Rhodes: Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch and Unlimited Drinks

What makes this Rhodes cruise worth your time is the simple format: you sail out, drop anchor at three scenic swim stops, and spend the day in the water instead of just looking at it. Anthony Quinn Bay feels like the main event, and the calm east-coast route keeps things easy to enjoy.

I especially like two parts. First, the unlimited drinks setup means you can keep refilling wine, beer, and soft drinks without turning it into a scavenger hunt. Second, the Greek lunch buffet includes vegetarian dishes, so you get a real meal that fits the day’s pace.

One thing to consider is sun and boarding. There can be limited shade on deck, and if you arrive late, you may end up sitting farther back, which matters for photos and views. Also, if the sea is choppy, you will feel it, but the crew is there to help you through it.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Anthony Quinn Bay time to snorkel and swim in 50 minutes of emerald-blue water
• Afandou Beach with a long beach break plus water activities like kayaking
• Kallithea Springs for clear-water snorkeling with rock ladders down to the sea
• Unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks plus fruits included with your cruise
• Snorkeling equipment included, with extra float gear for less-confident swimmers
• Free WiFi onboard on a traditional wooden boat, so you can stay connected between swims

Why This Rhodes Wooden-Boat Cruise Feels Better Than Half-Day Tours

This is the kind of trip that works when you want a proper day out, but you do not want logistics to steal your energy. The route focuses on Rhodes’ east coast, with three anchor stops spaced so you can actually swim, snorkel, and relax between them.

You get a more natural rhythm than the typical “bus, photo stop, back on the bus” format. Here, the boat is part of the experience, not just transport. The traditional wooden boat setup also makes the day feel less like a checklist and more like a slow-moving coastal outing.

One other small but important detail: because this is a boat trip with onboard staff and a schedule built around water time, you can plan your day around comfort. You know when you will be in the sea, when you will eat, and when you will have a breather.

Price and What the $70 Per Person Covers in Real Value

At $70 per person for about 5.5 hours, the value comes from what is included, not just the price tag. You are paying for transportation by boat plus a full day rhythm: three swim opportunities, snorkeling gear, and a Greek lunch buffet.

The real money saver is that drinks are included all day. The cruise includes wine, beer, soft drinks, and fruits, and people consistently talk about the steady flow onboard. For a holiday day near Rhodes Town, that can easily add up if you were paying separately at beach bars.

Lunch is also more than a token bite. The buffet includes vegetarian options, and it is served as part of the boat schedule so you do not lose half your day looking for food. You should still treat it like a practical cruise lunch, not a high-end restaurant meal, but it is filling and well matched to the day’s activities.

Cocktails are the one exception. If you want mixed drinks, you can buy them separately, but the base package already covers plenty.

Meeting Next to Evangelismos Church: Getting Started Without Stress

Your meeting point is straightforward: next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk. This area is easy to find in Rhodes Town once you orient to the Starbucks landmark and the church frontage.

Plan to arrive a bit early. This matters because where you sit on deck affects your day. Even on a sunny cruise, the view is better from the front side, and boarding earlier usually means you have first pick for comfortable spots and photo angles.

Once you are on board, you can settle in and treat the first segment as a warm-up. People who get comfortable early tend to enjoy the rest of the day more, because you are not scrambling every time the crew calls a swim stop.

The First Hour Afloat: Wooden-Boat Comfort and Onboard WiFi

You start with about an hour on the yacht after boarding. That sailing time is not wasted. It helps you ease into the day, watch the coastline drift by, and get into that vacation mode where nothing needs to be rushed.

The boat has free WiFi, which is handy if you want to share photos or keep messaging family. It is not the main attraction, but it can save your data plan if you are posting swim shots.

This is also when you should prep for sun and water. Put sunscreen on early, decide what you will wear for the swims, and keep your towel and swimwear where you can grab them quickly when you reach each bay.

Anthony Quinn Bay Stop: Emerald Water, Snorkel Gear, and Easy Photo Time

The first big anchor stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, with about 50 minutes in the water area. This is the stop most people remember, because the shoreline and sea look dramatic from the boat.

You will typically get a quick photo moment and then free time that includes swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can get in the water without packing your own gear.

This stop is a great use of time if you want a true “first swim of the day” moment. The pacing matters here: 50 minutes is long enough to gear up, get your first look at the water, and then swim without feeling like you are rushing to tick a box.

What I recommend at Anthony Quinn Bay:

• Start snorkeling early in your window so you do not feel rushed later.
• Bring your phone in a dry bag if you are prone to drops around boat ladders.
• If you are less confident, use the float gear and let the crew help you into the water comfortably.

The water is clear enough that you actually feel like snorkeling is worth doing, not just “standing in shallow water with a mask.”

Afandou Beach: Kayaking, a Real Stretch of Beach Time, and Lunch

Afandou Beach is the long stop, at about 110 minutes, and it is built for variety. You get time to swim and snorkel again, plus there is an option for kayaking during the stop.

This is also where the lunch rhythm fits in. You will have a Greek lunch buffet served onboard, with fruits plus included wine, beer, and soft drinks. So even though you are at a beach, your meal is part of the cruise experience, not a separate detour.

