Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide

The best part of this Rhodes outing is that the catch becomes lunch. Captain Mike and his son Skevos take up to 10 people out on their traditional wooden boat, teach you the basics, and grill fish aboard the vessel. I especially like the small-group setting and the mix of fishing, swimming, and a proper Greek meal.

I also like that beginners get real help rather than being left to figure out complicated gear. The main consideration is simple: fishing depends on the sea, weather, and season, so you should not book this expecting a guaranteed big catch. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and patience.

Key points at a glance

• Fish with a father-and-son team: Captain Mike has more than 35 years in professional fishing, while Skevos handles guiding and cooking.
• Two kinds of fishing: Try trolling for larger predator fish, then spend about two hours on ground fishing near the seabed.
• Lunch comes from the sea: Your catch is grilled with additional sea bass and gold seabream, Greek salad, bread, and drinks.
• A genuine working boat: The 10-meter wooden vessel has a separate fishing area, dining space, toilet, freshwater shower, Wi-Fi, and safety equipment.
• Quiet-water swimming stop: The crew chooses Kallithea Springs, Santa Marina, or a shallow sandy beach based on sea and weather conditions.
• Good value at $88: Five hours, fishing gear, bait, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and unlimited drinks are included.

A fishing lunch, not just a boat ride

Many boat trips around Rhodes give you a swim stop and a buffet lunch. This one has a more hands-on idea: you help catch the meal.

The day begins at the port of Kolona, just outside Rhodes Old Town. From there, the boat heads toward one of several selected spots. The destination changes with the weather and sea conditions, so the exact view and swimming stop are not fixed in advance.

That flexibility makes sense on the water. It also means you should think of the location as part of the day’s judgment call, not as a promise of one specific beach. The crew may choose the famous Kallithea Springs, the quieter Santa Marina bay, or a shallow sandy beach.

The boat itself is a traditional, handcrafted wooden fishing vessel measuring 10 meters. It is not a giant party boat. With room for no more than 10 people, the mood is closer to a shared fishing outing than a mass-market cruise.

I like that the design separates the fishing area from the dining and relaxation space. That matters once rods, bait, fish, plates, and swimming gear all come into play. You can focus on the activity without having lunch laid out under your elbows.

From Rhodes Town to the first fishing grounds

The cruise to the fishing area takes about an hour. During this first stretch, the crew uses professional trolling equipment, with lines trailing behind the boat as you search for faster predator fish.

The target species can include small tuna, mahi mahi, amberjack, barracuda, trumpetfish, and great trevally. These are not guaranteed catches, but the variety gives the first part of the trip a sense of possibility. You may be watching the coastline one moment and reacting to a strike the next.

The crew supplies the rods, reels, and bait. Equipment comes from brands including Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi. You do not need to bring fishing gear or know how to use it.

That is important for first-timers. Sea fishing can look more technical than it is, especially when the boat is moving and the target fish may be strong. Skevos gives simple instructions and steps in when someone needs help. The experience works for people who have never fished before, while regular anglers still get proper equipment and a chance at larger species.

A practical point: you may get splashed. Wear clothing that can handle salt water, and keep your phone protected. One of the pleasures of an open fishing boat is also one of its minor inconveniences.

Ground fishing for about two hours

After trolling, the boat switches to ground fishing. This lasts roughly two hours and targets fish closer to the seabed.

This change of pace helps the outing feel less dependent on one exciting strike. Trolling is active and uncertain. Ground fishing is slower, more focused, and often easier for a beginner to follow. The crew can adjust the setup and guide you through the basic movements.

The guides make a point of helping everyone take part. That does not mean each person is guaranteed a fish, and August conditions can be less favorable for fishing in Rhodes. It does mean the crew works hard to give each person a fair chance and adjusts its approach when conditions are difficult.

That honesty is useful. A good fishing trip should explain that the sea makes the final decision. You might catch several species, or you might spend more time learning the technique than filling the cooler. The meal includes extra fish, so lunch does not depend entirely on your individual success.

A swimming stop chosen by the sea

Once the fishing is finished, the boat anchors in a quiet bay. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and relax while the crew prepares lunch.

The exact place depends on the day. Kallithea Springs is the most famous option, while Santa Marina offers a quieter bay. A shallow sandy beach may be chosen when that suits the conditions better.

This is not presented as a long sightseeing stop with a packed schedule. It is a useful pause after the fishing, giving you time to cool off and enjoy the water without rushing straight into the meal.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the boat also carries pool noodles. That will help nervous swimmers feel more comfortable, though you should still bring normal caution around open water. Bring your own towel and beachwear, since neither is listed as provided.

The water can remain pleasant into October, according to the practical experience of the trip, but conditions vary. The tour runs in rain or shine and does not operate during storms. Wind can affect both fishing and swimming, so the crew may adapt the route and timing.

The onboard BBQ is the real reward

Lunch is cooked while you enjoy the swimming stop. Fish you catch is grilled on a handmade BBQ built by Skevos’s father. The meal also includes fresh gold seabream and sea bass weighing 250 grams or more.

The cooking is straightforward and suited to the setting. The fish is prepared with extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt, then grilled over charcoal. You also get Greek salad, charcoal-grilled bread with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano.

Skevos is a certified professional chef, and his Greek salad is one of the most praised parts of the meal. A homemade lemon sauce is also served, adding another local touch to the grilled fish.

Drinks are included: unlimited beer, cola, lemonade, and bottled mineral water. That makes the $88 price easier to assess. You are not paying only for time on a boat. You are getting five hours of guided fishing, gear, bait, snorkeling equipment, a cooked lunch, and drinks.

If you do not eat fish or Greek salad, bring a snack. The meal is built around seafood, and there is no stated alternative menu. You should also eat breakfast before departure, since the trip begins with a substantial stretch on the water before lunch.

What makes Captain Mike and Skevos effective guides

The father-and-son partnership shapes the day. Captain Mike brings more than 35 years of professional fishing experience. Skevos grew up around the boat, learned the craft from his father, and also handles much of the food preparation.

Both are trained in lifeguarding. The boat has a Lowrance 1000W fish finder, GPS, depth sounder, radar, and certified VHF/UHF communication systems. Those details do not make the sea predictable, but they show that the outing is run as a proper fishing operation rather than a casual pleasure cruise.

The crew also works together when a stronger fish takes the line. For a beginner, that can be the difference between an exciting catch and a tangled mess. You get guidance without needing to prove that you already know what you are doing.

The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. The small group encourages conversation, and solo visitors can fit in easily. Families can also enjoy it, especially if a child is already interested in fishing. The crew has a reputation for giving young anglers extra encouragement and attention.

The main language is English. If you want a quiet, private trip for only your own group, this is not necessarily the right format, since the boat can carry up to 10 participants and the outing is shared.

The boat’s useful comforts

This is a working fishing boat, but it has enough practical comforts for a half-day trip.

You have access to:

• A separate fishing area for up to 10 people
• A dining and relaxation area
• Toilet
• Freshwater shower
• Wi-Fi
• Snorkeling equipment
• Professional navigation and fish-finding equipment
• Safety equipment and certified communication systems

The toilet and freshwater shower are especially useful after swimming or handling bait. Wi-Fi is a small extra, but you may prefer to put your phone away and watch the coast instead.

Do not expect luxury yacht space. Ten people sharing a fishing vessel will feel more compact than a large cruise boat. That is part of the appeal for some people and a possible drawback for anyone who dislikes close quarters.

Is $88 a fair price?

At $88 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to eat lunch, swim, and spend time on the water anyway.

A basic boat ride may cost less, but it usually does not include a guided fishing session with quality equipment, bait, a freshly grilled seafood meal, snorkeling gear, and unlimited drinks. You also get a small group rather than a crowded excursion boat.

The value is strongest for people who want several activities in one half-day. You get instruction, fishing, a swim stop, lunch, and coastal views without arranging each part separately.

The price feels less compelling if you have no interest in fishing or seafood. Fishing takes a large part of the outing, and the lunch centers on fish. You can relax during the fishing sections, but this is not mainly a sightseeing cruise.

The rating is 4.8 from 315 reviews, with 90 percent of participants giving the transport a perfect score. That supports the idea that the operation is well regarded, but it does not change the basic truth of fishing trips: weather and fish behavior remain outside anyone’s control.

Getting to the port of Kolona

The meeting point is the fishing boat at the port of Kolona, outside Rhodes Old Town. It is easy to reach from the center of Rhodes, but give yourself time if you are driving.

Parking around Rhodes Town can be busy, especially during the day. Arriving early is sensible, since finding a space may take longer than expected. The activity returns to the same place after about five hours.

Because the trip is in a small group, being on time matters. You do not want to start the morning stressed or hold up the boat while searching for the port.

The booking terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you keep money in your pocket until closer to the date.

Who should book this Rhodes fishing trip?

I would choose this outing for:

• First-time anglers who want patient instruction
• Experienced fishers who prefer a smaller boat
• Couples looking for an active half-day with lunch
• Families with children interested in fishing
• Solo visitors who enjoy meeting people in a small group
• Anyone who wants a local-style seafood meal rather than a standard buffet

You should think twice if you are pregnant, use a wheelchair, dislike open-water conditions, or do not eat fish and salad. The activity is also not ideal if you need a guaranteed beach stop or a fixed route.

Pregnant women and wheelchair users are specifically excluded from the activity. The tour operates in most weather but not during storms, so sea conditions can still shape the day.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring beachwear and a towel. Wear practical clothes that can get wet, and protect valuables from spray.

Eat breakfast before you arrive. Lunch comes later, after the fishing and swimming portions, and the morning begins with a cruise of about an hour.

I would also bring sunscreen and a waterproof phone pouch, though only beachwear and a towel are specifically required. If you do not want the seafood lunch, pack a snack because the included food is built around grilled fish, Greek salad, and bread.

Do not measure the day only by the number of fish caught. The best parts are the instruction, the chance to handle real fishing gear, the quiet swim, and the meal prepared on board. A large catch is a bonus, not the whole point.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a hands-on day at sea and like the idea of eating fish grilled minutes after it leaves the water. The father-and-son team, small group, solid equipment, and generous meal give it more substance than a standard Rhodes boat excursion.

I would be cautious only if you need calm seas, dislike seafood, or expect guaranteed catches. For most people who want fishing, swimming, and a relaxed Greek lunch in one outing, $88 is a sensible price and five hours is a well-judged length.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

The boat is at the port of Kolona, outside the Old Town of Rhodes. The trip returns to the same location after about five hours.

How long does the activity last?

The total duration is five hours. The cruise to the fishing area takes about one hour, followed by trolling, ground fishing, swimming or snorkeling, and lunch.

How many people can join?

The activity is limited to 10 participants, making it a small-group experience.

Are fishing rods and bait provided?

Yes. Fishing equipment and bait are included, and you do not need to bring your own gear.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for the swimming stop.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch includes grilled fish, fresh gold seabream and sea bass, Greek salad, charcoal-grilled bread, and the fish caught during the outing. Unlimited beer, cola, lemonade, and bottled mineral water are included.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel. It is also advised that you eat breakfast before the tour. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.