Lindos Day Cruise from Rhodes Town with Swimming stops and Hotel Transfers

Traveling to Rhodes and thinking about how best to see Lindos? This day cruise from Rhodes Town offers a relaxed, scenic way to experience some of the island’s most beautiful spots. It’s a popular choice for those who want a blend of sightseeing, swimming, and free time, all wrapped into an 8-hour experience.

What stands out most? We love how this trip combines comfortable hotel transfers with stunning coastal views and carefully curated swimming stops. Plus, it’s generally well-organized, making it accessible for most travelers. That said, there are a few considerations, especially around the long transit times and the size of the boat, which might affect some visitors’ enjoyment.

This tour tends to suit travelers who want a hassle-free way to get to Lindos without renting a car or navigating public transport. It’s particularly good if you’re into swimming and soaking up the sun, but less ideal if you’re hoping to explore Lindos in depth or are sensitive to large crowds. Let’s take a detailed look at what makes this trip worth considering — or passing on.

Key Points

• Ease of Access: Includes hotel pickup from select locations, making it a convenient way to start your day.
• Scenic Route: Cruising along Rhodes’ east coast offers plenty of photo-worthy moments and island views.
• Multiple Swimming Stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Bay, and Lindos Beach give ample opportunity for snorkeling and relaxing in crystal waters.
• Flexible Free Time: You get roughly 3 hours to explore Lindos, enough to wander the streets, visit cafes, or just enjoy the scenery.
• Value for Money: At around $58 per person, the experience offers a good balance between cost and what’s included.
• Group Size & Comfort: Max group size of 280, so it can feel busy; boat comfort gets mixed reviews depending on the crowd.

The Itinerary: What to Expect on This Day Trip

This cruise begins early, with a pick-up from your hotel or a designated meeting point around 7:30 am. The group is then transported in an air-conditioned vehicle to the port, which is a nice touch, especially on warmer days. Once at the port, you’ll get a glimpse of Rhodes’ iconic sights—the Ancient Colossus, Dama Dama deer statues, St. Nicholas Lighthouse, and the Church of Evangelismos, all with panoramic views of the medieval town.

The Scenic Cruise & Stops

The boat departs, and you’ll cruise along the east coast, absorbing views of the rocky coastline and sparkling sea. The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most famous swimming spots. Surrounded by rocks and pebbles, the water is a vibrant emerald color—perfect for a refreshing dip or some snorkeling. You’re given about 20 minutes here, which isn’t a long swim but enough to enjoy the scenery and cool off.

From reviews, we know this spot is highly praised. One traveler called it “the most famous spot of the Island,” and others appreciated the clear waters, saying, “swim stops were amazing.” Keep in mind that the bay is rocky, so water shoes might be helpful if you plan to walk around.

Next, the boat heads toward Lindos, but before reaching the village, you’ll stop at Tsambika Bay, also about 20 minutes. Here, you can jump into the water again, snorkel, or just relax on the boat. This second stop offers another chance to enjoy the sea’s tranquility and beauty.

The Time in Lindos

Arriving in Lindos, you’ll be there for about 3 hours. Access to the village is only on foot, so be prepared for some walking (there’s a bit of uphill involved if you want to see the Acropolis). Lindos itself is a charming mix of narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and historic sites, with cafes and tavernas lining the paths.

The free time is ample for wandering, taking photos, shopping for souvenirs, or grabbing a meal. As one reviewer pointed out, Lindos is “absolutely stunning,” and the town’s architecture and setting really make it worth the visit. Just note that walking uphill in the heat can be tiring, especially if you arrive midday.

Final Stops & Return

After exploring Lindos, you’ll head to Tsambika Beach for a quick swim—another 20-minute stop. The water here is just as inviting, perfect for more snorkeling or relaxing on the boat.

