Three swim stops in one day. I love how this Rhodes trip turns the day into a simple sea routine on a traditional Greek wooden boat, with your first big payoff at Kallithea Bay for swimming and snorkeling.

I also like that you get real time in the water, because snorkelling equipment is included and each stop gives you about an hour to enjoy the waves (and get your bearings).

One consideration: the boat and onboard facilities may not match the scenery. Some reports point to a worn lower toilet and that drinks and food onboard can feel pricey.

Key Points at a Glance

• Three swim-and-snorkel stops in one 6-hour outing, so you are not stuck making do with just one beach
• Kallithea Bay snorkeling, often described as a top water stop in the Rhodes area
• Anthony Quinn Bay swim time, where the water color looks especially striking
• Music on the boat, plus lots of deck time to relax between swims
• Snorkelling gear and a swimming noodle included, making it easy even if you are not an expert
• Fish sightings are not guaranteed, so treat snorkeling as a fun water activity first

Mandraki Harbour to Alkmini Boat: Your Easy Start Point

This cruise is built for convenience. It departs from Mandraki Harbour, and the specific meeting point is by the Statue Alexander area at the Alkmini boat. You will want to arrive early enough to actually find the right place, because the boat is not waiting.

No hotel pickup is included, and transfers are not included either. So you will do what locals do on a beach day: you show up on your own, get settled, and let the sea plan take over.

If you are doing this as one of your first Rhodes activities, that is a smart move. You get a quick overview of the island’s coast while also getting three separate chances to jump into the water.

The 6-Hour Rhythm: 10:00 Sail-Out, 3 Water Breaks, 16:00 Return

The schedule is straightforward and paced for swim time. You start at 10:00. After about 40 minutes, you reach your first swim stop around Kallithea Bay.

From there, it is basically a repeating pattern:

• Sail for a while and enjoy the views from the boat
• Stop for about an hour for swimming and snorkeling
• Reset, relax, and get back on board before the next stop

You then continue to Afandou for another swim-and-snorkel break, and later head to Anthony Quinn Bay for the final, famous-name water stop. You return to Mandraki Harbour by 16:00.

Between swims, you can hang out on deck, in sun or shadow, with music playing on the boat. That downtime is not filler. It is part of the value. You do not have to manage beach logistics three separate times.

Kallithea Bay for Snorkeling: The Stop You Hope Looks Like the Photos

Kallithea Bay is the headline snorkeling stop on this route. You get a dedicated swim and snorkel hour here, and the whole point is simple: clear water, easy access, and time to float around without rushing.

The snorkeling setup is included, so you do not need to hunt for gear on your own. You also get a snorkelling equipment bundle and a noodle for swimming, which is helpful if you want comfort and buoyancy while you get used to the water.

Practical expectation setting matters here. The operator does not promise fish sightings. That is not a dealbreaker, but it changes how you should approach snorkeling. Think of it as water time in a beautiful spot. If you happen to see fish, great. If you do not, you still did the main activity.

Afandou Beach: A Calm, Productive Second Stop

Afandou Beach is your next swim-and-snorkel stop, again with about one hour in the water. This is a good break after you have warmed up your rhythm at Kallithea.

What I like about this structure is that you get variety without complexity. You are not traveling between far-apart places by bus. You are staying on the same boat, sailing along the coast, and then getting fresh water time again at another beach.

You will typically have a mix of moments here: some guided time and free time to do your own thing. There is also a photo stop component, which is nice if you want beach shots without having to plan your timing.

If you are traveling with a mix of strong swimmers and casual snorkelers, this kind of stop works well. You can spend more time floating and less time chasing perfect conditions, and the hour gives you enough slack.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Swim, Photo Stops, and Bright Water Time

Then comes the famous one: Anthony Quinn Bay. This is the part of the cruise where the water tends to look especially photogenic, described as green-blue and bright under the sky.

You get about one hour here too, which I find is the sweet spot. It is long enough to swim, snorkel, and settle into the moment. It also reduces the pressure of doing everything at once.

You are also likely to have a photo stop and some guided context during the stop, plus time to just relax. And like the other locations, you are not waiting around for the next bus. You are back on the boat when you are done.

One detail I appreciate from real day-of experience: people often feel tired after the earlier stops, then feel fully refreshed when the third jump happens. If you keep your energy in check, this last water time can feel like the best one.

