Rhodes: Gulet Trip with Food, Drinks, SUP, Kayak & Swimming

A boat day in Rhodes should feel like a reset button. This El Greco gulet trip mixes classic coastal views with three real swim arenas. You’ll also get free paddle and snorkeling gear, plus Greek food and lots of drinks.

I especially like how the day is built around water time, not just sightseeing from a deck. The second stop at Fun Island-Ladiko turns the cruise into an actual playground, with SUP, kayaking, snorkeling, and relaxing on floating spots. And I really like that lunch is part of the plan, not an afterthought.

One thing to keep in mind: it is a floating day with no food allowed from outside, and the most comfortable sun areas go fast. If you want the best bean bags and shade choices, you’ll want to arrive early.

Key highlights you should care about

• Free SUP and kayaking at Ladiko, plus snorkeling gear at the swim stops
• Anthony Quinn Bay for that deep emerald water and a photo break built around swimming
• Fun Island-Ladiko with floating sofas and platforms, so you can do activities or just hang
• Kallithea Thermal Springs for architecture photos and a final swim, with local snacks
• Greek lunch plus unlimited soft drinks and wine, with morning treats and fruit later
• Comfort on a traditional gulet with lots of places to sit, including cushy spots on deck

Rhodes from the sea: why this gulet day works

Rhodes is great on foot, but the island really flexes from the water. This 6-hour trip focuses on the eastern coastline, where the sea color does the most work, and you are not stuck waiting for buses.

What I like is the pacing. You get a slow cruise segment to settle in, then swimming breaks that are frequent enough to keep the day feeling lively. Even if you are not chasing adrenaline, the plan keeps pulling you back toward the water.

Finding El Greco Fun Cruises in Mandraki, and scoring the best deck spots

Your meeting point is in the port of Mandraki, right opposite Eleftherias Square, where you look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco. The trip runs from the morning, and you will spend a lot of that time on open decks and sun areas.

The boat setup matters because you will be moving between shade and sun throughout the day. People consistently call out the value of arriving early to snag better seating and sunbeds, including bean bag style comfort on top deck. If you show up late, you can still have a chair, but the best positions may be gone.

Also note one rule that affects how the day feels: outside food and drinks are not allowed. That is normal for boat trips, but it means you should plan on what is provided onboard.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the emerald-water swim stop that sets the mood

The trip kicks off with cruising time, then you reach Anthony Quinn Bay for a photo stop and a dedicated swim period of about 40 minutes. This is the first moment when the day becomes more than a ride, because the water here is the star.

From the way the stop is described, you can expect a mix of swimming and snorkeling opportunities, with time designed for people who want quick dips or a longer look underwater. If you have never snorkeled from a boat before, this kind of stop is friendly because the activity is built into the schedule.

Practical idea: treat this swim stop like a warm-up. You do not need to rush, but you should time sunscreen and quick gear checks so you do not lose water time later.

Fun Island-Ladiko: the real playground for SUP, kayaking, and floating-sofa lounging

This is the stop that most people remember. At Ladiko Bay, you get a longer stretch of about 2 hours, and it is set up as an activity zone.

Here you can use kayaks and SUP boards along with snorkeling gear. You can also just relax on the floating sofas and platforms, with drinks nearby, which is a nice option if you want to split your time between active play and low-effort tanning.

A couple of details from the feedback are worth noting so you are not surprised. First, the SUP experience is the highlight for many people, but it is smart to ask on board about fin use if you do not see everything clearly laid out. Second, board firmness can vary, so if a board feels oddly soft, ask staff right away rather than assuming it is normal.

This stop is also where you learn the unspoken boat rule: you will have moments when gear is in high demand. If you want your turn with SUP or a kayak, get to the action early in the stop window, not at the end.

Kallithea Thermal Springs: architecture photos plus one more swim

Later in the cruise, you reach Kallithea Thermal Springs for another photo opportunity and a shorter swimming window of about 30 minutes. This is different from the bays, because the draw here is the combination of water and architecture.

The trip also adds local snacks at this stage, which helps the day feel complete rather than like three separate swims stitched together. Since this is the final swim period, it is a good time to do your last snorkeling pass, or just enjoy the water while you still have energy.

If you like taking pictures, treat this stop as your chance to switch from action photos to something more scenic. The architectural backdrop is part of what makes this moment distinct.

