Rhodes: Bay to Bay Swim Cruise with Greek Buffet and Wine

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is simple: you spend the day moving between three beautiful bays without repacking a beach bag or finding a new taxi. The Romantika Dreams leaves Mandraki Port, anchors at Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay, and gives you about an hour at each stop for swimming, snorkeling, or relaxing on deck.

I like the generous swimming time and the fact that masks, pool noodles, and life vests are supplied. I also like the Greek buffet with local white and rosé wine, served onboard rather than handed out as a token snack. The main thing to consider is that the boat stays offshore. If you want to walk straight onto each beach, this is not that sort of cruise. You need to swim from the boat to shore.

Key details before you book

• Three one-hour swim stops: Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach near the Traganou Caves, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
• A proper lunch onboard: Greek recipes, vegetarian choices, and stated vegan and gluten-free options.
• Wine is included: Local white and rosé wine, plus water. Cocktails, beer, champagne, and other bar drinks cost extra.
• A social boat atmosphere: Music, an upper deck, friendly service, and the chance to join in with Greek dancing on the return trip.
• Bring a towel and sun protection: You can swim from the boat, but you cannot simply step ashore at every stop.
• Good value at $69: Six hours, lunch, equipment, and wine make this a strong choice for an easy Rhodes beach day.

Starting at Mandraki Port with Rhodes in view

Meet the crew at Mandraki Port, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace. Look for blue shorts and red striped shirts. Boarding begins from 9:45 a.m., with departure at 10:15 a.m., and the boat returns at about 4:15 p.m.

The opening cruise gives you a useful view of Rhodes Town from the water. As the Romantika Dreams follows the east coast, you pass St. Nicholas Fortress, the Medieval Old City, the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, Fontana Grande, and Rams Rock. You will not be stopping for a formal city tour, so think of this stretch as a scenic introduction rather than a history lesson.

Two decks give you room to choose your preferred pace. Sit low if you want easier access to the water, or head upstairs for more sun, breeze, music, and open views. The higher deck also has a bar. Some people spend most of the day in the water, while others make a comfortable seat their base and treat the cruise as a floating picnic.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, but the swimming format matters. Since it anchors away from shore, getting to a beach or cave involves swimming. That makes the cruise practical for people who can manage boat access but less suitable if you need step-free access from the boat directly onto land.

Kallithea Bay and the springs

The first stop is Kallithea Bay, where the famous Kallithea Springs sit beside the sea. The springs are known for their old seaside buildings and a setting that combines architecture, history, and rocky coastline. From the water, you get a different angle than you would from a road visit.

The boat stays at anchor for roughly an hour. You can use the supplied mask, look for marine life, swim around the boat, or use a pool noodle and simply float. If you are not keen on open water, the lower and upper decks offer an easy alternative. You do not have to swim at every stop to enjoy the day.

Kallithea is a good first stop because it eases you into the rhythm of the cruise. The crew signals departure with three horn blasts, so keep an ear out if you have gone a little farther from the boat. You are responsible for returning in time, and the boat does not wait for a leisurely shore stroll.

Passing Faliraki and Ladiko Bay

After Kallithea, the Romantika Dreams continues south past Faliraki and Ladiko Bay. These are sightseeing sections rather than scheduled swimming stops. You can remain on deck, watch the coast slide past, and let lunch preparations happen behind the scenes.

This is one of the quiet strengths of the trip. The route does not try to fill every minute with a speech or activity. You get stretches of open cruising between swims, which gives your shoulders a break and makes the six-hour schedule feel less rushed.

The music is part of the atmosphere. It is not a silent sightseeing boat, and the sound system remains active during the cruise. That suits a social day out, especially on the return trip, but it may not suit you if you want a quiet boat ride. The mood can shift toward singing and dancing, with the crew sometimes teaching the Greek Zorba dance.

Afandou Beach and the Traganou Caves

The second major stop is Afandou, a long beach area associated with the Caves of Traganou. The boat anchors offshore for another hour, giving you time to swim, snorkel, jump from the lower or higher deck, or make your way toward the beach and caves if you are a confident swimmer.

The coastline here gives the stop a little more variety than a simple swim in open water. You can look toward the long beach, inspect the rocky formations, and use the water as your main path. A waterproof phone pouch or camera is worth packing if you want pictures from the water. One practical tip is to keep your phone secured before leaving your seat, since there is no easy dry landing once you enter the sea.

While you swim, the crew sets out lunch. This timing works well because you return with an appetite, and the buffet is ready after the water stop. The meal includes traditional Greek-style dishes and vegetarian options. The supplied details also state that vegan and gluten-free choices are available, but tell the crew about dietary needs when you board rather than waiting until the buffet opens.

The food is one of the strongest reasons to choose this cruise over a basic boat ride. It is not merely a packet of snacks. Expect a casual buffet rather than a restaurant meal, with dishes such as Greek salad, roasted vegetables, bread, and a prepared hot dish among the foods served on some sailings. The exact menu can change.

Lunch, wine, and the onboard bar

Lunch is served onboard, with local white and rosé wine included. Water is also provided. The wine service is generous, and the crew may refill glasses or carafes as you settle in after swimming. That makes the price feel more reasonable, particularly if you were already planning to buy lunch and drinks during a beach day.

Do keep the drink policy clear. The included package specifically covers local white wine, rosé wine, and water. The bar sells other drinks, including cocktails and champagne, at additional cost. Some recent cruise feedback also mentions beer and soft drinks, but I would not book on the assumption that those are included. Ask the crew when you board if that matters to your budget.

The lunch setting is informal and social. You eat on deck, with the sea and rocks around you, rather than at a fixed table in a dining room. That is part of the appeal, though it also means wind and sun can affect the meal. A light cardigan is sensible. The boat can feel breezy, even on a warm Rhodes day.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the scenic finale

Anthony Quinn Bay is the final swimming stop, and it is usually the most dramatic setting of the three. The small cove is framed by rocky slopes and clear water, with a more enclosed feel than the longer Afandou shoreline. It takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who fell in love with the area while filming The Guns of Navarone and bought land there. The Greek government reclaimed it in 1984.

This stop is especially good for mask-and-snorkel time. Fish can gather near the boat, particularly when small pieces of bread enter the water, so look beneath the surface around the rocky edges. You may also see people using the boat’s jumping points, while others remain on deck with a drink and watch the action.

The cove is small, which is part of its charm and part of its limitation. It can feel lively when several boats are present, and you should not expect a private beach experience. The boat’s schedule gives you about an hour, enough for a good swim but not enough for an unhurried shore visit, lunch, and long exploration.

After the final swim, the cruise back to Mandraki becomes the most social part of the day. Music picks up, the bar is open, and the mood may turn into a small party. If you prefer quiet, sit away from the sound system or use the return leg to enjoy the coastline and rest.

What $69 really covers

At $69 per person, this is a strong-value day if you want several swimming locations in one outing. The fee includes the six-hour cruise, three snorkel stops, Greek buffet lunch, local white and rosé wine, water, masks, pool noodles, and life vests. You are also paying for the convenience of having a crew handle the route, food, and equipment.

Compare that with arranging separate transport to Kallithea, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay. You would need to pay for taxis or rental transport, organize beach time yourself, and buy lunch and drinks. The cruise will not suit everyone, but for a relaxed group day it puts a lot into one price.

The value is strongest for people who will actually use the swimming stops and wine service. If you do not drink wine and plan to remain dry on deck, the price still covers lunch, boat access, views, and music, but the package is less of a bargain. Additional bar drinks can raise your final spend, so decide ahead of time how much you want to add.

The cruise has a rating of 4.8 from 187 reviews, and the most consistent praise centers on the crew, food, swimming time, and value. Those are also the parts I would use to judge it. It is not a luxury yacht charter or a quiet sailing trip. It is a friendly, full-day boat outing with a practical package and a party edge.

Who will enjoy the Romantika Dreams most

You should consider this cruise if you want:

• Three different Rhodes bays without arranging your own transport.
• About an hour at each swimming stop instead of quick photo pauses.
• A social boat with music, wine, and an upbeat return journey.
• A casual Greek lunch included in the price.
• Swimming aids and snorkel masks available without a separate rental.
• A day that works for both active swimmers and people who prefer to relax on deck.

It works well for couples, friends, and families with older children who are comfortable in open water. Beginners can use a life vest or pool noodle, and you can stay close to the boat. Still, the crew cannot turn an offshore anchor stop into a walk-on beach visit, so non-swimmers need to be comfortable remaining onboard.

You should think twice if your priority is a quiet cruise, a private cove, or a guided history tour. The landmark views are pleasant, but the main purpose is swimming, food, drinks, and social time. Also check the weather before leaving. The boat can be breezy, and the water may feel more demanding than a sheltered hotel pool.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive ready to board rather than treating the port as a place to buy last-minute beach supplies. Wear comfortable shoes for the boat, bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, and sunscreen. A waterproof phone pouch is one of the most useful extras you can pack.

Ask for the snorkel equipment early. It is available behind the bar, and collecting it before the first stop saves time. The cruise provides masks, pool noodles, and life vests, but your own well-fitting mask may be preferable if you have one.

Keep a dry layer handy for the return journey. Even in strong sun, the moving boat creates a cool breeze. You may also want a small bag that closes securely, since the boat’s movement and spray are not kind to loose phones, cameras, or paper tickets.

If you have food restrictions, tell the crew when you arrive. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are listed as available, but early notice gives the kitchen a better chance to serve you comfortably.

Booking is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though an extra-fee option is available.

Should you book this Rhodes cruise?

I would book the Romantika Dreams if you want a good-value swimming day with three scenic stops, an included Greek buffet, and a friendly onboard atmosphere. The one-hour stops are long enough to make each bay feel worthwhile, and the supplied gear helps beginners join in.

I would skip it if you want direct beach access, a silent sailing experience, or a small private group. The boat anchors offshore, the music can become lively, and other people are part of the experience. For most visitors who want an easy Rhodes day on the water, though, $69 buys a well-filled schedule, good food, and plenty of time to swim.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes Bay to Bay cruise depart?

It departs from Mandraki Port, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace in Rhodes Town. The crew wears blue shorts and red striped shirts.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts six hours. Boarding begins from 9:45 a.m., departure is scheduled for 10:15 a.m., and arrival back at Mandraki Port is about 4:15 p.m.

Which bays does the boat visit?

The cruise stops at Kallithea Bay, Afandou Beach near the Traganou Caves, and Anthony Quinn Bay. It passes Faliraki and Ladiko Bay during the route.

Can I reach the beaches from the boat?

The boat anchors in each bay, and you need to swim to reach the shore. You can also remain onboard and swim around the boat or relax on deck.

Are lunch and drinks included?

A Greek buffet, water, and local white and rosé wine are included. Other bar drinks, such as cocktails and champagne, cost extra. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free food choices are available.

What equipment is supplied?

The cruise provides snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests. Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, a hat, and sunscreen.