Rhodes: Bay to Bay Swim Cruise with Greek Buffet and Wine

Rhodes: Bay to Bay Swim Cruise with Greek Buffet and Wine

This 6-hour cruise aboard Romantika Dreams offers an inviting way to explore some of Rhodes’ most beautiful beaches and bays. Priced at $67 per person, the tour departs from Mandraki Port and includes snorkeling stops at Kalithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay, complemented by a Greek buffet with unlimited local wine. The boat features spacious decks where guests can relax, enjoy music, and mingle, making it a lively experience for those seeking both scenic beauty and social fun.

While the cruise offers lots of swimming and snorkeling time, it also provides a chance to unwind with delicious food and refreshing drinks. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a mix of beach activities, scenic views, and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s important to note that swimming from the boat requires prior swimming ability, and there are no hotel transfers included. Overall, it’s a well-loved option for those looking to enjoy Rhodes’ coastline in a friendly and relaxed setting.

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Key Points

• Includes three snorkeling stops at Kalithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay
• Six-hour cruise departing from Mandraki Port with flexible start times
• Price of $67 per person offers a good balance of food, drinks, and activities
• Spacious decks for lounging, music, and socializing
• Greek buffet lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options
• Unlimited local white and rose wine, plus beer, soft drinks, and cocktails at the bar
• Family-friendly and accessible, with no extra charge for snorkeling gear
• Ideal for those seeking scenic beauty and lively camaraderie

Departure from Mandraki Port and Initial Coastline Views

The tour begins at Mandraki Port, where the crew in blue shorts and red-striped shirts welcomes travelers. After a brief safety briefing and settling on the deck, the boat departs at 10:15 am, cruising along Rhodes’ East Coastline. Passengers get a front-row view of landmarks such as St. Nicholas Fortress, the Medieval Old City, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, and Fontana Grande as the boat moves away from the harbor.

This route offers a chance to appreciate the historic and scenic sights lining the coast, making the early part of the cruise both relaxing and visually engaging. The vessel maintains a gentle pace, allowing guests to settle in and enjoy the views before reaching the first snorkeling spot.

Kalithea Springs: A Scenic Photo and Swim Stop

The first anchor drops at Kalithea Bay, home to the famous Kalithea Springs. This magnificent seaside monument combines natural beauty with historical architecture, offering a perfect spot for photos, swimming, and snorkeling. Guests have about an hour here to take in the scenery, explore underwater marine life with provided masks, or simply relax on deck to the sound of music.

The calm waters and scenic backdrop make Kalithea Springs a highlight of the cruise. Guests often mention that this stop balances natural beauty with history, creating an inviting environment for both relaxation and exploration.

Cruising Past Faliraki and Ladiko Bay

After leaving Kalithea, the boat continues along the coast, passing Faliraki and Ladiko Bay. These areas are noted for their scenic views and are ideal for enjoying the sea breeze and taking quick photos as the vessel cruises past. The tour does not stop here for swimming but offers a chance to appreciate Rhodes’ coastal landscape.

This segment of the cruise provides a chance to relax on deck, enjoy the music and drinks, and prepare for the next snorkeling stop, ensuring a steady flow of scenic vistas and leisurely pacing.

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Afandou Beach: Lunch and Water Activities

The second snorkeling stop occurs at Afandou Beach, a 4 km stretch of sand with the Caves of Traganou nearby. Here, guests are encouraged to swim, snorkel, explore caves, or walk along the beach. The boat anchors long enough for those interested in building an appetite to enjoy the freshly prepared Greek buffet.

The onboard lunch features traditional Greek recipes, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available. While enjoying the meal, guests can indulge in unlimited chilled white and rose wine, along with soft drinks and delicious cocktails or champagne from the bar, which operates at “happy prices.” This stop combines water activities with a hearty lunch, making it a favorite for many.

Anthony Quinn Bay: The Iconic Photo and Snorkel Spot

The final snorkeling stop is at Anthony Quinn Bay, known for its imposing rock formations and clear waters. It’s famous for its connection to the actor Anthony Quinn, who fell in love with the site while filming Guns of Navarone. Guests have about an hour here to swim, take photos, explore marine life, or simply relax on the natural beaches.

The bay is praised for its beautiful scenery and abundant fish, especially when bread is thrown into the water. Snorkelers can enjoy marine life viewing and even scuba diving if they wish. After this stop, the cruise begins its return journey, passing by the striking rock formations leading to the landmark bay.

The Atmosphere on Board: Music, Food, and Friendships

Throughout the cruise, music plays on the boat’s sound system, creating a lively, fun environment. Guests often describe the vibe as “Parea”, a Greek term for people connecting and having a good time. The crew’s friendly and attentive service enhances this atmosphere, with many reviews highlighting their warm hospitality.

The Greek buffet lunch and unlimited drinks encourage socializing, and the bar offers cocktails and champagne at “happy prices”, fostering a party-like mood particularly during the happy hour at the end of the cruise. This social aspect, combined with scenic stops, makes the experience especially appealing for groups or those wanting to meet new friends.

Return to Mandraki Port and Afternoon Atmosphere

After the final stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, the boat begins its return cruise to Mandraki Port, arriving around 4:15 pm. Guests can reflect on the day’s experiences while enjoying the music and drinks. The relaxed, friendly environment continues onboard, with many opting to dance or sing along to the tunes.

The overall pace of the tour offers plenty of time for swimming, photos, and socializing, making it a well-rounded day on the water. Those who enjoy lively atmospheres and scenic coastlines find this cruise particularly satisfying.

Practical Details: Logistics and What to Bring

The tour departs at 10:15 am from Mandraki Port, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace. Guests are advised to wear comfortable shoes, bring a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Since the boat stays anchored in each bay, swimming from the boat requires prior swimming ability, so it’s best suited to those confident in the water.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, and snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests are provided at no extra cost. The meeting point is easy to find, with crew members in distinctive attire ready to welcome guests. Hotel transfers are available but at an extra fee, so guests should plan accordingly.

Overall Value and Experience

Priced at $67 per person, this cruise offers a solid mix of scenic beauty, water activities, and good food and drinks. Its high rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 128 reviews reflects consistent satisfaction, especially praising the friendly crew, tasty buffet, and vibrant atmosphere.

While there are no hotel transfers included, the ease of meeting at Mandraki Port and the quality of the experience make it a worthwhile choice. The tour particularly suits travelers who enjoy socializing, snorkeling, and scenic coastal views in a relaxed setting.

Final Thoughts on the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise

The Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise with Greek buffet and unlimited wine offers a fun, scenic, and sociable way to enjoy the island’s coastline. The spacious decks, beautiful bays, and delicious food make it stand out as a lively day trip option. The multiple snorkeling stops ensure plenty of time in the water, while the onboard atmosphere fosters a friendly, party vibe.

Guests who value good value for money, stunning scenery, and a lively environment find this cruise particularly appealing. The limited physical requirements and wheelchair accessibility also make it a flexible choice for many travelers. Overall, it’s a well-reviewed, enjoyable experience that captures the spirit of Rhodes’ natural beauty and warm hospitality.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup or drop-off included?
No, hotel transfers are not included but are available for an additional fee.

What should I bring on the cruise?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen are recommended.

Can I snorkel if I don’t know how?
Snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests are provided, making it accessible for beginners confident in swimming.

How long is each snorkeling stop?
Each stop at Kalithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about one hour.

Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the activity is family friendly, with opportunities for swimming and relaxing on deck.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?
Yes, the Greek buffet includes vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices.

What drinks are included?
Unlimited local white and rose wine, soft drinks, and water are included; cocktails and champagne are sold at “happy prices.”

What is the capacity of the boat?
While the exact group size is not specified, the reviews suggest it offers plenty of space, especially in mid-October when it’s less busy.

Is there entertainment onboard?
Music is played throughout the cruise, contributing to a lively, party-like atmosphere.

How do I reserve my spot?
Booking can be done in advance with the option to reserve and pay later; cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the tour.

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