Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

This boat trip to Lindos with swimming stops in two famous bays is a great mix of sightseeing and easy sea time. I love the 3 hours free in Lindos to explore at your own pace, and I love that the return trip includes swimming and snorkeling stops where you can cool off. The one drawback to keep in mind is that your Lindos time is also at peak heat, so plan for a hot walk if you want the Acropolis view.

What makes it work well is the day is structured so you are not stuck on the water the whole time. You get a late morning arrival, a solid chunk of town time, then a couple of short (but scenic) dips on the way back. If you are sensitive to crowds or heat, the key is timing and footwear.

Key Points Before You Go

• Early Lindos arrival: You reach Lindos Harbor around 11:00, with boat check-back by about 13:45.
• Two top swim bays on the return: You get stops at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay for about 30 minutes each.
• Free entry for the bays, not lunch: You get paid-time and sea breaks, but lunch is on your own in Lindos.
• Bring goggles and sunscreen: Some people say snorkel gear is not included, so come prepared.
• Comfort is solid, but the boat can get crowded: Seating can fill up, so aim for good spots early (especially on deck).
• Hotel pickup may mean a very early start: Some pickups happen before the stated start time, so double-check your exact pickup message.

Rhodes Boat Trip to Lindos: How the Day Actually Feels

This is one of those Rhodes excursions that feels easy on paper and busy in real life, in the best way. You start from Rhodes Harbor in the morning, cruise to Lindos, spend a few hours in town, then come back with two short sea breaks built in.

The timing matters. Boats typically depart Rhodes Harbor at 08:40 (on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday). Most people reach Lindos Harbor around 11:00, which gives you time to get organized before the heat gets intense. You have about three hours free in Lindos, with a return-to-boat deadline around 13:45, then you leave Lindos around 14:00. You are back to Rhodes Harbor around 17:30.

So you are not just “seeing Lindos from the boat.” You get enough time to actually walk around. And because the swim stops are on the return, they feel like the day’s reward, not a rushed add-on.

From Harbor to Lindos: The Cruise Part You Can Enjoy (Not Just Tolerate)

The ride is part of the point. You are out on the water in Rhodes, with sun, sea views, and the simple relief of not walking for a while. The tour also includes a restroom on board, which sounds basic, but it makes a long day feel a lot more manageable.

Boats can get lively. Many trips run with up to 180 travelers, so you might find it packed, especially if you board when everyone else is hungry for deck space. If you care about getting a relaxed spot, go early, claim seating, and if you want the best views, choose a position on the top deck when possible.

One practical note: some boats play music during the cruise. If you love quiet, plan to use earplugs or choose your location on the boat accordingly.

Swim timing before Lindos (a possible extra)

The schedule you follow is Lindos-focused, but some departures report an additional short swimming stop on the way out. You should assume there will be swimming around the bays, and come ready with goggles and swimwear, even if you cannot count on an extra stop every single day.

Lindos in 3 Hours: Acropolis Views, Cobblestones, and the Heat Reality

Three hours sounds generous until you picture Lindos. This is a steep, pretty place with cobblestone lanes, lots of small shops, and that classic Acropolis viewpoint above the harbor. The good news is you have time to do a real loop. The hard news is the walk can be hot and sometimes steep.

Here is the rhythm that tends to work best:

• Start with the harbor area and choose whether you want to head upward early.
• If you want the Acropolis, plan your uphill time first, before you get stuck taking too many breaks in the sun.
• Save time to wander back down for snacks, a cold drink, and harbor views.

The Acropolis is popular and can have lines. One helpful strategy is to buy tickets online with timed entry so you can reduce waiting. But keep it realistic: if your boat schedule includes swimming before you reach Lindos, your best timed ticket window can feel tight. If you want Acropolis time, pick a plan that gives you breathing room.

What to wear and bring for Lindos

This is where comfort turns into confidence.

• Wear sensible footwear. Sandals can feel painful on heat and uneven stone.
• Bring sunscreen and a hat. Lindos heat is no joke.
• If you do not want the Acropolis climb, you can still enjoy the town and spend more time at the harbor and beach area. Some people choose to relax near the sea rather than chase the top viewpoint.

There is also a cultural detail you will notice: you may see donkeys used to carry people up the steep hill. In very hot conditions, that can affect your mood and your choice of how you get around, so decide ahead of time whether you want to walk, sit, or use local options.

Tsambika Bay Stop: A Short, Famous Splash

On the way back to Rhodes, you get a stop at Tsambika Bay. The time is short, around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

This stop is valuable because it gives you a chance to cool down right after your Lindos time, when you are often sun-baked and ready to reset. Tsambika is known as a scenic beach area, and in this kind of stop, you mostly use it for:

• a quick swim
• snorkeling for a look at sea life near shore
• taking photos where the cliffs and coastline give you strong framing

Because the time is brief, treat this as a “get in, get your bearings, enjoy, get out” stop. Do not over-plan your snorkeling. You want relaxed fun, not gear-management stress.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Snorkeling Scenes from The Guns of Navarone

The last swim stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, named for the legendary actor and famous for being a natural filming location for The Guns of Navarone. This bay is one of the reasons this tour gets such high praise.

