Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise-Greek Buffet w/wine included

You will love the swim-to-swim rhythm. This Rhodes cruise pairs bay-hopping swims with a Greek buffet and wine included vibe, all while passing major sights like the Colossus of Rhodes site. My favorite part is how easy it is to go straight from deck to water, plus the cruise stays relaxed thanks to comfortable seating and a smaller group feel. One thing to consider, you may not get a lot of running commentary, so if you want deep explanations, do a little reading before you go.

What makes this day feel like a good use of time is the mix of “look” and “do.” You get to explore Kallithea Springs and Afandou by land, then snorkel at the most fishy-feeling stop, Anthony Quinn Bay, with gear on hand. The tradeoff is simple: it is built around water time, so plan to dress for getting wet and enjoy a full day pace.

Key highlights worth planning around

• Kallithea Springs reddish water stop with free sea-side admission and time to swim
• Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling with complimentary masks and snorkels and lots of fish
• Three different swim settings in one 6-hour outing including Afandou’s caves and pebble beach stretch
• Greek buffet lunch plus white and rose wine included for the whole cruise
• Comfy, not-too-crowded boat setup with shaded deck seating and spotless bathrooms

Mandraki Port to Medieval Walls: the first hour of wow

Most days start with Rhodes Old Town’s “get your bearings fast” view. You meet at Mandraki Port, Nea Agora, and the cruise heads out from the Old Port gateway. Before you even reach the swim stops, the boat ride gives you a great photo moment facing the Medieval Walls, the Old Town, and the Castle area.

This part matters because it sets expectations. This is not a long bus tour with a one-and-done stop. It is a moving vantage point, and you can stay seated, roam the deck, or just watch the shoreline change as you go. If you are coming from a cruise ship, it is also a practical win since people note it is a manageable walk from the port area.

Passing the Colossus of Rhodes site without the crowds

Then the route turns into “you are actually near history” mode. The boat passes by where the Colossus of Rhodes stood, at the port entrance. The Colossus was a massive statue of the sun god, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Here is the practical tip: when you see it from the water, it is easy to think, wait, is that it? Some people wished there were more on-the-spot explanations. So I suggest you treat this as a visual fly-by. If this is a must-see for you, look up a quick map photo before you board so you recognize the exact area you are gliding past.

Kallithea Springs: the reddish water moment you will remember

Kallithea Springs is the first main destination, and it has a strong sense of place. It is about a 45-minute ride from the port, and you have around 1 hour on site.

You are going to see the famous reddish water in the Gulf of Kallithea, erupting from a rocky formation. The setting has long attracted people, and the architecture around it is part of the story too. The Italian architect Pietro Lombardi designed the buildings, Armando Burnaby handled the decorative work, and later Alberto Mocci organized an international hydrological conference there that drew more than 200 scientists.

What I like about this stop for you is how it fits both casual and active travelers. You can take your time exploring, or you can head straight to a refreshing morning swim. Admission from the sea is free, and you have enough time to do it without rushing. If you want the most “wow” photos, get your first look early, then swim right after so you catch the changing light.

Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling: fishy water and jump-off energy

After Kallithea, the cruise moves toward the star swim stop: Anthony Quinn Bay. The transfer is short, about 15 minutes from the Afandou area, and the stop runs about 1 hour.

This is the place described as completely different from Afandou, smaller, rocky, and with very deep water. Once you are in, the key experience is the snorkeling. There are thousands of small fish in the bay, and the boat provides complimentary snorkeling gear, including masks and snorkels.

You may also hear about the bread-feeding tradition. The idea is that you can throw bread and watch fish gather close. The humor built into the experience is that the fish do not end up biting guests. Either way, the real point is you get that calm, watch-the-life-below-the-surface snorkeling feeling without needing to bring your own equipment.

The bay’s name adds another layer that makes the stop feel more than just scenery. It is named after the Mexican actor who starred in the 1960s blockbuster Cannons of Navarone. When he came to Rhodes to shoot the film, he reportedly loved the bay and asked the Greek state to buy it. An agreement never fully worked out, and later a court ruling made it unenforceable, but locals keep the name Anthony Quinn.

One more practical note: deep water means you should be comfortable with boat entries and keep an eye on the provided float support if you need it. Life jackets and floaters are part of what is included.

Ladiko Bay from the boat: the oil-shipwreck clue stop

On the way between bays, you cruise past Ladiko Bay. This is not a long stop where you get off the boat, but it is still worth paying attention because the story is different. The area’s name connects to oil, Ladiko, from the container used to store oil, and historically it was a commercial point for olive oil loading and unloading.

Local fishermen have found clay containers around the area from shipwrecks connected to regional trade routes headed toward Egypt and the Middle East. You also get a visual sense of why it is connected to boat tours and underwater activities, since the bay sits behind Anthony Quinn with caves close by.

Think of this as your “window seat archaeology.” You get the location flavor even if you are not stepping into the water here.

Afandou Beach and caves: the longest stop for exploring

Afandou Beach is the second big stop, and it gives you more time on land than the other swim moments. It is about a 45-minute ride from Kallithea, and you get roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes there.

This is a huge beach, about 6 kilometers long, known for crystal-clear waters and a pebbly shoreline. People also associate Afandou with a big golf course, so the area is not just “a pretty beach,” it is an established resort stretch.

There is a deeper layer to the place too. The pebbles from Afandou have been used in constructing the sidewalks of the Old Town of Rhodes. And the coastline settlement history is dramatic. The settlement was attacked and destroyed multiple times by pirates in 620, the Persians in 653, Arabs in 807, and then again connected to Turkish raids. After repeated attacks, inhabitants moved inland behind rocks so the settlement could not be seen from the sea. That is where the name Afandou comes in, from the Greek word meaning invisible.

