Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

The best part of this Rhodes boat trip is the chance to reach four beautiful swim spots in just 2.5 hours, without being packed onto a large excursion ship. I like the small group of up to eight people and the easy access to masks, floats, and buoyancy aids. I also like the mix of famous scenery at Anthony Quinn Bay and quieter stops such as the Alikies caves.

The main thing to consider is the pace. This is a fast RIB cruise, not a slow sightseeing boat, and the time at each place can feel short. Drinks are included, but the exact selection can vary, so expect soft drinks and bottled cocktails rather than a full bar.

Quick take: four swim stops on Rhodes’ east coast

• Anthony Quinn Bay: Snorkel in clear water beside one of Rhodes’ most famous coves.
• Ladiko: Photograph steep rocky sides and turquoise water from the boat or shore.
• Traganou: Swim near a gravel beach with rocky surfaces and natural caverns.
• Alikies caves: Explore a less familiar cave area or stay aboard and relax.
• Small-group setup: The RIB carries no more than eight participants, creating a near-private feel when numbers are low.
• Useful onboard gear: Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, buoyancy aids, Wi-Fi, a restroom, drinks, and a spacious deck are provided.

What this Rhodes RIB cruise is really like

This is a compact coastal outing built around swimming, snorkeling, and scenery. You meet the captain at the marina, beside Stama restaurant, unless you choose pickup from a central point near your hotel. The available pickup areas include Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

The boat is described as modern and comfortably furnished, with room to sit or sunbathe. Since the group is limited to eight, you get a much more personal setup than on a large day cruise. Some departures may have only a few people, which can make the boat feel close to private.

Captain Michael and Lazaros are among the crew members named in the tour feedback. Their role is more than simply driving the boat. You can expect help with swimming equipment, safety instructions, stories about the stops, and a friendly hand for less confident swimmers. One useful touch is the supply of waterproof phone covers, allowing you to take pictures near the water without risking your phone.

The RIB is quick. That is good news if you want to cover several coves in one outing, but it matters if you are bringing young children or anyone who dislikes a bumpy ride. One family found the speed worth noting, while suggesting a larger cruise ship for families seeking a gentler experience.

Meeting at the marina or using hotel pickup

The basic meeting point is easy to identify: go to the port and find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is optional rather than automatic. It is available from a central point near hotels in the listed Rhodes resort areas. Pickup details are sent separately, so check your email, including the spam folder, before the day of the trip.

The transfer has earned praise for being on time and efficient. One driver, Harry, was also noted for being friendly and willing to stop at scenic points on the way to and from the marina for family photos. That service is especially useful if you are staying outside Rhodes Town and do not want to arrange your own taxi.

Bring only what you need. Large bags and luggage are not allowed on the boat. Pack swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. The boat has a restroom, but you will still want to keep your belongings compact and secure.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most recognizable coves on Rhodes. The name comes from the Hollywood actor, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone there.

The boat heads toward the Guns of Navarone Pier, a particularly photogenic point with clear water and steep rock around the cove. This is the place to keep your camera ready. The view is more than just a pretty backdrop, since the film connection gives the bay a little extra character.

Swimming and snorkeling are the main activities here. The water is clear enough for marine-life viewing, and the crew supplies masks and snorkels. If you prefer not to swim far from the boat, pool noodles and buoyancy aids are available. You can also remain on deck and enjoy the view.

The appeal of Anthony Quinn Bay comes with one small tradeoff: it is famous. The setting may be the most recognizable of the day, but it is not the quietest or most secret stop. I would treat it as the best place for photographs and a first swim, rather than expecting total solitude.

Ladiko’s cliffs and turquoise water

The cruise continues to Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. Here, the focus is on the color of the water and the rough, rocky sides of the cove.

You may be able to swim directly from the boat, depending on the captain’s positioning, or relax on the spacious deck. The deck gives you a good choice of activities: sit in the sun, take pictures, chat with the small group, or get into the water with the provided equipment.

Ladiko is a useful contrast with Anthony Quinn Bay. The first stop carries the film story and famous name. Ladiko is more about the simple pleasure of clear water framed by rock. If you enjoy taking pictures, this is one of the stops where the view from the boat matters as much as the swim itself.

The schedule is worth keeping in mind. The total tour lasts about 2.5 hours, and the advertised route includes four swim areas. You should expect a series of active stops rather than a long, unhurried stay at one beach.

Traganou’s gravel shore and rocky caverns

The next beach area is Traganou, marked by a gravel shore, rocky surfaces, and clear water. The setting feels more rugged than a polished resort beach, which is part of its appeal.

The natural caverns here add something different to the outing. You can swim near the rocky edges, look into the openings, and enjoy a more untamed coastal setting. Wear comfortable shoes, as recommended, especially if you plan to move around a gravel or rocky shore.

This stop is a good reminder that the cruise is not designed as a traditional beach day. You are not being taken to a broad sandy beach with rows of facilities. The emphasis is on water access, rock formations, and short visits to places that are easiest to appreciate from a small boat.

