Rhodes: Lindos Cruise with 2 Swim Stops

The best part of this Rhodes to Lindos cruise is the mix of sightseeing and sea time. You are not simply ferried to Lindos and back. You get a 30-minute swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, three hours to explore the village and Acropolis, then another swim at Tsambika Beach.

I like the clean, spacious boat and the useful onboard bar, especially on a long day at sea. I also like the freedom in Lindos: you can climb to the Acropolis, eat at a taverna, shop, or head for the beach without being tied to a guide. The main catch is time. Three hours is workable, but you will need to choose your priorities.

Quick facts for planning your day

• Two swim stops: Jump from the boat into the clear waters of Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Blue Lagoon.
• Three hours in Lindos: Enough for a focused visit to the Acropolis, lunch, and a quick look around, but not everything at a leisurely pace.
• Comfortable boat setup: Three decks, an open sundeck, sunbeds, shaded seating, an air-conditioned area, toilets, WiFi, and floats.
• Reasonable overall cost: At $47 per person, the cruise includes transport by sea, swimming stops, and free time in Lindos. Food, drinks, towels, and Acropolis admission cost extra.
• Arrive early for a sunbed: The limited top-deck loungers are popular. The upper deck is also windy, so bring a light jacket outside the hottest months.
• Simple meeting point: Meet the DISCOVERY boat at Mandraki Port, almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, at least 30 minutes before departure.

Why this cruise works so well for a Lindos day trip

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ essential stops, but reaching it by road can make for a hot, busy day. This cruise gives you a different view of the east coast and breaks up the journey with swims in two attractive bays.

The price is strong for what you get. For $47, you have the boat ride, a full day out, two organized swimming stops, and three hours in Lindos. You still pay for lunch, drinks, and the Acropolis, but the basic outing covers the costly part: getting there and back in a comfortable boat.

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed day with several activities rather than a formal historical tour. The crew gives practical instructions and keeps the schedule moving, but Lindos time is yours. That balance suits couples, families, and anyone who prefers exploring independently.

The boat can feel busy during the popular summer months, though the large vessel offers several seating areas. You will find shade and indoor air conditioning if the sun becomes too strong. The top deck is the place for sunbathing and wide views, but the wind picks up while the boat is moving.

Leaving Mandraki Port for the east coast

The departure point is at Mandraki Port in Rhodes City. Look for the DISCOVERY boat almost opposite the Nea Agora Building, near the Roda bus stop. Plan to arrive 30 minutes early. That matters if you want a good seat, especially one of the limited sunbeds.

Optional hotel pickup is available at selected locations, including hotels in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kremasti, and nearby resort areas. Pickup details are sent by phone or WhatsApp, so enter your number carefully when booking. If you use the transfer, wait at the stated point 10 minutes before pickup. The Rizos Cruises vehicle carries its logo on the windscreen, and drivers wait only two minutes after the scheduled time, although traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes.

Once onboard, you can choose among several decks. The boat has comfortable regular seating, shaded areas, an air-conditioned section, and an open top deck with sunbeds. The sunbeds are a real treat on a full-day cruise, but they are limited and usually claimed early. Some passengers have secured them by arriving around 8 a.m.

Bring a towel because none is supplied. You should also pack swimwear, sunglasses, a sun hat, cash, and snorkeling gear if you have it. Floats are provided, including noodles, and life jackets are available for children according to the practical arrangements described onboard.

Anthony Quinn Bay: your first 30-minute swim

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, reached after a coastal sightseeing cruise of roughly two hours in total. The bay is known for emerald-colored water, rocky edges, and excellent conditions for looking below the surface.

You swim directly from the boat rather than walking onto a beach. That makes the stop feel special, but it also means you should be comfortable using a ladder or jumping into the sea. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask for a noodle or use the available flotation equipment. Families have found the stop manageable, and the crew provides clear instructions before anyone enters the water.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. You have time to cool off, float, and take a look with a mask, but this is not a long snorkeling session. The crew gives warning before arrival, with one useful arrangement being an announcement around 20 minutes before the stop so you can change and prepare.

Keep your belongings secure on the boat while you swim. There is no need to carry a beach bag into the water, and staff clean the boat after the swimming stops. The sea may be calm, but conditions can vary, so follow the crew’s directions and do not treat the stop as an unsupervised beach visit.

After swimming, settle into the shade or find a seat on the upper deck. The coast views are part of the reward here. If you are prone to seasickness, the lower air-conditioned area may be more comfortable than the windy top deck.

Three hours in Lindos, with the Acropolis as the main event

The boat reaches Lindos in just under two hours from departure, including the first cruise section and swim stop. You then have approximately three hours ashore, which is enough for a good first visit if you plan before leaving the boat.

The Acropolis of Lindos is the obvious priority. It sits above the whitewashed village and gives you the views that make Lindos such a memorable stop. Allow time for the uphill walk and the visit itself. The route can be hot, and the climb is not ideal if you are trying to squeeze in a long lunch, beach visit, and extensive shopping as well.

Acropolis admission is not included, so bring extra cash or confirm the current fee before you go. One useful advantage of this cruise is that you can leave bags safely on the boat while exploring. Take only what you need for the climb, especially water, sun protection, and a phone or camera.

Lindos village is compact but full of whitewashed lanes, shops, small courtyards, and places to eat. You can stop at a traditional taverna, walk toward the sandy beach, or have a drink by the bay. The free time is not guided, so you choose the pace and the combination of sights.

