Kolymbia: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Three swims in five hours feels ideal. I like that this Lagoon catamaran trip keeps it easy with unlimited drinks and a Greek lunch, and it stays comfortable thanks to a maximum of 25 passengers onboard. You’re not rushing from one viewpoint to another, you’re getting Rhodes coast time in the water.

The main thing to plan for is that there is no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make your own way to Kolymbia Sea Lines at the meeting point.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Unlimited drinks: ice-cold beer, wine, soft drinks, and water during the cruise
• 3 swim stops: Tsambika Bay, Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach
• Onboard Greek lunch served after the middle stop
• Small group comfort with up to 25 passengers, so you can spread out
• Built for snorkeling and relaxing, with time to jump in, float, and cool off

Kolymbia to the coast: the simple plan that works

This is a classic Rhodes-by-sea day: you leave Kolymbia Harbour on a Lagoon catamaran, cruise along the shoreline, and spend the day hopping between swim-friendly spots. The value is in the mix. You get sea views, you get actual water time, and you get food and drinks without hunting for a restaurant between swims.

What I like most is that the schedule is built around the coast, not around checklists. Instead of one long sightseeing segment and then a quick photo stop, you get multiple chances to swim and snorkel, which is exactly what most people come to the Dodecanese for in the first place.

And because the boat caps at 25 passengers, you’re less likely to feel like you’re packed in for transport. That matters more than you think. Room to sit, space to move around, and a calm vibe makes the difference between a “nice ride” and a day you actually remember.

Unlimited drinks and a Greek lunch, without the money math

For many people, the best part of an all-inclusive boat day is also the easiest part to overlook: you do not have to decide where the next drink comes from. On this cruise, you get unlimited drinks including ice-cold beer, wine, soft drinks, and water throughout the trip.

This also changes how the day feels. You can stay relaxed instead of timing everything around cash, menus, and lines. It’s especially handy if you plan to swim multiple times, because you’ll be thirsty, sun-warmed, and ready to cool off again.

Then there’s the Greek lunch served onboard. That’s not just about calories. Lunch onboard means you keep your momentum and you stay with the group and the boat schedule. You’re not squeezed into a shore-based break that steals time from the water.

Practical tip: if you know you tend to get hungry late, eat steadily at the lunch even if you’re still full from snacks. The timing is part of the flow, so try not to skip it.

Your first swim stop: Tsambika Bay views plus snorkel time

The cruise begins with a stop at Tsambika Bay, where you’ll get time for swimming and snorkeling. This is a great first jump-in because it sets the tone for the day. Early on, you still feel fresh, and the crew has you oriented so you know how the boat life works: when you’re called back, where to gear up, and how long you’ve got before the next move.

Tsambika Bay is also about payoff. Even if you don’t snorkel, the view from the water is the kind of moment that makes you slow down and look around. You’re seeing the coastline from a perspective that most land plans can’t match.

What to do there:

• If you snorkel, focus on time-efficient sections rather than drifting too far from where the boat is positioned.
• If you just want to swim, take advantage of that first stop to shake off travel-day stiffness and get your bearings.

One consideration: the exact minutes for Tsambika Bay aren’t listed, so treat it as “enough time for water time” rather than “an all-day beach session.” If your priority is longer snorkeling, plan to use the later swim stop times as your main water window.

Hidden Caves: a shorter stop that rewards quick swimmers

Next comes the Hidden Caves stop, with around 30 minutes to swim and snorkel and explore the caves. This is the most time-sensitive part of the middle of the day, and it’s also the most “stop and go.”

Because it’s only about 30 minutes, you’ll want to make that time count. If you’re coming aboard with a lot of gear changes and second-guessing, you’ll feel rushed. If you’re ready to move, it can feel like a highlight.

How to get the most from the Hidden Caves stop:

• Decide quickly whether you’re snorkeling first or exploring first.
• Keep your snorkeling session focused. Short bursts can be better than trying to cover everything.
• After your swim, get back early. When the boat is ready to leave, there’s no time to debate.

A small note worth keeping in mind: the caves are a “quick visit” style stop. You’re not doing a long walk or a full exploration. You’re getting a taste, a splash, and a few moments to enjoy the coastal rock formations.

Lunch onboard: when you refuel without leaving the boat

After Hidden Caves, lunch is served onboard. This timing is smart for two reasons. First, it lands after you’ve used some energy in the water. Second, it keeps the day smooth. You don’t have to get off the boat, find a meal, then return late and stressed.

The lunch is Greek and served on board, so think of it as an included meal designed to keep the cruise schedule moving. The better you treat lunch as a mid-day reset, the more enjoyable the final swim stop will be.

Practical tip: if you’re someone who gets sunburn fast, use the lunch break to slow down, sip water, and let your skin settle for a bit before the final swim.