The Alikies caves, the quieter final stop

The final area is the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can go toward the cave area or stay on the beach and relax. This is often the most memorable stop for visitors who prefer unusual scenery to famous names.

The caves give you a chance to explore by water and look closely at the rock formations. The boat’s smaller size is useful here, since a RIB can approach coastal areas that would be less practical for a large cruise vessel.

Some passengers have wished for extra time at this final bay because of the fish and the photographic setting. That is a fair point. If the caves and snorkeling are your main reason for booking, ask the captain how the time will be divided at the start. The route includes four stops, but the exact timing can change with conditions and group preferences.

Swimming, snorkeling, and safety equipment

The trip is suitable for confident swimmers and for people who need a little help in the water. Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids are available. The crew can give instructions and help children or nervous swimmers get comfortable before they enter the water.

One captain was praised for patiently helping a child build confidence before jumping in. That does not turn the cruise into a formal swimming lesson, but it does show the kind of hands-on support you can expect from a small crew.

You should still judge your own comfort level. The boat is fast, and the stops are in open sea rather than a hotel pool. Children need supervision, and anyone who is not confident in the water should use the available buoyancy equipment.

Biodegradable sunscreen is requested. Apply it before boarding if possible, then reapply during the trip while keeping in mind that sunscreen on your hands can make phones and equipment slippery.

Drinks, snacks, and onboard comfort

The price includes soft drinks and bottled cocktails. Water is also available, and some outings include snacks. The drink service is a pleasant addition, but I would not book this as a cocktail cruise.

The exact offering can vary. One passenger received fizzy drinks and water rather than cocktails, while others had a cocktail each and found it a refreshing touch. If the drink selection matters to you, ask the crew before departure.

The boat includes a restroom and Wi-Fi, useful features on a small craft. There is also a spacious deck with room for sunbathing. You will want to bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

The onboard space works best when everyone packs lightly. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so bring a small day bag only if the crew permits it, and keep valuables to a minimum.

Is $48 a fair price?

At $48 per person, this is good value if you want a short, active boat outing rather than a full-day cruise. The price covers the RIB trip, four swimming areas, snorkeling access, soft drinks, bottled cocktails, and the use of safety and swimming equipment.

The small-group limit is the strongest value point. A group of eight or fewer gives you more room, easier communication with the captain, and a better chance of receiving help when you need it. If your departure has only four or five people, the experience can feel close to a private charter at a much lower cost.

The tradeoff is duration. You are paying for 2.5 hours, not an entire day on the water. Since the route moves quickly between stops, you should choose this if you want several scenic swims in one compact outing. If you want long beach time, a leisurely lunch, or hours of snorkeling in one bay, another type of cruise may suit you better.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies make it easier to fit the trip around uncertain holiday plans.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend this cruise to couples, friends, small families, and anyone who wants to see the east coast from the water without committing to a full day. It is especially good for people who enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and jumping from the boat more than sitting on a beach.

It also suits visitors who value personal service. Captains such as Michael and Lazaros are involved in the whole experience, from safety equipment to local stories and help in the water. The small capacity makes it easier to ask questions and adjust to the group.

Families should think about the boat’s speed and the active format. Older children who enjoy swimming may have a great time, especially with floats and buoyancy aids available. For very young children, or anyone who prefers a slow, stable ride, a larger cruise ship may be more comfortable.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not the right choice if you need to bring luggage or a large beach bag.

Practical tips for a better outing

• Arrive at the port beside Stama restaurant if you are meeting the boat directly.
• Check your pickup email carefully if you selected hotel transfer.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable shoes.
• Pack light. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.
• Use a waterproof phone cover if you want pictures from the water.
• Ask about the drink selection before departure if bottled cocktails matter to you.
• If you want more time at the Alikies caves, mention it early in the trip.
• Use the pool noodles or buoyancy aids if you are not a confident swimmer.
• Expect speed and spray on the RIB, particularly if you are traveling with children.
• Keep the 2.5-hour schedule in mind. This is a compact coastal adventure, not a full beach day.

Should you book the Rhodes RIB cruise?

Book it if you want a fast, friendly, small-group trip with four swim stops, good snorkeling water, cave scenery, and a chance to see Rhodes from a different angle. The combination of Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and Alikies gives you variety in a short time, while the supplied equipment makes the water activities easy to join.

Skip it if you want a slow boat, long stays at one beach, or a guaranteed cocktail service. For most active visitors, though, $48 is a sensible price for the intimate boat setting, helpful crew, and strong mix of swimming and scenery.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes RIB cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Check the available departure times when booking.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $48 per person.

Where does the boat depart?

Meet the boat at the port, moored next to Stama restaurant. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

How many people can join the cruise?

The group is limited to eight participants.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves, with four swimming areas along the east coast of Rhodes.

Are swimming and snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Water is also available, but the exact selection may vary.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed on the boat.

Is the activity accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.