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

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this short Rhodes cruise, but the best surprise is swimming into the Traganou Caves at Afandou Bay. You get three different settings for the price of one: a photogenic cove, a cave-lined shore, and a calm snorkeling bay.

I like the small-group limit of 28 people, even though the Aphrodite can legally carry 45. I also like the easy holiday rhythm: swim, climb aboard for a cold drink, stretch out on a sofa, then do it again. The main drawback is that each stop lasts only 30 to 40 minutes, and some of that time can feel short if you want a long snorkel.

At a glance

• Three swim stops in three hours: Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves, and Ladiko Bay.
• A 36-foot catamaran with sofa seating: The boat is licensed for 45 but limits boarding to 28 for more breathing room.
• Unlimited drinks on board: Fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included.
• Snorkeling gear and pool noodles: Useful for confident swimmers and anyone who prefers extra support in the water.
• A true cave swim: At Traganou Caves, you can swim inside one of the coastal openings.
• Good port access: Aphrodite waits beside the small church at Faliraki port, with optional paid transfers from several areas.

Why this three-hour cruise works so well

Rhodes has plenty of full-day boat trips. This one makes a strong case for keeping your afternoon free. In three hours, you see a handsome stretch of coast, stop for three swims, eat fresh fruit and local melekouni, and spend enough time on the water to feel you had a proper outing.

The format suits you if you want the sea without giving up an entire day. It is also a good fit for couples, solo visitors, families, and mixed-age groups. The boat has comfortable sofa seating rather than rows of hard benches, and the crew keeps drinks moving while you relax between stops.

The cruise is social, but not built around loud party games or a packed deck. Music plays, people chat, and the atmosphere can shift from lively to peaceful depending on the group. The small passenger limit matters here. With no more than 28 people, you have a better chance of getting a comfortable seat and reaching the bar without a human traffic jam.

The crew is another major part of the experience. Names that come up often during the season include Elena, Mike, Captain Hristos, George, Thanasis, James, and others from the Aphrodite team. Elena is particularly noted for serving drinks, preparing fruit, and helping less confident swimmers. Mike is known for making the frozen strawberry cocktails and taking a warm, attentive approach to hosting.

Boarding at Faliraki port

The meeting point is easy to identify: find the boat Aphrodite beside the small church at Faliraki port. The listed starting location is Agioi Apostoloi, but the practical boarding point given for the boat is Faliraki port, Faliraki 851 00.

Hotel pickup is not included in the $64 price. You can arrange a return transfer for an added fee, though the amount depends on the area. Transfers from Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, and Kallithea are listed at €10 per person, while Kolymbia transfers cost €15 per person. Arrange this the day before through WhatsApp, with the office open from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

That transfer option can be useful if you are arriving from a cruise ship or staying away from Faliraki. It also removes the worry of finding your way back after a swim-heavy afternoon. Still, confirm the transfer details in advance. A little confusion has occurred for some people, though the crew has worked to sort it out.

Bring a towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen. You will want the sunscreen even if you plan to stay in the shade, since the boat’s seating areas are not all covered.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the visual highlight

The first swimming stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about 40 minutes. This is the bay most likely to fill your camera roll. Dark rocky slopes frame clear water, and the view from the catamaran gives you a better sense of the cove than you get from shore.

The water is the main event. Take the provided snorkeling equipment and look below the surface around the rocky edges. Fish and clear visibility make this one of the strongest stops for a short snorkel. Pool noodles are also available, which helps if you want to float without constantly kicking.

Forty minutes sounds generous, but it passes quickly. Allow a few minutes to get ready, enter the water, swim, and return aboard. If you are a slow swimmer or want to explore every corner, you may wish the stop were longer. Still, the crew gives you enough time for a proper swim rather than a token splash.

This is also the stop where you can simply sit back and admire the setting. You do not need to snorkel to enjoy it. The bay is especially good for anyone who wants a classic Rhodes coastal view without a long walk or difficult access from land.

Traganou Caves and the most unusual swim

The second stop is at Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay. This is the cruise’s most distinctive stop because you can swim inside one of the caves rather than merely view them from offshore.

The caves give the 30-minute stop a different feel from Anthony Quinn Bay. Instead of focusing only on open water and snorkeling, you get a short adventure close to the rock face. The crew can point you toward the best place to swim, and the stop is long enough to enter a cave, look around, and return to the boat without rushing too badly.

The coastline here also includes a dramatic cliff described as dropping about 200 meters into the blue water. From the boat, that scale is part of the appeal. You are not visiting a museum or walking through an ancient site. The attraction is the raw meeting of rock, sea, and open sky.

Wear secure swimwear and take care when moving around the boat’s entry point. The available information does not specify a dock or beach landing, so expect these stops to be water access from the catamaran. If you are not comfortable entering water from a boat, ask the crew about the safest way in and make use of a noodle if needed.

Ladiko Bay and the final swim

Ladiko Bay is the third swimming stop, with about 30 minutes in the water. The host shows you the better snorkeling area, which is useful because a short stop benefits from local guidance. You can get in, follow the suggested route, and spend less time wondering where to look.

