Review · RHODES ISLAND TOURS
Rhodes Town: Fishing Boat Trip with Fish Meal and Swim Stops
Fish, swim, and a proper lunch at sea. On this 5-hour Rhodes Town fishing boat trip, you cruise a traditional Greek boat, fish with help from the crew, then eat what you catch.
Two things I really liked: the hands-on fishing instruction (even if you are a first-timer) and the barbecue fish meal with all the usual sides.
One drawback to consider is motion, since sea conditions can affect people, and the swim stop can feel cold if you are sensitive.
In This Review
- Key takeaways before you go
- Rhodes Town departure at Mandraki Harbour
- A traditional 10.5 meter boat, up to 12 people
- Fishing lessons that actually help
- How the day flows across fishing stops
- BBQ lunch with fish you actually caught
- Swim stop and snorkeling in a secluded cove
- Who this trip suits best
- Price and value for $76 per person
- Should you book the Makarounas fishing boat trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the Rhodes Town fishing boat trip?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What’s included in the price?
- Do they provide fishing equipment and help for beginners?
- What food will I eat on board?
- Is there snorkeling during the trip?
- What languages do the crew speak?
- Is there a toilet on the boat?
- Is cancellation free?
- Is there a pay later option?
Key takeaways before you go

- Small-boat feel: a 10.5 meter traditional fishing boat for up to 12 people keeps the day from feeling crowded
- Real fishing coaching: the crew shows you how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in, for kids and adults
- BBQ that includes choices: fish plus Greek sides, with the option for chicken or even veggie
- Swim and snorkel stop: snorkeling equipment is provided, so you can get in without planning gear
- On-board comfort: there is a toilet on the boat, plus inclusive drinks during the trip
More of Rhodes beyond the old town
Rhodes Town departure at Mandraki Harbour

Your day starts at Mandraki harbor, near church Evangelismos at kiosk 2 with Makarounas. From there, you board a traditional fishing boat built for cruising and getting to fishing spots without fuss.
I like that this is not a long transfer day. You are in the water and working the lines quickly, and the timing feels built for a full experience without dragging.
A traditional 10.5 meter boat, up to 12 people

This trip runs on a 10.5 meter fishing boat with capacity for up to 12 people. That matters. Smaller groups mean more personal attention when you are learning, and you spend less time waiting around for someone else to get ready.
A few reviews also describe very small groups on board, which makes the day feel more like you are hanging out with the crew than attending a big commercial excursion. There is also a toilet on board, a small thing that makes a half-day outing much easier.
Fishing lessons that actually help

The core of the trip is fishing, and you get guided help rather than just being handed a rod. The crew demonstrates how to set up the line, how to handle the rod, and how to reel in. If you are bringing a child, the staff offer help for both kids and adults.
If you like the idea of catching something, but you are worried you will do it wrong, this is the reassurance you want. You get coaching during the fishing stops, not just a quick explanation before you start.
And yes, there is a fun side to it. Angelo has a reputation for being entertaining, keeping people laughing, and jumping in when lines get tangled. One review even called him a tangled line doctor, which is a fancy way of saying you will not be left struggling if something goes sideways.
How the day flows across fishing stops
You do not just fish in one spot and call it. The trip moves through several areas around Rhodes Town. One description includes going around the city side near the harbor gate area, then heading to the first fishing spot.
After that, you typically reach additional fishing points during the morning or early part of the trip, with the crew guiding you on which method to use. Some guides teach two different ways to fish, and you can often try more than one during the day.
Practically, this movement keeps things interesting. You are not stuck doing the same cast over and over, and it also gives you better odds of finding fish activity.
BBQ lunch with fish you actually caught

