Rhodes Town: Scenic Cruise to Lindos with Swim Stops

The best part of this day is the combination: you get a long, breezy cruise down Rhodes’ east coast, two short swims from the boat, and three hours in Lindos. That lets you see more of the island without spending the whole day on a coach.

I especially like the easy hotel pickup and the chance to reach Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay by sea. The three-deck boat has a snack bar and bathroom, and the return transfer removes the usual end-of-day fuss. The main drawback is time: three hours in Lindos can feel tight if you want the Acropolis, a beach, lunch, and a slow walk through the village.

Key points at a glance

• Two 20-minute swim stops: Cool off at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay, with time for a quick snorkel.
• Three hours in Lindos: Explore independently with a complimentary map, visit the Acropolis, eat in a taverna, or reach the beach.
• A large boat with three decks: The vessel carries up to 280 people, so arrive early if you want a prime seat.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: Transport covers Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki.
• A good-value full day: At $50.82 per person, the price includes the cruise, transfers, swim stops, and free time in Lindos.
• A self-guided outing: There is no tour guide, but the route is simple to follow with the supplied map and boarding information.

From Mandraki Port to Rhodes’ East Coast

Your day begins at Mandraki Port, the historic harbor in Rhodes Town. If you are meeting the boat directly, look for a Manos Going staff member in front of the fountain outside the Church of Evangelismos, also called the Church of the Annunciation.

A red Manos Going sign marks the meeting point. You can arrive at 8:30 AM, present your booking confirmation, and receive your boarding cards and Lindos map. If you choose hotel pickup, do not assume the advertised activity start time is your collection time. The operator sends the exact pickup place and time based on your accommodation, so check your messages and spam folder.

The port departure gives you a pleasant introduction to Rhodes from the water. You pass the Dama Dama deer statues, St. Nicholas Lighthouse, and the Church of Evangelismos before heading south. These views are brief, but they help you see how Rhodes Town’s harbor connects to the open coast.

You will also pass Kallithea and Faliraki. The scenery before Lindos is pleasant rather than dramatic, so set your expectations correctly. This is a relaxing sea journey, not a nonstop parade of famous sights. The value comes from the full day, the swimming breaks, and the fact that you reach Lindos without giving up your own time behind a guide’s flag.

Finding Your Best Seat on a 280-Passenger Boat

The boat has three decks and can carry up to 280 passengers. That size makes the trip practical and stable for a large number of people, but it also means this is not a quiet little sailing boat.

If you want the best views, get aboard early and choose your seat before the upper decks fill. The roof and front of the boat offer the clearest outlook, although they also expose you to more sun and wind. Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light layer. Strong wind can make the ride feel cooler than expected, even on a hot Rhodes day.

The onboard bar and snack counter are useful. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy refreshments during the day. This matters because the schedule is long, and your three hours in Lindos may be better spent exploring than searching for a quick meal.

A large boat also gives you options. You can sit in the sun, find shade, move around for photographs, or use the bathroom without needing to wait until the next port. On the other hand, people who prefer a small-group cruise may find the passenger count too high.

Anthony Quinn Bay: Your First 20-Minute Swim

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most attractive coves on Rhodes. The boat pauses for about 20 minutes, giving you time to jump into the sea and cool down.

This is a swim from the boat rather than a long beach stop. You need to be ready to get in quickly, enjoy the water, and return when called. Bring swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. A waterproof pouch can help protect your phone, though no special equipment is listed as included.

The water is described as clear, and this is a good place to bring a mask if you like looking below the surface. Snorkeling is part of the appeal, but the stop is short, so think of it as a refreshing break rather than a full snorkeling session.

The timing works well after the first stretch of the cruise. You have been sitting in the sun and sea breeze, and a swim resets the day before Lindos. If you do not want to swim, you can remain on board and enjoy the cove from the deck, but the stop is built around getting into the water.

Three Hours in Lindos, With Choices to Make

Lindos is the centerpiece of the trip. You have about three hours to explore independently, using the map provided by the crew. There is no guide leading you through the village, so you control the pace and choose what matters most.

The whitewashed village is made for wandering. Its narrow streets and alleyways offer small courtyards, shops, tavernas, and glimpses of local life. The layout can feel confusing at first, which is why the map is useful. Take a minute to get your bearings before setting off.

You need to decide early how to use your time. The main choices are:

• Walk up to the Acropolis of Lindos.
• Wander the village and stop for lunch.
• Visit St. Paul’s Bay.
• Spend time at one of the beaches.
• Combine a shorter historic visit with a meal and a village walk.

The Acropolis gives you the famous high views over Lindos and the surrounding bays. It is the obvious choice if ancient sites matter to you, but queues can be long, especially in hot weather. One reported experience involved more than an hour waiting to enter, leaving too little time for a relaxed visit elsewhere.

If you want to see the Acropolis, go there first. Do not leave it until after lunch unless you are prepared to risk a rushed visit. A fast-pass or queue-jumper option may be worth considering if one is available at the site, but entry tickets are not included in this boat trip.

St. Paul’s Bay is another strong choice. You can walk there for a different view and a calmer coastal setting, but adding it to the Acropolis, a beach, lunch, and the village may push the clock. Three hours is enough for a focused visit. It is not enough for every possibility at an unhurried pace.

The beaches give you an easier option. You can relax on the sand, paddle in the water, and return to the village for food. This suits you if the boat already provides enough sightseeing and you would rather enjoy a slower midday break.

The tour does not include food, drinks, or site admission. That keeps the basic price low, but you should budget separately for lunch and the Acropolis if you plan to enter. The supplied map helps with directions and information, though it does not replace a personal guide.