The bay is known for clear, calm water and a sheltered feel. It works well as the final swim because you already know how the boat operates and can settle into the water quickly. If you have been snorkeling at the earlier stops, this is a chance to compare the bays rather than simply repeat the same experience.

The order of the bays can vary in feel depending on the day and the sea conditions. The set schedule gives you three stops, but the exact running time may shift. One practical point: some people have found that the boat leaves a few minutes before the advertised stop length. That matters most at a 20 to 30-minute stop, so be ready to return when the crew calls.

The Aphrodite experience between stops

The 36-foot Aphrodite is designed for comfort rather than speed or formal sightseeing. Sofa seating gives couples and small groups a place to stretch out, and several people have especially liked the shaded bow. Shade is not guaranteed for every seat all day, so choose your position early and use sunscreen.

The boat is licensed for 45 passengers but limits the group to 28. That is one of the better details in the offer. A smaller group means less crowding around the snorkeling equipment, easier access to drinks, and a calmer feel while the boat moves between bays.

The open bar includes beer, wine, water, soft drinks, and a cocktail of the day made from fresh fruit. The frozen strawberry drink gets the most attention, and the crew prepares it on board. Ask about an alcohol-free version if you prefer. The selection is generous for a three-hour trip, though you should not assume every cocktail will be strongly alcoholic. One practical reason to pace yourself is that you still need to swim and climb in and out of the water.

Food is simple but well chosen for a boat outing. You receive fruit salad or a fruit platter, along with melekouni, a traditional Rhodian bar made with honey and sesame. It is light, local, and easier to eat on a moving boat than a full meal would be.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and pool noodles are available. The gear makes this more than a sightseeing cruise, but it is still sensible to bring your own mask if you are particular about fit. That is not required, just useful for regular snorkelers.

What the $64 price really buys you

At $64 per person, the cruise is not the cheapest way to see the Rhodes coast. But it includes the boat, three swim stops, snorkeling equipment, unlimited drinks, fruit, and melekouni. When you add the cost of separate drinks and a shorter boat outing, the value becomes much stronger.

The price makes the most sense if you will use the inclusions. If you plan to swim at every stop, enjoy several drinks, and eat the fruit provided, you are getting a full package rather than paying simply for a ferry ride. The three-hour length also keeps the cost in proportion. You are not paying for a whole day of food and entertainment when you only want a few hours at sea.

There is one point worth checking before you book: a few people have paid about €35 per person when booking directly on the day, while the listed online price here is $64. Rates can change, and booking on the day brings its own risk of limited availability. If you care most about the lowest possible price, ask locally at Faliraki port. If you care more about having a reserved place, the online booking offers flexibility and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure.

You can also reserve now and pay later. That helps if your plans are still shifting, though you should still confirm the exact price shown at checkout.

Who should book this cruise

I would point this cruise toward you if you want:

• A short, easy way to see several famous bays.
• Swimming and snorkeling without committing to a full day.
• A comfortable boat with a small passenger limit.
• Included drinks and light snacks.
• A social outing suitable for couples, friends, solo visitors, and families.
• Help from a crew that is comfortable assisting less confident swimmers.

It is less suitable if you dislike boat transfers, want long uninterrupted snorkeling sessions, or prefer a quiet, private charter. The three stops are highlights, not extended beach visits. You also should not book it expecting a substantial lunch. The fruit and melekouni are snacks, not a meal.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible, which makes it more flexible than many small boat outings. Still, the supplied details do not explain the exact boarding arrangement or water access, so ask the operator about the practical setup if you need specific assistance.

My call: a strong short cruise for Rhodes

I would book this if I had three free hours and wanted to see Rhodes from the water without turning the day into a major expedition. Anthony Quinn Bay supplies the famous view, Traganou Caves add something unusual, and Ladiko Bay gives you another good place to snorkel.

The strongest reasons to choose it are the 28-person cap, comfortable sofa seating, helpful crew, and genuinely useful inclusions. The main thing to accept is the clock. Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but not enough for a slow, thorough exploration of every bay.

Choose a shaded seat early, bring sun protection, pace the open bar, and be ready to leave the water when called. If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, Aphrodite offers a well-priced mix of scenery, swimming, and easy Greek hospitality.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The boat Aphrodite is located beside the small church at Faliraki port, Faliraki 851 00, Greece.

How long is the cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours.

Which bays does the cruise visit?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay, and Ladiko Bay.

How long do you spend swimming at each stop?

The listed swimming times are 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, 30 minutes at Traganou Caves, and 30 minutes at Ladiko Bay.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited fresh fruit cocktails, beer, wine, water, and soft drinks are included.

Is food included?

Yes. Fruit salad or a fruit platter and melekouni, a traditional Rhodian honey and sesame bar, are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and pool noodles are also available.

How many people are allowed on the boat?

The Aphrodite is licensed for 45 passengers, but the passenger limit for this cruise is 28.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard price. Paid return transfers can be arranged from several areas, including Rhodes Town, Ixia, cruise ships, Kremasti, Kallithea, and Kolymbia.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.