Catching fish and eating them is the whole point. On this Rhodes Town cruise from Mandraki Harbor, I like the traditional fishing boat vibe and the hands-on crew help that keeps things fun. Best part is the freshly caught fish BBQ served right after you fish. One thing to consider: you’re out on the water for about 5 hours, so if you get seasick, plan for it.

This trip also has a proper water break. You’ll get a swim stop and then snorkel in a secluded cove, with snorkeling equipment provided so you’re not scrambling for gear.

You meet at Mandraki Harbor near church Evangelismos (kiosk 2, Makarounas). With a boat that carries up to 12 people and a crew that pitches in for both adults and kids, it’s the kind of outing that feels low-stress and social, not hectic.

Key things I’d plan around

• Small group on a 10.5-meter boat (up to 12 people), so you spend more time doing things
• Angelo and the captain teach fishing hands-on, even if you’ve never tried before
• BBQ lunch includes fish plus Greek sides and drinks, with options like chicken or vegetarian
• Swim stop plus snorkeling in a secluded cove, and gear is included
• On-board comforts matter: there’s a toilet, and the crew manages the whole flow for you

Where this Rhodes Town fishing trip starts: Mandraki Harbor

Most big tours out of Rhodes Town move fast and then dump you back in the city. This one starts at Mandraki Harbor at church Evangelismos, at kiosk 2 for Makarounas. That’s useful because you can find it without guessing, and you’ll be on the water quickly.

The boat is a 10.5-meter traditional fishing vessel with room for up to 12 people. That size is a real part of the experience. With a smaller group, the crew can actually spend time with you while you’re fishing, and you’re not watching everything from the edge of a crowd.

The boat experience: seating, comfort, and time on the water

Once you’re aboard, you settle in for the day’s rhythm: fish, sail between spots, eat, then swim and snorkel. The layout is designed for a working fishing boat, but you still get an easy, comfortable seating area rather than “stand the whole time.”

One practical bonus: there’s a toilet on board. It sounds minor until you’re on a 5-hour outing and you realize you won’t be planning your day around bathroom breaks.

The boat is also set up for gear and crew movement. That matters when you’re learning fishing basics, because you need room to handle the rod, bait, and line without feeling like you’re in the way.

Fishing lessons that actually help you catch something

Here’s the best reason to do this trip even if you’ve never fished: the crew shows you what to do, step by step, instead of tossing you a rod and hoping for the best.

Angelo is the name that comes up again and again for guiding people through fishing. He’s the type who keeps things light, but he also helps with real problem moments. In a sport where tangles happen fast, having someone who can quickly get you back on track is huge.

You’ll fish in productive areas around Rhodes. Even if your catch is accidental, it still counts as experience—because you’re learning two practical methods of fishing during the day, not just one.

What you should expect to learn:

• how the bait goes on the hook
• how to hold the rod comfortably
• how to reel in steadily without turning your line into a knot

If you catch fish, you’ll get a chance to see what you caught and what it is. If you don’t, you’re still learning technique, and the crew keeps helping so you don’t sit there feeling useless.

The BBQ lunch: fish meal with Greek sides and real choices

This is not a snacky “lunch later” situation. The crew cooks on board, and you eat while the day is still unfolding.

You’ll enjoy a meal built around freshly caught fish, prepared on the grill. It comes with Greek salad and garlic bread, plus inclusive drinks.

There are also food options for people who don’t want fish every time:

• chicken as an alternative
• a vegetarian option
• and if you have restrictions, you can communicate those ahead of time so the meal matches your needs

This matters because it makes the tour feel flexible for mixed groups—especially families. And there’s another practical detail: if someone can’t eat the fish on the boat for any reason, you may be able to have it wrapped to take away.

Swim stop and snorkeling in a secluded cove

The second half is where the water time ramps up. After fishing and lunch, you’ll head to a swim and snorkeling area described as a secluded cove—exactly the kind of place that’s calmer and more protected than open beach swimming.

