Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise-Greek Buffet w/wine included

This is a fun, easy way to see Rhodes without sprinting from place to place. You start in Mandraki Old Port and spend the day cruising between swim spots, with chances to snorkel and jump in from the boat.

I really liked the comfy, not-crowded deck setup. You get enough room to stretch out, choose shade or sun, and actually relax between swims. One thing to plan for: you may want a bit more talk about what you are seeing as you go by major landmarks, so don’t expect a super detailed lecture at every stop.

The other big reason this works is the Greek buffet lunch with wine included. The food is simple, but it is satisfying, and you also get vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus white and rose wine during the cruise.

Key highlights you should care about

• Mandraki Port views: Medieval Walls and the castle look great from the water early in the day
• Colossus of Rhodes sightline: you cruise by the port entrance where the statue stood
• Kallithea Springs swim: reddish Gulf of Kallithea water plus a free sea-side admission
• Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling: complimentary gear and lots of fish near the surface
• Afandou Beach caves time: explore before lunch back on board, with pebbly, clear water
• Wine included: white and rose, plus water and lemonade, kept the day feeling like a party

A 6-hour Rhodes cruise that starts with the best view

This trip is built for a relaxed pace. You’re out on the water for about 6 hours, starting at 10:15 am from Mandraki Port, Nea Agora area. The boat is set up for people who want to swim and people who prefer to watch, with plenty of seating and room to move around.

Capacity is capped at 100 travelers, and that matters. A smaller crowd makes it easier to find a spot on deck and get on and off for the swim stops without feeling like you’re in a shuffle line.

If you’re thinking logistically, the meeting point is right in Rhodes main port area. One cruise-ship visitor said it was an easy walk, about 15 minutes from the port to the boat. If you’re arriving on foot, give yourself a little buffer for photos and for finding the exact dock spot.

Mandraki Old Port to the Colossus site: Rhodes landmarks from the sea

The day kicks off with a cruise out of Mandraki Old Port. The big win here is perspective. From the water, you get a strong, clear view of Rhodes medieval walls and the Old Town and castle area. It is the kind of scenery that makes even a short “pass by” moment feel worthwhile.

Then you head toward the area connected to the Colossus of Rhodes. The statue is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the boat passes the location where it would have stood, at the port’s entrance. You are not stepping into a museum here. You’re getting a real “this is the geography that mattered” moment.

Tip: if you care about photos, this is when you want your phone or camera ready. Early light and a smooth ship make for better shots than later, when everyone is focused on swimming.

Kallithea Springs: red Gulf water, Italian architecture, and a free sea-side stop

Stop time at Kallithea Springs is about an hour, and the ride there is roughly 45 minutes. This is one of the more memorable stops because the water looks unusual. You’ll see the reddish waters of the Gulf of Kallithea, and there’s a rocky formation setting that draws attention right away.

You also get a chance to treat it like a mini visit, not just a swim. Admission from the sea is free, and you should have enough time to explore before you sail onward.

The built story here is part of why the stop feels different. Italian architect Pietro Lombardi was entrusted with the design of the buildings, and another Italian architect, Armando Burnaby, handled the decorative work while trying to respect the natural setting. Later on, Alberto Mocci, a doctor, organized an International hydrological Conference here, with more than 200 scientists attending. That’s the kind of detail that turns a quick stop into something you can actually talk about later.

Practical note: if you want calm water, aim for your swim time early in the hour. Later, more people tend to jump in once they see others doing it confidently.

Anthony Quinn Bay: deep-water swimming plus snorkeling gear included

Next up is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached after a shorter cruise from the previous stretch. You get about an hour here, and the bay is small, surrounded by high rocks, with deep water. That combination can make the swim feel dramatic, but it also means you should keep an eye on your comfort level, especially if you’re not a strong swimmer.

This is your snorkeling stop, and it comes with complimentary gear on the boat: masks and snorkels. One nice bonus is that there are lots of small fish. You can even toss bread to attract them, and the experience description adds a funny note that the fish never seemed to take a bite from guests.

The bay’s name comes from Mexican actor Anthony Quinn. When he came to Rhodes to shoot Cannons of Navarone in the 1960s, he loved the bay and asked the Greek state if he could buy it. The agreement never fully landed, and after controversy, a court ruled it was unenforceable. Still, locals use his name, and the bay carries that label today.

Who will enjoy this most? People who like being in the water, and people who want to snorkel without doing the extra planning or hiring separate gear. If you’re curious about snorkeling but nervous to start, this is a good first attempt because the water is right there and you have support onboard.

Ladiko Bay pass-by and Afandou Beach: oil-ship clues and cave time

Between swim stops, you’ll cruise past Ladiko Bay. You might not get a long stop here, but the pass-by is part of the story of the coastline. Ladiko is connected to oil shipping, including the meaning tied to an oil container used for storage. The area also gets linked to trade routes, with cargo ships handling transactions involving olive oil destined for Egypt and the Middle East. Clay containers from shipwrecks are said to have been found around the area too, which adds a scavenger-hunt feel if you’re watching the coastline closely.

Then it’s time for Afandou Beach. You’ll spend about an hour and 15 minutes there, and it’s a longer ride, roughly 45 minutes from Kallithea. Afandou is known for crystal-clear water and a long beach line, about 6 km, with pebble shores.

