Rhodes: Gulet Trip with Food, Drinks, SUP, Kayak & Swimming

Rhodes’ best boat day is less about sightseeing from a distance and more about getting into the water. The El Greco gulet follows the island’s eastern coast, stopping at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea Springs for swimming, snorkeling, and time on the water. I like the generous two-hour stop at Ladiko and the fact that lunch, wine, soft drinks, kayaks, SUP boards, and snorkeling gear are included.

I also like the relaxed rhythm. You can paddle, swim, or simply stretch out on a beanbag with a cold drink. The main consideration is space: this is a popular shared cruise, and the best sunbeds can go early. Beer, cocktails, slush drinks, and coffee cost extra, and the boat is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Key points to know before you book

• Three swim stops: You get 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, two hours at Ladiko, and 30 minutes near Kallithea Springs.
• Ladiko is the active center: Kayaks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and water platforms are available at Fun Island.
• Food is part of the value: Expect a traditional Greek lunch, morning treats, seasonal fruit, unlimited soft drinks, and wine.
• Arrive early for the best place: Many people arrive about an hour before departure to claim a top-deck sunbed or beanbag.
• The boat day is social: Music, shared tables, open decks, and a busy swimming setup suit people who enjoy a lively group outing.
• Pack for strong sun: Bring swimwear, a towel, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen. Shade is available, but it can fill quickly.

A traditional gulet leaving Mandraki Port

Your morning begins opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki Port. Look for the wooden El Greco, a traditional Greek gulet with open decks and a broad sunbathing area.

The boat has several types of seating. You may find beanbags and sunbeds on the upper deck, chairs and tables, and shaded spots for cooling off. That mix matters on a six-hour cruise. You can spend part of the day in the sun, then retreat from the heat without giving up the sea views.

I would arrive about an hour before departure if you care about your seat. Several people report arriving 35 to 60 minutes early to secure an outdoor spot. This is not a formal reserved-sunbed system, so arriving late may leave you with an indoor seat or a less useful place in the shade.

Once underway, the first stretch is a sightseeing cruise along the eastern coast. The boat moves at an easy pace, giving you time to photograph the coves and rocky shoreline. The ride itself is part of the appeal, but remember that six hours on a boat can feel long if you do not enjoy sun, wind, music, and a shared group setting.

The crew speaks English and Greek. Service is a major part of the experience, with staff bringing drinks and food around the deck and keeping an eye on swimmers. Crew members Nikos and Stephanos are particularly noted for being friendly and helpful, and the staff generally takes safety seriously around the water activities.

Anthony Quinn Bay and its emerald water

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most striking swimming spots. Green vegetation surrounds the small bay, helping give the water its strong emerald color.

You get about 40 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs. That is enough time for a proper swim, but not enough for a slow beach-style visit. The boat stops in the water, so you will enter from the gulet rather than walk onto the beach.

This stop works well as a first taste of the day. The water cools you down after the morning cruise, and the bay provides a memorable setting for photos. Noodles are available, which helps if you want to float without spending all your energy swimming.

The limitation is simple: Anthony Quinn Bay is a short stop. If you want long snorkeling sessions, save your energy for Ladiko, where you have two hours and more equipment. You should also be comfortable climbing in and out of the water from the boat.

Ladiko’s floating Fun Island

The best part of the day is Ladiko Bay, where the El Greco uses a floating water area known as Fun Island. It is accessible from the boat and includes floating sofas and platforms where you can rest between swims.

This is where the excursion becomes more than a standard coastal cruise. You can use the kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment at no extra charge. If one activity is busy, you can switch to another, swim around the platforms, or settle into a floating seat with a drink.

The two-hour stay gives you room to choose your own pace. You might start with a kayak, try an SUP, snorkel for a while, and then eat lunch on board. Families and mixed-age groups should appreciate this flexibility because nobody has to follow one fixed activity.

The setup is not a private beach club. It is a shared floating area, and equipment availability can vary when everyone wants the same thing. A few SUP boards may need more air, and some equipment may require you to ask for a fin. That is a small practical point, but it can affect how easy the board is to steer.

The crew may also show you parts of the bay, including small caves. Snorkeling conditions depend on the day, but the clear water and sheltered setting make Ladiko the most useful stop for water activities.

Greek lunch, fruit, and drinks on board

Lunch is served during the Ladiko stop and forms a large part of the tour’s value. The meal includes traditional Greek dishes, Greek salad, seasonal fruit, and unlimited soft drinks and wine.

The food can include items such as chicken, beans in sauce, stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice, salad, bread, and other homemade dishes. Portions are generous, and the spread works well for people who want a proper meal rather than a quick snack between swims.

There are also morning treats, with feta pastries mentioned as a welcome surprise, and fruit served later in the day. These extras help because six hours in the sun and water can leave you hungry.

Vegetarian and vegan needs can be accommodated, but you should tell the company in advance. Do not assume a special meal will appear automatically. One point worth knowing is that Greek food can be unfamiliar if you are a cautious eater, so bring a clear idea of what you can eat and notify the provider about allergies, intolerances, or health concerns before the trip.

The included drinks are water, soft drinks, juices, and local wine. Beer, cocktails, slush drinks, and coffee are not included and cost extra. For wine drinkers and families, the included drinks add real value. If you prefer beer or spirits, budget for additional purchases.

Kallithea Springs and the final swim

The cruise continues toward Kallithea Springs, where architecture and the sea create a different kind of stop. The springs are known for their historic spa buildings and decorative design, making this a good place for photographs as well as a final swim.

You get about 30 minutes here. That is enough for a quick dip, a look at the buildings, and a few pictures, but it is the shortest water stop of the day. Think of it as a final refreshment break rather than a full activity session.

The approach and departure give you more time to enjoy the coast from the boat. After the stop, the gulet returns to Mandraki Port, with the total outing lasting about six hours.

The timing is nicely spaced. You generally get a swim every hour or so, which is useful on a hot Rhodes day. Instead of sitting in the sun for the full cruise, you have regular chances to cool down.

What the $104 price really covers

At $104 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Rhodes. It is also more than a basic transport boat or a short sightseeing ride. The price becomes easier to justify because it covers a full six-hour outing, lunch, wine, soft drinks, fruit, swimming stops, and several water activities.

If you paid separately for a meal, drinks, kayak rental, paddleboard rental, and snorkeling gear, the total could quickly approach the same amount. Here, the main attraction is convenience. You pay once and can move from swimming to paddling to lunch without keeping track of small charges.

The value is strongest if you will use the equipment and drink the included wine or soft drinks. If you plan to sit quietly all day and do not care about the activities, a shorter cruise may suit you better.

The boat itself also matters. You are not simply being ferried from one bay to another. The gulet provides shaded and sunny areas, music, open views, floating platforms, and a social atmosphere. That makes the day feel like a full outing rather than a boat transfer.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes boat day?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a sociable boat setting. Children and teenagers have several ways to stay busy, while adults can relax with wine, music, food, and a place on the sun deck.

It is also a good choice for mixed groups. One person can kayak while another swims, and someone else can stay on a floating sofa. You do not need to be an expert at any of the water activities.

The cruise is less suitable if you need a quiet, private experience. The boat can be busy, especially in the high season, and shared equipment may be in demand. It is also a poor fit for anyone who cannot manage boarding, moving around the boat, or entering the water from a gulet, since wheelchair access is not provided.

People who prefer a luxury yacht should set expectations carefully. The El Greco offers comfort and character, but this is a lively group boat with communal facilities, not a private charter.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring a hat, swimsuit, towel, and strong sunscreen. Apply sunscreen early and keep reapplying, especially after swimming. The sun reflecting off the water can catch you out even when a breeze makes the air feel comfortable.

Arrive early if a top-deck sunbed matters to you. The boat has shade, but the most comfortable outdoor places can be claimed well before departure. If you are traveling with a group, agree in advance to share seating rather than treating one beanbag as a full-day reservation.

Do not bring your own food or drinks, as these are not allowed. The boat provides lunch, snacks, fruit, soft drinks, and wine. Bring only what you need for the day, along with a phone or camera that you can protect from splashes.

Keep some flexibility in your plans. Wind can affect the feel of the ride and the use of paddleboards. Even on a warm day, the moving boat may feel breezy. The crew will guide you through the activities and swimming areas, but conditions can influence how much time you spend on each option.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time when booking, since the cruise is listed as a six-hour activity but the exact departure time can vary.

Should you book the El Greco gulet cruise?

Book it if you want a full day on the water with three swim stops, a generous Greek meal, and included kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling. The strongest part is Ladiko’s Fun Island, where you have enough time to try several activities without rushing.

The experience is especially good value for families and active couples who will use the equipment. Arrive early, pack serious sun protection, and tell the company about dietary needs ahead of time.

Skip it if you want privacy, a quiet yacht, or a long beach visit. For most people who want an easy, social Rhodes sea day with plenty of swimming and food, the El Greco offers a well-rounded package at a fair price.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes gulet cruise depart from?

Meet opposite Eleftherias Square at Mandraki Port. Look for the traditional wooden El Greco gulet.

How long does the boat trip last?

The cruise lasts six hours, including the sailing time and stops at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea Springs.

What food and drinks are included?

The trip includes a traditional Greek lunch, morning treats, seasonal fresh fruit, unlimited soft drinks, and wine. Beer, slush drinks, cocktails, and coffee are not included.

Are kayaking, SUP, and snorkeling included?

Yes. Kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and platforms are included during the Ladiko Fun Island stop.

How much swimming time is provided?

You get approximately 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, two hours at Ladiko, and 30 minutes at Kallithea Springs.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.