Rhodes: Bay to Bay Swim Cruise with Greek Buffet and Wine

If you’re dreaming of spending a relaxing day on the water exploring some of Rhodes’ most gorgeous spots, this Bay to Bay Swim Cruise with Romantika Day Cruise might just be what you’re after. While we haven’t personally joined this cruise, the reviews and details paint a pretty inviting picture. It’s designed for those who love a mix of scenic views, swimming, good food, and a lively, social atmosphere.

What draws us to this experience is the combination of comfortable boat decks and a friendly vibe — the kind where you can chill out and connect with others, not just be herded through a tour. Plus, the Greek buffet with unlimited wine sounds like the perfect way to enjoy a laid-back day under the sun. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that you’ll need to swim to shore at each stop, so some comfort with water or swimming is helpful. This trip is ideally suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of scenic relaxation, social fun, and beautiful swimming spots.

Key Points

• Relaxed, social atmosphere: Designed for connecting with others, not a formal tour.
• Scenic bay visits: Kalithea Springs, Afandou, Anthony Quinn Bay — each offers unique views and snorkeling.
• All-inclusive food and drinks: Greek buffet, unlimited local wine, and soft drinks.
• Comfortable boat experience: Spacious decks and good music for a lively vibe.
• Water activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and exploring caves.
• Flexible and family-friendly: Suitable for most travelers comfortable in water, with options for vegetarian and special diets.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise

Rhodes is packed with stunning beaches and dramatic coastlines, and it’s easy to get overwhelmed deciding which to explore. This cruise aims to give you a taste of several top spots in one day, all from the comfort of a well-equipped boat. The “Romantika Dreams” offers a smooth, enjoyable ride with spacious decks that are perfect for lounging, dancing, or simply soaking in the views.

Starting Point and Departure Timing

The adventure kicks off early in the morning, around 9:45 am, at Mandraki Port, opposite the Nea Agora marketplace. The crew, easily recognizable in blue shorts and red-striped shirts, makes boarding straightforward. The cruise typically lasts about 6 hours — so you’ll want to check the specific departure time when booking to fit it into your plans. The trip is designed for comfort and relaxation, with enough time built in for swimming, sightseeing, and enjoying the buffet.

The Itinerary: What You’ll See and Do

The day is divided into several stops, each offering something different:

Kalithea Springs:
This first stop is a highlight. Famous for its Kalithea Springs, this spot combines natural beauty with interesting architecture and history. You’ll have about an hour here to take pictures, swim, snorkel, or just relax on the deck listening to music. Reviewers love this stop; Amy called it “a magnificent seaside monument,” and Neil mentioned it as a favorite, noting the “lovely lunch and free wine.”

Faliraki and Ladiko Bay:
These are mainly passing points to enjoy the scenery. While not stops for swimming, they set the stage for the next immersive experience. The boat cruises past towering rocks and lush coastline, giving you plenty of opportunities to snap photos and enjoy the views.

Afandou Beach:
Here, you’ll get a more extended stop — about an hour — perfect for swimming, exploring caves, or walking along the beach. The highlight is the Caves of Traganou, which many reviewers find charming. The setting is ideal for a laid-back lunch buffet served onboard, featuring traditional Greek dishes and vegetarian options. Neil said, “The lunch was lovely, and the wine, beer, and soft drinks were unlimited.”

Anthony Quinn Bay:
This is perhaps the most famous stop, thanks to its striking landscape and clear waters. Named after the actor Anthony Quinn, who fell in love with the area, this bay offers excellent snorkeling, marine life viewing, and photo opportunities. Amy described it as a “great spot for swimming,” and Thanos noted the abundant fish when bread was thrown into the water. You’ll spend about an hour here, with time for water activities or just relaxing on the deck.

The Food and Drinks

The onboard Greek buffet is a major plus. It features fresh, homemade-style dishes, with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available, as noted by several reviewers. Neil appreciated the “plenty of space and no queues for wine,” with staff bringing carafes directly to your seats. The unlimited local white and rose wine is included, along with soft drinks and water, making it a good value for the price of $67 per person.

The bar offers cocktails and champagne at “happy prices,” adding some extra fun for those who want to indulge further. The food, drinks, and lively music combine to create a friendly, “Parea” vibe where people connect and have fun. Jodie mentioned how she wished she had a waterproof camera to capture underwater moments, which is a good tip if you want to document your adventure.

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Water Activities and Snorkeling

The cruise is well-equipped with snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests, and several reviews highlight how much fun they had exploring underwater. Thanos described how he and his friends saw dozens of fish in Anthony Quinn Bay when bread was thrown in. Having about an hour at each snorkeling stop allows plenty of time to enjoy the water without rushing — a definite advantage for water lovers.

Crew and Atmosphere

Reviews consistently praise the friendly, welcoming crew. Jodie remarked on how “lovely and welcoming” everyone was, and Amy appreciated the great service and music. The atmosphere tends to be lively yet relaxed, with many guests mentioning the friendly camaraderie onboard. The music playing through the sound system adds a fun, party-like feeling, especially on the return trip.

Practicalities and Considerations

While the cruise is quite accommodating, there are a few points to keep in mind:
– You need to swim to shore at each bay, so decent swimming skills are necessary.
– The trip doesn’t include hotel transfers, but you can arrange for extra via the provider.
– It’s advisable to bring essentials like sunscreen, a hat, comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a towel.
– The cruise runs in daylight hours, with a typical return around 4:15 pm.

Who Is This Cruise Best For?

If you enjoy a mix of scenic beauty, water activities, and social vibes, this cruise ticks many boxes. It’s perfect for solo travelers looking to meet others, couples wanting a romantic yet lively day, or friends wanting to share a fun experience. It’s also family-friendly, provided your kids are comfortable swimming and snorkeling. Since the food is inclusive and the atmosphere is laid-back, it’s especially good for those who want to avoid overly structured tours.

Final Thoughts

The Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and social fun. The combination of stunning bays, unlimited drinks, delicious food, and friendly service makes it a good value at $67. While you should be comfortable with swimming and water activities, most reviews suggest the experience is flexible enough for a wide range of travelers.

For anyone wanting to enjoy Rhodes from the water, explore beautiful beaches, and connect with fellow travelers in a warm, casual setting, this cruise is definitely worth considering. It’s more than just a boat ride; it’s a chance to unwind, explore, and make some memorable moments.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
No, the cruise departs from Mandraki Port, but you can book extra transfers if needed.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. If you want to take photos underwater, consider a waterproof camera or phone bag.

How long are the stops at each bay?
You’ll typically have about an hour at each snorkeling and swimming stop, giving plenty of time to enjoy the water and explore.

Is the food suitable for vegetarians or those with allergies?
Yes, the buffet includes vegetarian options and can accommodate dietary restrictions if you inform the crew upon arrival.

Can I snorkel without experience?
Absolutely. Snorkeling masks, pool noodles, and life vests are provided, and the friendly crew are happy to help beginners.

What is the atmosphere onboard?
It’s a relaxed, friendly environment with good music, lively vibes, and opportunities to mingle. Many reviews mention a “Parea” feeling — people connecting and having a good time.

Is this trip family-friendly?
Yes, as long as your children are comfortable swimming and snorkeling, this day trip can be enjoyed by families seeking a fun outdoor experience.

If you’re after a day of scenic swims, delicious food, and a friendly social scene, this cruise could be a highlight of your time in Rhodes. It balances scenic beauty with good value, making it a popular choice for many travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here: