Rhodes: RIB Cruise with Drinks and 4 Swim Stops

Clear water, fast boat, small group. This 2.5-hour RIB cruise gives you a lively way to see Rhodes from the sea, with stops at Anthony Quinn’s Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves. I especially like the small group of up to eight and the well-equipped boat, which has snorkel gear, floats, Wi-Fi, a restroom, and drinks. The main drawback is time: four stops in two and a half hours means you will need to keep moving.

I also like the mix of famous scenery and quieter coastal spots. You get the postcard views at Anthony Quinn’s Bay, then more rugged water and cave scenery farther east. The experience suits couples, friends, and confident families more than anyone wanting a slow, all-day sailing trip.

Key points at a glance

• Four different swim settings: Stop at Anthony Quinn’s Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves for a useful mix of turquoise coves, cliffs, gravel shore, and caves.
• A genuinely small boat group: The RIB carries no more than eight participants, and some departures feel almost private when numbers are low.
• Good equipment onboard: Snorkels, masks, pool noodles, and buoyancy aids are available, with a restroom and Wi-Fi on the boat.
• Anthony Quinn’s Bay has a film connection: The cove was linked with the filming of The Guns of Navarone, and the actor Anthony Quinn later purchased the area.
• Pickup can simplify the day: Optional pickup is available near hotels in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.
• Strong value at $48: For a short, active cruise with drinks and several swim stops, the price is attractive, though towels and personal expenses are extra.

Why this short Rhodes boat trip works

A RIB gives you a different view of the east coast than a road trip or beach day. The boat moves quickly between coves, so you spend less time getting from one stop to the next and more time looking at cliffs, water, and shoreline from the sea.

The boat is described as modern and comfortably furnished, with a spacious deck for sunbathing. That matters on a small vessel. You are not simply sitting on a hard bench for the entire outing, and you can choose between relaxing on deck, snorkeling, or jumping straight into the water.

The cruise is also easy to fit into a Rhodes holiday. At 2.5 hours, it does not consume a full day, leaving time for Rhodes Old Town, a beach afternoon, or dinner back at your hotel. The tradeoff is that the schedule feels active rather than leisurely.

The operator, Adventure Rib Vip Cruises Rhodes, runs the trip in English. Captains and drivers have received especially warm praise for being friendly, helpful, and good with families. Captain Michael and Lazaros are mentioned by name, while Harry is praised for timely transfers and scenic stops on the way to the marina.

Meeting the boat near Stama restaurant

The main meeting point is at the port, where the boat is moored next to Stama restaurant. Your activity ends back at this same meeting point, so you do not need to arrange a separate return from the harbor.

If you choose pickup, the service covers central points near hotels in Rhodes Town, Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes. Pickup details arrive separately, so check your email and spam folder before the day of the cruise.

A useful practical point: transfers have been described as punctual, and the vehicle drops you close to the boat. That can save time and remove the usual port-day confusion. Still, confirm your exact pickup instructions before setting out, since the starting location depends on the option you book.

Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, and biodegradable sunscreen. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so pack lightly. A small day bag with your phone, sunscreen, and water-safe essentials is the sensible choice.

Anthony Quinn’s Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

Anthony Quinn’s Bay is the first major highlight. The cove is known for its clear water, rocky edges, and compact shape, which looks especially good from the boat. You can snorkel here, swim, or simply take in the views from the deck.

The place carries a bit of cinema history. The area was used during filming of The Guns of Navarone, and it was later purchased by Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn. The nearby Guns of Navarone Pier is described as one of the most photogenic spots in the area.

This is the stop where you will probably want your phone or camera ready. The boat gives you a water-level view of the cliffs and cove, while the captain can explain the connection with the film and the actor.

The main caution is popularity. Anthony Quinn’s Bay is one of Rhodes’ best-known coastal sights, so the setting may feel busier than the less familiar stops later in the cruise. The water is the star here, but you should not expect a deserted beach.

Ladiko, the quieter side of the same bay

The cruise continues to Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. It offers another look at the same general coastal area, but from a different angle, with turquoise water and rugged cliffs.

This stop is well suited to a swim directly from the boat. You can also stay on deck and sunbathe if you have had enough water for one afternoon. The RIB’s open design makes it easy to switch between activities without a long walk from a beach chair to the sea.

The small group helps here. With a maximum of eight people, getting into the water does not become a large organized production. Captains have also provided pool noodles, buoyancy aids, snorkels, and masks, which is useful if you are not a confident swimmer or if children need extra support.

The boat can move quickly, though. One parent noted that the speed is worth considering with younger children, and suggested that a larger cruise ship might be a better choice for families seeking a slower ride. For older children and active families, the speed is part of the fun.

Traganou’s gravel shore and rocky coves

Traganou changes the mood of the trip. Instead of the polished beach setting associated with Anthony Quinn’s Bay, you get a gravel beach, rocky surfaces, clear water, and small caverns along the coast.

This is a good place to pay attention to what is below the surface. The water is clear, and the rocky surroundings give the snorkel stops more character than a simple open-water swim. You might spot fish around the rocks, though marine life is never guaranteed.

The shore is gravelly and rocky, so comfortable footwear is useful. The information for the tour specifically recommends comfortable shoes, and this is the stop where that advice makes the most sense. Bare feet may be fine in the water, but rough ground can be uncomfortable for walking.

Do not confuse a swim stop with a long beach visit. The cruise is designed around several short coastal experiences, not hours spent on one beach. You may get the best use of Traganou by swimming, looking around the rocky edges, and returning to the boat when asked.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The Alikies caves are among the more unusual parts of the route. This lesser-known area gives you a chance to explore a cave setting or relax near the beach, depending on your energy and the conditions.

One couple particularly enjoyed swimming into a cave and felt the final bay was the most photogenic, with plenty of fish to watch. That makes the last stop important for anyone who likes snorkeling and photographs. If you want extra time here, ask the captain how long the stop will be and plan your swim accordingly.

Cave swimming requires ordinary caution. Stay close to the group, follow the captain’s instructions, and use the available buoyancy aids if needed. The supplied information does not promise a particular cave route or water depth, so conditions and access may affect what you can do.

This is also a good point to enjoy the drinks and snacks on the boat. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included, though one family reported receiving fizzy drinks and water rather than cocktails. I would treat the drink offering as a pleasant extra rather than the reason to book the cruise.

Snorkeling, safety gear, and comfort onboard

The equipment is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Snorkels and masks are available, along with pool noodles and buoyancy aids. Waterproof phone covers have also been provided on some trips, a thoughtful touch if you want photos without risking your phone.

That gear broadens the appeal. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to enjoy the water, and children can gain confidence with a float and patient guidance. Captain Michael was praised for helping one child feel comfortable enough to jump in, which suggests a friendly approach to nervous swimmers.

You should still be comfortable with a boat-based swim outing. The RIB is fast, the deck is open, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. If you prefer a large, steady vessel with formal seating and a slower pace, this is probably not your best match.

The onboard restroom is useful, especially for families. Wi-Fi is also available, though I would treat it as a backup rather than a central feature. The best reason to bring your phone is to take photos, not to spend the cruise online.

Drinks, service, and the small-group feel

The crew receives the strongest praise for warmth and personal service. Lazaros has been described as an excellent host, while Michael is singled out for explaining the route, looking after swimmers, and keeping drinks available. Guides have also been willing to chat, tell stories, help with photographs, and make children feel involved.

A small boat changes the social feel. A group of four or five can feel close to a private outing, and some departures have had only a few people onboard. That gives you more room and makes it easier to ask the captain questions.

The tradeoff is less privacy if the boat fills to its limit of eight. Even then, eight people is a much smaller group than a standard harbor cruise. If you want the best chance of a quiet ride, consider the starting time and book early, though the available departure times depend on the date.

Snacks and drinks are included, but do not expect a full meal. Eat beforehand if you need something substantial, particularly if you are prone to feeling hungry after swimming.

Is $48 a fair price for the cruise?

At $48 per person, the value is strong for a short RIB outing. You are paying for the boat ride, four coastal swim areas, snorkeling access, drinks, and the convenience of a small group. Optional pickup adds practical value if your hotel is in one of the covered areas.

The price works best if you plan to use the water stops. If you mainly want a scenic boat ride and do not intend to swim or snorkel, a large sightseeing cruise might provide a more relaxed experience at a similar or lower cost.

Remember that towels are not included, and personal expenses are extra. Bring your own towel rather than assuming one will be supplied. The cruise also does not promise a full lunch, private charter, or guaranteed dolphin sighting.

Dolphins may appear on the return to the marina, and you are encouraged to watch for them playing in the surf. That is a lucky extra, not a scheduled part of the tour.

Who should book this RIB cruise?

I would choose this experience if you want a compact, active outing with strong scenery and several chances to swim. It is particularly well suited to couples, groups of friends, older children, and anyone who likes snorkeling without committing to a full day at sea.

It also works well as a first boat trip in Rhodes. The route is short, the equipment is supplied, and the captain can help with swimming confidence. The friendly crew adds a personal touch that is harder to find on a large excursion boat.

I would think twice if you dislike speed, need a highly stable vessel, want long uninterrupted beach time, or are traveling with someone who cannot manage a boat-based activity. The cruise is not wheelchair accessible, and the four-stop plan can feel brisk.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Those options are useful if your plans are still moving around, but the key decision is simpler: do you want active water time or a calm sightseeing cruise?

Should you book it?

Book it if Anthony Quinn’s Bay, clear swimming water, caves, and a small friendly boat sound better than sitting on a crowded beach. The strongest reasons are the eight-person limit, useful safety gear, optional hotel-area pickup, and the mix of famous and lesser-known coastal stops.

I would book this for a couple, a small friend group, or a family with children comfortable around water. For a quieter, slower day, choose another type of cruise. For a lively half-day outing with excellent swimming stops at a fair price, this RIB trip is an easy choice.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes RIB cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately 2.5 hours. Check the available starting times when booking.

What locations does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn’s Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. Swimming stops are included as part of the boat trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkels and masks are available onboard. Pool noodles and buoyancy aids are also provided.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The listed inclusions are soft drinks and bottled cocktails. One report noted receiving fizzy drinks and water instead of cocktails, so the exact selection may vary.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

Where does the cruise start?

Go to the port and find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Can I bring luggage or a large bag?

No. Luggage and large bags are not allowed onboard.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.