Rhodes: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Buffet & Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is the simple sequence: a late-afternoon swim in clear Aegean water, a generous Greek buffet, then sunset views from the open sea. It gives you three different moods in one evening without making you rush from place to place.

I like the small-boat feel, with some departures carrying only about 14 to 16 people, and I like the attentive service. Crew members keep drinks moving, explain departure details, and help with swimming gear. The food is also better thought out than the usual boat snack: chicken, salads, hummus, tzatziki, aubergine salad, olives, feta and fresh bread.

The main thing to consider is that the catamaran anchors offshore, so you must swim to reach the water rather than walk onto a beach. Dinner may also be laid out while the swim stop is under way, and the popular bay can have other boats nearby.

Key points at a glance

• Swim from the boat at Kallithea Bay: The catamaran anchors in the bay, with snorkeling gear, noodles and life jackets available.
• A proper Greek-style buffet: Expect grilled chicken, pasta and potato salads, Greek salad, dips, feta, olives and fresh local bread.
• Drinks are included: Wine, beer, juice, soft drinks and bottled water are served without an extra charge.
• Two types of catamaran: Choose between a sailing catamaran and a powered catamaran, depending on the available departure.
• Sunset from the Aegean: The return toward Rhodes Town is timed for sunset, with music on deck and wide views over the water.
• Good for couples, families and solo visitors: The relaxed format works for more than just romantic occasions, though the swimming stop requires confidence in open water.

Three hours from Mandraki Harbor to sunset

You meet in front of the Poseidon Submarine and Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks at Mandraki Harbor. Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before departure. This matters because the boats leave on time, and missing the departure can mean a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

The cruise lasts about three hours. The route begins with roughly 45 minutes on the catamaran, followed by a 45-minute stop at Kallithea Bay, another 45 minutes on the water, and about 20 minutes set aside for sunset near Rhodes Town. Exact timings can shift with the boat, weather and sunset hour.

You can choose a sailing catamaran or a power catamaran. The sailing option gives you the classic yacht mood, while the powered boat may suit you if you prefer a steadier, more direct ride. The supplied details describe several catamaran options, so check the specific boat offered when booking rather than assuming every departure is identical.

The boats have outdoor seating, indoor toilets and an outdoor shower. You also get snorkeling equipment, floating pool noodles and life jackets. That makes the outing easier than bringing every piece of equipment yourself, although you still need to bring swimwear.

The Mandraki Harbor departure

Mandraki is a practical starting point because it is in Rhodes Town and easy to combine with an evening in the city. You will meet at the marked cruise desks near the Poseidon Submarine, not simply somewhere along the harbor, so allow time to find the correct meeting point.

Once aboard, settle in and take a look at the seating before the boat moves away. The smaller departures have been especially appealing for people who want room to sit, move around and view the coast from different angles. The catamarans are described as clean and well maintained, with enough space to avoid the cramped feeling found on some large group boat trips.

The first stretch is less about a single attraction and more about the pleasure of being on the water. Rhodes rises behind you while the east coast opens out ahead. The crew usually plays music, and the tone can range from calm and romantic to lively, depending on the group and the playlist.

I would use this first part to get comfortable, ask the crew about the swimming stop, and confirm when food will be served. One useful detail from the experience is that the buffet may be put out during the Kallithea stop. If snorkeling is your priority, ask whether you should eat before entering the water so you do not miss part of the meal.

Swimming and snorkeling at Kallithea Bay

The boat anchors at Kallithea Bay for about 45 minutes. You do not step onto a sandy beach. The catamaran stays offshore, and you enter the water directly from the boat. To reach the shore or explore the nearby rocks, you need to swim.

This is the active part of the evening. The water is clear, and the bay has rocky areas and small caves that you can swim toward. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat carries pool noodles and life jackets for anyone who wants extra support.

The water has been described as around six meters deep at the swimming point. That is worth noting if you prefer shallow water or are bringing children who are not strong swimmers. The life jackets and noodles help, but this is still an open-water swim from an anchored boat, not a supervised wading area.

Underwater sights can be pleasant rather than spectacular. You might see fish around the rocks, and one person even spotted a lionfish, but another account found mostly rocks and limited marine life. I would treat the snorkeling as a refreshing bonus, not as a major reef excursion.

Kallithea Bay can also be busy with other boats, especially in the high season. That does not cancel out the pleasure of the stop, but it means you should not expect a private cove. Get into the water early if you want a quieter swim, then return to the boat in time to dry off and eat.

The outdoor shower is useful after swimming, and the indoor toilet is a welcome practical touch. Bring a towel if you need one, since the supplied information only specifically lists swimwear among the items to bring.

A Greek buffet with drinks included

The dinner is a real part of the outing, not just a few plates passed around. The buffet includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta and fresh baked local bread.

This spread works well for mixed groups because it includes meat, salads and several vegetarian items. Hummus, salads, dips, bread, olives and feta give vegetarians plenty to assemble, although one person who wanted more vegetarian or fish choices decided not to take the food option. If you have a strict diet, ask what is available before boarding.

The food is straightforward, fresh and suited to a casual evening on deck. Do not expect a formal restaurant meal with multiple courses. Instead, think of it as a generous Greek buffet where you can return for more while the boat moves along the coast.

Wine and beer are unlimited, as are juice, soft drinks and bottled water. Crew members serve the drinks, and the attentive style is part of what makes the evening feel cared for rather than self-service and hurried. The quality of the wine has received particularly good notice, though exact labels are not provided.

