Sunset Cruise with a Swimming Stop at Kalithea Bay

If you’re looking for a way to wind down your day in Rhodes while soaking up some truly memorable views, a sunset cruise might just be what you need. This particular tour offers a blend of scenic beauty, relaxing moments, and a touch of local flavor—all wrapped into about three hours. While we haven’t been on it ourselves, the overall reviews paint a picture of an experience that’s popular for a reason, especially among couples and friends wanting to enjoy Rhodes from a different perspective.

What we really like about this cruise is how it combines spectacular sunset views over Rhodes Old Town and Mandraki Harbor with a fun swimming stop at Kalithea Bay. Plus, the inclusion of live music and free-flowing drinks makes it feel like an enjoyable, laid-back celebration of the evening. However, a potential downside to consider is that some travelers have noted long wait times before departure and inconsistent crew engagement, which might affect the overall vibe if you’re expecting a seamless experience.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, scenic activity that combines beautiful vistas with a chance to swim and enjoy good company. It’s also ideal for those who want to include some live music and drinks as part of their evening plans. If you’re up for a leisurely cruise that captures Rhodes’ charm at sunset, this could be a solid pick — just keep in mind that it’s not necessarily a high-energy party, but more of a mellow, memorable outing.

Key Points

• Breathtaking sunset views over Rhodes Old Town and Mandraki Harbor.
• Includes a swimming stop at Kalithea Bay with snorkeling gear provided.
• Offers free-flowing drinks including wine, beer, and soft drinks.
• Live music adds a gentle, festive atmosphere.
• Tour duration is about 3 hours, mostly relaxing on the boat.
• Some reviews mention waiting times and variable crew engagement, so be prepared for that.

What the Experience Entails: A Closer Look

This sunset cruise runs every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday starting around 5:00 or 6:00 pm, depending on the sunset time. The tour kicks off at the Harbor in Rhodes town, with the exact meeting point at Half Price Tours on Gallias 6. This central location makes it fairly straightforward to reach, especially if you’re staying nearby or using public transport.

The Itinerary: Relaxed and Scenic

The heart of the experience is the hour-long stop at Kalithea Bay. Here, you’re invited to swim, snorkel, or just lounge on the boat. The snorkeling equipment is included, which is a nice touch, especially if you want a quick peek beneath the surface of the crystal-clear waters. Reviewers consistently mention how pleasant the swimming stop is, with one describing it as “a very nice experience” and appreciating the opportunity to dip into the ocean before the sunset views.

Following the swim, the boat gets back underway to offer unobstructed views of Rhodes’ coast at sunset. The scenery from the boat is frequently highlighted as a major highlight, with many guests noting how the views of Rhodes Old Town and Mandraki Harbor look especially stunning during this time. Some reviews mention bringing a drink to sip while watching the sun dip below the horizon, which definitely adds a romantic touch.

Food & Drinks: Included and Well-Received

The price of about $91 per person covers food and drinks, making it a good value for a three-hour evening out. The menu features a delicious buffet, with reviewers praising the quality of the food—some call it “excellent” and “very good quality.” Alongside the buffet, unlimited drinks are served, including wine, beer, and soft drinks. Several reviews highlight how generous the drinks service is, with one reviewer mentioning that “the alcohol was free-flowing,” which really boosts the relaxed, party-like atmosphere.

Live Music & Atmosphere

Adding to the experience is the live music, often played by a talented musician, like a violinist or a cellist, which sets a gentle, elegant tone. Guests frequently mention how the live music makes the sunset even more memorable, adding a touch of sophistication and romance. Many reviewers describe the atmosphere as “lovely” and “great,” emphasizing the relaxing vibe aboard the boat with friends or loved ones.

The Crew & Service: Mixed Experiences

While many reviews praise the staff as “great,” “friendly,” and accommodating, a few mention inconsistent engagement or longer waiting times. One reviewer described the crew as “a bit rude at embarkation,” and others noted a wait of over 45 minutes before departure, which might be frustrating if you prefer a more structured or prompt start. The booking process itself, according to reviews, is easy, and the tour manager is often praised for helpfulness—George, in one case, even offered to give a ride home after the cruise.

Duration & Group Size

The tour lasts about three hours, making it a perfect evening activity without taking up your entire night. Group sizes are capped at 50, which helps keep the atmosphere comfortable and social without feeling crowded.

The Value: Does It Live Up to the Price?

At roughly $91, the cruise is definitely on the more affordable side for a sunset activity in Rhodes, especially considering the inclusiveness of food, drinks, snorkeling gear, live music, and the picturesque views. Many travelers feel they get their money’s worth, describing it as “well worth the money,” with some considering it a highlight of their trip.

However, it’s worth noting that some reviews flagged the long wait times and uneven crew engagement, which could impact your overall enjoyment. If punctuality and seamless service are a priority for you, be prepared for some variability.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This cruise is well suited for couples, friends, or anyone looking for a relaxed, scenic, and memorable way to end the day. If you love the idea of sipping wine while watching a sunset over Rhodes, and enjoy a swim in beautiful waters, this tour checks those boxes. It’s less suitable for travelers seeking a high-energy party or a highly structured schedule, but perfect if you prefer a chilled, enjoyable experience with a dash of romance and good music.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
It begins around 5:00 to 6:00 pm, depending on the sunset time, and departs from the Harbor in Rhodes town at Half Price Tours on Gallias 6.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including the swimming stop and time enjoying the sunset.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, the tour price covers a buffet meal along with unlimited drinks, including wine, beer, and soft drinks. Reviewers say the quality of the food is quite good.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, and the swimming stop at Kalithea Bay is often praised as a highlight, giving you a chance to cool off and explore underwater.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and maybe a light jacket if you tend to get cold in the evening. If you want to take photos, a waterproof camera or phone with a strap might come in handy.

Is this suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the experience could be enjoyable for older children or teenagers who are comfortable on boats and interested in swimming and sunset views. Keep in mind that the focus is on relaxation and scenic beauty rather than active adventure.

Final Thoughts

This Sunset Cruise with a Swimming Stop at Kalithea Bay offers a relaxing, visually stunning way to spend an evening in Rhodes. With breathtaking vistas, a good buffet, and live music, it’s a sweet escape from the busy city streets. The experience seems to resonate most with couples and small groups who enjoy a low-key, romantic environment, but it’s also perfect for friends wanting to share a memorable sunset.

While some hiccups with timing and crew engagement have been noted, the overall impression remains positive—many travelers call it a highlight of their trip. For those who value good food, beautiful scenery, and a laid-back atmosphere, this cruise is definitely worth considering. Just remember to arrive on time, bring your camera, and go with an open mind ready to enjoy Rhodes from a different vantage point.

Additional Resources

Similar experiences you might consider include water parks, island trips, or other boat excursions listed on Viator, which can complement or enhance your time in Rhodes. Whether it’s a day trip to Symi or a different kind of cruise, Rhodes offers plenty of options to match your travel style.

Enjoy your trip, and I hope your sunset in Rhodes is truly unforgettable!