Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

Rhodes is at its best from the water, and this six-hour cruise makes a full day of it. You’ll pass the medieval walls, the old port, and the supposed site of the Colossus before stopping at three very different swim spots. The boat carries a maximum of 40 people, which helps keep the deck from feeling like a floating bus.

I like the generous open bar and freshly prepared Greek buffet, especially when you consider the $107.63 price. I also like the practical touches: complimentary snorkel gear, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets. The main thing to know is that this is not always a quiet sailing. Music, dancing, and a party mood are part of the experience, so choose another boat if your perfect day means silent reading in the sun.

Key points at a glance

• Three swim stops: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay each offer a different setting.
• A real open bar: Cocktails, signature drinks, wine, beer, water, and soft drinks are included.
• Comfortable limited capacity: The boat takes no more than 40 people and provides bean bags and sun benches.
• Captain Alexander sets the tone: Expect lively music, dancing, and a crew that keeps the mood social.
• Greek food is part of the value: The buffet includes freshly prepared dishes, with vegan and gluten-free choices.
• Mandraki Harbour departure: You begin beside Rhodes Old Town, the deer columns, medieval fortress, and old windmills.

Starting at Mandraki Harbour with Rhodes in view

The cruise leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece. This is the historic harbor on the edge of Rhodes Town, so give yourself time to find the boat. One person specifically found the boat a little hard to locate, and that is useful advice in a port with several vessels and busy walkways.

Mandraki is a fitting place to start. The harbor was one of ancient Rhodes’ five ports and once served as its naval harbor. At the entrance, two columns topped by a stag and doe recall the island’s symbols. Across the water, the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos and three preserved medieval windmills make a fine first set of photographs.

As the boat pulls away, you get a sea-level view of the medieval Old Town walls. Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the view from the water gives you a better sense of its scale than a walk through its narrow lanes alone. Keep your phone ready during the first part of the sailing.

The famous Colossus also enters the story here. The huge statue of the sun god was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and is traditionally linked with the harbor entrance. There is no proof that it actually straddled the port, but the cruise passes the area where the monument is thought to have stood. It is a good bit of context without taking time away from the swimming.

What the limited seating means onboard

The boat has two decks, bean bags, sun benches, and spacious seating. The limited capacity of 40 people is important. You are not simply paying for transport between beaches. You are paying for room to sit, move around, eat, and get into the water without feeling packed against other people.

Seating is allocated, and you can choose a comfortable couch or sun bed for the cruise. If you prefer shade, ask the crew early. One couple was helped to find a cooler place, while others enjoyed the upper deck and its open views. The boat also has clean toilets, according to the available details, which matters on a six-hour outing.

The atmosphere changes as the day goes on. Some sailings feel relaxed, with people stretched out on the beds and drinks in hand. Other times, the music becomes louder and Captain Alexander gets people dancing. His dancing is a recurring part of the entertainment, including playful performances that have become part of the boat’s personality.

This is a social cruise, not a formal yacht charter. You will meet other people, share the swimming areas, and hear music across the deck. If you want conversation, choose a place away from the speakers. A guest seated upstairs found it difficult to hear the commentary, so do not expect detailed guiding from every spot on the boat.

Kallithea Springs: the first swim in a historic cove

The first stop is Kallithea Springs, about an hour from departure. You have roughly one hour here for swimming and for seeing the spring complex from the water. Admission from the sea is free.

Kallithea has long been associated with healing waters. The reddish water once rose from rock in the Gulf of Kallithea, drawing people to the site for physical and mental rest. The buildings add another layer: Italian architects Pietro Lombardi and Alberto Mocci helped shape the complex, while Armando Burnaby handled decorative work that respected the natural setting.

You can use the stop in two ways. If you want an easy start, swim from the boat and enjoy the clear water. If you prefer a little sightseeing, look toward the spring buildings and rocky shoreline before getting back onboard. This is a scenic first stop, though the water may be the main attraction for anyone eager to begin swimming.

