Rhodes: Private Boat for Swimming up to 20 persons

Sun swims, no crowds, just Rhodes by water.

I love the private boat feeling and the way the crew makes the day easy, especially with snorkeling gear and swimming noodles ready for you. I also like that you get real time in the water at famous spots, not just a quick stop for photos. The one catch: towels are not provided, so you’ll want to pack one.

This is built around flexible timing. Pick a short 2-hour escape or stretch it to a 6-hour cruise with more anchor stops along Rhodes’ south-east coast. The experience works well if your group has mixed energy, some people want full snorkel time, others want slow swimming and drinks.

You’ll meet at Kolona Harbour on the boat Captain John, and the day runs on water time, so weather and sea conditions can affect how long you stay at each stop. Still, the crew has shown they can be accommodating when weather is bad.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Captain John crew and clear communication, including quick WhatsApp updates in English
• Snorkeling gear plus noodles, so you are not hunting for equipment at the last minute
• Real anchor-time for swims, with multiple swim stops on the south-east coast
• Choice of routes (1 to 4 swim stops) across 2, 3, 4, or 6 hours
• Comfort on board, with both sun space at the front and shade toward the back

Why this private boat cruise works so well off Rhodes’ south-east coast

Rhodes has beaches all over the island, but the best swim time is often where boats can drop anchor safely and you can just jump in. This cruise is built around that simple idea: you reach the coves, the boat anchors, and you swim and snorkel without the stress of buses, walking, and parking.

I like that the day stays focused. You are not getting shuffled through a long checklist of “must sees.” Instead, the crew concentrates on water time. Even when you pick a shorter option, you still get a proper swim window, not a token dip.

There is also a practical comfort to the private setup. With small groups, it is easier to match pacing to the people on board. In real life, some folks want to snorkel hard, others just want to relax with a cold drink while the water clears their head.

Price and group size: what you are really paying for

The price is listed as $317 per group up to 11 people. The boat is described as able to carry up to 20 persons, which matters for value. If you have a group closer to the smaller end of the pricing, you should feel like you are getting a more personal experience without paying for a huge party.

What helps the price feel fair is what comes with it:

• Boat cruise
• Swim stops
• Snorkeling gear
• 2 soft drinks or 2 beers per person, plus water

On top of that, the longer routes include aperitif, beer, and wine during the day, based on the itinerary you choose. That means you are paying for time, not just transport.

One more value point: you avoid the “taxis to two different beaches” problem. You are paying for a route that strings together multiple swimming locations in one go.

If your group is larger than 11 and you are deciding whether it is worth the cost, ask the operator how the group size fits your exact booking. The listing gives both figures, so it is smart to confirm what you are actually booked for.

Getting to Kolona Harbour and meeting Captain John on time

Plan to arrive at Kolona Harbour at least 30 minutes early. The boat name is Captain John, and being early helps you settle before departure, especially if your group has different plans for the first swim.

You should also think of this as a water day from the start. Even if you feel like you can rush, you are better off giving yourself a cushion. When everyone is on board and ready, the crew can get you to the first anchoring spot smoothly.

No towel is included, so if you show up with just beachwear, you might end up awkwardly drying off with whatever you brought. Bring what you need from the start.

Choosing 2, 3, 4, or 6 hours: how the route changes your day

This cruise lets you pick the length based on how many swim stops you want. Here is the logic I use to decide:

2-hour option: one beach, fast reset

If you just want a clean break and a single swim, you can choose the Kalami Beach stop. It is ideal when you are tired from sightseeing and just want water time and shade moments.

3-hour option: Kalami Beach plus Kalithea Caves

This route adds Kalithea Caves. It is a solid choice if you want one “wow” area plus a relaxed beach moment. Kalithea is known for the cave setting, and even if you do not snorkel the whole time, the water around these areas is usually the star of the show.

4-hour option: Kalithea Caves, Kalami Beach, and Oasis Bay

Now you get three different moods of water. Expect a mix of cave area time plus calmer beach swimming. If you love snorkeling, more stops usually means more chances to get comfortable and find a rhythm.

Premium 6-hour option: Antony Quinn, Ladiko Bay, Kalithea Caves, Kalami Beach

This is the full “do the coast by sea” version. You get:

• Antony Quinn Bay
• Ladiko Bay
• Kalithea Caves
• Kalami Beach

More time usually means less rushing, and that is the difference between feeling tired at the end versus feeling like the day flew by.

The longer route in plain terms: what happens hour by hour

One full itinerary sequence looks like this, so you can picture the flow:

1) You start from Captain John at Kolona Harbour.

2) You get a snorkeling stop for about 1 hour.

3) Then Kalami Beach for about 1 hour, including snorkeling.

4) Next is Kallithea Springs, with aperitif, beer, wine, plus swimming and snorkeling for about 70 minutes.

5) You continue with Tasos beach for about 45 minutes of snorkeling.

6) Then Ladiko Bay, another 70-minute stop with aperitif, beer, wine, and swimming and snorkeling.

7) Finally, you return to Captain John at Kolona Harbour.

What I like about this pacing is that you are not trying to snorkel all day like it is a class. There are rest moments built in between anchor points, and each stop is long enough that you can change plans mid-swim if the water feels better at one area than another.

