Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

We’re looking at a practical full-day Rhodes to Lindos cruise that mixes easy sightseeing with two very good swimming breaks. You get 3 hours in Lindos village plus time on the water at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Beach, with onboard sunbeds and a bar to keep you comfortable.

Two things I really like about this trip are the simple rhythm (boat to bays, then town time) and the way they make swimming approachable with floats. The crew also runs a tight schedule, and you’ll usually get a heads-up before each water stop so you can get ready without guessing.

The main drawback to think about is that sunbeds are popular and spots can be limited, especially on the top deck. Also, a few people feel 3 hours in Lindos can be just a bit tight if you want extra beach time or a slower pace.

Key things to know before you go

• Two classic bays for swimming: Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Beach (Blue Lagoon)
• 3 hours free time in Lindos to wander, shop, eat, and visit the Acropolis area
• Boat comfort helps: open sun deck with sunbeds plus an air-conditioned area
• Swimming support included: floats and support gear for less confident swimmers
• Onboard food and drinks on the move: snacks and bar service, with reasonable prices reported

You can check availability for your dates here:

Rhodes to Lindos by Boat: a day that feels like two trips

This is the kind of day trip that works when you want more than one “wow” moment. You start in Rhodes, cruise along the coast, spend meaningful time in Lindos, then cool off in two different swim settings on the return.

It’s also a good match for mixed groups. Some people want the Acropolis views. Others just want sun, a sea breeze, and an easy schedule.

Timing and value: $47 for a whole day’s worth of scenery

At about $47 per person for an 8 to 8.5 hour day, you’re paying for logistics you don’t have to manage. You’re getting boat transport, two swim stops, and a long enough Lindos break to actually enjoy the town.

What you’ll pay extra for (and plan around) is listed clearly: Acropolis fees and food/drinks on board aren’t included. Bring some cash if you want snacks or drinks without delays.

In practice, the value comes from combining three things travelers often pay separately for: transportation, guided-style timing, and time at two standout beaches.

Getting there: Mandraki port check-in and optional transfers

Most people will start from Mandraki port. Arrive about 30 minutes early. You’re told to look for the DISCOVERY boat, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building (near the bus stop marked Roda).

If your option includes pickup, you’ll be taken to the departure point. The process is pretty specific: be at your pickup point on time, and drivers will wait no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup. The company warns delays up to 15 minutes can happen due to traffic or other issues.

This matters because the “arrive early” part is real. Several passengers mention timing affects where you can sit and whether you get a sunbed.

Find your seat fast: sunbeds, shade, and an air-conditioned break

The boat is set up for comfort while keeping the day moving. You’ll have:

• an open sundeck with sunbeds
• multiple seating areas (inside and outside)
• an air-conditioned area
• onboard toilets
• WiFi onboard

A common theme in the feedback is that the top deck sunbeds are great, but they’re not guaranteed. One traveler notes the top deck can be windy, and another says it can feel chilly when the boat is moving in shoulder season. The fix is simple: get there early for sunbeds, or plan to bounce between decks.

If you need a break from sun and sea spray, the air-conditioned area is a big plus. It turns the return trip into something you can handle even if the day gets hot.

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Cruising Rhodes’ east coast: the views are the warm-up

Before you reach Lindos, you’re on the water along the east coast. There’s a short cruising segment early in the day before the first swim stop.

Even if you don’t care about photography, this is where the day starts to feel like a vacation. You’re not on a crowded bus for hours. You’re watching coastline scenes slide by while staff manage the schedule.

Anthony Quinn Bay swim stop: 30 minutes of emerald water

Your first water stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most recognizable spots on Rhodes. Plan on about 30 minutes in the water.

What makes this stop special is the setting. You get that “straight off the boat into the water” style of access, with rocky scenery around you and water described as clear and emerald. People mention it’s great for relaxing and also useful for snorkeling if that’s your thing.

A helpful detail: the crew lets passengers know about 20 minutes before they arrive at the swim stop, so you’re not sprinting to get ready at the last second.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, you’re not left to fend for yourself. Passengers report that the boat crew provides noodle floaties and that support gear is available for kids too.

Getting to Lindos: arrival in under 2 hours

After the first swim, the ride continues toward Lindos. You arrive in just under 2 hours from departure.

During this stretch, you’ll likely settle into a routine: grab a drink, pick a spot, and then switch mentally from boat mode to walking mode. Lindos village is hilly, and once you’re on land, you’ll feel that quickly.

Lindos village break: 3 hours of wander time and the Acropolis payoff

This is the heart of the day. You get about 3 hours of free time in Lindos village.

You can use that time in a few different ways:

• Visit the Acropolis of Lindos for the big views
• stroll the whitewashed alleys and shop areas
• head down toward the beach for a slower reset
• grab lunch or a traditional meal at a taverna

The Acropolis walk is worth it, and people say the views from up there are stunning. The practical note: it’s a climb. If you struggle with stairs or steep streets, you’ll want to pace yourself and plan your return trip carefully.

Also, while your time is flexible, it’s not “all day.” A couple of travelers wish there was more time in Lindos. So if you’re the type who likes to linger for photos and a long meal, you might feel a small crunch.

One smart tip from the day-to-day logistics: you can leave your bag on the boat while you explore town. That means less lugging around and a more relaxed walk.

