Boat Trip to LINDOS with Swimming Stops at Anthony Quinn’s & Tsambika Bays

Looking at what makes this seven-and-a-half-hour boat excursion tick, we’ve found two standout reasons travelers keep booking it: you get a genuine three hours to explore Lindos village and its impressive Acropolis, and the two swimming stops offer crystal-clear Mediterranean waters at some of Rhodes’s most scenic spots. The main consideration is that the long travel time means you’re spending nearly as much time on the water as you are exploring, which works beautifully if you enjoy boat days but matters less if you prefer quick access to destinations.

This tour suits history enthusiasts who want to see an authentic Greek hilltop town, swimmers looking for genuine snorkeling opportunities, and travelers who appreciate good value—at about $60 per person with hotel pickup included, you’re getting solid bang for your euros. Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Rhodes or returning to explore beyond the resort beaches, this combination of culture and seaside time hits a sweet spot.

Understanding What You’re Actually Getting

Let’s be straightforward about the pacing here. You’ll start with an early pickup from your hotel (typically around 7:30 AM if you arrange transfers), arrive at the harbor by 8:40 AM, and spend about two and a half hours cruising to Lindos. That’s a commitment, but it’s not wasted time—you’re traveling by boat through some genuinely beautiful Mediterranean scenery, and the crew keeps things comfortable with a bar and snacks available throughout.

The boat itself carries up to 180 passengers, which means you’re sharing the experience with a full crowd. One reviewer noted, “Plenty of space and although there is a captive audience the selection of food and drinks available is good at sensible prices. The crew are extremely nice and we had an enjoyable day.” That’s the reality check right there—it’s not an intimate small-group tour, but the operator has clearly thought through how to make a larger boat experience work well.

The Heart of the Experience: Lindos

When you arrive in Lindos around 11 AM, you step into one of the Aegean’s most photogenic villages. The whitewashed houses, narrow cobblestone streets, and harbor views create that postcard-perfect Greek island atmosphere that actually lives up to the hype. You’ve got until 1:45 PM to explore, which gives you roughly three hours on the ground.

Most travelers head straight for the Acropolis, the hilltop fortress that dominates the landscape. It’s a steep walk—reviewers consistently mention this—and on a hot day, it’s genuinely challenging. One traveler suggested, “Buy a ticket online and skip the queue to get to the acropolis,” which is practical advice since the walk is tough enough without adding a line in the sun. The admission is about €12-13 per person, paid separately.

If climbing to the ruins isn’t your thing, you’re not locked into it. The village itself rewards wandering—there are restaurants, cafes, and shops throughout, and you can grab a cool drink and soak in the harbor views from ground level. One reviewer who skipped the Acropolis climb found satisfaction another way: “Instead we stayed in the bay and relaxed at the beach club.” The flexibility is built in.

The Swimming Stops: Where the Tour Shines

On the return journey, you’ll stop at two different bays, spending roughly 30 minutes at each. These aren’t throwaway breaks—they’re genuinely the highlights for many travelers. The first stop is Tsambika Bay, and the second is Anthony Quinn Bay, named after the actor who filmed scenes here for “The Guns of Navarone.” Both offer the kind of clear, warm water that makes you understand why people travel to Greece in the first place.

One reviewer captured it perfectly: “The swimming stop at Anthony Quinn Bay was spectacular in every way. Crystal clear warm waters with stunning cliffs in the background. Lovely staff on the boat, warm, friendly and accommodating.” Another noted, “The swim bays are crystal clear, a perfect refresh after spending a few hours at the beach! Gorgeous scenery.”

Here’s the practical part: bring goggles if you’re interested in snorkeling. Snorkeling gear isn’t provided by the tour operator, though you can purchase it on the boat if stock is available (one reviewer paid €13 for gear). The seafloor is worth seeing—colorful fish, corals, and seaweed create an actual snorkeling experience, not just a place to cool off.

