Three swim breaks. One easy day.

This Rhodes cruise turns the coast into your day plan, with Aphrodite Duchess sailing to famous bays, open water jumps off the plank, and an unlimited drinks bar that keeps moving with you.

I especially love the way the food comes in stages, not just one lunch. The chef makes the Greek BBQ right in front of you, and you also get a hot dog hour plus a waffle stop for the trip home.

One possible drawback: this is a sea-and-swim day, not a land sightseeing tour, so you will spend your time in the water and on the boat, not walking around towns.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, iced frappe, coffee, and water served for the full cruise
• Onboard food schedule includes donuts and iced coffee, Greek BBQ, hot dogs, and chocolate waffles
• Three main 1-hour swim and snorkel stops at Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Traganou Caves, with Afandou Bay also mentioned in the cruise highlights
• Top deck bean bags for sea views, shade options, and an easy place to relax between swims
• Boat leaves sharp at 10:00, so getting there early matters (parking in Rhodes Harbour can be painful)

A Floating All-Inclusive That Actually Feels Like a Vacation

This is one of those days that’s built for low effort and high reward. You start with sweet donuts and iced coffee on board, then you get repeated chances to swim and snorkel in different spots around Rhodes. The vibe is simple: enjoy the water, eat when you want, and keep your drink glass topped up.

I like that the cruise doesn’t treat food as an afterthought. It’s spread across the day in clear “arrive, eat, swim, repeat” blocks. And because you’re staying offshore most of the time, you get sea views without the stress of driving, parking, and hopping between locations.

If you’re hoping to see lots of monuments on foot, this won’t scratch that itch. But if your ideal Rhodes day includes time in the water plus real convenience, it’s hard to beat.

Finding the Aphrodite Duchess Opposite the National Bank

Your day centers on Mandraki Harbour, with the boat located opposite the National Bank of Greece. If you’re driving, plan ahead. Parking in the harbour area is described as very difficult, so the practical move is to arrive at least an hour early to get set.

Also, the departure timing is serious. The boat leaves sharp at 10:00, and the rebooking fee for a missed departure is 25 euros per ticket. That’s not a “show up whenever” kind of tour, so I recommend getting there early, even if you think you’ll be fine.

If you want pickup, it’s optional and depends on the option you select. Transfers are available on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, and you’ll need to message the provider on WhatsApp with your last name, date, and hotel name to get your exact pickup time. Transfer pricing is 10 euros per person from Faliraki or Ixia, and 15 euros per person from Kolymbia.

What Unlimited Drinks Really Means Here

This cruise is truly all-inclusive in the drinking sense. Drinks are served throughout the whole cruise, not just during lunch. That matters because it changes how you pace the day. You’re not stuck waiting for a meal window to get something cold.

The open bar includes beer, white wine, soft drinks, cocktail of the day, iced frappe, coffee, and water. Several guests noted that beers and cocktails can taste better than the wine, and one person commented the wine leaned dry, which is useful if you’re picky.

On board, you’ll often hear the staff working fast and moving with the group. One review specifically mentioned a host named Panos as an incredible guide, and another mentioned Katia running the bar. If you see them in action, it’s a good sign: the crew style here is friendly and hands-on, with clear energy.

A small practical note about timing

Because drinks are flowing for the whole day, you’ll want to keep a steady pace for swimming breaks. When the boat is moving, it can be a bit of a sway, so hold your cup carefully and don’t rush at the rail.

Food on This Cruise: More Than Just a Greek BBQ Lunch

Food is one of the strongest reasons to book. Instead of one heavy lunch and then waiting, you get a steady rhythm:

• Light breakfast: sweet donuts plus iced coffee
• Hot dog hour: a proper brunch-style snack moment
• Greek BBQ buffet: meat souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread, prepared on board by the chef
• Dessert on the way back: chocolate waffles
• Plus fruit during the day

I like that the BBQ is not just a buffet dumped on a table. It’s described as being made in front of you, which usually means fresher portions and less guesswork.

And if you have dietary needs, don’t assume you’ll be stuck with salad. There are indications the chef can handle vegetarian and vegan requests, including one guest who said they were provided a vegan plate for the BBQ.

What to expect taste-wise

Most descriptions say the BBQ, tzatziki, and general food quality are standout parts of the day. A couple comments describe the food as good but not extraordinary, so I treat this as “very satisfying, very convenient,” not “fine dining.”

Either way, the pattern is what matters: you keep eating without losing time to lines or planning.

Your Swim Stops: Kallithea, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Traganou Caves

This cruise is built around three big water breaks, each about one hour. That’s a strong setup because you get enough time to actually enjoy the bay, not just splash around for 15 minutes.

Kallithea Springs (about 1 hour)

You’ll arrive at Kallithea Springs for swimming and snorkeling. Guests consistently describe the water as clean and cooling. This stop is ideal if you want a mix of easy floating, a snorkel moment, and time to reset before the next swim break.

You can bring your own swim gear if you like, but snorkel masks and support items are described as available on board. Several guests mentioned goggles and pool noodles.

Anthony Quinn Bay (about 1 hour)

Next is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most famous names tied to Rhodes. Reviews highlight the underwater life and the fun of jumping off the boat. This is also where games and laughs show up, including what one review called a beer catching game.

This stop feels like the “main character” location. If you care about the classic Rhodes swim postcard moments, this is the one to look forward to most.

Traganou Caves (about 1 hour)

Then you head to the area listed as Traganou Caves for swimming and snorkeling. Caves often mean interesting rock shapes and better “look, find, watch” underwater moments. The trade-off is you’ll want to stay mindful of footing and entry points, because sea days can make everything slippery fast.

If you love variety, this stop adds a different visual feel from the open-bay swims.

One more note on Afandou Bay

The cruise highlights also mention Afandou Bay as one of the swim stops. The exact third stop can vary by sailing plan, but your practical takeaway is that you will get three different water locations during the day. Each is timed well enough for both lounging and snorkeling.

The Bean Bag Upgrade and the Shade Strategy

If you want the best balance of comfort and views, pay attention to the boat layout. Multiple guests recommend the top deck bean bags for a reason: you get a clear sea view and an easy place to relax between swims.

Top deck shade is described as coming from netting, so you get sea breeze and some cover. But it can still feel sunny, and one review pointed out that the bottom deck is the one that’s more fully shaded. Another review warned the top deck can get squishy if everyone crowds the cushions, which makes sense on a popular day.

My practical advice:

• If you want views and don’t mind sharing space, choose the top deck.
• If you burn easily and want steadier shade, consider spending more time downstairs.

Also, if you can, arrive early. One review suggested grabbing shaded bean bags as soon as you can, because the best spots can go fast.

Timing and Pacing: How the Day Flows From 10:00 to 4:00

The cruise runs about 6 hours, and it returns to Mandraki Harbour around 4:00 PM. That schedule is pretty friendly. It leaves your morning mostly intact, and your afternoon is free once you’re back.

The day follows a rhythm:

• Sightseeing cruise time between swim stops
• Kallithea Springs swim, then more sailing
• Anthony Quinn Bay swim, then more sailing
• Traganou Caves swim, then the return ride

There’s also a focus on not making you feel rushed. Swim breaks are long enough to enjoy, and meals and snacks are timed so you don’t feel like you’re starving between water stops.

One small consideration: if it’s windy or the sea is choppy, the boat can feel like it sways more than you expect. A guest mentioned this trip was windy but still felt safe and well handled, with clear instructions.

Value for $76: Why This Often Costs Less Than It Looks

On paper, a day cruise with food and unlimited drinks sounds pricey. In practice, it can be good value because it bundles multiple costly pieces into one ticket.

You’re getting:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off if you choose that option
• Chef-cooked Greek BBQ, plus hot dogs, waffles, donuts, and fruit
• A full open bar for the whole cruise, not just a lunch hour
• Three swim-and-snorkel stops during one day

If you were to recreate this on your own, you’d likely pay separately for a boat ride, meals, and drinks. Here, the ticket price is doing a lot of the work for you.

Where the value drops a little is expectations. If you expect guided history and on-land sightseeing at multiple stops, you’ll be less happy. If you want an easy day in and on the sea, it’s a solid deal for the amount of time you spend enjoying it.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Might Skip)

This cruise is a strong fit for:

• Families who want lots of snacks and an easy schedule
• Couples who want a relaxing sea day without planning
• Groups of friends who like a social atmosphere but also room to breathe
• Anyone who wants Rhodes water views without renting a car

It may not be ideal for:

• People who want to see sights on land, markets, or historic neighborhoods
• Travelers who dislike music or loud onboard entertainment, since a review mentioned the music could feel too loud
• Anyone who needs total quiet, because this is a party-friendly open bar atmosphere

If you do swim, you’ll get a lot out of it. One standout theme across the feedback is that the “time in the water” feels like the whole point, and that’s exactly what you’re paying for.

Final Call: Should You Book Rhodes Sea Lines?

I’d book this cruise if your Rhodes day goal is clear. You want three quality swim and snorkeling stops, a boat that makes the meals and drinks effortless, and the kind of relaxed day where you don’t need to think every hour.

I’d think twice only if you’re hunting for a land sightseeing itinerary. This is a sea-focused experience, and it works best when you lean into that.

If you go, show up early so you’re not stressed about the 10:00 departure or missing the nicer comfort spots. And if you’re choosing between decks, consider your shade needs. The top deck bean bags are a popular move, but the bottom deck may suit you better if you want more consistent shade.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Rhodes all inclusive day cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6 hours, with return to Mandraki Harbour around 4:00 PM.

What drinks are included, and are they unlimited?

Included drinks include beer, white wine, cocktail of the day, soft drinks, iced frappe, coffee, and water. They are served throughout the whole cruise, not only during lunch.

What food is included on board?

You get a light breakfast of sweet donuts and iced coffee, a hot dog hour, a Greek BBQ lunch (meat souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread), fruit, and a waffle hour on the way back.

Where is the meeting point?

The Aphrodite Duchess is located exactly opposite the National Bank of Greece.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you select the pickup option. If you want the exact pickup time, you message the provider on WhatsApp with your last name, date of the trip, and hotel name.

What happens if the boat leaves and you miss it?

The boat leaves sharply at 10:00. If you miss it, the rebooking fee for another day is 25 euros per ticket.