Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise-Greek Buffet w/wine included

Our review of the Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise offers a detailed look into one of the most popular full-day excursions around Rhodes. Priced at just $68.50 per person, this cruise sails out of Mandraki Port at 10:15 am, on a comfortable vessel operated by Summer Sun Sailing IKE. With around 6 hours of cruising, swimming, and relaxing, it’s a solid choice for travelers looking to combine scenic beauty, good food, and a laid-back atmosphere. The trip receives near-unanimous praise — 5.0 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews — and is recommended by 97% of travelers.

Two things I really appreciate about this cruise are the stunning water vistas and the delicious Greek buffet with wine included. The cruise takes you past the famous Colossus of Rhodes’ former location—an iconic image for anyone familiar with ancient wonders—and offers photos with the Medieval Walls and Old Town as your backdrop. The stops are carefully chosen, from the healing waters at Kallithea Springs to the vibrant snorkeling in Anthony Quinn Bay. The inclusion of luxurious yet simple amenities, like shaded decks, complimentary snorkeling gear, and endless wine, makes the experience feel both relaxed and indulgent.

A possible consideration is that this tour is a full day, which might be long for travelers eager for more active sightseeing or those with limited time. Also, the hotel transfer isn’t included, so you’ll need to factor in the short walk from your accommodation to the port or arrange transport yourself. And while most reviews mention excellent value, some found the lunch somewhat basic—pasta with chicken or similar — indicating that if gourmet food is your priority, you might want to temper expectations.

Key Points

• Stunning water views and historical landmarks: Pass by the Colossus site and Medieval Walls, capturing perfect photo moments.
• Excellent swimming stops: Snorkel in crystal-clear waters among thousands of fish, with gear provided.
• Authentic Greek buffet and wine: Tasty, plentiful food with vegetarian and gluten-free options, plus unlimited white and rosé wine.
• Relaxed and friendly atmosphere: Attentive staff, comfortable decks, and good music contribute to a happy, laid-back vibe.
• Good value for money: All-inclusive food and drinks, plus multiple swimming stops, make this a strong budget-friendly option.
• Weather dependency: The tour requires good weather; bad conditions mean cancellations or rescheduling.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Initial Views

The adventure begins at Mandraki Old Port, with a friendly meet-up around 10:15 am. As you board the boat, you’ll find comfortable cushioned seating and a shaded deck—perfect for soaking in the scenery while avoiding the midday sun. The boat departs with a clear view of Rhodes Medieval Walls and the Old Town, crucial for snapping those memorable photos. Watching the city fade into the distance, I loved how the water sparkled in the Aegean sun, setting the tone for a relaxing day.

Passing the Colossus of Rhodes

If you’re familiar with the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, you’ll appreciate passing the site where the Colossus once stood. While the statue no longer exists, the cruise gets you close enough to grasp the scale and imagine its former grandeur. Several reviews mention this as a special photo opportunity, with some pointing out that the boat’s proximity offers a more intimate view than typical land excursions.

Kallithea Springs: Ancient Healing Waters

The first stop is Kallithea Springs, where the mineral-rich waters have attracted visitors for thousands of years. After a 45-minute ride, you’ll have about an hour to explore and swim. The springs are famous for their reddish, healing waters that gush from rocky formations in the Gulf of Kallithea. Designed in the early 20th century by Italian architects Pietro Lombardi and Alberto Mocci, the area exudes an elegant, vintage charm. Many reviews are glowing about this quiet oasis, describing it as a refreshing start and a chance to appreciate natural beauty with a touch of history.

Snorkeling in Anthony Quinn Bay

Next, the cruise takes you to Anthony Quinn Bay, named after the actor who visited Rhodes in the 1960s during filming. The bay is a picture of rugged beauty—high rocks surrounding the water, creating a protected swimming haven. The boat anchors here, and you’re encouraged to snorkel with the complimentary gear provided. As one reviewer enthusiastically mentions, swimming here among thousands of tiny fish is a highlight, and even those who aren’t experienced swimmers find it manageable thanks to the calm, clear waters. Some travelers report that the longer the stay, the more charming the bay becomes.

Exploring Ladiko Bay and Underwater Caves

Cruising past Ladiko Bay—a historically significant site for oil trade—adds an interesting layer for those into maritime stories. The mention of shipwreck artifacts and nearby caves makes this area appealing for underwater adventures or just enjoying the scenery. The boat passes here after Anthony Quinn Bay, giving you a good chance to take photos and relish the rugged coastline.

