REVIEW · RHODES
Day Cruise by a Sailing Yacht to the most beautiful bays or Rhodes (Small Group)
Book on Viator →Operated by Half Price Tours · Bookable on Viator
You don’t have to choose between swimming and sailing here. This 6-hour Rhodes day trip takes you to classic coves for swim stops (think Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Beach, and Ladiko Beach) and pairs that with a real time-on-the-water vibe on a small sailing yacht. It’s the kind of day where you can float, eat well, and still see a lot of coastline.
I especially like how the day is built around breaks in the water, not just photos from the harbor. The crew runs things with clear pacing, and you’re given enough time to actually enjoy each bay, whether you’re snorkeling or just hanging out under the shade.
One thing to consider: the boat experience can vary by date. Most schedules are for a maximum of 15, but there are occasional complaints about comfort when groups run on the high end, and sea conditions can make the ride choppier than you’d expect.
In This Review
- Key Highlights
- The Rhodes Bay Route: How the Day Feels in Real Time
- Meeting Point and Pickup: Don’t Lose Time at the Start
- Stop 1: Anthony Quinn Bay Swim Stop
- Stop 2: Traganou Beach for Another Water Break
- Stop 3: Ladiko Beach and the Best Chance to Slow Down
- The Lunch and Drinks: What’s Included (and Why It Matters)
- On-Board Comfort: Shade, Seating, and the Real-World Boat Size Issue
- Snorkeling, Helm Time, and Little Extras That Add Fun
- Who This Small Group Sail Is Best For
- Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For
- Should You Book This Rhodes Sailing Day?
- FAQ
- How long is the sailing trip around Rhodes’ bays?
- Which bays does the yacht visit during the day?
- Is pickup from hotels included?
- What’s included for food and drinks?
- Is the tour offered in English?
- How many people are on the sailing yacht?
- What happens if the weather is bad, or I cancel?
Key Highlights

- Small-group sailing (max 15): more personal than the big-boat scene, with time that doesn’t feel rushed.
- Three signature swim stops: emerald-looking coves with chances to swim, snorkel, and even see fish.
- Meals and drinks included: cold appetizers, fruits, and wine/beer/soft drinks are part of the deal.
- Sun + shade balance: there’s shaded space on board, which matters in Rhodes heat.
- English-speaking crew: the experience is offered in English, with explanations during the day.
The Rhodes Bay Route: How the Day Feels in Real Time
This is a half-day style sailing trip that runs about 6 hours, starting at 10:00 am and returning you to the same meeting point. Plan for a full sun-and-water day: you’ll be out long enough to feel like you escaped, but structured enough that you’re never wondering what happens next.
The itinerary is simple and that’s the point. You’re not bouncing across the island by bus all day—you’re moving by yacht from one standout bay to the next, with breaks that are long enough for a proper swim stop. It’s a great match if you want to see Rhodes coastline without turning the day into logistics.
Because this is a sailing yacht, the “how it feels” part depends on wind and wave conditions. Expect the ride to be pleasant when it’s calm, and a little bumpy when it’s not—some riders specifically noted choppier water on windy days. If you get motion sickness, take it seriously and plan ahead.
More Catamaran & Sailing Cruises in Rhodes
Meeting Point and Pickup: Don’t Lose Time at the Start

Your meeting point is Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00. If you’re staying near Rhodes Town, you’ll likely be able to get there easily, and the area is described as near public transportation.
Pickup is offered, but it’s not automatically free. The tour says they’ll pick up from hotels on the island for an extra charge, and the cost depends on where you’re staying—South areas like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, and similar locations are grouped separately from other parts of the island. When you book, you’re asked to type your hotel name into the special requirements field so they can confirm your pickup time.
What I like about this setup is that you can plan your day around a clean start. What I’d watch: if you’re booking without pickup, make sure you actually arrive with enough buffer time. A sailing day is very time-dependent once you’re on the water.
Stop 1: Anthony Quinn Bay Swim Stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is a strong first choice because it’s recognizable, scenic, and built for time in the water. Expect a classic swim-cove feel where the water temperature and color make it easy to forget the clock.
You’ll get a chance to swim and reset before the day continues on. This first stop also matters because it sets your rhythm. If conditions are windy or choppy, getting comfortable early helps; you’re not forced to face the tougher part of the trip before you’ve had a “warm-up” swim.
One practical note: some people in the supplied feedback mentioned snorkeling and seeing fish during the day. If you want that sort of experience, Anthony Quinn Bay is a good place to gear up and pay attention to where the crew tells you it’s safest and easiest to enter and exit.
Stop 2: Traganou Beach for Another Water Break

Traganou Beach is the kind of stop that works whether you’re a confident swimmer or more of a float-and-enjoy-the-view person. The overall day is structured around repeating swim opportunities, so this second stop doesn’t feel like filler—it’s part of the rhythm.
If you like the idea of choosing your pace—snorkel for a bit, then cool off in the shade—this is where you’ll likely do it. In multiple experiences, the crew provided frequent drink service and made it easy to relax between swims.
There’s also a “nature of the water” factor. Rhodes coastal coves can be busy, and at least one person noted that some stops were more populated than expected. Translation for you: if you’re chasing total solitude, keep expectations flexible. You can still have a great day, but you may share the water with other groups.
Stop 3: Ladiko Beach and the Best Chance to Slow Down

Ladiko Beach is often the kind of final swim stop that makes the day feel complete. By this point you’ve had time to settle into the boat routine, and you’re not just arriving at a pretty spot—you’re learning how to make the most of each minute.
This is where the value of a small-group sail really shows. On a smaller yacht, you’re more likely to find a comfortable corner for shade, and the crew can help people get settled without everything feeling crowded and rushed.
I also like that Ladiko is a beach stop, not just a quick “jump in and out.” Several comments highlighted how much people enjoyed floating and swimming in multiple bays during the same trip, and Ladiko is the part of the day that often turns into the last stretch of lingering enjoyment.
Other boat tours in Rhodes
The Lunch and Drinks: What’s Included (and Why It Matters)

One of the most praised parts of this day is the food and drink setup. You’re not expected to scramble for lunch or pay extra on the water.
The inclusions described are:
- Cold appetizers and fruits
- Wine, beer, and refreshments
- Meals prepared on board (Greek-style lunch is mentioned repeatedly)
The standout detail: several people raved about the Greek salad the crew makes, calling it a highlight. Others mentioned lunch items like Greek salad and chicken, and one note included pastischio plus dessert-style portions of the day’s meal. If you’re the type who judges a trip by whether you actually feel fed and happy at lunch, this one generally delivers.
Practical takeaway: don’t plan to bring a full snack supply unless you know you’ll want it. Still, if you have dietary needs, ask what’s possible when you book—there’s at least one mention of dietary restrictions being handled, and it’s the kind of thing a good crew can often accommodate when you communicate early.
On-Board Comfort: Shade, Seating, and the Real-World Boat Size Issue

Here’s the honest balance: the tour is capped at 15 travelers, and many experiences describe it as comfortable and personal. There are also complaints about comfort when the boat feels on the full side for a 6-hour trip, not a quick hour-long outing.
You’ll want to think about how you like to spend your time:
- If you’re happy standing, moving, and taking photos between swims, you’ll likely be fine.
- If you want a lot of space to lie out comfortably for hours, you might find some dates less relaxing than the images suggest.
Shade helps. Multiple mentions point out shaded portions of the boat, and that matters on a bright Rhodes day. Some people also noted that the boat can get rocky on windy days, which affects comfort and how easy it is to settle.
Also pay attention to entry and exit. A couple of negative notes complained about a ladder issue that made it harder for some people to get back aboard after a swim stop. You’re unlikely to feel stranded, but if mobility is a concern for you, this is worth considering before you book a small yacht.
Snorkeling, Helm Time, and Little Extras That Add Fun

This trip has more than just “look at the water.” It’s set up so you can participate.
Some riders specifically mentioned snorkeling, seeing fish, and even a swim into a cave area during one of the water breaks. The exact stop where that happens isn’t guaranteed, but it does suggest there are moments where the coastline offers interesting rocky-entry opportunities.
You can also often expect small activity extras:
- Snorkel gear is mentioned as being available
- Inflatables are mentioned as being on board
- Some people even got a chance to steer the boat for a short while
These are the details that turn a pretty day into a day you remember. If you’re traveling with teens or active adults, this structure gives them a job: swim, snorkel, help steer, then relax with snacks and drinks.
Who This Small Group Sail Is Best For
This is a great fit if you want:
- A relaxing day at sea with multiple swim stops
- Food and drinks included without the hassle of hunting for lunch
- A smaller group experience that feels more personal than bus-and-boat excursions
It can work well for couples and friend groups, including honeymoon travelers in the feedback. Families with kids and teens can also do well, especially since the day is built around swimming rather than long walking.
If you hate being on anything that might move, adjust expectations. The ride can be choppy when it’s windy, and one comment reminded people to plan for that.
And if you’re picky about sunbathing space, you’ll want to be ready for the fact that a small yacht means limited real estate. Great day, but not everyone’s definition of spacious.
Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For
At $120.98 per person for about 6 hours, the price looks reasonable once you factor in what’s included. You’re paying for the sailing time, the three swim stops, and the full refreshment plan.
The value case is strongest if you’d otherwise spend money and time on:
- A boat excursion
- Lunch or snacks
- Drinks
Because cold appetizers, fruits, wine/beer/soft drinks, and a Greek-style lunch are part of the package, you’re not stuck doing the math while you’re on the water. For many people, that’s the main reason this trip earns high praise.
One more value note: you’re booking a small-group experience (max 15). In practical terms, that can mean better attention from the crew and a calmer feel during swimming stops.
If your priority is maximum space and zero motion, you may find better comfort on a larger vessel. But for a sailing-and-swimming day that includes meals and drinks, this is often priced like a fair deal.
Should You Book This Rhodes Sailing Day?
I’d book it if you want a swim-focused Rhodes day, like good Greek food on board, and you’re happy to enjoy the sea as part of the experience—not just a backdrop. The combo of multiple bays, included drinks, and a small group is exactly the recipe for a relaxed day.
I’d think twice if:
- You’re very sensitive to choppy water
- You need lots of lying-down space for hours
- You strongly prefer fewer people at each stop
If you’re in the middle—most people are—you’ll likely love it. Just go in knowing this is about water time and simple sailing fun, not luxury stillness.
FAQ
How long is the sailing trip around Rhodes’ bays?
It runs for about 6 hours.
Which bays does the yacht visit during the day?
The stops listed are Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Beach, and Ladiko Beach.
Is pickup from hotels included?
Pickup is offered for an extra charge. The amount depends on how far your hotel is located, and you should add your hotel name in the special requirements field so they can confirm your pickup time.
What’s included for food and drinks?
Snacks and drinks are included, including cold appetizers and fruits, plus wine, beer, and refreshments.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, the experience is offered in English.
How many people are on the sailing yacht?
It’s described as having a maximum of 15 travelers.
What happens if the weather is bad, or I cancel?
The trip requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.




























