Thinking of adding a maritime adventure to your Rhodes trip? This Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip promises a mix of fishing, swimming, exploring caves, and enjoying a freshly grilled meal—all in about five hours. It’s a tour that’s gathered rave reviews for its relaxed vibe, friendly guides, and the chance to get out on the water in a way that feels genuine and enjoyable.
Whether you’re into fishing or just looking for a scenic day with some good food and swimming, this one might be worth considering.
What we really like about this experience is how accessible it is—beginners are welcome, and the guides are praised for their friendliness and helpfulness. Plus, the on-board BBQ serving freshly caught fish or chicken adds a lovely touch that elevates the trip beyond just sightseeing.
It’s a relaxing few hours out on the water but the fishing is so so. We stopped in 3 places which is where I think the boat stops each time – a few bites and 3 tiny fish caught. The many fish on the wire in the photos is not necessarily what has been caught that day! Lunch was fine – a well-cooked bbq by the captain – who was a very nice man. The younger man came across as both annoying and insincere in how he communicated with everyone. It was an ok day.
Fun couple of hours day at sea fishing followed by swimming/snorkelling at a cove/caves. I personally didn’t catch anything but it didn’t spoil it. We might only have been on a small boat but people on nearby bigger boats were envious of our lunch which was beautiful! I had the grilled fish & gluten free bread with side salad and fresh fruit. Angelo was great fun with an infectious laugh and was very helpful. Well worth the money. Highly recommend this trip. Free soft drinks and beer/wine available on board. The meeting place is on the water front, not where Google maps leads you. (Heads up there is a toilet on board but no sink so take wipes with you).
Really fun, Angelo was super nice. Well organised, lots of contact from the person organising the trip. Bathroom on board, nice lunch, and a nice stop for swimming. We went to 2 different fishing stops then a swimming stop. Would definitely recommend.
That said, a potential drawback is the possibility of not catching many fish, which is common in fishing tours, especially if you’re a beginner.
This tour suits travelers who enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere with a bit of adventure, especially those who appreciate good company and authentic Greek flavors.
- Key Points
- A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
- What the Itinerary Looks Like
- Food and Drinks: Fresh, Simple, and Satisfying
- What Travelers Say
- Group Size and Booking
- Pricing and Value
- Considerations
- Who Will Love This Tour?
- FAQ about the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip
- Final Thoughts
- More Fishing Tours in Rhodes
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Rhodes
- More Tour Reviews in Rhodes
- Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Rhodes we have reviewed
Key Points
- Balanced mix of activities: fishing, swimming, cave exploration, and a tasty BBQ.
- Great for beginners: friendly guides teach the basics and make it accessible.
- Small group size: max 12 travelers for a more personal experience.
- Excellent reviews for food and service: fresh fish, Greek salad, and attentive hosts.
- Flexible cancellation policy: free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Ideal for those who value authentic, laid-back experiences on the water.
A Closer Look at the Tour Experience
This Rhodes-based boat trip offers a well-rounded, relaxed day on the water that appeals to a wide range of travelers. It’s priced at around $75.31 per person, which, considering the inclusion of fishing, swimming, caves, and a BBQ, feels like decent value—especially if you’re someone who enjoys trying something a little different from typical island tours.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Rhodes
What the Itinerary Looks Like
The Fishing Stop: Rhythms of the Sea and Skill Building
The first part of the journey focuses on recreational fishing in some of the region’s most plentiful waters. What’s nice is that the tour caters to both novices and experienced anglers.
Guides are friendly and knowledgeable, offering hands-on instruction for beginners—teaching baiting and reeling—so even if you’ve never cast a line before, you’ll get a proper introduction. More seasoned fishermen can jump straight into the action, with the possibility of catching local fish.
From multiple reviews, it’s clear that this part of the experience is the highlight for many. As Darlene from her review states, “The fish and Greek salad was the freshest!!” This suggests that the fishing itself, combined with the on-board meal, makes for a memorable and authentic experience. Even if you don’t reel in a big catch, the guided process and fun atmosphere make it worthwhile.
We booked the fishing trip in advance for a day trip with our 6 children aged 7-14. We all had a lovely time. We were welcomed on board with drinks. The fishing was fun and we were helped to bait up and untangle lines etc.. The cave swimming was such an enjoyable experience and to then come back on board with the most wonderful food all laid up ready, presented wonderfully. Memories to last a lifetime. My only criticism is that 3 hours fishing was a little too long for younger children and the toilet on board needs a good clean and a proper lock on the door.
Experience was really good. Nice bbq and swimming spot. Captain and team was very friendly. They have luxury toilet downstairs.
A bit primitive, but well worth the adventure. My wife said it was the best excursion she has been on from a cruise ship. Everything went great and was better than expected. We caught fish and my wife wanted to keep fishing. I was ready for a swim. And the drop in snorkel spot was well rewarded. I will go again if I am every back in Rhodes.
