Catamaran swims beat the usual beach shuffle. This 6-hour cruise keeps things simple and fun, with a small group on a comfortable catamaran and multiple stops along Rhodes east coast bays where you can actually get in the water.

What I like most is the swim time and snorkeling setup. The bays around Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Bay are the kind of clear-water places where you can see fish, and the crew provides snorkels, masks, floating pool noodles, and life jackets.

One drawback to think about: the boat drops anchor, so you swim from the catamaran to get to shore. If you do not want to do that, or if mobility is an issue, this one is not a great fit.

Key Things I’d Prioritize Before You Go

• Small group feel (up to 24 passengers + crew), so the day stays relaxed instead of chaotic
• Real swim stops, not just photos from the deck, with about 1 hour at Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Bay
• Snorkeling gear is included, plus pool noodles for easier floating and family-friendly fun
• Unlimited onboard drinks after noon, with wine and beer plus soft drinks and bottled water
• Lunch is cooked and served onboard as a Mediterranean buffet, so you do not lose time going off-site

Rhodes From the Water: Why This Catamaran Day Feels Like a Shortcut

Rhodes is easy to tour by bus, but you miss the main event if you stay land-first. What makes this cruise appealing is the way it mixes sea views with multiple water breaks, so you get variety without spending the day in transit.

The boat size matters too. With a maximum of 24 passengers, you get a calmer rhythm onboard, and you are not stuck in a crowd when it is time to choose a seat or head up for the next bay view. If you care about comfort, this is one of those quietly smart choices.

Sailing vs. Power Catamaran: Pick Your Swim Stops

You have two versions of the same core experience: sailing catamaran or power catamaran. Both are built for cruising and anchoring in bays, with the same overall vibe: relax onboard, then swim and snorkel at each stop.

Here is the practical difference:

• Sailing option: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay
• Power option: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach (with caves), Kalithea Bay, and Ladiko Bay

If you want an extra scenery moment, the power catamaran adds Afandou Caves. If you prefer a simpler schedule with fewer stops, the sailing catamaran keeps it streamlined.

Meeting Point and Timing, So You Do Not Stress the Morning

You meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes Kiosk at Mandraki Harbor. The cruise departs at 10:00, so it is worth arriving earlier than you think you need.

There is a rebooking fee mentioned if you miss the departure and need another day, so plan like this is a real tour, not a casual walk-up. Once you are onboard, the schedule is mostly swim, sail, eat, repeat.

Anthony Quinn Bay: The First Big Swim (About 1 Hour)

Your day typically starts with a sightseeing stretch, then you reach Anthony Quinn Bay for your first swim and snorkeling window of about 1 hour. This is usually the stop that sets the tone.

What you will likely love here:

• Clear water conditions that make snorkeling gear feel worth bringing
• Easy time framing, long enough to swim, float, and reset between passes
• A fun crew-led moment where they throw bread into the sea and colorful fish gather around

One practical thing: the boat stays anchored. That means you do not step onto a dock. You swim from the catamaran, so wear swimwear and keep towels ready.

Ladiko Bay: Quiet-Water Snorkeling With a Chill Pace

Next up is Ladiko Bay, with about 60 minutes to swim and snorkel. This stop is often the one that feels calmer because the water tends to look more inviting for slow exploring, and you get time to do it without feeling rushed.

I like that the cruise keeps time at each water break consistent. You are not constantly sprinting around or waiting for the next group call. With included snorkel equipment and pool noodles, you can choose your style, quick dip or longer float.

Lunch on Board: Greek Buffet Comfort Without the Detour

Between swim stops, you get a Mediterranean lunch buffet served onboard. This is not a tiny snack plate, and it matters because you do not lose your energy running into town or hunting a restaurant with limited views.

The lunch spread includes items like:

• grilled chicken
• pasta salad and potato salad
• Greek salad plus green salad
• tzatziki, hummus, and aubergine salad
• feta, olives, and fresh baked local bread

Before lunch, there is also a breakfast tortilla snack, and at the end you get a cup of fresh seasonal fruit. On top of that, onboard drinks are included, which keeps lunch from turning into a separate budget decision.

Drinks After Noon: Unlimited Wine, Beer, and the Soft Stuff

The drinks are structured around the day:

• Unlimited wine and beer from 12:00 PM
• unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water

This is the part that turns the cruise into a true all-inclusive day. You can focus on swimming and not on calculating whether you can afford another glass.