This is also your “explore on foot” option. The time is yours to check out the area and caves before lunch gets served back on board. The pebble story is a neat Rhodes detail too. The pebbles here were used in the construction of sidewalks in the Old Town area.

History also shapes how this place feels. The coastal settlement was attacked multiple times: pirates in 620, Persians in 653, and later Arabs in 807, followed by Turks. After those attacks, inhabitants moved inland, behind rocks where the settlement is not visible from the sea. Even the name points to that idea, because Afandou is tied to the Greek word meaning invisible.

Practical tip: wear water-friendly shoes or sandals with grip. Pebbles can be fine for swimming, but walking around caves and uneven spots is easier when you’re not tiptoeing.

Food, wine, and onboard extras that keep the day comfortable

The included Greek buffet lunch is served back on board after your Afandou time. It’s positioned as a full meal, not just snacks. You get a selection that includes vegetarian and gluten-free choices, which is a real help when you’re traveling with someone who has dietary needs.

About the drinks, wine is included: white and rose. Reviews make it sound like the wine flows during the cruise, and you also get bottled water plus lemonade. That combination turns the boat day into something more than “we swam, now we went home.”

Also included are practical comfort items that make the sea time easier:

• Snorkeling masks and snorkels
• Shower
• Life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles
• Comfortable seating

One small but important detail: there’s a bathroom onboard that gets described as spotless and comfortable. That’s not glamorous, but it matters when you’re spending hours on the water and you want to freshen up without stress.

Finally, music and atmosphere help. Multiple people mention a good vibe, and some describe the day as feeling like a party on the return. You’ll still be able to relax quietly if you want, but the tone is upbeat.

What you’re really buying for $71.38: three swim moments plus a lot of included comfort

Let’s talk value in plain terms. At $71.38 per person, you’re not paying just for a boat ride. You’re paying for a package that stacks together:

• Three major water stops with time to swim
• Complimentary snorkeling gear for one of the swims
• Lunch on board with vegetarian and gluten-free options
• White and rose wine included, plus water and lemonade
• Extra safety and comfort gear like life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles
• A boat day that avoids that “everyone lines up at once” feeling, helped by the smaller cap

If you’re staying in Rhodes and you’ve already done the Old Town walking rounds, this gives you a different kind of memory. Instead of monuments and street corners, you get swimming and snorkeling and the look of Rhodes coastline from bay to bay.

One potential drawback to factor in: the food is often described as good rather than extraordinary. It is there to keep you fueled, and it does the job, but if you’re a foodie looking for a gourmet highlight, you might find it more basic than you hoped.

Tips to make the most of your swim time

A day like this is won or lost in the water and on the deck. Here are my go-to moves.

First, bring swim layers you can manage. You might start in a pleasant morning, but by the time you’re at the later bays, you’ll want sunscreen and something breathable ready. The trip is about swimming, so you’ll feel it if you forget basics.

Second, treat snorkel time like a short practice session. Start slowly, try equal breathing, and stay calm around the fish. If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, just remember that you’re not chasing a reef scene. You’re swimming in a place full of small fish near the surface.

Third, plan your deck strategy. Some boats feel chaotic for shade. This one gives enough deck space that you can choose. If you like a cooler spot, set yourself up early on, and adjust between stops rather than waiting until you’re overheated.

Lastly, enjoy the “going by” moments. The views of medieval walls early, the Colossus sightline, and the oil-bay references are all part of what makes the trip more than just dips in the sea.

Who should book this Rhodes cruise, and who might skip it

This tour is a great match if you want:

• A relaxed day on the water with multiple swim opportunities
• Included snorkeling gear without extra booking
• Lunch and drinks handled for you
• A smaller-group feel, with space to lounge

It also works for couples and friends who want to share downtime, not just check off attractions. The day naturally breaks up into three different “water worlds,” so it doesn’t feel repetitive.

You might consider another option if you:

• Want constant, detailed narration. The trip is scenic and fun, but some people wished for more explanation while passing famous spots.
• Don’t care about swimming. You can lounge, sure, but the core experience is water time.

Should you book the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise?

I think you should book this if you want a straightforward Rhodes day that combines coastline views with real swim time, plus a buffet lunch and wine that are actually part of the plan. At $71.38, the value is strong because you are getting multiple activities bundled together, not paid separately.

If you care most about detailed history on the move, go in with the right expectation. You’ll get key landmark connections like the Colossus sightline and the Kallithea design story, but the vibe is still “cruise and swim” first.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is an easy yes.

FAQ

What’s included on the cruise?

Lunch is included as a Greek buffet with vegetarian and gluten-free choices. Wine (white and rose), bottled water, and soda or lemonade are included, along with snorkeling equipment (masks and snorkels), a shower, and safety items like life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles.

How long is the Rhodes bay-to-bay swim cruise?

It’s about 6 hours. The start time is 10:15 am, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The tour meets at Romantika Dreams Rhodes Day Cruise, Mandraki Port Nea Agora, Rodos 851 31, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are provided for you to use during the snorkeling swim stop.

Is food and wine included, or do I need extra money?

Lunch is included, and wine (white and rose) is included during the cruise. Bottled water and soda or lemonade are also included.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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