What’s Actually Included and What Isn’t

At $60.46 per person, here’s what the price covers: the boat, a professional skipper, access to both swimming stops, and onboard restroom facilities. Hotel pickup is available as an add-on option—you’ll note your hotel name during booking, and the operator will confirm your specific pickup time.

Food and drinks aren’t included, but this is manageable. You have three hours in Lindos where restaurants and cafes are abundant, and one reviewer specifically praised the food: “Food is great at Lindos Yacht club.” On the boat itself, there’s a bar selling snacks and drinks at sensible prices—multiple reviewers mentioned this positively, noting that while you’re a captive audience, the pricing is fair and the selection is decent.

The Logistics That Actually Matter

The tour operates Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8:40 AM from Rhodes Harbor. You need to be back at the boat by 1:45 PM—that’s firm. The return to the harbor happens around 5:30 PM, meaning you’ll be back at your hotel by 6 PM or later if you’re far from the port.

This is a long day. One honest reviewer noted: “The day is long as you then get back to ur hotel around half 5/6, you spend the majority of the time on the boat takes 2 hours to get there and 3 hours back with the swimming stops only leaving you with 3 hours in lindos!” That’s fair feedback—if you’re someone who gets restless on boats or wants maximum time exploring, this might feel drawn out. But if you enjoy the journey as part of the experience, the extended boat time is actually pleasant.

The boat can get crowded—a few reviewers mentioned this. One said, “Lack off seating on the boat think it was slightly overcrowded but staff were knowledgeable and helpful and made us feel welcome.” Another noted, “Way to many people on the boat. There were chairs everywhere.” Getting there early helps; several reviewers specifically mentioned that arriving early enough to claim seats on the top deck made a real difference in comfort.

Evaluating the Value Proposition

At roughly $60 per person, you’re paying less than many half-day tours that don’t include as much. You get transportation to and from your hotel, a full-day boat experience, access to two swimming locations, and three hours in one of Greece’s most visited villages. The comparison tours listed by the operator (other boat trips to Symi Island, for instance) are priced similarly, suggesting this is market-rate for this category of experience.

The food situation is worth considering. Lindos has restaurants, but tourist-oriented villages mean tourist prices. Budget an additional €15-25 per person for lunch if you want something substantial. The boat bar and snacks might run you €5-10 per person for the day.

The Honest Assessment of Potential Drawbacks

Reading through the reviews, a few legitimate concerns emerge. One traveler had a genuinely frustrating experience: “Long story short: not worth it! You dip in the water twice in spots that are not snorkel worthy… You can purchase tickets ahead of time online and skip the line, but it’s timed entry, and if the captain decides you go swimming first, you will lose your timed ticket.” This is important—if you’re buying timed Acropolis tickets in advance and the boat schedule changes, you could lose your reservation.

Weather can cancel the tour, though the operator offers alternatives (some travelers have been offered bus trips instead). One reviewer experienced a cancellation and felt frustrated with the refund process, so understand the cancellation policy upfront: you can cancel free up to 24 hours before the tour, and if the operator cancels for weather, you get a refund or alternative date.

The boat can be loud. One reviewer mentioned "music on the boat the whole time, which was annoying." This is subjective, but if you're sensitive to constant background music, know that it's part of the experience.

What Travelers Are Actually Saying

The 557 reviews average 4.8 out of 5 stars, with 471 giving it five stars. The most common positive feedback centers on a few themes: "Great value for money," "friendly and helpful staff," "beautiful views," and "well-organized." The phrase "worth the money" appears repeatedly, which matters more than just positive ratings—people feel they got what they paid for.

The few negative reviews tend to fall into specific categories: disappointment with the Acropolis experience itself (separate from the tour), frustration with crowd levels on the boat, and in one case, a genuine misunderstanding about when the swimming stops would occur. These aren't failures of the tour so much as mismatched expectations about what Lindos village and the Acropolis actually entail.

