Sun & Sea All Inclusive 3 Hour Swimming Cruise (WITH PICK UP SERVICE)

When you’re visiting Rhodes and feeling the pull of the sea, this swimming cruise offers exactly what it promises—a straightforward, no-fuss way to experience some of the island’s most stunning coastal spots. We appreciate that this tour doesn’t try to be something it’s not: it’s a focused water-based experience designed for swimmers and snorkelers who want to maximize their time in the Aegean rather than listen to lengthy historical lectures.

What really works about this experience is the combination of three genuinely beautiful swimming locations and the all-inclusive drinks setup that keeps the day feeling relaxed and social. You’re also looking at exceptional value here—at roughly $66 per person for three hours of swimming, unlimited drinks, snacks, and snorkeling gear, this ranks among the better-priced water activities in Greece.

The one thing to keep in mind is that this isn’t a luxury yacht experience. The boat is described by multiple travelers as older and less impressive than the photos suggest, and the crew tends toward the quiet side rather than providing extensive commentary about the island’s history or geology. If you’re someone who thrives on educational narration and pristine vessels, you might want to adjust your expectations accordingly.

This tour works best for cruise passengers with limited time in port, families with young swimmers who can’t handle long excursions, and anyone who simply wants to spend an afternoon floating in clear water without the commitment of a full-day island tour. If that sounds like your kind of day, read on.

What You’re Actually Getting: Breaking Down the Value

Let’s talk about what $66 really buys you on this tour. You’re getting three hours of time on a 36-foot catamaran with capacity limited to 28 people, which means you won’t be packed shoulder-to-shoulder like sardines (though one traveler did report overcrowding on their specific sailing). You get round-trip hotel transfers from Faliraki, unlimited drinks from an open bar, snacks, and access to snorkeling equipment.

For context, that’s significantly cheaper than similar water activities across the Mediterranean. A comparable boat tour in Santorini or Mykonos would easily run double the price. The drinks component alone—with beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and daily cocktails made fresh—adds substantial value to what you’re paying.

The trade-off is straightforward: you’re not getting a gourmet meal, celebrity-style service, or a brand-new vessel. You’re getting a functional, well-organized experience that delivers on its core promise: safe swimming in beautiful water with provisions to keep you comfortable. Several reviewers nailed this perspective, with one noting, “No frills. I did wish the 2 guides on board would have talked to us and told us more about where we were and about the island itself,” while still acknowledging the tour accomplished exactly what was advertised.

The Three Swimming Stops: Where the Magic Happens

Stop One: Afandou Beach and Traganou Caves (30 Minutes)

Your first stop takes you to Afandou Beach, where the boat anchors directly beside the striking Traganou Caves. This is where snorkeling becomes genuinely interesting—you can explore inside the caves themselves, which creates an otherworldly experience as you swim through natural rock formations in the deep blue water.

One reviewer captured the appeal perfectly: “One of them had caves! The water was absolutely beautiful.” If you’ve never snorkeled into a cave before, this stop alone justifies booking the tour. The water clarity here is excellent, and the caves provide natural shade and an element of adventure that regular beach swimming doesn’t offer.

You’ll have 30 minutes here, which gives you roughly 20-25 minutes of actual water time after boarding and preparing equipment. That’s enough to explore the cave system without feeling rushed, though one traveler did wish for more time at this particular spot.

Stop Two: Ladiko Bay (30 Minutes)

The second stop brings you to Ladiko Bay, which translates from Greek to “oil bay”—named for the remarkably calm, pure water. If you visited Afandou in slightly rougher conditions, you might notice the contrast here immediately. The water tends to be smoother and more forgiving for swimmers who aren’t entirely confident or who have young children in tow.

This stop is more straightforward than the cave stop—you’re swimming in open water rather than exploring geological formations. It’s a good place to settle in with a drink from the open bar, float on a noodle, and simply absorb the Mediterranean experience. Several families mentioned appreciating the calmer waters and reasonable time allocations at this location.

Stop Three: Anthony Quinn Bay (45 Minutes)

Your final and longest stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, which the tour operator describes as “the most beautiful bay of Rhodes.” They’re not exaggerating much. The water here is stunningly clear, and the surrounding pine trees and green hillsides create a postcard-worthy setting. Fun fact: this is where the classic film “The Guns of Navarone” was filmed, which adds a touch of movie history to your swimming break.

You get 45 minutes here—the longest time allocation of the three stops—which means you can actually relax, swim, explore, or simply float without constantly watching the clock. Reviewers consistently highlighted this stop as the standout: “Of the 3 swim stops, Anthony Quinn Bay is by far the best,” noted one traveler. Another added, “The last spot was the best since there were caves to swim in.”

The extended time at this final location is strategic—it’s the payoff after the shorter stops, and it’s where you’ll likely spend the most time actually swimming and enjoying the water rather than transitioning between spots.

The Boat Experience: Comfort and Practicality

The 36-foot catamaran features couch seating throughout, which is genuinely comfortable for a three-hour outing. One reviewer specifically praised this: “The boat was set up with outdoor couches that were comfortable and allowed everyone a place to sit.” This matters more than you might think—after swimming and floating, having proper seating (rather than bench seats or the deck) makes a real difference in how you feel during the ride between stops.

