Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

Lindos is the star here, but the two swim stops turn a simple boat ride into a full day by the sea. You get about three hours in Lindos, enough for the Acropolis, lunch, and a quick look around, then return to Rhodes by way of Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika.

I like the clean, spacious boat, the useful snack bar, and the friendly crew who give clear warnings before each swim stop. I also like the freedom in Lindos: no guide hurrying you from one sight to the next. The main drawback is time. Three hours sounds generous, but Lindos can swallow it quickly, especially if you want the Acropolis, the beach, and lunch.

Key points

• Two boat swim stops: Spend about 30 minutes in the clear waters of Anthony Quinn Bay and another 30 minutes at Tsambika Blue Lagoon.
• Three hours in Lindos: Set your own plan, from the Acropolis to the beach, shops, and tavernas.
• A clean, spacious boat: Choose from several decks, shaded seating, an air-conditioned area, toilets, WiFi, floats, and sunbeds.
• Top-deck sunbeds go early: They are limited and popular, so arrive well before departure if you want one.
• Good onboard value: The bar serves cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, ice cream, snacks, and sandwiches, including sandwiches priced around €3.
• Rhodes City departure: Meet the DISCOVERY boat at Mandraki Port, near the Nea Agora Building, about 30 minutes before departure.

Why this Rhodes cruise works so well

At $47 per person, this is a strong-value way to combine Rhodes sightseeing with a full day on the water. You are not paying for a private boat or a small guided group. This is a larger shared cruise, but the price includes the crossing, two scenic swim stops, sunbeds, onboard facilities, and free time in Lindos.

I especially like the balance. The outward journey gives you time to settle into the boat and watch the east coast pass by. Lindos provides the main cultural stop. The return journey breaks up the ride with swimming in two famous bays.

The boat trip lasts about 8 to 8.5 hours in total. That makes it a long day, but it also saves you from arranging separate transport to Lindos, finding parking, and planning your own return. Optional hotel transfers are available for selected pickup points, though the basic price does not include hotel pickup or drop-off.

This suits you best if you want a relaxed day with some sightseeing, rather than a detailed guided tour of Lindos. If your main goal is to study every corner of the Acropolis, you may want a land-based excursion with more time at the site. If you want scenery, swimming, food, and a taste of Lindos in one day, the format works very well.

Finding the DISCOVERY boat at Mandraki Port

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, near the Roda bus stop. You should arrive about 30 minutes early, especially if you want a good seat or one of the limited sunbeds.

The cruise offers several seating areas across three decks. The top deck is the place for open air and sun, but it can be windy while the boat is moving. Bring a light jacket at the beginning or end of the season, even if the day feels warm at the port.

The boat has plenty of ordinary seating, shaded areas, and an air-conditioned lower section. That matters on the long ride to Lindos, which takes just under two hours according to the schedule. You do not have to spend the whole time in direct sun.

Optional transfers serve a list of hotels and local pickup points, including properties around Rhodes City, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kremasti, and nearby resorts. If you book a transfer, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes early. The operator asks for a correct phone number so the driver can contact you by call or WhatsApp. Drivers wait only about two minutes after the scheduled time, although traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes.

The ride along Rhodes east coast

Once the boat leaves Rhodes, the first part of the trip is a sightseeing cruise of about 45 minutes. This is a pleasant way to begin, though you should bring something to read or listen to if long boat rides are not your thing.

The vessel is large enough to provide room for different kinds of passengers. You can sit quietly in the shade, claim a sunbed, order a drink, or move around to take in the coast. Several people found the boat stable and comfortable, but the top deck becomes breezy at speed.

The onboard bar is practical rather than fancy. You can buy cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, ice cream, snacks, and simple food. Sandwiches have been available for around €3, and prices for drinks and snacks are generally considered reasonable. Bringing cash is still wise, as it is listed among the recommended items.

The crew gives clear instructions about the route and timing. Before the swim stops, you are told when to get ready, with one useful update coming about 20 minutes before a stop. After swimming, the crew cleans the boat before continuing. That small detail helps keep the shared spaces pleasant during a long day.

Anthony Quinn Bay: your first 30-minute swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop, reached after the opening cruise. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to enter the water directly from the vessel.

The bay is known for clear emerald water and rocky surroundings. It is a good place to bring snorkeling gear, although snorkeling equipment is not included. You can also use the floats provided onboard. Noodles are available for people who are less confident in the water, and life jackets are provided for children.

This is not a beach stop where you walk ashore. You swim from the boat, so you should be comfortable using a ladder or entering the water from the vessel. The crew provides guidance and keeps the stop organized, but parents should still keep a close eye on children.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. You will have enough time for a refreshing swim and a little floating, but not for a long snorkeling session. I would have your swimsuit on under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. The boat normally gives you advance notice, so you do not need to scramble at the last second.

Three hours in Lindos

After another stretch of coastal cruising, the boat reaches Lindos. You get approximately three hours of free time, which is the heart of the excursion.

Lindos is compact but busy, with whitewashed lanes, shops, tavernas, a sandy beach, and the Acropolis rising above the village. From the harbor area, you can make your own plan. You might head uphill to the Acropolis first, eat afterward, and finish with time by the sea. Or you might skip the archaeological site and keep the day slower.

The Acropolis is worth prioritizing if this is your first visit. The climb is exposed and can feel very hot, so wear sensible shoes, carry water, and start early in your free-time window. The approach includes a steep hill, and the walk can be demanding if you have trouble with hills or heat.

Three hours is enough to see the main sights if you stay organized. It can also feel short. The Acropolis, lunch, shopping, and the beach all compete for the same block of time. You should not assume you can do everything at a leisurely pace.

A useful trick is to leave unnecessary bags on the boat, where storage is available, rather than carrying them up to the Acropolis. Keep valuables with you, and make sure you know exactly where and when to return. The boat leaves on schedule, and Lindos has enough winding lanes to make a wrong turn costly.

There is no guided walking tour included, so you can explore at your own pace. That freedom is a major advantage if you already know what you want to see. It is less helpful if you prefer someone to explain the Acropolis or point out the best photo spots.

For food, Lindos gives you plenty of choice, from a quick snack to a traditional Greek meal. Prices and menus vary, so use your time wisely. If you want a proper lunch and the Acropolis, do not spend the first hour browsing every shop.

Tsambika Blue Lagoon on the way back

The final swim takes place at Tsambika Beach, described on the cruise as the Blue Lagoon. The boat stops for about 30 minutes, allowing you to enter the turquoise water straight from the boat.

This second stop is a welcome break after the heat and walking in Lindos. You can cool off, use a float, or simply sit on deck and watch the water. Music may play during the stop, adding a more social holiday mood.

As at Anthony Quinn Bay, the time is fixed. If you want a long swim, you may find both stops brief. The benefit is that the cruise keeps moving and still gets you back to Rhodes at about 17:30.

The return sailing takes about an hour after the Tsambika stop, though the full schedule includes coastal cruising between the main sections. The sea breeze feels especially good after Lindos, and you can choose a shaded seat or the open deck for the ride back.

Sunbeds, shade, and onboard comfort

The open sundeck with sunbeds is one of the most popular features. It gives you a proper place to stretch out, rather than sitting upright for the whole journey.

There are only a limited number of sunbeds, and they are not shaded. Arriving early is the best way to claim one. If you arrive by transfer, you may not reach the boat early enough to secure a top-deck lounger. Ordinary seating remains available, and there is shade throughout the boat, so missing a sunbed does not ruin the day.

The boat has toilets, an air-conditioned area, WiFi, and enough space to avoid feeling trapped in one place. The toilets are kept clean, which matters on an 8-hour outing. Families may also appreciate the floats and child life jackets at the swim stops.

Bring your own towel. Towels are not included. Sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, cash, and snorkeling gear are also sensible additions. A light jacket is useful outside the hottest part of summer because the top deck can feel cool when the boat is moving.

Who should book this cruise

I would choose this trip for a couple, family, or small group that wants to see Lindos without giving up a day at sea. It works particularly well for families because the day has clear stages: boat ride, swim, Lindos, swim, return.

Children who enjoy swimming should have a good time, and the floats help less confident swimmers. Still, the boat ride is long, and three hours in Lindos includes heat and uphill walking. Parents should plan for sun protection, water, and a realistic Acropolis schedule.

This is also a good fit if you prefer independent exploring. You are not tied to a guide in Lindos, and you can choose the Acropolis, beach, lunch, or shopping. On the other hand, you will need to manage your own time and get back to the boat promptly.

I would not choose it if you dislike shared excursions, want a quiet private boat, or need several hours at the Acropolis alone. The cruise can feel busy, particularly around the best sunbeds, and the main swim stops are short.

Practical value at $47

The price is fair because it covers a lot of ground in one day. You get a coastal cruise, two scenic swims, transport to Lindos, three hours of free time, onboard seating, sunbeds, toilets, WiFi, air conditioning, floats, and insurance.

You still need to budget for food and drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and the Acropolis entrance fee. Those extras are easy to overlook. The onboard bar helps keep spending under control, with simple food and snacks available without leaving your seat.

The real value is convenience. A separate trip to Lindos would require transport planning, and adding two organized swim stops would be difficult on your own. At this price, the cruise offers a straightforward way to join the island’s most popular sights with little planning.

The free cancellation policy allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Dates can be affected by weather or low demand, however. One past departure was moved by a day because of poor conditions according to the operator, so keep a little flexibility if your schedule allows.

Should you book the Lindos cruise?

Book it if you want Lindos plus two beautiful swims in one well-organized day. The clean boat, friendly crew, reasonable snack bar, clear timing, and comfortable seating make the long outing easier than it might sound.

Arrive early for a sunbed, bring a jacket outside high summer, wear your swimsuit under your clothes, and decide in advance whether the Acropolis or the beach matters more to you. Three hours is workable, but not luxurious.

If you accept the shared-boat format and manage your time in Lindos, this is one of the better-value ways to combine Rhodes sightseeing and sea time.

FAQ

How long does the Lindos cruise last?

The experience lasts about 8 to 8.5 hours. The boat is scheduled to return to Rhodes Harbor at approximately 17:30.

Where does the boat leave from?

The main meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, near the Roda bus stop.

How early should I arrive?

You should arrive at the meeting point about 30 minutes before departure. Early arrival is especially useful if you want a top-deck sunbed.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional for selected hotels and locations. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the basic cruise price. If you book a transfer, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes early.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Lindos. You can visit the Acropolis, walk through the village, eat at a taverna, shop, or spend time on the beach.

Are Acropolis entrance fees included?

No. The Acropolis entrance fee is not included in the cruise price.

How long are the swimming stops?

The stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about 30 minutes. The stop at Tsambika Beach also lasts about 30 minutes.

Can I use floats during the swim stops?

Yes. Floats are provided onboard, including noodles for people who want extra support in the water. Life jackets are available for children.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to buy at the onboard bar. The bar serves cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, cash, and snorkeling gear if you want to explore the water. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season or when sitting on the windy top deck.