Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this trip. You reach the rocky cove by boat, jump into clear emerald water, then spend three hours in Lindos before another swim at Tsambika. It is a smart way to combine Rhodes sightseeing with a proper day on the sea.

I like the clean, spacious boat and the helpful crew, along with the good value at $47. You get sunbeds, shade, toilets, air conditioning, floats, WiFi, and a bar selling snacks and drinks. The main drawback is time: three hours in Lindos is enough for the Acropolis and a meal, but it can feel short if you want the village, beach, and shopping.

Key points at a glance

• Two boat swim stops: Spend about 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and another 30 minutes at Tsambika Blue Lagoon.
• Three hours in Lindos: See the Acropolis, walk the whitewashed lanes, eat in a taverna, or use the beach.
• Sunbeds are limited: Arrive early if you want one on the top deck, especially during busy summer sailings.
• Useful onboard setup: The boat has toilets, air conditioning, WiFi, shade, floats, and a snack bar.
• Long but easy-going day: Plan on 8 to 8.5 hours, with roughly two hours to Lindos and longer on the return.
• Bring a light jacket: The top deck can feel windy while the boat is moving, even when the weather is warm.

Why this Rhodes to Lindos cruise works so well

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ essential sights, but reaching it by road means dealing with a hot inland journey and a busy village at the end. This cruise gives you the same main destination with two handsome swimming stops built into the day.

At $47 per person, the price is strong for an 8 to 8.5-hour outing. You are paying for the boat, the trip along the east coast, time in Lindos, two swim stops, onboard facilities, and insurance. Food, drinks, towels, and the Acropolis ticket cost extra, but the bar prices are described as reasonable, with sandwiches available for about $3.

I especially like the balance. You are not tied to a guide for the whole day. Once you reach Lindos, you choose your own pace. You can climb to the Acropolis, sit by the bay, shop, eat, or simply return to the boat early and enjoy the deck.

The tradeoff is that this is a popular boat trip, not a private sailing. The main sunbeds go quickly, and the vessel can feel busy when everyone gathers for a swim. Still, the boat has several seating areas, indoor air conditioning, shaded spots, and enough room for many people to spread out.

Finding the boat at Mandraki Port

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building. The nearby bus stop is Roda. You should arrive about 30 minutes early, with the expected meeting window listed as 8:00 to 8:30.

If you select hotel pickup, the transfer arrangement needs a little care. Wait at your stated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and make sure your phone number is correct so the operator can contact you by WhatsApp or phone. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on its windscreen.

Drivers wait only about two minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes, so do not leave the pickup spot if the vehicle is late. The listed return points cover hotels and tour offices around Rhodes, including Rodos Palace, Electra Palace Rhodes, The Ixian Grand, and several resorts near Ixia, Ialyssos, Kremasti, and Rhodes City.

Settling into a clean, comfortable boat

The boat is set up for a full day rather than a quick harbor ride. You will find an open sundeck with sunbeds, regular seating, shaded areas, an air-conditioned section, toilets, and a bar.

The top deck sunbeds are the prized seats. They offer a fine view and a great place to lie down during the longer cruise, but there are only a limited number and no shade over them. Arrive early if this matters to you. Some pickup passengers have less chance of claiming one because they reach the boat after people who meet at the port.

The practical compromise is easy. Use the top deck for sun and views, then move to shade or the air-conditioned area during the hottest part of the day. The upper deck can also be windy while the boat is moving, so bring a light jacket in May, early June, late September, or October.

The onboard bar sells cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and simple food such as sandwiches and toasties. Food and drinks are not included, but the prices are generally described as fair. WiFi is available, and floats are supplied for the swim stops. You should still bring your own towel and snorkeling gear if you want to look below the surface.

The first cruise along Rhodes’ east coast

The outward journey takes just under two hours, broken into a sightseeing cruise of about 45 minutes and another section of around 70 minutes. That is a long time on the boat before Lindos, but the coast gives you something to watch, and the different decks let you change your setting.

I would use this part of the trip as a slow start. Have breakfast before boarding or buy something from the bar, find your preferred seat, and keep your swimwear handy. The crew gives clear instructions and lets you know when a swim stop is coming, with one account noting that passengers were warned about 20 minutes in advance.

The ride is designed for comfort rather than speed. The boat has been praised for clean facilities, stable seating, and good space even when many people are onboard. If you are prone to seasickness, staying in the lower air-conditioned area may feel easier than sitting at the front of the top deck.

Anthony Quinn Bay, your first swim

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most recognizable coves. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to climb into the clear emerald water from the boat and enjoy the rocky setting.

This is a swim from the vessel, not a beach stop. That makes it fun and efficient, but you need to be comfortable using a ladder or jumping from the boat. Floats and noodles are available, and life jackets are provided for children. You can bring snorkeling gear, though the trip does not promise a guided snorkeling session or equipment rental.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a few photographs, but it is not a long beach-style stop. Have your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. The crew gives instructions before the stop, which helps you get ready without wasting much of the short window.

After swimming, the boat is cleaned before continuing. That small detail matters on a day when wet swimmers, snacks, and a busy deck could otherwise make the boat feel untidy.

Three hours to make your own Lindos day

The boat reaches Lindos in roughly two hours from Rhodes. You then have about three hours of free time, with no guide leading you from one stop to another.

The village is famous for its whitewashed lanes, small shops, tavernas, sandy beach, and the Acropolis above it. The climb is the main reason to visit, but it also takes energy, especially in the heat. Wear sensible shoes, carry water, and leave enough time to get back to the boat.

