Rhodes: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Drinks

This Rhodes all-inclusive catamaran cruise runs about 6 hours and takes a small group (max 24) along the island’s east-coast coves. You’ll swim and snorkel from an anchored boat, with unlimited wine and beer and a Greek buffet lunch served onboard.

What I like most is the mix of scenery and water time. Anthony Quinn Bay is a standout for snorkeling, and the crew even throw bread into the sea, which can bring colorful fish right near you. I also like the way the team keeps things smooth in English, with friendly, practical guidance from staff like Andreas and Hope.

The main drawback to plan for: the catamaran stays at anchor, so you’ll swim to the shore. It’s also not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and a few travelers noted the toilet area could be better on some days.

Key Things I’d Tell a Friend Before You Book

• Max 24 passengers + crew makes the boat feel comfortable, not packed.
• Unlimited wine and beer from 12:00 PM plus juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.
• Snorkeling equipment, noodles, and life jackets are provided, so first-timers won’t feel lost.
• Route depends on catamaran type: sailing covers Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay, while power adds Afandou Beach caves.
• Anchor-and-swim stops at each bay means the best views come with some water entry.
• Mandraki Harbor check-in before 10:00 matters, since missing departure can mean a 25-euro rebooking fee.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This 6-Hour Catamaran Works So Well in Rhodes

Rhodes is great for beaches, but doing them in the right order matters. This cruise strings together multiple swim stops along the east coast without you needing to drive, navigate, or time buses.

The pacing is also smart. You get a cruising stretch, then proper time in the water, then lunch, then another set of swim breaks. In six hours, it stays fun instead of turning into an exhausting checklist.

Getting Started: Mandraki Harbor and a Simple Boarding Flow

You meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor. It’s a straightforward setup, and there’s no ticket line to fight through.

One practical tip: arrive early enough to get settled before departure. The cruise leaves at 10:00, and there’s no wiggle room if you’re late. Several travelers also recommended getting on early for better seating, including spots on upper decks.

Small Group Comfort: Max 24 Makes a Difference

With up to 24 passengers, you’re more likely to move around and find your own space. That matters on a day spent partly in sun and partly in boat life.

You’ll also notice it in the atmosphere. People tend to chat, relax, and focus on the water stops rather than crowding around guides or fighting for elbow room.

Sailing vs Power Catamaran: Which One Fits Your Day

You can choose either a sailing catamaran or a power catamaran, and the route differs.

• Sailing option: typically stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kalithea Bay.
• Power option: includes the sailing-style bays and can add Afandou Beach caves.

If you care most about water time and classic east-coast coves, the sailing itinerary feels great. If you want the extra cave stop, go power.

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The Cruise Rhythm: A Mix of Cruising Time and Swimming Time

This is not a slow sightseeing-only trip. You’re on the move for stretches, then the boat drops anchor and you get around 1 hour at the first swim spot, another 60 minutes at the next bay, and then shorter but still meaningful time at the final swim.

Exact timing can shift with the captain’s decisions based on conditions. That’s normal at sea, and it’s also why the day doesn’t feel rigid.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Snorkel in Clear Water and a Bread-Feeding Moment

Anthony Quinn Bay is one of those places that just photographs well, but the real point is the underwater life. You’ll have about 1 hour here for swimming and snorkeling.

The crew throws bread into the sea, and you can get colorful fish gathering nearby as you explore underwater. Even if you’re not a die-hard snorkeler, it’s still fun because the water clarity lets you see what’s going on.

Practical note: you’ll need swimwear and basic confidence in open-water entry. The boat stays anchored, so you’ll swim in from the swim area.

The Middle Stretch: Short Cruising Runs That Keep the Day Moving

Between swim stops, you’ll cruise along the coast while the crew handles the logistics. Those in-between segments are a nice break because you get to cool down in the shade or settle in for the next anchorage.

It also gives you time to eat before you’re too tired from swimming. The best part is that the day doesn’t feel like it stops and starts every five minutes.

Lunch Onboard: Greek Buffet That Doesn’t Feel Like an Afterthought

Lunch is prepared and served onboard as a Mediterranean buffet. It’s buffet-style, but it’s clearly planned for a day at sea and includes a good spread of Greek classics.

You can expect items like:

• grilled chicken
• pasta salad and potato salad
• Greek salad and green salad
• tzatziki, hummus, and aubergine salad
• olives and feta
• fresh baked local bread

Some travelers also mentioned the food quality was better than they expected. And with the small group size, you’re less likely to stand in a long food line.

If you’re the type who worries about getting hungry between swim sessions, this lunch is one of the biggest value points of the day.

Unlimited Drinks: Wine and Beer from 12:00 PM

From 12:00 PM, you get unlimited wine and beer, plus unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.

This is not a tiny “one drink each” deal. People repeatedly mentioned that drinks kept coming during the day and stayed refreshing in the sun.

One sensible detail: the crew can stop alcoholic drinks if a passenger appears intoxicated. That keeps the vibe safer and calmer for everyone.

Afandou Beach Caves Stop (Power Option): Extra Variety for the Sea Day

If you choose the power catamaran, you may get an added stop at Afandou Beach caves.

This is a nice option if you want more than three swim spots. The cave stop tends to add a different kind of scenery, which can make the cruise feel less repetitive.

