Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star here, but the real pleasure is moving between several small coves by boat instead of trying to see Rhodes’ east coast from the road. You get clear water, fish, cliffs, caves, and about 25 minutes at each swim stop. Captain Michael is often the guide, with Lazaros also leading trips.

I like the small group of up to eight and the practical gear on board: masks, noodles, life jackets, and even waterproof phone cases on many departures. I also like the 2.5-hour length. It gives you a proper afternoon on the water without swallowing an entire holiday day.

The main caution is that this is a fast RIB, not a slow sightseeing cruise. The ride can feel lively, and one recent booking reported a trip ending about 20 minutes early. If you want long beach time, a quiet boat, or easy wheelchair access, this is not the right outing.

Key points at a glance

• Anthony Quinn Bay: Snorkel in the famous cove and view the Guns of Navarone Pier.
• Four east-coast stops: Expect Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area.
• Small-boat feel: The boat is limited to eight people, though many departures carry only four to six.
• Useful swimming gear: Masks, snorkels, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids are available.
• Afternoon-friendly timing: The 2.5-hour cruise fits neatly into a day of sightseeing or beach time.
• Good value at $64: The price covers the boat, swim stops, soft drinks, bottled cocktails, and English-speaking service.

What this Rhodes snorkeling cruise is really like

This is a short east-coast cruise built around swimming, not a full historical tour of Rhodes. You meet the captain at the port, where the boat is moored beside Stama restaurant, or use the optional pickup service from central points near hotels in Rhodes Town, Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

The boat is a modern, comfortably furnished RIB with a spacious deck, restroom, and Wi-Fi. Those details matter more than they may sound. You can sit in the sun between stops, keep your belongings close, and avoid the cramped feel of a crowded excursion boat.

The group limit is eight. That does not guarantee a private cruise, but the small capacity changes the mood. Many bookings have had four to six people on board, which leaves room to ask questions, choose a comfortable seat, and get help when entering the water.

The cruise is conducted in English. Captains named in the booking information include Michael and Lazaros. Transfers have been handled by drivers named Harris or Harry on some departures, with hotel pickup and drop-off available when arranged in advance.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most recognizable coves. The name comes from Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby. The film connection gives the bay a little more character than a standard beach stop, and the captain explains the story while you take in the setting.

The water is clear, and the rocky edges make this one of the stronger places for snorkeling. You may see fish close to the boat and around the rocks. The outing is not a formal marine biology trip, but it offers an easy look at the underwater life that makes these coves more than just pretty swimming spots.

The Guns of Navarone Pier is a favorite photo point. From the boat, you get the combination that makes this coast so photogenic: hard gray rock, green-blue water, and steep edges dropping into the sea. A waterproof phone case is especially useful here, since the best pictures may come from the water rather than the deck.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to join in. Life jackets and pool noodles are available, and the captain can help you enter the water at your own pace. One family booking included a child who gained confidence with the help of the captain, while a non-swimmer used a life jacket and noodle to paddle toward shore.

Still, this is open-water swimming. You should be comfortable with the idea of entering the sea from the boat, even if you use flotation support. There is no promise of a sandy, shallow entry at every stop.

Ladiko Bay: a second view of the same coast

Ladiko is on the other side of Anthony Quinn Bay and gives you another angle on the east coast. The stop is less about a single landmark and more about the mix of turquoise water, rough cliffs, and open space around the boat.

You can swim, snorkel, or remain on the deck. The flexible format works well for mixed groups, since confident swimmers can get straight into the water while others can sunbathe or take photographs.

Do not expect a long guided visit on land. This is primarily a water stop, and the usual pattern is around 25 minutes at each location. That is enough time for a swim and a short snorkel, but not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon.

The short timing is part of the appeal. You see more than one cove without spending hours under the hot sun. It also means you should be ready when the captain announces the next move. Keep your mask, towel, and sunscreen within easy reach rather than burying them in a large bag.

Traganou’s rocky shore and sea caves

The cruise continues to Traganou, known for its gravel beach, rocky surface, clear water, and caverns. This stop feels wilder than a standard resort beach. The rock formations create a rougher setting, and the caves are the reason to bring a camera that can handle water.

You may swim near the boat or move toward the cave area if conditions allow. The exact experience depends on the sea and the captain’s judgment, so treat the caves as a chance to explore rather than a guaranteed long cave visit.

Traganou is also a useful reminder that the outing is not designed around soft sand. Comfortable shoes are recommended, and you should be cautious around rocks. The supplied information advises against bringing large bags, which is sensible on a small boat with limited storage.

The snorkeling here can be rewarding because the rocky bottom gives fish places to gather. Visibility and sea conditions will vary, of course. I would come for the scenery and the chance to look underwater, not with the expectation of a major reef system.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The last area is the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can venture toward the cave zone or relax on the beach while the boat remains nearby. Several bookings singled out the final bay as especially scenic, with plenty of fish close to the water.

