A wooden boat, three swim stops, and a Greek lunch. This Rhodes half-day cruise maps out the calmer east coast with emerald bays and easy onboard comfort. You’ll also get guided moments plus free time to just float, swim, and take photos.

I love how the day feels low-stress. You get snorkeling gear, a proper buffet lunch (with vegetarian options), and the crew keeps drinks moving without turning it into a loud party. The second thing I like: the stop timing gives you real water time, not rushed drop-ins.

One consideration: shade can be limited on sunny days, and if seas get choppy, you may feel it on the water. Also, you’ll want a towel, since towels aren’t included.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Small-boat vibe: the trip often feels intimate, with space to relax rather than crammed tour-deck energy
• Snorkeling at multiple bays: gear and time are built in, not just a quick look
• Drinks included all day: wine, beer, soft drinks, plus fruits with lunch
• Greek buffet lunch with vegetarian options: not just a snack, you eat a real meal onboard
• Rock ladders at Kallithea Springs: great for casual swims once you’re in the water
• Sun management matters: pack sunscreen and plan for limited shade on deck

Why This Rhodes 3-Stop Cruise Feels Like the Right Kind of Time

Rhodes is packed with shore plans, but this cruise is different because the highlight is the sea itself. You’re not bouncing between landmarks. You’re moving along the coast to places where the water turns clear and inviting, and then you’re allowed to actually use it.

The format works well if you want a classic day out without overthinking it. The boat runs on a simple rhythm: cruise, anchor, swim, eat, and then swim again. I like that the day is structured but not controlling, so you can lean into relaxing or grab snorkeling time when you’re feeling it.

Price and Drinks: What You Really Get for $70

At $70 per person for about 5.5 hours, the value comes from the combination, not a single feature. You’re paying for transport, a traditional wooden boat ride, multiple swim stops, and a full lunch onboard. Add in snorkeling equipment and showers, plus unlimited drinks during the day, and it stops feeling like a “cheap” boat ride and starts feeling like a properly loaded half-day.

Here’s what’s included in the day price: lunch buffet with vegetarian options, fruits, wine, beer, and soft drinks. The boat also includes snorkeling gear and onboard showers. Cocktails sound fun, but they’re not included, so consider that extra budget if you’re the cocktail type.

One practical note: unlimited drinks can make people careless in the sun. You’ll still want to pace yourself, drink water, and keep sunscreen handy, especially if you’re planning to be in the water more than once.

Meeting at Royal Sailing Rhodes and Settling In on the Boat

You meet at the desk for Royal Sailing Rhodes, next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks. It’s an easy check point because Starbucks gives you a clear landmark when you’re scanning the street.

Once you’re onboard, you’ll notice the ship is set up for sunbathing and sea air. Reviews also point out the boat is comfy even though it’s traditional in style. You’ll likely find that the vibe is more relaxed than big party boats, and that helps a lot when the day is mostly about relaxing and swimming.

A few onboard touches make the experience smoother than you’d expect for a day tour. There’s free WiFi, plus an onboard shower, and a first aid kit. On days when the sea gets a bit rough, the crew tends to help people feel steady and taken care of, which is the kind of detail that turns a “fine” trip into a good one.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Emerald Water and a Proper Snorkel Stop

This is your first big swim-and-snorkel moment. After boarding in the morning, you’ll cruise out and then anchor at Anthony Quinn Bay for about 50 minutes. Expect photo moments, a short guided focus, and time to get in the water.

What makes this stop work is the setup. You’re not just told to swim and hope for the best. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you get enough time to figure out where you want to start, what pace feels comfortable, and whether you want to snorkel or just float and watch from the ladder.

From what I gathered, people love this bay for its water color and the lush look around it. That means your experience is twofold: you get scenery from the boat and then you get the payoff once you’re actually in the water.

Possible drawback: if you’re sensitive to motion, the first swim stop can feel more “immediate.” A small tip is to hold off on going full snorkel mode until you’ve steadied yourself. Once you’re comfortable, this stop delivers.

Afandou Beach: Lunch, Swimming, and Some Extra Fun

Afandou Beach is where the day turns from water-focused to food-focused without losing the sea vibe. You’ll anchor here for about 110 minutes, which is a long enough window to swim, snorkel, and still have time to slow down.

