Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide

This boat dinner starts with real fishing. On Rhodes, you learn the basics from Captain Mike and Skevos, then you swap lines for a sea swim, snorkel time, and a BBQ lunch built around what you caught.

Two things I like a lot: the trip is built for beginners, and the food is seriously good. The second I stepped aboard, the vibe felt relaxed and friendly, not stiff, with clear help when you needed it.

The real win is how the day moves. You get a try at trolling for bigger predator fish, then you do ground fishing near the seabed, then you anchor in a quiet bay to swim and snorkel. That combo makes the hours feel full, and it helps even people who think they are bad at fishing.

One possible drawback to flag: it is a fish-forward meal. If you do not want to eat fish or you are worried about getting splashed, plan ahead, because you will be on a working boat in the open water.

Key Highlights

• Father-son team on the water and in the galley, Captain Mike and Skevos
• Two fishing styles: trolling first, then seabed fishing
• Small group, big attention, limited to 10 people
• Snorkeling gear and a safe, practical boat setup, including Wi-Fi, WC, and freshwater shower
• Onboard BBQ that turns catches into lunch, plus Greek salad with secret herbs and Rhodian oregano bread
• Beginner-friendly coaching, including tips aimed at helping you land something

First Impressions: A Traditional Wooden Boat With Real Work Ethic

I expected a casual boat outing. I did not expect it to feel like a working fishing trip with real rhythm. The boat itself is a traditional 10-meter, handcrafted wooden vessel, not some generic party boat. You still get comfort, but you also feel the gear, the process, and the pride behind it.

What really sets the tone is the guidance. Captain Mike brings decades of professional experience, and Skevos runs the show with the kind of energy you want when you are learning something new. They are also trained in lifeguarding, so the whole thing feels safety-first without feeling paranoid.

If you care about authenticity, this is the type of trip that does not try to overproduce it. You cruise, fish, swim, and eat. No long speeches. Just steady hands and good timing.

Getting to Kolona Port and Finding the Boat Fast

Your boat is located at the port of Kolona, just outside the old town of Rhodes. If you are driving, give yourself extra time. The area can be busy, and parking can be tight, especially when lots of cruise and day-trippers spill into town.

The meeting point is straightforward, and the boat is easy enough to find once you are at the harbor. Still, I suggest arriving a bit early. When you are dealing with tides, sea conditions, and a small group schedule, early beats rushed.

Also, do not show up hungry. You will get the instruction and then you will be out on the water. Eat breakfast beforehand so lunch feels like a reward, not a life-support plan.

The First Hour: Trolling for Predator Fish Off Rhodes

After meeting at Skevos fishing trip, you head out and cruise for about an hour toward one of the selected spots. Depending on what the sea is doing that day, it can be near Kallithea Springs, the quiet bay of Santa Marina, or a shallower sandy beach area.

That one-hour cruise matters. It is not just travel time. It gets you positioned for the first big fishing phase. Then comes trolling, using the professional equipment your guide provides.

Here is the point of trolling: you are searching the water column for movement, the spots where predator fish are active. The target list is where the excitement comes from: small tunas, mahi mahi, amberjacks, barracudas, trumpetfish, and great trevally. Some catches come fast, some take patience, but you get time to try and learn.

What I like about the way they run this section is the balance. You are not left to figure everything out alone. Skevos and Captain Mike adjust technique and help you troubleshoot on the fly, which is crucial if you are brand-new.

The Two-Stage Game Plan: Why Ground Fishing Feels Productive

After trolling, you move into about two hours of ground fishing near the seabed. This is a different skill. Trolling is about searching and presenting. Ground fishing is about feeling the bottom, reading what is happening, and staying focused on the line.

This phase tends to give people a bigger sense of progress. Even if the first stage was tough, ground fishing often gives you another route to success. It also keeps the day from turning into one long waiting game.

One extra benefit of doing both is variety. By the time you reach the swimming and snorkeling part, you have already had multiple attempts. That helps the day feel like an experience, not just a sightseeing cruise.

Choosing the Quiet Bay Stop: Swim and Snorkel Time That Actually Works

Once the fishing phases wrap up, you anchor in a quiet bay for swimming and snorkeling, with time to relax if you want to just float. The location varies based on weather and sea conditions, but the goal stays the same: get you somewhere calm enough to enjoy the water.

You get snorkeling equipment if you want it. In practice, this means you can switch from “fishing mode” to “look around and enjoy the sea” without needing to bring extra gear. If you are a nervous swimmer, plan to use the support they provide, including pool noodles that show up on some trips. That is a small detail, but it can make the difference between avoiding the water and actually having fun in it.

The water time also shifts the day’s energy. After handling rods and bait, the swim becomes a reset. You feel the Mediterranean breeze, the boat rocks a little less, and the day turns into something lighter.

Lunch on Board: Handmade BBQ, Greek Salad With Secret Herbs, and Fresh Fish

This is the part most people remember. The BBQ is not some quick throw-it-on-a-grill setup. The BBQ is built by Skevos’s father, and it is cooked onboard right after the fishing.

