A Rhodes catamaran cruise leaves a Rhodes harbour and sails along the coast to clear bays for swim stops, with food and drinks served on deck. Browse other Greek tours for more days at sea in the Dodecanese.
This page walks through the harbours, the route, the swim stops, the food on board, sunset and private sails, and what to bring on a Rhodes catamaran cruise.
What happens on a Rhodes catamaran cruise?
A Rhodes catamaran cruise takes you out on a two-hulled boat for a trip of sailing and swimming. You board at a harbour and sail along the coast. The boat anchors for swim stops, serves lunch on board, and heads back.
A catamaran is a boat with two parallel hulls of equal size. The wide gap between the hulls gives it stability. Compared with a single-hulled boat, the wider stance can reduce heeling and wave-induced motion. Catamaran Cruises Rhodes runs luxury sailing and power catamarans. Its Rhodes catamaran cruise can run under sail or under engine.
On the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes day cruise, the boat drops anchor at each swim spot. It does not reach the shore, and the land is accessible only by swimming. Between stops, you relax on board while the crew sails to the next spot. Sea Rhodes lists spacious decks and comfortable seating on its Cherry catamaran.
Facilities depend on the boat. Faliraki Tours lists a professional crew, sunbathing areas, a freshwater shower, a WC and a shaded lounge. Catamaran Cruises Rhodes says its crew members are certified for their positions. Sea Rhodes caps its Cherry, a Lagoon 44 catamaran, at 25 guests. That is the group size on a Rhodes catamaran cruise with that boat.
Lunch is prepared and served on board. On the full-day Rhodes catamaran cruise from Rhodes Experiences, the lunch buffet comes during the second swim stop. That cruise runs on a Lagoon 440 catamaran. After the last stop, the catamaran sails back, and the cruise ends at the same place it began.
Which harbours do the catamarans leave from?
A Rhodes catamaran cruise leaves from Mandraki Harbour, the new marina of Rhodes Town, Faliraki Harbour or Kolymbia Harbour. Your operator decides the departure point and names its harbour on its own page, so read your booking details first.
For three operators, a Rhodes catamaran cruise starts at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town. Catamaran Cruises Rhodes sets sail from there on its day cruise. Sea Rhodes uses the same harbour for its Cherry day and sunset cruises. Rhodes Experiences starts its day and sunset cruises there too, and the boat returns to the same spot.
Daily Rhodes Cruises uses a different base. Its private sailing catamaran leaves from the new Marina of Rhodes Town. Both the full-day cruise and the half-day sunset cruise depart from there. A Rhodes catamaran cruise with this company therefore starts at the marina. Faliraki Tours lists Mandraki Harbour as the departure point for its catamaran cruise.
Two more operators work from their own harbours. Faliraki Sea Lines sails its Aphrodite catamaran from Faliraki Harbour. The boat is 36 feet long, and the company limits it to 28 passengers. Kolymbia Sea Lines sails its Summer Vibes luxury catamaran from Kolymbia Harbour. This is a sunset sailing on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday evenings.
Arrive at the harbour early. Faliraki Sea Lines asks guests to arrive 20 minutes before departure. Kolymbia Sea Lines asks for 30 minutes before its sunset sailing and confirms the exact time at booking. Check the time on your own booking, because each Rhodes catamaran cruise sets its own rule.
Where does a Rhodes catamaran cruise sail along the coast?
A Rhodes catamaran cruise sails along the east coast beaches of Rhodes. It stops at three or four swim spots, depending on the catamaran. The boat drops anchor at each one, so you reach the shore only by swimming.
Distances show where a Rhodes catamaran cruise goes. The city of Rhodes sits at the island’s northern tip. Kallithea Springs lies 9 km from the city. Faliraki, a beach resort, is about 14 km south of the city on the northeastern coast. Ladiko Bay is north of Faliraki, and Anthony Quinn Bay is 4.3 km south of it.
The order of the stops on a Rhodes catamaran cruise changes between operators. Four examples from the tour pages show it:
- One all-inclusive day tour: Ladiko Bay, Anthony Quinn Bay, then Kallithea Springs.
- Another day cruise: Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou Beach, then Kallithea Springs.
- A shorter cruise: Anthony Quinn Bay, the Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay, then Ladiko Bay.
- A third day cruise names Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay and Kallithea Beach.
Read the itinerary before you book. The tour pages call it a reference that is subject to change. The first two day cruises above end at Kallithea Springs and return to the harbour they left from.
On a Rhodes catamaran cruise, the crew announces the departure time at each swim stop. Listen for the call while you swim. If you are unsure, ask a crew member.
Which bays and beaches are the swim stops?
The swim stops on a Rhodes catamaran cruise are Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, Afandou Beach and Kallithea Springs. All four lie on the east coast of Rhodes. Which ones you swim at depends on the boat you choose.
- Anthony Quinn Bay: the film The Guns of Navarone was shot here, and the actor Anthony Quinn bought land by the bay during the filming. The landscape is dramatic, with crystal clear water.
- Ladiko Bay: a small, quiet bay with shallow, crystal clear water. Green hills overlook the beach.
- Afandou Beach: a huge beach of sand and pebbles, just south of Faliraki, with quiet spots. It is one of the longest beaches on the island. The only golf course on the island sits next to it.
- Kallithea Springs: the Italians built the complex here, with lounge spaces, patios and terraces. The thermal springs have been known since Ancient Greek times. You can explore the sea caves here.
Stop times on a Rhodes catamaran cruise depend on the operator. One all-inclusive tour gives about 1 hour each at Ladiko Bay and Anthony Quinn Bay. Kallithea Springs gets 45 to 60 minutes.
Another operator gives 30 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay, 60 minutes at Afandou Beach and 30 minutes at Kallithea Springs. On a shorter Rhodes catamaran cruise, you get 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay. Afandou Bay and Ladiko Bay get 30 each.
For caves on a Rhodes catamaran cruise, check the stop list. One day cruise lists Afandou Caves, where you explore the caves near the cliffs. Another tour lets you swim inside the Traganou Caves in Afandou Bay.
What food and drinks come with an all-inclusive Rhodes catamaran cruise?
An all-inclusive Rhodes catamaran cruise covers a lunch buffet and drinks on board. One listing names unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and water with the meal. The crew prepares the food and serves it on the boat.
The lunch is Greek and Mediterranean. One listing names chicken with noodles in red sauce, Greek salad, tzatziki, bread and seasonal fruit. Another describes a buffet of Mediterranean, seafood and vegetarian dishes, served on board, with fresh fruit and Greek wine.
One menu is longer. It has a traditional Greek salad, a green salad, olives and feta cheese. The dips are tzatziki, roasted eggplant spread and spicy feta spread. It also has chicken with rice and freshly baked bread. Guests on that Rhodes catamaran cruise also get a welcome drink and Melekouni, a Rhodian treat of sesame and honey.
Drinks on a Rhodes catamaran cruise differ by operator. One listing names unlimited wine, beer, soft drinks and water. A second lists soft drinks, water and wine. A third keeps soft drinks unlimited but pours beer and house wine only at lunchtime.
Food rules are simple. Tell the crew about any food allergies. One operator offers vegetarian and vegan dishes on request, so ask before you book.
How is a sunset Rhodes catamaran cruise different from a day cruise?
A sunset Rhodes catamaran cruise is shorter than a day cruise and leaves in the late afternoon or early evening. The meal is a snack or a dinner instead of a lunch buffet. The sun sets while you are on the water.
Departure on a sunset Rhodes catamaran cruise follows the sun. A day cruise leaves at 10:00 in the morning on two listings. One sunset cruise sails at 5:00 PM from late spring to August. Its September cruise sails at 4:30 PM and its October cruise at 4:00 PM.
Another operator adjusts its start time to the sunset time during the season. It also offers a half day cruise for guests who find a full day at sea too long. One listing has guests board at 6:00 PM.
The swim stop changes as well. Sunset cruises from three operators head to Kallithea Springs for the swim and snorkel. One other sunset cruise stops at Anthony Quinn Bay instead. The day cruise on one listing makes three swim stops.
The food is different on a sunset Rhodes catamaran cruise. One operator serves Mediterranean snacks, with fresh fruit and local treats. Its drinks are soft drinks, beer, water and wine.
Two listings serve dinner instead. One offers a Mediterranean buffet with unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks and water. The other serves roast chicken, noodles in red sauce, Greek salad and tzatziki.
The operator with the half day cruise gives unlimited soft drinks, plus beer and white wine in moderation. The operator with the snack menu says it is flexible on vegetarian and vegan options.
The sunset is part of the route. On one operator’s Rhodes catamaran cruise, the sun sets in front of the medieval town of Rhodes. It sets behind the Turkish mountains. Another serves dinner as the sun sets over the Aegean. A third lists the sail back to port under the moon and stars.
Can you snorkel or paddleboard from the catamaran?
Yes. A Rhodes catamaran cruise anchors in bays so you can swim and snorkel straight from the boat. Sea Rhodes adds a paddleboard on its Cherry catamaran. Check the gear list of your own boat before you book.
At the swim stops of a Rhodes catamaran cruise, the boat stays at anchor. One tour page says guests reach the shore by swimming. Daily Rhodes Cruises says it does not dock or head to shore. Listen to the crew announcements about departure times at each stop.
Gear depends on the operator. Catamaran Cruises Rhodes lists provided snorkel gear among the highlights of its day tour. Daily Rhodes Cruises has noodles for children and a small selection of snorkel masks on board. It recommends that you bring your own mask and tube in case something is not available.
Sea Rhodes states that it provides snorkel gear and a paddleboard on the Cherry day cruise. On the Cherry sunset trip, it names Kallithea Springs Bay as the place to swim, snorkel or paddleboard. The Cherry also lists all required safety equipment. Not every Rhodes catamaran cruise lists a paddleboard, so ask the operator before you book.
One tour page says guests at Kallithea Springs can swim, snorkel and explore sea caves among impressive rocky landscapes. Catamaran Cruises Rhodes calls the bay an ideal place for snorkelling, 9 kilometres from Rhodes city. A Rhodes catamaran cruise that stops there gives you both options.
What is a private Rhodes catamaran cruise like?
A private Rhodes catamaran cruise is booked for your group only. Daily Rhodes Cruises says you decide how long to spend at each swimming stop. You can add an extra swimming stop on the day.
The private Rhodes catamaran cruise from Daily Rhodes Cruises runs on a Fountaine Pajot Lavezzi 40. The boat is 12 metres long and almost 7 metres wide. It has a net with cushions at the front and shaded seating at the back. The operator sells the cruise as a full day or a half day.
When the wind allows, the crew opens the sails, so you get a true sailing day. The operator focuses on small groups to keep the exclusive feeling of a private boat. Between sailings and at each stop you can relax on board. The operator says you spend the whole day or evening aboard the catamaran.
Sea Rhodes offers a larger private day on its Luxury Catamaran 45, which takes up to 25 guests. Its listing says you explore the coast at your own pace. This private Rhodes catamaran cruise includes a welcome drink, lunch, drinks, snorkel equipment and a paddleboard. The same operator also sells a private sunset cruise on that catamaran.
Sea Rhodes also runs private cruises on a Sunseeker motor yacht for up to 15 guests. Name the boat type when you book a private Rhodes catamaran cruise. Both operators ask for a deposit by bank transfer, and both state that it is not refundable. Sea Rhodes wants the balance at least 10 days before the trip.
How long does a Rhodes catamaran cruise last, and in which months does it run?
A full-day Rhodes catamaran cruise lasts 6 hours. It leaves the harbour at 10:00 and returns to the same place at about 16:00. The tour pages also list a 3-hour cruise and name April and October among the sailing months.
On the 6-hour Rhodes catamaran cruise, the boat makes 3 or 4 swim stops. It drops anchor for about 1 hour at each one, and land is reachable only by swimming. One operator plans three stops of 30, 60 and 30 minutes instead. Listen to the crew announcements at every stop, because they give the departure time from that spot.
The 3-hour option is a lighter outing. That Rhodes catamaran cruise has 3 swim stops. You get around 40 minutes at the first and about 30 minutes at each of the other two.
The months come from the booking rules. The tour pages name April, late spring and October. They say a boat below its minimum guest number in those months can move its guests to another catamaran. So a Rhodes catamaran cruise runs in spring and autumn as well as in summer.
No page gives a fixed opening or closing date, so check availability for your day to see the starting times. One operator’s home page calls its cruises a summer experience.
The sea warms as the season goes on. The Wikipedia climate table for Rhodes gives an average sea temperature of 17.6 degrees Celsius in April. It is 20.1 the month after, 27.2 in August and 23.8 in October.
How do hotel transfers to the harbour work?
Hotel pickup is an option you choose when you book a Rhodes catamaran cruise. The pickup stop depends on the option you select. Other operators arrange a transfer on request, so ask before the day.
One all-inclusive day cruise lists 37 locations. They include the Sheraton Rhodes Resort, the Atlantica Princess Hotel and the Rhodes Horizon Resort. A 3-hour Rhodes catamaran cruise offers transfers from hotels in Faliraki, Ixia, Kremasti and Kolymbia. Again, this applies only when you select the option at checkout.
The sites that sell a Rhodes catamaran cruise directly handle a transfer by request. One says transfers run on request from the northern part of Rhodes. Another asks you to email at least 1 day before the cruise. A third lists hotel transfers as an extra and asks you to enquire for details.
Check the inclusions of your Rhodes catamaran cruise before you pay. One listing for a day cruise on a sailing catamaran lists hotel transfers under what is not included. Another listing says hotel transfers are not included but can be arranged on request.
Read the stop list on the tour page to find your hotel. Without a transfer, you meet the crew at the meeting point given on the tour page.
Timing matters once the transfer for your Rhodes catamaran cruise is booked. Boarding starts 30 minutes before the departure. A guest who misses the departure can be rebooked for another day, subject to availability and a rebooking fee.
What is the sail like when the wind picks up?
On a Rhodes catamaran cruise, the captain can change the route or swim stops for wind or sea conditions. The tour pages say this is done for the safety and comfort of guests.
The wind behind this is the Meltemi, a strong, dry north wind of the Aegean Sea. It blows from late spring to mid-September. It is strongest in the afternoon and can die down at night. A charter company in Rhodes marina says the normal Dodecanese summer wind is force 4 to 6, from the north-west.
The Meltemi is not all bad news on a Rhodes catamaran cruise. Its weather is ordinarily fine and clear, and the wind cools the summer heat. Leisure sailors favour it when it gives a good, steady sailing wind. One operator says that, wind permitting, the crew opens the sails for a true sailing experience.
A hotel group’s blog calls the east coast sheltered in summer, but says afternoon Meltemi winds can occasionally add chop. A local travel site says the west side is more exposed to wind and waves. On windy days, it says, captains choose more sheltered swim bays.
A listing for one all-inclusive Rhodes catamaran cruise says it is not suitable for people prone to seasickness. The wide gap between a catamaran’s two hulls resists rolling and overturning. Three steps help on a windy day:
- Pick a morning start. The hotel group’s blog calls morning departures ideal for smooth sailing.
- Sit toward the centre of the boat, where movement feels less noticeable.
- If weather rules out a Rhodes catamaran cruise, one operator will contact you and try to offer another day.
Is a Rhodes catamaran cruise a good choice for families with children?
Yes, for families whose children like the water. One operator of a Rhodes catamaran cruise says it has carried newborn babies and leaves the choice to each family. Its boat has a shaded outdoor area and an indoor area for young children.
A local travel site says crews are used to children on board and life jackets are always available. On one operator’s Rhodes catamaran cruise, life jackets and floating noodles are free to use. The site also warns that a party-focused boat makes the day harder for families.
Every swim stop on a Rhodes catamaran cruise is made at anchor. The boat does not reach the shore, so guests reach land only by swimming. The tour pages ask guests to listen for the crew’s announcements about departure times at each swim stop.
The same local site recommends shorter or half-day cruises for young children. They can enjoy a trip more when it is not too long. It says older children can enjoy full-day trips because they get more time to swim. It lists a very long full day in peak heat among the things that make a trip harder.
A review site lists an indoor restroom and an outdoor shower on one all-inclusive Rhodes catamaran cruise. For families with young children, a hotel group’s blog also points to semi-submarine tours around Lindos bay. Their glass-windowed cabins let children and adults see reefs and sea life without snorkelling gear.
What do you wear and bring on board?
Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses for a Rhodes catamaran cruise. The all-inclusive day cruise page lists exactly these five items under what to bring.
The boat drops anchor for about one hour at each swim spot and does not reach the shore. The land is reachable only by swimming. So swimwear is a must. One travel site says the same, because the bays give plenty of chances to swim and snorkel.
A Rhodes catamaran cruise is a day-long excursion, so sun protection counts. Sunscreen prevents sunburn, and a sun hat shields your head from the Mediterranean sun. Sunglasses ease the glare from the water. The deck has sunbeds and nets for lying in the sun, and one review site mentions shaded spots.
Bring your own towel to dry off after each dip. One tour lists an outdoor freshwater shower and indoor toilets on board, and another lists an outdoor shower. One operator lists life jackets among its free-to-use gear. Another operator suggests a camera.
One travel site adds a waterproof jacket for windy or splashy days on a Rhodes catamaran cruise. The sunset cruise page lists only swimwear, and a second day cruise page lists sunglasses, a towel and sunscreen. No list names special shoes or a dress code, so keep the rest of your clothes simple.
What else do travellers ask about a Rhodes catamaran cruise?
Can guests with limited mobility join a Rhodes catamaran cruise?
One day cruise page lists the tour as not suitable for people with mobility impairments. A second site gives the same warning. A sunset cruise page names wheelchair users in the same way. Ask the operator before booking if you are unsure.
How early do you arrive for a Rhodes catamaran cruise?
Boarding for a Rhodes catamaran cruise starts 30 minutes before the departure, and the catamarans leave on time. Guests who miss the departure can be rebooked for another day if a place is free. A rebooking fee applies, and one site advises arriving early to avoid it.
How do you know when to return to the boat from a swim stop?
Listen to the crew announcements about departure times at each swim stop. If you are unsure about a time, ask a crew member for help. Both the day cruise and sunset cruise pages give this same instruction.
What if not enough guests book a Rhodes catamaran cruise?
In April, late spring and October, a catamaran can miss the minimum number of guests. The provider then reserves the right to move guests to another luxury catamaran. Guests are told as soon as possible about any change. Both the day and sunset pages state this rule.
Can you cancel a Rhodes catamaran cruise booking?
The all-inclusive day cruise offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The same page lets you reserve now and pay later. Another operator page asks for cancellation at least one day before the start. Check the terms of your own tour.