Rhodes Day Cruise (with lunch & unlimited drinks) 5,5 Hours

A day on a wooden boat beats another beach day. This Rhodes cruise mixes three swim stops with Greek lunch and unlimited drinks, and the crew often sets a laid-back, welcoming tone with Theodore at the helm.

What I like most is how the day feels easy to manage, you just show up and the rhythm is taken care of. Plus, you get time in the water with snorkeling gear ready to go, not a complicated rig-hunt.

The best part for me is the combination of real swimming time at quiet anchor points and food that is actually part of the experience, not an afterthought. I also appreciate the small touches onboard like a restroom and shower, plus WiFi for those quick must-check moments.

One thing to consider is the pace: each swimming stop is about 50 minutes, so if you want long, slow beach lounging for hours at a time, you may feel a bit rushed.

Key things to know before you go

• The cruise is built around 3 anchored swims with about 50 minutes per stop, so it is a water-first day
• Lunch and drinks are included with wine, beer, and soft drinks, so you can keep the day simple
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you will also find extras like floats mentioned in the experience
• Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea Springs are the big water moments, both known for clear swimming conditions
• Onboard comforts include a restroom, shower, and WiFi, so you are not stuck with “sea trip only” basics

A smooth half-day on the Aegean, with real time to swim

This is one of those Rhodes tours where the pitch matches the outcome. You get a classic wooden boat feel, three separate water stops to break up the day, and enough included food and drink to make it feel like a proper outing rather than a short sightseeing add-on.

The key is the timing. You start at 10:00 am, and the whole experience runs about 5.5 hours. That means you can build the rest of your day around it, whether you want to roam Rhodes Old Town beforehand or have a relaxed evening after.

Also, the group size stays reasonable, with a maximum of 35 travelers. That tends to matter on boats, because it affects how crowded the deck feels when you are waiting to swim or lining up for lunch.

Price and value, what $72.56 buys you

At $72.56 per person, you are not paying just for a ride. You are paying for a bundled day that includes:

• Lunch with several Greek-style items
• Unlimited drinks (beer, white and red wine, plus soft drinks)
• Snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring a mask
• Snacks and bottled water
• Shower, restroom, and WiFi on board

To judge value, I look at how much “on the boat” you would otherwise have to pay for. Here, lunch plus drinks alone can be the difference between feeling like you got a bargain versus paying for a scenic cruise that still leaves you hungry.

You also get a practical setup: your swimming and snorkeling gear is handled for you, and your main job is to show up and follow the crew’s cues. That matters if you are traveling with kids, want an easy day off your feet, or simply do not want to think about logistics.

One more note: cocktails are not included in the standard price, so if you are cocktail-focused, plan on paying extra if that is your thing.

Finding Royal Sailing Rhodes and settling in

The meeting point is Royal Sailing Rhodes, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and the tour ends back at the same spot. Getting your bearings before arrival helps, because boarding starts on time and boats do not wait long.

When you check in, look for the stall or counter for Royal Sailing along the marina area. Once you are on board, you will usually feel the difference between “transfer day” and “vacation day.” The crew (often led by Theodore) is the kind of team that makes the day flow, with food and drinks coming regularly instead of needing to hunt someone down.

And it helps that the boat has onboard basics like a restroom and even a shower. After saltwater swimming, that simple comfort changes how you enjoy the ride back.

Stop 1: Afandou Beach, a quiet swim starter

Afandou Beach is your first anchor stop, and you get about 50 minutes in the water. This is a good warm-up: swim, snorkel, or just float and reset your brain with sea air.

The water here tends to feel calmer, and that is exactly why it works as stop one. If you are new to snorkeling or you just want a relaxed dip without feeling rushed, this start makes the whole day easier.

You also eat lunch after or around this segment, and the meal includes both simple staples and Greek favorites. Expect items like Greek salad and tzatziki, plus mains such as chicken, rice, and pasta, along with bread and olives.

Included drinks pair well with this stop because you are not stuck waiting for lunch before you can enjoy the day. Wine is available (red or white), along with beer and soft drinks.

Practical drawback to keep in mind: with only about 50 minutes, you should decide quickly whether you are snorkeling first or taking a full swim first. If you wander too long at the start, you can feel time squeeze near the end.

Stop 2: Anthony Quinn Bay, the snorkeling highlight

Your second stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached by traditional wooden boat travel. That is part of the charm. You are not just cruising between stops, you are also getting the “Rhodes from the water” feeling while you move.

You get another 50 minutes to swim and snorkel here, with snorkeling gear provided. This bay is a favorite for a reason: the water tends to be clear and inviting, and it is one of those places where you look down and think you should have brought better sunscreen.

If you want the “best photo” moments, this is where you tend to get them. Clear water plus bright Rhodes sun makes the deck and the swimmers look extra good on camera.

A small tip that pays off: do your snorkeling gear setup quickly and get in early. Because you are timed, a slow start can cut your water time, and the middle of the stop is often when conditions feel the most comfortable.

Stop 3: Kallithea Springs, crystal clear water for a final swim

The last stop is Kallithea Springs, again with about 50 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. If you want the day to end on an easy high note, this is the right kind of stop: clean, clear water and a chance to enjoy one last swim before you head back.

This stop is also a good time to slow down. If you snorkeled hard at the first two anchor points, you can scale back here and just float, swim casually, and take in the scenery.

The included drinks and snacks onboard help this part of the day too. By the third stop, you will have a better sense of your energy level, so you can choose between snorkel time and “I am just going to enjoy the water” time.

Lunch onboard: Greek comfort food, not a token meal

The lunch setup is a big part of why this cruise feels good value. The menu includes a mix of Greek staples and filling mains, such as:

• Greek salad, tzatziki, olives
• Chicken, rice, pasta
• Ntolmadakia and bread

There are also snacks like fruit, plus bottled water. Drinks are kept coming, with beer and wine on the list, and soft drinks available too.

In plain terms: this is the kind of lunch that keeps you from thinking about food while you are trying to enjoy the sea. And since you are on a boat, avoiding a “where do we eat?” scramble is a real advantage.

One more onboard perk: the boat has WiFi, which is handy if you need to message someone back home. Most of the time you probably will not use it much, but it is reassuring to have.

Drinks, wine, and the “all-inclusive” feeling

You get what the experience calls out as all-inclusive. Beer, white and red wine, and soft drinks are included, plus coffee and tea.

Because drinks are included, you can enjoy the day without doing math in your head. That matters when you are traveling with friends, want a couple glasses of wine, or just do not want to decide on every purchase.

A practical note: cocktails are not included. If cocktails are your main drink, plan on paying extra for them.

If you care about pacing, you can also use the swims as natural reset points. Drink, snorkel, hydrate again, and you will enjoy the rhythm more than if you just stay “on one track” all day.

Snorkeling gear, floats, and what you should bring

Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat also has additional flotation options mentioned in the experience, like floats. That setup makes it easier to try snorkeling without the usual hassle.

Still, there are a few items not included. Flippers and towels are not provided, so if you like a specific mask fit, bring your own flippers if you can.

Also, sunscreen matters. You are in the sun for multiple swimming segments, and you will likely be wet and reapplying even if you do not mean to.

The onboard shower is not just a nice-to-have. It makes a real difference when you return to the dock feeling salty and sandy. Instead of trying to deal with that on the street, you can rinse and go.

Crew energy and why Theodore often gets mentioned

The crew is a major reason this cruise tends to land so well. Theodore is repeatedly cited as friendly and attentive, and the whole team works hard to keep drinks topped up and people comfortable.

This is also where the experience becomes more than just “places and times.” When the crew checks in, handles questions smoothly, and keeps the atmosphere relaxed, you spend less mental energy and more time enjoying the water.

Some days also include onboard entertainment, with live music mentioned in the experience from Silas, which can be a fun bonus if your timing lines up with that special touch.

Timing, sea conditions, and managing expectations

Your schedule is built around three anchor stops. Each is roughly 50 minutes, with travel time between them. Total time out is about 5 hours 30 minutes, and you return to the starting point.

So here is the expectation I would set: you are not doing one long beach. You are doing a sequence of short, high-impact swims. If that sounds like your ideal day, you will probably love it.

Weather matters. The experience requires good weather, and if conditions are unsafe, it may be rescheduled or refunded. On a boat, wind and waves can change the vibe fast, so it is smart to dress and plan for that possibility.

Also, boarding can be a bit of a moment. One review noted stairs back onto the boat could be challenging for some people. If you have mobility concerns, take that seriously and consider whether you will be comfortable with step access during boarding and return.

Who this cruise fits best

This is a great match if you want:

• A half-day on the water with multiple swim stops
• Included food and drinks so you do not think about spending every hour
• A smaller-group feel up to 35 travelers
• Snorkeling gear ready, without bringing your own setup

It is also a good option for families and friend groups who want one shared activity that does not require constant planning.

If you are the type who wants a long stretch of time on one beach with zero time limits, you might find the stop length feels short. In that case, choose a slower, land-based plan or a tour that gives longer onshore time.

Should you book the Rhodes Day Cruise?

I think this cruise is worth booking if you want a simple, value-heavy day at sea. For $72.56, you get three swim opportunities, snorkeling gear, a proper lunch spread, and unlimited drinks, plus real onboard comforts like a restroom and shower. That combo is hard to beat for a half-day outing from Rhodes.

Book it if your priority is water time and you like the idea of short, well-timed swims instead of a single long beach day. Skip it only if you need very long onshore hangs, have concerns about step-based boarding, or you are expecting cocktails to be included in the base price.

If your goal is to feel like you actually left the island for a while and came back sun-kissed, this one delivers.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Day Cruise?

The cruise runs about 5 hours 30 minutes.

What time does it start?

It starts at 10:00 am.

Where does the tour meet, and where does it end?

It meets at Royal Sailing Rhodes, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and it returns to the same place.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and includes items such as Greek salad, tzatziki, olives, chicken, rice, pasta, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, including beer, white and red wine, along with soda/soft drinks. Coffee and tea are also included.

Do I get snorkeling equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Flippers are not included.

Are towels provided?

No. Towels are not included.

Is WiFi available on board?

Yes, WiFi is available on board.

How many stops are there for swimming and snorkeling?

There are three swim and snorkeling stops, each with about 50 minutes.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, based on the experience local time. The tour requires good weather and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.