Faliraki: Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn & The Caves with Drinks

The best part of this Faliraki boat trip is the glass cabin below deck. You can watch fish pass beneath the boat without getting wet, then jump into the clear sea when the boat stops. At Anthony Quinn Bay, the crew feeds the fish beside the viewing windows, creating a noisy silver swirl that kids and adults can see up close.

I like the combination of two proper swim stops and the open bar. Forty minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay gives you time to snorkel rather than just take a quick dip, while the 25-minute stop at Traganou Caves lets you swim into the rock formations. The main drawback is the pickup run along Faliraki beach, which can use up a noticeable part of the three hours.

• Glass cabin below the waterline: Watch fish from an air-conditioned viewing area, even if you prefer not to swim.
• Anthony Quinn Bay for 40 minutes: Snorkel in clear water and watch the crew feed large schools of fish.
• Traganou Caves for 25 minutes: Swim inside the rocky formations with a pool noodle if you want extra support.
• Unlimited drinks: Beer, water, and soft drinks are available from the onboard fridge.
• Friendly named captains: Niko and Captain Mike are praised for safety briefings, humor, and helpful service.
• Easy Faliraki pickup: Board from the red beach steps at one of the designated stops near major hotels and the harbor.

A yellow semi-submarine with a real reason to look below

This is more than a standard glass-bottom cruise, but it is not a full submarine ride either. The yellow boat has a below-deck cabin with broad glass panels, so you can sit inside and look into the water as the boat cruises or pauses near the bays.

That distinction matters. A glass-bottom boat may give you a quick look through a small panel. Here, the underwater cabin is a proper part of the outing, with seating and air conditioning. You can use it as a break from the sun, a good option for children, or a way to enjoy the sea if you are nervous about swimming.

The fish viewing is strongest at Anthony Quinn Bay. The crew feeds fish near the boat, and the activity can turn into a full feeding rush, with large groups gathering beneath the windows. You should not expect a wild marine reserve experience. The fish are attracted by the food and the boat’s presence. Still, it is an easy and memorable way to see underwater life without needing strong swimming skills.

Captains Niko and Mike are names worth remembering when you board. The crew’s role is not just to steer and pour drinks. They explain the sights, give a detailed safety briefing, help people into the water, and keep the mood relaxed. That friendly approach is especially useful if you are bringing young children or feel uncertain about open-water swimming.

Anthony Quinn Bay, clear water and a fish-feeding show

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of the trip. The rocky shoreline closes around a small, striking bay, and the water is clear enough for swimming and snorkeling. The boat does not simply stop for a quick photo. You get about 40 minutes in the water, which is long enough to swim, float, use the snorkeling gear, and still spend time looking through the underwater cabin.

The fish-feeding session adds something unusual. You can watch from below deck as the crew brings fish close to the boat, then see the same sea life while you are in the water. If you prefer not to swim, the glass cabin still gives you a worthwhile experience.

I would bring a waterproof phone case if you have one, but do not count on taking photographs from the underwater cabin unless conditions are right. The windows are the main attraction, and glare or movement can make photography harder than simply watching.

The bay is also the most popular stop on the route, so do not expect solitude. The appeal is the combination of dramatic rock, bright water, fish, and time to swim. If your priority is a quiet beach with no boats, this is not that kind of outing. If you want an easy introduction to Rhodes by sea, it works very well.

Traganou Caves, a short swim into the rock

Traganou Caves provide a different kind of stop. Rather than swimming in an open bay, you can move into the rocky cave formations along the coast. The stop lasts about 25 minutes, so it is shorter than the time at Anthony Quinn Bay, but it gives the trip a second setting instead of repeating the same swim.

The cave entrance is reached from the water. You should be comfortable getting into the sea and swimming toward the rocks, although pool noodles are available for added support. The crew can help explain the safest way to approach the formations.

This stop is best understood as a short, active swim rather than a guided cave tour. You will not be walking through a dry cavern or exploring a long underground passage. The reward is the chance to float or swim inside the rock formations, look back toward the open water, and enjoy a change of scenery.

For families, 25 minutes is a useful length. It is enough for a memorable swim without asking younger children to remain in the water for too long. For strong swimmers, it may feel brief, especially if the boat is busy. Bring your goggles, or use the snorkeling equipment available on board, because the clear water and rock edges are more enjoyable when you can see below the surface.

How the three-hour schedule feels from Faliraki

The listed experience lasts three hours and includes sightseeing cruises between Faliraki, the bays, and the caves. In practical terms, you should expect a relaxed half-day activity rather than three hours of constant swimming.

The route includes roughly 30 minutes of sightseeing cruise, a 40-minute swimming stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, another 20-minute cruise, and a 25-minute swim at Traganou Caves. The exact order may depend on the day’s operating plan, but both stops are included.

The beach pickup system takes some planning. You board the yellow boat from the red steps on the beach at one of the designated Faliraki stops. Pickup points serve Amada Colossos, Esperides, Calypso, Apollo, and Faliraki Harbor areas. The published departure times are approximately:

• Amada Colossos beach: 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM
• Esperides and Calypso beach: 9:40 AM, 12:40 PM, and 3:40 PM
• Apollo beach and Faliraki Harbor: 9:55 AM, 12:55 PM, and 3:55 PM

Check the exact meeting point when you book. The boat may use a tender boat to collect you from the red steps, rather than allowing you to walk directly onto the larger vessel. That is a small but important detail if you are carrying bags, traveling with children, or arriving from a hotel beach.

The multiple pickups are convenient if you are staying along Faliraki’s coast. They also explain the main criticism of the experience: some of your three hours can be spent collecting and returning people. I would choose the closest stop rather than heading to the harbor unless the harbor is more convenient for you.

Unlimited drinks, but no meal

The open bar is one of the strongest value points. You can help yourself to cold beer, water, and soft drinks from the onboard fridge throughout the trip. On a hot Rhodes afternoon, that is not a minor extra. It saves you from buying several drinks at a beach stop and means you can settle into the cruise without packing a full cooler.

Food is not included, so eat before boarding or bring whatever the operator allows. Do not treat this as a lunch cruise. The drink service is generous, but it does not replace a meal.

The beer makes the cruise appealing to adults, while water and soft drinks keep it practical for families. Use common sense with alcohol before swimming. The boat’s friendly atmosphere can make the outing feel like a floating party, but the swim stops still call for care.

Why the crew matters on this particular boat

A semi-submarine outing can be either a pleasant, easy family activity or a crowded ride with little personal attention. Here, the crew has a large effect on the experience.

The captains are praised for detailed safety talks, humor, and clear explanations of the coast. Captain Mike is specifically associated with warm hospitality, while Niko and Nikos are noted for entertaining commentary and hands-on help. Names can vary by departure, but the pattern is consistent: the crew does more than provide transport.

That matters at the swim stops. You may need help with the boarding ladder, snorkeling gear, pool noodles, or getting comfortable before entering the water. A clear safety briefing is particularly valuable for children and for anyone who feels uneasy in deeper water.

The crew also takes photographs for people during the stops when time allows. Do not assume a private photo service, but you can ask politely if you want a group shot or a picture of your swim.

Who will get the most from this $58 trip

At $58 per person, the price is reasonable if you use the main inclusions. You are paying for a three-hour boat outing, two separate swim stops, the semi-submarine viewing cabin, and unlimited drinks. A basic sightseeing cruise with no swimming or drink service can cost less, but it will not offer the same mix.

I think the value is strongest for families. Children can watch fish from the cool cabin, swim at two different places, and enjoy a short enough schedule that the activity does not become tiring. Parents also have the reassurance of a proper safety talk and crew assistance.

Couples and friends will like the simple rhythm: cruise, swim, drink, watch fish, and repeat. It is not a luxury yacht experience, and you should not book it expecting quiet service or a small private group. The appeal is easy fun at a fair price.

It also suits cautious swimmers better than many boat excursions. You can see the underwater world from inside the boat, and you can choose how much time to spend in the water. The trip still requires access to the sea for the cave stop if you want the full experience, so it is not entirely swim-free.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear a swimsuit before you arrive. There is limited reason to expect a private changing area during a short cruise, and you will want to move quickly at the swim stops.

Bring a towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for phones and valuables. The boat serves drinks, but food is not part of the fare. Check the meeting point carefully, especially if your hotel is not directly beside the beach.

You can use snorkeling equipment and pool noodles on board. If you have a favorite mask, you may prefer to bring it, but the supplied gear makes the trip easier for casual swimmers.

The underwater cabin has air conditioning, which is a real advantage in the middle of summer. Use it as a cool break, not just as a place to wait for the next swim. The fish-feeding session at Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the best reasons to spend time below deck.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The host language is English.

A good fit for a first sea trip in Rhodes

This outing gives you a taste of several classic Rhodes experiences without taking a whole day. You see the coast from the water, swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, enter the Traganou Caves, and watch fish through glass panels.

I especially like that the trip does not force you to choose between sightseeing and swimming. Some boat excursions offer one photo stop and little else. This one gives you defined water time, a proper viewing cabin, and drinks that keep the day comfortable.

The tradeoff is that it is a shared excursion with several beach pickups. The boat may feel busy, and the transfer between pickup points can reduce the time available for the main sights. If you want a private boat, a long snorkeling session, or a quiet trip far from other boats, spend more on a different style of outing.

For a three-hour activity from Faliraki, though, the mix is hard to fault. The 4.8 rating from 386 bookings reflects the features that matter most here: helpful crew, strong swim stops, clear water, cold drinks, and the unusual underwater cabin.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay and Caves cruise?

Book it if you want a family-friendly boat trip with two swims, an open bar, and an easy way to see fish without spending the whole day at sea. It is particularly good for families with children, mixed swimming abilities, couples wanting a relaxed outing, and anyone staying near the Faliraki beach pickup points.

Think twice if you dislike shared boats, need a full meal included, or want every minute devoted to swimming. The pickup route takes time, and Traganou Caves is a short swim stop rather than a lengthy cave expedition.

For most visitors staying in Faliraki, I would consider this a solid-value half-day choice. Choose the morning departure for a cooler start, arrive at the correct red beach steps, and use both the water and the glass cabin. That is where the $58 price earns its keep.

FAQ

How long is the Faliraki boat trip?

The experience lasts three hours, including sightseeing cruises, two swimming stops, and time aboard the semi-submarine boat.

Where do I board the boat?

You board from the red steps on the beach at a designated pickup stop in Faliraki. Stops serve areas near Amada Colossos, Esperides, Calypso, Apollo, and Faliraki Harbor.

What time does pickup take place?

Pickup times are approximately 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, and 3:30 PM from Amada Colossos; 9:40 AM, 12:40 PM, and 3:40 PM from Esperides and Calypso; and 9:55 AM, 12:55 PM, and 3:55 PM from Apollo and Faliraki Harbor.

How long is the swim at Anthony Quinn Bay?

The swimming stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts 40 minutes.

How long is the stop at Traganou Caves?

The Traganou Caves swimming stop lasts 25 minutes, and you can swim inside the rock formations.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The open bar includes beer, water, and soft drinks. Food is not included.

Can I see fish without swimming?

Yes. The boat has an underwater glass cabin where you can watch the marine life. Fish are fed near the boat at Anthony Quinn Bay.

Is the trip suitable for children?

Yes. The short schedule, underwater cabin, swim stops, pool noodles, and crew safety briefing make it suitable for families. Children must still be supervised around the water.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The booking option also allows you to reserve and pay later.