If you are traveling with kids, there are non-alcohol options too. And if you are an adult who plans to drink, keep it sensible. The crew can stop alcoholic drinks if someone appears intoxicated, which is a fair safety call.

Kalithea Springs: The Final Swim With Good Time to Wind Down

The last major water stop is Kallithea Springs, where you get 45-60 minutes to swim and snorkel before heading back to port. This stop usually feels like the payoff moment, because you get one more chance to enjoy the clear water after lunch and more sailing time.

Because it is later in the day, it also gives you flexibility. If you want to snorkel longer, you can. If you just want a relaxed swim and photos, you can do that too.

Afandou Caves Stop on the Power Option

If you choose the power catamaran, you get an extra stop at Afandou Beach caves. Think of this as a bonus scenery and swim stretch rather than a complicated add-on.

Just like the other bays, the boat anchors and you swim from the catamaran. If you like the idea of caves or dramatic coastal scenery, this extra stop is a strong reason to pick the power option.

What the Boat Adds: Space, Toilets, and Getting Comfortable After Swimming

A catamaran can feel either cramped or freeing. Here, the setup is meant for comfort during repeated swims.

Notable features:

• outdoor shower (handy after you climb back onboard)
• indoor toilets
• indoor seating options plus open deck areas for sea views
• life jackets and snorkeling gear ready to use

One small caution from real-world experience: the toilet area may not always feel spotless. That is minor compared to the overall fun, but if hygiene is a top priority for you, bring the mindset that this is a boat day, not a hotel spa.

How to Get the Best Seat and the Best Photos

If you care about view quality, go for position early. People who get onboard quickly often end up with better spots on the upper deck or nearer the front, where you feel the breeze and have better angles over the water.

Also, if you plan to snorkel, pick a moment to go when the crew has the gear easy to access. With all the equipment provided, you do not need to bring your own masks, and that alone makes this a low-friction activity.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a great match if you:

• want a relaxed half-day at sea with real swim time
• care about snorkeling but do not want to organize gear rentals
• like the all-inclusive convenience of lunch and drinks onboard
• prefer smaller group tours, up to 24 passengers

It is less ideal if you:

• have mobility impairments, since it is not suitable
• dislike swimming from an anchored boat to reach shore

The Value Question: Is $83 Worth It?

At $83 per person for 6 hours, the value comes from the mix of what you get for free. You are paying for a whole day structure:

• multiple anchored swim stops
• included snorkeling equipment and safety gear
• Mediterranean buffet lunch plus snack and fruit
• unlimited drinks after noon, plus bottled water and soft drinks

If you tried to recreate this yourself, the cost would add up quickly once you include boat rental, fuel, crew time, food, and gear. For what you pay, you are buying a simple recipe: sail, swim, eat, drink, repeat, with Rhodes views from a perspective you cannot get on land.

A Quick Note on Weather and Route Changes

The route is flexible based on conditions. The captain can change swimming stops when weather requires it. That flexibility can help the day stay on track instead of turning into a one-stop disappointment.

If you see clouds rolling in, do not panic. Bring sunscreen and a hat anyway, but also accept that the sea can change the plan. The overall format still holds, and the crew can usually adjust.

Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, I think you should book it if your ideal Rhodes day includes water time, snorkeling gear you do not have to hunt down, and an easy all-inclusive meal and drinks setup. The combination of small-group comfort and multiple hour-long swim windows makes it one of the more efficient ways to enjoy the east coast without spending your day on logistics.

Skip it only if swimming from the boat is a dealbreaker for you. If you are comfortable getting in the water, this cruise is the kind of laid-back day that keeps paying you back every time you rinse off at the end and remember where you swam.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes catamaran cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

Where do I meet the crew?

Meet at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes Kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

What catamaran options are available?

You can choose either a sailing catamaran or a power catamaran.

How many swim stops are included?

The sailing catamaran includes swim stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay. The power catamaran adds an additional stop at Afandou Beach caves.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. Wine and beer are included starting at 12:00 PM. Juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are also included.

What is served for lunch?

Lunch is a Mediterranean buffet with items such as grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh baked local bread.

Does the boat dock at the bays?

No. The boats stay at anchor in each bay, so you need to swim to reach shore.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.