Rhodes: Stand Up Paddle & Snorkel Tour with Secret Coves

Summary

Rhodes paddle adventure from Stegna village to hidden coves

You’ll paddle out from Stegna with a local guide, exploring secret coves only reachable by sea. Expect calm waters, time for snorkeling among bright fish, and snacks shared under the sun. Whether you’re new to stand up paddle or just want a relaxed day on the water, there’s plenty of laughter—and maybe a surprise or two—you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

Ever tried standing up on water? I hadn’t, not really, so when we met at the little SUP center in Stegna—a sleepy spot tucked under cliffs—I was half excited, half convinced I’d fall in. Our guide, Yannis, grinned and handed out boards like it was nothing. He said the sea was “like glass today,” which made me laugh because my knees were already wobbly. There was this faint smell of sunscreen and salt everywhere, and a couple of local kids were running around barefoot, yelling something in Greek that I couldn’t catch.

Paddling along the coast felt weirdly peaceful after a few minutes (even though I did sit down more than once). Yannis pointed out these rocky arches you’d never see from land—he called one “the dragon’s mouth” and dared us to paddle through it. The water changed color every few meters; sometimes so clear you could see pebbles twenty feet down. At one point we stopped near a small cove where the only sound was our boards bumping each other and someone’s nervous laugh before jumping off a low cliff. I’m not much for heights but the splash felt worth it.

We had time to float around or grab snorkels—there were tiny silver fish everywhere if you looked close enough. Someone brought fruit and a snack (I still remember how sweet that orange tasted after swimming), and honestly, nobody seemed in any rush to leave. The sun was starting to get high by then but the breeze off the sea kept it comfortable. On the way back, Yannis snapped a few photos of us looking slightly ridiculous but happy—I guess that’s what you want from a day trip in Rhodes, right?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stand Up Paddle and Snorkel Adventure

• Meet at SUP center in Stegna
• Warm-up and SUP introduction
• Paddle along cliff-lined coast
• Discover secret sea-accessible spots
• Relax on board and cliff jump
• Swim or snorkel in clear water
• Enjoy provided light snack

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Rhodes SUP tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available from several locations on Rhodes.

Do I need experience for stand up paddle boarding?

No previous experience is needed; an introduction is provided at the start.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is at the SUP center in Stegna village on Rhodes’ east coast.

Are snorkel gear and wetsuits provided?

Yes, all necessary equipment including snorkel gear and wetsuits are included.

Is lunch included during the activity?

A light snack and fruit are provided during the tour.

Can children join this SUP & snorkel adventure?

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; recommended minimum age is 12.

How long before does pickup start?

Pickup begins about one hour before the activity starts; exact time is emailed beforehand.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if needed, all stand up paddle boarding equipment plus wetsuit and life vest, use of snorkel and mask for exploring underwater spots, an introduction to paddling basics with your local guide, plus light snacks and fruit along the way—plus souvenir photos so you don’t have to worry about your phone getting wet.