Rhodes: Sea Kayaking Tour Anthony Quinn Bay & Picnic Lunch

Summary

Kayak Rhodes coastline swim Anthony Quinn Bay snorkel cave lunch

You’ll paddle along Rhodes’ wild coastline with a small group and local guide, stopping to swim and snorkel in Anthony Quinn Bay’s clear water. Explore a sea cave, then share a traditional Greek picnic lunch right on the sand before heading back by kayak. Expect salty air, laughter, and moments you’ll remember long after you’ve rinsed off the salt.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll get wet,” our guide Yiannis grinned, handing me a paddle at Kathara Beach. I was still fiddling with my life vest when he pointed out the line of kayaks wobbling in the shallows — mine looked suspiciously like it had seen some things. The water was so clear I could see my toes pressing against the sand, and someone behind me joked about dropping their sunglasses right there. We set off along Rhodes’ east coast, paddling past rocks that looked almost baked by the sun, with little fishing boats bobbing nearby. The salt stuck to my lips straight away — not unpleasant, just sharp and real.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get out on the water. Except for Yiannis calling back stories about Anthony Quinn filming here (he did an impression that made us all laugh), it was mostly just the sound of paddles dipping and that hollow echo when we drifted into a sea cave. The walls inside were cool and damp — I ran my hand along one and came away smelling faintly of seaweed. When we reached Anthony Quinn Bay, we jumped straight from our kayaks into water so blue it looked fake. Snorkeling felt like floating in a postcard; tiny silver fish darted around my ankles. I lost track of time until someone called “lunch!” from shore.

The picnic wasn’t fancy but honestly tasted better than most restaurant meals — feta wrapped in paper, tomatoes so ripe they burst, something sweet I still can’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried). Sitting on a towel with sand stuck to my calves, eating and talking with people I’d only just met, felt strangely grounding. Maybe it was just hunger or maybe it was being far from any road or crowd for once — either way, I keep thinking about that hour on the beach.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sea kayaking and snorkeling tour

• Start at Kathara Beach
• Learn kayaking basics
• Paddle along East Coast
• Admire rock formations and sea colors
• Visit a sea cave
• Swim and snorkel in Mediterranean
• Enjoy traditional Greek picnic lunch
• Return along the coast

Top questions

How long is the Rhodes sea kayaking tour?

The tour covers about 9.5 km (5.1 nautical miles) with 2.5 to 3 hours of paddling.

Where does the kayaking tour in Rhodes start?

The tour begins at Kathara Beach in Faliraki.

Is hotel pickup included for this Rhodes kayaking tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available as an option when booking.

Can children join the sea kayaking tour?

Children aged 10-13 can join if booked under the Family Option with an accompanying adult; youths 14+ can join other options.

What should I bring for the kayaking trip?

You should bring your own personal water bottle; all kayaking and snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is lunch included during the Rhodes kayak tour?

Yes, a traditional Greek picnic lunch is included on a local beach during the tour.

Do I need prior kayaking experience?

No experience is needed; guides provide instruction before starting.

What’s special about Anthony Quinn Bay?

The bay is famous for its scenery and its connection to actor Anthony Quinn during filming of ‘The Guns of Navarone’.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup if you want it, full use of sea kayaking and snorkeling equipment (with dry bags for your things), safe storage for valuables while you’re out paddling, plenty of potable water (just bring your own bottle), plus a traditional Greek picnic lunch shared on a quiet beach before heading back along Rhodes’ coast.