Four swims in 2.5 hours.

This Rhodes RIB cruise is a fast, fun way to hit the island’s east coast beaches, with proper time for swimming and snorkeling at multiple stops. You’ll start from the marina near Stama restaurant, meet the captain, then head straight for Anthony Quinn Bay and the dramatic cliffs around it.

I especially liked two things about the setup. First, the crew makes the water time feel manageable, with snorkeling gear plus buoyancy aids and pool noodles, and Ixia-style photo chances from the boat. Second, you get more than just a swim, you also get story and scenery, including the Guns of Navarone Pier area and the switch to secret-feeling spots like the Alikies caves.

One thing to consider: the whole trip is short, so each beach is just a snapshot. Also, some entries are rocky or gravel, so bring comfortable shoes and expect to be on uneven ground at a couple of stops.

Key Highlights You Will Actually Care About

• Four swim stops spread across the east coast, not just one long beach break
• Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling plus the Guns of Navarone Pier viewpoint vibe
• Alikies caves for cave-side exploring or a relaxed beach hang
• Small group cap of 8, which means less waiting and easier boat access
• Safety and comfort gear on hand, including buoyancy aids and pool noodles
• Drinks and snacks onboard, plus a restroom and Wi-Fi

Entering Rhodes East Coast by RIB (What This Trip Feels Like)

This isn’t the slow, big-bus version of a boat day. It’s a 2.5-hour RIB cruise that moves along the east coast with a clear rhythm: boat ride, swim stop, boat ride, swim stop. That matters because Rhodes beaches are beautiful, but travel time can eat your afternoon. Here, you get a concentrated hit of coastline without burning half the day getting there.

The small group size, limited to 8 participants, is a real quality-of-life upgrade. You spend less time herding people and more time in the water or snapping photos from the best angles. And because it’s a RIB-style experience, the boat feels lively, with lots of deck space for sunbathing when you’re not swimming.

I also like that the focus stays practical. You’re not signing up for a lecture. You’re signing up for specific swimming locations, including caves, and you’ll get drinks onboard so you’re not scrambling for refreshments halfway through.

Meet the Captain, Then Head for Anthony Quinn Bay

Your day starts at the marina. If you’re not using pickup, you go to the port and find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant. If you are using pickup, it’s available from a central point near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Either way, you’ll be with an English-speaking driver and an English-speaking crew.

Once everyone is aboard, the cruise heads to the first main swimming area: Anthony Quinn Bay. This is the kind of stop that changes the mood instantly. You’re looking at turquoise water and rugged coastlines, and you can already feel why this part of Rhodes gets so much attention.

If you’re the type who likes being prepared, this is a good sign to show up ready. The tour asks for swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. No big bags either, so plan a light daypack. One less thing to manage makes the water time feel easy.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone Pier Stop

The highlight here is straightforward: swim and snorkel at Anthony Quinn Bay, with marine life viewing and enough time to actually get comfortable in the water. It’s listed as the longest block, around 2 hours at this stop, so you’re not just doing a quick toe-in.

You’ll also get the story and context around the beach area. The bay is named after the Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn, who bought the area after filming Guns of Navarone there. That connection adds something that you don’t get on a generic beach stop. When you’re standing on the pier or looking out toward the cliffs, the place suddenly feels tied to more than just postcards.

One practical tip: the famous photographic spot is the Guns of Navarone Pier, so if you want your clearest shots, grab them early in the stop before everyone spreads out. The water visibility can look great, and you’ll want to capture the coastline and cliff lines while the light is in your favor.

Potential drawback: if you’re expecting a super guided, step-by-step snorkel lesson, this tour is still mostly about the locations and free time in the water. The crew helps, but you’re there to swim.

Ladiko Beach: The Second Shot at Blue-Water Snorkeling

After Anthony Quinn Bay, the cruise shifts to Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. This stop is all about variety. You already saw the “famous” side, and now you get another stretch of coastline with that same postcard water, plus a different feeling from the rock and cliff edges.

Ladiko is a good middle stop if you want to swim again without burning your energy early. You can dive in from the boat, then swim toward the shore edges if you’re feeling confident. If you’re not, it’s still relaxing to float and watch fish around you, especially with the provided safety aids.

The biggest value of Ladiko is how it keeps the afternoon moving while still giving you a real pause. In a short tour, you want at least one stop where you can fully reset. This one often fills that role.

Traganou Gravel Beach and Hidden Caverns

Traganou is the “off the beaten track” moment. It’s described as a gravel beach with a rocky surface and crystal clear waters, plus hidden caverns that create a more rugged, wild-looking coastline than the smoother beach vibes.

This stop is ideal for people who like unusual shoreline shapes, the kind that make your photos look less like standard vacation snapshots. The caverns area can be a fun visual target because it adds depth to the waterline. Even if you don’t spend all your time exploring caves, the scenery around it tends to look dramatic.

Main consideration: rocky and gravel entries can be less forgiving than sandy beaches. The tour asks for comfortable shoes, which is your clue that you might be stepping around uneven surfaces. If you like easy barefoot lounging, this may not be your favorite moment. If you like adventure and don’t mind careful footing, you’ll probably enjoy it.

Also, because the whole cruise is only 2.5 hours, you’ll want to use the stop intentionally. If you spend too long setting up, the cave area might feel rushed.

Alikies Caves: Your Relax Plus Explore Moment

Then comes the stop that many people remember most for the atmosphere: the Alikies caves. Here, you can venture into the cave area or simply relax on the beach. That flexibility is a big deal on a short cruise. You get to choose how active your afternoon feels.

