Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

That early harbor start sounds serious. It turns into a great mix of Lindos sightseeing and easy swim breaks with cliffs and clear water. You get about 3 hours in Lindos, enough time to wander the whitewashed streets and decide how much effort you want to spend on the hill to the Acropolis.

My favorite part is how the schedule keeps the day active without feeling frantic. You also get two classic bays on the return with short swimming and snorkeling windows, plus a skipper and a restroom onboard. One thing to plan for: the boat can feel crowded, and Lindos is hot, with a steep climb if you go up to the Acropolis.

Key highlights

• 3 hours in Lindos with time for harbor views, lunch, and the Acropolis hike if you want it
• Two swim and snorkeling stops on the way back at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay
• Anthony Quinn Bay connection to The Guns of Navarone, plus impressive seabed visibility
• Goggles and sunscreen are worth it, since swim stops are your main water time
• Pickup may be available depending on your hotel, so check the options before you pay
• Maximum 180 travelers, so arrive early for the port check-in and aim for good seating

A Rhodes to Lindos Day That Balances Time and Water

This trip is built for people who want the big hit of Lindos without chaining themselves to a bus all day. You leave Rhodes Harbor in the morning, arrive at Lindos Harbor around late morning, then head back with two swimming stops that break up the long return ride.

What makes this one work is the pacing. You get a solid chunk of time in Lindos, not just a quick photo stop. Then, on the way back, the bays do the cooling down for you. If your idea of a great day in Greece includes both a historic town and time in the water, this hits the sweet spot.

The other practical win is onboard basics. The tour includes a skipper and a restroom onboard, and there’s also a bar on the boat where you can buy snacks and drinks. Nothing fancy, but it keeps the day smooth when you are away from land for hours.

Schedule and Timing: What the 7.5 Hours Feels Like

The run is offered Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, with departure at 08:40 from the harbor. The boat reaches Lindos Harbor around 11:00, giving you a few hours to explore before the departure window.

Your time in Lindos is about 3 hours free time, and you need to be back at the boat by 13:45. The boat usually leaves Lindos around 14:00, which matters because it sets your internal clock for lunch and the Acropolis.

On the return, you stop for swimming and snorkeling at Tsambika Bay (about 30 minutes) and Anthony Quinn Bay (about 30 minutes). You’re back at the harbor around 17:30 and the tour ends back at the meeting point. If you are thinking, cool, that is just one day, yes, it is. But it is also a long one, mostly because getting there and back by boat takes time.

Pro tip: if you plan to buy tickets for the Acropolis in advance to skip lines, keep your schedule flexible. One passenger warning from the field is that timed entry can get complicated if swim time and priorities shift earlier in the day.

Lindos Harbor and the Acropolis Climb: 3 Hours That Go Fast

Lindos is one of those places that looks great from every angle, and it has the classic combo of harbor views plus streets that invite wandering. Once you land at Lindos Harbor, you have about three hours to do what you came for.

If you want the Acropolis, plan for effort. Lindos is steep. Even if you do not go all the way up, you will still feel the heat because the town sits above the harbor. Some people walk up on foot, others use donkeys for the climb. If you are not into steep climbs in summer heat, you might choose to stay closer to the harbor and enjoy the views, cafes, and shade where you can find it.

You also want footwear that can handle cobblestones and uneven ground. One tip that came through strongly is to wear trainers or sensible shoes instead of sandals, especially if you are going up to the ruins.

Food is your responsibility here. Lunch is not included, but you’ll have time to grab something in Lindos. And if you want to keep things simple, you can also refuel later since there is a bar onboard where you can purchase snacks and drinks.

Tsambika Bay Swim Stop: The Quick Dip on the Way Back

Tsambika Bay is famous for clear water and an easy wow factor, but this stop is short. You get about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

That short window shapes how you should handle it. Bring goggles if you have them, because underwater visibility is what turns a “quick swim” into a real snorkeling moment. Also pack sunscreen. This is not the kind of swim stop where you will spend time inside a changing room. You are in and out, and you are doing it while the sun is high.

Because the stop is brief, you should not plan on doing a full “gear setup and explore” session. Think of Tsambika as a refresh stop and a chance to get your bearings in the water before the next bay.

If you do not snorkel much, you can still have fun floating and swimming near the surface. The main goal is to cool off after Lindos and use the return trip to get your water time without losing more sightseeing.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Snorkeling with Movie-Set Cliffs

Anthony Quinn Bay is the kind of place that makes you understand why people plan beach days on purpose. The setting is tied to the movie The Guns of Navarone, and the bay has dramatic cliffs that frame the water.

Your swim and snorkeling time here is also about 30 minutes, but this is the stop many people remember. The seabed is described as impressive, with colorful fish moving among corals and seaweed. That combo is exactly what you want if you like seeing something more than just smooth water and a few passing shadows.

