Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board

This is the kind of Rhodes trip that feels “all day, but not heavy.” You fish for a few hours, then you shift gears to a swim and snorkel around the Kalithea Caves area, with lunch cooked on board. I love the small-group vibe, up to 12 people, because it makes it easier to get hands-on help with your lines. One possible drawback: your catch can be hit-or-miss, and if you have a tight cruise schedule, you should plan a buffer since the boat can run late.

The second big win for me is the onboard meal. Reports from past riders describe a proper BBQ on board after fishing, with grilled fish plus sides like Greek salad and fresh fruit, and even soft drinks and beer or wine available. The trade-off is that the boat experience is not luxury, so go in expecting something practical, a little rough around the edges, and you will enjoy it more.

Key highlights worth knowing before you go

• Up to 12 people on a small boat, which means more direct attention when you bait hooks or untangle lines
• Guides like Angelo and Vasili (names you may hear) focus on teaching, not just watching you fish
• Kalithea Caves swim and snorkel stop with clear water and rocky coastal views
• BBQ lunch on board after fishing, with grilled fish and sides, plus optional drinks
• Bring wipes for the toilet area, because there is a toilet but no sink (so plan smart)
• Plan extra time for ship departures, since the crew may not shorten the trip if they are behind schedule

Rhodes Fishing With a Caves Swim, the trip in plain terms

This is a half-day rhythm: you spend about 3 hours fishing in Rhodes waters, then you head to the Kalithea Springs and cave area for about 1 hour of swimming and snorkel time, and the BBQ lunch happens on board during the overall flow of the trip.

It is not a private speedboat tour. It is an older-school fishing outing that leans into fun, teamwork, and scenery. If your idea of a good vacation day includes sea air, a little action on the line, and a real meal without hunting for a taverna afterward, you are in the right place.

Meeting point near 25is Martiou 2, and how to avoid the common confusion

You meet at 25is Martiou 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The key detail is that the actual start is on the waterfront, not where the pin on many maps tends to land.

If you are arriving by public transport, you should be able to get close easily, but don’t assume the closest street view equals the boat location. I’d get there early, walk down toward the water, and confirm you are at the right dock before you settle.

You’ll also want to factor in that this experience uses a mobile ticket, so make sure your phone battery is healthy. If you rely on cellular data, download the ticket before you go.

The 3-hour fishing segment in Rhodes waters, beginner friendly without the babying

The fishing part is built for mixed skill levels. If you’re new, the crew helps you handle the basics: baiting the hook, casting, and reeling. If you already fish, you can jump right into trying for local species.

In practice, what makes this work is that the guide energy is hands-on. Names you may hear include Angelo and Vasili, and they are described as helpful with the little things that stop most beginners from enjoying themselves. People also mention line help, like getting your lines untangled and getting back to fishing fast.

What you should realistically expect:

• A relaxed pace with time to try your luck from the boat
• Guidance so you spend more time fishing than figuring things out
• Catch results that can vary day to day

One caution from the experience write-ups: fishing can be so-so on some days. If you come only chasing guaranteed fish, you might feel a little disappointed. If you come for the outing itself, you are likely to have a great time even if the fish count is low.

Kalithea Springs and the caves swim, where the real wow often happens

After fishing, you trade the rod for swim gear and head toward the Kalithea Springs and caves area. This is where the trip’s scenery and water time kick in.

You get an hour at the swim stop, with the chance to swim and snorkel near the rocky beaches around the caves. The water is often described as cool and clear, and many people say the swim time makes the day even if the fishing is slow.

Here’s how to think about it:

• This is a practical swim stop, not a long beach day
• Snorkeling quality depends on the water and your comfort level
• The caves area is the point, so don’t plan on doing everything as a long rest

If you like ocean time, this stop is a strong reason to book. It’s the part that tends to feel more “vacation” than “activity.”

BBQ on board lunch, the meal that turns a boat day into a proper day

Lunch is part of the charm. Reports describe a BBQ that is cooked well by the captain, and people specifically mention grilled fish plus sides like Greek salad and fresh fruit. Some write-ups mention that the food portion is generous.

