Rhodes swims beat the usual sightseeing grind. This Rhodes Bay to Bay cruise pairs three anchored swim stops with a Greek buffet and unlimited local wine, all on a boat with plenty of deck space.

I especially love two things: the built-in time to swim and snorkel at the best-looking bays, and the fact that lunch is handled onboard, not tacked on as an afterthought. You also get snacks for your eyes along the East Coast, with classic Rhodes landmarks sliding by while you cruise.

One thing to consider: the boat stays at anchor at each bay, so getting to shore means you swim. If you want a “step off onto a dock” day, this may not match your style.

Key Points Before You Go

• Three swim hours, not one, with about an hour at each main bay stop
• Greek buffet plus wine onboard, including vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options
• Snorkel masks and pool noodles are included, so you are not scrambling for gear
• Comfortable decks and music, with a lively party mood on the return trip
• Mandraki Port is the hub, easy to find near Nea Agora
• Long deck time for relaxing, photos, and people connection, aka parea vibes

A Rhodes Boat Day That Actually Gives You Swim Time

Rhodes can feel like constant motion, especially in peak season. This kind of day cruise works because it slows you down on purpose. You spend big chunks of time in the water, then settle back on the deck for lunch, wine, and that “how is the day this good already” feeling.

What makes it feel worth it is the mix. You get three different bays, each with a different vibe, plus a Greek buffet that is more than basic travel food. And you get unlimited white and rose wine during the day, with chilled refills coming straight to you.

Price and What Makes It Good Value at $69

At around $69 per person for a 6-hour outing, this is priced like a budget-friendly activity, but it includes several things that usually cost extra. You are getting snorkel masks, life vests, pool noodles, lunch, water, and unlimited local wine during the cruise.

That matters because the “real cost” of a swim day is often hidden: buying snorkel gear, paying for food, and paying for drinks. Here, you arrive already set up. If you plan to drink wine anyway, this becomes a much easier decision.

Still, keep expectations clean: the bar is separate. If you want cocktails or champagne, those are extra.

The Boat, the Crew, and the Deck Life

You board the Romantika Dreams at Mandraki old port starting around 9:45. The cruise sets up like a floating beach club, not a cramped tour bus experience. There are spacious, comfortable decks, and the sound system plays music as you travel between bays.

The crew is a big part of the vibe. People often rave about how attentive they are with drinks and how smoothly things run once you are onboard. One practical detail I like: during the lunch and wine portion, they keep drinks topped up without you standing in line.

If you are wondering whether it turns into a party, it can. Music plus a sunny return trip can flip the mood, and some guests end up singing, dancing, or doing the Greek Zorba dance when the timing and energy match.

Finding the Meeting Point: Mandraki Port Near Nea Agora

You meet at Mandraki Port, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace. That is a handy landmark because Mandraki is the main port area and easier to navigate than random side streets.

Look for crew wearing blue shorts and red striped shirts. That visual makes it simple, even if you are arriving a few minutes early with sandy shoes and beach hair.

The Morning Cruise Along Rhodes East Coast

Around 10:15, you leave Mandraki old port and head along the East Coast. This is the scenic warm-up where the day turns from “waiting” into “wait, look at that.”

You cruise past major landmarks like the St. Nicholas Fortress, the Medieval old city, the Cathedral of St John the Evangelist, Fontana Grande, and Rams Rock. You do not need to be a history buff to enjoy it. Even if you just keep your eyes up and your phone ready, it feels like Rhodes unfolding in front of you while you stay comfortable onboard.

Kalithea Bay and the Kalithea Springs Area

Your first real stop is Kalithea Bay, where you anchor for about an hour. The focus here is the Kalithea Springs area, plus the seaside monument that brings nature, architecture, and history into one view.

This is your first swim and snorkel time, so it is smart to treat it like your warm-up session. You can swim, snorkel, take photos, and hang on the deck while the boat plays music. The bay also gives marine-life viewing chances, which is one of the reasons snorkelers get excited on this cruise.

Practical note: because the boat stays anchored, you are not strolling off onto a pier. Getting to shore, if you want shore time, means you swim. For many people, that is fine, and it keeps the whole day feeling more “beach experience” than “walking tour.”

Afandou Beach and the Caves of Traganou

After Kalithea, the cruise continues south past Faliraki toward Afandou. Then you anchor near a 4 km stretch of beach and the Caves of Traganou.

This stop is great if you want variety. You can swim and snorkel, but you can also walk along the beach area, explore the caves, jump from rocks, and spend time on either deck level. With options like that, you do not feel stuck doing only one kind of activity.

This is also when lunch starts. The lunch buffet is prepared onboard, and it tends to be a highlight. People describe it as better than expected, with Greek comfort foods and solid vegetarian options.

