Rhodes: Boat Tour with Snorkeling, Gourmet Buffet & Open Bar

Traveling to Rhodes and considering a boat tour? This one caught our eye because it promises a relaxing day on the water, complete with snorkeling, delicious food, and plenty of drinks. While we haven’t done it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itinerary make it a solid option for anyone wanting to enjoy the island from a different perspective.

What we really appreciate about this experience is the well-organized itinerary that balances sightseeing, water activities, and lounging comfortably on a traditional Greek Caique. Plus, the high praise for the crew’s friendliness and professionalism adds a layer of trust. The gourmet buffet with fresh ingredients, including seafood, makes this stand out, especially at the price point of $94 per person.

One thing to keep in mind is that swimming and snorkeling require you to be comfortable in the water and ready to swim to shore or around the bays, as the boat stays anchored in each stop. Also, the tour is quite full, so if you’re someone who values quiet, private moments, it might not be your ideal choice.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who want a combination of scenic views, good food, drinks, and water fun—perfect for couples, friends, or groups looking to enjoy Rhodes without too much fuss.

Key Points

• Comfortable, allocated seating ensures a stress-free experience without overbooking.
• Gourmet Greek cuisine, including seafood, on a buffet prepared with fresh daily ingredients.
• Stunning stops at Kalithea Bay, Afandou, and Anthony Quinn Bay for swimming, snorkeling, and photo opportunities.
• All-inclusive open bar offers wine, beer, cocktails, and soft drinks, with constant refreshment.
• Knowledgeable and friendly crew that makes the day enjoyable and relaxing.
• Balanced itinerary with sightseeing, water activities, and leisure time, all within 6 hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Rhodes Boat Tour Experience

If you’re anything like us, the idea of exploring Rhodes by boat sounds perfect—especially when it offers a balance of sightseeing, water fun, and good food. This particular trip, run by Romantika Day Cruise, seems designed for those who want to relax and indulge in the beauty of the island while enjoying some comforts on board.

The Departure and Initial Cruise

The day begins at Mandraki Old Port, with the crew welcoming guests aboard Romantika, a traditional wooden Caique. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, perfect for settling into what promises to be a memorable day. The boat’s reserved seating means you won’t have to rush for the best spots, and you can relax from the start.

Once underway around 10 am, the cruise along Rhodes’s eastern coastline offers spectacular views—think historic fortresses like St. Nicholas Fortress, the medieval old city, and prominent landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. John. The cruise provides a unique vantage point that you wouldn’t get from land, with the chance to snap photos of the coastline’s striking architecture and natural beauty.

First Stop: Kalithea Bay

About 45 minutes into the cruise, the boat drops anchor at Kalithea Bay, famous for its beautiful seaside monument. Here, you get an hour to soak in the scenery, swim, snorkel, or simply lounge on deck. The reviews highlight the spectacular scenery and the opportunity for water activities, which we think is a real plus. Many travelers enjoy taking photos of the striking architecture and nature.

The crew is attentive, offering snacks, drinks, and music to set the relaxed tone. This stop is a favorite for many, with reviews praising the mix of nature, history, and leisure.

Continuing South: Faliraki and Afandou

Next, the boat cruises about 45 minutes further south, passing scenic landscapes and the famous Caves of Traganou near Afandou. The second stop is at Afandou Beach, a four-kilometer stretch perfect for more swimming, walking, or jumping off rocks into the Aegean. The snorkeling masks and swim aids provided make it easy to dive into the clear waters.

Here, the crew sets up a gourmet lunch buffet featuring traditional Greek recipes, prepared fresh by Chef Diamantis. The reviews rave about the quality and variety of the food, with many mentioning the seafood options and the vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free choices. The all-you-can-drink open bar is another highlight, with wine, beer, signature cocktails, and soft drinks flowing freely.

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Anthony Quinn Bay and the Final Cruise

The last major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, a small, picturesque bay that famously inspired the actor’s purchase of land here. You’ll have an hour to enjoy the natural beauty, take photos, swim, or just relax with a cocktail and dessert. The reviews mention the beautiful scenery and the relaxed vibe, perfect for unwinding after a busy morning.

The cruise back to Mandraki port takes about an hour, giving you more chances to enjoy the sea views and listen to music. Some reviews mention that the crew plays a lively playlist, adding to the fun atmosphere.

Overall Experience and What Travelers Say

The consistent theme across reviews is excellent service—the crew is described as friendly, funny, helpful, and professional. Many mention that the food exceeds expectations for a boat tour, and the drinks keep flowing without feeling rushed. The stunning bays and swimming stops receive high praise, with travelers often saying it was more than enough time to enjoy each location.

While most reviews are glowing, some travelers note that swimming requires you to be comfortable in the water, as you’ll need to swim to shore or around the bays. The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, with many appreciating the reserved seating that prevents overcrowding.

Practical Details and Value

The tour lasts about 6 hours, starting around 10 am and returning by 4 pm, which many find to be a perfect length—long enough to see multiple spots without feeling rushed. The price of $94 is generally seen as good value, especially considering the quality of food and drinks, the scenic stops, and the professional crew.

Optional extras like hotel pickup are not included, but the meeting point is straightforward at Mandraki port. Be sure to bring essentials like swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes for walking and swimming.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This boat trip is ideal for couples, friends, or small groups looking for a relaxed day at sea, with plenty of opportunities for swimming and taking in the scenery. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy good food and drinks while soaking up the sun. The tour’s social, lively atmosphere makes it a fun choice for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a bit of party vibe.

It might not be the best fit if you prefer a quiet, intimate experience or if you’re not comfortable swimming in open water, as the stops involve swimming to shore or around the bays. Families with older children who enjoy water activities may find it enjoyable, but younger kids might need more supervision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
No, hotel pickup is optional and costs extra depending on your location. The main meeting point is Mandraki port, opposite the Bank of Greece building.

How long is the cruise and what’s the schedule?
The cruise lasts about 6 hours, starting around 10 am and returning by 4 pm. Exact times can vary, so check availability when booking.

What should I bring for the trip?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Remember, swimming requires you to be comfortable in the water as you’ll swim to shore at each stop.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options available?
Yes, the buffet includes options for different dietary needs, prepared with fresh ingredients.

Is the open bar included?
Yes, wine, beer, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks are all part of the open bar, with constant service throughout the cruise.

Can I expect a lot of swimming and water activities?
Yes, the stops are designed for swimming, snorkeling, and taking photos. The boat stays anchored, so you’ll need to swim a bit to reach the shore or explore the bays.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a well-organized, fun-filled day on the water with impressive scenery, top-notch food, and plenty of drinks, this Rhodes boat tour ticks all the boxes. The combination of comfortable seating, knowledgeable crew, and carefully planned stops makes it a reliable choice for a relaxing holiday activity.

While it’s ideal for those who love water-based adventures and social atmospheres, it’s also suitable for travelers who want to enjoy the coast without too much hustle. The value for money is evident in the quality of food, drinks, and the scenic stops, making this a popular pick according to hundreds of happy travelers.

For anyone seeking a balanced day of sightseeing, swimming, and indulgence in Rhodes, this tour offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to see some of the island’s most beautiful spots from the sea. Just pack your swimsuit and a sense of adventure—you’re in for a memorable experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: