Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

A Rhodes boat day gets interesting when it mixes classic sights with real swim time. This cruise sails past the UNESCO old town walls, then you get to cool off in three different bays with snorkel gear and provided float gear. One thing to consider: the mood can be more party than quiet, especially with the on-board music.

I like the way it stays not crowded, with a limited max of 40 people and space to pick your spot on bean bags and sun benches. I also really appreciate the all-in-one setup, because the price covers a Greek buffet lunch plus an open bar with beer, wine, and cocktails.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Small-group feel (max 40), with assigned lounging spots rather than a packed cattle-car layout
• Three distinct swim bays with about an hour at each main stop
• Open-bar drinks plus beer, wine, sodas, and water included
• Snorkel kit and float gear (snorkels, pool noodles, floaters, life jackets) included
• Greek gourmet buffet lunch with vegan and gluten-free options
• Captain-led fun that can turn the boat into a dance floor when the crowd is in the mood

Mandraki Harbor departure, Colossus views, and old town wall photos

You start in Mandraki Harbour, a pretty setting that feels like the heart of Rhodes’s waterfront. From there, the boat cruises past the medieval old town walls and gives you a classic photo view of the UNESCO World Heritage area. It is the kind of start that gets you in holiday mode fast, since you are not stuck waiting on land before the water part begins.

As you head out, you also pass the port entrance area linked to the Colossus of Rhodes. Even if the statue itself is long gone, it is a fun historical beat because you can look at the harbor spot where it once stood. Expect this portion to be mostly scenic and relaxing, more “take pictures and get oriented” than “run around for landmarks.”

The Kallithea Springs stop: a free morning swim by Italian-designed waters

Your first major swim stop is Kallithea Springs, and the big draw is that it is designed for hanging out in the water for about an hour. This is a natural-springs area known for long-standing “healing” associations, even dating back to ancient times. You get that rare mix of history and chill, because you can swim, then poke around the setting when you want a break from the sun.

The architecture details are part of the story. Pietro Lombardi, an Italian architect, was entrusted with the design of the buildings, and Armando Burnaby handled the decorative work with respect for the natural environment. Later, an international hydrological conference happened here with more than 200 scientists, organized by fellow Italian Alberto Mocci, a doctor. Admission from the sea is free, and you should have enough time to explore before the cruise moves on.

Practical note: since your time is limited to about an hour, plan your routine. If you want both a swim and some wandering, do your swim first, then grab photos and a slow look while the boat is nearby.

Faliraki passing by: a quick taste of Rhodes nightlife from the water

On the way back toward your next big stop, you cruise past Faliraki Beach. Faliraki is known for its popularity, beach scene, and nightlife, so from the water you get a “Rhodes in motion” vibe without committing to the nightlife yourself. This portion is mostly scenic and quick, but it helps break up the day so you are not only staring at one shoreline.

If you like the idea of seeing where other travelers go, but you also like your day moving smoothly, this pass-by is a nice middle step.

Afandou Beach and caves: pebble beach time plus a ship-and-pirate backstory

Afandou Beach is your second main stop, with about an hour on the water and the shore area. The beach is famous for its long stretch, with crystal-clear water and a pebble shoreline. You also get a sense of the wider area, including monuments and tomb-related references, plus cave time in the vicinity.

This stop also comes with an old-world story: the coastal settlement here was attacked and destroyed multiple times by pirates, Persians, Arabs, and Turks, which pushed people to relocate inland behind rocks. The name Afandou comes from the Greek meaning invisible, reflecting that shift. Even if you only catch the highlights from the boat’s explanation, it adds meaning to what would otherwise be “another pretty beach.”

The trade-off: since the beach and caves are the point, you will want to wear swim-suitable footwear if you are planning to walk around. And since the time is about an hour, you will probably have to choose. Pick either a swim plus a relaxed shore walk, or a more cave-focused wander, rather than trying to do it all.

Ladikos and Anthony Quinn Bay area: oil trade history near caves and resorts

Between Afandou and Anthony Quinn Bay, the cruise calls out Ladikos, a bay area tied to olive-oil trade. The name connects to the “container you use to place or store oil,” and the bay was used as a commercial loading and unloading point for olive oil shipments bound toward Egypt and the Middle East. There are also notes about clay containers found by local fishermen from shipwrecks tied to that trade.

What matters for you is the setting: Ladikos sits right behind Anthony Quinn, near caves, and it is a bay that is now busy with beach activity and underwater tours. In other words, this is the kind of place where the water is the main attraction, but the shore-and-cave geography gives you something extra if you like looking around while you are between swims.

Anthony Quinn Bay: snorkeling with thousands of small fish and provided gear

The big swim finale is Anthony Quinn Bay, and the vibe here is noticeably different from Afandou. This bay is surrounded by high rocks and described as having very deep water, with thousands of small fish around. The cruise invites you to use the complimentary snorkeling gear on the boat, and yes, people get the idea to toss bread near the fish so they gather near the surface.

From a practical standpoint, this is where your provided gear matters most. Snorkeling equipment, plus pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are included, so even if you are not a confident swimmer, you can still enjoy getting in and floating. One review described feeling safe thanks to the life jackets, which is reassuring if you are traveling with mixed swimmers.

Timing matters here because you only get about an hour. If you are hoping for photos, spend a few minutes after you jump in to find the calmer patch where fish are visible. If you just want to swim and relax, you can skip the bread routine and focus on gliding with your snorkel and watching what comes close.

Also, the name Anthony Quinn Bay comes from the Mexican actor who starred in Cannons of Navarone. When he shot in Rhodes, he fell for the bay and reportedly asked the Greek state about buying it, but the agreement was never carried through. Locals still call it Anthony Quinn in his honor, even though the official outcome was complicated.

The open bar and Greek gourmet buffet: what you actually get on board

This is an all-in day cruise, so food and drinks are not an afterthought. Lunch is a Greek gourmet buffet freshly prepared by the chef, and it includes vegan and gluten-free choices. On top of the lunch buffet, there are aperitifs and snacks, plus non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and water.

For drinks, the open bar includes cocktails, wines, beer, and signature cocktails. Several reviews mention the bar team staying busy, and one even described an ice chest with local Zythos lager and bottled water. Ouzo and cherry were specifically called out in one write-up, and other reviews simply say the cocktails were delicious and plentiful.

You should also know there is a note of caution: one review said cocktails can be limited to preset options and that some drinks felt weaker than expected. That means if you have very specific cocktail tastes, manage expectations and go for what the bar is serving that day.

Food highlights from the experience include dishes like mussels and pasta, plus breads and salads. One response from the provider clarified a couple items that can confuse people. If you hear about crusty bread, it may actually be a Cretan dish called Dakos, made with barley rusk topped with fresh tomato sauce, Manouri cheese, oregano, capers, and extra virgin olive oil. They also clarified that spinach pie may be a misremembered dish, and that spanakorizo, a light spinach rice, is what you might be served instead.

Bottom line: this is not a sad “boat snacks” situation. It is a full lunch with Greek flavors, and the open bar makes the whole day feel like one package rather than several paid add-ons.

Boat comfort on bean bags and sun benches, plus music and party energy

A big reason this cruise gets strong ratings is the comfort setup. You have allocated seating on comfortable bean bags and sun benches, and the boat is designed so it feels limited rather than packed. Reviews repeatedly point out the not-crowded feel, and that you can choose your spot, including finding shade.

You are also on a two-deck boat, which can be a blessing if one level is too sunny or too noisy. One review mentioned being on the upper deck and not hearing the guide as well, which is a fair trade-off. If you want to hear explanations clearly, you will likely prefer the deck closer to the action, or at least stay near where the crew gathers.

Music is where the day can swing. Most of the time, the program is described as relaxed background music that adapts when the atmosphere turns cheerful. That said, at least one person found the music so loud they could not easily talk. So if you are traveling for quiet conversation, pick a calmer spot and be prepared that the party mood might get loud.

Finally, the boat has clean restrooms, and the overall service is described as efficient and friendly. If you like being taken care of without feeling rushed, this style fits.

Price and value for $107.63, plus who gets the best deal

At $107.63 per person for an approximately 6-hour cruise, you are paying for a bundle: transportation by boat, time at three main swim areas, snorkeling gear, float gear, and a chef-made buffet lunch. You are also paying for the open bar, which is the part that often costs extra on other day trips.

This feels like good value if you want:

• A day on the water without organizing anything
• Multiple swim stops instead of one beach
• Lunch plus drinks included
• A not-crowded boat with assigned lounging space

Where the value shifts is if you are only looking for one quick swim, or if you are a hard-core “quiet day” person. In that case, you might still enjoy it, but you will not get the serene vibe you may be imagining.

Should you book this Rhodes exclusive swim cruise?

I think you should book it if you want a half-day to full-day feel on the water with real swimming time, included snorkeling gear, and a Greek buffet lunch that is more than just finger food. The strongest selling points are the small-group comfort, the drink-and-lunch all-in setup, and the fun captain-led energy.

I would skip it or at least temper expectations if you truly need quiet conversation all day, because the music can get loud and the boat can turn party-style. Also, if you struggle with finding meeting points, double-check where Mandraki Harbour access is and arrive a little early so you are not hunting around on foot.

If you match the vibe, this is one of those Rhodes experiences where you leave with the main things you came for: sea views, swim time, good food, and a day that feels properly looked after.

FAQ

How long is the cruise in Rhodes?

The experience runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the cruise start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Where do I meet the cruise?

You meet at Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise, at Mandraki Port opposite of the Bank of Greece, Rodos 851 31, Greece.

What is included for food and drinks?

You get a Greek gourmet buffet freshly prepared by the chef, with vegan and gluten-free choices, plus aperitifs and snacks. An open bar is included, with cocktails, wines, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and water.

Does the cruise provide snorkeling gear and safety items?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets.

Is the boat crowded?

The tour has a restricted number of guests and a maximum of 40 travelers, with allocated seating on bean bags and sun benches.

Is hotel transfer included?

Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra.

Do I need a printed ticket?

No, it uses a mobile ticket.

What if the weather is bad, or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.