Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this small-group RIB cruise, but the best part is the variety packed into 2.5 hours: turquoise water, rocky coves, beach stops, and sea caves along Rhodes’ east coast. You can swim from the boat, snorkel over fish, or stay on deck with a drink while the captain handles the route.

I like the personal service, especially from captains such as Michael and Lazaros, and I like the practical extras: snorkels, masks, pool noodles, life jackets, waterproof phone cases, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a restroom. The main consideration is the short schedule. Four stops can feel busy, and one recent booking reported returning about 20 minutes early.

Key points at a glance

• Anthony Quinn Bay sets the scene: Swim and snorkel beside one of Rhodes’ most striking coves, with views from the Guns of Navarone Pier.
• Four water stops fit into 2.5 hours: Expect roughly 25 minutes at many stops, so this is a sampler rather than a full beach day.
• The boat feels personal: Groups are limited to eight, and many departures have carried only four to six people.
• Helpful swimming equipment is supplied: Snorkels, masks, noodles, and buoyancy aids make the water easier for less confident swimmers.
• Pickup can save time: Optional transport covers central areas including Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, and Ammoudes.
• The price is fair for a short cruise: At $64 per person, the value comes from the small group, equipment, refreshments, and several swim locations.

Why this Rhodes cruise works so well in a short afternoon

Many boat trips around Rhodes take most of the day. This one runs for about 2.5 hours, which makes it easier to fit around a morning in Rhodes Old Town, a hotel pool, or an evening meal.

The short length is also the trade-off. You get a brisk tour of several coastal spots instead of a long, lazy stay at one beach. I would choose this trip if you want to see a lot without giving up half a day. If your main goal is hours of swimming, you may find the schedule too tight.

The small group changes the feel of the outing. The boat is limited to eight people, and several departures have had only four, five, or six passengers. That gives the captain room to help with masks, floats, phone cases, and swimming confidence. It also avoids the packed-deck feeling common on large excursion boats.

Captains named in past bookings include Michael and Lazaros. The strongest praise centers on their friendly manner, clear safety help, local explanations, and willingness to adjust the pace. One captain helped a nervous non-swimmer enter the water using a life jacket and noodle. Another encouraged a child to swim and helped passengers feed fish from the boat.

Leaving the marina beside Stama restaurant

The meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. If you arrange pickup, transport is available from a central point near hotels in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, or Ammoudes.

Pickup is useful if you are not staying close to the marina. Past transfers have used an air-conditioned minibus, and the pickup information arrives separately. Check your email, including the spam folder, since the exact meeting instructions may come after booking.

The boat is described as a modern, comfortable RIB with a spacious deck. You have room to sit, sunbathe, or prepare for the next swim. A toilet and Wi-Fi are available onboard, which matter more than you might expect on a compact boat with several stops.

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so arrive with only what you need for the water. Waterproof phone cases have been supplied on some departures, but I would still treat your phone as your responsibility.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first main stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, named after the Hollywood actor who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby. The name gives the cove a cinematic connection, but the real attraction is the setting: clear water enclosed by rugged rock and steep coastal edges.

This is the place to get your first proper swim and snorkel. Fish are often visible in the water, and the clear conditions make it easier to see below the surface. The captain may explain the site and point out features around the bay before giving you time to swim.

The Guns of Navarone Pier is a particularly good viewpoint for photographs. From the water and the boat, you get a different angle than from a land visit. Bring a waterproof case if you want photos while swimming, but remember that the stop is short enough that constant picture-taking can eat into your time.

Anthony Quinn Bay is popular, so do not expect complete solitude. The small boat helps, but this is still one of the best-known coves on Rhodes. Its appeal is the combination of scenery and fish-filled water, not a quiet, untouched beach.

Ladiko, the calmer side of the bay

The cruise continues to Ladiko, on the other side of the same broad bay area. The water remains clear, and the cliffs give you another attractive setting for swimming and photographs.

You can jump directly from the boat or stay on the spacious deck. The captain supplies pool noodles and buoyancy aids for anyone who is not a strong swimmer. That is a real benefit for families and mixed-ability groups, since you can join the water time without needing to be fully confident in open sea.

The boat can move quickly between stops. One family noted that the speed is worth keeping in mind with very young children. The tour is suitable for children according to the supplied experiences, including a child nearly three years old, but parents should be comfortable with a fast RIB ride and open-water swimming.

Ladiko is less about a named landmark and more about the pleasure of being in the water. If you prefer a gentle beach day, the movement between stops may feel energetic. If you want variety, it keeps the afternoon interesting.

Traganou’s gravel shore and rocky caverns

Traganou adds a rougher edge to the route. This is a gravel beach with a rocky shoreline and clear water, framed by unusual coastal formations and caverns.

The setting feels less polished than a standard resort beach. You see rock, water, and open shoreline rather than rows of loungers or a developed promenade. That makes it a good contrast with Anthony Quinn Bay.

Swimming here gives you another chance to see fish and enter the water from the boat. Depending on the conditions, you may swim toward the shore or explore the rocky spaces near the waterline. The captain provides guidance, but the sea remains natural, so footing around rocks can be uneven.

Wear secure footwear if you plan to get close to the beach or cave entrances. Comfortable shoes are specifically recommended, and they make more sense here than ordinary flip-flops. The attraction is the wild rock and water, not a conventional sandy beach.

Alikies caves, the most atmospheric stop

The final area is the Alikies caves, a lesser-known spot where you can enter the cave area or relax on the beach. This is often the most memorable part for people who want something beyond a standard swim stop.

The caves give the outing a sense of discovery without requiring a long hike or a full-day excursion. You can look into the rock openings from the water, swim nearby, or remain onboard if the sea is not appealing at that moment.

One practical point is timing. A past booking wanted more time at the final bay because it was especially scenic and had plenty of fish. That is useful to know: the last stop may be the one you most want to linger over, but the cruise has to return to the marina on schedule.

The supplied plan describes swimming and snorkeling around Anthony Quinn Bay for up to two hours, while the detailed route also describes Ladiko, Traganou, and Alikies as separate areas. In practice, the experience has generally been presented as four swim or sightseeing locations, with around 25 minutes at many stops. Confirm the exact stop lengths on the day, since the timing may change with sea conditions and the captain’s route.

What is included on the boat

Snorkel masks and equipment are provided, so you do not need to pack your own gear. Noodles and life jackets are also available, which is especially helpful for children and adults who do not swim strongly.

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included in the stated package. Past experiences have also included water, snacks, and cocktails, although one earlier booking reported receiving fizzy drinks and water instead of cocktails. The safest approach is to treat refreshments as a pleasant extra and confirm the current drinks offering if it matters to you.

The waterproof phone cases are a thoughtful touch. They let you take photos near the water without immediately risking your phone, though I would still secure the case carefully and avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.

The deck is furnished for relaxing between swims. You can sunbathe, listen to your own music on some departures, and use the onboard restroom. Wi-Fi is also listed as available, though a boat trip like this is better suited to looking at the coast than checking messages.

Is $64 good value?

At $64 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a Rhodes beach. You are paying for a small-group boat experience rather than simple transport to one shore.

The value improves when you count what is included: a 2.5-hour cruise, several coastal stops, snorkeling equipment, flotation aids, refreshments, an English-speaking captain, and optional pickup from many hotel areas. A group of four to six people can also make the boat feel close to a private outing without paying for a fully private charter.

The price makes less sense if you only want to sit on a beach. It makes more sense if you would otherwise book a separate boat ride, rent equipment, and arrange transport to the marina.

The strongest part of the value is the service. Captains have helped with equipment, encouraged nervous swimmers, explained the coastline, and adjusted their approach for families. That personal attention is difficult to reproduce on a large boat holding dozens of people.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with confident supervision, and small groups who want a relaxed but active afternoon. It is particularly good for people who want snorkeling without committing to a full-day cruise.

It also suits non-swimmers better than many boat trips because noodles and life jackets are available. You still need to be comfortable getting on and off a boat and being around open water. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Children can enjoy the fish, caves, and quick boat ride, but very young children may find the RIB’s speed and movement tiring. If your family prefers a slower, more stable ride, a larger cruise ship may be a better fit.

People prone to seasickness should think carefully. One passenger became ill but received helpful support from the captain. That is reassuring, but a short, fast boat can still feel lively in rough water. Choose a calm day if possible and bring whatever seasickness aid you normally use.

A few practical limits to keep in mind

The boat cannot carry luggage or large bags, so this is not a transfer service. Pack a small day bag only.

The tour is offered in English, and the driver and captain handle the main explanations. If you need detailed information in another language, this may not be the right choice.

The cruise normally returns to the marina about 2.5 hours after departure, but timing can vary. One recent booking reported a trip ending around 20 minutes early without an explanation. That appears to be an exception among the supplied experiences, but do not schedule a tight connection immediately afterward.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Pickup is optional, not automatic, so check the selected option carefully when booking.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise?

Book it if you want several beautiful swim spots, a small boat, and friendly hands-on service without giving up a whole day. The mix of Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and Alikies gives you more variety than a single beach visit, while the $64 price is reasonable for the equipment, drinks, and optional pickup.

Skip it if you want long, unhurried time at one beach, dislike fast boat rides, or need wheelchair access. For everyone else, this is a well-focused Rhodes outing, especially when your holiday schedule has room for a short burst of swimming, snorkeling, cliffs, and caves.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes snorkeling cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, including the boat ride and swimming stops.

What locations does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves area. The captain may adjust the exact timing of the stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels and masks are provided, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are listed as included. Water, snacks, and the exact drink selection can vary, so confirm the current offering if cocktails are important to you.

Where do I meet the boat?

The boat is moored at the port next to Stama restaurant. Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in several Rhodes areas.

How many people are on the boat?

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

Can non-swimmers join the cruise?

Yes, flotation aids and pool noodles are available. You still need to be comfortable around open water and able to board the boat.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.