Tsambika Bay and the Second Swim

After Lindos, you return to the boat and continue north toward Tsambika Bay. This is the second planned 20-minute swim stop.

Like Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika is a quick water break rather than a long beach visit. The clear water makes it a good place to snorkel, and the timing gives you another chance to cool off before the final ride back to Rhodes.

The two swim stops are one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip instead of a land-only excursion. You see coves that are difficult to appreciate from a coach, and you get active breaks between longer periods of sitting. The short duration is the tradeoff. If you love swimming, you may wish both stops lasted longer.

There has been some confusion among passengers about the number of swim breaks, so keep the schedule clear in your mind: the planned stops are Anthony Quinn Bay on the way south and Tsambika Bay after Lindos. Each is approximately 20 minutes. Weather can alter the exact timing.

The Return Ride and Hotel Drop-Off

The final cruise back to Rhodes gives you another hour or more on the water, depending on the day’s schedule. This is when a good seat, a full water bottle, and sun protection matter most. You may be tired after walking around Lindos, so the boat ride gives your legs a rest.

The experience ends back at the Mandraki Port meeting point if you arranged your own way there. With the pickup option, drop-off is available in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. The listed return points include many hotels and a few named public locations, so confirm your exact stop before the day begins.

The transfer is more than a small convenience. Rhodes is spread out, and arranging a taxi after a full day can be annoying. A scheduled return also helps you avoid watching the clock for a separate bus. The precise pickup time depends on your accommodation, so do not treat the general departure time as your collection time.

What the $50.82 Price Really Covers

At $50.82 per person, this is a strong value if you want several experiences in one day. The price covers hotel transport in the service area, the boat ride, the Lindos map, three hours of free time, and two swim stops.

It does not cover lunch, drinks, or admission to the Acropolis and other paid sites. You should think of the fare as transportation and access to the day’s structure, not an all-inclusive excursion.

The large boat helps keep the cost down. You are not paying for a private captain or a small personal group. In exchange, you get a dependable route, a bathroom, a snack bar, three decks, and enough space to move around.

I consider it especially good value if you are staying outside central Rhodes Town. The return transfer saves both money and planning time. If you are already based near Mandraki Port and prefer to explore Lindos for a full day, a direct bus or private transfer might give you more time in the village, but it would not include the two sea swims.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

This trip suits you if you want a full day with variety rather than a single guided theme. You can swim, take photographs, explore an ancient site, eat in a village, and travel along the coast without arranging each part yourself.

It is also a good fit for families with older children and teenagers who may prefer swimming breaks to a long history lecture. The free time in Lindos lets you split up briefly if everyone wants something different, though you should agree on a meeting time and place.

Couples and first-time visitors to Rhodes will appreciate the simple structure. The boat delivers you to Lindos, the map helps you navigate, and the return transfer is arranged. You do not need to build a complicated day around local buses.

You may want another option if you dislike crowds, need a fully guided experience, or want a long, unhurried visit to Lindos. The boat carries up to 280 people, and three hours can disappear quickly if you want to visit the Acropolis and stop at several beaches.

The activity is not suitable for pregnant women, wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, or people with heart problems. The boat involves swimming from the vessel and exploring Lindos on foot, so consider the physical demands carefully.

Practical Packing Advice for a Long Day at Sea

Wear comfortable shoes for Lindos. The village streets and route toward the Acropolis require walking, and beach sandals may not be ideal for the entire visit.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Comfortable clothes are best, especially if you plan to move between the boat, village, and beaches. A small bag with a dry change of clothes can make the return ride more pleasant.

Bring extra money for drinks, snacks, lunch, and entry tickets. The boat has refreshments for sale, but food and drinks are not part of the fare.

If you want photographs, arrive early enough to claim a seat with a clear view. The front and upper deck are popular for obvious reasons, but they receive the most sun and wind. Shade may be more comfortable during the longer sailing sections.

Weather can affect visit lengths and the feel of the ride. On a windy day, the sea journey may be rougher and exposed seats less comfortable. The operator may adjust timings slightly for conditions.

Should You Book This Rhodes to Lindos Cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced full-day outing that combines Lindos with two refreshing sea stops. The hotel pickup, simple map, onboard facilities, and organized return make the day easy to manage.

Go in knowing that the boat is large, the trip is not guided, and three hours in Lindos requires choices. If the Acropolis is your priority, head there first. If beaches and wandering matter more, skip the queue and enjoy the village at your own pace.

For $50.82, this is a sensible choice for seeing Lindos and the east coast without renting a car or arranging several separate transfers. Just arrive early for a better seat, pack for sun and swimming, and accept that the day favors variety over lingering.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Lindos cruise last?

The activity lasts approximately 8 to 9.5 hours. The exact duration and starting time can vary, so check availability when booking.

Where does the boat depart from?

The direct meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes Town, at Elefterias Avenue, in front of the fountain outside the Church of Evangelismos.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and drop-off are included for accommodations in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and Faliraki. Pickup is optional, and the provider sends the precise time and location based on your accommodation.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You receive approximately three hours of free time in Lindos Village. A complimentary map with directions and information is provided.

Are swimming stops included?

Yes. The cruise includes two stops of approximately 20 minutes each, at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the price, but the boat has a snack bar where refreshments are available for purchase.

Are tickets to the Acropolis of Lindos included?

No. Tickets to sites in Lindos are not included, so you need to pay separately if you visit the Acropolis or another paid attraction.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users, people with mobility impairments, pregnant women, or people with heart problems.