Faliraki: Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn & The Caves with Drinks

A yellow semi-sub makes Rhodes feel close. This 3 hour outing from Faliraki pairs glass underwater cabin views with two real swim stops, plus an open bar of ice-cold beer and soft drinks. I like the mix of easy sea watching and optional swimming, especially when you can still see the fish below deck.

One heads up: the tour can include multiple beach pick-up and drop-off points, so plan on some time spent transferring before you get into the water. If your hotel is on a less convenient stop, it may feel like the trip starts slow.

Key takeaways before you go

• Two swim stops that actually feel timed well: 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and 25 minutes at Traganou Caves
• The underwater glass cabin does the heavy lifting: you can watch fish without fully committing to snorkeling
• Fish feeding at Anthony Quinn Bay: the crew feeds the fish and you can watch the action through the windows
• Unlimited cold drinks on board: beer, water, and soft drinks from the open bar
• Caves you can swim into: Traganou Caves are designed for getting in the water, not just peeking from above

A yellow semi-sub is a smart way to see Rhodes sea life

Rhodes by sea is the fast track to that “how is the water this blue” feeling. The semi-sub format adds a bonus: you’re not stuck choosing between boat time and swimming time. You get a boat ride, plus an underwater viewing cabin that shows the fish below, even if you decide to stay comfortable and dry.

I like that this trip gives you options. You can go fully into snorkeling mode at the bays, or you can do “look and float” and still get the main payoff: seeing fish schools and reef-like life close up. That flexibility matters in real life, especially if you have different comfort levels in your group.

Meeting at Faliraki Beach, from red steps to the yellow boat

This is a beach boarding trip, not a “bus to a dock and wait forever” situation. You head to your assigned beach pick-up stop, then you board from the red steps on the beach. Multiple pick-up points are offered, which makes it easier for hotels around Faliraki, but it also explains why the trip can feel longer before you’re actually cruising.

To help you picture the timing, here are the specific pick-up options listed for common hotels and areas:

• Amada Colossos beach pick-up: 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM
• Esperides and Calypso Hotel beach pick-up: 9:40 AM, 12:40 PM, 3:40 PM
• Apollo Hotel and Faliraki Harbor beach pick-up: 9:55 AM, 12:55 PM, 3:55 PM

In some departures, a speed boat transfers you to the semi-sub at the start. You’re not stuck dragging bags across the port either. The whole setup is geared around short, repeatable beach handoffs, and it usually runs smoothly.

Anthony Quinn Bay: 40 minutes of swimming, snorkeling, and fish feeding

Anthony Quinn Bay is the reason this trip wins hearts fast. It’s widely seen as one of the prettiest spots around Rhodes, and the water there feels calm enough for a relaxed swim stop. You get about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling, and the best part is what’s happening underwater while you’re there.

The crew feeds the fish at Anthony Quinn Bay. That turns the swim stop from quiet scenery into active underwater viewing. Schools gather, fish move quickly, and the vibe becomes more like an aquarium you can swim alongside, instead of just looking at the coastline.

Even if you don’t want to stay in the sea the entire time, you can still watch. The semi-sub’s glass underwater cabin lets you see fish under the boat while you’re seated. This is a huge win for anyone who gets nervous about swimming far from shore, or who just wants to cool off without fully snorkeling.

I also appreciate the way the trip works for mixed groups. If one person is confident in the water and the others are hesitant, you still get shared moments. One friend swims. Another watches through the windows. Everyone is entertained.

Traganou Caves: swim inside the rock formations in about 25 minutes

After the Anthony Quinn Bay stop, the tour heads toward the Traganou Caves area for a 25 minute swimming session. The big difference here is not just scenery. The caves are set up so you can actually swim into and around the rock formations, not only look from the boat.

This stop is shorter than Anthony Quinn Bay, so I’d treat it as your “do it now” swim. Don’t try to cram every possible activity into the first 5 minutes. Instead, plan a simple rhythm: short swim in, a couple of minutes to look around, then head back before your time runs out.

Snorkeling gear is available during the swim stops, and pool noodles are recommended for the cave portion. That’s a practical detail if you want a little help staying buoyant while you explore the cave area. You can keep it simple even if you’re not a strong swimmer, since the goal is enjoying the water and the formations rather than racing.

The glass cabin experience, and why it helps on hot days

One thing I really like is how the underwater cabin changes the temperature and the pace of the trip. On a hot Rhodes afternoon, it’s not just about being on the water. It’s about finding shade and comfort when you need it.

You can view the sea life through the glass cabin below deck. Some cabins include air conditioning below deck, which matters when the sun is high and you want a break without leaving the boat. This is especially handy for kids or anyone who tires quickly in direct sun.

You also get a different kind of “close up.” When fish gather around feeding spots, they don’t always stay in the exact area you’re swimming in. With the cabin, you can track movement underneath the boat while you rest. It’s a calm, low-effort way to keep enjoying the underwater world between swims.

Drinks on board: why the open bar feels like real value

At $58 per person for a 3 hour excursion, price is mostly about what you get included. The biggest included win here is the open bar: beer, water, and soft drinks. That changes the math. Even if you only drink water and one soda, you still feel like you’re not worrying about spending more once you’re out on the sea.