As always, the boat stays anchored, so plan for swim entry rather than a dockside landing.

Ladiko Bay: Quiet, Clear, and Great for Snorkeling

Ladiko Bay is another highlight, with about 60 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. Travelers specifically praised it as a calm, clear-water stop.

It’s the kind of bay where you can take it slow. If snorkeling is new to you, the provided gear (including pool noodles and snorkeling equipment) makes it easier to float comfortably while you get used to the water.

You can also simply swim without snorkeling and still enjoy the clarity and the underwater activity.

Kalithea Springs: Final Swim With Famous Coastal Charm

The last swim stop is at Kallithea/Kalithea Springs, with 45 to 60 minutes to swim and snorkel before heading back.

This is often where people end up staying a bit longer in the water, since the day is near the finish and the light is usually good. Travelers also described it as a kind of lagoon experience you can swim to.

When you’re choosing a time slot, this matters. If you’re a morning person, you’ll likely enjoy having energy for the final swim rather than feeling rushed.

What’s Included Beyond Lunch and Drinks

This cruise is more all-inclusive than many “cheap-ish” boat trips.

Included basics:

• Breakfast tortilla snack
• Fresh seasonal fruits (a cup at the end)
• Unlimited wine and beer from 12:00, plus soft drinks, juice, and water
• Snorkeling equipment, floating pool noodles, and life jackets
• Outdoor shower
• Indoor toilets

That outdoor shower can be a quiet lifesaver when you’re leaving wet and sandy later.

Onboard Toilets and Cleanliness: The One Small Complaint

Most comments are very positive about the boat being clean and comfortable. Still, a few travelers mentioned the toilet area wasn’t kept as clean as it could be.

If this would stress you out, I’d mentally file it as a minor trade-off. The rest of the experience seems to outweigh it for most people.

Getting the Best Seats and the Best Views

People repeatedly recommended trying to get on early for better seating, especially if you want:

• more space on upper deck areas
• front-deck sight lines during cruising segments

Since the boat holds a small group, you’re often able to find a spot that fits how you want to spend the day: shade, sun, or a mix of both.

Weather Happens: The Captain May Adjust the Plan

At sea, weather isn’t optional. One traveler described heavy rain sweeping through, and the crew handled it by explaining options and waiting it out rather than just running the schedule blindly.

The captain can also change routes or swimming stops for weather conditions. This flexibility is usually a good sign. It means safety and comfort come first, not just hitting the same anchors every day.

Safety and Practical Rules You’ll Hear on Board

Life jackets are provided, and the crew offers support if you need help getting equipped for snorkeling. You’ll also hear announcements about departure times and stop timing.

Also note: if you miss the 10:00 departure, the rebooking fee is 25 euros per ticket. So yes, show up early. The sea day is easy to love, but it’s not forgiving about timing.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Effortless)

The basics that make a real difference:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• swimwear
• towel
• sunscreen

I’d also suggest a dry bag for your phone and passport, since you’ll be moving between boat and water. You’re swimming from the anchored boat, so wet storage is a real concern.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This tour is ideal if you want:

• a relaxing, guided sea day
• snorkeling without a complicated setup
• an all-inclusive meal and drinks deal
• multiple east-coast swim locations in one trip

It’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments, because the boat anchors and shore access depends on swimming.

If your idea of a beach day includes lots of water time, you’ll probably love this. If you hate swimming entry, pick a beach-focused plan instead.

Value Check: Is $83 a Fair Deal?

At $83 per person for about 6 hours, this can be strong value in Rhodes because so much is bundled.

You’re paying for:

• a guided catamaran day with a live English-speaking guide
• multiple snorkel-ready swim stops
• unlimited wine/beer from 12:00 and unlimited soft drinks/water
• a Mediterranean buffet lunch plus snacks and fruit
• snorkeling gear and safety gear

A lot of island activities add up fast once you book transport, food, and rentals separately. Here, the cruise packages the whole experience into one price, and the small group size helps it feel “premium” rather than crowded.

My Booking Advice: Should You Book This Catamaran Day?

Yes, if you want a low-stress way to see Rhodes from the water and spend meaningful time swimming. The repeated themes from travelers are consistent: great crew attention, excellent stunning bay viewpoints, and a genuinely enjoyable wine selection, all wrapped into a format that feels good for families and first-time snorkelers.

Skip it if swimming from an anchored boat sounds like a deal-breaker for you, or if mobility is an issue. In those cases, the logistics will be frustrating no matter how good the food and views are.

If you’re choosing between sailing and power, here’s the simple call: pick sailing for the classic east-coast bays, and pick power if you want the extra Afandou Beach caves stop.

FAQ

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the catamaran cruise?

Meet the crew at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes kiosk at Mandraki Harbor.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise duration is 6 hours.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Mediterranean lunch buffet is included onboard, along with a breakfast tortilla snack and a cup of fresh seasonal fruits.

What drinks are included, and when do they start?

You get unlimited wine and beer from 12:00 PM, plus unlimited juice, soft drinks, and bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, along with floating pool noodles and life jackets.

Do the boats dock at the beaches?

No. The catamaran stays at anchor in each bay. To get to the shore, you need to swim.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

You can check availability for your dates here: