Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board

A morning at sea can be better than another beach stop. This Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip mixes Rhodes fishing with a Kalithea Caves swimming and snorkel stop, then caps it with BBQ on board. I like the small scale too, max 12 people, so you actually get attention from the crew. I also like that the team helps both first-timers and regular anglers, so the day works even if you do not consider yourself a fisherman.

One thing to keep in mind: fishing can be hit or miss. Some people catch plenty, others end up with just a few bites, and the boat sometimes fishes at multiple spots. If you are on a tight cruise timetable, leave extra buffer because the experience is not set up to guarantee a cut-down return.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Max group size of 12, so the captain and guides can work with you instead of letting you float on your own
• 3 hours of guided fishing, with help on baiting and line handling for beginners
• Kalithea Caves swim and snorkel, in a rocky cove setting people describe as clear and fun
• BBQ lunch on board, including grilled fish options and sides that get mentioned often
• Friendly crew energy, especially guides named Angelo, with the captain also coming across as warm and hands-on

Rhodes Fishing Boat Trip With Swimming Stop, BBQ on Board, What to Expect

This trip is a classic half-day setup: you meet, go out on a small fishing boat, spend a good chunk of time fishing, then cool off in the Kalithea Caves area, finishing with lunch you eat right there on board.

The whole experience runs about 5 hours. The schedule is built around a 3-hour fishing stretch, then about 1 hour for the caves swim and snorkel. In between, you’ll be moving as the captain takes you to fishing areas and then to the water stop.

You do not need to be an expert. The crew is set up to help you get your line in working order. If you are already confident, you can jump into fishing fast. If you are brand new, you’ll get practical coaching, including the stuff that usually trips beginners up, like baiting the hook and staying untangled.

Getting From Rhodes City to the Water: Meeting Point Matters

Meet at 25is Martiou 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The big practical tip here is that waterfront meeting points can be confusing, especially if your maps app drops you a block or two off.

Plan to arrive early enough to walk the last bit and find the correct dock. This matters because the day starts with boarding and briefing, and it is harder to catch up once the boat is ready to go.

Good news on logistics: the start point is described as near public transportation, and you should get confirmation at booking time. You will also have a mobile ticket, so you do not need to hunt for paper.

Rhodes Fishing Time: 3 Hours, Hands-On Help, Realistic Expectations

The main event starts with fishing around Rhodes. Expect about 3 hours total for this part. The tone is friendly and practical. Beginners get step-by-step help so they can actually feel like they are doing the fishing, not just watching it happen.

Here is what the crew coaching tends to focus on:

• How to bait the hook correctly
• How to manage your line when it tangles (it happens)
• How to reel without stressing your catch
• Basic timing, like when to try again after a slow moment

If you fish often, you can go straight to action. You may still get tips, but you are not required to wait for lessons.

The “real talk” part: catching fish is not guaranteed. Even the happiest reviews often point out that fishing results can vary day to day. One downside you might face is a long stretch with only a few bites, or small catches rather than big dramatic ones. Also, photos used in marketing can look more impressive than what the day produces.

Still, the trade-off is that the experience is very hands-on. Even people who did not catch much still describe the fishing time as fun because the boat, crew, and nature all feel close together.

How Many Fishing Stops Will You See?

The planned outline highlights Rhodes for the fishing segment, but the way it plays out can include multiple fishing stops before the caves swim. That matches what people describe: you might stop in more than one place to try for bites, then move again.

Why this matters for you: multiple stops can be a good sign that the captain is actively searching for better fishing conditions. But it also means you will experience the day as “cycles” of fishing attempts, rather than one continuous long line-cast session.

If you are hoping for maximum time with a rod in your hand, ask yourself how you handle waiting when bites are slow. Most people say the experience stays enjoyable because the crew keeps things moving and the boat stays a lively little group.

Kalithea Caves Swim Stop: Snorkel in a Rocky Cove Setting

Next comes the Kallithea Springs area and the Kalithea Caves. This is about 1 hour for swimming and snorkel time. The water stop is the part that turns the trip from “fishing tour” into “Rhodes sea day.”

What you can expect:

• Rocky beach and cove vibes, with clear water people describe as cool and easy to enjoy
• Time to swim and snorkel near the caves area
• A chance to reset, especially if fishing was slow earlier

Bring a mindset shift. This is not a giant beach party with a long shoreline walk. It’s a focused water moment: swim, look around, maybe snorkel if you have the gear, then head back to the boat.

If you enjoy photographing water textures and cave views, this is where you’ll usually get the best shots, even if the fish were modest that day.

BBQ on Board Lunch: Why Food Is a Big Part of the Value

The BBQ lunch is not an afterthought here. People repeatedly describe the meal as a highlight, and that helps justify the price for a half-day boat outing.

