Rhodes: Cruise with free Lunch and half price Drinks

Rhodes: Cruise with Free Lunch and Half-Price Drinks
Location: Dodecanese, Greece
Country: Greece
Price: $44.27 per person
Duration: 6 hours
Supplier: Rhodes Sea Cruises

A Quick Glimpse of the Experience
Imagine yourself aboard a charming Greek wooden boat sailing along Rhodes’ stunning east coast, visiting three beautiful bays: Kallithea Bay, Afandou Bay, and Anthony Quinn Bay. For just over four dozen dollars, you get a full day of swimming, snorkeling, lounging, and enjoying local Greek foods. The voyage begins from Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 am and returns around 4:00 pm, giving you plenty of daylight to soak up the scenery.

What really makes this trip stand out are two things: First, the opportunity to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear waters—a real treat for anyone who loves being in the water. Second, the included Greek lunch, which offers authentic flavors in a relaxed setting on board. It’s a straightforward, well-organized outing that combines leisure, scenic beauty, and tasty food at a very reasonable price.

A possible consideration is that this cruise isn’t suited for travelers prone to seasickness, given the open water and boat motion. Also, it doesn’t include hotel transfers, so you’ll need to get yourself to Mandraki Harbour. Overall, it’s ideal for those who enjoy water activities and want a taste of local cuisine without breaking the bank—perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers who love a laid-back day on the water.

Key Points

Affordable and value-packed at just over $44 per person, including lunch and snorkeling gear
Scenic stops at three stunning bays famous for swimming and snorkeling opportunities
Authentic Greek lunch served on the boat, featuring local foods and fruits
Relaxing atmosphere with music, scenic views, and half-price drinks available on board
Flexible activity suitable for most, but not recommended for those prone to seasickness
No hotel pickup included, so plan your transportation to Mandraki Harbour

You can check availability for your dates here:

This experience made our article of The 9 Most Popular Tours In Afandou.

A Detailed Dive into the Rhodes Cruise Experience

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Setting Sail from Mandraki Harbour

The adventure begins early at Mandraki Harbour, with the boat departing promptly at 10:00 am. The vessel is an original Greek wooden boat, which adds a layer of charm and authenticity to the journey. The departure point at the statue of Alexander, along with the boat at Alkmini, is easy to find, especially if you arrive a little early. The small group size ensures a cozy, friendly atmosphere, making it easy to chat with fellow travelers or the guides.

First Stop: Kallithea Bay – A Classic Greek Retreat

The first destination is Kallithea Springs, a well-loved spot for its scenic beauty and historical charm. We loved the way the boat cruise offers scenic views on the way there—an excellent chance to snap photos of rugged coastlines and shimmering waters. Once at Kallithea, you’ll have about an hour to swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the boat.

The waters here are often described as crystal-clear, perfect for snorkeling gear provided by the tour. Many reviews mention how the marine life is vibrant, and the scenery is picture-perfect. This stop is ideal for those who want a quick dip in inviting waters before moving on. The experience is relaxed—no rush—so you can enjoy the gentle waves and the sun.

Second Stop: Afandou Bay and the Greek Feast

After leaving Kallithea, the boat heads to Afandou Bay. Here, you’ll have about an hour to enjoy a Greek lunch of local foods served on board—think fresh salads, cheeses, bread, and perhaps some local delicacies, along with seasonal fruits. The reviews highlight that the lunch is delicious and authentic, offering a real taste of Greece that’s far better than typical tourist fare.

Post-lunch, you’re encouraged to swim and snorkel again. Many travelers appreciate how the scenic views on the way to Afandou add to the overall experience, with some noting that the waters are equally inviting for relaxing in the sun or shade. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and noodles makes exploring the underwater world accessible even for beginners.

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Final Stop: Anthony Quinn Bay – Nature’s Aquarium

The last hop is to Anthony Quinn Bay, renowned for its stunning waters and rocky landscapes. This is often the highlight for snorkelers and swimmers, thanks to the diverse marine life and clear waters. The photo stops here are particularly popular—many guests mention how the scenery here is breathtaking.

With about an hour to enjoy this bay, you can relax, take in the dramatic coastline, or continue exploring underwater. The boat stays close, with music and half-price drinks making it easy to unwind. This final stop rounds out the day with a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.

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Return to Mandraki Harbor

After an hour, the boat begins its return journey, arriving back around 4:00 pm. The cruise provides a comfortable pace, with plenty of opportunities to unwind and reflect on the day’s highlights, all while enjoying the scenic coastlines and informative commentary from guides in English, Greek, or German.

What’s Included and What You Should Know

This tour offers a lot of value—sailing from Mandraki Harbour, swim stops, a Greek lunch, half-price drinks, snorkeling gear, and seasonal fruits. The music onboard adds to the relaxed vibe, making it a fun, laid-back day.

However, keep in mind that transportation to and from the meeting point is not included, so you’ll need to plan accordingly. Also, smoking is permitted on the boat, which may matter to some travelers.

Practical Tips for Your Day

Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimsuit, towel, and camera—these are essentials. If you’re sensitive to seasickness, consider taking precautions, as the boat can sway. The tour is not suitable for those prone to seasickness, as the focus is on outdoor water activities.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is perfect if you’re looking for an affordable, relaxed, and scenic day on the water. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy swimming and snorkeling in beautiful environments. If authentic Greek cuisine and unhurried leisure are your priorities, this trip hits the mark.

It’s also suitable for those who want a small-group experience with friendly guides, and who appreciate music and drinks to enhance the leisurely vibe. However, if you prefer more structured or longer excursions, or have mobility issues, you might want to explore other options.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours, from departure at 10:00 am to returning around 4:00 pm.

Where does the cruise start and end?
It departs from Mandraki Harbour, specifically at the statue of Alexander and Alkmini, and returns there after the trip.

Is lunch included?
Yes, you’ll be served a delicious Greek lunch featuring local foods, with plenty of seasonal fruits.

Are drinks included?
Drinks are half-price on board, which makes it a good value for soft drinks, waters, or perhaps some local wine or spirits.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, towel, and a camera for photos. The tour provides snorkeling gear and noodles for floating.

Is this suitable for people prone to seasickness?
This tour may not be ideal if you’re prone to seasickness, as it involves open-water sailing and boat motion.

Are there any age restrictions?
The data doesn’t specify age restrictions, but the activities are generally family-friendly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, you need to arrange your transportation to Mandraki Harbour independently.

Do I need to speak Greek to understand the guides?
Guides speak English, Greek, and German, so language is generally not a barrier.

Final Thoughts

This Rhodes cruise offers a great balance of scenic beauty, water fun, and local flavor at a reasonable price. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting to escape the busy streets of Rhodes town and spend a relaxing day in nature’s embrace. The stops at Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay showcase some of the most loved spots along the coast, while the included lunch makes it a value-packed experience.

Travelers who value authentic experiences, scenic views, and a relaxed pace will find this cruise a perfect fit. The friendly guides and lively atmosphere make it more than just a boat ride—it’s an enjoyable way to connect with the island’s natural beauty and local culture.

In summary, whether you’re after a day of refreshing swims, delicious Greek cuisine, or simply soaking up the breathtaking scenery, this cruise delivers in all these areas. It’s an accessible, lively, and scenic adventure that highlights Rhodes’ stunning coast in a way that’s both memorable and enjoyable.