For your day, the takeaway is practical: Afandou gives you time for caves and exploring, not just swimming. Use part of that 1 hour and 15 minutes to wander and check the cave zones (staying aware if the edges look slippery). Then you can head back to the boat when the lunch buffet opens.

The Greek buffet plus wine included: what you should expect

Lunch is part of the experience, and it is included. You get a Greek buffet with options for vegetarian and gluten-free choices. On top of that, white and rose wine are included, along with bottled water and soda or lemonade.

If you love meals on trips, this is one of the biggest reasons this cruise feels like real value. Several people describe the food as excellent or tasty, while a few also note it is more basic than gourmet, like pasta with chicken. In other words, it is solid and satisfying for a day outside, and it will not ruin your appetite for dessert. It also helps that wine is part of the day, not just a single toast.

How I’d plan it so you feel good the rest of the afternoon:

• Eat earlier rather than after your last swim, so you do not feel rushed.
• Keep sipping water alongside wine, especially since you are in and out of the sea.
• If you are snorkeling, eat after you swim, not right before.

Also, the boat has a shower, which is a comfort detail you will appreciate once you get back on board with salty hair and sun on your skin.

On-board comfort: two decks, shaded seating, and clean bathrooms

This cruise is designed to feel easy, not cramped. Seats are cushioned, and there is room to lounge. Reviews specifically call out that the boat is not over crowded, which matters when your day revolves around getting a good spot to sit or to rest after swimming.

The main covered deck is shaded and comfortable, and there is a second bar on a different deck level. People also mention that the bathroom is clean and comfortable, which is not always a given on smaller day boats.

If you want to make the most of your time, think about where you want to be between swims:

• Choose shade when you want to recover.
• Head to the top deck area when you want sun or a view for the next bay approach.
• Keep an eye on where the crew signals the next entry so you are ready to go.

And yes, you will likely hear music and get that happy day atmosphere. It is part of why the day feels fun even if you are not an expert swimmer.

Snorkeling kit, life jackets, and how to choose your water style

Snorkeling gear is included, with masks and snorkels, plus the boat provides life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles. That setup is great for first-timers because you can go at your own comfort level.

At Anthony Quinn Bay, the water-life factor is the highlight, so snorkeling is the main activity. At Kallithea, you can treat it more like a swim and explore stop. At Afandou, it tends to be about caves, pebbly beach walking, and taking in the shoreline before you return to the boat.

If you are not keen on getting in the water, you are still not stuck. Many people enjoy deck time, sunbathing, and watching the water and coastline roll by. The boat does not force you into the water, and the stops give you options.

Price and value: why $71.38 can feel like a bargain

At $71.38 per person for about 6 hours, the big value is what you are not paying extra for. You get:

• A full day on the water with multiple bays
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch Greek buffet
• Wine included, plus bottled water and soft drinks
• Shower, plus safety float gear

That combination adds up. If you tried to piece together boat time, a decent lunch, and snorkeling rentals separately, the total cost usually jumps fast. Here, the price folds the basics into one package.

One cost consideration: hotel transfer is not included. It is optional and extra. The good news is the meeting point is near public transportation, and the Mandraki area is already a convenient hub if you are staying around Old Town or near the port.

Weather, pacing, and who this cruise suits best

This cruise requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you get offered a different date or a full refund. That is important here because half the point is swimming time, not museum time.

This is a great fit if:

• You want a relaxed full-day water plan with minimal decision-making
• You like your beaches with clear water and the option to snorkel
• You enjoy a lunch-and-drinks rhythm while you vacation

It may be less ideal if:

• You want detailed, step-by-step narration the whole time (some people felt the explanations could be stronger)
• You prefer fully land-based sightseeing days

Quick practical tips so the day goes smoothly

• Arrive on time at Mandraki Port Nea Agora so you do not stress about boarding.
• Bring a towel and a change of clothes for the ride back after your swim.
• Apply sunscreen and plan for sun exposure on deck during travel between bays.
• If pebbles make your feet uncomfortable, consider footwear that works for rocky beach entries.
• Pace the wine. The day is only 6 hours, but it is active, and you will want energy for the last swim.

Should you book the Rhodes Bay to Bay swim cruise?

If your idea of Rhodes is mixing classic sights with actual time in the sea, I think you should book it. The best reasons are practical: three distinct swim stops, snorkeling gear included, and a lunch setup that is good enough for a vacation day, plus white and rose wine included. Add in the smaller-group feel, comfortable seating, and a friendly crew experience, and it is one of the easier ways to get a “best of Rhodes water” day without over-planning.

Book it if you are happy to do a full-day routine built around getting wet and moving from bay to bay. Consider it less if you want lots of continuous history narration, since the day focuses more on the swim and the views than on a lecture.

FAQ

Is lunch included, and is wine included on the Rhodes cruise?

Yes. The cruise includes a Greek buffet lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free choices. White and rose wine are included, along with bottled water and soda or lemonade.

What snorkeling and safety gear do I get?

You get snorkeling equipment including masks and snorkels. Life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles are also provided, and there is a shower on board.

Where do I meet, and how long is the trip?

You meet at Mandraki Port, Nea Agora, Rhodes (the Romantika Dreams Rhodes Day Cruise meeting point). The tour starts at 10:15 am and runs for about 6 hours, returning to the meeting point.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Is the tour in English, and how many people are on board?

The tour is offered in English. The maximum group size is 100 travelers.