Three Rhodes coves and unlimited drinks.

This all-inclusive Cherry Catamaran day trip turns Mandraki Harbour into a floating beach club, with Greek lunch and drinks plus time to snorkel and paddle around Rhodes. You sail the east coast, then slow down at the good spots so you’re swimming instead of rushing.

I especially like the long, swim-first stops at Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko. I also like that lunch is properly done on board, with salads, pasta, dolmadakia, olives, feta spreads, chicken, and freshly baked bread.

One thing to plan for: the captain may adjust the route and swimming stops for weather and safety. On a windy day, the itinerary can feel different even though the vibe stays relaxed.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Anthony Quinn Bay for emerald water and film-famous scenery
• Kallithea Springs with its distinctive Vatican-style structures and strong snorkeling potential
• Greek lunch on board with multiple salad options and chicken, plus breads and dips
• Water toys provided: paddleboards, snorkel gear, floating noodles, life jackets
• Drinks flow all day, including beer and local wine with lunch and snacks
• Small-group feel on many departures (often around 20 people), so sunbathing space stays comfortable

Getting Out of Mandraki and Into Catamaran Mode

You start at Sea Rhodes Cruises & Daily Tours in Mandraki Harbour. Arrive about 20 minutes early so you can check in calmly and get settled before departure.

From there, the mood shifts fast. This isn’t a bus tour where you spend most of your time looking at water from the shore. It’s a 6-hour Rhodes catamaran cruise designed for hanging on deck, then hopping in for swims when the scenery is at its best.

The boat itself is part of why the day works. It’s spacious enough that you’re not constantly fighting for shade or crawling over bags. There’s also an outdoor shower onboard, which sounds small until you’ve been in the sea and you want to rinse off before food and drinks.

Price and Value: What $82 Buys You at Sea

At $82 per person for a 6-hour outing, the math is usually about whether you’d otherwise pay separately for boat time, lunch, and drinks.

Here, the ticket covers:

• A welcome drink and a traditional Rhodian honey treat (melekouni)
• A proper Mediterranean lunch with salads, dips (including tzatziki and roasted eggplant spread), dolmadakia, olives and feta, plus chicken, rice, and bread
• Water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer
• Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards, plus floating noodles and life jackets

If you’ve ever bought lunch on the island and then paid again for a few drinks, the value starts making sense. This is the kind of trip where the onboard extras reduce decision fatigue: you don’t have to plan where to eat, what to order, or how to fit it around swimming.

The one “cost” to note is weather. Because the captain may modify the route, you’re paying for the experience, not for a fixed set of swim moments every single day.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Emerald Water and Film-Famous Views

Your first big swim stop is Anthony Quinn Bay. This is the beach people keep bringing up because the water is genuinely beautiful and the setting feels wild and natural, with lush vegetation around it.

There’s also a story layer. The bay became famous after being used for parts of the film The Guns of Navarone. Anthony Quinn fell for the place, and that connection is baked into the way the crew talks about it.

Practically, the stop is long enough to do the whole routine:

• Swim whenever you want
• Snorkel around to see fish near the boat
• Use the paddleboard if you want a workout (standing on one in open water is not always graceful)
• Take a slow break and just watch the coastline

What to watch for: water shoes can be useful even on nicer coves. One rider noted a tougher walking section in a small-cave stop on the route, with sharper rocks. You might not need them every time, but they’re a safe pack if you’re the type who hates the “barefoot on rocks” surprise.

The Lunch-and-Drinks Stop at Ladiko Bay

Next up is Ladiko Bay, where the day shifts into full relaxation mode. This is where you get a proper portion of your onboard lunch and more time in the water.

The lunch spread is the kind of meal that actually fuels swimming:

• Traditional Greek salad and green salad
• Potato salad and pasta salad
• Dolmadakia
• Olives and feta cheese
• Assorted dips: tzatziki, roasted eggplant spread, and feta spread
• Chicken, rice, and freshly baked bread
• Fresh seasonal fruit

And yes, drinks matter here. Beer and local wine are part of the mix, along with soft drinks and water. The crew regularly offers drinks so you don’t have to wander for refills.

The Ladiko timing is long enough to make it feel unhurried. You get a swim window that works whether you’re:

• a confident swimmer who wants multiple dips
• a casual wader who enjoys floating and cooling off
• a snorkeler who prefers to go slow and watch

If you’re sensitive to cold or wind, plan for it. One person mentioned it was cold and windy in October but they still made the most of it. That matches reality: the sea can feel cooler once you’re out of the harbor.

Kallithea Springs: Vatican-Style Structures and Snorkeling Coves

The final anchor point is Kallithea Springs. This bay is known for its Vatican-style structures, which give the shoreline a distinctive look compared with the more natural coves earlier in the trip.

