Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

Three swim stops, plus a real party vibe.

This Rhodes exclusive swim cruise treats you to coastal sailing with stops in some of the island’s prettiest water, and you get the practical comforts that make a half-day feel easy. I love the limited group size up to 40 plus the comfy, assigned loungers on a boat with two decks. One thing to consider: the music can be lively, so it is not a silent, float-in-the-sun kind of outing.

For me, the best payoff is simple, you get time to swim and snorkel, not just sit and look. I really like that the included stops come with snorkel gear, noodles, and floaters, and the onboard Greek gourmet buffet includes vegan and gluten-free choices. If you want peace and quiet, you should know the onboard atmosphere can run energetic, especially when Captain Alexander is in full play mode.

Key highlights

• Mandraki Harbour start and end, right by one of Rhodes’ most scenic ports
• Three swim-focused bays with different looks and water depths
• Open bar plus signature cocktails, beer, wines, and non-alcoholic options
• Snorkel gear and extra flotation, so you can join the water time at your comfort level
• Fresh Greek buffet lunch with vegan and gluten-free choices
• Photo-worthy passing views of Rhodes Old Town walls, the Colossus spot, and Faliraki Beach

Setting Sail From Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes

Your day starts in Mandraki Harbour, the classic port area where ancient Rhodes had several harbors and where the Venetian-era twin columns still frame the view. The meeting point is at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece, and the cruise runs out and back to the same spot, which keeps things simple.

Right away, you get the kind of start that feels like you are getting value beyond the swim stops. As you leave the port, you cruise past the Medieval Old Town of Rhodes, with those dramatic sea views over the city walls. It is also a great moment for photos, because you are seeing the Old Town from the water, not from the sidewalk.

Passing Rhodes Icons, Including the Colossus Spot

The coast cruise includes a couple of Rhodes legends that make the sailing portion more than just travel time. You sail by the Colossus of Rhodes location at the port entrance, tied to the story of the giant statue raised in antiquity. Even if you already know the legend, seeing it from the actual harbor approach gives the story more punch.

You also get a view of Faliraki Beach on the way back. Faliraki is known for its beaches and nightlife energy, and from the water it reads less like a party strip and more like a coastline made for swimming and boating.

How the Boat Layout Makes a Difference (Bean Bags, Shade, Two Decks)

This is where the cruise earns its keep for comfort. The boat has two decks, and seating is allocated, with people choosing from comfortable bean bags and sun benches. There is a big difference between a crowded boat where you fight for space, and this setup where you can settle in.

Also, the boat uses a restricted maximum of 40 travelers, which is why the experience can feel more personal than the typical “everyone on board, squeeze in” day trip. If you want shade, pick a spot early. One recurring practical tip from the vibe of the trip: if you ask, the crew helps you find a better angle for the sun.

The mix of people tends to keep the mood social. Captain Alexander is known for keeping the atmosphere upbeat, including dance breaks that turn the boat into a moving dance floor at times. If that sounds fun to you, great. If you are traveling as a strict library-and-pool type, you might feel the noise level more than you expect.

Open Bar and Drinks With a Real On-Board Rhythm

The cruise is built around the idea that you do not just drink once, you drink while sailing, while waiting between stops, and during the lunch break. The included bar covers cocktails, wine, beer, plus non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and water.

From the way drinks are described, you will also find local-style options served cold, including Zythos lager that stays ice-chilled. There is typically a preset menu for cocktails, and you can order enough to last a half-day without ever waiting in a long line.

The best part for many people is timing. Drinks show up when you are ready to relax, and not only at the dock. If you like a steady flow, you will appreciate this structure.

Stop 1: Kallithea Springs, a Natural-Spa Feel by Sea

The first main swim stop is Kallithea Springs, a place tied to natural springs that drew visitors even in ancient times. The big practical win is that you get about one hour here, which is long enough to swim, wander a bit, and still be back on board without feeling rushed.

You can step into the water directly from the sea, and the stop includes free admission from the sea. That detail matters because it avoids awkward “paid entry” friction once you are already out on the water.

The setting also helps you pace the day. Kallithea reads calm and restorative compared to later stops, and it is the best place to do your first swim while the schedule is still fresh.

Afandou Beach: Swim Time, Caves, and Then Lunch Back on Board

Next up is Afandou Beach, famous for a long stretch of coastline (about 6 km) and for its pebble beaches. It is a different feel from the typical sand beach, and if you like walking along shorelines, you have enough time to do it.

You get over an hour to explore the area and the caves before the day shifts to food. This is also where the cruise logic becomes clear: swim, explore briefly, eat without stress, then continue to the next water zone.

The onboard lunch is a key reason this cruise feels like a full experience rather than a barebones boat trip. When you return to the ship, you are not heading out hungry. You are ready to refuel and keep going.

