If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring Rhodes’ most beautiful bays, this small-group sailing cruise offers an inviting slice of Greek life. We haven’t personally joined this exact trip, but based on consistent reviews and detailed descriptions, it promises a relaxed, scenic adventure ideal for travelers who appreciate comfort, intimacy, and stunning views. It’s an experience designed to make the most of Rhodes’ coastal beauty without the hefty price tag of a private charter.
What we especially like about this tour is the chance to visit Anthony Quinn’s Bay, famous for its emerald waters and clear snorkeling spots, and the Ladiko Bay, a picture-perfect cove with a relaxed vibe. Plus, the inclusive food and drinks make it a hassle-free outing, so you can truly focus on enjoying the scenery and company.
A potential consideration? The duration is limited to about 6 hours, so those looking for a full-day adventure or multiple stops might find it slightly brief. Also, since hotel transfers are not included, you’ll need to plan how to reach the meeting point at Mandraki Harbor, which could add a layer of planning if your accommodation isn’t nearby.
This experience will appeal most to travelers seeking an authentic, laid-back day on the water—perfect for couples, small groups of friends, or solo travelers who enjoy a more personal touch. If you’re after a structured large tour with many stops or highly active water sports, this might not be the ideal fit. But if your goal is to relax, soak up beautiful views, and enjoy good food in a small-group setting, this cruise could be just what you need.
Key Points
- Intimate Experience: Small group (up to 12 people) ensures a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
- Stunning Bays: Visits to Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Traganou Bay for swimming, snorkeling, or lounging.
- Inclusive Food & Drinks: Greek gyros, traditional Greek dishes, fresh bread, fruits, and drinks like wine, beer, and refreshments included.
- Flexible Timing: Duration around 6 hours, with check-in from 09:10 to 09:40 at Mandraki Harbor.
- Scenic Views: Expect plenty of scenic vistas, scenic sailing, and engaging commentary from the captain.
- No Hotel Transfers: Optional transfer available; otherwise, you’ll need to reach the meeting point independently.
The Essence of the Experience
This cruise strikes a fine balance between adventure and relaxation. Picture yourself aboard a comfortable sailing yacht, cruising along Rhodes’ coastline, with the wind gently pushing you forward as you take in breathtaking views of the island’s bays. The focus here is on enjoying the beauty of Rhodes’ waters and coastline in a setting that feels both special and manageable.
The small-group format means you’re not just another face in a crowd. It’s likely you’ll find yourself comfortably sharing the space with a maximum of 12 fellow travelers, creating a friendly environment where everyone can chat, relax, and enjoy the scenery together. The captain’s knowledge and commentary add a layer of interest, making the trip both scenic and educational.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Kalithea.
The Itinerary: What to Expect
Starting Point and Departure
You’ll begin your journey at Mandraki Harbor, right in the heart of Rhodes Town. The check-in window opens at 09:10, which means you should plan to arrive early to avoid missing the boat. The meeting point is conveniently located next to a Benetton shop on Gallias Street, making it easy to find if you’re on foot or using local transport.
The Scenic Cruise to Rhodes’ Bays
After boarding, you’ll set sail for about four hours, passing along the coast, enjoying panoramic views of Rhodes’ rugged shoreline. The captain usually provides interesting commentary on passing sights, adding context and stories along the way—something true to the authentic, informative style that many reviews praise.
More Great Tours NearbyAnthony Quinn Bay: An Emerald Escape
The first swimming stop is at Anthony Quinn Bay, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic rock formations. Here, swimming and snorkeling are popular, thanks to the calm, emerald waters. Travelers have noted the high quality of the snorkeling, with one reviewer commenting on the interesting information shared by the captain as they passed by.
Ladiko Bay: The Picture-Perfect Cove
Next, the boat moves to Ladiko Bay, where you’ll have about an hour to take photos, relax, and enjoy a refreshing drink—be it beer, wine, or a soft beverage. Some guests also take the opportunity to sample traditional Greek snacks onboard, like fresh bread, Greek salad, and local delicacies, all part of the included meal.
Traganou Bay and Final Stops
Depending on conditions, the route may include a visit to Traganou Bay, another scenic spot perfect for sunbathing or swimming. The cruise typically ends back in Rhodes Town after about six hours, leaving you with lasting impressions of the coast.
Food and Drinks: A Greek Feast
The meal onboard is a highlight for many travelers. Included in the price are Greek gyros (chicken or pork), Giouvetsi (a traditional Greek stew), or pasta, paired with Hummus, Tzatziki, Greek salads, and fresh bread. For drinks, you can enjoy wine, beer, water, and soft refreshments—all meant to keep you refreshed during your time on deck.
Guests with special dietary needs are encouraged to inform the provider when booking, ensuring everyone can enjoy the meal. Considering the food and drinks are included, the overall value is quite good, especially when you factor in the scenic stops and the comfort of a small group.
Transport and Practical Details
Meeting and Ending Locations
The cruise begins at Mandraki Harbor, with optional transfers available if booked in advance. If you’re not staying nearby, you’ll need to organize your own transport to the meeting point. The activity concludes back at the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward if you’re staying in Rhodes Town.
Duration & Scheduling
The 6-hour cruise offers a well-paced experience—long enough to see key bays, relax, and enjoy a leisurely meal, but not so long as to wear you out. Starting times vary, so it’s worth checking availability when booking.
Group Size and Atmosphere
With up to 12 participants, the small-group size lends itself to a relaxed, friendly environment. One reviewer emphasized how they appreciated the ability to move freely and make themselves comfortable on the boat, especially on the upper deck.
What to Bring
Expect sunshine, and plan accordingly—bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, and plenty of sunscreen. The boat provides a wonderful vantage point for enjoying the sun and the breeze, so comfort is key.
Authenticity and Value
This tour offers an authentic slice of Greek island life—a laid-back, scenic day on the water with plenty of opportunities for swimming, photos, and enjoying good food. The inclusion of food and drinks adds value, and the small-group approach ensures a more personal experience.
While it’s not a full-day adventure, the 6-hour window is enough to feel like a meaningful escape without overcommitting. The price, considering the scenic stops, quality food, and drinks, is quite reasonable and offers good value, especially compared to private yacht experiences.
Authentic Traveler Insights
Based on reviews, travelers especially appreciated the interesting commentary from the captain, which added a layer of knowledge to the scenic cruise. The ability to move freely on the boat and spend enough time at each station was another feature that guests praised. The highlight, clearly, was the stunning views of the bays, with one reviewer noting how the captain kept passing along fascinating information during the cruise.
This sailing cruise is perfect for those seeking a relaxed, scenic day on the water with a small group. It suits couples, friends, or solo travelers who enjoy beautiful vistas, swimming, and good food. If you’re looking for a more intimate, authentic experience rather than a large, bustling tour, this cruise offers just that.
It’s an excellent choice if you want to combine sightseeing, swimming, and a tasty Greek meal in a laid-back setting. Keep in mind the meeting logistics and the duration—it’s a manageable, enjoyable way to explore Rhodes’ coast without rushing.
Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup is not included, but you can book an option with transfers or plan to reach the meeting point at Mandraki Harbor on your own.
What is the check-in time?
Check-in is from 09:10 to 09:40 at the meeting point next to the Benetton shop on Gallias Street, Rhodes Harbor.
How long is the cruise?
The experience lasts around 6 hours, including sailing, swimming stops, and the onboard meal.
What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, and sunscreen. The boat provides a fun and scenic environment perfect for lounging.
Are drinks and food included?
Yes, the cruise includes a delicious Greek meal—gyros or pasta, bread, fruits—and drinks like wine, beer, and refreshments.
Can I customize my dietary needs?
Yes, inform the provider when booking if you have specific dietary requirements to ensure you enjoy the meal.
Is the group size small?
Yes, with up to 12 guests, the atmosphere is intimate and relaxed, ideal for travelers seeking a personal experience.
This Rhodes sailing yacht cruise offers a relaxed, scenic, and authentic way to enjoy the island’s coast, blending stunning views, swimming stops, and delicious food in a small-group setting. It’s well-suited for travelers who value comfort, personal attention, and a genuine experience over crowds or high-octane activities. The inclusion of food and drinks and the beautiful bays visited make it a truly enjoyable value, especially if you’re looking to soak up the best of Rhodes’ waters with plenty of time to relax. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want a restful day on the water, this cruise deserves a spot on your Rhodes itinerary.
You can check availability for your dates here: