Golden water stops make this half-day fly. This Rhodes gulet trip packs swims, snorkeling, and time on the SUP and kayak while cruising the island’s eastern coast. I especially liked the way the schedule gives you multiple chances to cool off and still come back for a proper Greek lunch with unlimited soft drinks and wine. One thing to plan for: seating and sunbeds can fill fast, so if you want prime outdoor spots, arrive early.

The route is built around three standout water moments, starting at Anthony Quinn Bay and continuing to Ladiko Bay and Kallithea Thermal Springs. I also like that the crew keeps things moving with gear ready and plenty of time at each stop, so you do not feel rushed. If you are picky about food, expect a standard onboard menu, but it is listed as vegan-friendly for lunch.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• SUP and kayaking are included, with snorkeling gear available at the swim stops.
• Unlimited wine and soft drinks come with lunch and the cruising day.
• Anthony Quinn Bay delivers the first big photo and swim moment, about 40 minutes.
• Fun Island-Ladiko is the main action stop, with about 2 hours plus floating sofas and platforms.
• Kalithea Thermal Springs pairs a short swim window with time to see the famous architecture.
• Arrive early for sunbeds, because shaded seating can happen if you board late.

A Rhodes Gulet Day Starts Right at Mandraki Port

This is a classic Rhodes half-day by traditional wooden gulet, run out of Mandraki. You meet opposite Eleftherias Square in the port, and you are looking for the wooden gulet named El Greco. From there, you cruise along the eastern coastline with built-in breaks, so you spend less time staring at waves and more time in the water.

What I like about this setup is the balance. You get scenery from the boat, but the trip is clearly designed around swimming and water toys. The timing also matters: after an initial cruise portion, you hit Anthony Quinn Bay, then you switch to Ladiko Bay for the longer activity block, then wrap with the Kalithea Thermal Springs stop.

One practical tip: the boat is set up for lounging, but the best sunbed areas are the first to go. Several people recommend getting there well before departure, and that advice is smart if sun time is your priority.

Price and Value: What $78 Buys in Real Time

At around $78 per person for about 6 hours, this tour competes well because you are getting more than a sightseeing cruise. The key value pieces are bundled together:

• Traditional gulet cruise
• Greek lunch onboard
• Unlimited soft drinks and wine
• Snorkeling gear plus SUP and kayaking at no extra cost
• Multiple swim stops, including longer time at Ladiko

Also, know what is not included. Beer, slushies, and cocktails cost extra, so if your idea of a perfect day includes lots of beer or fancy mixed drinks, budget for it. That said, unlimited wine plus non-alcoholic drinks can cover most people’s needs.

Where the value really lands is how many “active” minutes you get. If you come to Rhodes for the water, this itinerary gives you repeated chances to swim instead of one token dip.

Unlimited Drinks and Greek Lunch, Plus the Pace You Need

Lunch is onboard and built around traditional Greek flavors, served with unlimited soft drinks and wine. The menu style includes Greek salad and seasonal fruits, and the lunch is listed as vegan and non-vegan friendly. In other words, you should be able to eat well even if you skip meat.

What I think makes this practical is the way the food fits the day. You eat while the boat is already working the route, and you get more than just a snack. You are also not stuck hunting for food during short stops, which is a big deal when the action is in the water.

A small planning note based on what people describe: if you have very specific dietary needs, it is worth communicating it during the day rather than assuming every onboard option will match your exact preference. The lunch is meant to work for vegans, but menus can still feel “standard” rather than restaurant-level.

Anthony Quinn Bay Stop: Emerald Water and Your First Swim Window

Your first meaningful water stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached after some cruising. The schedule gives you around 40 minutes here for photo time, swimming, and snorkeling. This bay is known for its vivid green color, and the water is often what people come for in the first place.

Why this stop is worth your attention: it is early enough to set the tone for the day, but not so early that you feel rushed. You get time to get in, cool off, and take the kind of photos that make friends back home ask where you went.

Gear-wise, snorkeling equipment is included, and swim platforms plus the boat’s setup make it easier to enter and exit without turning it into a production. If you want a smooth first swim, put on sunscreen before you arrive, because once you are in the water, reapplying is harder.