The crew can stop serving alcohol if someone appears intoxicated. That is sensible on a boat, especially when swimming is involved. I would pace yourself until after the swim, then enjoy a glass of wine as the sun drops.

One small timing issue deserves attention: the meal may be served while some people are still snorkeling. If you want to enjoy both the full swim and the full buffet, ask the crew how the timing will work when you board.

Sunset over Rhodes Town

After Kallithea Bay, the catamaran heads back toward Rhodes Town. This is when the outing changes from an active swim stop to a slow evening sail. The route is timed to reach a good viewing point near the end of the cruise, with about 20 minutes focused on sunset.

The exact colors depend on clouds and weather, but the setting does the work: open Aegean water, Rhodes behind you, and the sun dropping toward the horizon. The boat stops or slows at a suitable point so you can watch without having to compete with a harbor wall or city buildings.

Music adds to the mood. Some departures use gentle romantic tracks, while others have a livelier playlist. That makes the cruise suitable for couples, but it is not restricted to a quiet date-night atmosphere. Families and groups of friends can enjoy it too.

The sunset portion is the least active and most scenic part. I suggest finishing your food before this stretch, finding a clear spot on deck, and putting the phone away for a few minutes. You will get better photographs before the final light fades, but the view is best enjoyed with your eyes first.

Group size, boat comfort and atmosphere

The experience can feel quite intimate when the boat carries around 14 to 16 people. Several departures have had enough open seating for everyone to spread out, and the smaller group helps the crew give personal attention.

That said, group size can vary. The activity offers different catamarans, and in April, May and October the operator may move you to another boat if one catamaran does not reach its minimum number of passengers. You should receive a message if that change affects your booking.

The sailing boat may suit you if you want the traditional feel of moving under sail. The power catamaran may be the better match if you favor a quicker, more predictable ride. The route still includes Kallithea Bay and the sunset stop, but the feel on board can differ.

This is not a silent luxury yacht charter. Music plays, drinks flow, and the mood may become cheerful and social. Yet the small boats, clean facilities and open deck keep it from feeling like a huge party cruise. Solo visitors can feel comfortable here too, and one solo passenger found the atmosphere safe and relaxed.

Who gets the best value from the $58 price

At $58 per person, you are paying for a three-hour cruise, the swimming stop, snorkeling equipment, dinner and unlimited drinks. That is strong value if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, an evening meal and several drinks.

The value is strongest for couples and friends who plan to enjoy the included wine or beer. It also works well for families, though check the child pricing carefully. One family found that an infant was charged the full adult fare, which reduced the value even though the crew was accommodating.

You are getting more than a short sunset sail. The swim at Kallithea Bay adds a proper activity, and the buffet means you do not need to arrange dinner afterward. The main trade-off is that the meal and drinks are part of a set boat experience, so you have less control than you would at a restaurant.

If you do not drink alcohol, the included juice, soft drinks and water still provide value, but the price may feel less compelling than it does for someone who will enjoy the wine or beer. Likewise, if you do not want to swim, you are paying for a major part of the outing that you may skip.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking less rigid. Still, check the weather forecast and departure time, and arrive early. The captain can change the route or swimming stop when conditions require it.

Tips for making the evening better

Bring swimwear, and consider packing a towel even though it is not listed among the required items. Wear something comfortable for sitting outdoors, and keep a dry layer handy if the sea breeze picks up after sunset.

Listen carefully to announcements. If you are unsure about the return time or boarding point after the swim, ask a crew member. The boat leaves on schedule, and the rebooking fee for a missed departure is €25 per ticket.

If you want a particular seat, arrive early within the stated meeting window. Also ask whether the sailing or powered catamaran is being used, since the boat type affects the feel of the ride.

For the best swimming experience, enter the water early and bring the provided snorkeling gear. If you are not confident in open water, use a life jacket or pool noodle, stay close to the boat, and skip the swim if conditions do not feel right.

The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users because access involves boarding the catamaran and entering the water from an anchored boat.

Should you book the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise?

I would book this if you want an easy, well-priced evening that combines swimming, food, drinks and scenery. The strongest points are the friendly crew, generous buffet, small-group feel on many departures, and the well-timed sunset on the return to Rhodes Town.

I would hesitate only if you need a sandy beach, shallow water, specialist snorkeling, a quiet luxury charter or a highly varied vegetarian menu. Kallithea Bay is a good swim stop, but it can be busy, and the underwater sights are modest.

For most people, the $58 price makes sense because it covers the boat, dinner and drinks in one three-hour plan. Arrive early, ask about the buffet timing, and choose the boat type that suits your mood. If those details match what you want, this is one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary Rhodes evening into a memorable one.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. The schedule includes time aboard the catamaran, about 45 minutes at Kallithea Bay for swimming and snorkeling, and around 20 minutes for sunset near Rhodes Town.

Where does the cruise depart?

The meeting point is in front of the Poseidon Submarine and Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks at Mandraki Harbor. You should arrive 30 to 15 minutes before the activity begins.

Is dinner included?

Yes. The buffet includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta and fresh baked local bread.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited wine, beer, juice, soft drinks and bottled water are included.

Can I swim and snorkel during the cruise?

Yes. The catamaran anchors at Kallithea Bay for swimming and snorkeling. Snorkeling equipment, floating pool noodles and life jackets are available.

Do I need to swim to reach the shore?

Yes. The boat remains anchored in the bay. If you want to reach the shore, you need to swim from the catamaran.

Can I choose between a sailing boat and a power catamaran?

The activity offers a choice between sailing and powered catamarans, along with three catamaran options. Availability can vary, so check the boat details when booking.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.