You’ll also get lunch onboard during this stretch. The buffet includes local flavors with vegetarian options, and drinks are part of the deal, including wine with lunch and soft drinks alongside beer. It’s one of those meals that makes a boat day feel real, not like you’re just filling a gap between swims.

Afandou is also where you may find more activity options on the water. Kayaking is mentioned as available at this stop, plus the usual swimming and snorkeling time. Even if you don’t kayak, the longer anchor time means you can do one round, rest, and then do a second if you feel like it.

One practical thing I’d plan for: bring or use a towel and keep your sunscreen nearby. You’ll likely be coming back onboard, changing out of swimwear, and repeating the sun routine a couple times. The shower onboard helps, but you still want to dry off and stay comfortable while lunch happens.

Kallithea Springs: Clear Blue Water and Rock-Ladder Swims

Your final swim stop is Kallithea Springs for about 50 minutes. This is the kind of place that feels made for easy access once you’re in the water, because you’ll find the long enclave setup with clear water and ladders leading down.

The best value of this stop is simple: it’s a chance to get in the water again right before the return trip. By this point, you’ve already warmed up to the routine, so you can spend less time figuring out logistics and more time enjoying the water.

Snorkeling is part of the experience here too. Reviews highlight marine life potential in the crystal-clear water, so if you’re curious about what lives below the surface, this is where you can put your best effort in.

Small caution: don’t assume this stop is automatically easy if you’re not confident in the water. If you’re less comfortable, floats are mentioned as provided, which can take the edge off. Use them, take it slow, and treat snorkeling like a skill you can ramp up over time.

Onboard Details That Make or Break the Day

A boat tour can sound great on paper, but the day’s comfort comes from the details.

Deck comfort, shade, and where to sit

Deck space matters. One hint I’d take from the reviews: if you want better views and a more open feel, try to grab spots at the front deck area when you board. It’s not about being fancy. It’s about how the boat line-of-sight works once you’re cruising.

Shade can be limited, especially when the sun is strong. So yes, you’ll want sunscreen. You might also want to plan your water time in a way that lets you recover on deck without getting fried.

Music and atmosphere

There’s mention of easy listening music, not something that overwhelms conversation. That matters because this cruise is supposed to be about the sea and your own downtime. If you like chatting, you’ll still be able to.

Food expectations

The lunch buffet gets strong praise for being plentiful and enjoyable. I’d still set your expectations like you would for any included meal on a boat. Some people felt the food was good but could have had more standout traditional items. Translation: it’s a solid lunch, not a top-tier restaurant, but it’s far from “just okay” for a day on the water.

Who This Cruise Is Perfect For

This is a strong choice if you want a half-day plan that mixes scenic cruising with multiple chances to swim. It’s also a good match if you like snorkeling but don’t want to plan gear, transportation, or timing across three separate destinations.

You’ll probably enjoy it most if:

• You like the Aegean and want time in the water rather than just views from shore
• You want a relaxing pace with a small-group feel
• You value included food and drinks so you’re not doing constant small purchases
• You’re traveling as a couple, friends, or family and want a simple, satisfying day out

If you hate boats, dislike sun-heavy itineraries, or need lots of shade, you might find the open deck less comfortable. But for many people, that’s exactly the tradeoff they came for: sun, sea, and a day that moves at your rhythm.

Should You Book This Rhodes Cruise with 3 Stops, Lunch, and Unlimited Drinks?

If you’re choosing between a “quick look” excursion and a day where you actually use the water, I’d lean toward booking this one. For the price, the big advantage is that you’re getting multiple anchor stops plus a real lunch plus unlimited drinks, all wrapped into about 5.5 hours. That combo is hard to beat on Rhodes when you factor in time saved and costs avoided.

Before you book, do two quick reality checks. First, pack what’s needed: swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel (towels are not included). Second, think about shade and motion if you’re sensitive to sun or choppy conditions. If those are manageable for you, this cruise is the kind of Rhodes day that feels like you got the best part of the island, the sea, without turning it into a whole second vacation.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes cruise with 3 stops?

The total duration is 5.5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The cruise includes the wooden boat ride, lunch buffet with vegetarian options, fruits, wine, beers, and soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, an onboard shower, and a first aid kit.

Are cocktails included?

Cocktails are not included in the standard price. They’re available for purchase separately.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet next to Evangelismos Church, opposite of Starbucks, at the Royal Sailing Rhodes desk.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.