Stegna Beach finale: almost a full hour of water time

The final stop is Stegna Beach, where you’ll have almost a full hour for swimming and snorkeling before heading back to Kolymbia Harbour.

This is the stop that feels the most like a beach day. Earlier swims are great, but Stegna is where you can really relax into the rhythm. If you want a longer dip, this is the one to savor.

How to plan your time at Stegna:

• Spend a little time snorkeling, then shift into a slower swim or floating mode.
• If you came for photos, Stegna is also a good moment to pause and look at how the light hits the water.
• Bring sunscreen habits into your routine. After one or two swim jumps, people often forget the reapply step until it’s too late.

Also remember that the day ends at Kolymbia Harbour. An extra hour here gives you breathing room before you’re back on the schedule and out of sea time.

The boat experience: why small-group catamaran days feel calmer

This cruise runs on a Lagoon catamaran, and the small group limit of 25 passengers is one of the biggest comfort upgrades you can get on a water day. You’re less crowded, and you can actually enjoy the spaces rather than just use them as storage.

The boat is also the kind of platform where you can switch between “active” and “rest” quickly. When you’re not swimming, you can sit, watch the coastline, and relax with a drink. Having drinks included makes that even easier, since you’re not waiting for the next chance to refresh.

One more practical comfort point: when a boat isn’t overloaded, getting to the water for a swim stop tends to feel smoother. Even if you’re not a “serious snorkeler,” you’ll appreciate that less chaos when you want to jump in and out.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for at $106

At $106 per person for a 5-hour cruise, you’re paying for more than transportation. You’re paying for:

• a catamaran day out of Kolymbia
• three dedicated swim stops
• an onboard Greek lunch
• unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, and water)
• a small-group setting with up to 25 passengers

If you were doing this on your own, you’d likely spend time and money piecing it together. You’d need a boat or tour, lunch, drinks, and shore access for each swim option. Here, all of that is bundled into one time-controlled experience.

The biggest reason this feels like good value is that the inclusions match the main reason you’re booking in the first place, water time and comfort. If you plan to drink, swim, and eat without fuss, the all-inclusive format is likely to feel worth it.

If you only want one swim and you’re not interested in drinks, the value equation is less dramatic. Still, lunch plus multiple swim stops usually makes it a solid deal compared with paying separately.

Who this cruise fits best, and who should think twice

I think this one is best for people who want an easy coastal day. It’s a good match for couples, families, and solo travelers because the schedule is straightforward and the boat group is kept small.

It also works well if you like a blend of:

• relaxing on a boat
• short swimming and snorkeling sessions
• an included lunch break

Who might want a different option? If you’re the type who wants long, shore-based exploring time or lots of detailed commentary about the coastline, this cruise may feel too focused on swim stops. The stop timing is designed to keep the day flowing, so it’s not built for extended land wandering.

Also, since there is no hotel pickup, this is easiest if you’re already able to reach Kolymbia Harbour without relying on a transfer.

Quick logistics: meeting point and what to bring

Meeting point is Kolymbia Sea Lines. You can find it via Google Maps, and it’s worth planning to arrive a little early so you’re not rushing when check-in happens.

Because you’ll be swimming and snorkeling multiple times, pack like you mean it:

• swimwear and a quick-dry towel
• sunscreen and water-friendly lip protection if you use it
• snorkeling mask if you have your own, since personal comfort can make the water time nicer
• a change of clothes or cover-up for the ride back

Host or greeter support is in English, which helps if you have questions about when to get back on board or how things are run.

Should you book this Kolymbia catamaran cruise?

If your idea of a great Rhodes day is water first, snacks second, and stress last, I’d book it. The combination of unlimited drinks, Greek lunch onboard, and three planned swim stops is exactly the kind of all-inclusive set-up that makes the day feel effortless. The small passenger count is a genuine comfort benefit too.

Book it if:

• you want an easy day from Kolymbia without a complicated plan
• you like swimming and snorkeling more than long land sightseeing
• you want drinks included so you can just relax

Skip or compare if:

• you need hotel pickup or you’re worried about getting to the meeting point
• you prefer longer shore time over shorter swim stops

FAQ

What is included in the Kolymbia catamaran cruise?

You get unlimited drinks (beer, wine, soft drinks, and water) plus a Greek lunch served onboard. The cruise also includes 3 swimming stops at Tsambika Bay, the Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach.

How long are the swim stops?

The Hidden Caves stop includes about 30 minutes to swim and snorkel. The final stop at Stegna Beach gives almost a full hour for swimming and snorkeling. The time for the first stop at Tsambika Bay is not specified.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Kolymbia Sea Lines, which is the meeting point location on Google Maps.

What drinks do you get onboard?

The cruise includes ice-cold beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water, available as unlimited drinks during the trip.

What is the cancellation policy?

There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.