Lindos,Pefkos: All inclusive Swim & Snorkel Boat Cruise

The best part of this Rhodes boat trip is not the cruising itself. It is the chance to swim straight into a sea cave, then float in clear water beneath the cliffs of Navarone Bay and St. Paul’s Bay. The route gives you three proper swimming stops, not just a quick photo pause.

I like the strong value at $64, with beer, wine, soft drinks, cocktails, fruit, and snorkeling gear included. I also like the relaxed safety work by hosts such as Michael, Kostas, and George, who explain each stop and help nervous swimmers. The main thing to consider is time: three hours passes quickly, and one departure has occasionally been changed to suit group numbers.

Key points to know before booking

• Three swimming stops: Spend about 30 minutes at a Lindos cave, 30 minutes at Navarone Bay, and 30 minutes at St. Paul’s Bay.
• Cave swimming is the highlight: You can swim into the cave and see its rock formations from the water.
• Drinks are included: Expect beer, wine, soft drinks, water, cocktails, and fresh fruit during the trip.
• Helpful equipment on board: Masks, snorkels, and swimming noodles are provided, useful for children and less confident swimmers.
• Pickup is optional: Hotel transfers are available from Kiotari hotels, while the main meeting point is in the middle of Vlycha Beach.
• A friendly, safety-minded crew: Michael, Kostas, and George have been singled out for clear instructions, local information, and help in the water.

Why this three-hour cruise works so well

This is a short, active boat outing rather than a full-day sailing trip. That makes it easy to fit into a Rhodes holiday, especially if you are staying around Lindos, Pefkos, or Kiotari and want a break from the beach without giving up half a day.

The plan is simple: cruise along the coast, stop in attractive bays, swim, return to the boat for refreshments, and repeat. You are not being hurried from one attraction to another on land. Most of the value comes from the time you spend in the water.

At 4.8 from 730 ratings, the experience has a very strong record. The praise is consistent in a few important areas: the swimming spots, the crew, the family-friendly setup, the included drinks, and the easy-going feel on board. That does not mean every departure will be identical. Sea conditions, group size, weather, and the availability of fruit can affect the day.

Starting at Vlycha Beach

The meeting point is in the middle of Vlycha Beach. Look for the red stairs and the hut with seats marked for Lindos boat cruises, since the beach can cause some confusion if you are searching without a clear landmark.

If you book the transfer option, pickup is available from Kiotari hotels. Several guests have found the transport clean and well maintained, and the route ends with drop-off at one of three locations: Lindos, Kiotari, or Lindos Sea Cruises.

The boat itself is described as simple, clean, and comfortable rather than luxurious. That is the right expectation. This is a practical swimming boat with room to sit, move around, and get wet. Keep bags off the floor if possible. Water from swimmers and the sea can make the deck very wet.

Group size can vary. One account describes a group of around 20 to 25 people, while another found the boat a little crowded. Most reports describe enough room for a pleasant outing, but this is not a private charter. If you want complete quiet and lots of deck space, you should consider a smaller private boat instead.

First stop: swimming into a Lindos sea cave

The opening stop is a cave near Lindos, reached after a short sightseeing cruise. You get around 30 minutes in the water, including time to snorkel and swim directly into the cave.

This is the most unusual part of the trip. From the water, the cave feels different from a beach swim. You can look closely at the rock formations, move through the darker interior, and see the water change in tone as it meets the stone. The setting has a slightly eerie quality, but the activity remains straightforward and supervised.

You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part. Swimming noodles are provided, and the crew can help with equipment and getting into the water. Several families found the setup suitable for children, and one family appreciated the care given to a disabled member while boarding and leaving the boat.

Still, you should be comfortable entering the sea from a boat. The tour is built around swimming, not sitting on board while others take turns. If you are nervous, use a noodle, stay close to the boat, and ask the crew for help before getting in.

Navarone Bay and its wide blue water

After the cave, the boat continues toward Navarone Bay. The cruise portion takes about 20 minutes, followed by another 30-minute swim.

Navarone is the stop for broad views and clear water. The bay is framed by steep, rough cliffs, and the boat gives you a useful view that you cannot get from the road. From the water, the coast feels more open and dramatic, with the pale rock rising around the bay.

This stop is good for a relaxed swim and snorkeling. One useful detail is that the captain explains where to swim and what to look for before people enter the water. The crew also pays attention to safety, which matters when the group includes children, casual swimmers, and people who may be less sure of themselves.

The marine life can be a pleasant extra, though you should not book this as a guaranteed fish-watching trip. Some swimmers saw puffer fish, cornet fish, and other small sea life. Another person hoped to see more fish. The clearest reason to visit Navarone is the water and the cliffs, with snorkeling as a bonus.

St. Paul’s Bay as the final swim

The final swimming stop is St. Paul’s Bay, reached after another short cruise. You get approximately 30 minutes here, with time to enjoy the water and the craggy rocks around the bay.

St. Paul’s is a particularly attractive finish because the water sits among rugged formations and small blue inlets. It is a good place to slow down after the cave and Navarone swim. You can snorkel, float with a noodle, or simply take in the scenery from the water.

The stop also gives you a different feel from the first two. The cave is close and enclosed. Navarone feels broad and open. St. Paul’s brings you back to the sheltered coves and rock formations that make the Lindos coast so appealing.

