Eight hours of bay-hopping beats a beach day. This full-day cruise is built for sea time, with stops that range from rocky coves to a proper sandy landing at Tsambika Beach. I love the mix of swim chances, starting with Anthony Quinn’s Bay, plus the way the day is paced with boat travel breaks so you do not feel rushed. I also like that lunch is handled on board, so you can focus on swimming and views. One drawback to plan around: the cruise is not for non-swimmers and it is also not a great match if you are pregnant or need wheelchair access.

For a $68 per person full day, the value comes from not just the scenery, but the logistics: you get transportation in from several Rhodes resort areas and you spend your time in four named bays instead of figuring out routes, parking, and finding the best spot each time. Also, with up to about 280 people on a 3-deck boat, it is a group day, so you will want a calm, flexible mindset.

If you want a hands-on day with water stops and a buffet meal, this is a solid pick. If you prefer shore time with long, quiet beach lounging and minimal effort, you might feel you are moving around too much.

Key things that make this boat trip click

• Four well-known east-coast swim stops across Rhodes: Anthony Quinn, Tsambika, Afandou caves, and Kallithea Bay
• Real beach time at Tsambika (about two hours) with a sandy swim destination
• Included Greek buffet lunch on board, with multiple hot dishes and salad
• A big day on a big boat (about 280 passengers, 3 decks, snack bar, restrooms)
• Family-friendly extras like pool noodles and life jackets for small children

Price and what you really get for $68

On paper, $68 sounds like a lot for a day on the water. In practice, it is closer to “you pay once, then you coast through the day” value. The cruise includes your transportation from multiple Rhodes areas, a full day on a boat, and a buffet lunch that comes served as part of the schedule. The alternative is doing it on your own, which often means piecing together boat or land stops, then eating lunch somewhere you need to hunt down once you are already tired.

The other value point is time. This is an 8 to 9 hour outing with a clear rhythm: travel legs from one bay to the next, then focused swim windows where you can actually get in the water. If your goal is maximizing east-coast scenery without driving, this layout makes sense.

What is not included (and how to plan)

Drinks and extra snacks are not part of the lunch. There is a snack bar on board where you can buy items, so if you tend to drink a lot of water or soda during the day, budget for that.

Meeting Mandraki Port and getting on the boat without stress

The day starts at Mandraki Port. A Manos Going staff member waits outside the Church of the Annunciation (Evaggelismos), in front of the fountain, with a red sign and the Manos Going logo. Arriving around 8:30 AM is a good target because you still need to check in.

You will present your booking confirmation to receive boarding cards and a map with information. That small step matters, because on a busy port day it helps everything run faster when boarding starts.

If you are using pickup, timing is set by your accommodation. Pickup is scheduled between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM, and the provider sends your precise pickup time and place. Plan to be at your pickup point at least 5 minutes early, then you avoid that last-minute sprint.

The morning ride: bus to the port, then straight to the sea

Once you are at the port, you transfer onto the boat. The cruise departs at 9:00 AM. After departure, there is a travel stretch on the water that gives you a different angle on Rhodes.

From the deck, you get panoramic views of Rhodes Town from the sea, plus coastline views as you head along the east coast. This part is not about swimming yet. It is about setting your expectations. If you like photographing shoreline curves and medieval-feeling views, the morning light from open water can be very photogenic.

Stop 1: Anthony Quinn’s Bay for emerald water and rocky exploring

The first real swim break is at Anthony Quinn’s Bay, with about 30 minutes for swimming. The area is known for crystal-clear emerald waters and a sheltered rocky beach.

This stop is the one you pick if you want a little “see what is under the surface” feeling. The waters are described as full of marine life and natural details, including fish, sea urchins, and coral formations. You are also swimming among native marine life, so it is less of a sandy, kick-around swim and more of a nature-forward cove experience.

How to enjoy this stop

Because it is only 30 minutes, you will want to treat it like a quick reset. Get in, enjoy the water clarity, and focus on the underwater textures rather than trying to do everything at once.

Consideration

It is a rocky setting, so if you hate uneven footing or you want a very easy entry, this may be a bit more effort than the later sandy stop at Tsambika.

Tsambika Bay: the 800-meter sand beach plus a full buffet lunch

Tsambika is where the cruise shifts from “cove swimming” to “real beach time.” You spend about two hours at Tsambika Bay, and you can swim over to a fine 800-meter long stretch of golden sand.

That is a big deal because you are not just floating near the boat. You can actually head toward the shore and then enjoy that sandy feel. The bay also works well if you like sunbathing because the schedule gives you enough time to do more than just a quick dip.