Ladiko Fun Island: The Longest Activity Block With SUP and Kayaks

The main action happens at Ladiko Bay, often described as Fun Island. This is where you spend about 2 hours, with photo time and a full mix of swimming plus snorkeling. It is also the time window for the fun tools: kayaking and SUP (stand up paddleboarding).

This stop is built for variety. If you want to paddle, you get the chance. If you would rather float and snorkel, that works too. And if you want minimal effort, the floating sofas and platforms let you relax while still staying close to the water.

One practical detail from onboard experience: if you plan to use the SUP, ask the crew about the setup, like whether any fin or extra pieces are used. Some people reported needing to request specific parts. The crew can usually sort it quickly, but you do not want to wait until you are already standing on the board.

Also pay attention to the flow. The longer Ladiko stop means you can do one activity, take a breath, do another, and still have time to just swim and chill.

Kalithea Thermal Springs: Architecture, Snacks, and Another Swim Chance

You finish with Kalithea Thermal Springs, which is famous for its architecture as much as for being a place to take a swim. The stop is short compared with Ladiko, around 30 minutes, but it is still long enough for photos and a quick get-in-the-water moment.

The trip schedule pairs this stop with local snacks and time onboard, which helps break up the day after Ladiko. Think of Kalithea as the “see it, snap it, swim if you want” chapter. If you are the type who likes historical-looking structures without spending hours on land, this hits the sweet spot.

If you are more water-focused than photo-focused, you can still make it work. Put your camera away briefly, do your swim or snorkeling, then come back for the architecture pictures.

Getting Great Seats and Sunbeds, Not the Shade Trap

Here is the one logistics point that can change your day. The boat has seating and sunbathing areas, and multiple people recommend arriving early to claim the best outdoor spots. If you board late, you might end up inside or in a less sunny area for much of the cruise.

A good rule: aim to arrive at least 35 to 60 minutes before departure. One person even suggests arriving around 9:15 for a roughly 10:00 departure, and that kind of early arrival usually pays off.

Once you are onboard, you can plan your day around the sun. Use your first swim stop for photos and a quick dip, then save your longer lounging for the longer Ladiko block. That way you get both water time and real relaxation.

Drinks and Extras: What Costs More on the Water

Included drinks are unlimited wine and soft drinks, served throughout the trip alongside lunch. The soft drinks can cover juices and other non-alcoholic options, so you are not stuck on just water.

Not included is important:

• Beer is extra
• Slushies are extra
• Cocktails are extra

If those are your must-haves, factor in a small add-on budget. If not, you can still have a very satisfying day without ever paying for a single drink beyond the tour price.

Should You Book This El Greco Cruises Trip?

I think this is a great fit if you want a Rhodes day that is mostly time on the water, with the freedom to snorkel, swim, paddle, and relax without planning anything on land. The standout reasons to book are the included water activities, the multiple swim stops, and the value of unlimited wine and soft drinks paired with Greek lunch.

I would skip it if you care most about quiet cruising, long stays at one beach, or you need a wheelchair-friendly setup. This is made for getting in and out of the water, and for a lounge-and-play vibe on a boat.

If you do book, go with the mindset of an active half-day. Arrive early for sunbeds, bring the right basics, and you will likely leave with that Rhodes feeling of seawater hair and sun-kissed photos.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the El Greco Cruises gulet trip?

You meet right opposite Eleftherias Square in the port of Mandraki. Look for the traditional legendary wooden gulet El Greco.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as 6 hours. Starting times vary, so you will need to check availability for the exact departure time.

What activities are included?

The trip includes kayaking, SUP (stand up paddleboarding), and snorkeling gear. It also includes swimming stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Thermal Springs.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited wine and soft drinks. Beer, slushies, and cocktails are not included.

Is lunch vegan-friendly?

Lunch is listed as suitable for both vegans and non-vegans. If you have specific dietary preferences, it is still smart to speak up during the day.

What are the swimming stops like, and how much time do I get?

You get about 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, about 2 hours at Ladiko Bay, and about 30 minutes at Kallithea Thermal Springs. Each stop includes swimming time, and snorkeling is available at the stops where it is listed.

What should I bring, and what is not allowed?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Food and drinks are not allowed.

Is the trip wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What should I do to get good sunbeds?

Arrive early for the best outdoor spots. Many people recommend arriving well before departure since the boat can fill up.

Is free cancellation available?

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