Expect clear water and an underwater look that feels more alive than a generic hotel beach. The stop is also about 30 minutes, which can be enough if you enter quickly and keep moving at a calm pace.

What you will likely notice is the seabed and the mix of seaweed and coral-like areas, plus colorful fish swimming around you. It is not a “whole expedition,” but it can be a standout moment because it feels different from Lindos walking and different from beach time. If you have your own goggles, this is where they matter most.

Snorkeling gear: bring your own if you can

Some reviews indicate snorkeling gear is not provided, or availability can be limited. Even if you think you can rent or buy, the safer approach is to bring your own goggles. Sunscreen also helps, because you will be in the sun again after your swim.

Onboard Comfort and Food: What to Expect in Real Life

The boat experience is part of what you pay for, and for many people it is a highlight. The best reports talk about friendly crew and a smooth flow from pickup to boat to return.

Here is what you can count on from the tour description:

• a skipper
• stops for swimming and snorkeling
• a restroom on board

Food and drinks are not included, but there is a bar on board where you can purchase snacks and drinks. People report the snack and drink selection can be reasonably priced. If you are prone to getting hungry, eat something before you head out of Rhodes Harbor, then use onboard purchases as a top-up rather than a full plan.

Also, seating can be an issue when the boat is full. One common complaint is that it can feel crowded with chairs everywhere. So if you care about comfort, aim for early boarding and try to grab the best spot you can. Many guests like being on deck for views, so position yourself there if you want the sea-sky feeling.

Price and Value: Is This Worth About $60.46?

At around $60.46 per person, this tour is good value if you care about three things:

1) reaching Lindos without dealing with driving or ferry logistics

2) getting real time in town, not just a quick drop-and-run

3) adding two swim moments that break up the day

You are paying for a full half-day-plus structure: boat transport, a skipper, guided stops for sea time, and onboard facilities like the restroom. Lunch is not included, and that is the main gap. But Lindos is full of places to eat, so this is not a problem if you treat lunch as part of the experience rather than a missing add-on.

If you were hoping for a deep snorkeling lesson or a long guided underwater tour, this is not that. It is short stops, quick fun, and then town time. The value comes from combining Lindos and the bays in one ticket, without requiring you to coordinate multiple transport plans yourself.

Best For, Not For: Who Should Book This

This trip fits best if you want a “great day out” style itinerary:

• You want Lindos but you do not want to manage transport alone.
• You like swimming in clear bays and you are happy with short stops.
• You enjoy a relaxed boat atmosphere with time to wander town.

It may not be your best choice if:

• you hate crowds and you are very sensitive to packed seating
• you cannot handle steep walking or very hot sun in Lindos
• you need long snorkeling time with gear included

One more practical mindset shift: this is a day with a lot going on. You are not staying in one place for hours at a beach. You are rotating between boat, town, then water again. If you like that pace, you will probably love it.

Practical Tips That Make a Big Difference

These are small choices that pay off:

• Bring goggles and a swim-friendly towel. Even if you can purchase gear on board, the safest plan is to travel with your own.
• Wear sunscreen and bring a hat. Lindos walking plus sea time means you will get sun twice.
• Choose footwear you can walk in for the Acropolis climb. Sandals can become a problem fast.
• Arrive early for port check-in. You may face queues to handle tickets, and being early helps you settle in.
• If you want Acropolis views, plan uphill first. Do not let your time get eaten by last-minute browsing and shade hunts.
• Expect the day to run long. Start early, return around 17:30, and plan dinner afterward.

Also, if you are traveling with someone who struggles with heat or steep hills, it can help to agree on the plan in advance. One person can chase the Acropolis while another may focus on the harbor, beach area, and relaxing.

Final Call: Should You Book This Lindos Boat Trip?

If your ideal Rhodes day includes Lindos time plus clear-water breaks, this is an excellent fit. The standout value is the combination: three hours in Lindos plus two recognized swim bays on the return. Add in the generally praised smooth organization and friendly crew, and it becomes a dependable choice.

I would skip it if you want long snorkeling sessions with guaranteed gear, or if you know heat and crowds will stress you out. In those cases, you may prefer a slower beach plan or a more focused activity that stays in one place.

If you want Lindos and you want the sea to cool you down, book it with confidence, then bring goggles, wear good shoes, and give yourself enough time to enjoy Lindos before the boat calls you back.

FAQ

What days does the boat trip to Lindos run?

The schedule runs on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

About how long is the experience?

It runs about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get around 3 hours in Lindos, with the boat leaving around 14:00.

Are lunch and snacks included?

Lunch is not included. There is a bar on the boat where you can buy snacks and drinks.

What swimming stops are included on the return?

You stop at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay for swimming and snorkeling, each with about 30 minutes of time.

Is pickup available from hotels?

Pickup is offered, and you choose the variation that covers your hotel. You should enter your hotel name in the special requirements field to receive your pickup time.

How does cancellation work if poor weather cancels the trip?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.