A small consideration: more snorkeling stops can be tiring in the sun. If your group includes kids or people who prefer relaxed swimming, choose the shorter route or plan for more breaks between swims.

Kalami Beach and Kalithea: the classic swim-and-snorkel combo

When you go to Kalami Beach, the trip becomes a quick reward. It is a straightforward swim stop, and it gives you a chance to get comfortable in the water early in the day.

Then Kalithea adds variety. The cave setting around Kalithea Caves and Kallithea Springs tends to feel special because the geography changes what the water looks like, and that makes snorkeling more interesting. Even if you are not a confident snorkeler, you can still enjoy the scenery and float time around the boat.

One practical tip: start easy at the first water stop. Get your bearings, try the snorkeling gear once, and then decide whether to extend your swim time at later coves.

Oasis Bay and Antony Quinn Bay: when the day turns into a photo-free vacation

The routes that include Oasis Bay and Antony Quinn options are basically the “calm meets iconic” segment of the cruise. You get scenery that looks like postcards, but the experience is still about doing, not just looking.

This matters because Rhodes can be busy on land. A private boat day shifts your attention back to water, wind, and cooling down. If you have ever been stuck in heat after sightseeing, you know how good it feels when you can swim again without walking anywhere.

If your priority is the most famous water setting, aim for the 6-hour option with Antony Quinn Bay included.

Ladiko Bay: the later stop that often feels like the best payoff

Ladiko Bay is one of the highlights listed for this cruise, and it also appears in the longer itinerary with swimming and snorkeling for about 70 minutes, plus aperitif, beer, wine.

Late in the day, that kind of stop usually hits differently. Morning swims are exciting, but an afternoon swim is the one that helps you actually relax. By the time you reach Ladiko, you often know what your group prefers, and you can settle into a rhythm.

Snorkeling gear, noodles, and how to use them confidently

You get snorkeling gear included, and you are also provided swimming noodles. That combo is a smart one for mixed groups. It helps people who are more comfortable with floating still join in, and it gives beginners a safety-friendly way to feel relaxed.

I also found it reassuring that the crew is actively helpful. On one day, a guest accidentally jumped in with sunglasses on, and the crew provided flippers and a snorkel mask to retrieve them. That kind of quick, practical problem solving is the difference between a minor hiccup and a ruined moment.

If you are new to snorkeling, do not try to act like a pro. Use a slow pace. Keep your breathing steady. And give yourself permission to just float and enjoy the water while everyone else explores.

Food, drinks, and the real meaning of included aperitif time

The baseline inclusion is 2 soft drinks or 2 beers per person, plus water. On longer routes, the itinerary includes aperitif, beer, wine during stops like Kallithea Springs and Ladiko Bay.

In a practical sense, those included drinks do two things:

1) They make it easier to stay comfortable between swims

2) They turn anchor time into a relaxed social moment instead of a waiting period

Some reviews also mention extra treats like snacks, fruits, and pastries during the day. Even if you are expecting only what is listed as included, the drink setup alone usually keeps the mood light and friendly.

The vibe on the Captain John: shade, sun, music, and being looked after

Comfort on a boat sounds simple, but it changes the day. Reviews mention a sunbathing area at the front and a shaded area at the back, which is huge in Rhodes heat.

You also get the feeling of a crew that talks to you, not at you. Guests described the captain as friendly, well informed, and prompt with updates on WhatsApp. That matters because you want to know where you are going and what to expect for the next swim window.

There is also a family-friendly tone. One review notes the cruise worked for a family with a teenager and someone with a physical disability, with the captain and nephew helping everyone feel safe and comfortable. You should still be mindful about restrictions listed for wheelchairs and strollers, but the overall atmosphere described is reassuring.

One small, real tip: bring sunglasses and sunscreen. The sun is strong when you are on open water, and you are often in direct light between stops.

What to bring, and what not to bring

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Beachwear

Not allowed:

• Alcohol and drugs
• Non-folding wheelchairs
• Non-folding strollers
• Electric wheelchairs

I recommend packing like it is a beach day plus water time, because that is what it becomes. Even though drinks are included, you still want your own sunscreen and towel so you are not stuck improvising.

Who this cruise is best for

This is a strong fit for:

• Small groups who want a private day rather than a crowded beach scene
• Families with kids who need clear swim windows and safety support from gear
• Couples or friends who want to do Rhodes’ best water spots with minimal logistics
• People who want a flexible route and do not want a strict “tour” feel

If you are the type who likes shore walks and museum stops, a private boat cruise might feel too focused. But if your priority is swimming, snorkeling, and cooling off, this is exactly the kind of day that makes Rhodes memorable.

Should you book this private boat for swimming in Rhodes?

If your idea of a great Rhodes day is simple, swim in clear water, snorkel where the coastline looks stunning, and relax with included drinks, then yes, I’d book it.

I would choose it especially if:

• You want a private group experience with a small-crew feel
• You plan to snorkel and want gear provided
• You want multiple swim stops without land travel stress
• Your group has mixed preferences and you want everyone to find their pace

One last decision helper: if you only have limited time, pick a shorter route and savor one or two perfect stops. If you want the full coast day feeling, go for the longer option that includes places like Antony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Bay. That is when the cruise starts to feel like a whole vacation inside one itinerary.