This stop is also a standout for snorkeling. The water here is clear enough that snorkeling feels like a real activity, not just a box-check.

You’ll have time to:

• Swim and snorkel
• Use equipment like canoes (listed as canoeing on this stop) and paddle around when conditions allow
• Enjoy the view from the boat and then go back in again

If you like photos, this is where the scenery helps. If you like actual swimming, you’ll probably spend more time in the water here than you expect, especially once you see how the fish and seafloor show up near the boat.

One practical tip: if you have your own snorkel mask or swim goggles, bring them. The trip includes snorkeling gear, but equipment quality can vary. A couple people reported an equipment issue on their day, and it’s a small thing you can prevent by packing your own mask if you’re picky.

What the Crew and Onboard Vibe Are Like

The experience lives or dies by the crew, and this one leans strongly positive. The staff is friendly and attentive, with a relaxed rhythm that still keeps things moving: drinks show up, the meal happens on time, and you’re not left wondering what to do.

On some departures, you might see crew members like Summer and Elli taking good care of people. That matters because it’s not just politeness. It’s knowing when to check in and when to let you chill.

You’ll also notice the group size feel. Even though the boat can handle more, many trips run with a smaller headcount (around 20 people in some experiences). That helps with:

• finding deck space
• getting to the water area without crowding
• keeping the day calm instead of chaotic

Music and a light, social tone are common too, so it works for couples and friends, not just solo swimmers.

Safety-wise, life jackets are provided, and the crew can stop serving alcohol to anyone who’s excessively intoxicated. That’s the right kind of control on a day where you’re dealing with sun, wind, and saltwater.

The Real Itinerary Feeling: Sailing Legs vs Swim Time

Even though the total outing is 6 hours, it doesn’t feel like a long slog. The trip balances cruising stretches with swim windows.

A few timing patterns matter for your comfort:

• There are longer sailing stretches (like the main sightseeing cruise) where you can settle in and enjoy the view.
• Then you get bigger swim blocks that let you do multiple dips instead of a rushed one-and-done jump.
• Between bays, the boat moves relatively quickly, which keeps energy up and prevents long boredom stretches.

One smart thing about this structure is that you’ll never feel like you’re waiting forever for the next swim. It’s also easier on your body: you’re not stuck in hot sun for hours without a break, because the boat ride and onboard shade keep things manageable.

For the deck plan: if you want shade, pick your spot early. Several people noted there’s shaded area and netting near the front, which helps when the sun is strong.

What to Bring (So You Enjoy Every Swim Stop)

The trip is built for water time, but pack smart so you don’t spend the day uncomfortable.

Bring:

• Sunglasses
• Sun hat
• Swimwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen

Extra practical add-ons (not required, just helpful):

• Water shoes if you’re nervous about rocky walking sections near certain stops
• A light layer if you’re going in shoulder seasons. People have mentioned wind and cold, especially in October.

Also, bring a mindset for the sea. Even when conditions are fine, catamarans can move. The crew does their part to keep it easy, but you’ll still want sunscreen and hydration as your baseline.

Should You Book This Rhodes Catamaran Escape?

If your goal is a classic Rhodes east-coast day at sea with real swimming time, this is an easy yes. It’s a strong fit if you want:

• the big-name bays without the hassle of renting a boat
• lunch and drinks already handled
• snorkeling and paddleboard time built into the schedule
• a small-group feel where you’re not buried in people

I’d think twice if you’re the type who hates schedule changes or you’re highly weather-sensitive. Since the captain can modify route and swimming stops for safety, you’re booking a fun day, not a promise of exact conditions.

For most people, though, the value is hard to ignore. For $82, you’re getting a full day formula: coast views, multiple coves, onboard food, and the water gear to actually enjoy it.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the catamaran?

You meet at the desk in Mandraki Harbour. Plan to arrive about 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What bays will the trip visit?

The catamaran visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs.

What food is included on board?

Lunch includes Greek salad, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad, dolmadakia, olives and feta, assorted dips like tzatziki and roasted eggplant spread, chicken, rice, freshly baked bread, plus fresh seasonal fruit.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The trip includes water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer, plus a welcome drink.

Is snorkeling gear and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are included, along with floating pool noodles and life jackets.

How long do you spend at each bay?

Anthony Quinn Bay is about 1.5 hours, Ladiko Bay about 80 minutes, and Kallithea Springs about 1 hour.

Can the captain change the route?

Yes. The captain can modify the route and swimming stops for weather conditions and safety reasons, and you’ll be informed as soon as possible.

What cancellation options are available?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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