Tsambika Beach Blue Lagoon stop: second swim, second mood

On the return trip, you get a final swim at Tsambika Beach, often described as the Blue Lagoon.

This stop is another 30 minutes. Expect direct boat access and that bright turquoise water look that makes the whole day feel like it’s been planned around cooling off.

In other words, if Anthony Quinn Bay is the showy rocky scene, Tsambika tends to feel more like a postcard beach moment. Either way, you’re swapping dry-land walking for sea time again, which is a welcome rhythm after Lindos.

Some passengers also note there’s music during the swimming moments, which adds energy without requiring you to do anything active.

Onboard bar and snacks: reasonable prices, real convenience

The onboard bar is a practical part of the trip. You’ll find cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, and ice cream. Several travelers specifically mention sandwiches available on board and describe pricing as reasonable.

This matters because you don’t have to hunt for food during the cruise or scramble for lunch right at arrival in Lindos. You can keep things simple:

• small snacks during sailing
• a drink when you’re settled on the deck
• a quick bite before you head up in Lindos

One traveler even reports bar items like sandwiches were around 3€, which is the kind of detail that helps you plan without guesswork.

WiFi, bathrooms, and the small comfort upgrades

It’s a short list, but it’s important: people repeatedly mention that the boat is clean and that toilets are well maintained.

You also have WiFi onboard. Not a must for everyone, but it’s handy if you want to share photos fast or check where you are on your phone while wandering Lindos.

What to bring: the day is sun + water

You’ll move between boat sun time and land heat, then back into the water. Pack like it’s one continuous day:

• swimwear
• towel
• sunglasses and a sun hat
• snorkeling gear (if you like to snorkel)
• cash for onboard purchases
• snorkeling gear if you want it

Also note the season tip: during the beginning and end of the season, bring a light jacket. Some travelers say the top deck can get cool while the boat moves.

Crowds and the sunbed reality

This trip scores high for comfort and organization, but you still have boat-day physics.

Sunbeds go quickly. People mention arriving early helps secure a top-deck lounger. If you miss it, you’ll still find shade and seating options, plus the air-conditioned area.

One clever workaround mentioned in feedback: if you really want sunbeds on the way back, you can sometimes return to the boat around 40 minutes before departure to catch a spot. Just don’t miss your departure time.

Optional hotel transfers and drop-offs around Rhodes

There are lots of drop-off points across Rhodes, which is a real convenience if you’re not staying right near the port area. The driver will handle the routing back, and timing is managed with staff coordinating the group.

Just remember the key rule: you should be at the pickup point on time if you choose transfers, and delays can happen up to 15 minutes.

Who this Lindos cruise is best for

This is especially good for:

• couples who want scenic sailing plus real town time
• families with kids who like swimming breaks (life support gear is available)
• travelers who want a low-stress day without a strict walking tour pace
• anyone who values good value for money and a comfortable boat

If you’re comfortable walking a hilly town, you’ll love Lindos. If not, you may still enjoy the views and town vibes, but you’ll want to choose your route carefully and move at your pace.

A fair look at drawbacks before you book

Here are the realistic issues people talk about:

• 3 hours in Lindos may feel short if you want the longest possible Acropolis visit plus beach time plus shopping.
• Top deck sunbeds can be taken, and the deck can be windy or cool during movement in some seasons.
• The boat can feel busy at times simply because it’s a popular day trip and a boat holds a lot of people at once.
• Acropolis-related costs aren’t included, so plan for that extra expense.
• Some people mention travel timing back to Rhodes may vary, which can affect how long you feel you were on the water.

None of these ruin the day, but they help you set expectations correctly.

Should you book the Rhodes Lindos cruise with 2 swim stops?

If you want a full-day Rhodes experience that’s mostly easygoing and built around two swim stops and a meaningful Lindos free-time window, then yes, it’s an excellent choice.

Book it if:

• you care about sea time more than a deep guided lecture
• you want a comfortable boat with toilets and places to relax
• you’d like help for less confident swimmers via floats
• you want good value with clear logistics from port to Lindos and back

Skip it (or choose carefully) if:

• you hate crowds and need guaranteed space on the top deck
• you need much more than 3 hours in Lindos to feel satisfied
• you don’t want any extra costs for the Acropolis area

For most travelers, this is the kind of day trip that checks the boxes fast: great views, actual swimming, and enough time in Lindos to make the whole thing feel worth your time.

FAQ

What time should I arrive at the meeting point?

You should arrive at Mandraki port about 30 minutes earlier than the cruise start. The day is set up so people are checking in between 8:00 and 8:30.

Where do I meet the cruise?

Meet at Mandraki port and look out for the DISCOVERY boat, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building near the Roda bus stop.

How long do I get in Lindos village?

You get approximately 3 hours free time in Lindos.

How long are the swimming stops?

There are two swimming stops, each listed as about 30 minutes: one at Anthony Quinn Bay and one at Tsambika Beach (Blue Lagoon).

Is there onboard food and drink?

Yes. The boat has a bar with drinks and snacks. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Are Acropolis fees included?

No. Acropolis fees are not included.

Do I need to bring a towel?

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

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup can be optional. If you select a transfer, you’ll be given pickup details, and the driver will wait no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

You can check availability for your dates here: