Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Rhodes’ east coast is at its best from the water, and this 2.5-hour RIB cruise gives you four scenic places to swim without using up an entire day. You’ll visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves, with time for snorkeling, cliff views, and a little sun on the boat.

I like the small groups, often just four to six people, and the thoughtful gear: masks, noodles, life jackets, and even waterproof phone cases. I also like the friendly hosting from captains such as Michael and Lazaros, who explain the stops and help less-confident swimmers. The main drawback is that the boat moves quickly and the stops are fairly short, usually around 25 minutes, so sea-sick passengers and anyone wanting a long beach day should plan carefully.

Key points to know before booking

• Four east-coast swim areas: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves give you several different settings in one short cruise.
• Small-group feel: The boat holds up to eight people, though many departures have had only four to six aboard.
• Helpful equipment: Snorkels, masks, noodles, buoyancy aids, life jackets, and waterproof phone cases are available.
• Captain Michael gets high marks: He is known for warm hosting, local stories, and helping nervous swimmers feel at ease.
• Optional pickup: Transport can be arranged from central points around Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, and Ammoudes.
• Good half-day value: At $64 per person, you get a boat trip, swim stops, soft drinks, and bottled cocktails without committing to a full-day outing.

Why this short Rhodes cruise works so well

The appeal is simple: you get the best parts of a sea outing without surrendering your whole afternoon. Large excursion boats can feel like floating buses, while a private charter costs far more. This trip sits in the useful middle ground, with a modern boat, a limited group, and enough time to see several coastal spots.

The cruise is operated by Adventure Rib Vip Cruises Rhodes. The boat is comfortably furnished, with a spacious deck for sitting or sunbathing, a restroom, and Wi-Fi. The small size also lets the captain stop in quieter places away from the largest boats when conditions and timing allow.

I would think of this as a swimming and scenery trip with some snorkeling, not a serious marine-life expedition. The clear water is the star, and you can expect fish around some of the bays. The focus is on enjoying the coast, hearing a little local background, and getting into the water several times.

The price is reasonable for what is included. At $64, you are paying for transport on the water, a captain, several swimming stops, drinks, and use of equipment. Optional pickup adds convenience, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town and do not want to arrange a taxi to the marina.

Meeting the boat near Stama restaurant

The main meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. If you choose pickup, the operator provides separate instructions for a central point near your hotel. Pickup areas include Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, and Ammoudes.

The land transfer has been a strong part of the experience for many people booking pickup. Drivers such as Harris or Harry have sometimes added scenic viewpoints on the way to the marina, although those photo stops are best treated as a welcome extra rather than a guaranteed part of the cruise.

Do not bring luggage or a large bag. Pack only what you need for the boat: swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and perhaps a small dry pouch for personal items. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, a sensible choice when you will be swimming in clear coastal water.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most famous coves. The name comes from the American actor Anthony Quinn, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby. The bay has a dramatic mix of rocky slopes, clear water, and tight curves that look particularly good from the sea.

The Guns of Navarone Pier offers one of the cruise’s best photo angles. From the water, you can take in the rugged shore and turquoise sea without dealing with a crowded beach viewpoint. Bring a phone case or use one of the waterproof cases supplied on board, since the best pictures may come from the water itself.

This is also one of the better places for snorkeling. Fish can gather around the boat, and the clear water makes it easier to spot them below the surface. The captain may provide a little food for the fish, which can bring them close, although wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

The itinerary allows substantial time around Anthony Quinn Bay, with the full schedule describing roughly two hours in this area and nearby swim locations. In practice, the cruise is divided among several stops, so do not assume you will spend two uninterrupted hours in one cove. That flexibility is useful because the captain can balance swimming, snorkeling, photos, and the sea conditions.

Ladiko, a quieter change of scene

Ladiko sits on the other side of the bay and gives you a different view of the same east-coast character. Here, you get more rocky edges, clear water, and a fine setting for a quick swim or a few minutes with a mask.

The boat lets you enter the water directly, which is more fun than walking into a crowded shore area. You can also remain on the deck if you prefer to dry off, take photographs, or simply watch the cliffs from the boat.

This stop suits confident swimmers, but the crew does not leave less-confident swimmers to manage alone. Noodles, buoyancy aids, and life jackets are available. One particularly useful detail is the captain’s patient approach with children and nervous adults. Michael has helped young swimmers build confidence, and one family described him encouraging a child to get into the water at a comfortable pace.

Still, the boat’s speed matters. One person with young children noted that the RIB can move quickly, and families should keep that in mind. The equipment helps once you are stopped, but a fast boat ride may not suit every small child or anyone sensitive to motion.

Traganou’s rocky shore and sea caverns

The cruise continues to Traganou, a gravel beach with a more rugged, open feel. The shore is rocky rather than soft and sandy, and the water is clear enough for swimming and snorkeling around the boat.

The appeal here is the natural rock. Hidden caverns and rough cliff edges create a wilder scene than the polished resort beaches. Depending on sea conditions, you may swim toward the cave openings or view them from the boat. Wear secure footwear if you plan to step onto the gravel beach, since the stones can be awkward underfoot.

This is one place where the short format is both good and limiting. You can see a lot in one outing, but you will not have time to explore every cave or linger on shore for an hour. The cruise is designed for a series of refreshing stops, not a slow coastal expedition.

Alikies caves, the final scenic stop

The Alikies caves are the lesser-known part of the route and may be the most atmospheric stop. The boat reaches a beach area near the caves, where you can enter the cave zone or stay on the beach and relax.

The caves give the final part of the cruise a sense of discovery without requiring a long hike. You get cliffs, rock openings, and clear water in one setting. It is also a good time to take photographs because you have already become comfortable with the boat and the swimming gear.

The final stop can feel brief. One person who enjoyed the cruise especially wanted more time at the last bay, where the fish and scenery were particularly appealing. If you already know you prefer one place over several, a private charter with a custom schedule may suit you better. For most people, the variety is the point.

What is included on the boat

The boat is arranged for comfort rather than formal luxury. You have deck space, seating, a restroom, and Wi-Fi. Drinks include soft drinks and bottled cocktails, although one past departure provided fizzy drinks and water instead of cocktails, so do not book this solely for the alcoholic refreshment.

Snorkel masks and tubes are supplied, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids. Waterproof phone cases are a particularly useful extra. They let you take pictures near the boat without risking your own case or phone, though you should still secure your device carefully.

Towels are not included. Bring your own, along with biodegradable sunscreen. There is no room for large luggage, and personal expenses beyond the listed refreshments are your responsibility.

The crew can also play your own music, which adds a relaxed, personal feel on a small boat. Keep the volume considerate, since the group is sharing the space.

Captain Michael, Lazaros, and the human side of the trip

The boat matters, but the captain matters more. Michael is the name most often associated with this cruise, and his role goes beyond steering. He explains the coastal sights, checks that everyone is comfortable, gives swimming advice, and helps children and nervous swimmers use the floats and life jackets.

Lazaros also receives warm praise for his hosting. The experience can feel almost like a private outing when only four or five people are aboard, and the captain has room to answer questions rather than repeat a fixed speech to a large crowd.

That personal attention is valuable for families and first-time snorkelers. A non-swimmer was able to enter the water with a life jacket and noodle, paddle toward shore, and return to the boat at a comfortable pace. You should still tell the captain about any concern before swimming, and you should never feel pressured to enter the water.

The English-language guiding is enough to explain the stops and safety information. This is not a multilingual cultural tour, and the history portion is light. You come for the sea, the caves, and the small-group service.

Timing, sea sickness, and who will enjoy it most

The trip lasts about 2.5 hours, usually in the afternoon. That timing works well if you want a sea outing that does not swallow an entire day. It also leaves room for a morning visit to Rhodes Old Town or a relaxed evening meal.

The main practical concern is sea sickness. A fast RIB can be more exposed and lively than a large cruise boat, especially when moving between bays. One person became sea sick but still received patient help from the captain. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the crew recommends, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider taking your usual remedy before departure.

I would recommend this cruise for:

• Couples wanting a scenic, social boat outing
• Families with children who are comfortable around water
• Small groups looking for a private-feeling experience
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want several short stops
• Visitors who prefer a half-day activity to a full-day cruise
• Nervous swimmers who would value floats and attentive support

I would be more cautious if you need wheelchair access, want a sandy beach day, dislike fast boat rides, or hope to spend a long time at one cove. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the boat has limited space for bulky belongings.

Is $64 good value for Rhodes?

At $64 per person, I consider this good value when you use the included equipment and take advantage of the small group. You are not simply paying for a transfer from one beach to another. The cost covers a captain, a modern boat, multiple coastal stops, swimming time, snorkeling equipment, drinks, and optional pickup in several resort areas.

The strongest value comes when the boat is carrying only four to six people. You get more personal attention and more space than on a large shared cruise. The maximum group size is eight, so it is worth checking the exact departure details if group size is important to you.

A full-day charter would give you more control, but it would cost much more. A large sightseeing boat may be cheaper, but you lose the intimate feel and quick access to smaller coves. This cruise is a sensible middle choice.

Should you book this Anthony Quinn Bay cruise?

Book it if you want clear water, several swim stops, and a friendly captain on a small boat. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and Alikies gives you plenty of scenery in a short period, while the floats and phone cases make the outing easier for families and casual snorkelers.

Skip it if you want a quiet, slow boat ride, a full day on the beach, or a guaranteed cocktail service. Also think twice if fast boat movement makes you uneasy.

For most people staying around Rhodes Town or the nearby east-coast resorts, this is a strong way to spend an afternoon. The rating of 4.8 from 341 bookings reflects the main strengths: excellent stops, a clean and comfortable boat, attentive captains, and a small-group setting that often feels more personal than the price suggests.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours, including the boat ride and swimming stops.

What places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area along Rhodes’ east coast.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $64 per person.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are listed as included. One past departure provided fizzy drinks and water instead of cocktails, so the exact selection may vary.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

Where is the meeting point?

The boat is moored at the port next to Stama restaurant.

Can children or non-swimmers join?

The equipment includes life jackets and noodles, and the captain can help less-confident swimmers. The boat’s fast movement should be considered when traveling with young children.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.