A day on the water beats another day in town. This Rhodes cruise runs from Mandraki on a traditional wooden boat, with three great water breaks plus lunch and drinks onboard, and it’s guided in English by Theo/Theodore. I especially like the calm-east-coast feel and the way each stop is timed so you get real swim time, not just a quick photo. The one watch-out: shade can be limited on deck, and if the sea is a bit rough, you’ll want to plan for motion.

You’ll move through Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs with snorkel equipment waiting for you at the swim stops. Drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks) are included, plus fruits, and there’s even a shower onboard—nice when you come back salt-sticky. Just note that towels aren’t included, and cocktails cost extra.

Key things that make this cruise worth it

• Three swimming set-ups, including snorkel time and a final rocky-water dip at Kallithea Springs
• Unlimited included drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks) that keep the day easy and social
• Lunch buffet with vegetarian options, served onboard after the morning swim
• Old-school wooden boat comfort, plus free WiFi and a shower onboard
• Small-boat vibe when it’s full, often around 18 people, so it feels less crowded than big tours
• Arrive early for better deck views, especially if you want the front spots

A Wooden-Boat Day on Rhodes East Coast: What You’re Really Buying

This is the kind of trip you book when you want Rhodes to feel like the sea is the main character. You’re not just sightseeing from a distance. You’re getting on a wooden boat in the morning, sailing along the east coast, and then spending your time doing the obvious fun things: swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing while the crew handles the flow.

At $70 per person for about 5.5 hours, the value comes from stacking several paid experiences into one ticket. You get multiple swim stops with snorkeling equipment, an onboard lunch buffet (with vegetarian dishes), and unlimited included drinks. Add in onboard comfort extras like a shower and free WiFi, and the day becomes less “tour” and more “set-your-own-pace maritime afternoon.”

If you’re picturing a fancy dress-up dinner cruise, you’ll be slightly off. This is more casual: sun, saltwater, Greek lunch, and a crew that keeps things moving on schedule.

Meeting Mandraki and Finding Your Deck Spot Fast

You’ll meet near Evangelismos Church, right by the desk for Royal Sailing Rhodes, opposite Starbucks. It’s close to where you’ll want to be anyway—Mandraki port area—so the morning starts with minimal fuss.

Onboard, aim for the spots that make sense for your priorities:

• Want the best sea views while sailing? Try to get forward or toward the top deck areas when you board.
• Want to chill out? Pick a stable lounge area where you can stretch out during the sail segments.

A small practical tip from the way people talk about the boat experience: if you want the best seating, show up a bit early. Even though boarding is supposed to run smoothly, it can get busy, and the back sections aren’t as scenic.

One more comfort note: some passengers noted they wanted more shade cover from the sun. So if you burn easily, bring sunscreen seriously and consider where you’ll sit during the hottest hour.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Emerald Water, Snorkel Gear, and a Photo-Stop That Actually Matters

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first real payoff. You’ll sail out, then you’ll hit this bay for about 50 minutes of water time, with the day’s energy ramping up fast. There’s a photo stop component too, but the best part is that you’re not just looking—you’re getting in.

What this stop is best for:

• First swim of the day when your body is fresh
• Snorkeling with equipment provided
• Seeing the water’s color change up close as you enter

This bay is known for its gorgeous, green-emerald look and lush surroundings, which makes it feel more like a coastal postcard than a standard beach stop. And because it’s early, you usually get a cleaner, calmer vibe before the afternoon crowd energy kicks in.

If the sea is choppy on your sailing day, don’t panic. One passenger specifically mentioned the crew checking in and helping when they felt rough. It’s a good sign of crew attentiveness, and it’s a reminder: if you’re prone to motion sickness, bring your meds and sit somewhere stable.

Afandou Beach: Longer Time, More Swimming, and Lunch Served Right After

Afandou Beach is your longest stop at about 110 minutes. That matters because it gives you breathing room. You can swim, snorkel, relax, and still have time to actually enjoy the beach rather than rush through it like a checklist.

Also, this is the transition point where the cruise turns from swim mode to food mode. When you return to the boat, you’ll get the lunch buffet—local flavors plus vegetarian options—and you can choose red or white wine with your meal.

This is where the included value really shows. Many day cruises price the lunch and drinks separately. Here, the lunch and the drink flow are part of the package, which means you can focus on the day instead of doing the math mid-cruise.

A couple of practical thoughts for Afandou Beach:

• If you want to try extra water activities, the itinerary lists kayaking during this stop. You’ll have free time there, so you can take advantage of what’s offered on site.
• Afandou tends to suit people who like a bit more beach time rather than short-and-sprint swims.

Kallithea Springs: Clear Water, Rock Ladders, and the Marine-Life Payoff

After lunch, you head to Kallithea Springs for about 50 minutes. This stop is different from the beaches. It’s more of a long, rocky-water enclave with clear blue water, built for easy entry and exit using ladders.

This is the segment that snorkeling fans usually care about most. The highlight here is marine life in clear water, which is exactly what you want when you’ve already spent the morning acclimating your snorkel breathing.

You’ll typically get:

• A photo stop component
• A guided touch (what to look for, how to do the swim)
• Free time to swim or snorkel at your own pace

Since Kallithea is rocky and ladder-entry focused, it can be easier than sandy-beach entry if you’re comfortable getting in and out. If you don’t love that style, just choose a simpler swim spot and keep your movement slow.

Food, Drinks, and Theo/Theodore’s Easygoing Crew Energy

Here’s the part I’d call the social secret sauce: drinks are part of the included package all day. Based on what’s written about the experience, the service keeps drinks coming, so you’re not stuck waiting around for a bar cart moment.

Included drink options are:

• Wine (red and white)
• Beer
• Soft drinks
• Coffee and tea are also mentioned during the day at stops

Plus, fruits are included.

And yes, cocktails are extra—but that’s mainly for people who like ordering specialty mixes. For most people, the included drinks are enough to keep the day fun without adding extra cost.

The other big factor is the vibe of the crew. Multiple notes mention Theo/Theodore as a standout host, with a friendly, attentive approach. It’s not just that staff are polite; it’s that they stay engaged and run the day like they’ve done it a hundred times.

If you’re traveling as a couple, this kind of crew energy helps keep the day from feeling like you’re part of a noisy herd.

What’s Included (and What You’ll Need to Add Yourself)

Before you go, check your packing because the small missing items can matter once you’re on board.

Included:

• Cruise on a wooden boat
• Snorkeling equipment
• Lunch buffet with vegetarian dishes
• Fruits
• Wine, beer, and soft drinks
• Shower onboard
• First aid kit
• Free WiFi

Not included:

• Towels
• Cocktails (available for purchase separately)

What you should bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

My practical take: bring a towel you’re okay getting sandy or wet, and bring sunscreen that won’t slide off immediately when you swim. Also, consider a dry bag or a small waterproof pouch if you want to keep your phone safe during ladder-entry stops.

Timing That Works: How the 5.5 Hours Feels Balanced

This cruise has a structure that makes sense for a half-day length:

• Morning sailing gives you the cruising feel
• Short-to-medium snorkel windows keep you excited without exhausting you
• The longest beach window happens before lunch, so you eat hungry and then cool down
• The final stop is short enough to stay energetic, not drained

You also get brief “between-stop” sailing segments (with a boat cruise block and a short transfer between spots). Those in-between stretches are where you can sit back, grab a drink, and enjoy the views without feeling like you’re missing swim time.

If your biggest goal is water time, this itinerary is tuned for it. If your biggest goal is history or museums, this won’t scratch that itch. It’s a sea-day cruise, and it stays faithful to that.

Who Should Book This Rhodes Cruise (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a strong pick if you:

• Want multiple swim stops without renting a boat
• Like snorkeling and want equipment provided
• Prefer lunch and drinks handled for you
• Enjoy smaller-group vibes more than big-boat crowds
• Want an easy plan for a couple, friends, or mixed groups (including families)

It might not be your best choice if you:

• Need lots of shade or have strong sun sensitivity
• Want a long, beach-heavy day with lounging as the main activity (this is more swim-and-rotate)
• Care a lot about cocktails specifically (they’re not included)

One more practical thought: if you’re sensitive to rough water, it’s still worth going, but plan ahead with seasickness options and sit where the boat feels stable.

Price and Value: Is $70 for 3 Stops a Fair Deal?

For $70, you’re paying for a stacked package:

• Three distinct coastal stops with swimming time
• Snorkeling gear included
• Lunch buffet with vegetarian options
• Fruits plus unlimited included drinks (wine, beer, soft drinks)
• Shower onboard and WiFi

If you tried to replicate that day on your own, it would cost more once you add transport, paid snorkeling gear, and lunch plus drinks. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, the soft drinks and wine/beer inclusion still makes the package feel like you’re already paying for your comfort.

The only real “extra” comes from cocktails, and they’re optional. The other “hidden” cost is bringing what you need: towels aren’t included, so you’ll want to pack one.

Should You Book This Cruise?

If your Rhodes plan includes any desire to swim, snorkel, and sit on a boat without turning your day into logistics homework, I’d book this. The cruise hits a sweet spot: three water stops, lunch plus vegetarian options, and included drinks that keep the day feeling effortless.

Book it especially if you like the idea of a smaller, friendlier cruise atmosphere and want the east coast’s calm feel rather than rushing from one busy spot to another.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes cruise?

The duration is 5.5 hours.

Where is the meeting point?

You’ll meet next to Evangelismos Church, opposite Starbucks, at the desk for Royal Sailing Rhodes.

What stops are included?

The cruise includes stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included, and are there vegetarian options?

Yes. Lunch is included as a Greek buffet onboard, and it includes vegetarian dishes.

What about drinks?

Lunch includes wine, beers, and soft drinks. The tour also includes drinks as part of the day, and cocktails are available for purchase separately.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you’ll have time to swim and snorkel at the stops.

Is there WiFi onboard?

Yes, free WiFi is available on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is cancellation free?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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