Rhodes: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

Rhodes looks better from open water. This is a small-group catamaran day on the east coast with standout snorkel stops built in. You get the kind of up-close sea time most people only see from postcards.

I love the way the crew makes the water time feel easy, including snorkeling gear on hand and Anthony Quinn Bay’s fun fish-feeding moment. I also like that the Greek buffet lunch and unlimited wine and beer from 12:00 keep the whole day moving without you hunting for food.

One real consideration: the boat stays at anchor, so reaching shore is basically a swim. It’s also not suitable if you have mobility impairments, since you won’t have a dock step-in.

Key things you should know before you go

• Max 24 passengers keeps the cruise relaxed and not over-crowded at the swim stops.
• Three base bays on the sailing catamaran: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay.
• Power catamaran adds Afandou Caves as a bonus swim stop and scenery break.
• Bread-feeding at Anthony Quinn Bay pulls in colorful fish as you snorkel.
• Lunch and drinks are built into the timing so you can eat without losing all your swim time.
• You’ll be swimming from the anchored boat, so plan on wet feet and a swimsuit-ready day.

From Mandraki Harbor to catamaran comfort

Your day starts at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk in Mandraki Harbor. The cruise runs about 6 hours, with a 10:00 departure, so I’d treat “earlier” as part of the plan, not a suggestion. You want time to park yourself, grab a spot on deck, and get your swim kit sorted before the lines and announcements move.

Once you’re aboard, the vibe is simple: cruise, swim, eat, repeat. You’ll hear English guidance from the crew, and the smaller headcount matters. With a maximum of 24 passengers plus crew, you’re not stuck doing the slow-motion crowd shuffle when it’s time to get back in the water.

There’s also real practical comfort on board. You get indoor toilets and an outdoor shower, plus life jackets and snorkeling gear so you don’t have to play guess-and-buy with beach equipment.

Sailing catamaran vs power catamaran: choose your Rhodes route

The big decision is whether you pick the sailing or power catamaran option. Both are built for a day on the water, with the same overall style: you’ll cruise the coast and drop anchor for swimming.

On the sailing catamaran, the standard stops are:

• Anthony Quinn Bay
• Ladiko Bay
• Kalithea Bay

On the power catamaran, you get all of that and add a bonus:

• Afandou Caves (additional stop)

If you’re the type who likes photos and variety, the power option is worth considering because Afandou Caves gives you an extra hour-like block of scenery and water time. If you want the calmer, more classic feel, sailing is often the better match, especially when the weather cooperates.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the swim stop with fish on cue

Anthony Quinn Bay is where the day turns from boat day into real swim day. You’ll head there first and get about 1 hour in the water. This is the stop where the visibility tends to feel most “wow,” and it’s easy to see why people keep talking about this bay as a highlight.

What makes it especially fun is the crew’s bread-feeding moment. They throw bread into the sea, and colorful fish gather around as you snorkel. Even if you’re not confident in the water, it’s a low-stress way to watch marine life up close without trying to do anything fancy.

A couple of practical notes for this stop:

• Bring sunscreen and expect strong sun on deck before and after your swim.
• If you’re snorkeling for the first time, take the crew’s setup help and float between breaths and questions. You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it.

Ladiko Bay: calm water time plus the best snorkeling payoff

Next up is Ladiko Bay, where you’ll have around 60 minutes to swim and snorkel. This one is often described as a quieter, more peaceful setting, and that matters because it gives you time to actually settle into the water, not just rush through it.

If you want the kind of snorkeling where you can choose your own pace, Ladiko is a good fit. You can take it slow, lounge with the floating pool noodles, or snorkel along the surface and watch the water life do its thing.

This is also usually where the day hits its mid-point rhythm. You’ll have your onboard Mediterranean lunch buffet served during the cruise portion between stops. The timing works well because you’re not starving, and you still get solid time after lunch to enjoy the clearest-feeling water sessions.

Afandou Caves on the power route: a bonus hour of scenery

If you book the power catamaran, plan on an extra stop at Afandou Beach/Caves. You’ll get about 1 hour here for swimming, snorkeling, and taking in the cave area from the anchored boat position.

This is the kind of stop that’s good even if you’re not a die-hard snorkeler. The caves bring a different visual texture to the day, and the water time keeps it from feeling like a sightseeing-only break.

Because the boat stays at anchor, you still get that beach-access-by-swim feel. If you’re traveling with kids, this can work well since the water entry is straightforward once you’re in the rhythm of the day. If you’re traveling with someone who gets uneasy about open-water entry, you’ll want to think ahead and help them judge the first entry calmly.

Kalithea Bay and the last snorkel with time to relax

Your final swim time lands at Kalithea Springs, with about 45 to 60 minutes. This is the last stretch, so it’s a good point in the day to switch modes. Early on you’re active and focused on seeing fish. Later, you’re more likely to relax, swim at an easier pace, and enjoy the coastline views on the way back.

Kalithea feels like a satisfying end because you still get enough time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed by the return journey. Then, after the final sightseeing cruise segment, you head back to Mandraki Harbor.