Lunch on board happens here, not back in town

After your swimming time, the buffet lunch is served on the boat. The menu includes Greek classics you will recognize fast: tzatziki, Greek salad, oven-baked potatoes, moussaka, pasta with red sauce, beans, plus beef steaks and chicken.

This is one of the best “whole-day logistics” wins on the trip. You do not lose time finding lunch onshore between swim stops. You eat, reset, and then keep going.

Practical tip for the day’s pacing

If you tend to get hungry after being in cold-ish or clear water, use this lunch stop as your main energy moment. With the itinerary pushing on to more bays afterward, the timing is intentional.

Between swims: boat legs where you rest your legs

In the middle of the day, the cruise includes several shorter ferry segments between bays. Those stretch times are not wasted. They give you a break from water exertion and a chance to reposition on the boat for shade or sun.

Because the boat carries a lot of people (around 280 passengers across three decks), these travel legs are also when you will feel the “group day” energy most. You can either stay near the snack bar area, use the deck space for photos, or simply find a corner seat and watch the coastline pass.

There is also a snack bar and WC on board, which helps keep the day comfortable even when you are moving between swim windows.

Stop 3: Afandou Beach and its cave you can explore from the water

Next up is the rocky beach and bay of Afandou, with about 30 minutes. This stop is built around one standout feature, the cave you can explore directly from the water.

If you like water-level exploration, this is a great match. The cave element changes the mood. You are not just looking at scenery from above, you are actively navigating a natural feature from where the boat is letting you in.

What to keep in mind

This is another short swim stop. That means you should aim for the cave exploration first, then enjoy the rest of the time however you like. If you spend too long getting oriented, the clock will squeeze you later.

Stop 4: Kallithea Bay for a final swim and relaxed sun time

Your last stop is Kallithea Bay, with about 20 minutes of swimming. The bay is described as sheltered, which often translates into calmer-feeling water compared to more exposed stretches.

This is a good “finish strong” stop. If you are still motivated, use it for one final dip. If you are starting to feel tired, keep it simple, float, and let the final minutes of sunshine do their job.

After that, you head back toward Rhodes. The return is around 17:00, so it is not a late night, and you can still have your evening plan after.

The boat reality check: big group, 3 decks, and snack-bar choices

This is not a small, intimate skiff. The boat holds about 280 passengers and has three decks, including a snack bar and restrooms.

What this means for you:

• You will share swim moments with a crowd, so be ready to move efficiently when it is time to get in and out.
• You will likely find space for sitting, but prime shade spots may be limited.
• You can buy drinks and snacks separately, which gives you flexibility, but also adds cost.

Family note

If you are traveling with kids, pool noodles and life jackets for small children are included. That is the kind of detail that makes a big difference when you want the kids to feel safe and supported without bringing your own gear.

Who this tour suits best, and who should choose something else

This boat trip is a strong fit if you:

• Want to see the east coast of Rhodes from the water without driving
• Like swimming and want multiple swim windows instead of one beach stop
• Want lunch included on the same day you swim
• Prefer a structured day with clear timing rather than planning everything yourself

It is a weaker fit if you:

• Need wheelchair access or you are traveling with mobility limitations not suited to a boat day
• Are pregnant
• Are a non-swimmer

Should you book this Rhodes east-coast boat trip?

Book it if your ideal Rhodes day includes organized bay-hopping, real swimming time, and a no-stress lunch plan on board. The value is strongest when you would otherwise spend time and energy figuring out transport and meals between stops.

Skip or look for a different style of tour if you want a slower day with long beach stretches, or if your comfort level in the water is low. This cruise is designed for swim time, not just scenic sailing.

If you do book, pack the essentials they request: swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Then bring a calm attitude for a big group day, and you will get what this trip is built for, clear water, memorable coves, and a satisfying Greek meal while you are still out on the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes east-coast boat trip?

The duration is listed as 8 to 9 hours.

What time does the boat depart from the port?

Departure from Mandraki Port is at 9:00 AM.

Where do I meet the tour group?

Meet at Mandraki Port (Elefterias Avenue), in front of the fountain outside the Church of the Annunciation (Evaggelismos). Look for the red Manos Going sign.

What is the pickup time window if I choose transportation?

Pickup is scheduled between 7:30 AM and 8:15 AM, depending on your accommodation.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A buffet lunch is included on board at the Tsambika stop.

Are drinks included with lunch?

No. Drinks and extra snacks are not included, but you can buy them from the snack bar on board.

Which bays do you swim in during the day?

The swim stops are Anthony Quinn’s Bay, Tsambika Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay.

How long do you spend at Tsambika Bay?

You get about two hours at Tsambika Bay for swimming, plus the buffet lunch during that time.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

No. The tour is not suitable for non-swimmers.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.