Rhodes Town: Fishing Boat Trip with Fish Meal and Swim Stops

Fishing, BBQ, and snorkeling, all in one trip.

This is the kind of Rhodes Town outing that feels practical and fun, not touristy for the sake of it. I love the hands-on fishing coaching from Angelo and the fact you eat what you catch with a fresh fish barbecue meal onboard. One thing to consider: if you get sea sick easily, the boat time may feel rough, so plan accordingly.

You’ll cruise on a traditional Greek fishing boat from Mandraki harbor, fish in productive spots, then spend the second half in a secluded cove where the crew provides snorkeling gear.

Key Things That Make This Trip Worth Your Time

• Small boat feel: A 10.5 meter boat that holds up to 12 people, so you are not swallowed by a big crowd.
• Real instruction, not just paperwork: Angelo teaches you how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in your catch.
• Fresh-catch lunch at sea: BBQ with Greek salad and garlic bread, plus inclusive food and drinks.
• Snorkel gear is provided: You get the masks and safety items you need for the swim stop.
• A crew that keeps the day moving: Captain Vassilis and Mike help run the fishing and prep the meal, while Angelo adds energy and humor.

Rhodes Town by Sea: What This 5 Hours Feels Like

This trip is built for people who want something active, but not stressful. The rhythm is simple: morning-style cruising, multiple fishing attempts with guidance, then a swim and snorkel break, and finally lunch that is actually part of the experience.

You are out on the Mediterranean Sea for about 5 hours, which is long enough to feel like a real outing, but short enough that you are back in Rhodes Town without burning a full day. It also helps that the boat size is small, so you get more attention when you are trying fishing for the first time.

If you like travel days where food is part of the schedule, this one clicks. The BBQ is not an afterthought, it is timed so you can eat while you are still in the mood of being on the water.

Your Boat and Crew: Mandraki Harbor to Fishing-Spot Work

You meet at Mandraki harbor, near church Evangelismos, kiosk 2, under the Makarounas name. From there, you board a traditional fishing boat described as 10.5 meters long, designed for a small group (up to 12 people).

That size matters. With a compact boat, the crew can actually move around and help you. In the best moments, you feel like you are learning from working fishermen, not just watching someone else handle everything.

The crew lineup is a big part of the charm:

• Angelo acts as your main guide for fishing, and he also keeps things entertaining.
• Captain Vassilis runs the boat and helps coordinate where you fish.
• Mike is part of the behind-the-scenes support, including help during the day.

If you picture a day where someone explains the basics and then makes sure you are not stuck, this fits that vibe.

The Fishing Phase: Learning Bait, Reeling, and Why Stops Matter

The first half is about fishing, and the trip is set up so beginners are not left behind. The crew assists kids and adults, and the teaching focus is very practical.

You can expect coaching that usually covers:

• how to put bait on the hook
• how to hold the rod comfortably
• how to reel in steadily

Even if you have never fished before, the process is designed to be doable. The whole point is to make you feel involved, whether you catch fish quickly or need more patience.

Why multiple fishing spots help

You do not just drop the line once. The trip includes fishing in different areas, which is smart on a practical level. Fish are not evenly distributed, and being willing to move increases your chances of action.

In real terms, it also keeps the day from getting repetitive. One stop teaches you a method, then the next stop gives you a fresh chance to apply what you learned.

Two fishing methods, one goal: don’t overthink it

You may be shown two different methods of fishing. That matters because some people struggle with the physical parts (baiting, holding, reeling), while others need a different approach to get a bite. A second method is basically a backup plan built into the trip.

And yes, catching fish can be uneven. That is fishing. The best part is that even when the line feels complicated, the crew is right there to help you untangle things and try again.

Fish BBQ Lunch at Sea: What’s Included and What It Means for Value

Food is one of the strongest reasons this trip holds up. You get an onboard fresh fish meal plus all-inclusive food and drinks. That removes the usual vacation math where you pay separately for lunch, snacks, and drinks.

The BBQ part is not just meat-on-a-plate style. The trip pairs the meal with the classic Greek sides: Greek salad and garlic bread.

Fish, chicken, or veggie options

If you do not eat fish every day, you are not forced into only one choice. Meals can include fish or chicken, and a veggie option is also mentioned in the provided details. That is a big deal for mixed groups, including families.

Why eating on the boat feels different

Eating while you are still in motion makes the experience feel integrated. Instead of treating lunch as a pause, the meal becomes part of the sea day. If you catch fish, some people end up feeling like the lunch is a reward for participating, not just a scheduled feeding.