They grill the fish you catch, plus additional fresh fish such as gold seabream and sea bass, with portions listed at 250g and up. That matters because it keeps lunch satisfying even if you have an off day catching. And it makes it more of an actual meal, not just a snack built around the idea of fish.

The flavor details are where this trip really earns its praise. You get:

• Extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt on the fish
• A Greek salad with secret herbs, which is a standout for many people
• Charcoal-grilled bread with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano

And yes, the drinks are covered. You will have cold beer, soft drinks, and bottled mineral water.

If you are wondering whether this is “average boat food,” do not. The cooking is the kind of home-style cooking you want when you are away from restaurants. People repeatedly call out the salad, and it is not random hype. The herbs and dressing style are a big part of why lunch feels special here.

The Boat Setup: Comfort, Safety Gear, and Practical Conveniences

I like that this trip does not treat comfort as an afterthought. The boat includes a WC, a freshwater shower, and Wi-Fi. That last one is not essential, but it is a nice touch if you need to upload a photo, message someone, or just kill time without feeling disconnected.

Safety is also taken seriously. The boat is described as fully compliant with safety regulations and uses certified VHF/UHF communication systems. You also get GPS, depth sounder, radar, and a Lowrance 1000W fish finder. In plain terms, that means your guides can read what is happening out there instead of guessing.

For the fishing equipment, the brands are top tier, including Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi. Even if you have never held a reel before, this matters because quality gear makes it easier to learn quickly and reduces the frustrating, fiddly issues that can happen with cheap tackle.

And yes, you will probably get splashed. The sea is part of the job. Pack for that reality.

The Real Value Behind the $88 Price Tag

Price is $88 per person for a 5-hour experience. That sounds like a lot until you break down what you actually get.

You are paying for:

• A small group setup limited to 10 participants
• A professional guide with years of experience on the water
• Fishing equipment and baits provided
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch onboard that includes fish, Greek salad, bread, and drinks (beer, soft drinks, and water)

What makes the value feel fair is the meal. Boat trips can be “nice” but serve food that is more symbolic than filling. Here, lunch includes fresh fish, and you also get real Greek salad with herb flavor that people keep calling out as the best they had on Rhodes.

Add in the fact that the guides try hard to get everyone catching something, including beginners, and the day becomes less about luck and more about coaching and effort. Even on tougher sea days, the structure still gives you a full experience: fish attempts, water time, and a hot lunch.

Weather, Sea Conditions, and What to Plan For

This trip runs rain or shine. It does not run during storms. That is a practical policy, and it matters for a boat schedule.

If weather is windy or the sea is choppy, expect the boat to move. That is not a complaint, it is how open water works. If you are prone to motion sickness, I strongly suggest packing what you need and going slow on the first part of the ride.

Also, wear clothing that can handle getting wet. Even if you only sit still, water spray is common on boats. Beachwear and a towel are all you are required to bring, but I would treat this like a day at sea, not a dry walking tour.

Who This Trip Suits Best on Rhodes

This is a great match if you want an authentic, local-feeling day that does not center on crowds. The small group helps a lot. You chat with people, get help when you need it, and still feel like you are part of the action.

You will especially like it if:

• You have never fished before but want to try with step-by-step guidance
• You want both land-to-sea fun, fishing plus swimming and snorkeling
• You care about food quality, especially Greek salad and grilled seafood
• You want a half-day activity that still feels like a full experience

It might be less suitable if:

• You do not want to eat fish
• You are uncomfortable on boats, especially in rougher conditions
• You need wheelchair access or are pregnant, since it is not listed as suitable for those needs

Practical Tips to Make Your Day Smoother

A few small things can change how much you enjoy the trip:

• Eat breakfast before you go. Lunch is great, but timing matters.
• Bring a towel and beachwear. You will likely get damp.
• If you are anxious about swimming, use the support they provide and start slowly.
• If you are driving to Rhodes town, plan extra time for parking around Kolona.
• Bring a light layer if you get chilly when the boat is moving, especially in shoulder seasons.

One more tip: treat the day like a learning session, not a performance. The guides adjust for your skill level. When you relax and follow the cues, your odds of landing a catch and enjoying the water climb fast.

Should You Book Skevos Fishing Trip in Rhodes?

Book it if you want a Rhodes activity that combines real hands-on fishing, time in the Mediterranean, and a proper onboard meal. The father-son team of Skevos and Captain Mike is a major part of the experience, and the cooking, especially the Greek salad and the BBQ fish, is consistently the highlight.

Skip it only if you are strongly against eating fish, you need accessibility support beyond what is provided, or you dislike boats in open water. Otherwise, for the price, the small group size, the included gear, and the food quality, this is a very solid use of half your day in Rhodes.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

The boat meets at the port of Kolona, outside the old town of Rhodes.

How long is the Rhodes fishing trip?

The duration is 5 hours.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included if you wish to use it.

What fishing equipment is provided?

Your guide provides fishing equipment and baits.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch onboard includes fresh fish, Greek salad, and bread. Drinks include unlimited beer, unlimited soft drinks (cola-lemonade), and bottled mineral water.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel.

Does the tour run in bad weather?

It runs rain or shine, but it will not take place during storms.

Is it suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users. The tour instruction is in English and runs with a small group limited to 10 participants.