Imagine a day spent exploring the stunning coastlines of Rhodes while lounging on a spacious boat, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying a delicious Greek BBQ. This all-inclusive cruise on the Aphrodite Duchess is priced at around $73 per person for six hours of fun, food, and fantastic scenery. It’s a well-rated experience with nearly 1,700 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, which speaks volumes about its popularity.
We love how this cruise combines sightseeing, relaxation, and gastronomy in one package. The stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, Afandou Bay, and Traganou Caves offer diverse swimming and snorkeling opportunities—each with unique appeal. One of our favorite features is the unlimited drinks and tasty food prepared fresh onboard, giving you the chance to indulge without worrying about extra costs. A second highlight is the friendly, attentive crew, including guides like Katia, who make the whole experience feel warm and personalized.
However, a potential consideration is the timing—the boat departs sharply at 10:00 AM, so punctuality is key. If you’re prone to late mornings or need more flexibility, you’ll want to plan accordingly. Also, while the journey is ideal for those who love water activities and a lively social vibe, it might be less suitable if you’re seeking a very quiet or private experience.
This cruise suits travelers looking for a value-packed day of swimming, scenic views, and good food—perfect for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers wanting a lively, social outing. If you enjoy vacationing with plenty of refreshment and beautiful coastal scenery, this trip hits the sweet spot.
This experience made our article of Kolympia’s 5 Top Tours (With Prices).
Key Points
- All-Inclusive Value: Unlimited drinks, food, and snacks make this a hassle-free experience.
- Beautiful Stops: Visit four stunning bays, each offering excellent swimming and snorkeling.
- Comfort & Convenience: Spacious boat with shaded and sunbathing areas, plus facilities like showers.
- Lively Atmosphere: Friendly crew and engaging guides, including themed hours like hot dog and waffle treats.
- Flexible Booking & Cancellation: Book now, pay later, with full refund options if you cancel 24 hours in advance.
- Punctual Departure: Boat leaves sharply at 10:00 AM—arrive early to avoid missing out.
Setting the Scene: What’s Included and How It Feels
When you step aboard the Aphrodite Duchess, you’ll immediately notice the spacious deck, equipped with plenty of sunbeds and shaded tables—ideal for relaxing in the Greek sun. The overall vibe is laid-back but lively, thanks largely to the friendly crew. Most reviews praise the attentiveness and helpfulness of guides like Katia, who keeps spirits high with her fun personality and expert cocktail skills.
For just about $73, you’re getting a six-hour experience that includes not only the scenic cruise but also meals, snacks, and unlimited drinks. From the moment we boarded, we appreciated how the trip starts with a light breakfast of donuts and iced coffee, setting a cheerful tone for the day.
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Itinerary Breakdown: What You’ll Do and See
The trip features multiple stops across Rhodes’ most picturesque spots, with swimming and snorkeling at each. Let’s break down what each stop offers:
The Cruise & Scenic Views
The experience begins with a 40-minute cruise along the coast, offering panoramic views of Rhodes’ shoreline and the Aegean Sea. It’s a perfect chance to get your bearings and soak in the scenery. Many reviewers highlight the professionalism of the crew and the informative commentary about notable sights.
Kallithea Springs: A Historic Beauty Spot
Next, the boat anchors at Kallithea Springs, famous for its historic thermal baths and lush surroundings. Here, you’ll get about an hour to swim and snorkel. The water is often described as crystal-clear and inviting. Several reviews mention the well-kept facilities and the salt-shower on board—a thoughtful touch after swimming.
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The jewel of the day is Anthony Quinn Bay, known for its turquoise waters and dramatic rocky coastline. It’s a popular stop, and many visitors say the water temperature (around 25°C) makes for perfect swimming. The underwater life here is vibrant, making snorkeling especially rewarding. One reviewer called it “absolutely stunning,” with water that’s “very inviting,” emphasizing just how memorable this spot is.
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Traganou Caves: Nature’s Hidden Gem
The final major swim stop is Traganou Caves, where the boat anchors for another hour of swimming and snorkeling. The caves and the surrounding rocks offer a different scenery—more sheltered and peaceful. Reviewers note that this stop is “beautiful” and “a unique experience” compared to the bays.
Additional Cruising & Final Relaxation
Between stops, the boat takes smaller cruise segments, with 20-minute and one-hour stretches, giving you time to relax, enjoy the music, and chat with fellow travelers. The cruise wraps up around 4 PM, bringing you back to Mandraki Harbour.