My practical plan would be simple:

• Go straight toward the Acropolis if that is your main reason for visiting.
• Return through the village for a short walk and lunch.
• Leave time to find the boat again without rushing.

The village has steep sections and can be confusing on the way back. Keep an eye on the route to the harbor, and do not leave the return point until the last minute. The boat leaves on schedule, and a beautiful lunch is not worth watching your transport disappear.

Three hours divides opinions for a simple reason: it is enough for highlights but not for lingering. You can climb the Acropolis, eat, and see some of Lindos. You probably cannot make a thorough visit to the Acropolis, spend a long stretch on the beach, shop slowly, and enjoy a full meal without keeping one eye on the clock.

I consider that a fair trade for adding two swimming stops. If Lindos is your sole focus, a land tour with more time there may suit you better. If you want Lindos plus a day on the water, the three-hour stop is well judged.

Tsambika Beach and the final swim

On the return journey, the boat makes a second 30-minute swimming stop at Tsambika Beach, often described onboard as the Blue Lagoon. The water is turquoise, and you again enter directly from the boat.

This is a welcome break after the heat of Lindos. By this point, you have had time to climb, walk, eat, and shop, so the swim feels less like a sightseeing stop and more like a reset before the final run to Rhodes.

Music may play while people swim, and floats make it easier to relax without constantly treading water. You can stay aboard if you do not want to swim, using the seating and bar instead. That flexibility matters for families and mixed groups, since not everyone needs to enter the sea at every stop.

As at Anthony Quinn Bay, the 30-minute limit is practical but brief. Change before the boat arrives, listen for the instructions, and be ready to return aboard when called. If you want a full beach afternoon, this is not the right format. If you want two refreshing swims built into a sightseeing day, it works very well.

The boat then continues toward Rhodes Harbor, arriving at approximately 17:30. The full day lasts about eight to eight and a half hours, depending on the selected departure and operating conditions.

Food, drinks, seating, and onboard comfort

You do not need to bring a full packed lunch unless you prefer to. The onboard bar sells cold drinks, cocktails, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food such as sandwiches. A sandwich price of about €3 has been noted, and several passengers found the food and drinks reasonably priced.

That makes the boat useful during the long cruise sections. You can buy breakfast or a snack before reaching Lindos, then eat a proper Greek meal in the village if you want the local setting. I would still carry water and some cash, since food and drinks are not included.

The vessel has toilets, and cleanliness is one of its strongest practical points. The bathrooms are kept in good condition, and the crew cleans the boat after swim stops. There is WiFi onboard, though the main reason to bring a phone is for photos and communication rather than relying on a steady connection at sea.

The lower deck gives you shade and air conditioning. The upper deck gives you sun and open views. Seating outside the sunbeds is available, so you are not shut out if the loungers go early. Still, anyone set on a top-deck lounger should arrive at the port early rather than assume one will remain free.

What the schedule means for different kinds of visitors

This cruise suits you if you want to see Lindos without giving up a day by the sea. Families benefit from the floats, toilets, shade, snacks, and clear instructions. Children who enjoy swimming will likely find the two bay stops more engaging than a long road journey.

It also suits couples who want a simple day with choices. One person can swim while another stays in the shade. In Lindos, you can split up briefly for shopping, the Acropolis, or lunch, then meet back at the boat.

It is less suitable if you want a quiet, small-boat outing. The vessel carries enough people to feel busy at peak times, and the top sunbeds are limited. It is also not ideal if you want a slow archaeological visit. The Acropolis requires a focused plan within the three-hour stop.

The cruise may not suit you if you dislike long periods at sea. The journey to Lindos takes close to two hours, and the return also includes substantial cruising. The boat is comfortable, with snacks and several decks, but it remains a full-day boat trip rather than a quick transfer.

At the beginning and end of the season, pack a light jacket. Even when the sea is warm enough for swimming, the moving boat can feel chilly, especially on the top deck. In summer, bring strong sun protection and expect Lindos to feel hot during the uphill walk.

Price, booking flexibility, and the small extras

At $47 per person, this is good value if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to Lindos and a boat excursion. The price includes the cruise, two swim stops, free time in Lindos, sunbeds, toilets, air conditioning, floats, WiFi, and insurance.

You need to budget separately for the Acropolis entrance, food, drinks, and towels. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the basic price, although pickup is available as an option from selected places. That distinction is worth checking before you book.

Rizos Cruises offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Check the available departure time when booking, since the stated duration is eight to eight and a half hours and the pickup arrangements vary by location.

The overall rating is 4.6 from 1,404 ratings, which fits the main pattern of the day: strong organization, a clean boat, friendly service, and excellent swim stops, with the most common reservation being that Lindos time could be longer.

Should you book the Rhodes Lindos cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want the best mix of Lindos sightseeing and swimming for one day. The boat is comfortable, the crew keeps the timing clear, and the bar, shade, toilets, and floats make the long day easier.

Arrive early if you want a sunbed. Plan the Acropolis first, keep an eye on the return time, and bring a jacket outside the main summer season. Choose another option only if you want a much longer visit to Lindos, a quieter small-group boat, or a full day focused on swimming rather than combining several activities.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. If you use optional hotel pickup, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

How long do I get in Lindos?

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

Are the swimming stops suitable for less confident swimmers?

Floats, including swimming noodles, are available, and life jackets are available for children. You should still follow the crew’s instructions and choose the option that feels safe for you.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The onboard bar sells drinks, coffee, snacks, ice cream, and simple food, but you pay separately. Food and drinks in Lindos also cost extra.

Is the Acropolis entrance fee included?

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