Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star here, but this is more than a quick photo stop. You’ll cruise Rhodes’ east coast in a small, smartly furnished RIB, then swim among clear water, rocky coves, fish, and sea caves. I especially like the small group limit of eight and the useful kit onboard, including masks, noodles, life jackets, and waterproof phone cases.

I also like the 2.5-hour length, which gives you a proper sea outing without swallowing the whole afternoon. The main caution is that this is a fast RIB rather than a slow, large sightseeing boat. Anyone prone to seasickness, or families wanting a very gentle ride, should think carefully before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Four east-coast swim areas: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves give the trip welcome variety.
• A genuinely small boat: Groups are limited to eight, and several departures have carried only four to six people.
• Swimming help is provided: Pool noodles, buoyancy aids, and life jackets make the water more approachable for less confident swimmers.
• Captain Michael gets high marks: He is joined on some departures by Lazaros, with friendly local guidance and practical help in the water.
• Useful extras onboard: Soft drinks, bottled cocktails, snacks, Wi-Fi, a restroom, and waterproof phone cases are included or available according to the departure.
• Pickup can save hassle: Transfers are offered from central points around Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, and Ammoudes.

What this Rhodes cruise is really like

At $64 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the coast. It is priced as a small-group outing rather than a basic ferry ride, and that difference matters. You are paying for a compact boat, several swim stops, an English-speaking captain, refreshments, and the chance to avoid the crowds that gather around the larger excursion boats.

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours. That makes it a useful afternoon plan, especially if you want time for Rhodes Town, a hotel pool, or dinner afterward. Most stops allow about 25 minutes in the water, though the exact timing may change with the day’s conditions and the captain’s judgment.

The boat is described as modern, clean, comfortable, and spacious for its size. With only four to eight people onboard, you get a much more personal setting than on a full-size day cruiser. You can sit on deck, sunbathe, listen to your own music on some departures, or move straight into the water when the boat anchors.

Meeting the boat near Stama restaurant

The main meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored beside Stama restaurant. If you choose pickup, transport is available from central points near hotels in several resort districts. The exact pickup information arrives separately, so check your email carefully, including the spam folder.

The transfer has been particularly useful for people staying outside Rhodes Town. Past departures have used an air-conditioned minibus, with hotel pickup and drop-off handled as part of the arrangement. Some drivers, including Harris and Harry, have also made brief scenic stops along the road, though you should treat that as a pleasant extra rather than a guaranteed part of the schedule.

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A small day bag with your phone, sunscreen, and dry clothes is the sensible choice.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most famous coves. The beach takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who bought the area after filming The Guns of Navarone on Rhodes. The connection gives the bay a bit of old-Hollywood character, but the real attraction is the water.

From the boat, you’ll see steep rocky sides dropping toward clear green and blue water. The Guns of Navarone Pier is one of the best photo points in the area, giving you a view across the cove and its rugged edges. Take your camera, but protect it carefully. Waterproof phone cases have been available on several departures, a small detail that makes a big difference when your best pictures are taken from the water.

This is also one of the better spots for fish. Some captains have fed small amounts of food near the boat, bringing fish close enough for easy viewing while snorkeling. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the stop, since noodles and buoyancy aids are available.

The drawback is popularity. Anthony Quinn Bay is famous for good reason, but it can be busy, especially in summer. A small boat helps you enjoy the view without joining a packed beach crowd, though you should not expect complete solitude.

Ladiko, just around the bay

The cruise continues toward Ladiko, a smaller beach area on the other side of the bay. The setting is framed by rocky cliffs and bright water, and it gives you a second view of this stretch of coast without simply repeating the first stop.

This is a good place to swim directly from the boat. If you prefer not to jump, you can use the swimming aids or wait for a beach access point when one is available. The captain generally gives a short explanation of each area and makes sure people understand how to get back aboard.

I would treat Ladiko as a water stop rather than a long beach visit. The point is to swim, float, and look below the surface, not to settle in with a book for an hour. That keeps the trip moving and lets you see more of the coast.

Traganou and its rougher shoreline

Traganou brings a change of mood. Instead of the polished appeal of Anthony Quinn Bay, you get a gravel beach, rocky waterline, and a more rugged setting. The clear sea is the main draw, with rocky formations and caverns adding interest around the shore.

This stop suits you if you enjoy exploring rather than simply sitting in the sun. You may swim toward the caves or inspect the rocks from the boat, depending on conditions and the captain’s instructions. Wear secure footwear, since a gravel and rocky shoreline is less forgiving than a sandy beach.

The water can look especially clear here, but the surface around rocky areas deserves care. Follow the captain’s directions, avoid climbing where it is unsafe, and remember that sea shoes are not listed as provided equipment. Comfortable footwear is recommended, so pack something that can handle a rough beach.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The last area is the lesser-known Alikies caves. This is one of the most memorable parts of the route because you get both a cave setting and time to relax near the beach. You can swim toward the cave area, explore from the water, or stay aboard and enjoy the view from the deck.