This stop may be the one you wish lasted longer. The schedule gives you a taste of each location, but the 2.5-hour cruise has to keep moving. If you are happiest floating in one cove for an hour, this route may feel rushed. If you prefer variety, the sequence works well.

The boat provides drinks and snacks, with the published inclusions listing soft drinks and bottled cocktails. Past departures have included cocktails, fizzy drinks, and water, but the exact selection may vary. Do not book this as a food-focused cruise. The refreshments are a welcome extra after swimming, not a meal.

The return to the marina includes the possibility of seeing dolphins playing in the surf. Dolphin sightings are not guaranteed, so think of this as a pleasant bonus rather than part of the core itinerary.

The boat, equipment, and comfort level

The boat is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as modern, clean, and comfortable, with a broad deck where you can sit between swims. Several departures have felt almost private because only four or six people were aboard.

Equipment includes snorkels and masks, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids. Waterproof phone cases have also been provided on many trips. That last item is practical, since it lets you take pictures in the water without risking your phone.

You should still bring your own towel. Bring swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable shoes. Large luggage and large bags are not allowed, so pack lightly in a small day bag.

The RIB is quick. That makes the transfers between coves exciting and efficient, but it can be less comfortable for anyone prone to seasickness. One person became ill during a trip and still received helpful attention from the captain, but seasickness remains a real possibility on a fast boat. If you are sensitive, sit where the motion feels easiest, watch the horizon, and consider your usual precautions.

The restroom and Wi-Fi are useful touches, especially for families and anyone who prefers not to be entirely cut off during the cruise. This is still a small boat, so do not expect the space or facilities of a large day cruiser.

Why the small group matters

The eight-person limit is more than a marketing detail. On a small vessel, the captain can explain each stop, pass out equipment, and help nervous swimmers without shouting across a crowded deck.

The intimate setup also makes it easier to adjust your time in the water. The captain does not simply drop an entire crowd at a beach and wait. The service is more personal, and several bookings have praised Michael for helping children and less confident swimmers.

Music may also be possible. One booking specifically appreciated being able to play personal music on board. That will depend on the captain and the day, so treat it as an informal extra rather than a promised feature.

The tradeoff is that there is less room to spread out. A full boat of eight may feel noticeably different from a departure with four people. The published limit is eight, so book this for the smaller setting, but do not assume you will have the boat entirely to yourself.

Is $64 good value?

At $64 per person, this is fairly priced for a short, small-group boat outing in Rhodes. The cost includes the boat trip and swimming stops, plus soft drinks and bottled cocktails. You are also paying for the compact route, the captain’s help, and the equipment that would otherwise require separate planning.

The value is strongest if you want several scenic coves in one afternoon. Hiring transport to reach Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and Alikies separately would take more time and planning, and you would not get the same view from the water.

It is less compelling if your goal is a full-day beach excursion or a long snorkeling session. Four stops in 2.5 hours means roughly 25 minutes at each location, with travel time between them. You get variety, but not endless time in any one bay.

Pickup can improve the value further. A central transfer is available from several resort areas, and past departures have included air-conditioned minibus service directly to the marina. Confirm the pickup details by email, including any separate instructions that may go to your spam folder.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a polished but active afternoon. It also suits mixed-ability groups because flotation aids are available and non-swimmers can remain on deck.

Families should note that the boat moves quickly. One booking considered the ride suitable for a child, while another suggested a larger cruise ship may be a better choice for very young children. The boat can work for families, but parents should be comfortable with the speed and open-water setting.

It is a particularly good fit if you want to snorkel without committing to an all-day excursion. The duration leaves time for Rhodes Old Town, a hotel pool, or dinner afterward.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also a poor match if you dislike fast boats, cannot manage rocky shore conditions, or want a long, quiet stay at one beach.

Practical details before you go

Meet the captain at the port beside Stama restaurant if you are making your own way there. If you choose pickup, wait for the separate message with your exact collection details.

Wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and comfortable footwear. Keep your belongings small, since luggage and large bags are not allowed.

The standard duration is 2.5 hours, with starting times depending on availability. The service offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option, which helps if your Rhodes plans are still shifting.

The activity is available in English, and the high overall rating of 4.8 from 341 bookings reflects especially strong marks for the captains, boat condition, swimming locations, and communication.

Final verdict: should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want clear water, several beautiful bays, and a small boat without giving up a whole day. The best parts are the personal service, useful swimming equipment, and the chance to see Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou, and the Alikies caves in one compact trip.

I would skip it if you want a slow sailing experience, a full meal, guaranteed dolphins, or hours at one beach. For most visitors who enjoy swimming and snorkeling, $64 is a sensible price for a well-organized afternoon, especially when hotel pickup is available.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes snorkeling cruise?

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

Where does the boat meet passengers?

The boat is moored at the port next to Stama restaurant. Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies cave area. The exact time at each stop can vary, but the usual swimming time is about 25 minutes per location.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels, masks, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids are available on board. Waterproof phone cases have also been provided on many departures.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. The exact refreshments can vary by departure, and snacks may also be available on board.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.