Rhodes: All inclusive Catamaran Escape with Lunch & Drinks

Sun, swims, and snacks in six hours. I love the easy all-inclusive setup (drinks, snacks, and a proper Greek lunch on board) and the three major bay stops along Rhodes east coast. The main thing to consider is that snorkeling gear can be a little inconsistent, so it helps to check it before you head in.

This is a great way to see the coastline without renting anything or spending half your day on logistics. You’ll also get that relaxed boat-vibe, with helpful staff staying on top of drinks and swim time, even when weather turns a bit on the cool side.

Key things that make this catamaran escape worth it

• All-inclusive food and drinks on board, including beer, local wine, soft drinks, and water
• Three postcard bays: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs
• In-water time is the point, with swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboards (plus float noodles)
• Greek lunch made on board, with salads, dolmadakia, dips, chicken, rice, bread, and fruit
• A staff rhythm that balances service and chill, so you’re not stuck waiting for refills
• Smaller-feeling group sizes, which makes the boat feel less crowded than you might expect

Setting expectations: what this 6-hour trip is really like

This isn’t a “see everything” sightseeing tour. It’s a coastline day built around water time, with sailing segments that connect three famous swimming areas on Rhodes. If you’re the type who wants beaches plus a relaxed schedule, this fits.

The ship you’ll be on, Cherry Catamaran, is set up for comfort while still feeling adventurous. You’ll get onboard snacks and drinks throughout the day, then a full Mediterranean lunch in the middle of the swim stops. And at each bay, you’re not just looking from the shore, you’re actually in the water, using the provided snorkeling kit, paddleboards, and float support.

You’ll also want to be realistic about the sea and the weather. If it’s breezy or cool, you’ll still go, but you may feel it more than you do on a sheltered beach. Bring a sun hat and sunscreen no matter what, but also consider a light layer for the boat ride.

Getting to Mandraki Harbour and finding your way aboard

Your day starts at Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours at Mandraki Harbour. Plan to arrive about 20 minutes before departure, because that’s when you’ll check in at the desk and settle in before boarding.

Once you’re on board, you’ll get a short warm-up cruise that takes you out from the harbour area and along Rhodes Old Town. There’s a welcome moment with a local snack treat (traditional Rhodian sesame delight with honey, called Melekouni) and a welcome drink. That early head start matters because it gets you into vacation mode before you’re out swimming.

A practical tip: if you burn time wandering near the harbour, you lose the most flexible part of the day. Go early, get settled, then let the boat handle the rest.

Sailing Rhodes’ east coast, then getting your first swim time right

The vibe shifts once you’re underway toward the east coast bays. You’ll get time to enjoy the sea from the catamaran while the crew sets up the day. This part is also when you should do your quick personal prep: water, sunscreen, and your swim gear within reach.

The layout on a catamaran helps. Even when you’re not in the water, you’re not stuck in one spot. You can move around, find sun, or choose shade as the boat cruises between stops.

From there, the day is built around a repeated pattern: sail, arrive, swim, snack and drink, then move on. It’s the kind of schedule that works well if you don’t want to plan your own beach-hopping route, but still want a real experience at each location.

Anthony Quinn Bay: film-fame beauty and an easy first plunge

Anthony Quinn Bay is the kind of place that makes you stop scrolling and actually look out at the water. It’s known for lush vegetation around the shore, which creates those striking, emerald-leaning tones when the light is right. It also picked up movie fame, since parts of The Guns of Navarone were filmed here.

When you arrive, you’re not just taking photos. You get about 1.5 hours for swimming and snorkeling, with canoeing and stand up paddleboarding options too. This is often a sweet spot for first-timers, because it’s a full “settle in” bay, not a quick stop.

If you want to get the most out of it, time your first swim. Go early or mid-session to avoid the crush that can form once everyone finds the same good entry point. And if you like snorkeling, take a moment to adjust your fit before you jump in, since one piece of gear can make the whole experience smoother.

Ladiko Bay lunch stop: where you can slow down

Ladiko Bay is quieter in feel than the “big headline” beach stops, and that’s a big part of its appeal. The scenery is gorgeous, and the water gives you a real chance to settle into the day instead of feeling rushed.

This is where lunch happens, and it’s not a token plate. You’ll get a Mediterranean onboard meal that includes traditional Greek salads and a mix of options like dolmadakia, olives and feta, tzatziki, roasted eggplant spread, and feta spread. Then you’ll also have chicken, rice, assorted dips, freshly baked bread, plus fresh seasonal fruit.

The swim time here is about 80 minutes, with beer, wine, and drinks paired with the water break. This is a smart pacing choice. After the first bay, you’re ready for a mix of gentle swimming plus recovery. If you’re traveling with friends or family who want different energy levels, Ladiko Bay usually works because it offers both: people who want to swim can, and people who want to relax can do it without feeling like they’re missing the main event.

Kallithea Springs: snorkeling-friendly structures and a memorable final swim

Kallithea Springs is the late-day highlight if you care about snorkeling and underwater scenery. This bay is known for its Vatican-style structures and it’s often a top choice for swimmers who want clear water and interesting views once they’re in.

