Faliraki: Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn & The Caves with Drinks

The most memorable part of this yellow semi-submarine cruise is not simply looking through glass. At Anthony Quinn Bay, the crew feeds the fish beside the underwater cabin, creating a sudden swirl of marine life below you. You can watch from the cool lower cabin or jump into the water and snorkel among the fish.

I like the generous 40-minute stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, and I like that the Traganou Caves stop lets you swim right inside the rock formations. The open bar of cold beer, water, and soft drinks is another practical touch on a hot Rhodes afternoon.

The main drawback is the beach pickup system. Several stops are served before and after the cruise, and one family found that transfers between stops took a large part of the outing. If you want three full hours at sea, check your nearest pickup point and departure time carefully.

Key points to know before you book

• Fish feeding at Anthony Quinn Bay: The crew draws large groups of fish toward the underwater glass cabin, making this the best viewing point of the trip.
• Two proper swim stops: You get about 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and 25 minutes at the Traganou Caves.
• You can swim into the caves: Pool noodles and snorkeling equipment help make the cave stop easier and more comfortable.
• Drinks are included: Beer, water, and soft drinks are available from the onboard fridge throughout the cruise.
• Useful for mixed groups: You can enjoy the sea from the glass cabin even if you do not want to swim.
• Short and easy to fit in: The cruise lasts three hours, with morning, midday, and afternoon departures.

Why the underwater cabin is the real selling point

Many boat trips around Rhodes offer a glass-bottom view, but this boat has a proper underwater cabin beneath the main deck. That gives you a closer, more focused look at the water instead of a quick glance through a small window.

The lower section has large glass panels and air conditioning, which matters during the hottest part of the day. You can sit below and watch the seabed, fish, and passing coastline without getting wet. This makes the trip a good choice for children, cautious swimmers, and anyone who likes the sea but does not want to jump into it.

The best underwater viewing happens at Anthony Quinn Bay. Once the crew feeds the fish, the water below the glass fills with movement. You may see schools of smaller fish gathering close to the boat, and several accounts describe the scene as especially impressive for children.

The cabin is not a full marine research station, so keep your expectations sensible. It is a fun viewing area rather than a long naturalist program. Still, the combination of a semi-submarine cabin, swimming, and a fish-feeding stop gives you more variety than a standard glass-bottom cruise.

From Faliraki beach to the Rhodes coastline

You do not board from a traditional pier at every pickup point. The yellow boat is reached from the red steps on the beach, and a tender boat may bring you out from shore. This is important if you are carrying bags, wearing loose sandals, or traveling with small children.

Pickup points serve several parts of Faliraki. Times listed for the main beach areas include 9:30, 12:30, and 3:30 from Amada Colossos; 9:40, 12:40, and 3:40 from Esperides and Calypso Hotel; and 9:55, 12:55, and 3:55 from Apollo Hotel and Faliraki Harbor.

The operator lists several beach meeting points, so do not simply walk to the harbor unless that is your assigned stop. Find the beach location closest to your hotel and look for the red steps and yellow boat. If you are staying elsewhere, transport can be arranged from the Faliraki area, and one booking also used the cruise port as a pickup and return point.

Once everyone is aboard, the boat spends about 30 minutes cruising along the coast. This is a pleasant way to see the rocky shoreline from the water, though the number of beach pickups can lengthen the transfer part of the trip. The captain provides commentary in English, and names associated with the boat include Captain Mike and Niko, also called Nikos in some accounts.

The crew gets especially high marks for safety instructions. That is reassuring when the boat uses a tender from the beach and when swimmers are entering open water. Listen carefully to the briefing, particularly if you are traveling with children.

Traganou Caves: a short swim into the rocks

The Traganou Caves stop lasts about 25 minutes. Here, the boat approaches dramatic rock formations and gives you time to swim toward and into the caves.

This stop feels more active than the bay stop. You are not simply floating beside the boat. You can use a pool noodle, swim through the opening, and look back at the pale rock walls from the water. Snorkel equipment is available, so bring a little patience if you want to inspect the water around the cave entrance.

The short time works well for families. Twenty-five minutes is enough to swim inside, take a look around, and return to the boat without turning the stop into a long endurance session. Children as young as three and five have been included by families on this outing, though every child should be comfortable around open water and closely supervised.

The cave stop can be affected by wind and sea conditions. The information provided for the cruise does not promise a particular cave route or wildlife sighting. One outing included a seal sighting from the underwater cabin, but that is a lucky possibility, not something to book the trip expecting.

If you prefer to stay dry, you can remain on board and use the glass cabin. The caves are attractive from the boat as well, but you will get the fullest sense of their shape by swimming closer.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the fish-feeding show

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of the cruise. Its rocky shoreline wraps around clear water, and the boat gives you roughly 40 minutes to swim, snorkel, or watch from below.

The crew’s fish-feeding routine is the highlight. Fish gather near the boat, and the underwater windows give you a front-row view. This is when the semi-submarine design earns its keep. You get the pleasure of being in a beautiful bay without needing to be an expert swimmer.

If you do swim, bring goggles or use the available snorkeling equipment. The clear water and fish activity make this the better of the two stops for watching marine life. The 40-minute slot also gives you enough time to take turns, so one adult can stay with a child while another uses the cabin or swims.

