About this tour
When Lily from our BugBitten team boarded Princess, a traditionally built wooden boat in Rhodes, we got a proper feel for how the east coast should be done. This 6-hour cruise departs Mandraki Harbour and hits Ladiko Bay, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs — three spots with genuinely clear water and room to swim or snorkel without feeling rushed. The crew keeps things unhurried and real; lunch is cooked onboard, drinks flow freely, and there's proper deck space to just sit and exist. It's the kind of day that works for everyone from keen swimmers to those happy to float and watch the coastline.
Highlights
- Handcrafted wooden boat with genuine Rhodes character, not a factory catamaran
- Three swimming stops with snorkel gear included — no upgrading pressure
- Fresh Greek lunch prepared aboard, not reheated or skimpy
- Unlimited drinks throughout the day without the upsell
- Paddleboards available to mess about on between swims
- Crew that remembers your name and actually listens
- Kallithea Springs Bay — the standout stop, shallow and sheltered
What to expect
The boat leaves Mandraki mid-morning and heads south along the coast. First stop is usually Ladiko Bay, where the water's clear and you've got a solid hour to swim or snorkel. The crew keeps things relaxed — no counting heads every five minutes, no rushing you back. By late morning, you're anchored at Anthony Quinn Bay, which has a bit more character and fewer day-trippers than some Rhodes spots. Lunch arrives around midday: fresh salads, grilled fish or chicken, bread, and Greek cheese. It's the real deal, eaten on deck with the sea in front of you. After lunch, you drift to Kallithea Springs, the quietest of the three. The water's shallow and turquoise, ideal if you're not a confident swimmer. Paddleboards float around if you fancy a paddle. By mid-afternoon, you're heading back to harbour.
What travellers say
- Genuinely handcrafted wooden boat, not a generic charter vessel
- All food and drinks included — no hidden upsells at sea
- Three proper swimming stops with unrushed, generous time
- Crew that actually engages rather than just servicing
- Snorkel kit and paddleboards included with no fuss
- No towels or sunscreen provided — essential extras to pack
- Basic onboard toilets; rough sea = queues
- Hotel transfer not included; need own transport to harbour
- Summer crowds mean book ahead or risk fewer paddle-time slots
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
If you want a full day on the water without faffing about finding lunch or paying for drinks every five minutes, this delivers. The boat's not massive — you won't feel lost in a crowd. Snorkel gear, paddleboards, and water are all included, which genuinely saves cash. The crew feels like they want you there, not like they're clocking off in five minutes. Suits families (infants sit on laps), reasonably fit adults, and anyone keen to swim without the nightclub-boat vibe.
Bring your own towel and sunscreen — they're not provided, and six hours of Greek sun is no joke. The boat does sway a bit; if you're prone to seasickness, take precautions. Hotel transfers aren't included, so factor in getting to Mandraki Harbour yourself (public transport works). Peak summer can get busy, so booking early helps. Facilities onboard are basic — one toilet, no showers. The paddleboards are fun but snatch-able; timing matters if you want a proper go.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.