Rhodes: Sailing Catamaran Day Cruise with food and drinks

Rhodes’ east coast is at its best from the water, and this private catamaran cruise gives you a full six hours to enjoy it without sharing the boat with a crowd. You sail to three popular bays, stop for swims, and have a Greek lunch at Afandou. The quiet-bay approach is the real appeal: the crew aims to find a calmer place to anchor rather than simply ticking off viewpoints.

I like the private group format, especially for families or a group of friends who want room to spread out. I also like the simple all-day setup: unlimited soft drinks, lunch, and alcoholic drinks at lunchtime are included, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet.

The main consideration is the weather-dependent route. Swimming stops can change, and this trip is not a good fit if you have limited mobility, use a wheelchair, or are prone to seasickness. At $1,850 for up to 11 people, it makes the most sense with a fairly full group.

Key points at a glance

• Three swimming stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, and Kallithea Springs each offer a different setting.
• Private boat for up to 11: You sail with only your own group, not a large mixed crowd.
• Six hours on the east coast: The schedule includes long sailing stretches as well as time in the water.
• Lunch and drinks included: Greek lunch, unlimited soft drinks all day, and alcoholic drinks at lunchtime are covered.
• Quiet-bay focus: The crew looks for the quieter part of each bay when conditions allow.
• Easy marina departure: The meeting point is at New Marina Rhodes, about 1 kilometer from Rhodes Town, with free parking nearby.

Why this private Rhodes cruise works best for small groups

This is less a sightseeing boat with a fixed script and more a relaxed day at sea. You spend part of the time sailing, part of the time swimming, and the rest sitting on the catamaran with a drink and the sea air around you.

The private format matters. A group of eight has plenty of space, according to the available details, and the catamaran is arranged so everyone has somewhere to sit. With a maximum of 11 people, you avoid the packed-deck feeling common on larger day boats.

The price is high if you are paying alone, but the calculation changes with a full group. At the maximum capacity, $1,850 works out to about $168 per person. For eight people, it is about $231 each. That covers six hours, lunch, drinks, the vessel, crew, and port-related fees. I would call it good value for a group that wants privacy, but poor value for a couple or a small family unless the private setting is especially important.

The boat departs from the New Marina rather than Mandraki Harbour. That is useful if you dislike crowded port areas. The marina is roughly 1 kilometer from central Rhodes Town, and free parking spaces are available close to the meeting point.

Find the Naval Bar and Restaurant, then go to the marina side. The meeting point is outside the restaurant. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way there.

Sailing for 75 minutes along Rhodes’ east coast

The first sailing section lasts about 75 minutes. This gives you time to settle in, find your preferred spot on deck, and watch the coast pass from a distance.

Do not think of this part as wasted time between stops. On a catamaran, the ride itself is part of the day. You get the wind, open views, and a chance to relax before the first swim. The tradeoff is that nearly half the six-hour schedule is spent sailing in three separate stretches. If you want nonstop swimming, this may feel slow. If you want a full day on the water, it is a good balance.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Specific crew names are not provided, so you should not expect to book a particular guide. The experience is built around the crew handling the boat, serving food and drinks, and choosing swimming areas based on the day’s weather and sea conditions.

Bring beachwear and a towel. Sunscreen is also a sensible addition, though it is not specifically listed among the required items. You will be exposed to the sun on deck and during the swimming stops.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the first 50-minute swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first planned stop, with about 50 minutes for swimming. It is one of the better-known bays on Rhodes, so the setting can be popular. The crew’s aim is to use the quieter part of the bay when possible, which helps, but it cannot guarantee an empty anchorage.

Fifty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim without making the stop feel rushed. You can get into the clear water, cool off, and return to the boat for a drink. If you prefer to remain dry, the catamaran gives you a place to sit and enjoy the view.

This stop is also a good test of the day’s rhythm. You are not spending hours ashore. The boat remains your base, and each bay is a short visit centered on swimming rather than shopping, walking, or organized activities.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew what is practical before entering the water. The supplied information does not specify flotation equipment, water depth, or a ladder arrangement, so you should not assume that every part of the bay is suitable for non-swimmers.

Afandou combines a 70-minute swim with lunch

The Afandou stop is the longest, at around 70 minutes, and includes lunch as well as swimming. This is the main meal break, so it gives the day a useful pause after the first sailing and swim.

Lunch is included in the price, and the experience is described as a Greek meal. Alcoholic drinks are included at lunchtime, while soft drinks are available without limit all day. The timing is practical: you can swim first, eat afterward, or arrange the order with the crew depending on conditions.

Do not expect a long restaurant-style meal ashore. The description places lunch within the boat itinerary, and the whole experience is designed to keep you on the catamaran. That makes the day easy and contained, but it also means you will not be exploring Afandou village or spending time on land.

For many groups, this will be the best part of the schedule. You have enough time for a proper break, and the combination of food, drinks, and swimming prevents the trip from feeling like a series of rushed photo stops.

The drink policy deserves careful attention. Soft drinks are included all day, but alcoholic drinks are included at lunchtime only. The activity also does not allow intoxication, alcohol misuse, or drugs. It is a relaxed sailing day, not a party boat.