Exploring Kalithea Caves and Rocky Beaches
Next, you’ll visit the famous Kalithea Caves and rocky beaches. This part is all about scenery and activity—swimming and snorkeling in clear, pristine waters. The caves and the surrounding rocks create a perfect backdrop for some quality relaxing and picture-taking. The reviews point out the swim through caves as a particular highlight, with Tracy A mentioning it made up for not catching fish.
This stop gives you a break from fishing and lets you enjoy Rhodes’ natural beauty firsthand. The caves aren’t just a sightseeing spot; they’re a chance to cool off, explore, and even see some marine life if you’re snorkeling. Keep in mind, this is a more laid-back segment, so if you’re expecting a long, deep dive into underwater exploration, you might find it more of a casual swim.
Food and Drinks: Fresh, Simple, and Satisfying
The on-board BBQ is a standout feature. Many reviews love the delicious, freshly cooked fish or chicken, paired with Greek salad and simple, tasty sides. It’s served in a relaxed, friendly setting and is seen as more than just a meal—it’s part of the experience. The fact that the fish is caught during the tour adds a layer of authenticity that many travelers appreciate.
Drinks are available, complementing the meal, and the overall vibe is casual and hospitable. From reviews, guests often mention the “amazing” food and attentive hosts, making the meal feel like a genuine part of the day rather than just a quick snack.
What Travelers Say
The reviews consistently praise the guides and crew. Darlene calls Angelo and the captain “amazing,” highlighting their humor, kindness, and helpful attitude. This personal touch makes a difference, especially on a small group tour where interaction with the crew can really shape your day.
Some guests, like Debbie, mention that the fishing might be more suitable for beginners, with not much caught during their trip. That’s worth noting—if your main goal is to fish for a big catch, this might not be the most fruitful tour. But if you’re happy to try, relax, and enjoy the scenery or a swim, it’s plenty rewarding.
Group Size and Booking
With a cap of 12 travelers, this tour feels intimate, allowing for more personalized attention. Booking around 28 days in advance is typical, indicating it’s popular but not overly crowded. The tour departs from a central meeting point in Rhodes, near public transportation, making it accessible.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rhodes
Pricing and Value
At just over $75 per person, this experience offers a lot: fishing, sightseeing, swimming, caves, and a hearty meal. The reviews indicate that many find it a good deal—especially given the friendly service and quality food. While not a luxury experience, it’s a solid choice for travelers wanting a varied, authentic day on the water without breaking the bank.
Considerations
The main thing to keep in mind is that fishing success can vary, especially for beginners. If your primary goal is to catch fish, be prepared for the possibility of not reeling in much. Also, the trip’s relaxed pace means it’s not a high-octane adventure—if you’re after adrenaline or a full-day deep-sea fishing expedition, this isn’t it.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This boat trip is ideal for travelers seeking a laid-back, genuine experience with good guides, tasty food, and scenic stops. It’s perfect if you enjoy small-group adventures, want to try fishing in a friendly environment, or simply love swimming in beautiful waters. Families with teens or older children might also enjoy it, especially if they’re comfortable with boat trips and swimming.
If your priority is high fishing success or long, intense exploration, you might want to look elsewhere. But for those wanting a relaxing day with a bit of everything—fishing, exploring, eating, and swimming—this tour hits the mark.
FAQ about the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip
How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 5 hours, balancing fishing, sightseeing, swimming, and eating.
What’s included in the price?
You’ll get a guided fishing experience, stops for swimming and caves, and a barbecue lunch with drinks.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, guides are friendly and teach fishing basics, making it accessible for those new to fishing.
Can I catch fish during the tour?
While many enjoy the fishing, success varies. Some reviews mention not catching much, but the experience is still worth it for the scenery and fun.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and perhaps a hat. All fishing gear and food are provided on the boat.
Are there any age restrictions?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat trips and swimming.
What about weather?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.
Is the group size small?
Yes, with a maximum of 12 travelers, you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience.
How do I book?
Booking is straightforward online, and it’s recommended to reserve about a month in advance due to popularity.
Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board
"It’s a relaxing few hours out on the water but the fishing is so so. We stopped in 3 places which is where I think the boat stops each time - a ..."
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a relaxed, authentic day on the water in Rhodes, this fishing trip is a solid pick. It’s less about catching a huge haul and more about enjoying the company, the scenery, and freshly made Greek food. Guides are praised for their warmth and helpfulness, which makes the experience comfortable even for first-timers.
The combination of fishing, swimming, exploring caves, and a good meal makes this a well-rounded, enjoyable outing. It’s especially good for travelers who want to combine adventure with leisure and appreciate a touch of local flavor.
While it may not be perfect if you’re solely focused on fishing success, it’s a trip that leaves most guests with plenty of memorable moments—and great stories to tell later. Perfect for small groups or families looking for a genuine taste of Rhodes’ maritime charm.
