Three swim chances and a classic Greek town. This boat trip from Rhodes gives you real time in Lindos and cooling breaks at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay on the way back.

I love how the schedule mixes sightseeing with water time, and I like that you get a skipper, onboard restrooms, and a simple day flow. My main consideration is heat and crowds, because the Lindos Acropolis climb can be steep, and the boat can feel full.

You’ll also want to pack for being outside all day: sunscreen, swimwear, and ideally your own mask or goggles. The good news is the three-hour Lindos window is long enough to see the harbor area, wander into town, and still get back for the 13:45 boat cutoff. If you’re sensitive to background music or you want quiet, that’s worth factoring in too.

Key points to know before you go

• 3 hours in Lindos means you can actually enjoy the town, not just pose for photos.
• Two 30-minute water stops on the return cool you down without turning the day into a full-on beach marathon.
• Tsambika Bay is set up for quick snorkeling and views that look great from the boat.
• Anthony Quinn Bay is famous for dramatic cliffs and a colorful seabed.
• Bring goggles and sunscreen, because this is a sun-heavy day plan.
• Plan for crowds and stairs if you want the Acropolis area in hot weather.

The day plan: 7.5 hours that feels long, but it works

This is a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday departure from Rhodes Harbor, typically leaving around 08:40. The boat arrives in Lindos around 11:00, which gives you a solid block of time before the midday heat peaks. You’re back on board by 13:45, and the boat usually departs Lindos around 14:00.

On the way back, you get two swim and snorkeling stops, each about 30 minutes. You return to the harbor around 17:30 and finish back at the meeting point, or at your hotel if you choose the pickup option.

The length of the day is the trade-off. You spend most of your time either traveling by boat or on the water, so it’s not the best choice if you want a slow, flexible, spend-the-day-in-town trip. But if you want Rhodes to include Lindos and the water, the timing is pretty efficient.

Lindos Harbor and the 3-hour window for Acropolis views

When you arrive in Lindos, you get roughly three hours free in the area. That’s enough to do the main things: wander the waterfront, explore the lanes and shops near the harbor, and decide how far up the hill you want to go.

The big draw is the Acropolis area, which is the classic Lindos payoff, with dramatic viewpoints over the bay. It’s worth knowing that it’s not a flat stroll. In hot weather, the climb can feel demanding, and some visitors choose to stay closer to the harbor level instead.

If you do want the Acropolis, come prepared for lines and sun. People often time their visit around entry, and the walking between viewpoints and the boat departure can get tight. Since you must be back on board by 13:45, I’d plan your Acropolis moment early in your Lindos time, so you’re not rushing in the final stretch.

A practical Lindos tip: comfortable footwear beats stylish sandals

Lindos is cobblestones and steep footpaths. You’ll move faster with sensible footwear, not slippery sandals. If you’re sensitive to heat, bring water and take short breaks in shade when you can.

Tsambika Bay swim stop: short, famous, and good for cooling off

The return trip includes a stop at Tsambika Bay. You’ll have around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

This stop is ideal if you want a quick reset after Lindos. In a half day with lots of walking and sun, a brief water break can make the rest of the afternoon feel manageable. And because it’s only a half hour, you don’t need to plan a full “beach day” mindset.

What to expect practically: you’ll be moving between the boat and the water in a short window. That means you should have your gear ready to go, and you’ll want to be comfortable entering the water quickly.

Bring goggles, not just confidence

One of the simplest pieces of advice you’ll hear for this kind of cruise is to bring goggles. Even if you’re not a serious snorkeler, goggles make the water stops far more rewarding. Sunscreen also matters more than you think, because you’ll be in direct sun on both the boat and at the water.

Anthony Quinn Bay: movie scenery plus a better look at underwater life

The last water stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, famous as a natural setting for the movie The Guns of Navarone. You’ll usually have another 30 minutes here.

This is the stop that tends to feel the most special once you’re in the water. Guests describe colorful fish and a seabed with corals and seaweed, which is exactly what you want from a Mediterranean snorkeling-style stop. The cliff scenery also helps, because the bay looks dramatic even when you’re just watching from the boat.

Again, the time is short. You’re not going to do a long gear session or a deep-water plan. But if you treat it like a chance to enjoy clear water and a quick underwater look, it’s a strong payoff.

If you want the best snorkeling odds, go in ready

This isn’t a tour built around long explanations or long gear fitting. If you have your own mask or goggles, you’ll be ready immediately. If you don’t, you might still be able to snorkel, but you’ll likely feel the limitations of not having your own setup.

