Rhodes: Day Cruise to Anthony Quinn Bay & Kalithea Springs

Summary

Traditional boat cruise in Rhodes with swimming, snorkeling, lunch and wine

You’ll drift along Rhodes’ coast by traditional boat, swim and snorkel in Anthony Quinn Bay’s clear water, relax at quiet Afandou Beach, and enjoy a fresh Greek lunch with wine on board. Friendly guides share local stories while you soak up sun or try a cocktail at Kalithea Springs—don’t be surprised if you find yourself wishing for just one more hour at sea.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the sound — ropes creaking against the old wooden boat as we left Marina Mandraki. Someone nearby was already laughing about sunscreen, and the air smelled faintly salty but also a bit like engine oil (not in a bad way, just honest). Our guide Dimitris waved from the bow, calling out something about “Anthony Quinn Bay” — I didn’t realize until later that it’s named after the actor from Zorba. The water there looked almost fake, all turquoise and glassy. I dropped my snorkel mask twice before figuring it out. Fish everywhere — tiny flashes of silver darting past my knees.

Afandou Beach was quieter than I expected. There were maybe two other boats in the distance and a couple of locals fishing from shore. The sand felt warm even through my towel. Lunch came out just as I started to get hungry: chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad piled high with olives (I ate more than my share), bread still soft in the middle. Dimitris poured us red wine and told us how his grandfather used to fish these same waters — he even showed us an old photo on his phone. It felt oddly intimate for a group trip.

I tried one of those cocktails at Kalithea Springs — not included but honestly worth it if you’re tempted. Swimming here felt different; the water clearer somehow, and there was this weird silence under the surface except for your own bubbles. By then people were sunburnt or sleepy or both. We lounged on deck with fruit and coffee as we sailed back toward Rhodes town. I kept thinking about that first glimpse of Anthony Quinn Bay — it’s hard to explain but it stuck with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Rhodes day cruise with swimming and lunch

• Depart Marina Mandraki at 10:00am
• Sail to Anthony Quinn Bay
• Swim and snorkel 50 minutes
• Sail to Afandou Beach
• Swim, snorkel, and relax 50 minutes
• Enjoy lunch buffet with wine
• Sail to Kalithea Springs
• Swim and snorkel 50 minutes
• Return to Marina Mandraki by 15:30

Top questions

How long is the Rhodes day cruise?

The cruise lasts about 5.5 hours, departing at 10:00am and returning around 3:30pm.

Are drinks included on the Rhodes day cruise?

Yes, bottled water, beer, white and red wine are included. Cocktails are available for purchase separately.

Is lunch provided during the cruise?

Yes, a buffet lunch with chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad, tzatziki, ntolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), olives and bread is included.

Do they provide snorkeling equipment?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for guests to use at each swimming stop.

Which beaches does the cruise visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and Kalithea Springs for swimming and snorkeling.

Is pickup from hotels included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests depart from Marina Mandraki port in Rhodes town.

Are children allowed on this cruise?

Yes; infants and small children can ride in prams or strollers and specialized infant seats are available.

Is there WiFi on board?

Yes, WiFi is available during the cruise.

What’s included

Your day includes sailing from Marina Mandraki aboard a traditional wooden boat with stops for swimming and snorkeling at Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach and Kalithea Springs. Enjoy use of snorkel equipment plus a buffet lunch featuring chicken, rice, pasta, Greek salad with tzatziki and olives—alongside bread, fruit and unlimited bottled water or local beer and wine (cocktails extra). There’s WiFi on board if you need it; showers and restrooms are available too before returning to Rhodes town in the afternoon.