From Rhodes City: Boat Day Trip to Lindos

Imagine cruising along the sun-dappled east coast of Rhodes, with the wind in your hair and the promise of adventure ahead. For around $45, you’ll spend roughly 8 to 8.5 hours exploring the iconic Lindos village, famous for its ancient Acropolis, and enjoying refreshing swims at some of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Leaving from Rhodes City, this guided boat trip offers a chance to combine scenic sailing with hands-on exploration, making it an ideal day out for those craving authentic Greek island life.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the freedom to explore Lindos on your own time—whether climbing the historic Acropolis or lounging on the sandy beach. Second, the multiple swimming stops at Blue Lagoon and Anthony Quinn Bay, both known for their crystal-clear water and colorful marine life. But, like all good adventures, there’s a small caveat: the boat can get crowded, especially on peak days, so arriving early is worth considering if you want the best sunbathing spots. This tour suits travelers who enjoy a mix of relaxed coastal scenery, cultural exploration, and a little fun in the water.

Key Points

• Scenic sailing along Rhodes’ eastern coast with excellent views of the coastline.
• Ample free time in Lindos to explore the Acropolis and the charming village streets.
• Swim stops at Anthony Quinn Bay and Blue Lagoon, perfect for cooling off and snorkeling.
• Well-organized with friendly staff, comfortable boats, and multiple amenities onboard.
• Affordable price delivering a full day of sightseeing, swimming, and local culture.
• Early arrival recommended for securing a top sunbed on the deck.

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A Full Breakdown of the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins at Rhodes’ Mandraki port, where you’ll meet the DISCOVERY boat nearly opposite the Nea Agora Building, close to the bus stop Roda. Arriving at least 30 minutes early is advised to secure a good spot—especially if you want a sunbed on the deck. The ride to Lindos takes just under two hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the coastal scenery and start relaxing.

The boat you’ll board is described as big, clean, and comfortable, with an open sundeck fitted with sunbeds, shaded areas, and even Wi-Fi. The onboard amenities include toilets, floats, and a bar offering drinks, snacks, and ice creams at reasonable prices. Transportation to the start point is typically via air-conditioned buses, making the entire experience smooth from the get-go.

The Itinerary – What You’ll Actually Do

The day pivots around three main elements: sailing, swimming, and exploring.

First, the boat departs Rhodes City, sailing southward along the coast. The scenery is stunning, with cliffs, beaches, and the sprawling coastline stretching out in front of you. After about 1.5 hours of sailing, you’ll arrive at Lindos—a picturesque village famous for its whitewashed buildings and narrow streets.

Here, you have around 3 hours of free time. This is enough to explore the Lindos Acropolis, perched high above the village, and take in panoramic views of the sea. Several reviews highlight that the time in Lindos is well-planned — enough to see the main sights without feeling rushed, though some travelers expressed a wish for a little more free time. You can also stroll through the quaint streets, browse local shops, or just relax on the beach with a cold drink.

The Swimming Stops – Refreshing and Fun

The cruise includes two major swimming stops that are often praised for their beauty and tranquility. First is Tsambika Blue Lagoon, a small, secluded sandy cove with incredibly clear water. Snorkeling here is a highlight, with reviews sharing that the water is refreshing and teeming with fish.

Next, the boat heads to Anthony Quinn Bay, known for its dramatic rocky coastline, colorful fish, and lush seabed. It’s a filming location for “The Guns of Navarone,” and you’ll instantly see why — the scenery is dramatic and photogenic. Many reviews mention the excellent opportunity for snorkeling, with staff supplying life jackets and noodles for comfort and safety.

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The Atmosphere Onboard

The boat itself gets consistently high marks for being well-maintained and spacious. The open sundeck is popular, especially early in the day, as travelers scramble for sunbeds. The onboard bar offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails, coffee, and soft drinks, making it easy to unwind with a cold refreshment. You can also purchase snacks or ice cream, adding a touch of indulgence to the day.