Boat comfort reality: seating, toilets, and where to be on deck

Onboard includes a skipper, restroom on board, and the core reason you’re on this trip: ride plus swim stops. The reviews and firsthand vibe point to a typical day-boat setup, and that comes with two realities.

First, seating can be tight. With a maximum of 180 travelers, this can get crowded, especially on a full sailing. If you care about where you sit, aim to get settled early after boarding.

Second, you’ll be spending time outside. Some people love the sunbeds on the top deck and the wide views as you cruise along the coast. If you prefer shade, you’ll want to move around and find your spot as the day changes.

Snacks and drinks are for topping up, not replacing lunch

No lunch is included. You’ll have free time in Lindos, and you can eat there. There is a bar on the boat where you can purchase snacks and drinks, which helps if you get hungry after your Lindos wander.

If you’re prone to getting thirsty fast, bring what you can from Lindos. It’s a long day, and you’ll burn calories just walking and climbing the town streets.

Price and value: what $60.46 buys you on this route

At about $60.46 per person, this trip prices itself as a value way to combine three big items in one day: boat transport, Lindos sightseeing time, and two water stops.

A key part of the value is that your swim/snorkel stops are included in the experience plan (the water time itself is built into the schedule). You also aren’t paying extra for the water access during those stops.

Your biggest extra costs will likely come from what you choose in Lindos. If you go up to the Acropolis, there is an entry fee, and it’s often described around €12 per person. Lunch is also on you.

So I’d think of the price as paying for the “getting there, getting around by water, and cooling off” piece. If your plan is mostly to see Lindos and you want a boat-day atmosphere with swim breaks, it’s good value. If you mainly want long snorkeling sessions or lots of beach time, you might feel the day is too structured and the water stops too short.

Who this Lindos and bays cruise suits best

This boat trip is best for people who want a classic Rhodes day with variety, not a single-note beach outing.

It’s a great fit if you:

• want Lindos town time plus an Acropolis visit without needing to arrange separate transport
• like water stops and don’t mind quick snorkeling sessions
• want hotel pickup options and a straightforward schedule

It’s not ideal if you:

• dislike walking in heat or you’re worried about the steep paths up toward the Acropolis
• need long, quiet stretches onboard, because the boat can run full and there may be background music
• expect snorkeling gear to be included automatically

Practical packing list for a smooth day

If you want this day to feel easy, pack with the water stops and Lindos walking in mind.

Bring:

• Sunscreen (this is a hot, exposed day)
• Swimwear and a quick-dry towel
• Goggles if you want snorkeling without stress
• Comfortable shoes for Lindos cobblestones
• Water and a hat if you’re sensitive to sun

Optional but smart:

• A light layer for the boat ride if you get wind-chill on deck
• Any small snack you like, especially if you get hungry quickly

Should you book this boat trip to Lindos and the bays?

Book it if you want a Rhodes day that hits three highlights in one go: Lindos town, dramatic bay scenery, and two swim stops that keep you from cooking in the sun all afternoon. The schedule is long enough to explore Lindos, but not so long that you feel stuck at sea.

Skip it or choose carefully if your main goal is a long snorkeling session, quiet time, or a fully flexible Lindos day. The day is structured, the boat can be crowded, and the Lindos area comes with hills.

If you’re the type who likes sightseeing with a built-in cooldown, this is a strong pick. Just arrive ready for sun, plan your Acropolis timing with the 13:45 return rule in mind, and bring the simple gear that makes the water stops better.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The experience runs about 7 hours 30 minutes (approx.).

What time does the boat leave Rhodes Harbor?

Departures are scheduled for 08:40 am from the harbor on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

When do we arrive in Lindos, and how much time do we have?

The boat arrives in Lindos around 11:00 am, and you have about 3 hours free time in Lindos.

What is the latest time to be back at the boat in Lindos?

You need to be back at the boat by 13:45.

Where do the swimming and snorkeling stops happen on the way back?

On the return to Rhodes, the boat makes stops for swimming and snorkeling at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay.

How long is the swimming/snorkeling time at Tsambika and Anthony Quinn Bays?

Each stop is about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch isn’t included, but you’ll have free time in Lindos to eat. There is also a bar on the boat with snacks and drinks you can purchase.

Are admission tickets included?

Admission tickets for the stops are listed as free in the experience details. (Any local attractions you choose in Lindos may have separate entry requirements.)

Is pickup from my hotel available?

Pickup is offered, but you need to choose the hotel pickup variation. You can enter your hotel name in special requirements, and the pickup time is sent to you.

What if the trip is canceled due to poor weather?

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