Kallithea Springs closes the day with a 40-minute swim

The final planned stop is Kallithea Springs, with about 40 minutes for swimming. Compared with Afandou, this is a shorter stop, but it gives you one last chance to get in the water before the return sail.

The stop is especially useful late in the day because you can cool off before the final 75-minute cruise back to New Marina Rhodes. Forty minutes is enough for a swim, though you may want to keep an eye on the time so you do not return to the boat in a rush.

The schedule does not say that you will go ashore to visit the springs complex. The stop is listed as swimming, so plan around the water rather than a land visit. If you have seen photos of the historic baths and want to tour them, confirm the plan before booking.

Swimming stops are subject to change according to weather conditions. That is normal for a sailing trip, but it is worth accepting before you pay. The route is not a fixed promise in the same way a museum ticket is. Wind and sea conditions may affect the order, duration, or exact location of the stops.

What the six-hour schedule feels like

The stated timing adds up to a clear rhythm:

• 75 minutes sailing to Anthony Quinn Bay
• 50 minutes swimming at Anthony Quinn Bay
• 20 minutes sailing to Afandou
• 70 minutes for lunch and swimming at Afandou
• 75 minutes sailing to Kallithea Springs
• 40 minutes swimming at Kallithea Springs

That totals 330 minutes, or five and a half hours, leaving roughly 30 minutes for boarding, anchoring, moving between areas, and returning to the marina. In practice, you should allow the full six hours and avoid scheduling another activity immediately afterward.

The sailing portions are long enough that you should choose this cruise for relaxation, not for a packed checklist. You will spend about three hours underway, with another two hours and 40 minutes at the three main stops. That is a comfortable balance for people who like being on the boat.

The best days will be calm and sunny. Poor conditions can change the stop locations, and people prone to seasickness may find the sailing uncomfortable. If that applies to you, consider taking advice from a medical professional before booking, since the cruise is not recommended for those who regularly get seasick.

Food, drinks, and the practical value of an all-inclusive day

The included food and drinks make the pricing easier to understand. You are not buying only a boat ride. Lunch, all fees and taxes, unlimited soft drinks throughout the day, and alcoholic drinks at lunchtime are included.

That arrangement is especially helpful for a group. You can settle into the day without dividing every bottle of water or lunch bill. It also removes one common annoyance on boat excursions, where basic drinks and meals can quickly add up.

Still, this is not an unlimited alcohol package. Alcoholic drinks are included only with lunch, and the rules prohibit intoxication. If you are looking for a drinking-focused cruise, this is the wrong choice.

The food is described as a delicious Greek lunch, but the available information does not specify the dishes, vegetarian choices, allergy handling, or meal service style. If anyone in your group has dietary restrictions, ask before booking rather than assuming the meal will suit everyone.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip for a private group that values space, swimming, and a slow day on the water. It fits families with older children, couples traveling with friends, and groups celebrating a special occasion without wanting a loud party atmosphere.

It is also a strong choice if you are staying in or near Rhodes Town and want to avoid the crowded feel of Mandraki Harbour. The New Marina is close to the center and has free parking nearby, which makes the start less complicated.

You should think twice if you want extensive time on land. There are no listed village visits, guided walks, or cultural tours. The appeal is the sea, the catamaran, the food, and the swim stops.

People with mobility impairments or wheelchair users should not book this activity based on the stated suitability guidance. The boat may involve steps, narrow access, or movement between the deck and water, but those exact details are not provided. The important point is that the experience is not marketed as accessible.

Booking advice, cancellation, and what to bring

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Rhodes schedule is not fully settled.

Starting times vary, so check availability for the date you want. The trip lasts six hours, and hotel pickup is not included. Plan your own transport to the New Marina and arrive at the Naval Bar and Restaurant meeting point on the marina side.

Bring:

• Towel
• Beachwear

You will spend much of the day outdoors, so sun protection is a practical addition. Keep your belongings organized, since the supplied information does not describe storage facilities on board.

Should you book the Rhodes catamaran cruise?

Book it if you have a group of up to 11 and want a private, easygoing day with three swims, a Greek lunch, and drinks already covered. The strongest reasons are the small capacity, the quiet-bay approach, and the amount of time you get on the water.

Skip it if you want a cheap boat ride, a nightlife atmosphere, a land-based tour, or a guaranteed fixed route. The price only becomes attractive when shared among several people, and the swimming stops can change with the weather.

For the right group, this is a polished way to spend a full day on Rhodes’ east coast. It gives you room to relax, keeps the schedule simple, and avoids the usual large-boat crush.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including sailing time, swimming stops, lunch, and the return to New Marina Rhodes.

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from Parking New Marina Rhodes. The meeting point is outside the Naval Bar and Restaurant, on the marina side.

How far is the marina from Rhodes Town?

New Marina Rhodes is approximately 1 kilometer from the center of Rhodes Town.

Is parking available near the meeting point?

Yes. A lot of free parking spaces are available close to the meeting point.

What food and drinks are included?

A Greek lunch is included. Soft drinks are unlimited throughout the day, and alcoholic drinks are included at lunchtime only.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The private catamaran accommodates a group of up to 11 people.

Are the swimming stops guaranteed?

No. The swimming stops can change depending on the weather conditions on the day.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. You need to arrange your own transport to and from New Marina Rhodes.