Also, one of the practical wins: when the crew knows someone is not able to eat fish, you might find help offered, such as options to take food along. That kind of flexibility is usually what turns a “nice idea” into a day that feels smooth.

Swim and Snorkel in a Secluded Cove: The Second Half of the Day

After fishing time, the trip shifts to water play. The second half is dedicated to snorkeling in a secluded cove.

The crew provides the equipment, including snorkeling essentials like masks and life jackets. Some details also mention the crew providing extras such as an underwater camera, which is great if you want to capture what you see without constantly worrying about waterproofing your own phone.

What you’re actually there for

Snorkeling stops are about two things:

• seeing colorful sea life close up
• enjoying a calmer moment on the water, away from the bustle

Because the cove is described as secluded, you get a quieter feel than an open-water swim. It is a good place to slow down after the active fishing portion.

A realistic caution

One review mentions that the water felt cold for some people, so if you are sensitive to cooler sea temperatures, plan for it. Even if the snorkeling is included, you can still enjoy the stop in a lighter way, like getting in for a short swim and then relaxing with the view.

Price and Value: Is $76 Fair for a 5-Hour Sea Day?

At $76 per person, this trip can be a very fair deal if you add up what is included.

You are not just paying for boat transport. You are also paying for:

• fishing gear provided by the crew
• coaching and assistance on the water
• all-inclusive food and drinks
• a fish BBQ lunch
• snorkeling gear for the swim stop

In other words, the price is covering a full package. When tours charge less, it is often because they leave out one or two major parts, like food or equipment. Here, lunch and snorkeling support are central, not optional add-ons.

It is also value-friendly for families and mixed groups. If one person wants to fish and another wants to swim, both are built into the same half-day schedule.

Who This Trip Fits Best, and Who Might Rethink It

This tour is a strong match for:

• first-time fishers who want step-by-step help
• families, since the crew assists both kids and adults
• people who want a social, guided sea day without the pressure of mastering everything alone
• anyone who likes their lunch to be part of the story, not just something bought later

You might reconsider if:

• you are very sensitive to motion, because the boat time can be enough to trigger sea sickness for some people
• you expect guaranteed fishing success, because the day is about trying, learning, and increasing your odds, not promising a certain catch

Also, if you are a hardcore diver looking for deep underwater routes, this is not positioned that way. The focus here is snorkeling in a cove, swimming, and a relaxed sea outing.

Tips to Make It Smoother: From Motion to Gear

Even with a crew that helps, you can set yourself up for a better day.

If you get sea sick

Bring your preferred sea-sickness strategy. One review specifically mentions taking tablets just in case. If you know you are prone to it, don’t wait until you feel bad. Take action early, then spend the day focusing on the fun parts.

Bring practical sea-day essentials

The listing says fishing gear and snorkeling equipment are provided, so you do not need to pack those. But you should still plan for a boat day:

• sun protection (you will be outside)
• water-friendly shoes or something easy to step in and out of
• a dry layer for afterward

Set your expectations about catching fish

Some people catch fish quickly, and some go home empty-handed. That is normal. What matters is that the crew keeps you involved, teaches you, and helps you try again. Even if you catch nothing, you still get a swim stop and a full BBQ meal.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book the Makarounas Fishing Trip?

I think you should book this tour if you want a half-day in Rhodes Town that feels like real island life: small boat, hands-on fishing, and a proper BBQ lunch at sea, followed by snorkeling in a quiet cove.

Skip it (or at least plan carefully) if you are highly prone to sea sickness, because the main drawback is not the food or the guides. It is the motion on the water. If you can handle that, this is an excellent value way to experience the Mediterranean without locking yourself into an all-day schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Town fishing boat trip?

The trip lasts 5 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Mandraki harbor, near church Evangelismos, kiosk 2, under Makarounas.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a fresh fish meal, all-inclusive food and drinks, fishing gear, and assistance from the crew for both kids and adults.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get equipment?

Yes. The second half includes snorkeling in a secluded cove, and the crew provides the necessary snorkeling equipment.

Can beginners join the fishing?

Yes. The crew helps with basics like baiting the hook, holding the rod, and how to reel in, and they assist both kids and adults.

What food will I have on the boat?

You will have a barbecue lunch including freshly caught fish, with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Meal options mentioned include fish or chicken, and a veggie option is also referenced.

How much does it cost?

The price is $76 per person.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

The tour is available in Greek and English.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.