Because conditions and visibility can vary day to day, I’d still treat this as a “bring what you need” moment. Use sunscreen, and if you have snorkeling gear, bring your own so you are not stuck waiting. One practical note from the experience info: snorkel gear is not clearly listed as included, and availability for purchase on board may depend on stock.

Also, time management matters. Thirty minutes sounds short until you are actually in the water, floating, and watching fish. You will do better if you are ready to go quickly, jump in, and then relax once you are settled.

Onboard Comfort: Seating, Crowds, and Sun Deck Perks

This is a boat day with a lot of moving parts, and the main onboard trade-off is capacity. The tour has a maximum of 180 travelers, and the boat can get crowded. Multiple people pointed out that seating can be tight and chairs can feel packed in.

The good news is that the boat is set up so you can still enjoy the ride. You may find sunbeds on the top deck, and sitting up top gives you better views of coastline and the approach to Lindos. That can also be a relief if the lower areas are packed.

If you want a calmer trip feel, arrive early and get through port check-in efficiently. There can be lines for boat tickets, and you do not want to lose the chance to claim decent spots before departure.

Onboard basics are included: there’s a restroom, plus the skipper is on hand. You can also buy drinks and snacks from the bar onboard. That is a key detail for budgeting, since lunch in Lindos is not included and you’ll want options during the longer stretches on the water.

Price and Value: What $60.46 Buys You in Rhodes

At about $60.46 per person, this tour is priced as a value day in Rhodes, mainly because you get four things together: transportation to Lindos by boat, 3 hours free time in Lindos, a return trip with two swim and snorkeling stops, and onboard basics like a skipper and restroom.

If you tried to DIY this, you would likely spend money on boat transportation plus figuring out how to get back on a schedule that still leaves you time in Lindos. Here, the timing is already stitched into one day. You just need to show up on time and plan your hours in town.

The missing piece is lunch, and you should assume you’ll pay for meals in Lindos. You’ll also want to budget for drinks and snacks if you use the boat bar. Still, the overall value feels solid because the swim stops are part of the experience, not a paid add-on.

In other words, you are paying for convenience and a structured day. If you like structure, it is a good deal. If you want maximum freedom with no check-in times, you might prefer a more independent plan.

Who This Trip Is For (and Who Should Rethink It)

This tour is ideal if you want a classic Rhodes itinerary in one shot: Lindos town time, Acropolis options, and two water stops for snorkeling. It also fits well for people who prefer a calm day with breaks, not a tight multi-stop tour where you’re constantly rushing.

It is a good match if you are comfortable with some heat and you can handle a steep walk in Lindos if you go up to the ruins. If you are the type who enjoys short swims with a clear goal, the 30-minute bay stops work nicely. If you’re hoping for a long snorkeling session where you can fully explore underwater for an hour or more, you may feel the time limit.

It may not be the best pick if you are sensitive to crowds. Seating limits can affect comfort, and the boat can feel packed. Also, one passenger mentioned an older return bus without air conditioning as a downside, which is a reminder that the last leg can affect comfort even if the boat ride is enjoyable.

My practical take: pack smart, plan your priorities in Lindos, and treat the water stops as cooling and snorkeling bonus time. Do that, and the day is hard to beat.

Should You Book This Lindos Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a straightforward, value-focused day that combines Lindos Harbor time with swimming in Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay. The inclusion of two water stops and the built-in 3 hours in Lindos makes it easy to justify, even with lunch not included.

Skip or consider alternatives if you hate steep walks and you do not like crowded boats. Also, if your goal is heavy snorkeling time, remember that both bay stops are about 30 minutes each, so you need to be ready to jump in and make the most of the window.

If you do decide to go, come prepared for sun, bring goggles if you own them, and wear shoes you can trust on slopes and stones. You will feel the best payoff when you treat this as a day of Lindos plus two quick, refreshing swim chapters.

FAQ

What day does this boat trip to Lindos run?

It departs from Rhodes Harbor every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 08:40.

About how long is the trip from Rhodes to Lindos, and when do we return?

The boat arrives to Lindos Harbor around 11:00 and returns to Rhodes Harbor around 17:30.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get about three hours free time in Lindos. You need to be back at the boat by 13:45.

How long are the swimming and snorkeling stops at Tsambika Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay?

Tsambika Bay has about 30 minutes. Anthony Quinn Bay also has about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You’ll have free time in Lindos for meals, and there is a bar onboard where you can buy snacks and drinks.

Is pickup offered from my hotel?

Pickup can be offered, depending on your hotel. During booking, write your hotel name in the Special requirements field, and the operator will get back with your pickup time.

What is included on the boat?

Included items are the skipper, stops for swimming and snorkelling, and a restroom on board.

Do I need to bring snorkel gear or goggles?

Snorkelling is part of the experience, but snorkel gear is not listed as included. It’s smart to bring your own goggles and basic gear if you have it.

How many people are on this tour at most?

The maximum group size is 180 travelers.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.