The friendly staff play a key role in making this trip enjoyable, according to reviews. They’re attentive, helpful, and keep everything running smoothly, whether it’s managing the swimming stops or serving drinks. A few comments mention that the crew also provided a safe environment for water activities, and some travelers appreciated the air-conditioned indoor areas when they needed a break from the sun.

The Return Journey and Coastal Views

After a leisurely day, the boat sails back along the coastline, providing a different perspective of Rhodes’ scenic shoreline. This leg of the journey offers a perfect chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, or just enjoy the stunning views. For those interested, drinks and snacks are readily available for purchase, making the return trip a pleasant wind-down.

Authentic Experiences and Traveler Insights

From the reviews, it’s clear that visitors love the balance of free exploration and organized swimming stops. One traveler described the trip as “wonderfully chilled and well-organized,” emphasizing the friendly staff. Many mention that the timing in Lindos is just right—enough to enjoy the village without feeling hurried. Several reviews highlight the value for money, with travelers appreciating the comfort of the boat and the multiple swimming opportunities for the price.

The trip appeals most to those who like flexibility — being able to explore at your own pace, swim in beautiful waters, and enjoy unstructured time in Lindos. Families, groups of friends, and solo travelers all find something to love here, especially with the positive comments about safety, helpful staff, and gorgeous scenery.

Possible Drawbacks

The main consideration is crowding. Several reviews mention that early arrival is key to snagging a sunbed or a prime spot on the deck. The boat can fill up quickly, especially during peak season, which might limit your comfort if you prefer a more secluded sunbathing experience. Also, the two hours in Lindos sometimes feels a bit tight, especially if you want to climb the Acropolis or really soak in the village atmosphere. Some travelers expressed a desire for slightly longer free time.

Who Is This Trip Best For?

This full-day boat trip is perfect for those who value scenic cruising, enjoy swimming in clear waters, and want a convenient way to explore Lindos without the hassle of arranging transport or navigating on your own. It suits families with children, thanks to the safe swimming stops and comfortable boat environment. It also appeals to independent explorers who appreciate the free time in Lindos to wander and discover at their own pace.

If you’re looking for a relaxed yet engaging day on the water, with plenty of opportunities for photo-worthy moments and refreshing dips, this tour ticks all those boxes. It’s especially good for travelers who don’t mind sharing space and want a cost-effective way to see some of Rhodes’ best coastal sights and historic highlights.

Summary

This boat trip from Rhodes to Lindos offers a blend of scenic sailing, cultural exploration, and water-based fun. For about $45, you get a full day packed with swimming stops at Blue Lagoon and Anthony Quinn Bay, along with free time to explore Lindos’ charming streets and ancient Acropolis. The well-organized nature of the trip, friendly staff, and stunning views make it a worthwhile choice, especially if you arrive early to secure a preferred sunbed spot.

While crowdedness might be a concern on busy days, the value for money and quality of experience shine through. It’s suited for independent travelers, families, and those who love a mix of relaxation and culture. Just remember to bring essentials like sunscreen, swimwear, and cash for onboard purchases.

FAQs

How long is the boat trip from Rhodes to Lindos?
The journey takes about under two hours each way, giving you plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

What is included in the price?
The ticket covers cruise transportation, swimming stops at Anthony Quinn Bay and Blue Lagoon, air-conditioned areas, toilets onboard, floats, Wi-Fi, and insurance.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, you’ll need to bring cash for food, drinks, and souvenirs. The bar onboard offers reasonably priced drinks and snacks, but these are not included in the ticket price.

What should I bring with me?
Essential items include sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, cash, and snorkeling gear if you have it. It’s also wise to arrive early for better sunbed availability.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?
You’ll have approximately 3 hours to explore Lindos, which is enough to visit the Acropolis, walk the streets, or relax on the beach.

Is the boat suitable for families?
Absolutely, many reviews mention that the trip is great for children thanks to the swimming stops and safe environment. Just keep an eye on timing if you’re planning to climb the Acropolis with very young kids.

This trip to Lindos combines the best elements of sailing, swimming, and cultural discovery in Rhodes. Whether you’re seeking scenic views, refreshing dips, or a taste of authentic Greek village life, this tour offers a well-rounded, enjoyable day on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here: