sun deck is where you naturally go for views, then you can retreat back down

Music is part of the vibe on some departures. One guest noted it was mostly 70s and 80s and not loud. If you are picky about sound, bring earplugs anyway, but most people seem to treat it as background, not a disturbance.

The crew experience: Mia, Rady, Eleni and clear guidance

A big reason this cruise earns such strong ratings is how the hosts show up. You get a friendly, attentive crew, and people specifically called out Mia for being an excellent guide and host. Rady also gets praise for making the day feel easy.

Before you even sail, communication is highlighted as strong. That matters because on a boat day you want clarity, like when to board and what to bring.

During the cruise, the staff also handle real-life issues without drama. One family described help for sea-sickness. Another guest credited the host with making expectations clear from the start. If you like your tour day to feel organized, you are in the right place.

Lunch and drinks: what you actually get for $76

This is where the value becomes obvious. For about $76 per person, you are not just paying for transportation. You get:

• A Greek lunch onboard
• One soft drink or alcoholic drink per person
• Fruit platters
• Drinks available for purchase at the bar

From the onboard food reports, lunch is not a buffet free-for-all. People described it as served to your seat in individual portions, which is a big deal in the hot sun. Several guests mentioned examples like moussaka, Greek salad, Greek pasta, and even lasagne.

If you have dietary needs, you need to flag them at least 24 hours ahead. Vegan and vegetarian options were both specifically noted, which is reassuring because Greek food can be easy to adapt when someone plans it.

About drinks: the bar is reasonably priced, and at least one guest cited examples like 50 cents for water and around €3 for lemonade cans. You should still bring cash or card if you want extra drinks, but you likely will not feel “nickel-and-dimed.”

What to bring so you feel comfortable from dock to last swim

For a smooth day, pack like you are going to the beach four times in one afternoon. Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Swimwear
• A change of clothes
• Towel
• Sunscreen

If you tend to run cold after swimming, bring a light cover-up for the boat. Even in summer, you can cool down once you are out of the water and sitting in shade.

Four swim stops: Guns of Navarone Bay, Charaki, Kamares Pirate Caves, Agathi

This cruise is built around four swimming stops. You get time to swim, snorkel, and soak up the coast views from the boat.

The water is described as crystal clear in multiple accounts, and the stops are chosen so you get variety instead of repeating the same type of shoreline.

Guns of Navarone Bay: turquoise water with a movie-set vibe

The Guns of Navarone Bay stop is a great first taste of what makes Rhodes south-east coast so photogenic. Expect calm-to-moderate conditions on most days, plus easy access for getting in and out.

For me, the key here is momentum. After you board, this is your early chance to jump in and start the day feeling like a beach day, not a boat waiting room.

If you are newer to snorkeling, this type of bay can be a good “practice round” before you go toward the cave area later.

Charaki: a classic swim-and-snorkel bay

Charaki is another chance to relax in open water with a view. The point of this stop is simple: swim, float, and enjoy that bright, reflective water that makes the whole coast look unreal.

This is also a good spot if you want to take photos from a comfortable entry point, then spend time slowly snorkeling around. You do not need to chase fish miles from shore. Just enjoy what is right there.

Kamares Pirate Caves: the stop people remember

This is the star stop for many people, and for good reason. Kamares Pirate Caves are made for swimmers who like a little adventure. One family described swimming right into the cave, which tells you this is not just a “look from the boat” moment.

It is also where snorkeling gear helps most. Having goggles or masks makes the underwater view more rewarding, and float aids help you stay relaxed if you are not a strong swimmer.

Practical note: caves can make the water feel cooler right at entry. Keep your swimsuit secure, and move slowly so you do not start the cave part of the day rushed.

Agathi Beach: final swim, easy settling

Agathi Beach is the last swim stop on this route. That matters because by then you have a sense of what you enjoy most, and you are usually ready for the “let it be simple” phase.

Many guests like this stop as a clean, easy beach moment to wind down. You can swim, snorkel casually, and then rejoin the boat without feeling like you have to sprint through your swim time.

If you want your best chance at calm water and comfortable photo moments, Agathi is usually a safe bet late in the day.

Snorkeling gear, noodles, and water confidence for non-experts

This cruise includes snorkeling equipment. In practice, that means you can borrow what you need for a basic snorkel session instead of hunting around Lindos for gear.

Even more helpful: noodle floats were specifically called out by guests, and that changes the experience if you are not confident in open water. You can float, breathe easy, and still enjoy spotting fish and underwater shapes without feeling under pressure.

If you want the most fun out of the provided gear, use it in the caves and the open bays. In caves, your mask helps you see what is in the water, and floats help you keep position without tiring yourself out.

Timing and pacing: a 6-hour day that feels complete

The duration is 6 hours. That is the sweet spot for this kind of cruise. You get enough time to do four swim stops and still eat lunch and enjoy the ride without it turning into an exhausting day of logistics.

After your last stop, the boat returns you to the departure point and the tour ends. The day feels like a complete loop instead of a half-day that leaves you wishing you had more time on the water.

Is this good value? Here is the math that matters

You pay $76 per person, and you should judge the deal based on what you do not have to pay for separately.

In your ticket you get:

• The cruise itself
• Four swimming stops
• Greek lunch
• One included drink
• Fruit platters
• Snorkeling equipment

Then there is the bar. Prices are reported as very reasonable, which matters because on many boat trips you end up rationing drinks. Here, at least some guests said water and cans of lemonade cost very little.

So the value story is not just “cheap.” It is the mix of included food, included swim time, and gear that would cost you elsewhere.

Who should book this Lindos cruise (and who might not)

This is ideal if you:

• Want multiple beach swim breaks without planning each one
• Like your day at sea to include lunch and drinks
• Enjoy snorkeling but do not want to bring your own gear
• Prefer a more relaxed pace with shade onboard

You might think twice if you:

• Are very sensitive to smoke onboard, since that came up as a comfort issue for at least one guest
• Hate the idea of getting wet and sandy four times in one trip, because this day is truly a water day

Final take: should you book?

If you are staying around Lindos and you want the south-east coast in one easy package, I would book this. The combination of four swim stops, Greek lunch served onboard, and snorkeling gear for a set 6-hour block makes it feel efficient in the best way.

My only real “think twice” is comfort. If you know you are bothered by smoke while relaxing, plan your seat choice. Otherwise, this is a solid way to spend a day in Rhodes without stressing over timings.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the Lindos cruise?

Meet at the docks of Saint Paul’s Bay.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

What swim stops are included?

The cruise includes 4 swimming stops: Guns of Navarone Bay, Charaki, Kamares Pirate Caves, and Agathi.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek lunch is included onboard.

Are drinks included?

Yes. One soft drink or alcoholic drink per person is included, and additional drinks are available onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Do you offer hotel pickup?

Pickup is optional. You select your hotel, and you will be informed about the pickup time and location.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Are dietary requirements possible?

Yes, but you need to let the operator know at least 24 hours before the trip about dietary preferences such as vegan or vegetarian, or any food allergies or intolerances.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.