Now the part people get excited about: food. You get a meal of freshly caught fish prepared on board, cooked on the grill with drinks included. The sides listed are Greek salad and garlic bread, which is a nice, familiar touch rather than an international buffet.
One of the best values here is that lunch is part of the package, not an add-on. For $76 per person, you are paying for a full half-day experience that covers the boat ride, fishing gear, help from the crew, and an on-board BBQ with inclusive food and drinks.
What also helps is the flexibility. You may have a chance to choose the BBQ option in advance, including fish, chicken, or even a veggie alternative, and the crew asks about intolerances or allergies. That kind of planning makes the meal feel less stressful for mixed groups.
And if you catch fish, you may get more than just dinner. Angelo is known for turning catch photos into a small souvenir magnet along with a shell, which is a fun way to remember the day without adding much effort.
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Swim stop and snorkeling in a secluded cove

The second half of the trip shifts from fishing to water time, with a swim and snorkeling stop in a secluded cove. You do not have to bring equipment, because the crew provides what you need.
You get masks and life jackets, and in at least one instance an underwater camera was provided for use at the snorkeling stop. That is a big help if you want photos but you do not want to worry about protecting your own phone or camera.
A couple of real-world considerations: first, the water can feel chilly. One reviewer skipped going in because it was cold for them. Second, if you are prone to sea sickness, the boat motion during travel and while you are eating can be an issue for you or a family member.
That is not a reason to avoid the trip, it is a reason to plan. If you have been sick on boats before, consider bringing your own sea sickness tablets, just like the advice from a fellow passenger who shared that their husband had trouble.
Who this trip suits best

This is ideal if you want a Rhodes Town day that feels local and hands-on. You are not just sightseeing from land. You are learning fishing, eating a BBQ meal that comes from the experience, and spending time swimming in a protected cove.
It is also a strong pick for families. The crew provides assistance for kids and adults, and the boat size helps keep the day manageable.
You might think twice if you want a strictly calm, never-moving itinerary. Fishing trips are often more movement than a museum morning, and the sea conditions can influence comfort. Also, if snorkeling is a must, go in with realistic expectations, since water temperature and personal comfort can change how much time you spend in the water.
Price and value for $76 per person

At $76 per person for a 5-hour outing, the value is in what is included. You get:
- Boat time on a traditional fishing vessel
- Fishing gear plus instruction and help
- All inclusive food and drinks
- A BBQ meal with sides
- Snorkeling equipment for the swim portion
If you tried to recreate that on your own, you would likely pay separately for a boat, gear, and a guide, plus lunch. Here, those pieces are bundled into one price, and the crew’s attention is part of the deal.
The small boat size also supports the value. With fewer people on board, the fishing coaching and meal service feel more personal, which is hard to get on larger commercial tours.
Should you book the Makarounas fishing boat trip?
If you want a half-day that mixes fishing practice, a real on-board BBQ, and swim plus snorkeling with gear provided, I think you should book. This is the kind of Rhodes Town experience that gives you something to talk about besides views, because you learn a skill, eat what the crew prepares from your catch, and spend time in the water.
I would only skip if you know you get very motion sick or you strongly prefer staying warm and dry during tours. If that is you, do some planning first, then go anyway if you are up for the experience.
FAQ
How long is the Rhodes Town fishing boat trip?
The trip lasts 5 hours.
Where is the meeting point?
You meet at Mandraki harbor, near church Evangelismos, kiosk 2, Makarounas.
What’s included in the price?
The trip includes a fresh fish meal, all inclusive food and drinks, fishing gear, and assistance from the crew for both kids and adults.
Do they provide fishing equipment and help for beginners?
Yes. Fishing gear is provided, and the crew offers help and guidance, including instruction on baiting the hook, holding the rod, and reeling in.
What food will I eat on board?
You get freshly caught fish prepared by the crew, with sides like Greek salad and garlic bread, plus drinks. There is also an option to choose chicken (and a veggie option is mentioned).
Is there snorkeling during the trip?
Yes. The second half includes a snorkeling stop in a secluded cove, and the crew provides the snorkeling equipment.
What languages do the crew speak?
The guide/driver language options listed are Greek and English.
Is there a toilet on the boat?
Yes, there is a toilet on board.
Is cancellation free?
Yes, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is listed for a full refund.
Is there a pay later option?
Yes, the experience offers a reserve now and pay later option.
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