You should expect a grilled menu on board, including options like:

• Grilled fish (many mention fish served right from the cook process)
• Greek salad as a side that shows up again and again in descriptions
• Fresh fruit alongside the meal
• Bread, including mention of gluten-free bread for some guests

Portion size also gets positive mentions. Some people say they could not finish it all.

Practical detail: the captain (and crew) come across as friendly and involved with the process, which changes the feel of lunch. It stops being a “grab and go” and becomes part of the day’s rhythm.

If you want soft drinks plus adult options, you may find soft drinks and beer or wine available on board, depending on what the crew is serving that day.

Boat, Crew, and the Small-Group Advantage (Max 12)

This is capped at 12 travelers, and that small number changes everything.

On a larger boat, you often get:

• less guidance when lines tangle
• fewer moments to ask questions
• more waiting in queues

Here, you are more likely to get direct attention from the people running the trip. Names that pop up in the crew descriptions include Angelo and the captain, plus Vasili mentioned as part of teaching and hospitality. Expect a lively tone, a lot of practical help, and a sense that the crew wants you to have a good time.

The boat itself is described by some as kind of old or not “luxury,” but the overall vibe is more “family on the water” than “floating hotel.” You can treat this as an honest fishing-and-swim day, not a polished sightseeing cruise.

One comfort note: there is a toilet on board. People mention there can be no sink, so bring wipes or what you normally use for quick cleanups.

Price and Value: Is $78.60 Worth It?

At $78.60 per person for about 5 hours, you are paying for three things stacked together:

1) a guided fishing experience (not just “rent a rod and go”)

2) a sea swim and snorkel stop near the caves

3) a real on-board BBQ lunch

If you were to book those parts separately in Rhodes, the price starts to make more sense. The fishing portion is the main reason people choose this, and the BBQ helps make sure you still feel like you got a “full day” out of it even if the fish are slow.

The value depends on your priorities:

• If you care about hands-on fishing help, the price feels fair because the crew actually works with you.
• If you only care about catching big fish, you might feel frustrated on a light fishing day.
• If you want the caves swim and a nice meal in between, the value usually lands well.

My take: this is a solid buy for people who want a fun, active half-day, not for people with a very strict expectation of guaranteed catches.

Timing and Cruise-Day Caution: The One Worry to Respect

One serious consideration shows up: the boat can run late, and the captain may not be able to shorten your time enough to guarantee you return to a cruise ship on schedule.

That does not mean you will miss your departure, but it does mean you should treat this like an activity that needs breathing room. If you are on a ship with a hard departure time, build in extra slack and consider choosing a buffer-heavy excursion, or plan to do this on a day you are not racing a clock.

Also, weather matters. This experience requires good weather. If conditions are not right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Tips to Make Your Day Smoother

These are small things that can make a big difference on a boat day.

• Pack a little tote bag with wipes, since there is a toilet but no sink mentioned by guests
• Bring sun protection, since you’ll be on open water and then in reflective cave-water
• Wear water-friendly footwear. The swim stop is rocky/cove based.
• If you want to snorkel, be ready to hop in when the boat stops. The water time is limited.
• Arrive early and verify the dock location. The meeting point is on the waterfront, not always where apps send you.

If you are traveling with kids or teens, the small group helps. The fishing lesson component can keep them engaged, and the swim stop is usually the payoff moment.

Who This Trip Best Fits (And Who Might Be Happier Elsewhere)

You’ll likely love this if you fit one of these:

• You want a Rhodes sea day with both fishing and a swim stop
• You are a beginner who wants real coaching on baiting, reels, and line control
• You want good food included, especially a BBQ-style lunch on board
• You like small groups and a friendly crew vibe

You might think twice if:

• Your main goal is guaranteed fish. Results vary.
• You have a tight schedule tied to a cruise ship sailing time and cannot add buffer.
• You prefer long, shore-based beach time instead of a focused cave cove swim window.

Should You Book the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

If you want an affordable, small-group combo of fishing, a caves swim, and an on-board BBQ lunch, this is a strong contender. The big selling point is that you get guided time on the water instead of a hands-off activity, and you also get a memorable swim stop near Kalithea Caves.

I would book it if your day is flexible and you want something active with a good chance of fun, even when fish are shy. If you are chasing a guaranteed fishing haul or you must be back at a ship on the minute, add extra time or consider a different plan.

FAQ

How long is the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

The trip lasts about 5 hours.

What does the itinerary include?

You get about 3 hours of fishing around Rhodes, then about 1 hour for swimming and snorkelling near the Kalithea Caves.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $78.60 per person.

Where do I meet for the tour in Rhodes?

The meeting point is 25is Martiou 2, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the experience is offered in English.

What is the group size limit?

The tour has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Is there food on board?

Yes. A BBQ is cooked on board for lunch.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get a full refund if I cancel?

Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.