Rhodes island: private boat cruises to the best bays of Rhod
Imagine cruising along the crystal-clear waters of Rhodes, visiting some of the island’s most stunning bays with your own private yacht. For 3 to 5 hours, this experience offers a personalized day on the sea, with a friendly family crew guiding you to spots like Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Springs. It’s a flexible, all-inclusive adventure that balances comfort, authenticity, and fun—perfect for those wanting a relaxed, exclusive taste of Rhodes.
What we love about this experience is how personal and local it feels. The fact that it’s run by a family with nearly ten years of experience, led by a captain with four decades at sea, means you’re in capable hands. Plus, the focus on customizing meals—whether vegan, religious, or culturally sensitive—adds a thoughtful touch that makes this cruise stand out.
One possible consideration is that the tour’s timing and meeting points can vary depending on your booking, so it’s worth confirming details beforehand. Also, hotel transfers are extra, so if you’re staying outside the central Mandraki Harbour area, you’ll need to budget for that.
This experience suits travelers who value intimate, flexible tours, enjoy good company, and want to explore Rhodes’s most beautiful spots by sea rather than overcrowded bus tours. If you’re happy to pay a bit extra for personalized service and all-inclusive ease, this cruise could become a highlight of your trip.
Key Points
- Family-run warmth: The crew’s friendly and respectful approach makes you feel like a guest in their home.
- Expertise and safety: With 40 years of captaincy experience, you’re in safe hands.
- Customizable meals and drinks: From vegan options to cultural sensitivities, dietary needs are thoughtfully handled.
- All-inclusive comfort: Snacks, drinks, and snorkeling gear are provided, making the trip hassle-free.
- Flexible, private tours: You can request visits to Lindos or Symi Island and tailor the itinerary.
- Central location: Meeting at Mandraki Harbour allows easy access if you’re staying in Rhodes Town.
Exploring Rhodes with Anastasia Cruises: A detailed review
Rhodes is a stunning island that beckons travelers with its history, landscapes, and azure waters. While exploring on land has its charms, nothing beats seeing the island from the sea, especially with a private boat cruise. Anastasia Cruises offers just that—an intimate, private yachting experience that promises to show you some of Rhodes’s most beautiful bays while providing comfort and personal service.
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What Makes This Cruise Special?
The first thing that stands out is the family-run atmosphere. You’ll be welcomed aboard by the husband, wife, and son team, who have been operating for close to ten years. The captain, boasting 40 years at sea, ensures safety and expert navigation, which gives peace of mind—an important reassurance when you’re out on the open water.
The second highlight is the flexibility and customization. Unlike large tours with rigid schedules, this experience is tailored to your preferences, including meal options, destinations, and timing. Whether you want a vegan meal, halal, or religiously sensitive food, the crew is happy to accommodate. Drinks are all included, making it easy to relax and enjoy your surroundings without constantly reaching for your wallet.
What to Expect on the Day
The cruise begins at Mandraki Harbour, conveniently located in Rhodes Town. From there, you’ll set sail on a yacht that’s designed to give you a private, luxurious experience. The duration varies from 3 to 5 hours, so you can choose a shorter or longer adventure based on your schedule.
Destinations include:
- Anthony Quinn Bay: Famous for its stunning turquoise waters and rocky coves, often a favorite for swimming and snorkeling.
- Ladiko Bay: Known for its scenic beauty and clear waters, perfect for relaxing on the boat or taking a dip.
- Kalithea Springs: Historically renowned for its thermal springs, now a tranquil spot for swimming and photos.
The crew provides snorkeling gear, so you can explore underwater life at each stop. Snacks and beverages, including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, are included, allowing you to sip wine or cool down with a cold drink as you take in the views.