You’re not sent out with guesswork. The crew provides what you need:

• masks
• life jackets
• and even underwater camera gear in some cases (so you can actually bring home underwater images)

You should expect to see lots of marine life close up. It’s the normal magic of snorkeling in the Mediterranean: fish moving through clear water, plus underwater features you’d miss if you only stayed on the surface.

One consideration: the water can feel cool depending on the season. If you’re sensitive to cold, you might want to wear a rash guard or plan for a shorter swim and focus on snorkeling rather than long floating.

Crew dynamics: Angelo, Vassilis, the captain, and Mike

A huge part of why this trip scores high is the personalities on board. Angelo is often the face you’ll notice first, mixing instruction with humor and stepping in when lines tangle or when someone needs encouragement.

The captain runs the boat with the steady, hands-on approach you want on open water. Vassilis is also part of the team, helping with both the fishing guidance and the cooking side of the day. Mike is another name that shows up as part of the behind-the-scenes effort that keeps everything moving—especially during the grilling and general support.

There’s also a small but memorable touch: when people catch fish, the crew may make a simple souvenir using captured images and a shell. Nothing flashy, but it helps turn “we caught something” into a little keepsake you’ll remember later.

Price and value: what $76 buys you in real life

At $76 per person for a 5-hour outing, you’re paying for more than the boat ride. You’re also paying for:

• fishing gear
• inclusive food and drinks
• hands-on crew help for beginners and experienced fishers alike
• snorkeling and swim setup (with gear provided)
• a cooked meal created on the spot using your day’s catch

If you’ve ever done a boat tour where you pay for transportation but then still end up buying lunch separately, this feels different. The value comes from the fact that the food is part of the experience, not an add-on.

It also helps that the group size is small. When fewer people share the same crew time, you get more instruction, more attention during fishing, and smoother transitions from fishing to lunch to water time.

What to bring (and what to think about before you go)

I like this trip because it’s straightforward: you just show up and do the day. Still, a few practical items make it more comfortable.

Bring:

• swimwear and a towel
• sunscreen (you’re out on the water, and you’ll still get sun even on cloudy days)
• water shoes or sandals you can wear around a boat
• a light layer for when the wind picks up during sailing

Think about sea sickness:

• If you’re prone to it, take precautions ahead of time. Some people manage fine with tablets and planning, and it can make the whole trip way more enjoyable.

Also plan your expectations:

• You might catch fish, and you might not. The trip isn’t built on a guarantee. It’s built on the experience of learning, trying, and enjoying the ride and meal no matter what happens with the line.

Who this trip is best for

This outing fits best when you want a mix of active and relaxing, without needing special skills.

It’s a great choice for:

• couples who want something more interesting than a beach day
• families with kids who can handle gear provided by the crew
• beginners who want real help, not just a tour explanation
• people who like good food that’s connected to what you’re doing

If your idea of a perfect vacation is sitting quietly all day with no movement, you may feel too active. But if you like hands-on fun—fishing, then water time—this is well matched.

Should you book this Rhodes Town fishing boat trip?

I’d book it if you want an authentic-feeling boat day built around three things: fishing instruction, a real onboard BBQ fish meal, and swim plus snorkeling in a calmer cove.

I’d think twice if sea conditions and time on open water make you uncomfortable. For anyone who gets seasick, you can still go—just plan like you mean it.

If you’re on Rhodes Town and you’re looking for something that’s not just sightseeing, this one gives you a full experience in 5 hours: do the fishing, eat what you catch, and spend the afternoon in the water with gear provided. That’s a strong value for the money, and it’s the kind of day that’s easier to remember than another photo stop.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Town fishing boat trip?

The trip lasts about 5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes a fresh fish meal, all-inclusive food and drinks, fishing gear, and assistance from the crew for both kids and adults. Snorkeling and the swim stops are part of the experience as well.

Do I need experience fishing to join?

No. The crew helps you with bait and how to fish, and they guide you even if you have never fished before.

What language is the crew or driver?

The crew provides English and Greek.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. The tour provides snorkeling equipment such as masks and life jackets, and you’ll have what you need to snorkel at the cove.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Mandraki harbor, church Evangelismos, kiosk 2 Makarounas.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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