The itinerary allows about 30 minutes at each swimming stop, which is enough for a proper dip but not enough for endless exploration. If you want long snorkeling sessions, this may feel brief. If you want a varied coastal outing with three chances to swim, the timing is well judged.

Fruit, cocktails, and an easy break between swims

Food and drink are a real part of the value here, not a token extra. You can expect beer, wine, soft drinks, water, cocktails, and fresh fruit. The watermelon cocktail has received particular praise, and the Rhodian fruit bowl is welcome after several swims in the sun.

The refreshment service helps create the relaxed mood of the trip. You swim, climb back aboard, dry off in the sun, and have something cold before the next stop. Music may be played during the cruise, adding energy without turning the trip into a party boat.

Fruit availability is not guaranteed on every departure. One Sunday trip did not include the fruit bowl because the supplier was closed. That did not ruin the outing, but it is worth knowing if the food element is important to you.

Bring water protection for phones and other valuables. One passenger dropped a phone into the sea and was fortunate that the guide retrieved it. A waterproof pouch is a sensible addition, especially if you plan to take pictures from the boat.

How the crew shapes the experience

The crew receives some of the strongest praise. Michael is often named as a warm host and captain who explains the bays, shares local facts, and gives a safety briefing before each stop. Kostas and George have also been praised for their calm manner and help on board.

The best feature is the balance between guidance and free time. You receive useful instructions about the water and equipment, then get room to swim at your own pace. The crew does not fill every minute with a speech.

That balance suits solo visitors as well as families. One solo passenger found the trip friendly and safe, while families with young children and teenagers enjoyed the flexible pace. The crew also helped passengers on and off the boat when extra assistance was needed.

The guides speak English. Their role is mainly practical: explaining the route, pointing out places to swim, handling equipment, and keeping an eye on safety. Do not expect a long historical tour of Rhodes. You get local information, but this is primarily a swim and snorkel cruise.

Is the $64 price good value?

At $64 per person, I consider this strong value if you plan to use the swimming stops and the included refreshments. A standard boat ride might give you coastal views, but this trip adds three swimming sessions, cave access, snorkeling gear, noodles, drinks, cocktails, fruit, and optional hotel pickup.

The three-hour length is also useful. A full-day boat trip can be tiring, especially for children or anyone who wants time at the hotel. This outing gives you a concentrated taste of the coast and leaves the rest of the day free.

The value is weaker if you do not want to swim. The boat cruise between stops is part of the experience, but the schedule is designed around getting into the sea. You are paying for access to the bays and cave from the water, not for a long sightseeing narration.

Pickup can add convenience for people staying in Kiotari. If you are already near Vlycha Beach, meeting there is simpler. Check the start time carefully, since a later departure has occasionally been moved earlier when numbers were low. That kind of change is not a major issue for most people, but it can affect dinner plans or an afternoon at the hotel.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this for families with children, couples, solo visitors, and groups who want active sightseeing without committing to a full day. Children as young as four and five have taken part, and the noodles make the water more approachable for less confident swimmers.

It also suits people who like a social but not overly formal outing. The boat is shared, the crew is friendly, and drinks are available throughout. You will likely meet other holidaymakers, but the schedule still leaves you free to swim and relax.

Strong swimmers will enjoy the cave and snorkeling. Nervous swimmers can take part with a noodle and crew support, but you should still be willing to enter the sea. This is not a glass-bottom sightseeing cruise where you stay dry.

It is less suitable if you want a private, quiet sailing experience, a long snorkeling session, or a serious marine-life excursion. The group setting, short stops, and variable fish sightings make it better as a scenic swimming trip than as a specialist snorkeling tour.

Practical details that make the day easier

Wear a swimsuit from the start and bring a towel. You will spend much of the outing moving between the boat and the water, so simple clothing and sandals are more useful than a dressed-up beach outfit.

Use the supplied mask, snorkel, and noodle, or bring your own if you prefer familiar gear. A noodle is worth using even if you swim well, since it lets you look below the surface without tiring as quickly.

Keep your bag in a place where it will not get soaked. A waterproof phone pouch, sun protection, and a change of dry clothes for afterward will make the return trip more comfortable.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which is useful when weather and holiday plans are still changing.

Should you book the Lindos swim and snorkel cruise?

Book it if you want three beautiful water stops, a memorable cave swim, and a good amount of food and drink for the price. The strongest reasons are the route, the helpful crew, the equipment provided, and the fact that children and less confident swimmers can join with support.

Think twice if you dislike shared boats, need a guaranteed late departure, or want hours of snorkeling in one location. For most visitors staying around Lindos, Pefkos, or Kiotari, though, this is an efficient way to see the coast from the sea. I would make it a top choice for a relaxed half-day outing, especially if the cave swim is high on your Rhodes wish list.

FAQ

Where does the boat cruise start?

The meeting point is in the middle of Vlycha Beach. Look for the red stairs and the hut with seats marked for Lindos boat cruises.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts three hours, including sightseeing between stops and three swimming sessions.

Which places does the boat visit?

The route includes a hidden cave near Lindos, Navarone Bay, and St. Paul’s Bay.

How much swimming time is included?

You get about 30 minutes of swimming at each of the three main stops.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling gear and swimming noodles are included.

Are drinks and food included?

Yes. Included drinks can include wine, beer, soft drinks, water, and cocktails. Fresh fruit is also provided, although fruit availability can vary.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available from Kiotari hotels. The cruise can finish with drop-off in Lindos, Kiotari, or at Lindos Sea Cruises.