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

The best part of this six-hour Rhodes cruise is the stop at Ladiko’s Fun Island, a floating platform reached only by the El Greco gulet. You can paddle a SUP, kayak, snorkel, jump from the boat, or stretch out on a floating sofa while lunch and cold drinks are served nearby.

I like the generous food and the steady rhythm of the day: sail, swim, dry off, eat, then swim again. I also like that wine, water, and soft drinks are included, which makes the $104 price easier to justify. The main drawback is space. The boat can fill quickly, and the best sunbeds and beanbags go to people who arrive early.

• Traditional wooden gulet: Cruise from Mandraki Port on a handsome boat with sun decks, shaded seating, music, and two levels for jumping into the sea.
• Three swim stops: Enjoy roughly 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, two hours at Ladiko, and another 30 minutes near Kallithea Springs.
• Fun Island water gear: Use the SUP boards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment, floating sofas, and platforms without paying extra.
• Greek food served onboard: Expect morning pastries or snacks, a generous traditional lunch, salad, seasonal fruit, unlimited soft drinks, water, and wine.
• Arrive early for the best spot: Guests have found that arriving 35 to 60 minutes before departure gives you a better chance at a beanbag or open-air sunbed.
• Best for active relaxation: You can be as energetic as you like, but this is mainly a swimming, sunbathing, and food day rather than a serious sailing trip.

A full day on Rhodes’ eastern coast

El Greco Cruises runs this trip from opposite Eleftherias Square at Mandraki Port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco. The cruise lasts six hours, with the boat moving between several attractive coastal stops rather than spending the whole day at one beach.

I see this as an easy choice for a first Rhodes holiday if you want to put the island’s eastern coast into one comfortable day. You get sea views, short sightseeing stretches, three chances to swim, and enough food and drink that you do not need to plan lunch separately.

The boat is built for lounging. There are sunbeds, beanbags, shaded areas, tables, and more than one deck. Music plays during the sailing sections, giving the trip a relaxed holiday feel rather than a quiet sailing-school atmosphere.

The boat may feel busy, especially in the high season. If you want a guaranteed private corner or a peaceful yacht experience, this is not that. If you enjoy a social boat with plenty happening around you, the busy atmosphere is part of the fun.

Setting out from Mandraki Port

The trip begins with a long sightseeing cruise along Rhodes’ eastern shoreline. The first sailing stretch takes about an hour and a half, although the exact timing can vary with the day’s running order and sea conditions.

This is your chance to settle in, find your preferred place on deck, and watch the coast pass by. I would bring your hat and sunscreen out immediately. The Greek sun is strong, and the exposed upper deck is exactly where many people want to spend the day.

Arriving early matters here. Several people have found that getting to the boat around an hour before departure helped them claim a comfortable sunbed or beanbag. Arriving 35 to 45 minutes ahead should improve your chances, but the earliest arrivals may still take the most sought-after spots.

Do not expect every seat to remain open all day. Some areas are in shade and some are in direct sun, while seats around tables may be more useful at mealtime than for lying down. If you are traveling as a group, decide early who wants sun and who prefers shade.

Anthony Quinn Bay and its green water

The first swimming stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of the most memorable coves on this side of Rhodes. The water here takes on a green tone from the vegetation around the bay, and the rocky setting gives you a fine backdrop for photos.

You get about 40 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. That is enough time to cool off and look beneath the surface, but it is not a long beach visit. The boat provides swimming noodles, which are useful if you want to float without working hard.

The stop is reached after the first long sailing section, so it breaks up the morning nicely. You can swim from the boat rather than walk onto a beach, giving you direct access to clear water.

Bring your own mask if you care about fit, but snorkeling gear is included. The equipment is a practical extra, not a full guided snorkeling program. You are free to explore at your own pace, and the crew pays attention to safety around the boat.

Two hours at Ladiko’s Fun Island

Ladiko is the main event. The boat stops for about two hours beside the private Fun Island setup, a floating water area available to people on the El Greco cruise. This is where the trip becomes more than a scenic boat ride.

You can choose between a SUP board, a canoe or kayak, snorkeling, swimming, and lounging on inflatable sofas. The floating platforms make it easy to rest between activities, while the boat gives you a higher place to jump into the sea.

The long stop is valuable because you do not have to rush from one activity to another. Try a paddleboard first, then snorkel, eat lunch, and return to the water. There is usually enough variety to keep children, teenagers, and adults occupied, though equipment availability can become tighter when the boat is full.

A small practical point: ask for a fin if you use a SUP and want better control. One piece of equipment is not always fitted with one automatically. You may also find that some boards need more air, so do not hesitate to mention it to the crew.

Ladiko is also the best place to simply do nothing. Floating sofas and the boat’s sunbeds allow you to turn the middle of the day into a long, lazy break. If you want a demanding water-sports session, the included gear may feel basic. If you want easy fun with no rental fees, it works very well.

Greek lunch, morning treats, and afternoon fruit

Food is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The crew serves morning treats, then a homemade Greek lunch, followed by seasonal fruit later in the day. The food is served onboard, so you can eat without giving up your best swimming stop.

The exact menu can vary, but the food described for the cruise includes Greek salad, seasonal fruit, and traditional dishes such as stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice, beans in sauce, and chicken. Portions are generous, and there is enough food to make this feel like a proper meal rather than a token snack.

Unlimited water, soft drinks, juices, and local wine are included. Beer, cocktails, slushies, coffee, and some other drinks cost extra. This distinction matters if you are counting on beer throughout the day, but for families and wine drinkers, the included drinks add real value.

Food preferences need some planning. The lunch can suit vegans and non-vegans, but you should tell the company about allergies, intolerances, or other health concerns in advance. The vegetarian arrangement has not always been as substantial as the main meal, so give clear notice rather than assuming a suitable plate will appear automatically.

If you are a very selective eater, you might want to bring your expectations down or check the menu before booking. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed, so this is not a trip where you can pack a private lunch.

Kallithea Springs and the last swim

Near the end of the cruise, the boat stops at Kallithea Springs for about 30 minutes. This area is known for its striking architecture as well as its water. The curved stone buildings and seaside setting give this short stop a different feel from the natural coves earlier in the day.

You can take photos, swim, or snorkel. Thirty minutes passes quickly, so I would decide before leaving the boat if you want pictures or water time. Kallithea is less about a long activity session and more about adding a final scenic stop before the return sailing.

The stop also gives you one more chance to cool down after lunch and the afternoon sun. By this point, the repeated swimming breaks make sense: you spend time in the open air, then return to the water before the heat becomes tiring.

After Kallithea Springs, the gulet sails back toward Mandraki Port. The final sailing section lasts about 45 minutes, giving you time to dry off, enjoy the coast, and collect your belongings before arrival.

What the $104 price really buys you

At $104 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Rhodes. But the price includes six hours aboard a traditional gulet, lunch, fruit, morning food, unlimited soft drinks, water and wine, three swim stops, and use of the SUP boards, kayaks, snorkeling gear, and floating platforms.

That package compares well with a basic boat trip where you pay separately for food, drinks, and water equipment. The value is strongest if you plan to swim, use the gear, and drink the included beverages. It is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet sightseeing cruise and do not care about the activities.

The crew also helps the price feel worthwhile. Nikos and Stephanos have been singled out for being friendly, attentive, and helpful, and the crew keeps an eye on safety during the water activities. The service style is informal and cheerful, with staff moving around the decks to offer food and drinks.

Extra drinks are reasonably priced according to the information available, but remember that beer and cocktails are not included. A birthday, family outing, or full day away from the resort can make this a particularly practical use of your holiday budget.

Comfort, shade, and the early-arrival question

The gulet has plenty of places to sit, but plenty does not mean unlimited personal space. The open upper deck is popular because it gives you the best view and a place to sunbathe. Beanbags and sunbeds may be claimed early, and some people arriving later have ended up indoors or at a basic table.

For the most comfortable experience, arrive around an hour before departure if you want first choice. Arriving 35 to 45 minutes early is a sensible compromise. Once onboard, remember that moving around and sharing space helps everyone enjoy the boat.

Shade matters just as much as sun. On a very hot day, an exposed upper deck can become tiring, while a shaded seat may be more comfortable after swimming. Wear sunscreen before you arrive and reapply during the day. Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen, as these are not optional extras in the Greek summer.

The boat is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is a water-focused activity with boarding, decks, swimming, and equipment use, so you should also consider your own comfort with ladders and moving around the vessel.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to families, couples, groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a relaxed day with some activity built in. Children and teenagers have the water equipment, while adults can spend the same stop on a floating sofa with a glass of wine.

It works especially well for people who want several swim breaks. You are never away from the water for too long, and each stop has a slightly different character. Anthony Quinn Bay provides the dramatic cove, Ladiko supplies the activities, and Kallithea adds architecture and a final swim.

You should think twice if you dislike crowded boats, want a private sailing experience, or need a carefully tailored gourmet meal. The gulet is social, the best outdoor spots go early, and the food is traditional rather than restaurant-style dining.

This is also not the right choice for someone seeking a serious snorkeling expedition. You can snorkel freely, but the main appeal is the mix of swimming, food, scenery, and easy water play.

Booking advice and final verdict

The flexible booking terms let you cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve without paying immediately. Check the departure time when booking, since starting times can change by date.

I would book this Rhodes gulet cruise if you want a full, easygoing day on the sea and value having most costs included. Arrive early, pack a towel and strong sunscreen, tell the company about dietary needs, and ask for a SUP fin if you need one.

You should skip it only if you strongly prefer quiet space, guaranteed shade, or a private boat. For everyone else, the combination of three swim stops, free water gear, substantial Greek food, and included wine and soft drinks makes the $104 fare a solid choice for a day away from Rhodes town.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes gulet cruise start?

Meet opposite Eleftherias Square at Mandraki Port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco.

How long does the cruise last?

The full experience lasts six hours, including sailing, swimming stops, water activities, meals, and the return to Mandraki Port.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes morning treats, a traditional Greek lunch, seasonal fresh fruit, unlimited soft drinks, water, and wine. Beer, slushies, cocktails, and some other drinks are not included.

Can I use a kayak or SUP without paying extra?

Yes. Kayaks, SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, floating sofas, and platforms are included in the cruise price.

How long are the swimming stops?

You get about 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, two hours at Ladiko’s Fun Island, and 30 minutes near Kallithea Springs.

What should I bring?

Bring a sun hat, swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, and the activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.