The cruise wraps up with a scenic return along the coast, passing by Anthony Quinn Bay once more, giving you another chance to appreciate the views. The boat then heads back to Rhodes port, where your transfer vehicle takes you back to your hotel or meeting point.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included:

• Hotel pick-up from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Faliraki, and Kallithea
• Air-conditioned transportation to the port
• Swimming stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Bay, and Lindos Beach
• A Lindos map with helpful information

Not Included:

• Food and drinks (though there’s a snack bar on the boat where you can purchase items)
• Sun-beds at Lindos Beach (so if you want to lounge on the sand, bring your own)
• Tour guide (so expect some free exploration or do your homework beforehand)
• Pickup from other resorts outside the specified areas

The Experience: Pros & Cons Based on Reviews

The Positives

One of the highlights, as many reviews mention, is how well-organized and smooth the trip is. Travelers appreciated the timing of stops, the comfort of the boat, and the friendly staff, who are often praised for being understanding and accommodating. Many reviewed the swim stops as “absolutely stunning,” with clear waters and beautiful scenery.

The value for money seems solid at just over $58, considering the included transfers, three swimming stops, and free time in Lindos. Several reviews echoed this sentiment, saying, “it’s a great way to see more of the island without hassle.”

The Drawbacks

Some negatives do surface. A few travelers felt that long transit times, especially the 2.5-hour each way, made the day somewhat lengthy, especially if you’re not big on boat rides or long waiting periods. There are also comments about boat capacity; the large size (up to 280 travelers) can lead to crowded conditions, with some noting pushing for seats or noise disruptions.

A couple of reviews mention delays or cancellations, though these seem weather-related or rare. Another point of contention is the limited time in Lindos—some felt two hours weren’t enough, especially if they wanted a deeper exploration of the town.

The Real Value of This Tour

When you weigh the price against what’s offered, this cruise is quite reasonable. It offers a relaxed way to see multiple highlights without the stress of organizing transport or figuring out timing on your own. The swimming stops at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay are especially enjoyable, with many travelers describing them as “amazing” and “beautiful.”

The free time in Lindos gives you enough space to explore, shop, or simply soak in the views. However, if you’re looking for an in-depth tour of Lindos or want to avoid crowds, this might feel a bit rushed.

Who Should Consider This?

This experience suits travelers who prefer a relaxed, all-in-one day trip with a mix of swimming, sightseeing, and free exploration. If you’re comfortable with large group excursions and long boat rides, you’ll find a lot to enjoy here. It’s ideal for those wanting to see Lindos without the hassle of transportation, or anyone who loves swimming and scenic coastlines.

Final Thoughts

This Lindos Day Cruise offers a balanced experience between sightseeing, swimming, and free time. The included hotel transfers make it convenient, and the stops at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay are well-loved for their stunning waters. While the large group size and long transit times might not suit everyone, most reviewers agree it’s an enjoyable and worthwhile way to spend a day in Rhodes.

If you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of opportunities to swim and explore Lindos at your own pace, this tour hits the mark. Just keep your expectations realistic about the crowds and the limited time in Lindos, and you’ll likely come away with some great memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from select locations including Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, Faliraki, and Kallithea, making the start of your day easier.

How long is the boat ride?
The journey to and from Lindos is about 2.5 hours each way, so be prepared for a total transit time of roughly 5 hours, plus stops.

What are the swimming stops like?
Stops at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay are highly praised for their beauty. Expect clear, calm waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling, but rocky or pebbly beaches might require water shoes.

How much time do I get in Lindos?
You’ll have approximately 3 hours to explore Lindos, which is enough to wander the streets, visit cafes, or take photos. The walk into the town involves some uphill climbing.

Are meals included?
No, food and drinks are not included but can be purchased on the boat. There’s a snack bar available, with options to buy refreshments.

Is this tour suitable for families or children?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, children who are comfortable on boats and enjoy swimming will likely find it enjoyable. Be mindful of the long transit and walking involved.

What if the weather cancels the trip?
In case of poor weather, the tour will be canceled, and you’ll be offered a full refund or a different date. Weather-related cancellations are rare but can happen.

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic day that takes the stress out of the logistics, this Lindos cruise could be just what you need. It’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a snapshot of Rhodes’ coastal beauty, with enough free time to enjoy the town and the sea.