If weather has shifted during the day, the captain can adjust route or swimming stops. That’s worth keeping in mind because Rhodes sea plans can be influenced by wind and rain. The good news is you’re not stuck in one rigid plan for every condition.

What’s actually included: lunch, unlimited drinks, and real snorkeling basics

This is a day where the inclusions matter, not just the sales pitch. You’re not paying extra to figure out what to eat or where to buy drinks.

Here’s what you get:

• Unlimited wine and beer from 12:00 PM
• Unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water
• Mediterranean lunch buffet, including grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh baked local bread
• A breakfast tortilla snack
• A cup of fresh seasonal fruits
• Snorkeling equipment
• Floating pool noodles
• Life jackets
• Outdoor shower and indoor toilets

A small but meaningful detail: cold drinks are part of the onboard experience, not just a single pre-lunch service. In practice, that makes the whole day feel smoother, especially on hot afternoons when you want to keep hydrating without thinking about it.

For lunch, the buffet style keeps it flexible. Some people prefer chicken, others grab salad plates and bread, and everyone gets something. One thing to know: the buffet is described as a set menu of local favorites, so if you have specific dietary needs, it’s smart to let the crew know early so they can do what they can.

How the day flows: time at anchor, then cruising between bays

The pacing is one of the best parts. You don’t just bounce from point to point. You get enough cruising time to enjoy sea views, and enough stop time that swim plans feel realistic.

The day typically works like this:

• A longer cruising stretch to build the “Rhodes from the sea” feeling
• Then repeated cycles of swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on deck
• With meal and drinks woven in so you’re not sacrificing swim time

There’s also the simple comfort factor. The boats used for this kind of cruise are set up for an easy day, and with a maximum of 24 passengers, you can find a place to sit without wrestling for it.

One weather note I’d take seriously: if rain rolls in, the captain may adjust the route or wait it out. You can see how this plays out in real life. When heavy rain hit during one day, the crew handled it with options, and the team worked to keep the day going once conditions improved. It wasn’t a “cancel and forget it” story.

Who this is best for, and who should think twice

This cruise is ideal if you want:

• A relaxed Rhodes day without planning
• Snorkeling practice with gear provided
• A mix of views and water time, not just one or the other
• A manageable group size that keeps things friendly

It also works well for families because the stops are timed for swimming and the crew tends to be hands-on. If you’re a first-timer, the floatation options and gear availability reduce the stress of trying it alone.

Who should think twice:

• If you have mobility issues, it’s not suitable, since the boat stays at anchor and you need to swim for shore access.
• If you strongly dislike open-water entry, the anchored swim model might not be your thing.
• If you get seasick easily, you should consider your usual coping methods. The itinerary is designed for cruising with time at anchor, but sea conditions can still affect how you feel.

Value check: is $83 fair for a 6-hour catamaran day?

At $83 per person for 6 hours, the value comes from stacking inclusions that normally cost extra. You’re getting:

• Multiple swim and snorkeling sessions at top bays
• Unlimited drinks from noon, plus bottled water and soft drinks
• A full Mediterranean buffet lunch
• Snorkeling gear and safety floatation items

Most day-trip alternatives in the same area charge for drinks, then add lunch, then charge again for gear. Here, the pricing is doing the heavy lifting. The “all-inclusive” part isn’t just drinks either, because the snorkeling equipment and scheduled swim time are the core of what you came for.

And with a small passenger count, you’re not paying the same rate you’d pay for a crowded boat where you spend more time waiting than swimming.

Should you book? My practical recommendation

Book this cruise if you want a straightforward day that trades “hours of transit and searching” for clear water swims, Greek food, and a comfortable catamaran setup. I especially like it for the first visit to Rhodes, because it gives you the coast from a viewpoint you can’t get from the road.

Skip it or choose carefully if:

• You need dock access for mobility reasons
• You don’t want to swim from an anchored boat
• You’re looking for a strict sightseeing-without-water style day

If you’re choosing between sailing and power, pick based on your priorities. Sailing gives you a classic cruising feel with three main bays. Power adds the Afandou Caves stop, which is great if you want one extra water-and-photo segment.

Overall, this is the kind of Rhodes experience that feels like money well spent because you’re buying time in the bays, not just a ride.

FAQ

Where do I meet for the catamaran cruise?

You meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes Kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

What bays are included on the sailing vs power catamaran?

On the sailing catamaran, you stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay. On the power catamaran, you stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach/Caves, Kalithea Bay, and Ladiko Bay.

Is lunch included, and what is it?

Yes. You get a Mediterranean lunch buffet onboard, including items like grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, tzatziki, hummus, and local bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine and beer are included from 12:00 PM, plus unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.

How long do I get at each swimming stop?

You get about 1 hour at Anthony Quinn Bay, about 60 minutes at Ladiko Bay, and about 45 to 60 minutes at Kalithea Springs. If you’re on the power catamaran, you also get about 1 hour at Afandou Beach/Caves.

What should I bring with me?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you should still come ready for the sun.