And because drinks are served as a help-yourself setup, it supports the relaxed pace. You’re not waiting for a bartender each time you want something cold. You grab what you need, cool down, and get back to enjoying views.

Food is not included. That’s an important detail. If you book this during midday, you’ll want to eat earlier or plan a snack for before or after. The trip gives you drinks, but it does not replace lunch.

If you’re trying to keep a family budget under control, this open bar format is one of the cleaner ways to do it. It also helps if some people want to sip while others swim. Everyone can stay comfortable without the trip becoming a constant “everyone stop, buy another drink, go again” routine.

Captain and crew energy, plus safety that doesn’t feel scary

The vibe on the boat matters. In past departures, captains such as Captain Mike and Nikos (and similarly named hosts) have been entertaining and attentive. The common theme is clear communication and a safety talk that makes you feel held, not rushed.

I like the practical approach: they explain safety measures, help keep the experience smooth, and make sure everyone knows what to do at the swim stops. One family report even mentioned staying dry during rain, which tells me the crew focuses on comfort and calm, even when weather throws a curveball.

For families, this kind of leadership helps. Kids may be excited and a bit unpredictable. When the crew runs the operation confidently, the whole group tends to relax, and that makes the swim stops more fun for everyone.

Timing and transfers: where the trip can feel long

The actual swim time is the star of the show, but the timeline also includes travel segments. The plan is a cruise between stops, with sightseeing time before you reach Anthony Quinn Bay and then again on the way toward the caves.

You should also expect multiple beach pick-up and drop-off points. That’s convenient for coverage, but it can add time. One practical consideration: if you’re dropped or picked up later compared with someone near the first stop, your “in-water” time may feel like it gets squeezed a bit by logistics.

This matters most if you’re in a hurry or you’re doing another tour the same day. If you can treat this as a focused half-day activity, it feels better. If you’re stacking tight plans, build in buffer time.

Who this trip suits best

This is a flexible outing. It suits:

• Couples who want a scenic boat ride plus one or two swim breaks
• Families with mixed swimming confidence, since the underwater cabin provides a big part of the experience without requiring swimming the whole time
• Anyone who likes sea life and wants the fish-feeding moment as part of the fun
• People who want drinks included so the trip budget stays predictable

If you hate boats or you get motion sickness easily, you’ll want to think carefully, since this is still a cruise. If swimming is not your thing, you can still enjoy the glass cabin and the views, but the best moments do happen at the swim stops.

What to bring for both the caves and the bay

Since you’re swimming twice, pack like you mean it. At minimum, bring:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes or something with grip for getting in and out comfortably

Snorkeling gear is available during the swim stops, so you don’t need to bring your own kit. Pool noodles may be recommended for the caves area, so you can ask what’s best for your comfort level once you’re on board.

Also, bring a way to protect valuables from getting wet. Even with good crew handling, sea days are messy by nature.

Is it worth $58 for a 3 hour Rhodes sea day?

For $58 per person, this trip is mostly a value play on two things: included swimming time and included drinks. Many boat outings charge extra for drinks or snacks, and you still end up paying for things once you’re out at sea. Here, the open bar is part of the core plan.

You’re also paying for a specific kind of underwater experience. The semi-sub glass cabin is not just a gimmick. It changes the experience if you want fish viewing without committing to constant time in open water. Add the fish feeding at Anthony Quinn Bay, plus the caves swim portion, and you get two “wow” moments in one package.

The main reason it might not feel worth it is if you’re already doing a full day at the beaches and you want food included. This tour does not include food, so you’ll need to plan that gap. If you’re okay with that, the included drinks can make the overall day feel more affordable than you’d expect.

Should you book this Faliraki semi-sub trip to Anthony Quinn Bay and the caves?

If you want a fun, easy Rhodes experience that mixes two timed swim stops, a glass-underwater cabin, and unlimited cold beer and soft drinks, I’d book it. It’s especially appealing when your group includes different comfort levels around swimming, because the underwater viewing keeps the experience shared.

I’d skip it or rethink if you’re strict about minimizing transfers, or if you need a full meal included. Otherwise, it’s a strong choice for a half-day reset in Faliraki, with enough sea time to feel like you got out and enough comfort perks to keep it from feeling like a hassle.

FAQ

How long is the semi-submarine boat trip?

The trip lasts about 3 hours.

What swim stops are included?

You get two swim stops: 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and 25 minutes at the Traganou Caves.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. The open bar includes beer, water, and soft drinks.

Is food included on the tour?

No, food is not included.

Is there an underwater viewing option on the boat?

Yes. The semi-submarine has a glass underwater cabin so you can see fish below the boat.

How long do you spend at Anthony Quinn Bay?

You get about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

How long do you spend at the Traganou Caves?

You get about 25 minutes to swim at the caves.

Where do pick-ups happen in Faliraki?

You board from the red steps on the beach at your assigned pick-up point, and there are multiple beach stops to choose from.

What are the pick-up times for Amada Colossos, Esperides/Calypso, and Apollo Hotel/Faliraki Harbor?

Amada Colossos: 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 3:30 PM.

Esperides and Calypso Hotel: 9:40 AM, 12:40 PM, 3:40 PM.

Apollo Hotel and Faliraki Harbor: 9:55 AM, 12:55 PM, 3:55 PM.

Can I cancel and get a refund?

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