Rhodes: Gulet Trip with Food, Drinks, SUP, Kayak & Swimming

Bring swimwear, then let Rhodes slow you down. This six-hour El Greco gulet cruise combines three good things in one outing: beautiful eastern-coast scenery, plenty of time in the water, and a generous Greek lunch with unlimited soft drinks and wine. I especially like the free SUP, kayaking, and snorkeling at Fun Island, plus the relaxed pace that gives you repeated chances to swim rather than one rushed stop. The main drawback is that popular sunbeds and outdoor spots go quickly, and the boat can feel crowded on busy days.

At $104 per person, this is a strong value if you plan to use the water equipment and eat aboard. Beer, cocktails, slushies, and some other drinks cost extra, but water, soft drinks, juices, and local wine are included. Arrive early if you want a bean bag or sunbed, and bring serious sunscreen.

The five details that shape your day

• Three swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Fun Island at Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs break up the sailing with regular time in the water.
• A traditional wooden gulet: El Greco gives the outing a more characterful feel than a plain modern ferry.
• Two hours at Fun Island: This is the main activity stop, with SUP boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and platforms.
• Greek food served aboard: Expect a homemade-style lunch, morning treats, seasonal fruit, salad, and drinks throughout the day.
• Early arrival matters: Several people found that arriving about an hour before departure gave them the best choice of sunbeds and shaded seats.
• Not designed for every visitor: The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the trip requires getting in and out of the water for the full benefit.

Starting beside Mandraki Harbor

You meet the crew opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki Port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco, a useful landmark among the harbor boats.

The cruise lasts about six hours, with a morning departure and an afternoon return. The first 90 minutes are mostly scenic sailing, so this is not simply a transfer from one beach to another. You have time to settle on deck, photograph the coast, and watch Rhodes recede behind you.

The boat has sunbeds, bean bags, shaded areas, and indoor seating. The exact spot you get depends heavily on when you arrive. If lying on the upper deck is part of your plan, arrive around an hour early. Arriving only 20 or 25 minutes before departure may leave you with an indoor chair and table instead.

That detail matters because you spend several hours aboard. Families and couples who care more about the swimming than the seat may not mind. Sun worshippers should treat the early arrival as part of the plan, not an optional extra.

Sailing the eastern coast for 90 minutes

The opening cruise lets you enjoy the coast without a guide rushing you from one attraction to the next. It is a good time to take photographs, find a shaded corner, and have the morning treats served by the crew.

The boat carries music, and the mood leans toward a relaxed day at sea rather than a formal sightseeing program. Crew members speak English and Greek, and the staff are repeatedly praised for being friendly, attentive, and focused on safety. Names such as Nikos and Stephanos have earned special thanks for their helpful approach.

Keep expectations in the right place. This is not a detailed archaeology or architecture tour, and the main attraction is the coast itself. You are paying for time on the water, swimming access, food, and equipment, not a long lecture about every headland.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a short first swim

The first stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the prettiest coves on this route. Green vegetation surrounds the bay, and the water takes on a strong emerald color. It makes an excellent first swim and photo stop.

You get about 40 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. That is enough to cool off, look beneath the surface, and enjoy the setting, but not enough for a slow beach afternoon. The boat-based format is important: you are swimming from the gulet rather than settling onto a broad sandy shore.

If you prefer clear water, rocky coves, and a quick swim, this stop should please you. If you want to stretch out on land, browse a beach café, or walk along the coast, it will feel brief. Bring swim shoes if rocky entries bother your feet, though the supplied information does not specify the exact entry conditions.

The crew provides swimming noodles, according to one detailed account, which can help less confident swimmers relax in the water. Still, this is an active sea outing. You should be comfortable entering the water from the boat or choose another activity that keeps you aboard.

Ladiko Bay and the two-hour Fun Island stop

The centerpiece is Fun Island, a floating water area at Ladiko Bay that can be reached only by El Greco Gulet. You stay here for about two hours, giving you far more time than at the other swim stops.

This is where the $104 price begins to make sense. You can use the SUP boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment without a separate activity charge. Floating sofas and platforms give you a place to rest between swims, so you can make the stop as active or lazy as you like.

I would plan this part in rounds:

• Start with a swim and a look underwater.
• Try a kayak or SUP before the equipment gets busy.
• Rest on the floating sofas with a cold soft drink or wine.
• Return to the water for another swim before lunch.

The activity equipment is shared, and on especially busy departures the demand can be high. One person noted that some SUP boards needed more air, while another advised asking for a fin because the boards may not always be set up with one. These are small practical points, but they can save you time.

Snorkeling is included, though no special marine life sightings are promised. Think of it as a chance to explore the clear water around the boat, not a dedicated wildlife expedition. The crew may also show you small caves around the bay, adding a bit of discovery to the stop.

Lunch on the gulet

Lunch is served during the long Ladiko stop or around the later stops, depending on the day’s running order. The food is traditional Greek and usually includes Greek salad, seasonal fruit, and generous portions of prepared dishes.

Examples mentioned include chicken, gigantes-style beans, stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice, salad, bread, and tzatziki. A later fruit service adds something fresh after the main meal. Morning pastries, including feta pastries, are also served, which is a pleasant surprise if you arrive expecting only lunch.

The strongest point here is quantity. You are unlikely to need a separate lunch before or during the cruise. Soft drinks, water, juices, and wine are available throughout the day, making the included package useful for families and anyone who does not need beer or spirits.

Food preferences deserve a little planning. The lunch can suit vegans and non-vegans, but you need to tell the operator in advance about allergies, intolerances, or general health concerns. Vegetarian food has not always appeared automatically, so do not wait until the serving line to explain what you need.

One detailed account found the food less appealing than expected, while most of the available comments praise its taste and generous portions. That is a fair warning: Greek boat food is hearty and home-style, not a restaurant tasting menu. If you are a very selective eater, bring your expectations down to earth. You are not allowed to bring your own food or drinks aboard, so notify the crew ahead of time if you have dietary needs.

Kallithea Springs: architecture from the water

The final swimming stop is Kallithea Springs, where the scenery changes from secluded coves to a place known for its architecture and thermal-water setting. You get about 30 minutes for photographs, swimming, snorkeling, and local snacks.

This is the shortest stop, so use it for a quick swim and a look around rather than expecting a full visit to the springs complex. The appeal is the contrast: after the floating platforms and water sports at Ladiko, Kallithea offers a more architectural finish.

The stop is also a useful final break before the return sailing. After several hours in the sun, another chance to cool off can make the ride back more comfortable. If you are tired, you can simply stay aboard and enjoy the view.

What the six-hour rhythm feels like

The route is well spaced for people who do not want to sit dry on a boat all day. You usually get a swim after a stretch of sailing, then time to dry off, eat, and settle back into the cruise.

That rhythm suits families, couples, teenagers, and mixed-age groups. One person described the trip as suitable from about age eight upward, though the supplied information does not set a formal minimum age. Children need to be comfortable around open water, and parents should keep an eye on them during the SUP and kayak activities.

The trip is also a good fit if your ideal holiday day includes very little planning. You do not need to reserve separate water sports, find a lunch stop, or carry drinks. The crew handles the food service and equipment, while you decide how much energy to spend.

The tradeoff is shared space. Early arrivers may claim the best bean bags or sunbeds, and people do not always move around enough to share them. On busy summer departures, the food service and water equipment can feel crowded. If personal space is a high priority, a smaller private boat would be a better match, though likely at a higher cost.

Is $104 good value?

For six hours, the price covers a lot: a gulet cruise, three swim stops, a traditional lunch, morning treats, fruit, unlimited soft drinks, water, wine, SUP use, kayaking, snorkeling gear, and floating platforms.

I see the best value for people who will use at least two of the water activities and appreciate having lunch and drinks included. A family can also benefit because soft drinks are available all day and the meal is substantial.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet boat ride and do not drink wine or use the equipment. You may still enjoy the scenery, but much of the package is built around swimming, food, and onboard activity.

Budget a little extra for beer, slushies, cocktails, and any other paid drinks. Coffee is also not included, according to the practical comments provided. The included wine is local and available in white and rosé styles.

Practical advice before you go

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sun hat, and high-factor sunscreen. Apply sunscreen before boarding and keep reapplying, since much of the day is spent exposed to sun and reflected light from the water.

A small waterproof phone pouch is sensible for photos around the swim stops, though this is a suggestion rather than a supplied feature. Keep your belongings tidy because deck space is shared.

Arrive about an hour before departure if you want a top-deck sunbed or bean bag. Arriving 35 to 45 minutes early may still help, but the earliest arrivals have the widest choice.

Tell the company about food allergies, intolerances, vegan needs, or other health concerns in advance. Do not bring food or drinks, since outside provisions are not allowed.

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. You should also consider your comfort with boat boarding, swimming from the vessel, and using shared water equipment.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available morning start time when booking, since the exact departure time can vary.

Who should book this gulet cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a full day of sea time without arranging separate activities. It is especially good for families, couples, groups of friends, and anyone who likes to alternate between sunbathing and swimming.

The strongest reasons to book are the two-hour Fun Island stop, the friendly crew, the generous lunch, and the steady supply of included soft drinks and wine. The three swim stops also keep the day from becoming a long, hot boat ride.

I would hesitate if you dislike shared spaces, need a quiet luxury setting, want a detailed cultural tour, or cannot comfortably get into the water. You should also think twice if you need guaranteed shade or a particular deck seat.

For most visitors who want a social, active, food-included day on Rhodes, this is a well-priced choice. Arrive early, pack sunscreen, tell the crew about dietary needs, and treat the gulet as your base for a day of swimming rather than as a floating beach club with unlimited room.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes gulet cruise start?

It starts opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki Port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco.

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts six hours, with morning departure times available depending on the date.

What swimming stops are included?

The cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay for about 40 minutes, Fun Island at Ladiko Bay for about two hours, and Kallithea Springs for about 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A traditional Greek lunch is included, along with morning treats and seasonal fresh fruit.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited soft drinks and wine are included. Beer, slushies, cocktails, and coffee are not included.

Can I use a kayak or SUP?

Yes. Kayaking, SUP boards, and snorkeling gear are included, with the main activity time at Fun Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included during the swimming stops.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

No. Outside food and drinks are not allowed aboard.

Can the lunch accommodate dietary needs?

The lunch can suit vegans and non-vegans. You should inform the company in advance about allergies, intolerances, or other health concerns.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. Arriving early is also wise if you want a preferred sunbed or bean bag.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.