A catamaran day on Rhodes cuts the travel stress fast. This one strings together anchored swim stops in some of the island’s clearest water, plus unlimited drinks and a real onboard lunch, for a price that feels fair for what you get.

What I like most is the mix: you get long enough in the water to enjoy snorkeling, not just a quick dip, and the boat stays small and easy to move around (max 24 passengers). The only drawback to plan for is that the boat typically stays at anchor, so getting to shore means you’ll swim, and the toilet area is reported as only hit-or-miss for cleanliness on some days.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Max 24 passengers: small-group feel instead of a floating bus.
• 3 swim stops on sailing, 4 on power: more water time if you choose the power catamaran.
• Snorkeling gear + noodles + life jackets: simple setup for first-timers and kids.
• Unlimited drinks after 12:00: wine and beer on tap, plus juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.
• Bread toss at Anthony Quinn Bay: a fun way to spot colorful fish near the surface.
• Buffet lunch on board: Greek-style dishes, not just snacks.

Why Rhodes Looks Different From a Catamaran

Rhodes from the water feels like a cheat code. You’re seeing the east coast beaches and coves the way day-trippers never do, with big sea views and swim stops spaced out so your day doesn’t feel rushed.

I also like how the experience is built around water time. You’re not waiting around for a long guided walk or a museum stop. Instead, your “action” is swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing between anchor drops, with the boat doing the driving and the crew doing the hosting.

The value part is the included stuff. For $83 per person, you’re getting a half-day cruise (6 hours), snorkeling equipment, a buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks—so you don’t have to piece together spending all over Rhodes just to have a good day at sea.

Sailing Catamaran vs Power Catamaran: Pick the Swim Line-Up

You get two versions of the same core idea, just with a different set of stops.

On the sailing catamaran, you’ll visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay. This gives you a clean, focused route with three solid swim windows.

On the power catamaran, you still get Anthony Quinn Bay, Kalithea Bay, and Ladiko Bay, but you also add Afandou Beach/Caves. If you’re excited about seeing more scenery and want one extra swim moment, the power option is the one to choose.

Either way, plan on the boat staying at anchor in each bay. That’s part of the charm, but it also means you’ll need to swim to get to the shoreline areas.

Mandraki Harbor Start: The Day’s Rhythm in Plain English

You meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor. The cruise departs at 10:00, so show up earlier to get settled, especially if you want a good spot on deck.

Once you’re off, the day has a simple rhythm: cruising for scenery, then swimming for enjoyment, then back on board for food and drinks. The itinerary includes multiple sightseeing segments, including a longer one at the start, so you’re not just hopping between stops like a checklist.

One thing the captain can do: if weather changes, the route and swimming stops may shift. That’s not unusual at sea, and it’s worth treating it as part of the game plan rather than a surprise problem.

Anthony Quinn Bay: The First Hour of Fish-Spotting

Your first big moment is Anthony Quinn Bay. You’ll have about 1 hour to swim and snorkel, and you’ll arrive early enough that the water tends to feel inviting rather than chaotic.

Here’s a small detail that makes this stop memorable: the crew throws bread into the sea, and colorful fish gather around where you’re snorkeling. If you’ve ever wondered what snorkeling looks like when fish actually come up to you, this is the kind of stop that makes people grin.

Practical tip: if you want the most comfortable entry to the water, aim for the early part of your swim window. You’ll have less crowding in the area, and you’ll get your photos and snorkel time before you’re hungry.

Ladiko Bay: Clear Water and a “Just Swim” Atmosphere

Next up is Ladiko Bay, with about 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This bay is known for calm, clear water, which matters because snorkeling is easier when the surface is glassy and the visibility stays good.

This is also the stop where you can decide how you want to spend your time:

• If you’re new to snorkeling, it’s a good place to take it slow.
• If you’re more comfortable, you’ll likely enjoy staying out longer and moving around the waterline.

The vibe here is simple: get in, float, snorkel, look around, and come back when you’re ready for lunch.

Kalithea Springs: The Final Swim Before the Return

The last swimming stop is Kalithea Springs, where you’ll typically get 45–60 minutes to swim and snorkel. This is a strong finish because it gives you a final chunk of water time without making your day feel like it’s been split into tiny pieces.

If you like photos, this is where the lighting often helps and the surroundings look especially striking from the water. And if you’re just in “relax mode,” it’s still worth getting in—this is one of those stops where the water makes the views better, not just different.

When you’re done, you head back to Mandraki Harbor. The cruise includes sightseeing time on the way back, so you’re not left staring at the same stretch of water for the whole return.

Afandou Beach and Caves (Power Catamaran Only)

If you choose the power catamaran, you add Afandou Beach/Caves as an extra stop. This means one more swim window and one more set of coastal scenery to enjoy.