Food & Drinks: What’s on Offer
Food is a major highlight of this cruise. The Greek BBQ lunch features meat souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and fresh bread, all prepared by a chef onboard—a detail many reviewers appreciated. One called it “divine,” and others noted the generous portions.
The hot dog hour serves as a brunch, offering simple but satisfying snacks, and waffles with chocolate drizzle are available on the return journey for a sweet finish. Fruit and unlimited drinks—including beer, wine, cocktails of the day, soft drinks, iced frappe, and water—are served throughout, making it easy to stay refreshed without extra charges.
Many reviews rave about the quality and abundance of food and drinks. One comment noted that “nothing was skimped on,” emphasizing how well the value is maintained.
The Atmosphere & Crew: Friendly and Engaging
Throughout the trip, the crew’s warm hospitality shines. Guests consistently mention how helpful and attentive the staff are, often quoting how they go above and beyond. Katia, in particular, gets high praise for her cocktail skills and fun personality—she’s often described as the “Duchess” who keeps the vibe lively.
The international crowd creates a lively yet friendly atmosphere where everyone’s there for a good time. The boat offers both shaded and sunbathing areas, catering to different comfort preferences.
Practicalities & Considerations
The trip’s timing is strict— the boat leaves at 10 AM sharp, so arriving early is essential. Reviewers who missed the boat had to reschedule at a cost, so punctuality is key. The duration (6 hours) is perfect for those who want a full day but not too long to tire you out—ideal for families or travelers with limited time.
Transfers are available if booked in advance, with a small fee for pickups from locations like Faliraki or Ixia. The boat’s facilities, including bathrooms and showers, are generally well-maintained, and the top deck is comfortable for sunseekers.
This day trip is best suited for active swimmers who love snorkeling and beach stops. It’s ideal if you’re after a value-packed experience where you don’t have to worry about extra costs for food and drinks. The lively atmosphere and friendly guides make it perfect for groups of friends, families, and solo travelers keen to meet others.
If your idea of a perfect day involves beautiful scenery, good food, and unlimited drinks, this cruise delivers. It’s especially appealing to those who enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of time to swim and socialize.
The Rhodes All-Inclusive Day Cruise with BBQ & Unlimited Drinks offers a fantastic balance of scenic beauty, good food, and fun social vibes. The well-organized itinerary, friendly crew, and abundance of drinks and food make it a great value for the price—particularly for travelers who want to indulge and relax without worrying about extra costs. The stops at Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea Springs provide some of the most visually striking moments of your holiday, combined with the comfort of a spacious boat and friendly service.
While punctuality is important, the experience overall is smooth and enjoyable. If you’re seeking a day of swimming, sightseeing, and socializing with a lively crew and delicious Greek cuisine, this cruise offers a memorable way to spend your time in Rhodes.
This adventure is a superb choice for those wanting a fun, lively day on the water—especially if they prioritize value, comfort, and authentic coastal beauty. For anyone tired of overly scripted tours or looking for a relaxed but lively group experience, this cruise hits the mark.
How early should I arrive for the cruise?
Arrive at the boat before 10:00 AM since it departs sharply at that time. Punctuality is essential to avoid missing the trip.
Is transportation included?
Transportation can be arranged for an extra fee if you select the transfer option. It’s available from Faliraki, Ixia, or Kolymbia with small costs involved.
What does the food include?
The meal features a Greek BBQ with meat souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, and bread. There are also snacks like hot dogs and waffles, plus plenty of fruit.
Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, the trip offers all drinks including beer, wine, cocktails, soft drinks, iced frappe, and water throughout the day at no extra charge.
Can I snorkel and swim at each stop?
Absolutely. Each stop is designed for swimming and snorkeling, with the water often described as crystal-clear and warm.
Is the boat comfortable?
Yes. The boat is spacious, with shaded tables, sunbeds, and even bean bags for lounging. Facilities like bathrooms and showers are available.
What if I miss the departure?
Missing the 10 AM departure requires rebooking with a fee of 25 euros. Arrive early to avoid this.
Who speaks the language onboard?
The crew speaks multiple languages including Dutch, English, French, and German.
How long is the entire trip?
The trip lasts about six hours, returning around 4 PM to Mandraki Harbour.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, full cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
In summary, this Rhodes day cruise packs a lot into a single day—beautiful views, great food, and plenty of opportunities to swim and relax. It’s a fantastic way to make the most of your time on the island, especially if you enjoy social experiences with good value and friendly service.
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