Optional Private Extensions
If you’re craving more, private excursions to Lindos or Symi Island are available upon request. These can turn your day into a full-day adventure, adding cultural and scenic highlights beyond the bays.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Value Proposition
While hotel transfers are not included in the price, the central location of Mandraki Harbour makes it easy to hop on from most Rhodes Town accommodations. The all-inclusive nature of the tour, combined with personalized attention, means fewer worries about additional costs or crowded group tours.
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Authenticity and Customer Experience
The reviews speak volumes about the crew’s exceptional hospitality. Mats, who traveled with his daughters, shared, “This family take care of me and my daughters very well… I recommend this very much.” Such genuine praise highlights the warm, caring nature of the operation.
Another aspect travelers appreciate is the professionalism of the captain, who’s been navigating these waters for four decades, ensuring safety while maintaining a jovial, respectful atmosphere. Their approach makes it ideal for families, couples, or small groups seeking a relaxed, personalized experience.
Practical Tips for Booking
Since the tour duration and start times vary, check availability beforehand. Be prepared for the possibility of extra costs if you need hotel transfers outside the central area. Bring your own towels if you wish to sunbathe or swim, and confirm dietary preferences in advance.
Who Is This Experience Best For?
This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking privacy and personalization. If you prefer avoiding large, impersonal group tours, you’ll find this an excellent choice. It’s well-suited for families, small groups of friends, or romantic couples wanting a special day on the water. The option to customize meals and destinations also makes it perfect for those with specific dietary or cultural needs.
If you value expert local knowledge combined with a family’s genuine hospitality, this cruise offers both. It’s also a good fit for travelers wanting to explore Rhodes’s bays in a relaxed, unhurried way, rather than rushing through a packed itinerary.
Final Thoughts
For those who want a luxurious, flexible, and authentic way to experience Rhodes’s coastal beauty, Anastasia Cruises offers a superb option. Its emphasis on personal service, safe navigation, and customized offerings helps create memorable moments on the water.
While the price may be higher than standard group tours, the value lies in the private, all-inclusive nature, and the peace of mind that comes with a seasoned captain and caring family crew. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a day at sea with fewer crowds, this cruise promises a relaxed, enjoyable experience.
This tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate local hospitality, want the flexibility to customize their day, and prefer a quieter, more intimate adventure rather than a large-scale excursion. If that sounds like your idea of a perfect day on Rhodes, it’s worth considering.
FAQ
What destinations are visited during the cruise?
You’ll visit some of Rhodes’s most beautiful bays, including Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Springs, with options for private excursions like Lindos or Symi Island.
How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts between 3 and 5 hours, depending on what you choose during booking and your preferences.
Is food included?
Yes, snacks and a variety of drinks—both alcoholic and non-alcoholic—are included. Meals can be customized to dietary needs, including vegan options.
Are snorkeling gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is available for guests who wish to explore underwater.
Where does the cruise depart from?
The cruise departs from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes, a central and easily accessible location in Rhodes Town.
Are hotel transfers included?
No, hotel transfers are an extra charge. Confirm if your accommodation is outside the central area to plan accordingly.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans shift unexpectedly.
In essence, this private boat cruise offers a thoughtful blend of comfort, local knowledge, and flexibility—ideal for travelers craving a personal touch on Rhodes’s stunning waters.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Dodecanese
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- Private cruise to Kallithea & Anthony Quinn & Traganou Caves
- Rhodes: Salakos to Profitis Ilias 4 hours Guided Hike
- Astypalaia: Daily Cruise to Koutsomiti, Kounoupa, Red Rock & more
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More Dodecanese experiences we've covered
- Private luxury RIB cruise Aigina, Agkistri
- Karpathos Valley Walk in Pigadia – easy guided walking tour
- Private cruise to Kallithea & Anthony Quinn & Traganou Caves
- Rhodes: Salakos to Profitis Ilias 4 hours Guided Hike
- Astypalaia: Daily Cruise to Koutsomiti, Kounoupa, Red Rock & more
- Karpathos Lastos mountain Hike with guide