Rhodes: All inclusive Catamaran Escape with Lunch & Drinks

Clear water, good food, and plenty of time afloat. This six-hour Cherry Catamaran cruise gives you a relaxed way to see Rhodes’ east coast without arranging a boat, lunch, drinks, and water gear separately. I especially like the three long swimming stops and the smaller feel of a boat that commonly carries around 20 people, rather than packing in its stated maximum of 35.

The Greek lunch and open supply of drinks add real value at $82 per person. You get salads, dips, chicken, rice, fruit, beer, wine, soft drinks, and water. The main consideration is the weather: wind can make the first part of the trip rough, and a few people have found the snorkel gear worn or broken.

Key points at a glance

• Three excellent east-coast stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs each offer a different setting for swimming and snorkeling.
• Long water breaks: You get roughly 60 to 90 minutes at each main stop, not just a quick photo pause.
• Lunch is served aboard: Expect Greek salads, dolmadakia, dips, feta, chicken, rice, bread, and seasonal fruit.
• A relaxed small-group feel: Recent trips commonly had about 14 to 20 people, leaving room to sit, move, and stretch out.
• Water gear is included: Snorkels, masks, paddleboards, noodles, and life jackets are available at no extra cost.
• Weather matters: The captain can change the route or swimming stops for safety, and April, May, and October departures may be moved to another catamaran if numbers are low.

Setting off from Mandraki Harbour

You meet the crew at the Sea Rhodes Cruises and Daily Tours desk in Mandraki Harbour. Arrive 20 minutes before departure, which gives you time to find the desk and board without a frantic dash along the waterfront.

The opening part of the cruise combines sightseeing with a gentle introduction to the boat. You receive a welcome drink and a small Rhodian sesame sweet with honey called melekouni. Local snacks are also available, and a short passage near Rhodes Old Town gives you a different view of the city before the catamaran heads along the coast.

The first sailing stretch lasts about 70 minutes. That is long enough to settle into the rhythm of the day, find a sunny or shaded spot, and watch the shoreline change. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the motion feels easiest for you and keep water nearby. One family member who often feels sick on boats reportedly had no trouble, while another person needed considerable care from the crew during the trip. That is a useful reminder that the sea affects people differently.

The Cherry Catamaran has shaded seating and a netted area at the front. The boat is described as spacious and clean, with enough room to move around when the group is around 20 people. Music and a friendly crew help create a social mood, but you can also retreat to a quieter corner when you want to watch the coast.

Anthony Quinn Bay, the dramatic first swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is usually the first major stop, with about 90 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, and paddleboarding. The bay is famous for its green-blue water, rocky edges, and thick vegetation around the shore. Its connection with the film The Guns of Navarone helped put it on the map, and actor Anthony Quinn later became closely associated with the place.

From the catamaran, the best part is not simply looking at the bay. You get the chance to enter the clear water away from the main beach, where fish may gather around the boat. Masks and snorkels are supplied, and paddleboards and floating noodles make the stop suitable for different confidence levels.

I like the length of this stop. Ninety minutes gives you time to swim, try the board, dry off, and still have a few minutes to sit in the sun. A rushed 20-minute stop would not suit this setting.

Anthony Quinn Bay can also be the busiest-looking part of the day because it is well known. The boat may not have the water entirely to itself, and the shore is rocky rather than sandy. If you want a soft beach under your feet, this is not the strongest stop. If you want clear water, fish, and a memorable setting, it is a fine start.

Ladiko Bay, lunch with a view

The catamaran makes a short five-minute sightseeing passage to Ladiko Bay, followed by about 80 minutes at anchor. This is the practical heart of the day because lunch is served here, along with more time for swimming and snorkeling.

The meal is far more substantial than a basic sandwich. The spread includes traditional Greek salad, green salad, potato salad, pasta salad, dolmadakia, olives, feta, tzatziki, roasted eggplant spread, feta spread, chicken, rice, and freshly baked bread. Seasonal fruit is also served.

The food suits a mixed group. You can build a light plate from salads, dips, olives, and feta, or have a filling serving of chicken and rice after swimming. Vegetarian choices are available in the form of salads, dolmadakia, dips, and cheese, though anyone wanting a fully vegetarian main course should check with the provider before booking. One person particularly wanted more vegetarian or fish choices, so the selection is generous but not designed as a specialist vegetarian menu.

Drinks are part of the price. You can have water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer, and the crew regularly offers refills. The soft drink range appears limited, mainly to cola and orange juice, so bring your own expectations rather than expecting a full bar menu. Alcohol is served responsibly, and the crew can stop serving anyone who appears too intoxicated.

Ladiko Bay is a good place to let the day slow down. Eat, swim, and return for another drink without watching the clock too closely. The crew has been praised for being attentive without constantly interrupting people, which is exactly the right balance on a six-hour outing.

Kallithea Springs, the prettiest final stop

After around 30 minutes of coastal sailing, the catamaran reaches Kallithea Springs for about an hour. This bay is known for its elegant structures influenced by Italian and Vatican-style design, as well as clear water and good snorkeling conditions.

The setting feels different from Anthony Quinn Bay. Here, the architecture adds a cultural touch to the swimming stop. You can look toward the shoreline, take photographs, swim, snorkel, use a paddleboard, or relax with a cocktail.

The rocky entry and shoreline mean water shoes are a smart addition. One person found the rocks sharp and awkward to walk over, especially near a small cave. This is not a reason to skip the stop, but it is a good reason to pack footwear you can wear in the water.

Kallithea Springs is also the final chance for a proper swim before the return cruise. If you prefer to spend the last hour quietly floating rather than racing from one activity to another, this stop works well. The water is the main attraction, while the built setting gives you something to see between swims.

Food, drinks, and equipment that make the price work

At $82 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Rhodes coast. It is a strong value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, food, drinks, and water equipment.

The package includes:

• Welcome drink and melekouni
• Greek lunch and fresh fruit
• Local snacks
• Water, soft drinks, beer, and local wine
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboards
• Floating noodles
• Life jackets
• Outdoor shower

The food matters because a six-hour boat outing can become expensive once you add lunch and drinks onshore. Here, you do not need to return to port hungry or carry a cooler. The meal is served aboard and includes enough variety for a satisfying midday break.

The equipment also helps families and mixed-age groups. You can swim with a noodle, try a paddleboard, or stay aboard while others use the snorkels. Life jackets are provided, and the outdoor shower lets you rinse off saltwater before the ride home.

Do not rely entirely on the supplied snorkel gear if snorkeling is especially important to you. Most people can use what is provided, but some equipment has reportedly been broken. If you own a comfortable mask, packing it would be sensible.

How the group size changes the day

The catamaran can hold up to 35 people, but trips have often operated with around 14 to 20. That difference is important. A boat with 20 people gives you more space on the deck, less competition for equipment, and a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit.

The mood is social without requiring you to be part of a large party. The crew serves drinks, checks that people are comfortable, and helps with the water activities. Several people have especially praised the kindness and care shown by the team, including help for someone who felt unwell.

The exact group size can vary. April, May, and October departures may be transferred to another catamaran if the Cherry does not reach its minimum number. You should also expect the captain to change the route or swimming stops if wind and sea conditions require it.

That flexibility is sensible, but it means you should not treat every stop as guaranteed in every kind of weather. The captain’s safety call takes priority.

What the six hours really include

The full day is a mix of sailing and stationary time. The broad pattern looks like this:

• A short welcome period near Old Town
• About 70 minutes sailing to Anthony Quinn Bay
• About 90 minutes swimming and using the water equipment
• A short passage to Ladiko Bay
• About 80 minutes for lunch, swimming, and snorkeling
• About 30 minutes sailing to Kallithea Springs
• About an hour for swimming, snorkeling, and sightseeing
• About 20 minutes returning to Mandraki Harbour

The stated duration is six hours, though the detailed timing can shift with weather and the captain’s decisions. Some people have described around five hours actually on the catamaran, while the overall booking duration is six hours. I would allow the full six hours in your schedule and avoid booking a tight appointment afterward.

The sailing sections are not filler. They give you time to see the coast from the water, enjoy the catamaran, and let lunch settle. Still, if you want constant swimming with almost no travel between stops, this may feel slower than a short private boat rental.

Practical packing advice

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. I would add water shoes because the rocks around Kallithea Springs and other swimming areas may be uncomfortable underfoot.

A waterproof phone pouch is useful for the swimming stops, though it is not listed as included. You should also bring a light cover-up for the ride back if you tend to feel cool after swimming.

The trip runs in strong sun, and the shaded section may fill quickly. Apply sunscreen before boarding and reapply during the day, especially after swimming. Wind can also make the outbound ride feel cool, even in warm weather. A thin layer is practical in spring and autumn.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Communication has been praised as quick and helpful, including directions to the meeting point for someone who became lost near the port.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would choose this cruise for you if you want a simple day on the water with food and drinks handled for you. It suits couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who like a friendly group setting.

It is particularly good for:

• People staying in or near northern Rhodes
• Swimmers who want several long water stops
• Families with mixed swimming abilities
• Anyone who prefers a planned outing to renting a boat
• Visitors who want snorkeling and paddleboarding without extra charges
• People who enjoy a social boat atmosphere but dislike overcrowded tours

I would think twice if you need a sandy beach, dislike boat motion, or want a quiet private cruise. The route can change with weather, and the equipment may not be in perfect condition. You also need to be comfortable with alcohol being part of the relaxed onboard atmosphere, even though the crew controls service when needed.

Should you book the Cherry Catamaran?

Yes, if you want a well-priced full day that combines Rhodes scenery, three strong swimming spots, a proper Greek meal, and drinks. The crew’s attentive service and the usual group size make this feel more personal than a large excursion boat.

The best value comes from using the included gear and staying for the full swimming time at each bay. Pack water shoes, sun protection, and your own snorkel mask if you have one. If the forecast is windy, keep your plans flexible and understand that the captain may alter the route.

At $82, I consider it a good choice for a relaxed east-coast introduction to Rhodes, especially for anyone based near the northern part of the island. It is not a private sailing adventure, but it gives you a lot of time, food, equipment, and coastline for the money.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes catamaran cruise depart from?

The meeting point is the Sea Rhodes Cruises and Daily Tours desk at Mandraki Harbour. You should arrive 20 minutes before the scheduled departure.

How long does the catamaran trip last?

The advertised duration is six hours. The day includes sailing, swimming, snorkeling, lunch, and sightseeing stops.

Which bays does the catamaran visit?

The planned stops are Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs Bay.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes Greek salads, potato and pasta salads, dolmadakia, olives, feta, dips, chicken, rice, and fresh bread. Seasonal fruit is also included.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. Water, soft drinks, local wine, and beer are included. A welcome drink and local snacks are also provided.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. Water shoes are also a sensible choice because some swimming areas have sharp or uneven rocks.