Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay & Sea Caves Snorkeling Cruise

The best part of this 2.5-hour Rhodes cruise is the mix of beautiful water and small-group service. You stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves, with time to swim, snorkel, take photos, or simply stretch out on the boat.

I like the small boat, capped at eight people, and the practical extras: masks, flotation noodles, life jackets, waterproof phone cases, drinks, and a restroom. Captains such as Michael and Lazaros are friendly, safety-minded, and good at making nervous swimmers feel at ease. The main drawback is that two and a half hours passes quickly, and one departure was reported as ending about 20 minutes early.

What makes this cruise worth your afternoon

• Four east-coast swim areas: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves give you a varied look at Rhodes by sea.
• A genuinely small group: The boat takes no more than eight people, though some departures have only four to six onboard.
• Helpful swimming equipment: Snorkel gear, life jackets, pool noodles, and waterproof phone cases may be available onboard.
• A comfortable, quick boat: The modern vessel has a spacious deck, seating, Wi-Fi, and a restroom.
• Drinks included: Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are provided, with snacks available on the boat.
• Easy hotel-area pickup: Optional transfers cover Rhodes Town, Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Koskinou, and Ammoudes.

Leaving the marina for Rhodes’ east coast

You meet the captain at the port, where the boat is moored beside Stama restaurant. Pickup is also available from central points near hotels in several Rhodes resort areas, but you should check the separate pickup message carefully. The precise meeting instructions matter here, since this is a marina departure rather than a large cruise-terminal operation.

The boat is a modern RIB-style vessel with a clean, comfortable setup. It is built for speed, so the trip between stops is part of the fun, but the ride may feel lively for anyone prone to seasickness. One person who became ill still received attentive help from the captain, but I would take motion sickness seriously and prepare accordingly.

With a maximum of eight people, the atmosphere is much more personal than on a large sightseeing boat. A four-person departure can feel close to a private outing, while six or eight people still leave room to move around the deck. You can sunbathe between stops, listen to your own music on some departures, and keep your belongings close without dealing with a crowd.

The boat includes Wi-Fi and a restroom. Drinks are included, and the crew has supplied soft drinks, water, bottled cocktails, and sometimes snacks. Bring a towel, since towels are not included, and leave large luggage behind.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the Guns of Navarone Pier

Anthony Quinn Bay is the main attraction and the place where the cruise’s film connection comes into play. The bay takes its name from actor Anthony Quinn, who purchased the area after filming The Guns of Navarone nearby. The story gives the stop a little extra character, but the water and cliffs do most of the work.

From the Guns of Navarone Pier, you get one of the area’s best photo angles. The bay has clear turquoise water, rocky sides, and steep cliffs that look especially striking from the boat. This is also one of the better stops for spotting fish while snorkeling.

The boat may anchor rather than pull up to a sandy beach, so you should be comfortable entering the water from the vessel. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for a life jacket or pool noodle. One child gained confidence with help from the captain, and a non-swimmer managed to swim with a life jacket and noodle, but you should still decide your own limits.

Anthony Quinn Bay can be popular, so the small boat is useful. It lets you see the bay from the water and may allow the captain to choose a quieter position away from larger vessels. The stop combines scenery, swimming, and local film lore better than any other part of the route.

Ladiko, Traganou, and the changing coastline

Ladiko sits on the other side of the bay and gives you a second look at this stretch of coast. The water is clear, the cliffs are rough and photogenic, and the stop is well suited to a quick swim or snorkel. If you prefer staying dry, the boat’s deck gives you a good place to photograph the coast without stepping ashore.

The itinerary then continues to Traganou, a gravel beach with a rocky shoreline and clear water. This is less polished than a classic resort beach, and that is precisely its appeal. The coast feels more rugged, with rocky formations and caverns that create a wilder setting.

Traganou is a good place to explore by water. You may swim near the caves or remain on the boat and watch the cliffs from a comfortable seat. Bring water shoes if you have them, since the beach is gravelly and the rocky surface can be awkward under bare feet. Comfortable shoes are specifically recommended for the trip.

The stops are usually short enough to keep the cruise moving, with around 25 minutes often allowed at a swim point. That works well if you want variety, but it may feel brief if you prefer to spend a full hour in one bay. The schedule favors seeing several places rather than settling into one beach for the afternoon.

The Alikies caves and the final swim

The Alikies caves are one of the less familiar parts of the route. You can enter the cave area from the water or relax on the beach while the scenery does the talking. The caves provide the most distinctive setting of the cruise, with rock walls, dark openings, and a close-up view of the coast that you cannot get from a road.

Bring a waterproof phone case if you want pictures in the water. The crew has provided cases on many departures, but I would still confirm availability and keep your phone secure. Biodegradable sunscreen is required, and it is worth applying before boarding so you are not handling bottles on a moving boat.

The final stop can be especially rewarding for snorkeling, since fish gather around the rocky water. Some people wish they had more time here, so if the captain gives you a choice between another swim and more time at the caves, you may want to save your energy for this part.

The return journey is a chance to watch the water for dolphins. Dolphin sightings are possible rather than guaranteed, so treat this as a pleasant extra, not the main reason to book. The cruise returns to the marina about two and a half hours after departure.

