Rhodes: Bay to Bay Swim Cruise with Greek Buffet & Wine

Summary

Swim in turquoise bays, feast on deck, taste local wine

You’ll swim in three different bays around Rhodes — each one with its own vibe — snorkel at Anthony Quinn Bay with free gear, eat a full Greek buffet lunch right on deck (with local wine included), and hear stories from locals as you cruise between stops. Expect laughter, good food, salty air, and that lingering feeling of wanting just one more hour out there.

What’s the experience like?

Someone’s handing me a glass of chilled white wine before I’ve even found my spot on the cushioned bench. The wood under my bare feet is warm from the Rhodes sun, and there’s this low hum of Greek pop from the speakers — not too loud, just enough to set a mood. We’re gliding out of Mandraki Old Port, past those medieval walls that look like they could swallow you whole. Our guide points out where the Colossus once stood — just two deer statues now — and I’m squinting into the salt-bright light trying to picture it. Everyone’s quiet for a second, maybe thinking about ancient gods or maybe just sunscreen.

Kallithea Springs is our first stop. The water here has this weird reddish shimmer near the rocks (our guide says it’s been famous for healing since forever), and I can smell something mineral in the air. Swimming here wakes you up fast — it’s colder than I expected but clean in a way that makes your skin tingle. Some folks wander off to see those old Italian buildings tucked behind the palms; I just float for a while, listening to someone laughing in Greek nearby. It feels like time slows down when you’re bobbing in Aegean water.

Afandou Beach is next — pebbles instead of sand, which honestly hurts my feet but looks beautiful under the clear water. There’s a story about pirates attacking this place so many times people had to hide inland (our captain tells it half-serious while loading more bread for the fish). Lunch happens back on board: plates of stuffed vine leaves, feta, grilled veggies — all that good stuff — plus more local wine than anyone really needs at noon. Someone tries to say “thank you” in Greek and gets it wrong; everyone laughs, including the crew.

I wasn’t ready for Anthony Quinn Bay. The cliffs are high and dramatic, and when you jump in (yes, I did), thousands of tiny fish swarm around your legs if you toss them bread from the boat. Snorkeling gear is free to use; I fumble with mine but still catch flashes of blue and silver below. On deck later, there’s music and someone starts dancing near the bar as we drift past Ladiko Bay — apparently named after olive oil jars lost from old ships. The sun feels heavy by then; everything smells like sea spray and grilled cheese.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise

• Cruise out of Mandraki Old Port
• View Rhodes Medieval Walls and Old Town
• Pass by Colossus of Rhodes site
• Stop at Kallithea Springs for swim
• Travel to Afandou Beach
• Explore Afandou area and caves
• Enjoy Greek buffet lunch on board
• Stop at Anthony Quinn Bay for snorkeling
• Pass by Ladiko Bay
• Pass by Faliraki Beach on return
• Return to Rhodes port, Mandraki

Top questions

How long does the Rhodes bay to bay swim cruise last?

The tour covers several stops over most of the day; each swimming stop lasts about an hour or slightly longer at Afandou Beach.

Is lunch included on this Rhodes boat cruise?

Yes, a Greek buffet lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free options is included along with local white and rosé wine.

Are snorkeling masks provided during the cruise?

Yes, complimentary snorkeling equipment (masks and snorkels) are available for all guests onboard.

Which bays do we visit on this Rhodes swim cruise?

The main stops are Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay; you also pass by Ladiko Bay and Faliraki Beach.

Is this boat tour suitable for kids or people with limited mobility?

The cruise is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels; infants can ride in strollers or sit on laps.

Does the price include drinks?

Bottled water plus local white and rosé wine are included; extra cocktails or coffee are available at friendly prices during happy hour at the bar.

Can I join via public transportation?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby Mandraki Old Port where the tour departs.

What’s included

Your day includes swimming stops at Kallithea Springs, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay; use of snorkeling gear; bottled water; showers onboard; a full Greek buffet lunch with vegetarian and gluten-free choices; unlimited local white and rosé wine during lunch; comfortable seating throughout both decks; life jackets and pool noodles for extra safety; plus friendly crew who share stories as you sail back toward Rhodes port.