Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

Rhodes’ east coast is at its best from the water, and this 2.5-hour RIB cruise packs four swim stops into a short afternoon. You’ll see Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves from a fast, comfortable boat rather than a crowded excursion ship.

I like the small group of up to eight and the useful onboard gear, including masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids. I also like that the crew, including captains Michael and Lazaros, has been praised for friendly help and good local stories. The main drawback is time: four stops in 2.5 hours means you should expect a brisk outing, not a slow beach day.

Key points to know before booking

• Four east-coast swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves each offer a different setting.
• Small RIB, limited to eight people: This feels more personal than a large sightseeing boat and makes it easier to get help in the water.
• Snorkeling equipment is supplied: Masks, snorkels, floats, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids are available.
• Anthony Quinn Bay has a movie connection: The area was linked to The Guns of Navarone, filmed on Rhodes.
• Pickup can simplify the day: Central pickup is available from several resort areas, or you can meet the boat near Stama restaurant.
• Bring your own towel: Towels and large bags are not included or permitted onboard.

A fast, friendly way to see Rhodes from the sea

This excursion is built around swimming, short boat rides, and scenery. It is not a full-day sailing trip or a beach transfer service. You board a modern RIB, settle onto its furnished deck, and move along the east coast with the captain pointing out the bays and caves.

The boat is described as comfortable and spacious for its size, with a restroom and Wi-Fi onboard. That matters on a compact trip. You can leave your phone connected, take a break from the sun, and avoid the awkwardness of being stuck on a small craft with no facilities.

The speed is part of the appeal. You cover more coast than you would by staying at one beach, and the ride itself adds energy to the outing. It also means you should hold onto loose items and think carefully before bringing anything delicate. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

At the time of writing, the price is $48 per person. For that amount, you receive the boat trip, swimming stops, soft drinks, bottled cocktails, and use of the water equipment. Pickup is optional, and the group size is limited to eight. That is a fair price if you value several swim locations and a more personal crew. It is less attractive if you mainly want hours on one beach.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

Anthony Quinn Bay is the headline stop. The water is clear, the cliffs are rugged, and the enclosed shape of the bay gives it a more dramatic feel than a standard open beach. From the boat, you can swim, snorkel, or simply stay on deck and enjoy the view.

The bay takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone there. The film connection gives the stop a bit of context without turning the outing into a history lesson.

One particularly photogenic point is the Guns of Navarone Pier. If you care about photographs, have your camera ready before the boat moves on. The combination of rock, bright water, and steep coastal walls is the kind of scene that looks good from both the boat and the shoreline.

The stop is also useful for testing the water and the equipment. You can take a mask and snorkel, use a pool noodle, or ask for a buoyancy aid. Crew members have helped less confident swimmers and children feel more at ease, though you should still be comfortable following water-safety instructions.

The exact time at each stop is not given, so do not expect an extended two-hour session at Anthony Quinn Bay in addition to the other locations. The complete cruise lasts 2.5 hours, and the schedule has to fit four stops and the return ride.

Ladiko offers a second view of the same coast

After Anthony Quinn Bay, the boat heads toward Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. This is a useful change of scene rather than a repeat of the first stop. You get another angle on the cliffs, another chance to swim, and a fresh setting for photographs.

Ladiko is a good place to take advantage of the boat itself. You can jump into the water directly from the RIB or remain on the spacious deck to sunbathe. That choice makes the trip work for mixed groups, since one person can swim while another prefers to stay dry.

The boat’s layout is one of the strongest parts of this experience. You are not being moved from one packed beach to another by bus. You can keep your things close, watch the coastline pass, and return to the deck between water stops.

Still, a RIB is not the same as a broad, slow ferry. The ride can feel lively, and the boat’s speed is worth considering if you are bringing a younger child. One family described the boat as fast and felt a larger cruise ship might suit families better. For couples, friends, and confident older children, that speed is more likely to be a plus.

Traganou brings rocks, clear water, and caves

Traganou is described as a gravel beach with a rocky surface, clear water, and hidden caverns. The setting feels wilder than a tidy resort beach, and the rocks give you something to look at while you swim.

Wear the recommended comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to step onto the gravel or rocky shore. You should also bring biodegradable sunscreen and apply it with care. Clear water and busy coastal areas need thoughtful treatment, and biodegradable sunscreen is specifically requested.

This is another good stop for snorkeling. Fish have been seen during the swim sessions, and the water clarity can make a short visit worthwhile even if you do not spend long in the sea. Bring your own underwater phone case if you have one, although the crew has supplied waterproof phone covers on some trips.