There’s also mention of drinks available on board, including soft drinks and beer or wine. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, stick with the soft drinks, and treat it like a laid-back lunch at sea.

A useful way to judge value here: you are not paying for just “water time.” You’re paying for a full package, fishing time plus a guided experience plus a cooked meal without needing to find a restaurant later.

Small-boat reality check: what the boat experience feels like

This is not a glassy, modern catamaran situation. People describe the boat as a bit primitive, older, or not luxury. That matters if you expect everything to be spotless and new.

On the plus side, small-boat size often means:

• You move together as a group
• The crew can help everyone faster
• You feel closer to the action, including when you’re baiting hooks or getting ready to swim

The one practical downside that shows up repeatedly is the restroom setup. There is a toilet on board, but at least one report notes no sink, so take wipes. Another note says the toilet could use cleaning and that a lock might be needed.

If you want a smoother experience, bring:

• A small pack of wipes
• A towel or quick-dry wrap
• Sun protection for the deck time

Timing and cruise-ship nerves, when a late departure can matter

You’re signing up for an experience that lasts about 5 hours (approx.), with the fishing and swim stops forming the core of that time. The provider keeps the schedule flowing based on other participants, and if the boat is running late, they may not be able to shorten the experience to meet a ship departure.

So if you are on a cruise and your return time has zero wiggle room, you should treat this as a higher-risk choice than, say, a land-based tour that can be cut short. The fix is simple: build in buffer time and avoid booking this when you must sprint back to a ship with only minutes to spare.

If you are land-based in Rhodes and you have flexibility, this becomes much less stressful. It turns into a fun half-day you can enjoy instead of a clock-watching drill.

Price and value: is $78.60 worth it?

At $78.60 per person for about 5 hours, you’re paying for a bundle: guided fishing time, a caves swim stop, and BBQ lunch on board.

This can feel pricey if you think of it as only a swim. But it usually lands well if you factor in all parts:

• You get guided fishing time, with help for beginners
• You get a unique water setting near the caves, not just a generic beach stop
• You get lunch cooked on board, not a quick snack

And since the group size caps at 12, you’re also getting a more personal feel than larger tours, which helps justify the cost.

My value verdict:

• If you want a practical sea day and you’re happy with variable fishing, it looks like solid value.
• If you want guaranteed fish, or you dislike older boats and basic facilities, you may feel it is too expensive for what it is.

Who this Rhodes fishing and BBQ trip fits best

This works best for people who:

• Want a hands-on beginner-friendly fishing experience without feeling awkward
• Like mixing activities, fishing then swimming rather than choosing one or the other
• Value a cooked onboard meal and don’t want to plan food after
• Prefer small-group energy over big crowds

It may not fit as well if you:

• Have strict timing tied to a cruise departure with no buffer
• Hate uncertainty, like the idea that the fishing might be slow that day
• Need modern, spotless facilities and a sink at the restroom

Should you book Makarounas? My decision guide

I’d book this if you want a genuine Rhodes sea day that combines three things people remember: fishing practice, a caves swim stop, and BBQ that feels like part of the trip, not an afterthought.

If you do book, show up early to the waterfront meeting spot, bring wipes for the toilet area, and wear swim-friendly gear you can tolerate for saltwater and sun. And if you are on a cruise, plan extra time so a late boat does not turn your vacation into a stress test.

If you want a unique experience more than a guaranteed catch, this is the kind of trip that can become a standout memory from your Rhodes stay.

FAQ

How long is the Makarounas fishing boat trip?

The trip lasts about 5 hours (approx.).

What is the price per person?

The price is $78.60 per person.

What does the itinerary include?

You get a fishing stop in Rhodes for about 3 hours, then a swim and snorkel stop near the Kalithea Springs and Kalithea Caves area for about 1 hour, plus BBQ on board.

Where do I meet the group?

Meet at 25is Martiou 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

How big is the group?

The maximum group size is 12 travelers.

Can I cancel for free if my plans change?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the trip run in bad weather?

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