Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

Lindos looks even better from the water. This full-day boat trip pairs the whitewashed village and Acropolis of Lindos with two refreshing swims at Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika. I especially like the clean, spacious boat, the friendly crew, and the fact that you can choose between sun, shade, air conditioning, or a comfortable seat at the onboard bar.

The main compromise is time. Three hours in Lindos is enough for the Acropolis, a meal, and a quick walk through town, but you will need to keep an eye on the clock. The boat journey also takes close to two hours each way, and the top-deck sunbeds are limited, so arriving early matters.

Key points to know before booking

• Anthony Quinn Bay comes first: You get about 30 minutes to swim from the boat in clear emerald water surrounded by rocky coves.
• Lindos time is self-guided: Three hours gives you freedom to visit the Acropolis, wander the lanes, eat, shop, or use the beach.
• Tsambika is the return highlight: The second 30-minute swim takes place at the Blue Lagoon area near Tsambika Beach.
• The boat is made for a long day: Expect several decks, an open sundeck, sunbeds, shade, an air-conditioned area, toilets, WiFi, floats, and a snack bar.
• Sunbeds go quickly: Get to Mandraki Port early if you want one. They are popular, uncovered, and can feel windy while the boat is moving.
• The $47 price is strong value: The fare includes the cruise, both swim stops, and Lindos free time, but not food, drinks, towels, or Acropolis admission.

Leaving Rhodes from Mandraki Port

The boat departs from Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, near the Roda bus stop. You are asked to arrive about 30 minutes early, with morning arrival generally falling between 8:00 and 8:30.

That early start is useful for two reasons. First, it gives you time to find the boat without a rushed start. Second, it improves your chance of getting a good seat. Several sunbeds sit on the top deck, but they are limited. The rest of the boat has regular seating, with shaded and enclosed areas, so arriving late does not mean standing all day.

If you book an optional hotel transfer, wait at your pickup point 10 minutes before the stated time. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen, and drivers wait only two minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes, so stay at the pickup point rather than assuming the vehicle has been missed.

Once aboard, you can settle in for the first stretch along Rhodes’ east coast. The journey to Lindos takes just under two hours, broken by the first swim stop. You will see plenty of coastline from the deck, but this is not a guided sightseeing tour packed with commentary. It is better suited to you if you like a relaxed boat ride and the freedom to choose how you spend your time.

Swimming at Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop, reached after roughly 45 minutes of sailing. The boat pauses for around 30 minutes, giving you time to change, get into the water, and enjoy a swim without sacrificing your main visit to Lindos.

The bay is famous for its emerald water and rocky surroundings. You enter from the boat rather than walking onto a beach, which gives this stop a more active feel. If you like snorkeling, bring your own gear. The cruise supplies floats, including noodle-style floats that can help if you are not a confident swimmer. Life jackets are also available for children.

The crew gives notice before the stop, which makes it easier to prepare instead of searching for swimwear at the last second. You can leave bags on the boat while you swim, but keep valuables secure and bring only what you need to the rail.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. I would treat Anthony Quinn Bay as a refreshing break, not a long beach session. The stop works best if you are ready when the boat arrives. Put on swimwear before departure, or use the boat’s toilets to change, and have sunglasses and a towel close by.

The long ride to Lindos

After Anthony Quinn Bay, the boat continues for about 70 minutes toward Lindos. This is the longest uninterrupted sailing period of the day, so your choice of seat matters.

The open top deck offers the best sun and views, but it can be windy when the boat is moving. A light jacket is sensible at the beginning and end of the season, and even summer visitors may appreciate one if they plan to sit outside for hours. The lower air-conditioned area gives you a break from heat and wind, while shaded seating on the other decks works well if you want fresh air without full sun.

The onboard bar helps make the journey easier. You can buy cold drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and simple food such as sandwiches and toasties. Prices are described as reasonable, with sandwiches available for around €3. Food is not included, so this is a useful option if you do not want to bring lunch from Rhodes.

The boat has toilets, and the crew keeps them and the main seating areas clean. That matters on an eight to eight-and-a-half-hour day. You will also find WiFi, though the quality of any connection at sea can vary, so bring a book, headphones, or something else for the longer sailing sections.

Three free hours in Lindos

The boat reaches Lindos after roughly two hours from Rhodes, including the first swim stop. You then have about three hours to explore independently. This is the heart of the excursion, but you should decide what matters most before stepping ashore.

Lindos is compact in appearance but not effortless underfoot. The whitewashed lanes lead uphill toward the Acropolis, and the climb can be hot. If you want the famous views and ancient site, head there early in your three-hour window rather than leaving it until the final hour.

The Acropolis of Lindos is the obvious priority for first-time visitors. Admission is extra, and the cruise does not include the fee. The uphill route can be demanding in strong sun, so wear sensible shoes, carry water, and allow enough time to return to the harbor. One useful warning: Lindos’ lanes can be confusing, and the boat will leave on time. Give yourself a generous margin to find your way back.

After the Acropolis, you can spend the remaining time walking through the whitewashed streets, browsing shops, eating in a taverna, or relaxing at the sandy beach. You probably cannot do everything at a leisurely pace. A visit to the Acropolis, lunch, shopping, and beach time is possible only with efficient planning.

Some people will find three hours just right. It is enough for the main sights and a meal without turning the day into a rushed march. I would prefer another 30 minutes, especially if you want both the Acropolis and a proper swim or lunch. Families should also allow extra time for the uphill walk and for children to cool down.

The boat remains available for your belongings while you explore, which means you do not need to carry every bag around Lindos. Still, take your essentials with you, including cash, sun protection, and water. Food and drinks at the boat are not included, and you will need money for the Acropolis and anything you buy in town.

Returning by sea and stopping at Tsambika

The return sailing begins after your Lindos time, with about 50 minutes before the next swimming stop. This section gives you a chance to rest after walking through town. It is also a good reason to return to the boat well before the departure time rather than trying to squeeze in one last shop.

The final stop is at Tsambika Beach, described as the Blue Lagoon. You again swim directly from the boat for about 30 minutes in turquoise water. The two stops feel different in the rhythm of the day: Anthony Quinn Bay breaks up the outward journey, while Tsambika gives you a cool finish after the heat of Lindos.

Music may be played during the swim stops, and floats are available. The crew cleans the boat after people return from the water, helping keep the decks comfortable for the final hour back to Rhodes.

The final sailing takes about an hour, with arrival at Rhodes Harbor around 17:30. If you are prone to seasickness, sit closer to the center of the boat, avoid reading while moving, and use the open air when possible. The boat is described as stable, but wind and sea conditions can still affect how the ride feels.

Boat comfort, seating, and onboard service

The boat is one of the strongest parts of this trip. You get several decks and seating areas rather than one crowded open platform. There are sunbeds on the top deck, ordinary seats in other areas, shaded spaces, and an air-conditioned section below.

The sunbeds are a real bonus if you want to stretch out, but they are not guaranteed. Arrive early if they matter to you. They have no shade and can be breezy, so bring a hat that will not blow away and a light layer for the moving sections.

The bar sells drinks, coffee, cocktails, snacks, ice cream, and simple food. This saves you from carrying a full picnic, though bringing water and a few preferred snacks is still sensible. Towels are not provided, so pack one. Sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, cash, and snorkeling equipment are also useful.

The crew’s organization earns praise for good reason. Instructions about swimming, Lindos departure time, and transfers are clearly given. Staff are described as friendly and helpful, including with children, and the boat is cleaned after swimming. That kind of practical care matters more than polished entertainment on a full-day outing.

Is $47 a fair price?

At $47 per person, this is a strong-value way to combine transport to Lindos with two scenic swims. A separate trip to Lindos would still require arranging transport, and you would not automatically get the boat ride, onboard seating, or swim stops.

The price does not include the Acropolis entrance fee, food, drinks, or towels. You should budget for those extras. Even so, the fare covers eight to eight-and-a-half hours, a well-equipped boat, free time in one of Rhodes’ essential sights, and two stops in attractive bays.

The value is best if you plan to swim. If you only want to reach Lindos and spend several hours sightseeing, a land transfer may give you more time in the village. If you want a full day that mixes history, coastline, swimming, and a little sunbathing, this cruise makes better sense.

Who should book this Lindos cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and solo visitors who enjoy variety. You get history at the Acropolis, independent wandering in Lindos, and easy access to the sea without changing hotels or organizing several separate outings.

It is also a good choice for families. The boat has shade, air conditioning, toilets, snacks, floats, and space to move around. The swimming stops feel manageable because they last about 30 minutes rather than requiring a long open-water session.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat rides, need a quiet and private setting, or want a slow day in Lindos. The sailing sections are substantial, and the top-deck sunbeds are limited. Anyone with mobility concerns should also consider the uphill route to the Acropolis and the uneven lanes in Lindos before booking.

Practical booking details

The experience is offered in English and Greek, with optional pickup from selected hotels and meeting points. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included unless you select that option.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve now while paying later. Check the available start time when booking, since the total duration is listed as eight to eight-and-a-half hours.

At the port, look for the DISCOVERY boat near the Nea Agora Building and arrive early. At the end of the day, drop-off is available at selected Rhodes hotels and cruise operators, depending on the option you choose.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want Lindos without giving up a proper swim day. The clean boat, helpful crew, onboard café, floats, shade, and two well-placed swimming stops make the $47 fare unusually useful.

Skip it if Lindos is your only priority and you want more than three hours there. For most people, though, the mix works well: swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, climb to the Acropolis, eat or wander in Lindos, then cool off at Tsambika before returning to Rhodes. Arrive early, bring a towel and light jacket, and protect your Lindos time by heading back to the boat before the last few minutes.

FAQ

Where does the Lindos cruise depart from?

It departs from Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, near the Roda bus stop.

How long is the cruise?

The full experience lasts about eight to eight-and-a-half hours. Return to Rhodes Harbor is expected at approximately 17:30.

How much free time do I get in Lindos?

You get about three hours of free time. You can visit the Acropolis, walk through the village, eat at a taverna, shop, or relax at the beach.

Are the swimming stops included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop of about 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and another swimming stop of about 30 minutes at Tsambika Blue Lagoon.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunglasses, a sun hat, cash, and snorkeling gear. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season, and you may want one on the breezy top deck.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase at the onboard bar. The menu includes cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food such as sandwiches.