Do not expect a formal guided cave tour at Traganou. The attraction is the chance to look into the coastal caverns and enjoy the setting from the boat or water. The time is likely to feel short if you want to swim, take photographs, and explore the rocks all at once.

The Alikies caves are the most unusual stop

The Alikies caves are the least familiar name on the route, which is part of their appeal. You can venture toward the cave area or relax on the nearby beach, giving you another choice between activity and downtime.

The caves provide the most distinctive setting of the four stops. Instead of only photographing a bay from the deck, you get a chance to see how the coast has been cut into chambers and rocky openings. If you enjoy short swims with a little exploring, this may be the stop you remember best.

One practical point is worth keeping in mind: a short cruise cannot offer unlimited time in the final bay. A couple who enjoyed the excursion especially liked this last area and would have preferred more time there. If caves and fish are your priority, ask the crew at the start how the timing is expected to work that day.

What the crew adds to the experience

The crew is a major part of the value. Captains Michael and Lazaros are repeatedly praised for being warm, helpful, and willing to explain the places along the route. That matters on a small boat, where the captain is also the person helping you with masks, floats, boarding, and water confidence.

The crew has provided buoyancy aids and pool noodles for people who are not strong swimmers. They have also helped children build confidence before jumping into the sea. These touches do not replace supervision, but they make the water stops less intimidating.

The atmosphere can be relaxed and social. You may get stories about the bays, help with photographs, and simple guidance about where to swim. One family also appreciated small personal touches, such as letting a child pretend to steer and helping feed fish. Those details are not guaranteed, but they show the kind of hands-on service this small operation can provide.

The transfer service has also received praise for being on time and taking people close to the boat. Pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. If you choose pickup, the exact information arrives separately, so check your email and spam folder.

Drinks, equipment, and what to pack

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Some outings also include snacks, and the boat is set up for a comfortable break between swim stops. Do not treat this as a full meal, though. Eat beforehand if you need a substantial lunch.

Pack light. You need:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Comfortable shoes
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• A phone or camera in a waterproof case, if you want pictures in the water

Large bags and luggage are not allowed. The boat has a restroom and Wi-Fi, but you should still avoid bringing anything you cannot keep secure on a moving craft.

The crew has supplied snorkeling masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids. Equipment availability is part of the attraction, especially if you do not want to pack fins and masks for a single afternoon. If you have a favorite mask or special prescription gear, bringing your own may still be sensible, but that is a personal choice rather than a stated requirement.

Who will enjoy this RIB cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to couples, friends, and small families who want several water stops without spending a full day at sea. It is especially well suited to people who like swimming, snorkeling, coastal photographs, and a faster ride.

It is also a good option for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can jump from the boat, less confident swimmers can use a noodle or buoyancy aid, and non-swimmers can stay on the deck. The crew’s willingness to help makes the water stops more approachable.

You may want a different kind of excursion if you need wheelchair access, since the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It may also be a poor match if you dislike fast boat rides, want a long uninterrupted beach visit, or need a large amount of personal luggage.

The small-group format is a clear advantage. With no more than eight participants, the captain can answer questions and offer practical help. It also gives the cruise a more private feel without requiring you to book the whole boat.

Timing, meeting point, and cancellation

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, with starting times shown when you check availability. You can meet the captain at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. The activity finishes back at the same meeting point.

Optional pickup is available from central locations near the listed resort areas. It is not described as door-to-door service for every hotel, so read the separate pickup message carefully.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Rhodes plans depend on weather or changing ferry arrangements. The listed driver language is English.

Should you book it?

Book this Rhodes RIB cruise if you want four different coastal swim settings, a small group, and a crew that takes water safety and personal service seriously. The $48 price is strong for a 2.5-hour outing that includes drinks, equipment, and optional pickup.

Skip it if your ideal beach day means staying in one bay for hours. The route is busy by design, and the most attractive stop for you may pass sooner than you would like.

For most couples and small groups, I would choose it early in a Rhodes stay, when you still have time to return to a favorite beach on your own. Bring a towel, wear secure shoes, pack lightly, and expect a lively ride with clear water, rocky coves, and plenty of chances to swim.

FAQ

How long does the RIB cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Starting times depend on availability when you book.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves along the east coast of Rhodes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Snacks are also available onboard as part of the cruise setup.

Where does the boat depart?

The boat is moored at the port next to Stama restaurant. The cruise ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from a central point near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Personalized pickup information is sent separately.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. A waterproof phone case is useful for photographs. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.