Onboard Comfort: Music, Relax Time, and What to Expect from the Boat

The boat experience matters because you will spend hours on it. This tour uses a traditional Greek wooden boat, and that gives the day a more “Rhodes summer” feel than a basic speed-boat hop.

Also, there is music on board, which keeps the atmosphere easy. It helps the whole cruise feel like an outing, not a commute.

That said, I would not oversell the comfort. Some reports mention the boat and onboard facilities are not always in great shape. A specific concern that shows up is the lower toilet. If that kind of detail matters a lot to you, keep expectations realistic and focus on the sea time.

The good news is you will not feel trapped on board for long stretches. The day is designed around repeated swimming stops, so the boat is mostly your relaxing base between water breaks.

What’s Included, What’s Extra, and What You Should Pack

Here is what you get with the cruise:

• A traditional Greek wooden boat
• 3 swimming stops: Anthony Quinn, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay
• Snorkelling equipment provided
• Noodle for swimming
• Experience crew and an English and Greek live tour guide
• Music
• Season fruits
• A bar where you can buy drinks and something to eat

What you do not get:

• Hotel pickup
• Transfer
• Any mention of a towel being provided, so plan to bring your own

For what to bring, keep it basic:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera

You may also want to bring a little patience with you. The operator is clear that they are not responsible for fish sightings. Nature decides that part.

Finally, there is a small planning win for your valuables. If the crew allows it, you can store personal items onboard while you get coffee or handle a quick pre-cruise moment around Mandraki Harbour. The important move is to ask and follow their guidance.

Price and Value: Is $47 Worth a Half-Day of Sea Time?

At $47 per person for a 6-hour cruise, this is priced like a value-focused day trip, not a luxury yacht afternoon.

Why it can feel like good value:

• You are getting three separate swim-and-snorkel opportunities, not just one quick stop
• Snorkelling gear is included, so you do not need to rent equipment or buy it at the last second
• There is onboard structure, with a crew, music, and fruit included
• The day has a natural rhythm, which is easier than bouncing between multiple beaches on your own

Where the price might not feel like a win:

• If you expect guaranteed fish and reef-like snorkeling every time, that might disappoint. Fish sightings are not promised.
• If you plan to eat and drink heavily onboard, prices at the bar can add up. Bringing a frugal mindset can help.

My best rule of thumb: this is worth it if you will actually use the three swim stops and you do not mind that snorkeling is “fun and possible sightings,” not a guarantee.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This cruise fits you if:

• You want an easy, no-stress way to enjoy Rhodes sea time
• You like snorkeling as a casual activity and you are okay with fish sightings being hit or miss
• You enjoy music and relaxing on deck between water breaks
• You want to cover multiple coastal spots without coordinating transportation

You might skip it if:

• You are very sensitive to onboard facility conditions and want high comfort standards all day
• You only care about land-based sightseeing and do not want a half-day focused on swimming
• You rely on scooter transport for getting around (scooters are not allowed)

It is also a solid option for first-timers. You get a quick feel for the coast, and you spend your morning and early afternoon where the views are happening.

Should You Book Rhodes Pleasure Cruise for Swimming and Snorkeling?

If you want a fun half-day built around three real water breaks, I think you should book it. The biggest reasons are simple: snorkel gear is included, the route includes Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay, and the timing is long enough to actually enjoy each stop.

My final advice is about expectations. Go for the water, the sea color, and the easy structure. Keep fish sightings as a bonus, not a requirement. And if onboard facilities being spotless is a must for you, read the day with a realistic mindset.

If that sounds like your kind of Rhodes day, this cruise is a practical, worthwhile way to spend six hours on the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It meets at Mandraki Harbour, near Statue Alexander, at the Alkmini boat.

What time does the cruise start and end?

The cruise starts at 10:00 and returns to Mandraki Harbour at 16:00.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is 6 hours.

How many swimming and snorkeling stops are included?

There are 3 swimming stops for swimming and snorkelling at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Bay.

Is snorkelling equipment included?

Yes, snorkelling equipment is provided.

Do you need to bring a towel?

The tour data says to bring a towel, so plan on bringing your own.

Are food and drinks included?

Season fruits are included. There is also a bar on board where you can buy drinks and something to eat.

Is hotel pickup or transfer included?

No. Hotel pickup and transfer are not included.

Are scooters allowed on the cruise?

No, scooters are not allowed.

What about cancellations or paying later?

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also has a reserve now & pay later option.