Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide

Fish, swim, and eat what you catch.

This Rhodes outing with Skevos and Captain Mike turns a day on the sea into hands-on fishing, a swim stop, and a proper homemade lunch, all aboard a traditional wooden boat. You spend time trolling with professional gear, then switch to ground fishing for a chance at predator fish like small tunas and amberjacks.

What I like most is the balance of learning and relaxing. You are in a small group capped at 10, so the crew can keep an eye on your line, your technique, and your comfort. And honestly, the meal is a huge part of the value, especially Skevos’ Greek salad, built with herbs that many people call the best they had on Rhodes.

One thing to plan for: it runs rain or shine (but not during storms), so you should expect spray and bring clothes that handle getting wet. If you dislike cold wind on the water, pack accordingly, and eat breakfast first like they recommend.

Key highlights

• Trolling plus ground fishing with pro equipment and guidance for beginners
• Snorkeling time in a quiet bay, with equipment provided
• Traditional wooden 10-meter boat with a dedicated fishing area and onboard facilities
• BBQ lunch you build around fresh fish, plus Greek salad, bread, beer, soft drinks, and water
• Captain Mike’s decades of experience paired with Skevos’ chef skills

Entering Kolona Port: What the Start Feels Like

Your trip begins at the port of Kolona, just outside the old town of Rhodes. This is the kind of meeting point that feels practical instead of touristy. You find the fishing boat in the harbor, get oriented, and then the day starts moving fast.

The boat itself matters. It is a traditional, handcrafted wooden vessel, about 10 meters long, and it is set up for fishing and comfort. There is a separate fishing area designed for 10 people, plus an independent space for dining and relaxing. That split is smart. When some people are focused on fishing, others can eat, talk, or just look at the coastline without everyone crowding the same spot.

Also, you get real onboard basics: a WC, freshwater shower, and Wi-Fi. On a boat trip, those details quietly change your mood, especially after swimming or if sea spray soaks your clothes.

Skevos and Captain Mike: The Crew Dynamic That Makes It Work

This outing runs on a father and son team, Captain Mike and Skevos. Captain Mike brings over 35 years of professional fishing experience, and the operation has the feel of someone who has done this a thousand times. Skevos is the one teaching while also cooking, and he is a certified professional chef, not just a fun host.

That matters because the trip is not only about catching fish. It is about learning how to fish at sea with proper technique and confidence. A lot of people worry about being useless on day one. The crew does not treat first-timers like passengers. They keep things practical, explain what to do, and adjust as conditions change.

They also handle safety like professionals. The boat is fully compliant with safety regulations and has certified VHF/UHF communication systems, plus navigation and fishing electronics like GPS, a fish finder, depth sounder, and radar. You do not need to understand the tech, but you feel the difference when the captain makes smooth decisions and the whole system is set up for safe travel.

Cruising Out to Kallithea Springs, Santa Marina, or a Sandy Bay

After you meet at Kolona, you cruise for about an hour to one of several fishing destinations. The exact spot depends on weather and sea conditions. You might go toward famous Kallithea Springs, head to the quieter bay of Santa Marina, or choose a shallow sandy beach area.

I like this approach because it makes the day feel flexible and local. Instead of forcing everyone into one fixed plan, the captain chooses the best conditions for trolling and fishing. That is how you end up with more time on the action and fewer hours stuck in a rough patch.

What you get during the cruise is not wasted time. Rhodes’ coastline is best enjoyed from water level. You also see how the crew handles boat movement and timing, and you get a sense for how they set up for the fishing phase.

Trolling for Predator Fish: The First Real Moment of Fun

Trolling is the first fishing style you do, and it is one of the most beginner-friendly ways to get started. The trip includes professional equipment onboard, and bait is provided. You do not show up needing to bring a rod or learn a gear setup from scratch.

During trolling, the captain targets predator fish such as small tunas, mahi mahi, amberjacks, barracudas, trumpetfish, and great trevally. Even if you do not land every species, the variety of targets keeps the day exciting. It also explains why the crew’s technique matters. Predator fish respond to where and how you troll.

The boat’s fish finder and depth sounder play a role here. You might not watch the screens constantly, but the crew uses them to make smarter calls about what the water is doing. That is where experience shows. You feel it in the way the trolling starts, stops, and changes, depending on what they see.

If you are new to fishing, this is a great moment to ask questions. The crew’s teaching style works best when you are actively involved, not waiting silently.

Ground Fishing for About Two Hours Near the Seabed

After trolling, you shift gears to ground fishing for around two hours. This is where sea fishing feels more like sea fishing. You are working with the water column and the seabed, and the action can be less predictable than trolling.

The goal is fish near the seabed, and this is where patience pays off. You also often learn more about line management and timing. The crew has higher expectations during this part, but they still guide you, especially if you are struggling.

One subtle advantage here is that you are not rushed. Two hours gives you time to get comfortable with the rhythm of fishing, not just get one brief try and then move on. In real terms, that increases your odds of learning something useful.

And in tougher periods, you see the crew adapt. One review noted that August can be less ideal for fishing in Rhodes. That does not mean you fail. It means you fish smart, shift spots, and keep the day fun even when conditions are not perfect.

Anchoring in a Quiet Bay for Swimming and Snorkeling

Once fishing wraps up, the boat anchors in a quiet bay. This is the calm part of the day, and it is usually the moment you finally stop holding tension in your shoulders.

You can swim or snorkel, or just relax. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it if you want. Even if you are not a confident swimmer, you still get options. Some people report they were provided pool noodles alongside snorkel gear, which makes the water feel less intimidating.

This stop is also where the boat facilities help. The freshwater shower is there for a reason, and it makes it much easier to change out of wet clothes afterward.

One more practical point: you will likely get splashed. Sea trips are rarely dry. Wear a swimsuit you do not mind getting soaked and bring a towel. If you are thinking of carrying electronics, keep them in a dry bag.

The BBQ Lunch: Skevos’ Greek Salad and Fish Cooked Right There

If you do this trip for fishing only, you still win. But the BBQ lunch is the kind of food stop that changes how the whole day feels.

Lunch is prepared onboard after swimming and/or while you are enjoying the sea. The crew grills fish you catch, plus fresh gold seabream and sea bass, each at 250g and up. That is not a tiny snack plate. It is a proper meal built around the sea.

The BBQ itself is a traditional style charcoal grill built by Skevos’ father. People consistently rave about this part, and you can tell why. The fish is fresh, cooked hot, and served in a setting that makes it taste better than it would on land.

You also get sides that feel truly Greek, not generic boat-catering food. There is an authentic Greek salad with secret herbs that give it a distinct aroma and flavor. You also get charcoal-grilled bread topped with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano.

Drinks are included and unlimited: cold beer, soft drinks (cola-lemonade), and bottled mineral water. And yes, you are eating on a boat. That sounds small-time until you do it, then it feels like the whole point.

If you care about food value, this is where the $88 makes sense. You are paying for the catch, the cooking, and the sit-down meal portion of a half-day excursion.

Rhodes Views Without the Crowds: Why the Boat Size Matters

This trip is limited to 10 participants. That small group size is not just a comfort detail. It affects everything: how quickly you get help, how easy it is to move around, and how peaceful the bay stop feels.

A smaller boat also means you are more likely to have time to breathe. You are not constantly waiting your turn for photos. And during fishing, it is easier for the captain to notice who needs a hand adjusting technique.

The vibe tends to be relaxed but focused. In the best moments, it feels like a live-action documentary, with the father and son coordinating, especially when there is a bigger catch.

Price and Value at $88: What You Actually Pay For

At $88 per person for a 5-hour trip, you might wonder if you are paying for fishing alone. You are not. You are paying for a package.

Your included items add up fast:

• fishing equipment and bait
• snorkeling equipment
• a full onboard meal built around fresh fish and Greek salad
• unlimited beer, soft drinks, and bottled water
• Wi-Fi, WC, and a freshwater shower

You are also getting professional-grade electronics and safety systems onboard, plus a captain with decades of experience. You are not hiring a guide to teach you with your own gear, then paying separately for lunch and drinks.

Is it the cheapest thing on Rhodes? No. But it is one of the better ways to get a half-day that mixes action, food, and sea time without nickel-and-diming you for basics.

Who Should Book, and Who Might Not Enjoy It

This is a strong match if you:

• want a hands-on fishing experience with guidance
• enjoy swimming and would like snorkeling time
• care about food and want an actual meal, not snacks

It is also good if you come with a partner or as a solo traveler. The small group size helps, and the crew is very interactive.

It might not be for you if:

• you have mobility limitations related to boat access (the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users)
• you are pregnant (also not suitable per the activity info)

Also, since it runs rain or shine, plan like you are going to be on the water in real weather. Bring a towel and beachwear, and eat breakfast before you go like they recommend.

Practical Tips for Your 5 Hours on the Water

A few small things can make this trip noticeably better.

Pack:

• beachwear and a towel
• clothing you can handle getting wet
• a hearty breakfast beforehand

Bring a calm mindset too. Fishing at sea has ups and downs. Some days are more active than others, and the captain adjusts spots based on conditions. If you treat it like an adventure instead of a guarantee, you will have more fun.

Finally, use the time with the crew. Ask what they want you to do during trolling, and pay attention during ground fishing. That focus is often the difference between feeling lost and feeling like you are part of the action.

Should You Book Skevos Fishing Trip in Rhodes?

I think you should book this trip if you want more than a boat ride. You get hands-on fishing with professional equipment, a real swim and snorkel stop, and a lunch that many people remember long after they leave the island. The father and son team, Captain Mike and Skevos, bring both experience and a chef’s mindset, so the day feels balanced, not just busy.

Book it if your ideal Rhodes day includes sea time and good food. Pass if you only want dry comfort, or if boat-access realities make the experience difficult for you. Otherwise, this is a high-value, genuinely local-feeling way to spend five hours on the Mediterranean.

FAQ

Where does this tour start?

Your fishing boat is located in the port of Kolona outside the old town of Rhodes.

How long is the Rhodes fishing trip?

The duration is 5 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The group is small, limited to 10 participants.

What languages are offered?

The instructor is English.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel.

Does the trip run in bad weather?

It takes place rain or shine, but it will not take place during storms.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes, snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it during the anchored bay swimming stop.

What is included in the meal?

You get a full meal onboard, including fresh fish, Greek salad, and bread. Unlimited soft drinks, unlimited beers, and bottled mineral water are also included.