Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star here, but the real treat is seeing four very different coastal spots from a small, comfortable boat. You can snorkel over clear water, swim into sea caves, and watch the cliffs slide past without giving up a full day of your holiday. The limited group size and friendly captains such as Michael and Lazaros make this feel far more personal than a standard harbor cruise.

I like the useful extras: snorkel gear, pool noodles, life jackets, waterproof phone cases, drinks, and a restroom. I also like the 2.5-hour length, which leaves room for dinner or an evening walk in Rhodes Town. The main drawback is the fast RIB-style boat, which can feel bumpy or make some people seasick, and one recent trip finished about 20 minutes early.

Key points to know before you book

• Four east-coast swimming areas: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves each offer a different view and water experience.
• Small group setting: The boat is limited to eight people, though many departures have had only four to six aboard.
• Practical swimming support: Masks, snorkels, noodles, buoyancy aids, and life jackets are available for less confident swimmers.
• A short afternoon outing: The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, so it fits neatly into a busy Rhodes itinerary.
• Optional hotel-area pickup: Transfers can be arranged from central points around Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, and Ammoudes.
• Bring very little: Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and towels are not supplied.

Why this Rhodes cruise works so well in an afternoon

Rhodes has no shortage of boat trips, but many consume most of a day. This one keeps things tight: about 2.5 hours on the water, with several swimming stops and enough time to enjoy the scenery without turning your holiday schedule upside down.

At $64 per person, the value comes from the combination of small numbers, several stops, equipment, and refreshments. You are not paying simply for a boat ride from one beach to another. You are paying for a guided coastal outing where the captain handles the route, explains the sites, and helps you get comfortable in the water.

That matters if you are traveling with mixed swimming abilities. One parent described being nervous about swimming but managing the sea stops with a life jacket and noodle. Children have also been helped into the water at their own pace. You should still be comfortable getting on and off a boat and swimming in open sea, but you do not need to be a strong swimmer.

The boat is described as modern, clean, spacious, and comfortably furnished. It has a restroom and Wi-Fi, which are small details until you are several stops into a warm afternoon. Drinks include soft drinks and bottled cocktails, with snacks also available during the outing.

Meeting the boat beside Stama restaurant

The main meeting point is at the port, where you will find the boat moored next to Stama restaurant. Check your booking details carefully because two meeting locations and several pickup options are available.

If you select transport, pickup is arranged from a central point near hotels in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, and Ammoudes. Pickup information arrives separately, so check your email, including the spam folder.

The transfer has been especially useful for people staying outside the port area. Drivers such as Harry and Harris have also made the ride part of the outing, stopping at viewpoints for photographs on some departures. That is not something you should count on every time, but it shows the practical care built into the service.

Bring swimwear, comfortable shoes, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen. Towels are not included. Leave suitcases and large beach bags behind, since they are not allowed aboard. A small, soft bag for your essentials is the sensible choice.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone story

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most scenic coves on Rhodes. The bay takes its name from the Hollywood actor, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby.

You will see the rugged cliffs and bright water from the boat, then have time to swim and snorkel. The Guns of Navarone Pier is one of the area’s best-known photo spots, so keep your phone ready, but protect it properly. Waterproof phone cases have been supplied on many trips, though you should confirm what is available on your departure.

The bay is also a strong place to look for fish. Several outings have included clear views of marine life close to the boat. The captain may provide a little food for the fish, which brings them nearer the surface, especially helpful if you are snorkeling with children.

Anthony Quinn Bay can be busy, particularly in the high season. Seeing it from the water gives you a better angle than simply arriving at the beach, but you should not expect a private cove entirely to yourself. The small boat helps the experience feel calm even when the shoreline is active.

Ladiko, the quieter side of the same coast

Next comes Ladiko, on the other side of the bay. The setting changes subtly here, with turquoise water, steep rock, and a more sheltered feeling.

This is a good place to swim straight from the boat. You can also stay aboard and use the broad deck for sunbathing. The choice matters because the cruise is not built around forcing every person into the water. You can enjoy the view, take photographs, or simply rest while others snorkel.

Swimming stops generally last around 25 minutes, though exact timing can vary. That is long enough for a proper look around without leaving you cold and waterlogged. If you want long beach time, this is not the right excursion. If you want several short swims with varied scenery, the timing works well.

The supplied noodles and buoyancy aids are useful here. They let nervous swimmers float, enjoy the view, and move around without spending the whole stop worrying about technique.

Traganou’s gravel beach and rocky caverns

The route continues to Traganou, a gravel beach with a rockier character than Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko. Its clear water and rough cliffs make it feel less polished and more open.

The beach itself is not the soft-sand postcard type. Wear secure water shoes or comfortable shoes you can manage around rock and gravel. The cruise is mainly about the water and caverns, so this stop is less suited to anyone expecting a long barefoot stroll on a sandy beach.

Traganou’s rocky setting is useful for photographs because it adds texture and scale to the view. You can snorkel around the boat, swim toward the shore, or simply enjoy the natural caverns along the coast. If you are taking children, keep them close and follow the captain’s instructions around rocks and boat traffic.

The RIB can travel quickly between stops, which helps the captain fit several locations into a short outing. It also means the ride itself may feel lively. If you are prone to seasickness, sit where the captain advises, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid arriving on an empty stomach. The boat’s speed is one of its attractions, but it is also the main comfort concern.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The last area is the lesser-known Alikies caves. You can venture toward the cave area or remain near the beach and boat. This gives the final stop a useful flexibility: active swimmers can explore, while others can enjoy a quieter break.

The caves are one of the most distinctive parts of the route. Instead of looking only at beaches from offshore, you get a closer sense of how the coast has been shaped by the sea. Light, rock, and clear water make this a particularly good place for photographs, so a waterproof phone case is worth using.

Some people have wished for more time at the final bay because of its fish and photogenic setting. That is worth keeping in mind. The itinerary packs several stops into 2.5 hours, so no single location receives a long, unhurried visit.

At the same time, the variety is the point. You get a famous bay, a sheltered beach, rocky shoreline, and caves in one compact trip. A private half-day charter could give you longer at each stop, but it would cost more and take more of your schedule.

What the captain adds to the trip

The captain is not just operating the boat. Michael has been praised for explaining the locations, checking that everyone is comfortable, helping children build confidence, and supplying flotation equipment. Lazaros has also hosted departures with the same welcoming, hands-on approach.

The style is friendly rather than formal. You should expect short stories and useful explanations at each stop, not a long historical lecture. That suits the outing. The coast is best enjoyed with enough information to understand what you are seeing, followed by plenty of time in the water.

Music may be allowed on board, with one departure letting the group play its own selections. This will depend on the captain and the group, so think of it as a pleasant possibility rather than a guaranteed feature.

The small group limit is important. The advertised maximum is eight participants, while many departures have had four to six people. That gives you more room on deck and makes it easier for the captain to help individual swimmers. If you are specifically seeking a large party boat with music and a crowd, this is not the best match.

Swimming gear, drinks, and comfort aboard

The included equipment is unusually helpful for a short cruise. Masks and snorkels let you explore immediately, while noodles and life jackets remove some of the stress for children and adults who are not confident in open water.

You should still bring your own towel. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, which is a sensible choice for a route focused on swimming and marine life. Reapply before boarding, since the boat offers limited shade compared with a beach.

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Past departures have also had snacks, and the drinks are particularly welcome after a swim. If you have dietary needs, personal preferences, or require more food than a light snack, bring suitable provisions if permitted, but do not bring large bags.

The onboard restroom is another practical advantage. It does not turn the RIB into a luxury yacht, but it makes the afternoon more comfortable, especially for families.

Dolphins on the return to the marina

The return trip gives you one last chance to watch the coast from the water. Keep an eye out for dolphins playing in the surf, but treat this as a possibility rather than a promised sighting.

The trip ends back at the marina roughly 2.5 hours after departure. Optional drop-off areas include Kremasti, Koskinou, Kritika, Rhodes, Ialysos, Ixia, and Ammoudes. Confirm your specific transfer arrangement before setting off.

The cruise is conducted in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later, useful if your Rhodes plans are still shifting. Wheelchair users cannot be accommodated, so this outing is not suitable if you need step-free boat access.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip for couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants several sea stops without surrendering a full day. It is especially good for people who value personal attention and would rather share a boat with a handful of people than board a large excursion vessel.

It also suits nervous swimmers better than many sea outings because flotation aids are available and the captain takes time to help. You should still be prepared for open water, a quick boat ride, and boarding from a marina.

I would look elsewhere if you want long periods on one beach, a slow sailing experience, guaranteed dolphin watching, or a fully accessible boat. I would also plan carefully if seasickness is a concern. One person became ill during a trip, though the captain provided support and kept the outing moving.

FAQ

How long does the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise last?

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, including the swimming, snorkeling, cave visits, and return to the marina.

What locations does the boat visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves along Rhodes’ east coast.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available, along with pool noodles and life jackets for additional support.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

Where is the main meeting point?

The boat is moored at the port beside Stama restaurant. Check your selected option for the correct meeting location.

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Snacks are also available on the comfortably furnished boat.

Can wheelchair users take this cruise?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Should you book it?

At $64, I think this is a strong choice if you want a compact, personal water outing with real swimming time rather than a long sightseeing cruise. Book it for the small group, helpful gear, clear water, and four varied stops. Skip it if you need a slow ride, long beach stays, or fully accessible facilities. For most confident swimmers and families who want an easy afternoon on the Rhodes coast, it offers a lot in a short span.