Rhodes: Anthony Quinn, Ladiko and Caves All-Inclusive Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this three-hour catamaran cruise, but the real treat is the mix: three swim stops, clear water, caves you can enter, and a sofa where you can dry off with a cold drink. I especially like the small-group limit of 28 people and the fresh strawberry cocktails made on board.

I also like the practical setup. Snorkel gear and pool noodles are ready to use, and the crew serves fruit salad and melekouni, a traditional Rhodian honey and sesame sweet. The main drawback is that each stop is fairly short, so this suits a quick coastal sampler more than a slow day at one beach.

Key points to know before booking

• Anthony Quinn Bay gives you the best underwater scenery, with clear water, rocky edges, and plenty to see while snorkeling.
• Traganou Caves let you swim inside the rock, not just look at them from the boat.
• The Aphrodite has sofas rather than hard benches, making the ride more comfortable for couples and solo visitors.
• Drinks are included throughout, including beer, wine, soft drinks, water, and a fresh fruit cocktail of the day.
• The boat is licensed for 45 but limited to 28 passengers, which leaves more room around the deck and bar.
• Transfers cost extra, so check the price from your hotel or cruise ship before you book.

A short Rhodes cruise with three very different swim stops

This is a good choice if you want to see several famous bays without giving up an entire day. The cruise lasts three hours, including the ride out and back from Faliraki port, so the pace is lively but not exhausting.

You board the 36-foot catamaran Aphrodite beside the small church at Faliraki port. The boat is licensed for 45 people, but the operator limits departures to 28. That detail matters. A swimming cruise can become awkward when everyone is squeezed onto one deck, yet the lower passenger limit gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable seat and moving around without bumping into half the boat.

The seating is one of the nicest features. Instead of a row of narrow seats, the boat has cushioned sofas, often arranged so couples can sit together. Some areas are shaded, though not every seat stays shaded for the whole trip. If you dislike strong sun, bring a hat and try to settle into a covered spot early.

The mood is relaxed rather than formal. Music plays, the bar stays open, and the crew keeps an eye on the swim stops. Depending on the sailing, you may meet crew members such as Elena, Mike, Hristos, George, or Thanasis. The names vary, but the consistently personal service is part of the appeal.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the most photogenic stop

Anthony Quinn Bay is the visual highlight. The coastline folds around a small, rocky inlet, and the water changes from pale green near the rocks to stronger blue farther out. From the boat, you get the best view of the bay’s shape and the steep sides around it.

You have about 40 minutes here, enough time for a proper swim and some snorkeling if you move promptly. The water is clear, and the rocky seabed gives you more to look at than a plain sandy beach. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask unless you prefer a familiar fit.

I would use this stop for both photographs and swimming. Take a few minutes to look back at the boat and the surrounding rocks, then get in the water before the clock starts to feel short. Pool noodles are available for less confident swimmers, which makes the stop friendlier for mixed groups.

Anthony Quinn Bay can also be the busiest-feeling stop simply because it is so attractive. You are not getting a private cove, and the cruise is designed to show you the setting rather than give you hours on shore. The water may be the main event, with no time for a long beach stay or a leisurely walk.

Traganou Caves: the most unusual swim

The stop at Traganou Caves gives the cruise its most distinctive activity. You do not merely pass a line of rock formations. You can swim into one of the caves and see the light change as you move under the stone.

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. That is enough to enter the water, swim toward the cave, and return to the boat, but it is not an expedition. Stay aware of the time and follow the crew’s directions, especially if the sea is moving.

The cave swim is a good reason to bring a towel and secure your sunglasses before getting into the water. The boat provides snorkeling gear, but it does not replace basic sun and swim planning. Pack sunscreen, and keep personal items in a place where spray will not reach them.

The rock walls and the 200-meter-deep cliff mentioned along the route give this section a stronger sense of scale than the softer bays. You are looking at a rugged stretch of the Rhodes coast, then entering the water to see it from below. That change of viewpoint makes the stop feel different from Anthony Quinn Bay, rather than like a repeat swim.

Ladiko Bay: calm water and a good final swim

Ladiko Bay is another compact cove with clear water and a sheltered feel. The crew points out the best place to snorkel, which is useful because a small bay can look equally inviting from every angle while only some areas offer much to see.

You get about 30 minutes here. Use the first few minutes to listen to the crew’s advice, then swim toward the suggested area. Ladiko works well as a final stop because you already know how the equipment fits and can get straight into the water.

The order may vary in practice, but the published route lists Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves, and Ladiko Bay, with boat travel between each stop. One detailed account of the cruise described the caves before Ladiko and Anthony Quinn Bay later in the outing, so do not build your day around one fixed sequence. The important point is that all three locations are included.

What you get at the bar and snack table

The all-inclusive wording is straightforward here. Drinks include fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks. The cocktail of the day is made on board from fresh fruit, with frozen strawberry drinks receiving the most attention.

The strawberry daiquiri-style cocktail is a real part of the experience, not a pre-poured carton drink. It is blended on the boat, and you can request it with or without alcohol. You should still be sensible around the water. Unlimited drinks are fun on a sunny deck, but swimming and snorkeling are safer when you keep alcohol moderate.

Food is light rather than meal-sized. You receive fruit salad or a fruit platter, along with melekouni, the Rhodian honey and sesame bar. Local produce may also be served. This is enough to take the edge off hunger during three hours, but I would not treat the cruise as a substitute for lunch.

