One stop can feel like a whole vacation day. This 3-hour Faliraki boat trip takes you to the Anthony Quinn Bay area, Ladiko Bay, and the Afandou/Traganou Caves, with real time in the water plus an onboard open bar.

I especially like the long, chill swim time at Anthony Quinn Bay—this is the most photogenic stop—and the fact that you’re not stuck on a tiny boat. You get a comfortable ride on a 38-foot vessel with a top limit of 35 passengers, so it doesn’t feel packed.

One thing to consider: hotel transfers are not included, so you’ll need to get to Faliraki Harbour yourself and arrive about 10 minutes early.

Key takeaways before you plan

• Longer swim at Anthony Quinn Bay gives you time to actually enjoy the water, not just do a quick dip.
• Open bar included means you can pair salty swims with ice-cold beers, wine, and soft drinks.
• Snorkel gear provided (plus noodles) keeps the hassle low if you’re not bringing your own kit.
• Comfort-focused boat layout with up to 35 passengers helps you move around and relax.
• Three very different stops—two classic bays plus cave swimming—keeps the cruise from feeling repetitive.

A fast, scenic way to see Rhodes from Faliraki

This cruise is built for people who want water time without a full-day logistics headache. Rhodes has plenty of beaches, but from a boat you get a different look at the coastline and a chance to swim where the water is clear and calm.

The timing helps too. With a 3-hour duration, it fits well into a day that might also include dinner plans, a beach stop, or a casual evening stroll in Faliraki.

And because the boat is limited to 35 passengers, the vibe stays relaxed. You’re not doing the usual “line up, squeeze, sit, repeat” routine that can happen on larger departures.

Price and what you get for about $57

At $57 per person for about 3 hours, this isn’t a budget-only option—but it also isn’t just “a boat ride with one stop.” You’re paying for multiple swim opportunities, snorkeling gear, and drinks that are already included.

Here’s the value math that matters in real life:

• You get three swimming stops, with Anthony Quinn Bay getting close to a full hour.
• Snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles are included, so you’re not paying extra once you’re there.
• The open bar covers ice-cold beers, wine, and soft drinks during the cruise.

If you’ve ever bought drinks on a tour and felt like you were paying restaurant prices for soda, this part is the relief. It also helps the cruise feel like a real outing instead of a “water-and-go” situation.

Meeting Faliraki Harbour: timing, comfort, and practical tips

You’ll meet at Faliraki Harbour, next to the small church. The instruction is to arrive about 10 minutes prior to departure, which is smart since you’ll want to settle in before the boat pushes off.

Transfers aren’t included. So plan your route from where you’re staying (or use local taxis or buses, depending on your location). Leaving this to the last minute is where stress starts, especially when you’re trying to locate the right dock.

Onboard, the boat is described as having comfortable seating with a capacity of 49 passengers licensed, but with a top limit of 35 for comfort. Based on past experiences described by others, this kind of limit usually means you can find a place to relax and still walk around without playing dodgeball.

What to bring (simple and useful):

• Your swimwear (you’ll be changing fast or arriving ready).
• A towel and a light layer for when the sun drops.
• If you’re picky about fit, consider bringing your own snorkel mask—though the tour provides snorkeling gear.

Anthony Quinn Bay: the long swim stop and why it matters

Anthony Quinn Bay is the star of this trip. It’s the stop you’ll likely remember later when you think about Rhodes water—clear enough to see what’s happening below, and scenic enough that it’s earned its reputation for photos.

The big practical win: you get almost a full hour here, unlike the other stops. That extra time matters because it gives you room to do it in your own rhythm. You can swim, snorkel, take a few breaks, and then swim again without feeling rushed.

The water here is the kind where you can enjoy both:

• what you see from the surface (the view and the bay shape)
• what you notice underwater (rocks, swimmers, and the “crystal clear” look that makes snorkeling worthwhile)

If you’re not a confident snorkeler, it still works. The gear and noodles make it easier to float and explore without turning the stop into a struggle.

Ladiko Bay and the 200-meter underwater cliff

Ladiko Bay is the second classic swimming stop, with about 30 minutes. It’s not a super-long time, but it’s long enough to get your bearings, do a snorkel pass, and enjoy a few relaxed swims.

The headline feature here is a 200-meter underwater cliff. That means the underwater drop-off can create an interesting swim environment—especially if you like seeing how the seafloor changes rather than staying flat.

