Six hours, three bays, one private boat. I like the private catamaran setup that keeps your group together, and I love the swimming-focused plan at multiple Rhodes coves. The trade-off is that this isn’t a “see a lot from the shore” day.

You get hotel pickup and drop-off, plus an English-speaking host who helps you get from dock to boat without stress. One review also noted pickup right from a cruise dock, which is exactly the kind of smooth start you want when you’re on a schedule.

What really sells it for me is the mix of swim spots, including areas tied to the Guns of Navarone look at Afandou, and the chance to end with Tsambika’s clear water. Just remember that alcoholic drinks aren’t included, so plan on non-alcoholic drinks being part of the included “unlimited” set.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel

• A 6-hour private catamaran day designed around swimming breaks, not long sightseeing detours
• Up to 10 people per group, so you get a calmer, quieter vibe than big-boat tours
• Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, Kallithea, and Tsambika as the main swim targets
• Lunch and food onboard, plus included snorkeling equipment
• Unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, with alcohol listed separately as not included
• Friendly, flexible crew noted by past groups, with staff handling the day smoothly

Setting Sail From Rhodes With Pickup and a Proper Private Setup

This is the kind of cruise that makes sense when you want a “pay once, relax the rest of the day” experience. You start with hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a big deal in Rhodes summer, when getting yourself to the right dock can be half the hassle of the day.

Once you’re on board, the day stays simple: you’re out on the water, you swim, you eat, you sunbathe, and you move to the next stop. Because it’s private for your group, you’re not stuck watching the clock while a larger crowd herds itself around. One group even mentioned getting to the boat quickly from a cruise dock, which tells me the staff pays attention to smooth transfers.

The crew is also called out as friendly and accommodating. That matters more than people think. On a private cruise, you’re relying on the crew for the small things—getting you to the right anchoring spots and keeping the schedule moving while still giving you time to enjoy the swim stops.

If you like a day that feels like a beach vacation, but with the best water views from a boat, this format fits well.

Your Swimming Plan: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, Kallithea, and Tsambika

This trip is built around 3 or 4 swimming stops, all in Rhodes’ east-coast summer water. The typical flow focuses on iconic bays and beaches with a mix of sandy edges and rocky coves, plus both calmer shallower areas and deeper water when you want it.

Anthony Quinn Bay (about 1 hour in the water)

Anthony Quinn’s Bay is your first proper swim break. You get around an hour here, which is enough time to rinse off, swim a few laps, and settle in without feeling rushed.

What I like about starting here is momentum. Early in the day, you’re usually still fresh, sun isn’t at its peak heat yet, and it’s easier to get comfortable with the boat rocking a bit. If you’re traveling with family, this first stop is a good “warm-up” before you commit to longer water time later.

Afandou Beach (lunch and about 1 hour swimming)

Afandou is the stop with the cinematic angle. The coastline is known for the kinds of dramatic views that showed up in Guns of Navarone. Even if you’re not chasing movie locations, the practical result is good: you get visual drama without sacrificing swim time.

This is also where lunch lands. Having lunch onboard in the middle of the swimming schedule means you’re not spending the best part of the day moving or waiting onshore. You swim, eat, then swim again—simple, and it keeps the pace comfortable.

A minor consideration: if you dislike eating in moving conditions, it can take a little getting used to. But if you’re okay with boat life, this midpoint meal feels like part of the fun rather than a chore.

Kallithea Springs (about 1 hour swimming)

Kallithea is another swim hour—more time to focus on water quality and changing shoreline shapes. This area is described as having a nice balance: sandy seafronts in places and rocky coves nearby, so you can choose how you want the water to feel under your feet.

I also like that this stop sits after Afandou. By then, you’ve already had your first tastes of the route. Now you can slow down and pick a favorite style—spend more time near calmer edges, or move out where the deeper water gives you more swim room.

Tsambika (included as part of the plan, depending on the departure)

Tsambika beach is also part of the overall swimming plan, described with crystal-clear water. Because the cruise is built for either 3 or 4 swimming stops, Tsambika is the kind of stop that can be included depending on how your departure fits the day’s timing.

So here’s my practical tip: if Tsambika is a must for you, don’t treat it as a guaranteed “always.” Treat it as “very likely,” and check your specific departure expectations when booking.

What’s Onboard: Drinks, Lunch, Food Buffets, and Snorkeling Gear

The onboard package is where the value starts to stack up. You get food and drinks included, plus snorkeling equipment. That means you don’t have to rent or scramble for gear when you’re already enjoying the day.

Non-alcoholic drinks and the alcohol line

The cruise includes drinks and describes them as unlimited, but alcoholic drinks are not included. Translation: you can expect the “keep you hydrated” part covered, especially in hot summer sun. If you want wine, cocktails, or beer, plan for that separately.

This sounds small, but it’s actually a key budget detail. People often price a private boat day thinking everything is bundled. Here, it’s not a full alcohol package, so factor that in.

Lunch onboard

Lunch is included, and one review called the meal very good. I like onboard lunch because you avoid the “find food, stand in line, lose the sun” problem. It also supports the overall schedule: swim, eat, keep going.

You’ll also find an onboard buffet style setup mentioned as available at your leisure. That’s helpful if your group includes people with different swim speeds—some want right back in the water, others want to linger in the shade and snack.

Snorkeling equipment is included

Snorkeling gear is part of what you get, so you can go from boat to water without extra rental time. I’d still encourage you to think about your own comfort with snorkeling. The water is the point here, so if you’re not a confident swimmer, you’ll want to stick to the shallower areas when possible.

The Real Rhodes Summer Advantage: East Coast Water and a Relaxed Pace

Rhodes summer is peak beach time, and this route leans into that reality. The cruise is described as focusing on swimming and sunbathing in the afternoon. That matters because most day tours try to cram in too much. This one is the opposite: it gives you time in the water.

The coast is described as having a pleasing mix of sandy and rocky areas, with spots that can feel both shallow-friendly and deeper when you want them. In other words, you can shape the experience to your comfort level.

Here’s the practical benefit for you: you’re not stuck doing one “type” of swim spot all day. You can go from gentle shoreline swimming to more open-water space as the day progresses.

Also, being out on a boat changes how you experience the coastline. Even if you’ve been to Rhodes beaches before, you see angles that are hard to get from land—especially when you’re moving between bays.

Private Boat Day Value: What $2,357 Means for Up to 10

The price is $2,357 per group up to 10, with a 6-hour duration. If you’re splitting between a full group, that’s roughly $236 per person at the top end. If you’re traveling as a smaller party, the per-person number rises fast—but the private nature can still feel worth it when you compare it to multiple tickets plus the time you lose coordinating transport and schedules.

What makes this feel like good value isn’t just “private.” It’s that you get included snorkeling gear and included food and drinks, plus pickup and drop-off. Those are costs and time sinks you’d otherwise pay for separately.

So the math works best when:

• you can fill the group to near capacity
• you want a true water day rather than sightseeing
• you’d rather pay for convenience than spend the day negotiating logistics

One more value note: because the crew is described as friendly and accommodating, a lot of the day runs smoother than self-planned beach hopping. When you’re on a private boat, that smoother flow is part of the “what you’re buying.”

Who This Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This is a strong match for:

• families who want a simple plan and don’t want to rent gear
• friend groups who want a calmer day than big group tours
• couples who want a private-feeling water day without booking a whole resort-style package
• anyone who cares about swimming time more than shore stops

You might want a different option if you’re the type who gets restless without lots of land sightseeing. This day is designed for the water: swim stops, sun, and boat time. If your idea of Rhodes is old-town walks and museum time, this cruise won’t replace that. It complements it.

Quick Tips: What to Bring for a Smooth Day on the Water

You’ll be much happier with the basics handled. Bring:

• swimwear
• a towel
• sunglasses
• sunscreen

Even on a boat, sun is the main challenge. Plan for it like you’re at the beach for most of the day, because you basically are.

Should You Book This Private Catamaran Cruise From Rhodes?

I’d book it if you want an easy, private, swimming-forward day with included food, snorkeling gear, and pickup. The itinerary is built around the kind of Rhodes summer experience that’s hard to reproduce on your own: short swim hours in multiple bays, a lunch moment that doesn’t break the rhythm, and a boat setup that feels like a mini vacation.

I’d think twice if you’re traveling with a small group and expect alcohol to be included. Alcohol isn’t part of the deal, and the cruise is clearly centered on water time, not a big sightseeing loop.

If you can align those two things—water focus and budgeting for alcohol if you want it—this is one of those “pay for comfort and time” experiences that feels worth it.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran cruise from Rhodes?

The cruise lasts 6 hours.

Where does the experience start?

It starts at Catamaran Cruises Rhodes.

Is this a private group?

Yes. It’s a private group.

How many swimming stops should I expect?

You’ll visit 3 or 4 swimming stops.

Which beaches are included for swimming?

The plan includes Kallithea, Afandou, Anthony Quinn, and Tsambika.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Food and drinks are included, and lunch is part of the onboard plan.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic drinks are not included.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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