Ladikos and Anthony Quinn Bay, Snorkel Country

Between Afandou and Anthony Quinn, the itinerary moves into a coastline with caves and snorkeling energy. One noted spot is Ladikos, a bay known for its historic connection to olive oil shipping and for the underwater activity that happens in the area. It sits behind Anthony Quinn nearby, which is why the whole stretch feels like it belongs to one big swim corridor.

Then you reach the headline swim stop: Anthony Quinn Bay. This bay is described as being surrounded by high rocks and having deep water, with lots of small fish around. The cruise includes snorkeling gear, so you can put on the mask and get a look at the underwater life without having to bring your own equipment.

A fun, very simple note: the cruise invites you to use bread near the water surface for the fish. Just remember, fish behavior is never guaranteed, and you will still enjoy the water even if you do not see a dramatic feeding moment.

The Water Toys You Actually Use (Noodles, Floaters, Life Jackets)

A lot of cruises say snorkeling gear is included. This one includes not just the mask and snorkel, but also pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets. That matters because not everyone swims the same way.

If you are a confident swimmer, the floaters help you relax while still keeping your hands free for photos or snacks. If you are less confident, the life jackets and foam tools let you still join the fun without turning the day into a “stay on the boat” plan.

Even if you do not snorkel much, the presence of these items makes you feel safer when the water depth changes at each cove.

Greek Gourmet Buffet Lunch, Vegan and Gluten-Free Included

Lunch is included and it is positioned as a genuine break, not a snack plate. The Greek gourmet buffet is freshly prepared by the onboard chef, with vegan and gluten-free choices listed as available.

From the way the meal is described, expect a spread that can include items like pasta with shrimp, salad, bread with tzatziki, mussels, chicken dishes, and a dessert. Bread can also appear in a Greek style commonly served in Rhodes, not just boring sandwich bread.

This is one of the strongest value signals in the whole cruise. If you have ever done half-day tours where the “meal” is a couple of crackers, you will see the difference here. You are eating like you are on vacation, not like you are filling time.

Music and Atmosphere, Captain Alexander’s Energy

Here is the part you should decide for yourself before booking. The cruise can be upbeat, with music playing and Captain Alexander bringing energy on deck. Some people love the dance vibe and find it one of the best parts of the day.

If you are hoping for quiet conversation, keep in mind the music level may make it hard to talk at normal volume on deck. On the flip side, if you want a lively atmosphere and do not mind occasional noise, this is exactly the kind of outing where that mood becomes part of the fun.

Price and Value for a 6-Hour Rhodes Day Cruise

At $107.63 per person for about 6 hours, this cruise looks expensive until you add up what is included. Here is what you are getting without additional paydays: open bar (cocktails, beer, wine), a gourmet buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, flotation items, and multiple swim stops plus scenic cruising.

If you were to price those components separately in Rhodes, you would likely spend close to the tour price just on food and drinks. Add in the boat transport and timed cove access, and the value makes more sense.

Also, the cruise is timed as a half-day at 10:00 am, which works well when you only have limited time on Rhodes or you want one big water experience without giving up the entire day.

Who Should Book This Cruise (and Who Should Think Twice)

Book it if you want:

• Swimming first, sightseeing second, with meaningful water time at each stop
• A comfortable boat setup with seating that is not a free-for-all
• Open bar plus lunch included, so the day stays simple
• Snorkel gear and flotation for different comfort levels in the water

Think twice if you want:

• Quiet relaxation and low-volume lounging
• A fully guided, lecture-style history tour, since the day is paced around swimming, food, and atmosphere

It is especially well suited for couples, friend groups, and anyone who likes their vacation days to have a clear “main event” focus: water, food, and drinks.

Should You Book the Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise?

In my view, this is a strong choice for most people who like boat days in the Mediterranean. The mix of three swim stops, included snorkeling gear and flotation, and a proper onboard Greek buffet makes it feel like more than a scenic cruise for the money. Add the practical comfort of a not-too-big boat and you get a day that is easy to enjoy.

I would only steer you away if you are sensitive to loud music and want a calm, quiet vibe the whole time. If you can handle a party-leaning atmosphere, this is one of those Rhodes experiences that turns your time on the island into actual memories, not just a few photos.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise?

The cruise lasts about 6 hours.

What time does the cruise start?

It starts at 10:00 am and returns to the same meeting point.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece, Rhodes 851 31, Greece.

What is included in the ticket price?

The ticket includes a gourmet buffet lunch, open bar (cocktails, wine, beer, plus non-alcoholic drinks), snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets, and allocated seating on the boat.

Are vegan or gluten-free options available?

Yes. Vegan and gluten-free choices are included with the buffet.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience also requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.