This is the option for you if you want variety in a single day. The sailing itinerary already gives you plenty of water time, but adding Afandou makes the day feel fuller—more chances to see different shoreline shapes and different water conditions.

Just remember: even here, the boat stays at anchor and you’ll swim from the catamaran to reach shore areas. Pack like you’re going to water, not just to watch it.

Lunch on Board: Greek-Style Buffet That Actually Fills You

Lunch is one of the best practical perks of this cruise. You’ll get a Mediterranean lunch buffet with items like grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh baked local bread.

The supporting cast matters too. There’s a breakfast tortilla snack, plus seasonal fresh fruit later. It’s the kind of food setup that keeps you from feeling snack-hungry right after your first swim, and it’s varied enough that most people find something they like.

One small balanced note: a few people mention the toilet area wasn’t the cleanest at times. Food quality seems consistently liked, but if you’re sensitive to bathroom hygiene, keep that in mind and rinse hands when you can.

Drinks: Unlimited Wine, Beer, and the Non-Alcohol Options

If drinks are your vacation language, this is a strong deal. Unlimited wine and beer are included from 12:00 PM, and you also get unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.

In practice, it means you can pace yourself between swim stops without having to calculate costs each time. It also helps the day feel like a real “hosted” experience rather than you paying for a ticket and then managing everything yourself.

Safety note: the crew reserves the right to stop alcoholic drinks if a passenger appears intoxicated. That’s a good rule. It helps keep the boat environment comfortable for everyone.

Onboard Comfort: Small Group, Clean Boat, Good Crew Energy

This cruise is built around a small-group setup (max 24 passengers plus crew). That’s a big deal on catamarans because space affects comfort. A smaller crowd also makes it easier to move around when you’re gearing up for snorkeling.

The boat is described as clean and comfortable, and the crew gets praised for being friendly and attentive. Names you may hear include Andreas, Hope, and Dimitri, who are mentioned in the way they handle drinks and support people in the water.

You also get the useful basics:

• Indoor toilets
• An outdoor shower
• Floating pool noodles
• Life jackets
• Snorkeling equipment

If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll likely appreciate the “everything is handed to you” feel—gear is available, and the crew tends to guide people through what to do.

What You Should Bring (So You Don’t Rush Around)

This is one of those days where packing smart beats packing heavy.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat

And one personal tip: wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you can. You’ll save time during boarding and you won’t be scrambling when it’s time to get back in the water.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This is best for people who want a relaxing, sea-based day with minimal planning. If you like swimming, snorkeling, clear water, and a buffet lunch on board, you’ll probably find the format hard to beat.

It may not be for you if you have mobility impairments. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the anchored-stop setup means water access can be difficult.

Also, if you really hate the idea of swimming from an anchored boat to reach shore areas, you should think twice. This is central to how the stops work.

Price and Value: Is $83 Worth It?

At $83 per person, this isn’t a “cheap but basic” ticket. You’re paying for a full 6-hour outing with:

• multiple swim and snorkeling sessions
• snorkeling equipment and safety gear
• a full buffet lunch
• unlimited drinks (with wine and beer included starting at 12:00)
• time on the water with sightseeing between stops

When you add up what you’d normally spend for a day-trip boat plus food plus drinks plus gear, the price starts to make sense. The main “cost” is your comfort with sea days and swimming to shore from anchor points. If that works for you, the rest of the package is strong.

Should You Book This Catamaran Cruise?

I’d book this if you want a Rhodes highlight that’s simple, water-focused, and genuinely enjoyable without turning your day into logistics. The small group size, multiple one-hour swim windows, and the included snorkeling gear are the big reasons to say yes.

Skip it if you strongly prefer shore access without swimming from the boat, or if mobility needs make the anchored-stop style difficult. And if you’re picky about restroom cleanliness, it’s smart to go in with that expectation—most people like the overall setup, but the bathroom area isn’t consistently praised.

If you can handle that, you’re signing up for a classic east-coast Rhodes sea day: views from the deck, fish near the surface at Anthony Quinn Bay, and enough time in clear water to feel like you actually used your ticket.

FAQ

How many people are on the catamaran?

The cruise runs with a maximum of 24 passengers plus crew, which helps keep the boat from feeling overcrowded.

What snorkeling and water gear is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, along with floating pool noodles and life jackets.

Are drinks included, and when do the wine and beer start?

Yes. Wine and beer are included from 12:00 PM, plus unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.

What food is included for lunch?

A Mediterranean buffet lunch is included, plus a breakfast tortilla snack and a cup of fresh seasonal fruits.

How do you get to the shore during the swim stops?

The boats stay at anchor, so to reach shore areas you need to swim.

What’s the difference between the sailing and power catamaran?

The sailing catamaran includes stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay. The power catamaran includes those plus an additional stop at Afandou Beach/Caves.

Where do you meet, and what time does the cruise depart?

You meet at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor, and the departure time is 10:00.

Is this cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

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