Rhodes isn’t just about ancient ruins and medieval castles; its coastline offers some of the best opportunities for canoe and kayak adventures in Greece. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a first-timer, Rhodes’s calm waters, hidden coves, and dramatic rock formations make it an ideal spot to explore by water. One of our favorites is the Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour, which combines ease, scenic beauty, and a taste of authentic Greek picnics. Its small-group setting and expert guides make for a safe, relaxed experience—perfect if you want hassle-free fun.
Rhodes offers a variety of tours, from full-day guided excursions to shorter paddle adventures, and even special sunrise trips. For those who like their water adventures to include snorkeling, cliff jumps, or exploring caves, there’s something here for every level and interest. Below, we’ve rounded up the best options, each with its own special twist.
1. Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour
At number 1, the Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour stands out for its balance of simplicity and scenic beauty. This roughly 5-hour trip takes you along Rhodes’ east coast, starting at Kathara Beach. The tour provides all necessary equipment and guidance, making it ideal for beginners or those who prefer not to organize gear themselves. You’ll paddle by emerald waters, crossing Anthony Quinn Bay—famous from the movie “The Guns of Navarone”—and enjoy a beach picnic lunch on a secluded spot, with plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling.
What makes this tour special is the combination of easy navigation, expert guidance, and authentic Greek cuisine at lunch. The reviews highlight how friendly, knowledgeable guides help create a relaxed atmosphere, and the included snorkeling gear means you don’t have to bring your own. The trip’s value is top-tier, given the convenience of hotel transfers and all gear included. Best suited for beginners and families, this tour offers a safe introduction to Rhodes’s coastlines.
Bottom line: If you want a stress-free, scenic paddle with good opportunities for swimming and snorkeling, this tour offers excellent value.
2. Rhodes: Stand Up Paddle & Snorkel Adventure
Next on our list, the Rhodes Stand Up Paddle & Snorkel Adventure provides a fun, active way to explore the coastline. This 4-hour trip starts with a brief safety tutorial at Stegna village, then your guide leads you along the coast to discover secluded coves and tiny caves. Paddling on a stand-up paddleboard offers a different perspective—closer to the water—and the opportunity to swim or snorkel in warm, clear waters.
This tour is perfect for those who want a mix of paddleboarding, snorkeling, and beach time without a full-day commitment. Reviews praise the patience of instructors and the scenic spots, including jumping from cliffs or exploring caves. With a flexible schedule offering morning or afternoon options, it’s easy to fit into your Rhodes itinerary. The cost includes all equipment and hotel pickup, adding to its convenience.
Bottom line: For travelers seeking a hands-on, active experience with plenty of opportunities for swimming and exploring, this tour hits the mark.
3. Rhodes Sea Kayaking Adventure small groups incl.Transfer & snack
At number 3, this Sea Kayaking Adventure offers a full-day experience focused on discovering remote beaches and underwater sights. The small-group format ensures personalized attention, with a detailed itinerary that includes visits to beaches accessible only by water, snorkeling in fish-filled bays, and hearing about the scenery from your knowledgeable guide.
Highlights include paddling around Feraklos Castle, visiting Agathi Beach with its soft golden sands and small cave chapel, and exploring Archangelos Castle. The pace is relaxed, and the tour provides all gear along with transfers from your hotel or cruise port. Reviews emphasize how guides share interesting historical and geographical insights, making it more than just paddling.
This tour is best suited for active travelers who want a full-day immersive experience with snorkeling and sightseeing, and a focus on less accessible spots. The price reflects the inclusion of equipment, transfers, and a picnic lunch.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for an intimate, all-inclusive adventure that combines paddling, snorkeling, and exploring Rhodes’s lesser-visited beaches, this is perfect.
4. Sea Kayaking Tour – Red Sand Beach (South Pirates Route)
Number 4 features the [Red Sand Beach (South Pirates Route)] tour, a half-day adventure along Rhodes’ southeastern coast. Starting from Haraki, you’ll paddle along the coast, stopping at Red Sand Beach—famous for its striking color—and exploring Feraklos Castle caves. Snorkeling gear is included, and you’ll enjoy a Greek picnic lunch on the beach.
This tour stands out for its panoramic vistas and the chance to paddle past rock formations and medieval castles, with a focus on both exploration and relaxation. The reviews highlight how smoothly the guides run the trip, ensuring safety and fun—even for beginners. The shorter duration makes it suitable for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a half-day outing.
Bottom line: For a compact, scenic kayak experience with snorkeling and a picnic, this tour offers great value and a taste of Rhodes’s coastline.
5. Sunrise Sea Kayaking Experience with Breakfast
Number 5, the Sunrise Sea Kayaking Experience, combines a peaceful early morning paddle with a delightful breakfast. Witness the sunrise over Antony Quinn’s Bay, paddle past Ladiko Beach, and explore sea caves as the world wakes up. After about four hours on the water, you’ll return to Kathara Beach for a traditional Greek breakfast overlooking the sea.