Anthony Quinn Bay is popular and visually striking, so do not expect an empty private cove. The appeal is the combination of setting, fish, and time in the water, not solitude. A past booking suggested that the boat could bring passengers closer to the beach, which is a fair point to keep in mind. The boat offers a strong view of the bay, but it is not the same as landing on a beach and spending half a day there.

The bay stop comes with one useful advantage: you do not need to choose between swimming and seeing the fish. You can swim first, dry off, and then head downstairs to the glass cabin while the crew feeds them.

Cold drinks and the practical value of the open bar

The onboard fridge contains beer, water, and soft drinks, and you can help yourself throughout the cruise. Food is not included, so eat before boarding or bring whatever is allowed under the operator’s rules.

For a three-hour outing in the Rhodes sun, unlimited drinks add real value. You do not need to buy separate drinks at each stop, and you can cool off as soon as you return from the water. The beer is a bonus for adults, while water and soft drinks make the setup useful for families.

The open bar should not be confused with a full meal service. If you need lunch, this cruise will not replace it. The best plan is to treat the boat as a morning or afternoon outing and schedule a meal before or after.

I also like that the drinks fit the relaxed nature of the cruise. This is not a formal sightseeing boat with a strict lecture schedule. You can sit on deck, watch the coastline, visit the cabin, swim, and take a cold drink when you return aboard.

How much value do you get for $58?

At $58 per person, the trip is priced above a simple short harbor cruise, but you are paying for several parts in one package:

• Three hours on the water
• A semi-submarine with an underwater cabin
• Two swim stops
• Snorkeling equipment and pool noodles
• Unlimited beer, water, and soft drinks
• English-speaking crew and safety guidance
• Beach pickup and return within the listed Faliraki area

The value is strongest if you plan to use the whole package. A person who only wants a quick boat ride may find it expensive. Someone who would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, drinks, and a snorkeling outing gets a fuller deal.

The time at the two swimming locations is also important. You are not paying for three hours of slow cruising with a brief photo stop. The schedule gives you about 65 minutes in the water, which is a good share of the outing.

The one thing that can weaken the value is the pickup pattern. If you board early and spend a long time collecting passengers, the actual cruising and swimming time may feel shorter. Choose the nearest stop and arrive ready to board so you do not add delays.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it most to families, couples, and groups of friends who want several easy activities in one outing. Children get the underwater windows, fish, caves, and swimming. Adults get the views, drinks, and a simple way to see two famous coastal spots.

It also suits mixed-ability groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel and explore the cave entrance, while less confident swimmers can use a pool noodle or stay in the underwater cabin. One person on board described being nervous about the sea but still enjoying the outing and swimming at both stops. That is a useful indication of how the safety briefing and crew support can affect the experience.

You should be comfortable with a beach transfer and open-water swimming conditions. The cruise is not a good match if you want a quiet private boat, a long stay on a sandy beach, or a formal marine biology lesson.

The English-speaking crew adds to the easygoing mood. Captain Mike and Niko are singled out by name in the provided information, and the crew may also help take photos during the swim stops. That is handy because wet hands and phones are not a great combination.

Booking and day-of-trip tips

Book a departure that fits your plans rather than choosing only by price. Morning trips can make sense if you want the rest of the day free, while the later departures offer a simple afternoon break from the hotel or beach.

Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring a towel, sunscreen, and a dry bag if you have one. Water shoes may help around the rocky cave area, although no special footwear requirement is given.

Bring an underwater camera only if it is secure. The fish gather close to the boat, and the water views are worth preserving, but you should not let a phone distract you from the safety instructions.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times before booking, since exact departures can vary.

Should you book the Faliraki semi-submarine cruise?

Book it if you want a short, social sea outing with real swim time, cold drinks, and a strong family appeal. The underwater cabin is more entertaining than a basic glass-bottom panel, and the fish-feeding stop at Anthony Quinn Bay gives the trip a clear highlight.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a quiet cove, or a full-day exploration of Rhodes beaches. Also think twice if your schedule is tight and your pickup point requires a long run through the other beach stops.

For most people staying in Faliraki, $58 is fair for the combination of two scenic stops, 65 minutes of swimming, underwater viewing, and an open bar. Choose the closest beach pickup, bring swim gear, and treat the cave and bay stops as the main event. That is where this cruise earns its place on a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

How long is the Faliraki semi-submarine boat trip?

The cruise lasts three hours, including sightseeing cruises, the 40-minute swim stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, and the 25-minute swim stop at the Traganou Caves.

What drinks are included?

Beer, water, and soft drinks are included in the open bar. Food is not included.

Can I swim inside the Traganou Caves?

Yes. The cruise allows about 25 minutes at the Traganou Caves, where you can swim into the rock formations. Pool noodles are available for use.

How long is the stop at Anthony Quinn Bay?

The boat stays at Anthony Quinn Bay for about 40 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, watch the fish from the underwater cabin, or combine all three.

Where do I board the boat?

You board from the red steps on the beach at one of the listed Faliraki pickup points. A tender boat may take you from the beach to the yellow semi-submarine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available during the swimming stops, and pool noodles are also provided for the cave visit.