You get about 1 hour here, with swimming, snorkeling, and canoeing, plus a cocktail and more time on the water. This stop tends to feel special because the setting is different from a typical beach-and-anchors view. You’re not just floating, you’re exploring.

A practical note from real-world experience: some entry points can involve rocky edges or a bit of uneven footing. If you have water shoes, bring them. Even if you don’t use them for every step, they can save you from that last-minute scramble.

Food and drinks on board: what all-inclusive means in practice

In theory, “all-inclusive” can mean a sad snack and a tiny cup of something. Here it’s closer to a proper lunch-and-refresh rhythm, and that makes the price easier to justify.

You’ll get:

• A welcome drink plus a traditional Rhodian honey sesame treat
• A full Greek lunch with multiple salads, dips, dolmadakia, chicken, rice, bread, and fruit
• Snacks and soft drinks throughout the day
• Water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer

The best part is how consistently the drinks get offered. You’re not waiting for one bartender to notice you. The crew’s pacing is also why this works for people who don’t want to spend their day “working the line” for refreshments.

If you have dietary needs, you should plan to ask when you’re onboard, but the lunch menu includes multiple salad and dip options, which can help you build something that feels like a meal. One thoughtful detail is that lunch is served onboard, so you’re not burning time in a restaurant or paying extra to refuel.

What to pack, and how to stay comfortable on a windy sea day

You’re on the water for a big chunk of the day, so pack like you’re going to spend time in the sun and then recover from it.

Bring:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Anything you need for snorkeling comfort (if you’re picky, consider having your own backup preferences)

Also think about temperatures. Some days are warm, some days get cooler and breezy once you’re out. A light layer can make the sailing segments more comfortable, especially if you’re sensitive to wind.

For the water side, you’ll have snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, floating pool noodles, and life jackets available. The crew will also use safety rules like stopping alcohol service if someone seems excessively intoxicated, which is reassuring for overall comfort and control.

Finally, know that the captain can modify the route or swimming stops depending on weather and safety. That’s not a failure of planning, it’s how you keep everyone safe while still trying to deliver the same “three-bay” experience.

Best for: who this Rhodes catamaran suits

This trip is ideal if you want a Rhodes highlight day without stress. It’s perfect for people who:

• Want swimming and snorkeling as the main activity
• Prefer a structured route over map-making and transport juggling
• Like the idea of lunch and drinks included so you can focus on the water
• Appreciate a relaxed, attentive crew that checks in without hovering

It can also work well for mixed ages and different comfort levels in the water, because you can choose your own intensity. If you’re more cautious, you can float, snorkel lightly, or hang near the boat. If you’re confident, you can jump in, paddle, and explore.

If you hate being on a boat when the sea is choppy or windy, you might want to think twice. The day still aims to deliver the bays, but conditions can change the feel of the ride.

Price and value: why $82 feels fair for what you get

At $82 per person for a 6-hour day, the real value comes from stacking what you would otherwise pay for separately. You’re not only buying boat transport. You’re also getting a full lunch, snacks, drinks, and gear like snorkeling equipment and paddleboards.

A short version of the math in real travel terms: if you were to pay for a comparable boat ride plus food and drinks, the total usually climbs fast. Here, the food and drink support the water time, so you’re not leaving the experience to eat elsewhere. That keeps the day efficient and relaxed.

The other value piece is time at each bay. You’re getting substantial swimming windows, not just a quick stop for a dip. Even if you move slower, you still have enough time to enjoy the water, rinse off with the outdoor shower, and settle back in.

Should you book this Rhodes all-inclusive catamaran escape?

Book it if you want a low-stress Rhodes day built around three standout swim bays, with Greek lunch and drinks included. It’s a strong choice for couples, friends, and families who want water time more than museum time.

Skip it or choose another option if you’re extremely particular about snorkeling gear or you know you dislike wind and boat motion. And if you want a guarantee of every route stop, keep in mind the captain can adjust for weather and safety.

If you’re ready for a simple plan, crystal-clear water, and a crew that keeps things moving while you chill, this is a very solid way to spend 6 hours on Rhodes.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the catamaran trip?

You’ll meet at the Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours desk in Mandraki Harbour. Arrive about 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

How long is the experience?

The total duration is 6 hours.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a welcome drink and a traditional Rhodian sesame delight with honey. You also get Mediterranean lunch on board (including Greek salads, dolmadakia, dips like tzatziki and roasted eggplant spread, chicken, rice, bread, and fresh seasonal fruit), plus snacks, water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer.

Can I snorkel or use water activities on board?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the trip also offers paddleboards and floating pool noodles. Life jackets are provided as well.

Is there a guide on the trip?

There is a live tour guide available in English and Greek.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can the route change if the weather is bad?

Yes. The captain may modify the route and swimming stops for safety reasons, depending on weather conditions. In April, May, and October, if a catamaran does not reach a minimum passenger number, guests may be transferred to another catamaran.