A 30-minute stop is a good balance if you’re:

• interested in snorkeling but not trying to “train”
• traveling with kids or a mix of swimmers
• the kind of person who enjoys switching locations instead of repeating the same water for hours

One caution: the cave and cliff areas can tempt people to jump in fast. Use the provided noodles or gear if you want to be more comfortable at first, then increase your confidence as you settle in.

Afandou Caves / Traganou Caves: swimming in a storybook setting

The cruise includes swimming inside the Afandou caves, also referred to as Traganou Caves. This is the stop that adds the “wow” factor, because you’re moving from open bay water to something more enclosed and dramatic.

On this kind of stop, the best approach is to treat it like a controlled swim:

• jump in or enter where it feels safest
• keep an eye on your footing and distance from others
• use the snorkeling equipment if you want to make it a full underwater look

You’ll have fun here even if you’re not a dedicated snorkeler. People tend to remember the “trying something different” feeling—swimming in/near the cave area when the light shifts and the water looks extra clear.

And if you’re traveling with kids or first-timers, this stop is often the one where the repeated boat-to-water moments happen. The important thing is that everyone should follow the crew’s lead on where to jump and how to get in smoothly.

The open bar setup: beers, wine, soft drinks, and the comfort factor

The drink situation is straightforward: it’s an open bar with unlimited ice-cold beers, wine, and soft drinks included in the price.

This matters more than people expect. When the trip includes multiple swim stops, you’re going to get thirsty. Having drinks handled onboard keeps the day from turning into constant cash spending or running after bar lines.

A few helpful ways to use the open bar wisely:

• Drink water too. After snorkeling, you’ll feel it faster than you think.
• Pace the first drink after your first swim so you stay steady in the water.
• If you want something sweet, ice-cold fruity drinks tend to show up during these kinds of cruises—but the only promises here are beers, wine, and soft drinks.

The overall atmosphere on the boat is described as relaxed and fun, with music onboard. That combo—music plus comfortable seating—helps make 3 hours feel like an outing instead of a schedule.

Snorkeling gear and how to make it easy

You get snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles. That’s a big deal for value, because it removes the most common “I forgot something” problem.

Still, give yourself a few minutes to set up properly. One note that comes up is that snorkels can need a little adjustment before they feel right. So don’t wait until you’re halfway at the waterline—test it once you’re ready to go.

If you’re an average snorkeler, you don’t need to “go far.” The goal is to enjoy:

• clear visibility where you can see the bottom or rocks
• the sense of being in a different environment than the beach
• the quick nature moment without turning it into an all-day project

And if you’re not sure you’ll like snorkeling, you’ll still get value from the swimming time at each bay. Snorkeling is an added option, not the whole point.

Boat comfort and group size: why it feels smoother than bigger cruises

This is a 38-foot boat and is licensed for 49 passengers, but the top limit is set at 35 for comfort. That matters because you can actually move, sit where you want, and take breaks from sun when the day gets hot.

Some cruises on Rhodes pack people in hard. Here, the comfort design is part of the reason the cruise earns high marks. People often like having space to walk around and the option to head below deck if wind or sun shifts.

Look for a seat that matches your energy:

• top deck for views
• lower areas when you want shade or a break from wind

Who this cruise is best for (and who should think twice)

This trip fits best if you want a straightforward day at sea with:

• multiple swim chances
• included snorkeling gear
• drinks handled onboard
• a schedule that doesn’t eat your whole day

It’s a great pick for couples and friends who want water time and don’t want to plan each bay separately.

It also works well for families, especially since the stops include different “swim vibes” and noodles are provided for easier floating.

Think twice if you hate the idea of limited time per stop. Two stops are about 30 minutes each, so you won’t get an all-afternoon soak at one location. You’re choosing variety over long beach time.

Should you book this Anthony Quinn Bay and Caves cruise?

I’d book it if your Rhodes plan includes a swim day but you want something more scenic than a single beach. The combination of three swimming stops, a long first highlight at Anthony Quinn Bay, and an onboard open bar makes the value feel real, not just marketing.

Skip it only if you’re looking for a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience with no music and no drinks. This is a fun, social cruise format.

If you can get yourself to Faliraki Harbour smoothly, you’re set. Once you’re onboard, you can focus on the part that counts: swimming, snorkeling, and letting Rhodes look different from the water.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

You should be at Faliraki Harbour, next to the small church, about 10 minutes prior to departure.

Is hotel transfer included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included in the price.

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is 3 hours.

What swim stops are included?

You’ll stop for swimming at Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and the Traganou (Afandou) Caves.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment and swimming noodles are included.

Are drinks included in the price?

Yes. There’s an onboard open bar with unlimited ice-cold beers, wine, and soft drinks.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.