Afandou Beach: A Long Stretch of Pebbles

After a series of swimming spots, the boat heads to Afandou Beach, famous for its 6 km pebble beach. Here, you’ll spend about 75 minutes enjoying the crystal-clear waters and panoramic views. If you enjoy long, less crowded beaches, this one delivers. Its history is layered with tales of pirate attacks, which are fun to ponder while lounging. While some may prefer sandy beaches, the pebbles here are well-loved—many travelers mention using stones from Afandou in the Old Town paving, a charming detail.

Return Journey and Final Views

As you cruise back to Rhodes port, passing Faliraki Beach and other coastal sights, the mood is generally relaxed, with some guests soaking up the sun or enjoying the endless wine and lemonade. Most reviews remark on the friendly staff, the beautiful scenery, and the lively yet peaceful atmosphere. The return trip’s gentle pace offers ample opportunity to reflect on the day’s highlights, and many notes say the 6 hours go by quickly due to the variety of stops and the lively, attentive crew.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The all-inclusive package makes this cruise a practical choice. The Greek buffet offers a decent mix of salads, tender chicken, and vegetarian options like ratatouille—reliable, satisfying, and paired with generous servings of white and rosé wine. Reviews praise the delicious food and the abundance of drinks, which keep the mood cheerful.

The snorkelling gear is a thoughtful touch, making it easy for most people to enjoy the underwater world. You’ll also find showers, life jackets, floaters, and pool noodles, making swimming comfortable for all levels. The boat’s comfortable shaded decks and ample seating mean you can choose between sunbathing or relaxing in the shade—reviews mention both preferences.

A key point to remember is that hotel transfers aren’t included. You’re responsible for getting to Mandraki Port, which is about a 15-minute walk from the cruise’s meeting point. The tour’s maximum group size of 100 travelers ensures a lively but manageable atmosphere, with plenty of chances to chat with fellow travelers.

Weather plays a big role. Since the cruise depends on good conditions, poor weather will result in cancellations—something to keep in mind if visiting during uncertain seasons. The tour offers a full refund if canceled due to weather, making it a risk-free option.

Who Will Love This Cruise?

If you’re after stunning scenery combined with fun swims, this trip hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for families, couples, or groups of friends who value a laid-back day with plenty of swimming, good food, and wine. The comfortable seating, friendly crew, and relaxed pace make it a hit with those looking to unwind and soak up some sun.

Those who appreciate a bit of history and local stories will enjoy passing by the Colossus site and the maritime stories around Ladiko Bay. Its price point makes it an excellent value—everything from transportation to food and drink is included, and reviews consistently mention the good quality of the buffet.

However, if you’re looking for high-energy activities or gourmet cuisine, this might not be your perfect fit. Likewise, if you’re not keen on boat travel or prone to seasickness, it’s worth considering how you’ll feel on a 6-hour cruise.

In summary, this cruise offers a relaxed, scenic, and tasty way to experience Rhodes’ coastlines, with enough variety to keep everyone entertained without feeling rushed.

FAQ

Is hotel transfer included?
No, hotel transfers are optional and at an extra cost. The cruise starts at Mandraki Port, which is about a 15-minute walk from the main tourist areas.

What’s the best time to book?
Most travelers book about 25 days in advance, but you can plan further ahead for peak seasons, especially in summer.

Are the swimming stops suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, most stops are calm and shallow enough for non-swimmers, and life jackets and floaters are provided for safety and comfort.

What food is served on the buffet?
The Greek buffet includes salads, tender chicken, ratatouille vegetables, and vegetarian options. Some reviews note the food is tasty, but not gourmet.

Are drinks included?
Yes, unlimited white and rosé wine, bottled water, and lemonade are part of the package.

Can I snorkel?
Absolutely. Snorkeling gear (masks and snorkels) is provided at no extra charge, and the waters are crystal-clear, ideal for underwater exploration.

How long is each swimming stop?
Stops range from about 1 hour at Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Afandou Beach, giving plenty of time to swim, relax, and enjoy.

What’s the atmosphere like onboard?
Guests describe it as friendly, relaxed, and cheerful, often with good music and attentive staff.

Is there a maximum group size?
Yes, the tour accommodates up to 100 travelers, which helps maintain a lively but manageable atmosphere.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This Rhodes Bay to Bay Swim Cruise blends scenic beauty, historical sights, leisurely swimming, and good food into a neat package. It’s a versatile choice for anyone who wants to enjoy Rhodes from the water, with comfort, authenticity, and value front and center. Whether you’re an experienced swimmer or just love soaking up the sun, you’ll likely find this cruise a memorable highlight of your trip.