Based on what the tour typically serves, you might see items like bread rolls, roasted vegetables, Greek salad, and dishes such as chicken and onion pasta. If you have food restrictions, it is worth telling the crew when you arrive so they can steer you toward the right choices.

Wine and Drinks During the Lunch Stop

During the whole cruise, chilled local white and rose wine is served as unlimited. Reviews often mention that drinks are kept topped up without fuss. You also get water included.

If you want beer or other extras, the bar can fill that gap, but those items are not included. The bar pricing is often described as friendly, which is great if you want a cocktail or champagne later in the day.

The Anthony Quinn Bay Stop: Best Views, Final Swim Hour

Your last major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, also called a miniature bay. You anchor there for about an hour, so this is your final chance to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the water.

The reason it carries so much name power is tied to Anthony Quinn himself. He fell in love with the place while filming Guns of Navarone, then bought the land. The Greek government reclaimed it in 1984, and the bay kept its star connection.

On the water, it is the kind of bay where people slow down. Rocks, water clarity, and marine life sightings make it a favorite for snorkelers. One helpful tip from the onboard vibe: if you are bringing a phone, consider a waterproof camera or a waterproof bag. You do not want to watch your best photos happen without a way to capture them.

Scuba Time, If You Want It

The schedule leaves time at Anthony Quinn Bay for scuba. The details of equipment or sign-ups are not spelled out here, so if you are specifically hoping for scuba instruction or a specific setup, it is smart to ask the crew on arrival so you know exactly what is included in your trip.

What Snorkelers Really Need (And What You Already Have)

You get snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests included. That means beginners can get comfortable fast, and experienced snorkelers can focus on exploring without turning the trip into a gear hunt.

One small but important practical tip: if you want masks and snorkel gear during the trip, ask for them at the right place. People say the equipment can be found behind the bar area, so do not be shy about checking early.

If you are nervous about water depth, the pool noodle is a big help. It is not about showing off, it is about feeling secure so you can enjoy yourself.

Seating, Comfort, and the Breezy Factor

There is enough seating onboard for most people, and the decks are roomy. That matters because a day like this is part sun and part waiting for the next swim stop. If you do not want to play musical chairs, arrive with a towel and claim a spot before you settle in.

Also, Rhodes can get breezy on the water even when the sun is warm. One review specifically mentioned it and recommended bringing something like a cardigan. If you run cold, pack a light layer for the ride back.

Food and Wine: Greek Buffet That Actually Feels Like Lunch, Not Fuel

The buffet is a core part of the experience, and it shows in the feedback. People often describe it as tasty, with multiple dietary options such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.

The best part is that you are eating while cruising between the drama of bays and rock formations. You are not chasing a lunch reservation. You sit, eat, and keep the day moving in a relaxed rhythm.

And yes, the wine is a real feature. Unlimited local white and rose means you can have a casual glass with lunch and still feel like the day is easy. If you prefer cocktails, you will likely use the bar, but for a Greek-themed day, the included wine fits the theme.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This is a good fit if you want a beachy day without heavy planning. You enjoy:

• Snorkeling and swimming more than museum stops
• A relaxed pace with a set schedule
• Greek food and wine included in one simple price

It also works well for mixed groups. Some guests love swimming hard, some prefer chilling on deck, and the boat setup supports both.

If you are the kind of traveler who hates getting wet, or you need firm steps to land at every stop, this may feel annoying. The anchored-bay setup means swimming is part of the deal.

Who Might Skip This Cruise

If your ideal day is about walking streets, shopping, and stepping on and off easily, you may prefer other Rhodes tours. This one is designed around water time, with shore access not guaranteed in the typical “dock and walk” way.

It also may not be ideal if you want a quiet, contemplative vibe. Music plays, the atmosphere can turn into a party, and the day encourages social energy.

Should You Book This Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise?

If you like your Rhodes days sunny, swim-focused, and value-packed, I think this is an easy yes. For roughly $69 and 6 hours, you get three anchored swim and snorkel stops, a Greek lunch buffet with dietary options, included water, and unlimited local wine. That combination is hard to beat for a single-day plan.

Book it if you want the practical win: less logistics, more time in the water. Skip it if you need shore access without swimming or if you want a mostly on-land sightseeing day.

Either way, bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes for boarding. And if you have a waterproof way to protect your phone, bring that too, because Anthony Quinn Bay is the kind of place where you will want photos.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Bay to Bay swim cruise?

The cruise runs for 6 hours.

Where do I meet the crew?

You meet the provider at Mandraki Port, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace. The crew wears blue shorts and red striped shirts.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available for an extra fee.

Are snorkel masks and life vests included?

Yes. The trip includes snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests.

Does the boat dock at each bay?

No. The boat stays at anchor in each bay, and to get to the shore you need to swim.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch is included as a Greek buffet with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices available. You also get local white and rose wine (plus water) included.