Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn’s Bay (Food & Drinks Included)

The best part of this Rhodes boat trip is simple: you reach three famous swimming bays in one day without arranging taxis, beach chairs, or separate restaurant stops. The boat stays about an hour at each cove, giving you time to swim, snorkel, sunbathe, or jump from the lower and upper decks.

I like the large wooden boat, which has bean bags, shaded seating, and room to spread out. I also like the food plan: a Mediterranean Greek buffet with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices, plus wine and beer listed as included.

The main thing to check before paying is the drink arrangement. One recent French review said only two glasses of local wine were included and other drinks cost extra. The route and boat description also appear to vary, so confirm the details if you are expecting a true sailing vessel or a particular bay.

Key points before you book

• Three one-hour swim stops: The main program visits Anthony Quinn’s Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs, though the detailed route may vary.
• A proper meal onboard: Expect a Mediterranean Greek buffet, local snacks, fruit, and welcome refreshments.
• Comfortable deck space: Bean bags, sun areas, shaded seating, and special jumping spots make this more than a basic transfer boat.
• Snorkeling equipment provided: You can snorkel from the boat, and kayaking is listed at Ladiko Bay.
• Six hours for $102: The value is strongest if you want swimming, lunch, drinks, and transport in one package.
• Check the inclusions carefully: Food and drinks are advertised as included, but one review reports that only two glasses of wine were free.

What this Rhodes cruise is really like

This is a relaxed day on the water, not a quiet private charter. You spend much of the trip moving between coves, with music playing and a crew serving food and drinks. The emphasis is on swimming and lounging rather than guided history or serious sailing.

The boat is described as large, wooden, and well cared for. That matters because six hours can feel long on a cramped vessel. You have places to sit or lie down, including bean bags, areas in the sun, and spots under shade. If you like to alternate between a swim and a lazy hour with a cold drink, the setup works well.

If you prefer silence, a small group, or a carefully timed sailing lesson, this may not be your best choice. One French passenger found the boat noisy, the swimming stops too long, and the food too basic. That is a fair warning: this is a social group outing, not a peaceful escape from other people.

Starting at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town

If you are not using hotel pickup, check in between 9:10 and 9:40 in the morning at the Half Price Tours office on Gallias Street 6, beside the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. You receive your boarding pass there before making your way to the boat.

The scheduled departure is around 10:00. A bus transfer of about 30 minutes appears in some booking options, but the basic cruise option does not include transport to the meeting point. If you are staying outside Rhodes Town, check your selected option carefully. Pickup and return are available for some hotels, but they are not part of the simple cruise ticket.

The harbor is a practical starting point for a day on the water. Arrive with your swimsuit already under your clothes if possible. The morning check-in is fairly early, and changing space onboard may be limited during the first part of the trip.

The cruise along Rhodes’ eastern coast

The first part of the outing is a scenic cruise, with roughly 40 minutes listed for the route toward the bays. This is when you settle into the boat, find your preferred seat, and look out at the coast from the water.

The boat has special spots on the lower and upper decks for jumping into the sea. That makes the trip appealing to confident swimmers, but you should use sensible judgment before jumping. The water may look calm from the deck, yet conditions and boat position can change.

Music is part of the atmosphere. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, and the boat is kept in good condition. Several strong ratings focus on the crew, clean facilities, roomy deck, and easygoing service. You should expect a cheerful group setting rather than a guide-led sightseeing tour packed with narration.

Anthony Quinn’s Bay and its clear water

Anthony Quinn’s Bay is one of the headline stops, and it earns its fame from the enclosed cove, rocky shore, and clear green water. The boat stays about an hour for swimming and snorkeling. That is enough time for a proper swim without turning the whole day into one long stop.

You can enter directly from the boat rather than walking onto a beach. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not have to pack a mask unless you prefer your own. The clear water can reveal fish and underwater rock formations, though visibility depends on the day.

This stop is best for people who want the famous view from the sea. It is less useful if you mainly want to sit on a sandy beach, since the experience centers on staying aboard and entering the water from the boat.

Ladiko Bay, lunch, and time to linger

Ladiko Bay is listed as another one-hour stop, with swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and the main meal onboard. Combining lunch with the swim stop is efficient. You can eat when you want, then return to the water instead of losing time traveling to a separate restaurant.

The food is described as a carefully selected buffet of Mediterranean Greek dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are included, which is helpful for a mixed group. Local snacks, fruit, and welcome refreshments are also listed.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is buffet food served on a busy boat, not a long restaurant meal. One negative account described the selection as basic and limited. For most people, the value lies in having a filling Greek-style lunch without leaving the boat, not in seeking a special culinary event.

The kayaking option adds variety, but the available details do not state how many kayaks there are or how long each person can use one. If kayaking is a major reason for booking, ask the operator before departure.