The timing of the food is practical. Fruit may be prepared while people are in the water and served during a later part of the cruise. If you have dietary concerns, the supplied information does not list a full range of special-diet options, so ask before booking.

Why the Aphrodite works well for a short outing

A three-hour cruise needs to use its time well. The Aphrodite seems designed for exactly that length of trip, with a compact route, a bar close at hand, and seating aimed at relaxing between swims.

You do not spend the whole day at sea, which is a major advantage if you also want time for Rhodes Town, the old city, or a hotel pool. The cruise gives you a coastal experience without taking over your schedule.

The tradeoff is limited time at each location. Anthony Quinn Bay gets around 40 minutes, while Traganou and Ladiko get about 30 minutes each. One person reported that the boat left a couple of minutes early at some stops. That may not sound important, but losing two minutes from a 20 or 30-minute swim can matter, especially if you need time to put on equipment.

I would be ready at the announced departure time and get your mask and towel organized before the boat stops. You will get more from each bay if you do not spend half the stop looking for fins or adjusting straps.

Price, transfers, and the value question

The listed price is $64 per person. For that amount, you receive the catamaran cruise, three swim stops, snorkeling equipment, unlimited drinks, fruit, and melekouni. Compared with a basic boat ride where drinks cost extra, the package offers good value if you expect to use the bar and swim at every stop.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. You see three coastal locations, swim in clear water, enter caves, and return in three hours. If you only want a quiet boat ride with no swimming, you may be paying for features you will barely use.

Transfers are not included. A return transfer from Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, or Kallithea costs an extra €10 per person when arranged in advance. Kolymbia transfers cost €15 per person. The meeting point is at Faliraki port, beside the small church, so check your route before booking.

Transfer arrangements must be made the day before by WhatsApp, with the office open from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Do not assume a last-minute request will be handled. One cruise ship passenger had a transfer mix-up that was sorted out, but arranging it early is the better plan.

There is also a useful price warning. One booking made through an app was reported as costing more than the €35 per-person price offered to people booking directly on the day. Prices can change, and the $64 listing price may reflect a different sales channel or date, so compare the final total carefully before paying.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this cruise for couples, solo visitors, friends, and families with older children who want swimming and easy social contact. The small passenger limit helps solo visitors meet people without placing them in a huge party boat.

It also suits cruise ship passengers. The three-hour duration leaves a clearer margin than a full-day outing, though you still need to allow time for transport to and from the port. The €10 return transfer can be worthwhile if you are visiting Rhodes on a ship and do not want to arrange local transport yourself.

Less confident swimmers are not left entirely on their own. Pool noodles are available, and the crew has helped people learn to swim during the outing. Still, you should be comfortable entering open water or tell the crew if you need help.

This is not the best pick for someone who wants a quiet, private charter. Music plays, drinks flow, and the atmosphere is social. It is also not ideal if you need long periods under shade, since some seating is sunny for much of the ride.

Practical tips for a smoother afternoon

Bring a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. A hat is also sensible because the boat has shaded areas, but you may not remain under cover.

Wear swimwear under your clothes. With three stops and only half an hour at two of them, changing on board would waste valuable water time.

Use the snorkeling gear early if you need to adjust it. You can also bring your own equipment, though that is not required. Pool noodles are available for people who want extra support.

Keep your first cocktail modest if you plan to snorkel. The crew can make the frozen fruit drink without alcohol, and beer and wine are available throughout.

If you are staying outside Faliraki, settle the transfer before the day before departure. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the standard cruise price.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The cruise is wheelchair accessible, though the supplied details do not explain how boarding and water access are handled, so ask the operator if you need specific assistance.

Should you book the Aphrodite cruise?

Book it if you want three beautiful Rhodes swim stops in a compact outing, especially if unlimited drinks, fresh fruit cocktails, and comfortable sofas matter to you. Anthony Quinn Bay supplies the classic views, Traganou provides the cave swim, and Ladiko gives you another clear-water snorkeling stop.

Skip it if you want a long, quiet day at one beach or a private boat. The stops are short, some seating is exposed to the sun, and transfers cost extra.

For most visitors with three spare hours, the combination of scenery, water time, snacks, and friendly service makes the $64 price reasonable. Just confirm the final booking price, arrange any transfer early, and be ready to swim as soon as the boat anchors.

FAQ

Where does the Aphrodite catamaran leave from?

The boat is at Faliraki port, exactly beside the small church in Faliraki, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours, including the sailing time between the swim stops and the return to Faliraki.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The cruise visits Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay, and Ladiko Bay. The exact order may vary, but all three stops are part of the route.

How long do you spend swimming at each stop?

The planned times are about 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and 30 minutes each at Traganou Caves and Ladiko Bay.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and fresh fruit cocktails are included. The cocktail of the day is made on board from fresh fruit.

Is food included?

Yes. Fruit salad or a fruit platter and melekouni, a traditional Rhodian honey and sesame bar, are included. The food is a light snack rather than a full meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and pool noodles are available for use during the swim stops.

Are hotel or cruise ship transfers included?

No. Return transfers are available for an extra charge when arranged in advance. Transfers from Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, and Kallithea cost €10 per person, while Kolymbia transfers cost €15 per person.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve your place and pay later, keeping your plans flexible.