Snorkel equipment is available on the boat, along with noodles, floaters, and life jackets. That makes the cruise workable for mixed groups. A strong swimmer can snorkel, while someone less confident can use a life jacket and still enjoy the water. You do not need to bring your own flotation gear.

Passing Faliraki on the way south

After Kallithea, the boat passes Faliraki Beach. Faliraki is known for its long beaches, clear water, resort facilities, and nightlife. From the sea, you see the coast without needing to spend your swim time on shore.

This stretch also helps explain the appeal of the cruise. Rhodes has developed beach resorts, historic harbors, small coves, and open coastal views within a fairly short distance of one another. From a boat, those parts of the island connect naturally.

The sailing is part of the experience, not dead time. You can sit with a drink, photograph the coast, or move between the shaded and sunny areas of the boat. On lively days, this is when the music and dancing tend to become more noticeable.

Afandou Beach: a long shore and a generous swim stop

Afandou is the second main stop, and you get more than an hour to explore and swim. The beach stretches for about six kilometers and is made of pebbles rather than soft sand. Bring or wear secure footwear if you plan to walk ashore, since pebbles can be uncomfortable underfoot.

The water here is clear, and the setting feels more open than the enclosed coves later in the day. You may swim from the boat, head toward shore, or look around the nearby caves. The stop is flexible enough for people who want active water time and those who prefer a slower hour on deck.

Afandou also has an unusual name. After repeated attacks on the coastal settlement by pirates, Persians, Arabs, and Turks, residents moved farther inland behind rocks where they could not be easily seen from the sea. The Greek word afando means invisible, which explains the town’s name.

There are also ancient tombs and temple foundations in the wider area, and pebbles from Afandou were used in the sidewalks of Rhodes Old Town. You may not see those details clearly from the water, but they give the stop a little more substance than a simple beach break.

Lunch follows this section of the cruise, served back onboard. That timing works well: you can swim first, then return hungry to a shaded seat and a prepared meal rather than trying to find a beach café.

The buffet: Greek food, fresh drinks, and honest expectations

The food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this cruise. The buffet is prepared by the onboard chef and includes Greek-style dishes, with vegan and gluten-free choices. Specific meals described on different sailings have included shrimp pasta, mussels, chicken, salad, bread, tzatziki, and a brownie-style dessert.

The menu can vary, so do not book expecting one fixed plate. The portions are generous enough to make lunch feel like a proper meal, not a token snack between swims. Dakos may appear as part of the spread, a Cretan dish made with barley rusk, tomato, cheese, oregano, capers, and olive oil. Its firm texture is intentional, not stale bread.

Drinks are included throughout the day. The open bar offers cocktails, signature cocktails, wine, beer, water, sodas, and other nonalcoholic drinks. Ouzo, local Zythos lager, and fruit-based cocktails have all been part of the onboard selection.

There is a small caveat. The cocktails are preset, and one person found the alcohol light and the options somewhat limited. If you want a particular spirit or a carefully mixed cocktail, this may not feel like a full cocktail bar. For most people, though, the ability to order drinks without adding a bill each time is a major part of the value.

Ladiko and Anthony Quinn Bay: the day’s best water

The cruise also passes Ladiko, a small bay behind Anthony Quinn Bay. Its name comes from the area’s old role in olive-oil trade. Ships loaded oil here for Egypt and the Middle East, and local fishermen have found clay containers from shipwrecks connected with that trade.

The final main stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, and this is usually the most dramatic setting of the three. High rocks enclose the small bay, and the water is deep, clear, and filled with small fish. Use the complimentary mask and snorkel equipment here, where the underwater setting is especially suited to a short swim.

The bay’s name comes from actor Anthony Quinn, who filmed The Guns of Navarone in Rhodes in the 1960s. He wanted to buy the bay, but the agreement was never completed. The beach kept his name, even though he never owned it.

The crew may bring cold beer out to swimmers, and the boat has floaters for anyone who wants to linger in the water. You can also jump from the top deck if the crew permits it and you are comfortable with the height. Life jackets are available, so less confident swimmers can still take part.

Anthony Quinn Bay is beautiful, but it can also feel busy because several boat trips use the area. The timing helps. The cruise aims to reach its stops ahead of some other boats, giving you a better chance at photographs and a less crowded swim.

Music, dancing, and the party factor

Captain Alexander is a major part of the experience. He is known for keeping people involved, dancing on deck, and turning the return trip into a small party. The crew also joins in, and the music can range from relaxed background tracks to lively rock and dance songs.

That energy is a plus if you want more than scenery. It gives the cruise a friendly, celebratory feel, especially for birthdays, groups of friends, or anyone who likes to get up and dance after lunch.

It is also the clearest drawback. The music can become loud enough to make conversation difficult, particularly near the speakers. If you want a peaceful day of reading or a quiet meal, the boat’s entertainment style may wear on you. Pick a seat farther from the sound system and tell the crew you prefer a calmer spot, but understand that the overall tone remains fun and social.

Is $107.63 good value for six hours?

At $107.63 per person, the price is not simply paying for a boat ride. It covers about six hours on the water, three swim stops, a prepared buffet, unlimited drinks from the included bar, seating, and water equipment.

The value improves if you would otherwise pay separately for lunch, several drinks, snorkel rental, and a beach transfer. You also avoid the hassle of arranging transport between Kallithea, Afandou, Ladiko, and Anthony Quinn Bay. Hotel transfer is not included, so you need to reach Mandraki Harbour yourself or pay extra for that optional service.

The limited group size makes the price easier to justify. Many coastal boats pack people onto narrow decks, while this cruise reserves comfortable seating and keeps the maximum at 40. I would not call it a luxury yacht charter, but it offers more space and service than a basic sightseeing boat.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most?

I would choose this cruise for you if you want a full half-day with swimming, food, drinks, and easy entertainment. It works especially well for couples, friends, families with mixed swimming ability, and cruise-ship passengers looking for a shore excursion that stays close to Rhodes Town.

It also suits anyone who wants to try snorkeling without bringing equipment. Life jackets and floaters make the water more approachable, while the crew can help with practical needs onboard.

I would hesitate if you want a silent sailing, a highly detailed history tour, or a formal fine-dining meal. The food is good and plentiful, but the setting is a casual buffet on a moving boat. The focus is swimming and good company, not a lecture or a quiet restaurant experience.

Book at least a few weeks ahead if your schedule is fixed. The cruise is often reserved about 30 days in advance, and the maximum of 40 people is part of its appeal. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Poor weather can lead to a date change or full refund.

Should you book the Romantika cruise?

Yes, if you want Rhodes in an easy, sociable package. You get striking coastal views, three worthwhile swim stops, a comfortable boat, Greek food, and an open bar for a price that compares well with paying for each part separately.

Choose it with the right expectation. This is a lively day on the water, not a hushed sail. Captain Alexander and the crew bring music, jokes, and dancing, while the clear water and well-chosen bays provide the serious scenery. For many people, that mix makes the cruise one of the best-value ways to spend a day around Rhodes.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from Romantika Rhodes Day Cruise at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece in Rhodes Town.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 10:00 a.m.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours and returns to Mandraki Harbour.

Which swim stops are included?

The cruise stops at Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay. It also passes Faliraki Beach and Ladiko.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek buffet prepared by the onboard chef is included, with vegan and gluten-free choices.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes cocktails, signature cocktails, wine, beer, water, sodas, and other nonalcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are available on the boat.

How many people can join the cruise?

The maximum group size is 40 people.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfer is optional and costs extra. The cruise begins and ends at Mandraki Harbour.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Poor weather may result in a different date or a full refund.