However, we need to be honest about the vessel itself. Multiple reviews noted that the boat looks older than the promotional photos suggest. One traveler stated bluntly: “The boat looks nothing like the photos. It was a much older wood top boat.” Another said, “It’s not as pictured on the website.” This isn’t a deal-breaker for most people, but it’s worth knowing you’re not getting a sleek modern catamaran—you’re getting a functional, well-maintained boat that’s been through many seasons.

One reviewer mentioned sitting on a wet cushion upon arrival, suggesting the boat might not always be in pristine condition before each departure. This is the kind of detail that matters if you’re wearing nice clothes or have high expectations for cleanliness. For swimmers who are planning to get wet anyway, it’s a minor inconvenience.

The boat’s smaller size—with a maximum of 28 passengers—is actually an advantage. You won’t experience the overwhelming crowds of mega-boat tours, and there’s enough space that you don’t feel cramped even when fully booked. One traveler perfectly captured this vibe: “It’s a small boat which makes it a nice and relaxing experience.”

What’s Included: Drinks, Snacks, and Equipment

The Open Bar

The unlimited drink setup is genuinely all-inclusive. You get beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a daily cocktail made fresh from fruit. One enthusiastic reviewer noted, “The strawberry daiquiri was incredible and that’s a guy saying that!” while another praised the unlimited drinks policy: “When they say unlimited drinks they mean it.”

The drink selection isn’t extensive—you’re not getting a craft cocktail bar—but it’s sufficient for a three-hour afternoon on the water. The fresh fruit cocktails are a nice touch that elevates the experience beyond just pouring wine from a box.

Snacks and Food

Expectations here should be modest. You’ll receive Melekouni (traditional Rhodian honey and sesame bars) and a fruit platter featuring local produce. One reviewer’s honest assessment: “The cup of fruit was basic fruits and not much there. One orange slice, one tiny piece of a banana, a sliver of a kiwi and a slice of apple.”

This isn’t meant as a meal replacement—it’s a light accompaniment to your swimming and drinking. One family with a young child found this timing perfect: “Just give you 20-40 minutes to swim. … Fruit and nut bar was ok.” Another traveler appreciated the fresh fruit aspect: “Fruit medley was delicious!”

The key is adjusting your expectations. If you’re hoping for substantial food, grab a meal before or after the tour. If you want light refreshments while swimming, these snacks hit the mark.

Snorkeling Equipment and Swimming Aids

You get access to snorkeling gear and swimming noodles. One caveat from a reviewer: “Didn’t use the snorkel gear… was sure how well it was disinfected.” If sanitation is a concern, consider bringing your own snorkeling equipment. The noodles are functional, though one traveler noted they seemed a bit worn: “Noodles we a bit old but worked.”

Many experienced snorkelers bring their own gear anyway, so this is less of a limitation and more of a backup option.

Transportation: The Faliraki Factor

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Faliraki hotels via luxury minibus. The pickup quality seems to vary—one reviewer gave the driver “5 stars” while another complained about an overcrowded van with minimal air conditioning during what they described as a “20-30 minute” transfer.

Here’s what matters: if you’re staying in Faliraki, this is excellent value inclusion. If you’re staying elsewhere (Rhodes Town, Ixia, or arriving via cruise ship), there’s a €10 per person additional charge. Some reviewers felt this should have been clearer in the listing description—one noted, “They shouldn’t say ‘with pick up service.’ It should say pickup service available at an additional fee.”

You must arrange transfers a day in advance, which is a minor administrative step but important to remember. One traveler experienced a real problem here: “Viator failed to pick us up. The excursion called for transportation, but they sent an email asking if we wanted the transportation while we were on the ship with no Wi-Fi and since we didn’t respond… we weren’t picked up.”

The lesson: confirm your pickup arrangements directly, especially if you’re on a cruise ship without reliable internet access.

The Crew and Atmosphere

This is where reviews show the most variation. The crew is consistently described as “friendly” and “nice” by most travelers, but several noted a lack of engagement or educational commentary. As one reviewer put it: “I did wish the 2 guides on board would have talked to us and told us more about where we were and about the island itself. They were very quiet and only told you what spot we were stopping at.”

This isn’t a guided tour in the traditional sense—it’s a swimming-focused experience where the crew handles logistics and safety rather than providing historical or geological context. If you’re looking for someone to explain the geology of the caves or the history of the island, you’ll be disappointed. If you’re looking for a crew that keeps the boat safe and the drinks flowing, you’ll be satisfied.

One family with younger children found the staff particularly accommodating: “They were very accommodating and knowledgeable.”

Practical Considerations and Honest Warnings

Weather and Cancellations

The tour requires good weather and has a minimum number of participants. If either condition isn’t met, you’ll get a different date or full refund. This is standard for water-based activities but worth noting—you can’t guarantee this will happen on your specific travel dates.

