Sun & Sea All Inclusive 3 Hour Swimming Cruise (WITH PICK UP SERVICE)

Cold sea day turns into beach time fast. This short 3-hour cruise from Faliraki takes you to Rhodes coves where you can swim right off the boat, plus use snorkeling equipment and grab snacks and drinks onboard. The stops are timed so you get real water time, without losing the whole day to transport.

I really like the “no pressure” setup. You are guided to Afandou Beach, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay (famous from Guns of Navarone), with about 30 to 45 minutes at each spot. One possible drawback to plan for is that this is not a long beach day, and some water can be choppier at the first two stops, so it is best if you are comfortable jumping in and out of the water from the boat.

Key highlights you should know before you go

• Three swim stops in one smooth outing with short, focused time in each cove
• Afandou Beach and the Traganou Caves stop, where snorkeling is a main event
• Open bar drinks plus a cocktail of the day made from fresh fruit
• Couch seating on a 36-foot boat, ideal for relaxing between swims
• Snorkel gear and noodles included, so you can pack lighter

A 3-hour Rhodes swim escape from Faliraki

This is a simple plan, and that is the point. You leave Faliraki, spend roughly 3 hours at sea, and come back to the same meeting spot. No big buses to multiple villages. No hours of waiting. It is built for people who want to trade ancient streets for saltwater coves.

The vibe is relaxed, and it shows in the pacing. Each stop stays brief, around 30 minutes for Afandou and Ladiko, then about 45 minutes for Anthony Quinn Bay. That structure works well because it keeps everyone moving, but it also helps you avoid the common “one long swim loop” problem where you get bored or tired before the day is over.

Also, do not expect your usual beach setup. At these stops, you head from the boat straight into the water. That makes it easy to start swimming fast, but it helps to know that you are not getting a long stretch of sand and towels onshore.

Pickup and getting to the boat: what’s included, what can cost extra

The cruise includes round-trip transportation from Faliraki hotels in a luxury minibus, which is a big part of the value. You have to arrange the transfer a day before, so build in time to confirm details.

If you are coming from a cruise ship, Rhodes Town, or Ixia, there is a 10€ per person transfer charge for getting to the dock. The experience ends back at the meeting point in Faliraki Harbor, so you will likely want to time your day so you do not have to rush afterward.

One practical note: this is a small-group outing with a maximum of 28 travelers. That cap usually means quicker boarding and easier movement than the giant catamaran style day trips, though the boat can still feel crowded at peak moments depending on the exact departure.

Afandou Beach and Traganou Caves: snorkeling without the long drive

Your first stop is Afandou Beach, anchored near the Traganou Caves. This is the kind of place where you can put your head in the water, look around, and see something more than open sea.

Timing matters here. You get about 30 minutes. That is enough for one good swim pass plus a calm look around, but it is not enough to treat it like a full snorkeling session. If caves and underwater exploring are your top goal, go in ready to swim immediately after you step into the water.

In the real world, this kind of anchoring stop is also weather sensitive. The first cove can have some chop depending on the day, and some people found the water rougher at earlier stops. So if you get motion sickness, plan for it, and consider holding steady while the boat rocks.

Ladiko Bay: calm water, quick swim time, and an easy reset

Next up is Ladiko Bay. The name comes from the Greek word for oil, a clue to what you are aiming for: calm, clear water. You are again there for about 30 minutes, so think of this as your warm-up and reset stop.

Why Ladiko is a good choice: it tends to offer an inviting swim experience when the sea is cooperating. That makes it a great spot if you want a relaxed swim without scrambling for the “best moment” every few seconds.

The short time window still applies. You will want to use those minutes efficiently. If your goal is snorkeling, do it early at this stop so you are not rushing when you get to the final bay, which many people rate as the best.

Anthony Quinn Bay: movie connection, caves, and the best photos

Your last stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, and it is widely treated as the highlight. The water is described as crystal clear, and the bay has pine trees and green surrounding it, which makes the views photo-friendly from the boat.

Here is the fun fact that gives this stop extra personality: Anthony Quinn Bay is where Guns of Navarone was filmed. Even if you only remember the movie title, the connection helps you feel like you are seeing a real place with a real story.

Time also shifts here. You get about 45 minutes, which means more time to swim, take a breath, and explore the cave area if you want. Many people specifically loved the cave portion of this stop, swimming toward it and out from it.

A friendly caution from the experience reality: the water conditions can vary across stops. If the first bay felt rough, you may find this last bay more satisfying because it is the one most people rank highest, and you have more time to enjoy it.

Onboard setup: couch seating, snacks, and the open bar reality

The boat is described as a comfortable 36-foot catamaran with couch seating. That sounds fancy, but it is also practical. Couches mean you can relax between swims without fighting for standing room, and the seating style is more comfortable when you are sunbathing or just taking in the coves as you move.

Now, about expectations. Some people found the boat older than the photos suggest, and mentioned issues like wet cushions on arrival and steps that can feel rough or hard to manage when you are getting back onboard. That does not automatically ruin the trip, but it does affect the “ease” of doing repeated jumps in and out of the water.

Drinks and snacks: what you actually get

This is an all-inclusive style cruise for a reason. You get an open bar with options that include beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a cocktail of the day made from fresh fruit. That “fresh fruit cocktail” detail matters, because it means you are not just stuck with generic juice.

For snacks, you also get local touches such as melekouni, the Rhodian honey and sesame bar, plus a fruit platter and other local product snacks. The fruit offerings can be hit or miss in quality and portion size depending on the day, but the overall intent is clear: you are not going to end up hungry mid-cruise.

Snorkel gear and noodles

You get snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles included. Many people used the gear and enjoyed it. Others skipped the snorkel masks because they were unsure about hygiene. That is not something you can fully confirm from the dock, so if cleanliness is a top concern for you, bring your own snorkel mask if you have one.

Some people also reported broken or less-than-perfect snorkel gear. To reduce the chance of frustration, arrive with the assumption that a small handful of items may be older. Checking your mask and mouthpiece right away is smart.

What this cruise feels like day-to-day

This trip is short enough that it stays fun. You swim, snack, drink, swim again. You are not stuck in one place for hours, which helps keep the energy up.

The crew tends to be friendly, and the drink service often keeps moving. Many people mention quick service and a good mood onboard. That said, some departures felt more “quiet” with limited narration, so if you want lots of island history while you sail, you might not get that here.

One more real-world note: this outing can attract groups, including younger crowds on some dates, and that can change the vibe. If you want a totally calm, adult-only floating day, you might want to check your date carefully or plan to bring headphones and sunscreen so you can tune out.

Is it good value at $66.51 per person?

For $66.51, you are paying for three things at once: time on the water, included food and drinks, and transport from Faliraki hotels. For many people, that math works out because you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, drinks, and a taxi or shuttle.

It is especially good value if you are a strong swimmer or you like snorkeling. In a short window, you get three swimming coves, including caves at Afandou and more cave time at Anthony Quinn Bay. Add included noodles, snorkel gear, and the open bar, and you can easily build a full experience without spending more once you are on the boat.

Where the value drops slightly is if you expected a traditional beach day with a lot of shore time. This is more “jump off the boat, swim, then repeat.” If that does not sound appealing, you may feel rushed.

Who should book this, and who might skip it

Book it if you want:

• A quick break from ruins and museums without giving up the whole day
• Swim time that actually happens, not just “look at the view from the deck”
• A mix of snorkeling and relaxing, with couch seating between swims
• Included snacks and an open bar to keep the mood easy

Consider a different option if:

• You need lots of standing room or a fully quiet atmosphere
• You hate getting in and out of the water repeatedly from a boat
• You expected a newer-looking vessel that matches glossy photos perfectly
• You want a highly guided tour with lots of talk about Rhodes beyond stop times

Tips to make your swim day smoother

A few small choices can turn this into a stress-free half-day.

First, pack sunscreen. People specifically mention that the sun can be intense. Boat time plus water time means you burn faster than you think, even if you are in the shade between stops.

Second, if snorkeling is a big part of your plan, consider bringing your own snorkel mask. Some gear was reported as older or broken, and at least one person wished they brought their own.

Third, treat each stop as a focused session. You are not staying long enough to forget your plan. Aim to be ready to jump in right when the boat anchors, especially at Traganou Caves and the Anthony Quinn Bay cave area.

Finally, keep an eye on water conditions. Some stops can feel rougher, so if you are not confident in choppier water, go easy and stay close to where you feel stable.

Should you book Sun & Sea All Inclusive?

I think this cruise is a strong choice if your main goal is simple: swim in coves, grab drinks and snacks, and get back in time for the rest of your Rhodes day. The included open bar, the local snacks, and the fact that you visit three swimming-focused spots in just a few hours make it a good fit for value-minded travelers.

If you want a long beach stroll, lots of dock time, or a super polished, photo-perfect boat, you might be disappointed. Also, if you are sensitive to boat boarding conditions or you strongly prefer quieter vibes, pick your date wisely.

If your plan is “sea time first, sightseeing later,” then this is exactly the kind of quick, fun Rhodes reset day that works.

FAQ

How long is the Sun & Sea All Inclusive swimming cruise?

The cruise runs for about 3 hours.

Where does the tour pick up and where does it end?

Pickup is from Faliraki hotels by luxury minibus, and the cruise ends back at the meeting point at Faliraki Harbor.

Do I need to arrange the pickup in advance?

Yes. Transfer must be arranged the day before the trip.

What if I am staying in Rhodes Town, Ixia, or on a cruise ship?

You can still require a transfer to the dock, but there is a 10€ per person charge for those areas.

What swim stops does the cruise include?

You stop at Afandou Beach near Traganou Caves, Ladiko Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay. Time is about 30 minutes at Afandou and Ladiko, and about 45 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay.

What is included with the price?

Snacks, soda and an open bar (beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a cocktail of the day from fresh fruit), snorkeling equipment, and swimming noodles are included.

Is there snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, along with swimming noodles.

What happens if the weather is bad or if the minimum number of travelers is not met?

The experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund. If the minimum number of travelers is not met, it can also be canceled with a different date or full refund.