Caves naturally draw your attention because the water near them can feel like a different world. You’re close to rocky structure, and the whole area looks more textured than open beach water. Even from the shoreline, it tends to feel more “secret” than a typical public beach.

This is also where the drinks and snacks onboard start to feel extra nice. After multiple swim cycles, a cool drink and something small to eat helps you land the experience without crashing afterward. If you’re thinking of this as a “summer reset,” the timing here helps.

Potential drawback: cave exploration isn’t going to be a long hike because the stop is part of a cruise schedule. Treat it as a satisfying peek and a safe, guided-feeling outing, not a full-on cave adventure.

Onboard Comfort, Wi-Fi, and the Drinks You’ll Actually Drink

One of the best practical perks is that the boat is described as modern and comfortable, with a roomy deck for sunbathing. That matters because you’ll probably spend time not in the water, either drying off, changing positions, or grabbing photos from above the shoreline.

You’ll also have a restroom and Wi-Fi onboard. Wi-Fi isn’t usually what you book for, but it’s handy for posting photos or messaging family while you’re still on the move.

On drinks: the cruise includes softdrinks and bottled cocktails, plus drinks and snacks onboard during the stops. In real-life terms, that means you won’t be stuck with only water. Some people note fizzy options when describing what they received, but the included item list clearly points to bottled cocktails too, so you can expect at least a solid mix of refreshing drinks.

If you’re sensitive to sun, you’ll appreciate the sunscreen requirement. The deck can get bright, and the whole day is water-and-sun focused.

Snorkeling Gear, Floaties, and Safety Without Stiff Rules

This tour earns a lot of praise for making swimming feel safe and doable. You’ll find buoyancy aids and pool noodles available, and snorkeling gear such as masks and snorkels is provided. That’s a good setup because it lets you snorkel even if you’re not an expert swimmer.

It also helps that the captain and hosts often provide practical encouragement in the water. Names that come up include Michael as captain and Lazaros as a standout host/guide. For families and less-confident swimmers, patient coaching can turn hesitation into a fun first jump.

There are also small “comfort tech” touches mentioned, like waterproof phone covers. If you’re hoping to get phone photos underwater or near the surface, that kind of gear saves you stress.

One thing to remember: you’re on a RIB, and reviews mention the boat being quick. That’s part of the fun, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, plan accordingly.

Price and Value: Is $48 a Good Deal?

At about $48 per person, this is positioned as an affordable half-afternoon escape compared with bigger sightseeing cruises. But the question isn’t only cost. It’s what you get per hour.

You get:

• Four swim-focused stops on Rhodes east coast
• Snorkeling and swimming time built into the schedule
• Drinks and snacks included
• A small group limit of 8 participants
• Wi-Fi and restroom onboard

Where value can vary is in how much you personally use the water time. If you love snorkeling and want multiple shoreline styles, the price makes sense fast. If you mostly want scenic photos and will barely swim, the tour may feel like you paid mostly for boat rides between short beach moments.

In my opinion, it’s best value if you’re the kind of person who wants to feel like you used the ocean, not just watched it.

How to Think About the Timing (So You Don’t Feel Rushed)

The whole cruise is 2.5 hours, so it moves. Anthony Quinn Bay is the longest stop at about 2 hours, and the other stops are shorter, supporting quick swim rounds and photo breaks.

Here’s how to avoid that “rushed” feeling. Use a two-step mindset:

1. At the first big bay, spend time getting settled in the water and snorkeling.
2. For later stops, pick one focus. For example, Ladiko for photos and a second swim, Traganou for the rocky caverns vibe, and Alikies caves for relaxed time.

Also, be ready to change your plan based on your energy. If you get tired, it’s completely fine to float, sunbathe, and still enjoy the scenery. The tour is designed for that kind of flexible pacing.

Who This Rhodes RIB Cruise Is Best For

This is a great fit for couples, younger adults, and small groups who want an active day without committing to a full-day itinerary. The small group format also makes it feel more personal than the large, crowded boats.

It’s especially good if you:

• Want multiple swim stops in one afternoon
• Care about snorkeling gear and safety floats
• Like dramatic coastlines and cave areas
• Prefer an organized trip with time to relax, not just a checklist of sights

If you’re traveling with people who have limited swimming confidence, the availability of buoyancy aids helps. If you have accessibility needs, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, based on the activity information.

Should You Book the Rhodes RIB Cruise With Drinks and 4 Swim Stops?

If you want a Rhodes experience that actually uses the water, this is an easy yes. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, cave scenery at Alikies, multiple swim stops, and included drinks at a reasonable price makes it feel like strong value for a short afternoon.

Skip it only if you prefer long beach hours over active water time, or if rocky entry sites at places like Traganou would be a hassle for your group.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes RIB cruise?

The experience runs for about 2.5 hours, with the exact starting time depending on availability.

How many swim stops are included?

You get four swim-focused stops along the east coast, including Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area.

What drinks are included onboard?

Softdrinks and bottled cocktails are included, and drinks and snacks are served during the cruise.

Where do I meet the boat if I do not use pickup?

You go to the port and look for the boat moored next to Stama restaurant.

Where is pickup available from?

Pickup is optional from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

How big is the group?

The group is limited to 8 participants.

Do you provide snorkeling gear and safety floatation?

Yes. Snorkels and masks are provided, and buoyancy aids and pool noodles are available to help with swimming and snorkeling.

Is there a restroom and Wi-Fi onboard?

Yes. The boat has a restroom and Wi-Fi available onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Is this activity suitable for wheelchair users?

No. It is not suitable for wheelchair users.