Afandou works well if you like options. Some people want to snorkel and stay in the water. Others prefer to relax on the deck, then do a shorter swim before lunch. With a longer stop, you can choose your pace without upsetting the schedule.

A practical note: if you need a break from direct sun, use the time after lunch to cool down. The boat’s onboard shower can help, and it feels nice if you spend a lot of time rinsing off salt before your return.

If you plan to kayak, keep it simple. Follow crew guidance, and treat it like a fun add-on, not a workout. The point of this stop is that you get a longer, less frantic experience.

Kallithea Springs: Clear-Water Ladders and the Best Snorkel Finish

Your final swim anchor is Kallithea Springs, with about 50 minutes. This stop is known for clear water and easy access. You can go in from a long, rocky enclave where ladders lead down to the sea.

It is a smart “last swim” location because it gives you a final chance to see marine life before heading back. Snorkeling gear is provided again, so you can build on what you learned in the earlier stops.

At this point in the day, you are already warmed up. You know the boat routines, you have sunscreen on, and you have an idea of how long you like to snorkel before you want to relax.

If you want the best photo angle, do it early. As the stop progresses, the boat’s rhythm means people naturally spread out for swimming, then later come back for boarding and cooling down.

Food and Drinks: Greek Lunch Buffet Plus Unlimited Wine, Beer, Soft Drinks

Food is part of the appeal here, and it is set up as a buffet onboard. Lunch includes vegetarian options, and it is served as part of the boat’s flow so you can eat without leaving the experience.

People consistently talk about portion size and how the food fits the day. It is not just a snack, and that matters because you are spending hours in the sun and in the water. You will feel better and sleep better back in town if you eat something real mid-cruise.

Drinks are included and kept going. The included options include wine, beers, and soft drinks, along with fruits. That is one of the reasons this cruise feels like a true full-day outing instead of a short scenic boat ride.

Cocktails are a separate purchase. If that is your preference, you can add them, but do not assume they are included. You still get plenty of choice from the included lineup.

What It’s Like Onboard: Crew Energy and How to Have a Calm Day

A huge part of how this cruise feels is the crew. Many guests highlight friendly service and a fun, welcoming vibe, with the onboard host often described as especially engaging.

You also get the practical “day on the water” support: showers onboard, a first aid kit, and staff checking in during rougher moments at sea. That makes a difference if you get motion sick or just want reassurance.

For comfort, aim for the best deck position you can get early. Seating and sun angles vary, and a few people wished for more shade cover. If you are heat-sensitive, think of this as a sunscreen-first day and treat shade as a bonus, not a guarantee.

If you get seasick easily, you might want to plan accordingly. The cruise does not promise flat water, so it helps to come ready for normal Aegean conditions.

Who This Cruise Suits (And Who Should Think Twice)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A swim-focused Rhodes day without renting a car
• Snorkeling gear included and three chances to use it
• A lunch stop that is built into the plan, not a separate reservation
• Included drinks that keep the mood relaxed

It is also a good fit for couples, friends, and mixed-age groups, because the schedule gives you both activity and downtime. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, or just hang out on deck.

You may want to think twice if you hate sun exposure. Limited shade means you will probably rely on sunscreen, hats, and smart timing. You might also prefer a quieter experience if you are very sensitive to boat movement, since choppier conditions can happen.

Practical Tips for Your Packing List and Your Best Spots

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Towels are not included, so plan to have one that dries fast.

For water comfort, treat this as a ladder-entry day. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and floats are available for less-confident swimmers. If you want to enjoy snorkeling without stress, put on gear carefully and take your time entering the water.

For the best view, arrive early at the meeting point. People mention boarding timing affects where you end up on deck. If you want pictures of the coastline and the bay highlights, prioritize front or top-deck spots where possible.

Also, consider what you will store your phone and valuables in. The sea day rhythm means you will be getting on and off the boat, and a small dry bag can prevent headaches.

Should You Book This Rhodes East-Coast Cruise?

Book it if you want a straightforward Rhodes experience that feels like a real day out: three anchor swims, snorkeling gear included, and a Greek lunch buffet with vegetarian options, plus wine, beer, and soft drinks throughout.

Skip it only if you know you hate sun with limited shade, or if motion makes you miserable. In normal conditions, this cruise is a sweet balance of activity and relaxation, and it is one of the easier ways to experience Rhodes’ east-coast coastline without planning your route hour by hour.

FAQ

How long are the stops for swimming and snorkeling?

Anthony Quinn Bay is about 50 minutes, Afandou Beach is about 110 minutes, and Kallithea Springs is about 50 minutes. You’ll also have onboard sailing time between stops.

Is lunch included, and does it have vegetarian options?

Yes. Lunch is included as a Greek buffet onboard, and it includes vegetarian options.

What drinks are included in the price?

Lunch, fruits, wine, beers, and soft drinks are included. Unlimited drinks are part of the experience, and cocktails are available for purchase separately.

What snorkeling gear comes with the cruise?

Snorkeling equipment is provided. Floats are also available for those who need extra help in the water.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own along with swimwear and sunscreen.