Kallithea Springs and the final swim

The program gives Kallithea Springs a later swim and snorkeling stop, with about an hour in the area. Kallithea is known for its seaside setting and historic spa complex, but this trip focuses on the water rather than a land visit. Do not expect time to tour the springs unless the crew specifically allows it.

The stop gives you one more chance to snorkel, swim, or rest on a bean bag. By this point, the relaxed pace can feel just right, especially if you have spent the afternoon moving between sun and water. It can also feel repetitive if you are not keen on swimming.

The advertised timetable places departure around 15:10 and return to the harbor around 16:00. Some other route details refer to Traganou Caves and Faliraki Bay instead of Ladiko, Kallithea, or Anthony Quinn’s Bay. Because the supplied descriptions do not match perfectly, confirm the actual route on your booking day.

Food, wine, beer, and the important fine print

Food and drinks are presented as part of the $102 price. The package includes a Greek buffet, local snacks, fruit, welcome refreshments, chilled white and rosé wine, and ice-cold beer. Several highly positive accounts specifically praise the food, free wine, fruit, and cold drinks.

Still, there is a clear point of confusion. One recent review says the included drink allowance amounted to two glasses of local wine, with other drinks charged separately. That directly conflicts with the broader description of included wine and beer.

My advice is practical: ask exactly what is included before boarding. Is beer available throughout the cruise? Are white and rosé wine included without a limit, or only a welcome serving? Are soft drinks part of the package? A quick message through WhatsApp can prevent an unpleasant surprise.

The meal is a real advantage over a bare sightseeing cruise, especially if you are staying far from Rhodes Town and want an all-day outing. But do not choose this trip purely for the drinks. Choose it for the combination of swimming, scenery, lunch, and a full day on the coast.

Is $102 a fair price?

At $102 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. You are paying for a six-hour boat outing, several swimming locations, snorkeling equipment, lunch, onboard service, and at least some drinks. If you would otherwise rent sunbeds, buy lunch, and arrange transport between beaches, the package can make sense.

The value is strongest for visitors who want everything in one booking. You avoid planning separate visits to Anthony Quinn’s Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea, and you get water access directly from the boat. A large boat also gives you more room than a small day boat, though it may feel less personal.

The price is harder to justify if you dislike group activities, do not drink, or prefer a short scenic cruise with one carefully chosen stop. The negative rating called the tour expensive for what it offered, mainly because of the basic food and drink limits. That opinion is worth taking seriously.

What to bring for a comfortable day

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Bring a change of clothes for the return journey, since you may spend much of the afternoon wet from swimming or sitting near the water.

A waterproof pouch for your phone is useful, though it is not listed as required. Keep valuables to a minimum. You will want both hands free for boarding, swimming, and moving around the deck.

The boat has sun and shade, but you should still treat the Greek sun seriously. A hat and repeated sunscreen application will make the final hour much more pleasant.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident swimmers, and friends who want an easy full-day outing without planning every detail. It is also a good choice if you enjoy swimming from a boat more than sitting on a crowded beach.

The boat suits you if you like a social atmosphere, music, deck space, and a meal served during the cruise. The multiple swimming stops keep the day moving, even though each stop lasts long enough for a proper break.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet cruise, a small boat, a guaranteed sailing experience, or a gourmet lunch. The boat has been described as a sailing boat in the program, but one review specifically said it was not a sailing ship. Confirm the vessel type before booking if that detail matters to you.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. For hotel pickup, select the correct transfer option and provide your accommodation details if it is not listed.

Should you book this Rhodes bay cruise?

Book it if you want three attractive swimming stops, a comfortable wooden boat, Greek food, and a simple six-hour schedule. The strongest reasons to go are the clear water, helpful crew, roomy deck, and the convenience of eating onboard.

Pause before booking if you need quiet, dislike group outings, or expect unlimited drinks and a true sailing vessel. Confirm the route, boat type, and drink policy first. With those points clear, this is a solid way to turn one Rhodes day into a swim-heavy coastal outing.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip last?

The advertised duration is six hours. The planned schedule leaves Rhodes Town around 10:00 and returns around 16:00.

Where do I check in if I do not need hotel pickup?

Check in from 9:10 to 9:40 at the Half Price Tours office at Gallias Street 6, beside the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor, to receive your boarding pass.

Which bays does the trip visit?

The main program lists Anthony Quinn’s Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs. Other route details mention Traganou Caves and Faliraki Bay, so confirm the exact stops before departure.

Is food included?

Yes. The package includes a Mediterranean Greek buffet, local snacks, fruit, and welcome refreshments. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices are listed.

Are drinks included?

Drinks are advertised as included, including white and rosé wine and beer. However, one review reports that only two glasses of local wine were included and other drinks cost extra, so confirm the drink allowance before booking.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for the swimming stops. Kayaking is also listed at Ladiko Bay.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.