Rhodes Exclusive Swim Cruise Cocktail Open bar & Gourmet Buffet

Your floating swim day starts in Mandraki. This Rhodes cruise sails past the medieval waterfront at Mandraki Harbour and then swings into three swim bays where you snorkel, float, and grab drinks between swims.

I love the small max-40 setup and the open-bar cocktails with a Greek gourmet buffet. The one thing to consider is that the music can get loud, so this is best if you want a fun party mood, not a silent, scenic cruise.

Key things to know before you go

• Small boat, assigned lounging: you get allocated seating on bean bags and sun benches, not random standing-room chaos.
• Open bar that keeps moving: wines, beer, signature cocktails, plus non-alcoholic drinks and water.
• Swim-ready from the start: snorkel gear, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets are included.
• Three different water stops: Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach area, and Anthony Quinn Bay each feel noticeably different.
• Rhodes sights while cruising: you pass UNESCO old town views, the Colossus of Rhodes port area, and more coastline landmarks.
• Captain energy: Captain Alexander is known for keeping the vibe upbeat, with dance breaks and a playlist that drives the day.

Price and what $107.63 buys you on the water

At $107.63 per person for a roughly 6-hour outing, you are paying for a full half-day afloat experience, not just a boat ride. The big value is that lunch is built in, and the bar is part of the plan, so you avoid the usual Rhodes math of adding up food plus drinks plus “whatever we decide to do later.”

This is also priced in a way that makes sense for active days. You are given snorkel equipment and safety float gear, so you can actually use the water instead of just looking at it. If you plan to swim at least once or twice, and you want a proper meal on the boat, the cost starts feeling fair fast.

Where the value gets real is in the pacing. You are out long enough to do multiple swims, not just one quick dip. And because the group size is capped at 40 travelers, you are more likely to get a comfortable spot instead of squeezing into a crowded deck.

Mandraki Harbour cruise start: the Rhodes-photo moment is built in

Your day begins at Mandraki Harbour, the historic port area that is still visually impressive even before the boat pushes off. The meeting point is at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece in Rhodes. The experience ends back at the same place, so you do not need to reorganize your day at the finish.

From the water, Mandraki is a perfect opener. You get a sense of the old harbor scale and the surrounding details, including Venetian-era columns with statues of Rhodian deer. You also see the Fortress of Agios Nikolaos on the opposite side, plus medieval windmills nearby. It’s the kind of scenery that makes your first photos easy, since you are already positioned for views from the sea.

One practical tip: give yourself a little extra buffer to find the boat. A couple of people noted that it can be a bit tricky to spot where to go. Once you’re there, the setup makes sense quickly, with seating provided and the crew working to get everyone settled fast.

The all-day setup: open bar, lounging, and a buffet that is not an afterthought

This cruise is designed to feel like a day at sea with structure, not a random “boat tour.” You get allocated seating on comfortable bean bags and sun benches. A restricted number of guests also helps you find a spot you actually want, including the option to choose a shaded area.

The drink side is straightforward: cocktail open bar featuring wines, beer, signature cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and water. In real life, the easiest move is to treat it as a steady flow. You do not have to chase the bartender every time you want a refill.

Food is a major part of why people rate this so highly. The buffet is described as a Greek gourmet buffet freshly prepared by the chef, with vegan and gluten-free choices available. You can expect a proper meal, not just snack platters. Some examples mentioned include shrimp spaghetti, mussels, chicken, salads, breads, tzatziki-style accompaniments, and a brownie-like dessert.

A note on Greek bread and pies: one meal item people questioned was clarified as a traditional Cretan dish called dakos, made with barley rusk topped with tomato sauce, manouri cheese, oregano, capers, and extra virgin olive oil. The same clarification also points out that spinach pie is not the usual item, with spanakorizo (spinach rice) being a more typical Greek dish you might see.

Sailing past Rhodes Old Town and the Colossus port entrance

Before the swim stops, the cruise gives you a sightseeing stretch that feels more relaxed than doing it on foot. As you leave the port, you sail past the medieval old town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you get sea-level views of the city walls. This is one of those moments where you can stop taking photos and just watch, because the coastline angles keep changing.

Then you pass the spot connected to the Colossus of Rhodes. The famous statue is long gone, but the tour uses the port entrance location to give you historical context. You learn that the Colossus was a huge depiction of the sun god and that the harbor area is tied to where it stood. Even if you have seen other “Seven Wonders” materials before, the sea setting makes it more tangible.

You also cruise by landmarks along the way, including the coastal area of Faliraki Beach on the return route. You do not get off there, but seeing the coastline from the water helps you understand why these bays and stretches of shoreline are such a draw.

Stop 1: Kallithea Springs swim, architecture, and free entry from the sea

Kallithea Springs is a classic Rhodes-style stop, with a strong mix of scenery and a swim that feels meaningful. The stop lasts about one hour, and the key detail is that admission from the sea is free. That matters because it turns the visit into something you can fit into your swim rhythm without worrying about tickets or delays.

This is the place known for natural springs, with a setting that includes impressive buildings designed by Italian architects, including Pietro Lombardi and Armando Burnaby. There’s also mention of Alberto Mocci, a doctor who organized an international hydrological conference here attended by more than 200 scientists. It’s a lot for one bay, but the point is simple: the water and the calm around it are part of the attraction, not just the photo backdrop.

What you’ll actually do in the water is the highlight. You’re invited to explore and take a refreshing morning swim. Since snorkel gear and life jackets are onboard, you can keep it easy if you want, or spend more time watching the water if it’s clear that day.

The only caution here is timing. One hour disappears fast if you swim hard, take too many photos, and then try to dash back for lunch. I recommend a simple rhythm: change, short swim or snorkeling, then enough time to walk around the spring setting and take in the architecture.

