Rhodes Catamaran Cruise: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou & Kallithea

Summary

Sail Rhodes’ blue bays with lunch and swim stops all day

You’ll sail from Rhodes to Anthony Quinn Bay, stopping for swims in crystal-clear water before enjoying Mediterranean lunch at Afandou Beach. Snorkeling gear is included if you want to explore underwater caves. With friendly crew and plenty of cold drinks on board, this catamaran cruise leaves you sun-soaked and content — it’s more about feeling than sightseeing.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight bounced off Mandraki Harbor — almost too bright, like someone turned up the contrast. We climbed onto the catamaran just as a breeze picked up, and I could already smell sunscreen and coffee. Maria from the crew handed me a sandwich and grinned when I tried to say “kalimera.” It was early but there were already voices echoing across the water from other boats, so it felt like the whole island was waking up with us.

We drifted out toward Anthony Quinn Bay, which honestly looks unreal in photos but is even stranger in real life — the water’s this deep green-blue you can’t really describe. I jumped in before I could overthink how cold it might be (it wasn’t bad), and for a minute it was just bubbles and muffled laughter underwater. There were fins and masks for snorkeling, but I mostly floated on my back watching clouds. Someone pointed out a little cove where locals sometimes fish — our guide Yiannis said he used to come here as a kid. That made me smile for some reason.

Lunch happened at Afandou Beach, after another swim stop by these rocky caves that looked like something out of an old movie. The food was simple — grilled chicken, tomatoes that actually tasted like tomatoes, cold white wine — but maybe it’s just that everything tastes better when you’re salty and sun-warmed. At Kallithea Springs later on, I sat at the edge of the boat with my feet dangling in clear water, thinking about how easy it is to forget time when you’re out here. We headed back around four; everyone was quiet in that good way where you don’t need to talk much anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise with swimming stops

• Depart Mandraki Harbor at 10:00
• Enjoy breakfast snacks and cold drinks
• Swim and snorkel at Anthony Quinn Bay
• Sail to Afandou Beach
• Swim and have lunch at Afandou Beach
• Sail to Kalithea Bay while sunbathing
• Swim at Kalithea Bay
• Return to Mandraki Harbor around 16:00

Top questions

How long does the Rhodes catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours, departing at 10:00 and returning around 16:00.

Which beaches are visited on this day trip?

The tour visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, and Kallithea Springs.

Is lunch included during the catamaran cruise?

Yes, lunch is included along with breakfast snacks, fruits, soft drinks, white wine, beers, and water.

Are snorkeling equipment and restrooms available onboard?

Snorkeling gear is provided for guests and there is a restroom on board.

Is pickup from hotels included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; departure is from Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes town.

Is this cruise suitable for children or infants?

Yes, infants can ride in a stroller or pram and specialized infant seats are available.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the cruise.

Is this tour recommended for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular conditions.

What’s included

Your day includes breakfast sandwiches to start as you leave Mandraki Harbor, all drinks (soft drinks, beer, white wine), Mediterranean-style lunch at anchor near Afandou Beach, fresh fruit throughout the trip, use of snorkeling equipment for each swim stop at Anthony Quinn Bay and Kallithea Springs — plus there’s always bottled water handy and restrooms onboard for comfort between swims.