One reviewer summed up the appeal nicely: "Fantastic day trip to Lindos, relaxing journey there and back with two lovely swim stops. Plenty of time to explore the town and the acropolis. Staff on the boat were great. Would highly recommend this trip."

Practical Tips from Real Travelers

Several reviewers offered useful advice: wear sunscreen and bring goggles for the swimming stops. Wear proper walking shoes—sandals won't cut it on the steep cobblestone streets of Lindos. If you're interested in the Acropolis, buying tickets online in advance makes sense, though understand that timing is tight. One reviewer suggested, "It was a really hot day so prepare for that when walking. I would advise trainers or sensible footwear (I made the mistake of wearing sandals and my feet felt it lol)."

Bring a swimsuit and towel—obviously—but also consider bringing a light cover-up for the boat rides. The sun on the water is intense, and you'll appreciate shade when you're not swimming. Several reviewers mentioned the top deck being the best spot on the boat, so arriving early to claim a spot there matters if that's important to you.

Who Should Book This Tour

This experience works beautifully for travelers who want to see Lindos without renting a car or driving themselves, who enjoy boat days as part of their vacation rhythm, and who appreciate a mix of cultural exploration and swimming. It's excellent for families with older children (the boat is stable, and swimming stops are manageable), for couples looking for a full day of activity, and for solo travelers who want the social experience of a group tour.

It's less ideal if you get restless on boats, if you have mobility challenges and can't manage steep walks, or if you want an intimate small-group experience. It's also not the tour for you if you're hoping to spend significant time snorkeling in pristine, uncrowded conditions—the swimming stops are 30 minutes each, which is enough for a refreshing dip and some looking around, but not extended snorkeling sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early do I need to arrive at the harbor if I'm not using hotel pickup?
Multiple reviews mention arriving early to get good seats on the boat and to manage the check-in queues. One traveler noted there's a queue to get boat tickets and another queue to board, so arriving 30-45 minutes before the 8:40 AM departure is wise.

What should I bring for the swimming stops?
Definitely bring a swimsuit, towel, and goggles if you want to snorkel. Sunscreen is essential—reviewers specifically recommend it. You can purchase snorkeling gear on the boat if you didn't bring your own, though availability isn't guaranteed and costs around €13.

Is the Acropolis entrance fee included in the tour price?
No, the Acropolis admission (approximately €12-13 per person) is separate. You buy tickets on-site or online in advance. If you book timed entry tickets online, be aware that the boat schedule could theoretically affect your timing, so leave flexibility in your reservation.

How crowded does the boat get?
The boat accommodates up to 180 passengers and frequently operates near capacity. Several reviewers mentioned it felt crowded, though staff manage the space well. Getting there early to claim seats on the top deck improves the experience significantly.

What if I don't want to climb to the Acropolis?
You don't have to. The village of Lindos itself is worth exploring, and there are restaurants, cafes, and beach clubs at harbor level where you can enjoy the views without the hike. One reviewer did exactly this and had a great day.

Can I cancel if the weather looks bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. If the operator cancels due to poor weather, you'll be offered either a different date or a full refund. Be aware that the refund process can take some back-and-forth with customer service if you need to follow up.

How long is the boat ride to Lindos?
The journey takes approximately two and a half hours each way. The return trip is slightly longer (about three hours) because of the two swimming stops, so you're spending roughly five and a half hours on the boat total, with three hours in Lindos and 30 minutes at each swimming location.

Bottom line: This tour delivers genuine value and a well-executed day that combines culture, swimming, and relaxation at a reasonable price point. The boat experience is comfortable enough, the crew consistently receives praise, and Lindos itself lives up to the hype for most visitors. You're looking at a long day—early start, late return—but that's the trade-off for getting a lot into one experience. It works best for travelers comfortable with group tours who want a mix of exploration and seaside time, who don't mind boat rides, and who appreciate good value over exclusivity. The 96% recommendation rate and 557 reviews tell you this is a tour that people actually enjoy enough to tell others about, which matters more than perfect ratings.