This tour is ideal for early risers who appreciate quiet, serene paddling and stunning dawn scenery. The reviews describe it as “a different perspective” on Rhodes’s coast, with the added bonus of a delicious breakfast. It’s suited for active travelers who enjoy timing their excursions with natural beauty.
Bottom line: If you’re an early bird seeking a unique, tranquil paddle with a rewarding breakfast, this tour is a worthwhile splurge.
6. Kayak at Apolakkia Lake!
Rarely do you get the chance to kayak on a lake on an island in Europe, but the Apolakkia Lake offers just that. With a quick 45-minute session, you can explore the tranquil waters of this freshwater spot, including a visit to an ancient church built in 1891. It’s a peaceful, scenic alternative to sea kayaking, perfect for families or those seeking a relaxed, nature-centered experience.
Reviews are sparse but positive, noting the quiet setting and the chance to enjoy the landscape at a gentle pace. This short activity is ideal for a quick break from the coast or for travelers with limited time.
Bottom line: For a calm, scenic paddle away from the sea, Apolakkia Lake is a quiet choice with a touch of history.
7. Lindos: Sea Kayaking & Acropolis of Lindos Tour with Lunch
The Lindos kayak tour offers a full-day adventure around one of Rhodes’s most iconic sights. Starting with a safety briefing, you’ll paddle along the coast, passing sea caves and rock formations, then take a break for a seaside lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Acropolis of Lindos, famous for its whitewashed buildings and ancient ruins, and enjoy more paddling along the coastline.
This trip combines accessible kayaking with cultural sightseeing and leisurely stops for swimming and snorkeling, making it ideal for active explorers interested in history and scenery. The guide shares insights about the Temple of Lindian Athena, adding educational value. It’s a longer, more comprehensive experience suited for travelers who want to see Lindos from the water and land.
Bottom line: If you want a full-day mix of paddling, sightseeing, and local cuisine, this tour is a top pick.
8. Rhodes: 2-Day Sea Kayaking and Hiking Combo Activity
For those with time and energy, the 2-day kayaking and hiking combo combines paddling along Rhodes’ coast with mountain walks. Day 1 features paddling in Anthony Quinn Bay and an exploration of Traounou Beach with a picnic. Day 2 involves hiking in scenic areas, with panoramic views from high points on the island.
Reviews praise the variety and quality of guides, calling the tour “well-organized” and “interesting for all abilities.” This experience suits active travelers who want to mix water and land adventures without feeling rushed. It’s an excellent choice if you’re staying on Rhodes longer or want a more rundown.
Bottom line: For adventurers craving diversity, this multi-day tour offers a perfect balance of paddling and hiking.
9. Kayaking
A quick, straightforward option, the Kayaking activity is a one-hour paddle at Traganou Beach, including a visit to the iconic Seal cave. It’s ideal for families or first-timers wanting a short introduction to Rhodes’s waters without much fuss or expense.
While basic, reviews reflect that it’s a fun, low-key way to experience the coastline in a manageable timeframe. It’s best suited for travelers with limited time or those eager for a simple, inexpensive adventure.
Bottom line: If you want a short, fun paddle that’s easy to fit into your schedule, this is a good, budget-friendly choice.
10. Rhodes: Pirates’ Route Sea Kayaking Tour
Finally, the Pirates’ Route offers a 5-hour trip along Rhodes’ famed eastern coast. It includes paddling past Ladiko Beach and Anthony Quinn’s Bay, with snorkeling and cliff-jumping opportunities. The tour features a homemade picnic lunch at Traounou Beach and covers local legends and geography, making it both fun and educational.
Reviewed as “fantastic” and “well-organized,” this tour caters to those who want to see the beauty of Rhodes from the water and enjoy some action, like cliff-jumping or snorkeling. It’s suitable for paddlers comfortable with a bit of adventure and longer durations.
Bottom line: For an action-packed day with snorkeling and scenic views, this tour combines the best of Rhodes’s pirate-inspired coastline.
How to Choose Your Perfect Canoe & Kayak Experience
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and activity preferences. For instance, if you’re looking for a relaxed, family-friendly trip, the Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour offers excellent value with its all-in-one approach. If you want a full-day adventure with snorkeling and exploring remote beaches, the Sea Kayaking Adventure small groups might suit you better.
For early risers, the Sunrise Sea Kayaking Experience provides a memorable start to the day. Meanwhile, active travelers who enjoy combining different activities can consider the 2-Day Sea Kayaking and Hiking for a mix of water and mountain adventures.
Most tours include hotel pickups, gear, and guides, making planning straightforward. It’s wise to book early during peak months (May to September), as these tours tend to fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Rhodes offers a diverse range of canoe and kayak experiences suitable for every type of traveler. Whether you prefer a short, scenic paddle or a full-day exploration with snorkeling and cultural stops, you’ll find something that fits your style. For a relaxed introduction, the Rhodes Sea Kayaking Tour is hard to beat. For those wanting a more active, adventure-filled day, the Pirates’ Route delivers plenty of excitement.
Remember, the best trips often sell out quickly, especially in the summer months. Book early, pick a tour that matches your pace, and enjoy Rhodes from the water—an experience you’ll remember long after returning home.
