REVIEW · RHODES
Rhodes: Anthony Quinn, Ladiko and Caves All-Inclusive Cruise
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Rhodes Sea Lines · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Three bays. One comfy catamaran.
This Rhodes cruise is a laid-back way to see real-water Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay, the Traganou Caves, and Ladiko’s swim-friendly water, all in one 3-hour outing. What makes it especially fun is how little effort it takes to get there and how much time you actually spend floating and swimming.
I especially like the boat setup and the hosts. You relax on a sofa-style seating area, and the crew (often Mike and George show up in the stories) keeps the vibe easy while guiding you to good snorkeling spots. The drinks are also a standout: they make frozen fruit cocktails in front of you, and you can keep pace with beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup included, so if you’re staying outside the port area you’ll want to plan for the optional transfer or get yourself to Faliraki port on time.
In This Review
- Quick hits before you go
- Faliraki Port and the Aphrodite catamaran: comfort first
- Anthony Quinn Bay: the first swim stop does the heavy lifting
- Traganou Caves (Afandou Bay): swimming inside the rock
- Ladiko Bay snorkeling: short time, smart guidance
- On-board open bar and snacks: what you actually get
- How the 3 hours play out on the water
- Who this Rhodes cruise fits best
- Price and value: why $51 can feel like a bargain
- What to bring (and what will save you later)
- Should you book this Rhodes catamaran cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Rhodes cruise?
- How many swim stops do you make?
- Where is the meeting point?
- What drinks are included?
- Are snacks included?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Is hotel pickup included?
- Is this activity wheelchair accessible?
- Can I cancel and get a refund?
Quick hits before you go
- Anthony Quinn Bay swim time built around photos and clear water
- Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay, including time to swim inside
- Ladiko Bay with a host pointing out the best snorkeling spot
- Aphrodite catamaran comfort: licensed for 45, but limited to 28 for a calmer feel
- Fresh frozen strawberry cocktails plus beer, wine, soft drinks, and water
- Snorkeling gear included, and the boat is set up for easy water time
Faliraki Port and the Aphrodite catamaran: comfort first
You meet at the boat Aphrodite at Faliraki port, right next to a small church. That matters because it keeps the day simple: you show up, you board, and you’re on the water without a long bus ride.
The boat is a 36-foot catamaran, and it’s designed for this exact style of trip. The seating is sofa-like, so instead of trying to stand around, you can actually relax and watch the coastline go by. The operator also keeps passenger comfort in mind by capping the group: the vessel is licensed for 45, but the limit runs at 28.
If you’re driving in or using a taxi, aim to arrive a bit early so you’re not rushing to get your towel and sunscreen sorted. If you’re arriving by cruise ship or staying in areas like Rhodes town, Ixia, Kremasti, or Kallithea, there’s an optional transfer for €10 per person, but you need to request it ahead of time (the day before) via WhatsApp.
More Anthony Quinn & Bay Cruises in Rhodes
Anthony Quinn Bay: the first swim stop does the heavy lifting
Your day’s schedule is paced for real water time, not constant moving. The first swim stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, and you get about 40 minutes there. That extra time makes a big difference because this is the bay most people want to experience slowly: slow swimming, float time, and enough minutes to get your bearings with the snorkel gear.
I like how this stop works as your warm-up. You ease into the day with drinks and snacks available onboard before you jump in, then you can choose your own vibe. Go for a swim, grab a snorkel, or just float and take in the views.
There’s also a standout natural element in the area: along the route you’ll see a 200-meter-deep cliff dropping straight down into deep blue water. Even if you’re not doing anything except holding a drink and staring, that kind of scale makes the cruise feel like more than a casual hop-on swim.
Traganou Caves (Afandou Bay): swimming inside the rock
After Anthony Quinn, the cruise moves to Afandou Bay for the Traganou Caves. This is the stop with the wow factor. You get around 30 minutes for swimming, and the goal is not just to look at the caves from the waterline. You can actually swim inside them.
That’s a different experience than typical “pull up beside a beach and jump in” stops. Caves add a natural sense of adventure, and they also change how the water feels around you—cooler, darker patches, and reflections bouncing off rock. If you like snorkeling, this is where you’ll likely feel more curious and less like you’re repeating the same routine three times.
A practical note: caves can make visibility change. So keep your expectations flexible. If you’re new to snorkeling, follow what the crew recommends and focus on calm, controlled breathing rather than racing to find the perfect view. The reward is the unique setting, not just fish sightings.
Ladiko Bay snorkeling: short time, smart guidance
The last swim stop is Ladiko Bay, again with about 30 minutes. Ladiko is known for being an excellent place to snorkel, and the host will show you where the best snorkeling area tends to be. That guidance is worth something. If you’ve ever snorkeled without a plan, you know how easy it is to drift away from where the water’s actually interesting.
What I like here is the balance. You’re not stuck with a long swim without a break, and you’re also not rushed out instantly. You get enough time to try snorkeling once, adjust if you need to, and then still enjoy the water without feeling like you’re on a schedule.
If you’re bringing just one priority for the day, make it this: keep your sunscreen topped up after your first jump. The midday sun in Rhodes is quick to catch you off guard, especially when you’ve been in and out of the water.
On-board open bar and snacks: what you actually get
The cruise is built around an all-inclusive feel: unlimited drinks plus snacks while you’re cruising between bays. The open bar includes fresh fruit cocktails (including a frozen strawberry cocktail made on the spot), plus beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.
The fruit cocktails are one of those details that can sound like marketing until you see them handled fresh on board. The crew blends the frozen fruit and you get the cocktail right there. It’s a nice rhythm for a swim-focused day because you don’t have to “save it for later.” You can cool down right after getting out of the water.
Food is simple but solid: fruit salad and melekouni (the Rhodian honey-and-sesame bar), plus fruit platter and local snacks. This is the kind of onboard snacking that keeps you going without making you feel heavy on the boat.
Two small comforts that show up in the experience: there’s a toilet onboard, and there’s fresh water for rinsing off after swimming. That combo is more useful than it sounds—especially when you’re going from cave-water to the next bay in a hurry.
More All-Inclusive Swim Cruises in Rhodes
How the 3 hours play out on the water
The whole cruise runs about 3 hours. In that time, you cover three swim stops with short “between-bay” stretches where you can sit back, take photos, and sip something cold.
A schedule like this works well because each stop has a clear job:
- Anthony Quinn Bay: longer time to settle in (about 40 minutes)
- Traganou Caves / Afandou Bay: unique swim experience inside the caves (about 30 minutes)
- Ladiko Bay: snorkel focus with host help (about 30 minutes)
Then you return to the meeting point. The pacing is why this cruise feels like a holiday even if you don’t plan your entire day around it.
Music also plays a role. Multiple people note the constant music during the trip, which helps the catamaran feel lively without turning it into a party scene. You can still talk. You can still enjoy the water. You just get that steady “vacation soundtrack” all day.
Who this Rhodes cruise fits best
This is ideal if you want a relax-and-swim plan, not a bus-and-photo-stop day. It’s especially good for:
- couples who want time together without being stuck on a crowded tour
- solo travelers who like friendly hosts and an easy group vibe
- anyone who wants snorkeling but appreciates help finding a good spot
It also works for mixed ages and comfort levels because you can choose your intensity at each stop. You can snorkel, swim, or simply float. Many people mention flotation help being available, which makes a first-time snorkeler feel more confident.
If you hate sun, hate water, or expect a long educational narration tour, this might feel too casual. This is about the bays, the swimming, and the comfort of easy cruising.
Price and value: why $51 can feel like a bargain
At about $51 per person, you’re paying for more than just a ride. You’re getting:
- a catamaran cruise experience
- three separate water stops
- snorkeling equipment
- unlimited drinks (including the frozen strawberry cocktails)
- included snacks like fruit salad and melekouni
In practical terms, this price can beat ship-organized shore tours when you factor in drinks and gear. It’s also better than paying separately for boat time, snorkeling rentals, and snacks. You’re paying once, then you just enjoy the water.
Do keep one reality check: it’s a swim-first experience. If you don’t plan to use the water time, the value shrinks. But if you actually jump in at least twice, it usually feels like money well spent.
What to bring (and what will save you later)
Pack simple, because the boat is set up for water time. Bring:
- sunglasses
- towel
- sunscreen
If you’re snorkeling, you’ll get equipment onboard, so you don’t need to hunt rentals. Still, sunscreen stays non-negotiable. You’ll be moving in bright sun with water reflections, and you’ll be tempted to “just rinse off” instead of reapplying.
Should you book this Rhodes catamaran cruise?
Book it if you want a short, high-payoff day: three bays, real swimming time, Traganou Caves, and a comfortable catamaran with an open bar vibe. The combination of sofa comfort, small-group limit (28), and the hosts’ hands-on feel (people often name Mike and George) makes it easy to settle in fast.
Skip it or think twice if you’re relying on hotel pickup (it’s not included) or you’re not planning to use the water time. If you’re okay meeting at Faliraki port and you like your day light, floaty, and picture-friendly, this is one of the best ways to experience Rhodes from the sea without over-planning your whole trip.
FAQ
How long is the Rhodes cruise?
The cruise lasts about 3 hours.
How many swim stops do you make?
You make 3 swimming stops during the trip.
Where is the meeting point?
You board at the boat Aphrodite at Faliraki port, next to a small church. The cruise ends back at the meeting point.
What drinks are included?
Unlimited drinks are included, including frozen fruit cocktails (such as strawberry cocktails), beer, wine, water, and soft drinks.
Are snacks included?
Yes. Snacks included are fruit salad and melekouni, plus additional fruit and local produce.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the host can point out the best snorkeling spot at Ladiko Bay.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. Hotel pickup is not included. An extra €10 per person transfer is available for certain areas if you request it in advance via WhatsApp.
Is this activity wheelchair accessible?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible.
Can I cancel and get a refund?
Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
