Sailing Catamaran day cruise – Rhodes with lunch & drinks

Introduction to the Rhodes Sailing Catamaran Day Cruise

If you’re looking for a way to escape the busy beaches and crowded streets of Rhodes, a private catamaran day cruise offers a serene and enjoyable alternative. Priced at around $1,799 for a group of up to 12 people, this 6-hour experience promises a relaxed day on the water, complete with lunch, drinks, and flexible sightseeing. Instead of sticking to a fixed itinerary, your local skipper moves at your pace, guiding you to some of the island’s loveliest spots—like Kallithea Springs Bay, Afandou Beach, and Anthony Quinn Bay.

What makes this cruise particularly appealing are two things in particular: First, the personalized experience that allows you to choose your swimming stops and take your time relaxing on deck or swimming in secluded coves. Second, the delicious Greek lunch served on board, featuring local mezedes, beer, wine, and soft drinks, which adds to the laid-back vibe of the day.

One thing to keep in mind is that hotel transfers are not included, so you’ll need to organize how to meet the boat at Rhodes harbor. Also, since the tour depends on good weather, it’s worth double-checking the forecast before booking.

Key Points

• Flexible itinerary allows you to set your own pace and visit your preferred spots.
• Swim in quiet bays and enjoy stunning coastline views, away from crowds.
• All-inclusive lunch and drinks, including beer, wine, and soft drinks, make the day even more enjoyable.
• Private group experience offers intimacy and personalized service, with guides like Stefano receiving praise for their attentiveness.
• Timing and weather matter — good weather means a smooth, enjoyable trip, but cancellations are possible if conditions turn poor.
• No transfers included, so plan your transportation to Rhodes harbor accordingly.

Setting Sail in Rhodes: A Deep Dive into the Experience

The Allure of the Private Catamaran

What immediately strikes me about this cruise is the emphasis on privacy and comfort. For around $1,799, your group of up to 12 enjoys a luxury, relaxed environment—a rare find in active island tours. Unlike crowded group excursions, this type of experience feels more tailored, giving travelers space to unwind, chat, and enjoy the sea at their own pace.

Reviewers like Luka G. from August 2024 praised their guide Stefano for taking great care of the group, emphasizing how they visited two different beaches with ample time to relax and soak up the scenery. Katherine M. from June 2024 appreciated the generous space aboard, noting that even with five children, there was plenty of room and opportunity for swimming in hidden bays.

Why Choose a Private Cruise?

The beauty of this cruise lies in the ability to skip the typical set itinerary. Most group tours stick to a rigid schedule, making you feel hurried and fixed in place. Here, the skipper adjusts the stops based on your preferences—perhaps a quick swim at Afandou Caves or a long lounge at Anthony Quinn Bay. This flexibility truly enhances the experience.

The Itinerary: Breaking Down the Stops

• Kallithea Springs Bay: Cruising past the famous Kallithea Springs, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a refresher dip in the clear waters—though note that admission isn’t included. This spot is renowned for its historical baths and scenic cliffs, making it a lovely photo stop.

• Afandou Beach and Caves: The itinerary includes a swim near the Afandou Caves, a quieter, less commercialized area perfect for peaceful swimming. It’s a highlight for many, as Luka mentioned, because it offers a less touristy experience.

• Anthony Quinn Bay: The star stop for most travelers, this bay is famed for its crystal-clear water and dramatic rock formations. You’ll have around 40 minutes here—ample time to swim and soak in the scenery. Multiple reviews, including Katherine’s, highlight how great it is for families and those wanting a leisurely swim.

Food and Drinks: Simple, Authentic, and Well-Received

Following the swim stops, the crew serves a Greek lunch featuring traditional mezedes—small plates of local dishes. As Luka noted, the food and drinks were “nice” and added to the overall positive atmosphere. Sipping beer and wine during the meal, along with soft drinks and water, makes the experience feel like a genuine Greek holiday.

What Really Sets This Cruise Apart?

Beyond the sights and food, what truly shines is the guidance of local skippers like Stefano, who share insider tips on the best swimming spots and how to avoid the crowds. Travelers repeatedly mention the peaceful bays and personalized service, which elevate this from a typical boat ride to a memorable, tailored adventure.

Considerations: Is It Worth It?

While the price point might seem steep at first glance, especially when compared to standard group tours, the value in terms of comfort, privacy, and flexibility makes it worthwhile. It’s best suited for small groups who value a quiet, unhurried day rather than a hurried sightseeing schedule.

Remember, transportation to Rhodes harbor isn’t included, so plan accordingly. Also, if you’re traveling during uncertain weather seasons, keep the cancellation policy in mind—if the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll get a full refund or alternative date.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This private catamaran cruise is ideal for families, couples, or groups of friends wanting a special day out on the water. It suits travelers who appreciate personalized service and want to avoid the chaos of crowded tours. Perfect for anyone who enjoys swimming in secluded bays, good Greek food, and having a knowledgeable local guide to point out the best spots.

It’s also a good choice if you want to combine relaxation with good company—the vessel’s spacious setup and the laid-back atmosphere foster a convivial environment.

Final Thoughts: Is It a Good Choice?

For travelers seeking an authentic, relaxed, and customizable day on Rhodes, this private catamaran cruise delivers more than just sightseeing. It offers a comfortable way to see the coast, enjoy quality food and drinks, and experience the calm of the sea away from crowds.

While it’s an investment compared to traditional excursions, the personalized service, private setting, and scenic stops make it a memorable, high-value experience. If you’re looking for a flexible, intimate day at sea, this cruise provides plenty of opportunities to unwind, swim, and savor the sunshine in true Greek style.

This experience is perfect for those who value peaceful waters, tasty food, and insider tips from a friendly skipper—be prepared for a relaxing, scenic escape that will likely be among your favorite memories from Rhodes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise is suitable for families, and reviews mention it accommodates children comfortably with plenty of space and opportunities to swim.

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 6 hours, starting at 9:30 am and ending back at the meeting point.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a Greek lunch with mezedes, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water throughout the day.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to Rhodes harbor?
Correct, transfers to and from hotels are not included, so you’ll need to organize how to get to Rhodes harbor.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled due to bad weather, you’ll receive a full refund or a switch to a different date.

What if I want to customize the stops?
Since this is a private tour, your skipper, Stefano, is likely to adapt the itinerary based on your preferences and weather conditions.

Is the price per person or per group?
The listed price is for the entire group, up to 12 people, offering an excellent value for a private experience.

Will I get a guide on board?
Yes, a local skipper guides the tour, providing insider tips and overseeing the experience to ensure your day runs smoothly.

This private sailing adventure in Rhodes offers an authentic, relaxed day on the water, perfect for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy personalized service. With beautiful swimming spots and a delicious Greek lunch, it’s an experience that balances scenery, comfort, and a taste of local life—well worth considering for your next Greek getaway.