Afandou Beach and the caves zone: pebble shore, ancient raids, and more swimming time

Afandou Beach gives you a different kind of shoreline. Expect a stop of about one hour, with entry also listed as free. This area is famous for its long beach stretch, and it is described as a huge pebble beach around 6 km long.

The tour framing here leans historical. The coastline settlement was reportedly attacked multiple times over centuries by pirates, Persians, Arabs, and later Turks. After these attacks, inhabitants moved inland behind rocks so they were harder to reach from the sea. Even the name, Afandou, is explained as coming from the Greek meaning of invisible, tied to that idea of being out of sight from attackers.

In practical terms, the beach stop works because you get a decent chunk of time to explore the area and caves, then go back to the boat when the buffet opens. The cruise plan has lunch ready on board right after the swim time here, so you are not stuck wondering when your food is coming.

One small consideration: pebble beaches can feel different underfoot than sand. If you’re sensitive about comfort, you might want to bring water shoes, even though the cruise includes flotation gear for swimming.

Ladikos-to-Anthony Quinn Bay: snorkeling in deep water with lots of small fish

After Afandou, the cruise moves you toward a water setting people remember. Anthony Quinn Bay is described as a small bay surrounded by high rocks with deep water. That combination usually means clearer, protected water and a strong underwater ecosystem.

Your time here is about one hour, and this is where the snorkeling gear gets its starring role. The boat includes complimentary snorkel equipment, and the plan is built around getting in and looking around. There are also thousands of small fish, and you can see them gather near swimmers.

There’s a fun detail too. Guests are invited to throw bread at the fish. The catch is that the fish are described as not taking bites from guests, so it’s more of a visual and interactive moment than a feeding frenzy.

The bay’s name comes from actor Anthony Quinn. The story is that he visited Rhodes to film Cannons of Navarone in the 1960s and loved the bay enough to ask the Greek state to buy it. An agreement never carried through, and it’s noted that a court ruling left it unenforceable. Locals kept calling the beach Anthony Quinn anyway.

Between Afandou and this final bay, the tour description also references a cave-filled area behind Anthony Quinn called Ladikos, tied to ancient olive-oil shipping and shipwreck finds. Even if you don’t spend a separate chunk of time there, the way the cruise approaches this region makes the caves and rock formations part of the visual story.

Back to Mandraki: photos, forts, and using your last swim as the finale

After your third swim, the cruise heads back toward Mandraki Harbour. This return route is where you get a clearer sense of the full Rhodes coastline, including the chance to spot the broader Faliraki area again from the water.

As you come in, you’ll be sailing past more of the historic harbor edges, including the fortress views and windmills. The Mandraki setting is especially photogenic because the scenery is layered. You have the water in front, the structures and columns nearby, and the harbor opening changing shape as the boat turns.

If you’re trying to make your day feel complete, treat the return as your wrap-up window. If you can, do one last swim or dip only if you still have energy and the water is calm. Otherwise, save your energy for drying off, grabbing the last drinks, and doing your final photos on deck.

Also, if you’re the type who likes a smooth plan for the rest of the day, remember you’re back at the meeting point at the end. So you can keep your evening flexible without needing to arrange pickup or a complicated return.

The small-boat vibe: what you’ll love, and what might annoy you

This cruise has a vibe that many people describe as fun, upbeat, and social. The captain and crew keep energy high, and Captain Alexander is specifically named for dancing and keeping the atmosphere rolling. There’s music onboard, and it can shift toward a party mood.

Here’s the balanced view. If you want a cheerful, lively day, this is the kind of setup that works. You’ll likely enjoy the interplay of swimming stops, open bar drinks, and crew interaction. You also get the practical benefit of a boat that is not oversold. People mention it felt spacious, with enough lounging space for everyone.

If you want quiet, it may test your patience. One detailed note calls out music volume so loud you could not carry on a conversation easily. That does not mean the whole day is a nonstop rave, but it does mean you should plan for noise if you are sensitive.

My practical advice: if your ideal day includes talking to your travel partner, bring earplugs and position yourself for a quieter deck corner when the music spikes. If you just want to enjoy the water and sing along, you’ll probably feel right at home.

Should you book it? My take for the right kind of Rhodes day

Book this cruise if you want a half-day to full half-day on the water where you actually swim, not just look. It’s a strong choice for couples and small groups who like getting out to multiple bays, drinking something cold on deck, and eating a real hot lunch. The included snorkeling gear, float tools, and life jackets make it easier for mixed comfort levels, including people who are curious but not confident swimmers.

Skip it if your priority is quiet relaxation. The music and party atmosphere are part of the experience, and it can get loud enough to interfere with conversation.

Also consider booking when you expect decent weather. The cruise needs good conditions, since it runs as a swim-focused day with multiple water stops.

If you’re deciding between a pure sightseeing day and a water day, this one leans water first and history second. For many people, that’s exactly what makes it the highlight of their Rhodes trip.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Rhodes swim cruise?

The cruise duration is listed as approximately 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

Start time is 10:00 am.

Where do I meet the boat in Rhodes?

You meet at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece, Rodos 851 31, Greece.

Is hotel transfer included?

Hotel transfer is not included. It is optional and at an extra cost.

What food and drinks are included?

A Greek gourmet buffet lunch is included, along with aperitifs and snacks. The open bar includes cocktails, wines, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks like sodas and water, plus signature cocktails.

What snorkeling and safety equipment is provided?

You get snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, floaters, and life jackets.

Which swimming stops are included?

The cruise includes stops for swimming at Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

How many people are on the cruise?

The experience has a maximum of 40 travelers, with restricted guest numbers and allocated seating.

What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.