Several people have wished for more time at the final bay, which tells you something useful about the stop. It may be the most photogenic part of the cruise, and the fish can be plentiful. If you enjoy snorkeling, be ready to make the most of your allotted time instead of spending the first ten minutes deciding whether to get in.

The caves are not presented as a formal walking tour or an underground expedition. Think of them as coastal formations viewed and explored from the boat and water. That makes the stop accessible to confident swimmers, but it may feel brief if you want a long cave visit.

Captain Michael, Lazaros, and the human side of the trip

The captain can vary by departure, but Michael is the name most often associated with this cruise. Lazaros also leads some trips. Both are described as friendly, attentive, and happy to explain the places you pass.

Michael’s strongest role is not giving a long lecture. It is making the boat feel easy to use. He explains where to swim, provides flotation gear, helps less confident swimmers, and keeps an eye on everyone in the water. One parent described how he helped a child gain confidence before jumping in, while another non swimmer managed the sea swims with a life jacket and noodle.

That practical care is important on a small boat. You are not hidden in a crowd, and the captain can respond to individual needs. At the same time, the experience is still active. You must be comfortable boarding a boat, entering the sea, and getting back aboard with assistance if needed.

The English language service is clear, and several captains have shared local stories about the bays and filming connection. The tone is informal and friendly rather than a formal historical tour.

What is included, and what is not

The cruise includes the boat trip, swimming stops, soft drinks, and bottled cocktails. Some departures have also included snacks. Masks, snorkels, noodles, and buoyancy aids have been available onboard, along with life jackets.

A restroom and Wi-Fi are listed as available. Waterproof phone cases have been supplied on several trips, but I would still treat this as a useful amenity rather than a reason to leave your own waterproof protection behind.

Towels are not included. Bring your own. Personal expenses are also excluded, and you should not bring large luggage or bulky bags.

The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is more suitable for couples, friends, and families with children who can manage a small boat and supervised sea swimming. Very young children may need extra attention because the RIB can move quickly, and one family found a larger cruise ship preferable for a more sedate ride.

Is $64 good value?

For $64, you get a shorter outing than many full-day boat tours, but you also avoid spending an entire day at sea. That is a real advantage if your holiday schedule is tight.

The strongest value comes from the small group. A departure with four people can feel close to a private charter, while even eight people is a modest number for a coastal cruise. You get more personal attention, easier access to the deck, and less waiting when the boat changes position.

The drinks, snorkeling equipment, and flotation aids add useful value rather than luxury for its own sake. You do not need to rent basic equipment separately, and you can try snorkeling without bringing a full kit from home.

The price is less compelling if you mainly want a long beach stay, a quiet sail, or a full day on the water. It is also worth remembering that swimming time is divided among several places. You see more, but you do not spend hours at one bay.

Seasickness, safety, and comfort

The RIB is fast, which helps you cover the coast in a short time but can make the ride lively. One person became seasick and found the captain helpful, yet seasickness remains a genuine possibility. If you are prone to it, sit where the movement feels easiest, eat lightly beforehand, and consider your usual precautions.

The captain provides life jackets and other flotation aids. Non swimmers have been able to take part at their own pace, but this is not a substitute for comfort in open water. Tell the captain early if you are nervous or need extra support.

Biodegradable sunscreen is requested. Apply it before boarding and reapply after swimming. Keep your belongings compact, and use the available storage carefully because large bags are not allowed.

The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and the boat’s compact design may also be challenging for anyone with limited mobility. Ask before booking if you have a physical concern that is not covered by the standard information.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want four attractive swim areas, a small group, and a half-day schedule. It is particularly good for couples and friends who want a more personal outing than a crowded excursion boat.

Families can enjoy it too, especially with older children who like fish, caves, and swimming. The flotation equipment helps, and captains such as Michael have shown patience with children who need confidence. Still, the fast boat and open-water stops mean it is not the gentlest choice for toddlers or anyone who dislikes movement.

You should choose a larger cruise if you want a slow ride, lots of onboard facilities, or a full day with long beach breaks. You should also skip this one if you cannot comfortably board a small boat or enter the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours from departure to return at the marina.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to eight participants. Some departures have had only four to six people onboard.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area, although exact timing and stops can vary with conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Masks and snorkels are available onboard. Pool noodles, buoyancy aids, and life jackets are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Snacks have also been available on some departures.

Can non swimmers join the trip?

Non swimmers can use the life jackets and pool noodles, and the captain can offer practical help. You still need to be comfortable taking part around open water.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can wheelchair users take this cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want the clearest water, several short swim stops, and a small boat where the captain can actually pay attention to you. The strongest reasons are the four coastal settings, the useful swimming gear, and the chance of having only a handful of people onboard.

I would hesitate only if you get seasick easily, need step free access, or want a quiet, slow sailing trip. For everyone else, $64 is a fair price for a compact afternoon on Rhodes’ east coast, especially when the boat carries fewer than eight people and pickup removes the need to arrange your own transport.