The Acropolis ticket is not included. If you want to enter, allow time for the walk up as well as the visit itself. The hill gives you the big reward of the day: views across Lindos and the surrounding coast. Several hours can disappear quickly if you combine the Acropolis with lunch and a walk through town.

A practical plan is to head up first, before the heat builds and before you spend too much time browsing. Then come down for lunch or a drink near the bay. If you have already visited the Acropolis, you could use the time for the beach and village instead.

Three hours is a reasonable middle ground, but not generous for every style of visit. It works well for the Acropolis plus lunch, or for a relaxed look at the village plus a swim from the beach. It can feel rushed if you want all three: the Acropolis, a full meal, and substantial beach time.

Keep an eye on the departure time. Lindos can be confusing when you are coming back downhill, and the boat leaves on schedule. Give yourself extra time to find the harbor rather than treating the final few minutes as shopping time.

You can leave bags safely onboard while exploring, which is useful because walking around Lindos with beach gear and spare clothes is unpleasant. Take valuables with you, and bring only what you need for the hill.

Tsambika Blue Lagoon on the return

The second swim stop is at Tsambika Beach, described here as the Blue Lagoon. It comes during the return journey and lasts about 30 minutes.

The water is turquoise and the format is similar to the first stop: you swim directly from the boat rather than walking onto the beach. The final swim is well timed after a hot visit to Lindos. You can cool off, use a float, and enjoy music and the open water before the longer ride back.

Some people would prefer more swimming time at each stop. Thirty minutes passes fast once everyone has changed, climbed down, and returned to the boat. Still, the two stops add real value because they turn transportation to Lindos into a full day at sea rather than a simple transfer.

The return cruise includes about 50 minutes before Tsambika and another hour after the stop. That means the journey back can feel long, especially if you have spent the day in the sun. Use the bar, move between the decks, or settle in the air-conditioned section. The expected return to Rhodes Harbor is around 17:30.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47, this is a good-value day if you want several experiences in one booking. You get:

• The cruise from Rhodes to Lindos and back
• Two 30-minute swim stops
• About three hours of independent time in Lindos
• Sunbeds and open-deck seating
• Toilets and an air-conditioned section
• Floats and WiFi
• Insurance

You should budget extra for the Acropolis fee, food, drinks, and any hotel transfer option. Towels are not included. The bar helps keep costs under control, with snacks, sandwiches, coffee, ice cream, and drinks available onboard.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want to see Lindos without giving up a swim day. It is less suitable if you want a quiet small-boat trip, a long guided tour of the Acropolis, or several hours on a beach.

Who should book this day out?

I would choose this cruise for a family with older children, a couple wanting a simple Rhodes highlight, or anyone who likes mixing sightseeing with time in the water. The floats, clear safety instructions, clean toilets, and air-conditioned area make it easier for families, while the sunbeds and bar suit adults who want a relaxed day.

You should be reasonably comfortable around open water. The swim stops are from the boat, and the short sessions reward people who are ready to get changed and get in. Non-swimmers can stay onboard, but the swimming is a major part of the appeal.

This is also a good choice for visitors staying outside Rhodes City if hotel pickup is available for their selected option. Check the exact pickup point and time carefully. If you are meeting at Mandraki Port, early arrival gives you the best shot at a top-deck sunbed.

The less suitable audience is anyone who dislikes group outings, long boat rides, or fixed departure times. The outward cruise is close to two hours, and the return can feel even longer after Lindos. The trip is organized, not flexible.

Small details that make the day easier

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a hat, cash, and snorkeling gear. Keep a light jacket within reach at the start and end of the season, and remember that even a warm day can feel cool on the upper deck when the boat is moving.

Do not count on finding a top-deck sunbed later. If you want one, arrive early and claim it fairly. If you miss out, the boat still has regular seats, shade, and indoor space.

For Lindos, wear shoes suitable for a steep walk and plan the Acropolis before lunch if you want to avoid the hottest part of the day. Return to the harbor with time to spare. The boat will not wait for late shoppers.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. The host or greeter speaks English and Greek.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want Lindos, two beautiful swim stops, and a comfortable full day for $47. The clean boat, friendly crew, fair bar prices, floats, shade, and well-run timing make this an unusually practical way to see the east coast.

Go in with the right expectations. The Acropolis fee is extra, the top sunbeds are limited, swim stops are short, and three hours in Lindos may not satisfy someone who wants a slow beach day. For most visitors, though, this is a well-balanced Rhodes outing that gives you the island’s famous hilltop sight and its clear coastal water in one day.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts about 8 to 8.5 hours. Return to Rhodes Harbor is expected at approximately 17:30.

How much time do I get in Lindos?

You get about three hours of free time in Lindos. You can visit the Acropolis, walk through the village, eat at a taverna, shop, or spend time at the beach.

Are the Acropolis entrance fees included?

No. The Acropolis fee is not included in the cruise price.

How long are the swimming stops?

The stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about 30 minutes. The stop at Tsambika Blue Lagoon also lasts about 30 minutes.

Do I swim from the boat?

Yes. The swim stops are made from the boat, allowing you to enter the water directly.

Are floats available?

Yes. Floats are available onboard, including noodles that can help less confident swimmers. Life jackets are provided for children.

Are towels included?

No. You need to bring your own towel.

Is food available onboard?

Yes. The boat bar sells cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food such as sandwiches. Food and drinks are not included in the price.

Where does the boat leave from?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building. Look for the DISCOVERY boat near the Roda bus stop.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional for selected options. Pickup points include several Rhodes hotels and resorts. Wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes early, and look for a vehicle with the RIZOS CRUISES logo.