Lunch onboard, unlimited drinks, and the snack rhythm that keeps you happy

This is not one of those boat days where the food is small and forgettable. You get a homemade traditional Greek lunch onboard, plus unlimited soft drinks and wine.

A few things that matter for real-life value:

• Lunch is suitable for vegans and non-vegans. If you have allergies, intolerances, or health constraints, tell the crew in advance so they can plan.
• There are morning treats and seasonal fresh fruits later in the day, which helps you avoid the mid-trip hunger crash.
• Wine and soft drinks are unlimited, so you can pace yourself without constantly thinking about the bill.

What is not included is also important. Beer, slushies, and cocktails are not part of the included list, and multiple people point out beer is an extra purchase. That is fine if you are a wine-and-soda person, but if beer is your thing, factor that into your budget.

One more small but meaningful comfort detail: the food portions are repeatedly described as generous. It is not just a plate of bites. That is a big deal on a day where you are swimming and moving around.

Price and value: is $104 a good deal for Rhodes?

For $104 per person, you are basically paying for a full half-day boat experience with more than just scenery. In one day, you get:

• A traditional gulet cruise
• Three swimming stops with time built in (including Anthony Quinn and Ladiko)
• Included snorkeling gear and included SUP and kayaking gear
• Greek lunch, plus unlimited soft drinks and wine
• Added onboard touches like morning treats and fruit

Compared to doing this piecemeal, the math is solid. If you try to recreate the day on your own, you would likely pay separately for a boat, gear, and guided swim access, and you would still have to solve food and drinks.

Where the value can drop is if you specifically want the non-included items like beer and cocktails. The good news is they are not required to have a great day, since the included drinks already cover the bulk of the party energy.

In short, this price makes sense if you want a real “sea day” with activities, not just a casual cruise.

Who this gulet trip is best for (and who might want something else)

This trip fits a wide range of vacation styles. If you want to swim, you will love the frequent breaks. If you like being active without committing to a long hike, the SUP and kayaking options are a perfect match. And if you are there for relaxation, the floating platforms and sun deck setup let you go low-key.

It also seems like a good choice for couples and families because the day is flexible. You can take part in activities or take it easy between stops, and the crew keeps the flow moving.

Two groups should consider alternatives:

• Wheelchair users, since the trip is not suitable for wheelchairs.
• People who strongly prefer a strict, quiet sightseeing pace. This is more of a fun day on the water with multiple activity points.

Practical tips so your day stays fun

Here are the small choices that make the biggest difference on this kind of boat outing.

Bring what they ask for: sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Sunscreen is not optional on a day built around open deck time plus repeated water exposure.

Plan your arrival with the deck in mind. If you want outdoor bean bags and the best sunbeds, show up early rather than rushing at the last minute.

If you plan to use SUP or snorkeling gear, treat the start of each stop as your best window. Activity demand can spike, and asking staff for help right away is faster than figuring it out mid-session.

Finally, pack your mindset. You cannot bring outside snacks, but you are not going hungry onboard. The day is structured so you eat when you need to, then head back to the water.

Should you book this El Greco gulet trip?

Book it if you want a Rhodes day that feels like a true coastal escape. The combination of multiple swim stops, free SUP and kayaking, and a Greek lunch with unlimited drinks is exactly the kind of “one ticket, one plan, one great day” value that makes vacations easier.

Skip it if you are not into water time or you want a more formal, quiet cultural tour. Also skip if accessibility is a concern, since wheelchair access is not part of the offering.

If your ideal day includes sea views, warm sun, and at least one activity you do not normally get at home, this one is a strong match.

FAQ

How long is the El Greco gulet trip?

The trip duration is 6 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet in the port of Mandraki, right opposite Eleftherias Square, and look for the traditional wooden gulet El Greco.

What swimming stops are included?

You get swim time at Anthony Quinn Bay (about 40 minutes), Fun Island-Ladiko (about 2 hours), and Kallithea Springs (about 30 minutes).

Is lunch included, and what is it like?

Yes. There is a homemade traditional Greek lunch onboard, and it is suitable for both vegans and non-vegans.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited soft drinks and wine are included. Beer is not included, and slushies and cocktails are not included either.

Is snorkeling, SUP, and kayaking gear included?

Yes. Kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling gear are included, plus there are floating sofas and platforms at the water stops.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users.