What the captain adds to the experience

The crew is a major part of the appeal. Michael is frequently praised for calm safety instructions, local information, and a friendly manner. He has helped children feel ready to enter the water, shown people where to look for fish, and taken care of swimmers who were unsure of themselves.

Lazaros has also hosted departures and is described as warm and attentive. Drivers such as Harris and Harry have helped with hotel transfers, offered useful local information on the road, and even stopped at viewpoints for family photos. These details matter because the trip starts before you reach the boat if you choose pickup.

The captain does more than steer between bays. You receive short explanations about the places you visit, and the crew can help with masks, noodles, flotation aids, and phone cases. Some departures have included a little fish feeding, which brought fish closer to the boat, though you should not expect a formal marine-life lesson.

The overall tone is relaxed rather than scripted. You get facts about Anthony Quinn Bay and the coastline, but the focus stays on swimming and enjoying the water. If you want a long historical lecture, this is not that kind of tour. If you want a friendly host who keeps an eye on safety and gives you useful context, it fits well.

How good is the $64 value?

At $64 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a Rhodes beach, but it offers more than simple transport. The price covers the boat ride, swim stops, and soft drinks or bottled cocktails. The small group makes the cost easier to justify, especially when a departure has only four to six people onboard.

You also save time compared with a full-day boat excursion. The cruise takes only 2.5 hours, so you can fit it into an afternoon without giving up an entire day. That is useful if you are staying in Rhodes Town or nearby and want time for the Old Town, a meal, or another activity.

Optional pickup adds convenience if you are staying in Kremasti, Ixia, Ialysos, Kritika, Rhodes Town, Koskinou, or Ammoudes. A vehicle can collect you near your hotel and bring you directly to the marina. If you are already near the port, meeting the boat yourself keeps the logistics simple.

The value is strongest for couples, families with older children, and small groups who want a comfortable outing without sharing a huge vessel with dozens of people. It is less compelling if your main goal is a long beach stay, since the cruise gives you several shorter swim periods instead.

The supplied equipment also improves the value. Masks, snorkels, flotation noodles, life jackets, and waterproof phone cases have been available on departures, though towels and personal expenses remain yours. Ask about current equipment when you board rather than assuming every extra is guaranteed.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would choose this cruise if you care most about clear water, several swim locations, and a personal atmosphere. It works particularly well for a half-day plan, a couple’s outing, or a family with children who want support in the water.

Non-swimmers can still enjoy the trip, since flotation aids are available and you can remain on the deck. The captain has helped hesitant swimmers, but this is still a swimming cruise. You should not book it expecting a purely scenic boat ride.

Children can enjoy the fish, caves, and speed of the boat, but the vessel moves quickly between stops. One past departure suggested that families with very young children should think about whether a larger, slower cruise would feel more comfortable. The boat is better suited to active children and confident adults than to anyone who dislikes fast rides.

The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. Large luggage is not allowed, so bring only a small day bag with swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a phone. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested to help protect the water.

The tour is conducted in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Availability and starting times vary, so check the selected option carefully before booking.

Small drawbacks to consider before booking

The short duration is both the strength and the limitation. You can enjoy a half-day on the water without losing your entire afternoon, but you will not have unlimited time at the caves or beaches. If you like lingering in one bay, the four-stop format may feel rushed.

The sea can also affect the ride. The RIB is comfortable, but it is quick, and the water may be choppy. Anyone who gets seasick should consider medication or another precaution before departure.

The included drinks are useful, but the food offering is light. You should not expect a full meal. Eat beforehand if you are booking around lunchtime, and carry only a small bag since large luggage is not permitted.

One departure reportedly finished about 20 minutes early without an explanation. That appears to be an exception rather than the normal plan, but it is worth checking the expected return time if you have a dinner reservation, transfer, or another fixed appointment.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise?

I would book it if you want the best parts of a Rhodes boat day in a compact format. The clear water, four coastal stops, comfortable boat, and small group give you a good balance of scenery and activity. Michael, Lazaros, and the wider transfer team add the kind of personal care that makes a short tour feel well run.

Choose another option if you want a slow beach day, a full meal onboard, or a long, quiet cruise with little movement. For everyone else, $64 is a fair price for a polished afternoon of swimming, snorkeling, caves, drinks, and east-coast views. Bring a towel, wear secure footwear, protect your phone, and leave enough flexibility in your schedule for the boat to return a little later than planned.

FAQ

How long is the Anthony Quinn Bay cruise?

The cruise lasts about 2.5 hours, including the boat ride, swimming stops, snorkeling, cave exploration, and return to the marina.

Where do I meet the boat?

Go to the port and look for the boat moored next to Stama restaurant. Optional pickup is available from central points near hotels in listed areas around Rhodes.

Which places does the cruise visit?

The route includes Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou, and the Alikies caves. The exact time at each location can vary, but swim stops are commonly around 25 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkel equipment, flotation noodles, life jackets, and waterproof phone cases have been available onboard. Bring your own towel, since towels are not included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and bottled cocktails are included. Snacks may also be available on the boat, but this is not a full meal service.

Is the boat suitable for children or non-swimmers?

Children and non-swimmers can join, and flotation aids are available. The boat moves quickly, so very young children or anyone uncomfortable with a fast RIB ride may prefer a larger cruise.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available, subject to the selected booking option.