Rhodes is one of the easiest Greek islands on which to swap the beach towel for a boat deck, because so much of its coastline is best seen from the water. The calm, clear east coast strings together a run of swimming bays and sea caves that road access barely touches, so a cruise becomes the most natural way to reach them. Boats leave through the day from Mandraki harbour in Rhodes Town and from the small harbour below Lindos, ranging from large multi-deck day-cruise vessels to compact family boats, sailing catamarans and private charters. Whether you want a lazy swim-stop afternoon, a snorkelling outing or a full day trip to a neighbouring island, there is a sailing to suit. For more island travel planning, see My Greece Tours.
This page sits within our wider Rhodes travel guide and focuses purely on getting you afloat. The sections below cover the popular east-coast cruise route and its swimming stops, the different types of boat you can choose from, how private hire and small-group sailing work, day excursions to nearby islands such as Symi and Halki, and the practical business of booking and packing for a comfortable day at sea.
What does the classic east-coast day cruise from Rhodes Town cover?
The standard east-coast cruise runs south from Mandraki harbour and links the island’s calmest swimming bays. Boats pause at sheltered spots such as Kallithea, Anthony Quinn Bay and the long sands off Tsambika, with longer sailings reaching Lindos and the enclosed lagoon of St Paul’s Bay.
The east coast is where Rhodes is at its gentlest, with shallow, sheltered water that stays calm well into the afternoon, so it carries the bulk of the island’s day-cruise traffic. A typical full-day boat leaves Mandraki harbour in the morning, tracks the coast south, and drops anchor at two or three swimming stops where you can dive straight off the deck or paddle ashore. The springs and rocky inlets at Kallithea, the pine-fringed cove of Anthony Quinn Bay and the broad beach below Tsambika are the usual anchorages, chosen for their clear water and easy snorkelling rather than for any single headline sight.
Longer sailings continue down to Lindos, where the acropolis rises above the village and the boat lingers off the round, almost-closed inlet of St Paul’s Bay before turning back. Most cruises include time to swim at each stop, and many provide simple shade, a small bar and snorkel gear so you can make the most of the clear water without bringing much of your own. Our guide to Anthony Quinn Bay covers the cove’s swimming and snorkelling in detail, and the next section covers the different types of boat you can choose.
Which types of boat trip can you choose from on Rhodes?
Rhodes offers everything from large multi-deck day-cruise boats and glass-bottom family vessels to private charters, small-group sailing catamarans, traditional fishing trips and evening sunset cruises. The right choice depends on group size, budget, pace and whether you prioritise swimming, sightseeing or a relaxed sail.
At the busiest end sit the large day-cruise boats that carry many passengers, run a fixed itinerary and offer the lowest per-head price; they suit travellers who want a sociable, organised day with food and a bar on board. Glass-bottom and pirate-styled family boats add a playful angle for children, with viewing panels and shorter, gentler routes close to Rhodes Town. Sailing catamarans and yachts take smaller groups at a slower, quieter pace, leaning into the experience of being under sail and anchoring away from the crowds for swimming and a light lunch.
Private charters give a single party exclusive use of a boat and skipper, so you set the route, the swim stops and the timing, which works well for families, couples or small groups celebrating something. Traditional fishing trips and laid-back local boats offer a more low-key outing, while sunset cruises trade swimming for a short evening sail with drinks as the light fades over the town. Our guide to things to do in Rhodes covers how boating fits a wider itinerary, and the next section covers private hire and small-group sailing.
How does private boat hire and small-group sailing work?
Private hire books a whole boat and skipper for your party alone, letting you set the route and pace, while small-group sailing places you with a handful of other guests on a catamaran or yacht. Both trade the scale of big cruises for flexibility, quieter anchorages and a more personal day.
With a private charter you reserve the entire vessel for a half or full day, usually with a licensed skipper at the helm, so the itinerary bends to your wishes rather than a fixed timetable. You can choose how long to linger at each swim stop, ask to seek out a quieter cove away from the main cruise route, or build the day around snorkelling, lunch ashore or simply drifting at anchor. Prices are quoted per boat rather than per person, so the cost makes most sense when shared across a family or group, and what is included, from fuel to refreshments, varies and is worth confirming when you book.
Small-group sailing strikes a middle path: you join a catamaran or yacht with perhaps a dozen guests, keeping the calm, unhurried feel of a private boat at a more accessible price. These trips often include a light meal, drinks and snorkel gear, and the slower pace under sail suits travellers who care more about the journey than ticking off sights. Our guide to Lindos covers the southern village many sailings aim for, and the next section covers day excursions to nearby islands.
What day excursions to nearby islands depart from Rhodes?
Rhodes is a natural springboard for island day trips, with regular excursion boats and ferries reaching Symi and Halki. These outings combine a scenic sea crossing with a few hours ashore to explore a harbour, swim and eat, before returning to Rhodes the same evening.
Symi is the headline excursion, lying a short crossing to the north and famed for the tiers of neoclassical mansions in pastel colours that climb the slopes above its horseshoe harbour. Excursion boats typically allow several hours ashore to wander the waterfront, climb to the upper town or visit the Panormitis monastery near the island’s south, and some include a swim stop at a quiet bay en route. The crossing itself is part of the appeal, with the harbour reveal as you sail in counting among the most photographed arrivals in the Dodecanese.
Halki, off the west coast, makes a quieter alternative, a small and unhurried island with a pretty harbour at Emporio and gentle swimming, suited to travellers who want a slower day away from the bigger crowds. Both islands can be reached on organised excursion boats or scheduled ferries, the difference being that an excursion bundles the timing and often a guide, while a ferry leaves you free to plan independently. Our guide to the Symi day trip covers the crossing and the time ashore, and the next section covers booking and what to bring.
How do you book a Rhodes boat trip and what should you bring?
Book ahead in peak season, when popular cruises and island excursions fill quickly, and always check what each fare includes. Bring sun protection, drinking water, a towel and swimwear, and pack motion-sickness tablets if open water unsettles you, so the day stays comfortable from boarding to return.
Booking can be done online before you travel, through your accommodation, or at the kiosks lining Mandraki harbour and the Lindos waterfront, though in the high summer months the most popular sailings and island excursions sell out, so reserving a day or two ahead is wise. Before you pay, check what the price covers, as inclusions differ widely: some fares add lunch, drinks, snorkel gear and hotel transfers, while others cover only the sailing itself. Confirm the departure point and time too, since boats leave from both Mandraki harbour in Rhodes Town and the harbour below Lindos, and the two are an hour apart by road.
For comfort on board, pack high-factor sun cream, a hat and sunglasses, plenty of drinking water and a towel and swimwear for the stops, plus a light cover-up for the breeze at sea. Sturdy footwear helps on rocky landings, a dry bag protects phones and cameras, and motion-sickness tablets taken before departure are sensible if swell bothers you. Aim to arrive at the harbour in good time, as boarding often closes before the listed departure. Plan your visit and tours through our Rhodes travel guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a typical Rhodes boat trip last?
It depends on the type of trip you choose. The classic east-coast day cruise from Mandraki harbour usually runs for most of the day, leaving mid-morning and returning in the late afternoon, with the hours broken up by two or three swimming stops at bays such as Kallithea, Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika. Shorter family outings on glass-bottom or pirate-styled boats may last only a few hours and stay close to Rhodes Town, which suits younger children. Sunset cruises are shorter still, offering a brief evening sail of an hour or two with drinks as the light fades. Day excursions to neighbouring islands such as Symi or Halki are full-day affairs once you factor in the crossing each way and several hours ashore. When booking, check the stated departure and return times, since they vary between operators and between the Mandraki and Lindos departure points.
Are Rhodes boat trips suitable for children and families?
Yes, many are designed with families in mind, and Rhodes is a good island for a first boat outing with children. Glass-bottom boats let younger passengers watch fish and the seabed without snorkelling, while the pirate-styled family boats add a playful theme and tend to run shorter, gentler routes close to Rhodes Town, which keeps restless children happier. The east coast’s sheltered, shallow bays mean the swimming stops are calm and easy to enter, and most larger boats provide shade and simple refreshments on board. For very young children, a shorter trip or a private charter, where you control the pace and can turn back when needed, often works better than a long full-day cruise. Bring sun protection, water, snacks and a change of clothes, and consider motion-sickness tablets for anyone prone to seasickness. Always check that the boat carries enough child-sized life jackets before you book or board.
What is the best time of year for boat trips in Rhodes?
The main boating season on Rhodes runs through the warmer half of the year, when the sea is warm enough for swimming and the schedules are at their fullest. The peak summer months bring the widest choice of departures and the most reliable weather, but also the largest crowds and the highest demand, so popular cruises and island excursions should be booked ahead. The shoulder periods on either side of high summer can be especially pleasant, with comfortable temperatures, calmer harbours and fewer passengers, though some sailings run less frequently and a few seasonal operators may not yet have started or may have wound down. The east coast is generally calmer and more sheltered than the windier west, so it remains the dependable choice for swimming cruises across the season. Whenever you visit, check the local forecast the day before, as strong winds can lead operators to cancel or alter routes for safety.