Sunburn and Sun Protection

Multiple reviewers emphasized the intense Mediterranean sun. One specifically noted: “The sun was intense so be sure to bring sunscreen.” This isn’t casual advice—you’ll be on a boat with minimal shade for three hours, then in the water where the sun reflects off the surface. Sunscreen is essential, and consider bringing a rash guard or quick-dry shirt if you’re sun-sensitive.

Seating and Crowding

One significant negative review mentioned arriving to find no available seats: “The description says they limit the number of tickets sold but they don’t. We bought 8 tickets and there were no seats left for us when we arrived.” This appears to be an anomaly based on the other 816 reviews, but it’s worth noting that occasionally boats do oversell or experience unexpected crowding.

Life Jackets and Safety

One reviewer raised a concern: “There were no life jackets and only pool noodles to hold you up.” This is worth noting if you have swimming ability concerns. The noodles are functional flotation aids, but they’re not the same as a life jacket. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you might want to ask about life jacket availability when booking.

Who Should Book This Tour

This experience works exceptionally well for cruise passengers with a limited port day—you can be picked up, spend three quality hours in the water, and be back at the ship with time to spare. One reviewer captured this perfectly: “We booked this for the day we were in port. We were picked up promptly and taken to the marina.”

It’s also ideal for families with young swimmers who can’t handle full-day tours. The time allocations (30, 30, and 45 minutes) are manageable for children, and one family specifically noted: “Just give you 20-40 minutes to swim. … which was perfect as our 9 Yr old couldn’t handle swimming for too long.”

Anyone seeking a break from Rhodes’ heavy historical sites—ancient ruins, medieval castles, archaeological museums—will appreciate the straightforward focus on swimming and relaxation. As one traveler noted, “This is very laid back and is perfect for those who just want to relax and swim in the sea.”

Strong swimmers and snorkelers will get genuine value from the cave exploration, particularly at Afandou and Anthony Quinn Bay.

Price and Value Assessment

At $66.51 per person for three hours including transportation, unlimited drinks, snacks, and equipment access, this represents solid value for a Mediterranean water experience. To put this in perspective, you’re paying roughly $22 per hour for the boat, plus whatever value you assign to unlimited alcohol and snacks. Most Mediterranean boat tours run $100-150 per person for similar duration.

The price-to-experience ratio is strong, though it’s worth noting you’re getting a functional rather than luxurious experience. You’re not paying for Instagram-worthy aesthetics or five-star service—you’re paying for access to beautiful water at a reasonable cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the actual swimming time versus travel time?
A: You’ll spend roughly 30, 30, and 45 minutes at the three stops, though not all of that is in the water—some time goes to boarding, organizing equipment, and transition. Expect approximately 1.5-2 hours of actual swimming time during the three-hour excursion.

Q: Is this suitable for non-swimmers or weak swimmers?
A: The tour provides noodles and snorkeling equipment for flotation, but there are no life jackets available. If you’re not a confident swimmer, you should bring your own life jacket or consider a different activity.

Q: How crowded does the boat get?
A: The boat holds a maximum of 28 people, and most reviewers report comfortable seating with couches. One negative review mentioned overcrowding, but this appears to be an exception rather than the norm.

Q: Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?
A: Equipment is provided, but one reviewer expressed concerns about sanitation. If this matters to you, bring your own snorkel gear for peace of mind.

Q: What’s the boat like? Is it modern and luxurious?
A: The boat is a 36-foot catamaran that’s functional and well-maintained but older than the promotional photos suggest. It features comfortable couch seating but isn’t a luxury vessel.

Q: How much time do I actually spend swimming at each location?
A: You get 30 minutes at Afandou Beach, 30 minutes at Ladiko Bay, and 45 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay. Realistically, subtract 5-10 minutes from each for boarding, equipment prep, and transitions.

Q: Is transportation really included, or are there hidden fees?
A: Transportation from Faliraki hotels is included. If you’re staying elsewhere (Rhodes Town, Ixia) or arriving via cruise ship, there’s a €10 per person additional charge. You must arrange transfers a day in advance.

Q: What should I bring besides sunscreen?
A: Bring a towel, water shoes or sandals for the boat, and any personal toiletries. The sun is intense, so a rash guard or quick-dry shirt is smart. Bring your own snorkel gear if you have sanitation concerns.

Q: How long is the total experience, including transportation?
A: The boat portion is three hours. Add 20-30 minutes for transfers from/to your hotel, making the total experience roughly four hours door-to-door.

The Bottom Line

This is a straightforward, well-priced swimming cruise that delivers exactly what it promises without pretense or unnecessary flourishes. You’re getting three genuinely beautiful swimming locations—including cave snorkeling opportunities—unlimited drinks, basic snacks, and functional equipment for roughly $66 per person. The boat is older than the photos suggest and the crew won’t provide extensive historical commentary, but if you’re seeking a relaxing water-based break from Rhodes’ archaeological sites without the commitment of a full-day excursion, this hits the mark. It’s particularly valuable for cruise passengers with limited port time and families with young swimmers. Go in with realistic expectations about the vessel’s age and the crew’s quiet demeanor, and you’ll have a genuinely enjoyable afternoon in crystal-clear Mediterranean water.