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

Rhodes’ El Greco cruise gets the important thing right: it gives you several chances to get into the water, not just one quick swim stop. You’ll cruise the east coast, swim at Anthony Quinn Bay, spend two hours at a floating activity area off Ladiko, and finish near the striking Kallithea Springs.

I like the generous food and drink arrangement, especially the homemade Greek lunch, morning feta pastries, fresh fruit, unlimited soft drinks, and wine. I also like the easygoing mix of activities, from kayaking and SUP boarding to snorkeling and lounging on floating sofas. The main caution is seating: the best sunbeds and beanbags go early, and a busy departure can make the boat feel crowded.

Quick points to know before you book

• Two hours at Ladiko’s Fun Island: This is the main activity stop, with kayaks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and platforms.
• A proper meal on board: Expect Greek salad, seasonal fruit, and generous portions of traditional dishes, with options for vegans if you notify the crew ahead of time.
• Three swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay gets about 40 minutes, Ladiko about two hours, and Kallithea Springs about 30 minutes.
• Arrive early for outdoor seating: Several people found that arriving roughly 35 to 60 minutes before departure helped them claim a sunbed or beanbag.
• Wine and soft drinks are included: Beer, cocktails, slush drinks, and some other paid drinks cost extra.
• A relaxed family-friendly pace: The trip mixes swimming and water sports with long stretches of sunbathing, music, scenery, and lunch.

Why this six-hour gulet trip works so well

At $104 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water in Rhodes. But it includes a traditional gulet cruise, three swimming stops, use of water sports equipment, lunch, fruit, morning treats, wine, and soft drinks. Once you add up the cost of a boat ride, a meal, and rented equipment, the price makes reasonable sense.

I would describe the day as a floating beach outing rather than a serious sightseeing cruise. You spend plenty of time looking at the east coast from the water, but the real appeal is the rhythm: cruise, swim, eat, paddle, rest, and swim again.

That rhythm suits couples, families, and groups with mixed interests. One person can paddle a SUP while another sits in the shade with a soft drink. Children and teenagers have room to burn off energy, while adults can claim a beanbag and treat the cruise as a day away from the busy streets of Rhodes Town.

The boat is a traditional wooden gulet called El Greco, and the meeting point is opposite Eleftherias Square in Mandraki Port. Look for the wooden vessel near the port rather than wandering around the wider harbor. The crew speaks English and Greek, and Nikos and Stephanos have received particular praise for being attentive, helpful, and entertaining.

Leaving Mandraki Port and settling into the boat

The morning begins with a sightseeing cruise along the eastern coast. This first stretch gives you time to find your place on board, take photos, and settle into the day before the swimming starts.

The gulet has outdoor sunbeds, beanbag-style seating, shaded areas, and indoor seating. The upper deck offers the best views and is the place to be if you want to stretch out in the sun. It also fills quickly. If a good deck position matters to you, arrive around an hour before departure. Arriving 35 to 45 minutes early may also help, but the earliest arrivals have the widest choice.

Here is the small catch: some people may claim a sunbed and hold it for too long. On a full boat, you might not be able to keep the exact spot you want all day. If you arrive late, you could end up inside or at a basic table and chair, which is less appealing during a six-hour outing.

The crew serves morning treats, including feta pastries, and drinks are available during the cruise. Bring your own hat, towel, swimwear, and sunscreen. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so plan to use the supplies provided on board or purchase the drinks that are not included.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a beautiful first swim

Anthony Quinn Bay is the first major stop, with about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and photos. The bay is known for its green-toned water and rocky setting, with vegetation around the shore adding to the color.

From the boat, you get a different view than you would from the beach. You can swim in open water, use a noodle if available, snorkel near the rocks, or simply stay on deck and enjoy the setting. The water is the main attraction here, so bring a mask if you have a favorite one, though snorkeling gear is supplied.

Forty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but it is not a long beach visit. You will not have time for a slow shore wander or an extended snorkel session. Think of this as an attractive first stop that gets you into the sea before lunch and the longer activity session.

The boat then makes a short cruise toward Ladiko Bay. This is a good time to dry off, get a drink, and settle back into your seat.

Ladiko’s Fun Island is the active heart of the day

The two-hour stop at Fun Island, a floating area accessible through El Greco, is the strongest part of the trip for most active visitors. Here you can choose among kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, swimming, and lounging on inflatable sofas and floating platforms.

I like the way this stop removes the pressure to choose one activity and stick with it. You might paddle a kayak for 20 minutes, swim back to the boat, try a SUP, and then spend the last part of the stop floating with a drink. The equipment is included, so there is no extra rental charge every time you want to try something new.

The floating sofas give the stop a social, playful feel. If you prefer quiet, you can remain on the gulet or find a shaded place on deck. If you want a little exercise, the SUP boards and kayaks offer enough to keep you occupied without turning the day into a demanding sports session.

Equipment availability has generally been good, but it may not all be perfect. One person found some SUP boards underinflated, and another suggested asking for a fin, since the boards may not always be set up with one. That is a minor practical issue, but it is worth knowing if you are keen to paddle properly.

Snorkeling here is pleasant, though conditions can vary with wind, water movement, and visibility. The crew may also point out caves or interesting sections near the bay. Stay within the designated swimming area and listen to the safety instructions, especially when kayaks and paddleboards are moving around you.

This is also where lunch is served. The meal can include Greek salad, chicken, beans in sauce, stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice, bread, and other traditional dishes. Seasonal fruit comes later in the day. Portions are generous, and the food is one of the better reasons to choose this cruise over a basic sightseeing boat.

Food preferences need a little planning. The meal can suit vegans and non-vegans, but you should inform the company in advance about allergies, intolerances, or health concerns. If you are a picky eater, bring realistic expectations. The menu is traditional Greek food rather than a wide buffet, and one person found the vegetarian serving less satisfying than the standard meal.

Lunch, drinks, and the value of all-day catering

The food service gives this outing more substance than a simple boat ride. You are not left to buy an expensive lunch at a beach stop, and you can keep your day moving rather than searching for a café between swims.

Soft drinks and wine are unlimited. Water, juices, fizzy drinks, and local white and rosé wine are available. Beer is not included, and neither are cocktails, spirits, slush drinks, or coffee according to the practical details provided. Those extras are available for purchase, but budget for them if beer is your usual holiday drink.

The wine arrangement is particularly good for adults who want a relaxed lunch on deck. Families also benefit from the steady supply of soft drinks. I would still pace yourself in the sun, since unlimited wine can feel stronger after swimming and sitting on a hot deck.

The crew also brings food around rather than expecting you to manage every detail yourself. Morning pastries and afternoon fruit are welcome touches, especially if you have children or tend to get hungry between meals.

Kallithea Springs adds architecture to the sea day

The final swimming stop is at Kallithea Springs, where the natural setting is paired with historic architecture. You get roughly 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, photos, and local snacks.

This stop is shorter and calmer than Ladiko. It gives you one last chance to cool off before the cruise back to Mandraki Port. The architecture makes it different from the earlier bays, so do not treat it as just another swim stop. Have your camera ready as the boat approaches and use part of the stop to look at the buildings and setting.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. If you want a long swim, make the most of the first few minutes. If you prefer photos, take them before getting into the water. The boat then begins the return cruise, with time to relax and look back at the coastline.

Comfort, crowding, and the practical trade-offs

The boat is clean and tidy, with comfortable beanbags, sunbeds, shaded seats, and indoor areas. Music plays during the cruise, adding to the holiday mood. You should not expect a quiet sailing boat or a private charter. This is a social group outing, and the atmosphere can become lively.

Crowding is the main issue to consider. On busy dates, the number of people using the food service, drinks station, and water sports equipment can make things feel tight. At the same time, the long Ladiko stop gives people room to spread out between the boat, the water, and the floating platforms.

Hot weather is another factor. Rhodes can be very hot in summer, and the upper deck may have limited shade at popular times. Use sunscreen often, wear a hat, and drink water even if you are enjoying the wine. Several people learned this lesson the hard way, and the boat provides no replacement for basic sun care.

The cruise is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is best for people who can manage boat access, swim from the vessel, and move around a traditional wooden boat. Anyone uneasy in open water can stay on board during the swim stops, but the experience is built around water access.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option add useful flexibility. Check the starting time when booking, since the trip runs in the morning and lasts about six hours.

Who should book the El Greco cruise?

I would choose this outing if you want a full day on the sea without arranging separate activities, meals, and rentals. It is especially good for couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and anyone who enjoys swimming but does not want a fast-paced excursion.

You should also book it if you like variety. The first bay is short and scenic, Ladiko provides the main action, and Kallithea adds a final photo stop with architecture. The food and included drinks make the price easier to justify.

I would hesitate if you want solitude, a small private boat, serious snorkeling, or a quiet sailing experience. I would also think twice if you dislike shared seating or arriving early to secure a preferred sunbed. Beer drinkers should remember that wine and soft drinks are included, but beer costs extra.

Final verdict: a strong-value Rhodes boat day

The El Greco gulet trip earns its strong 4.6 rating for understandable reasons: friendly crew, attractive swim stops, generous lunch, included water sports, comfortable deck seating, and a steady supply of drinks.

My advice is simple. Arrive early, claim a sensible seat, pack serious sunscreen, and tell the company about food needs before departure. If you accept the group setting and want swimming, paddling, food, and scenery in one package, this is a very good use of six hours in Rhodes. If you want a private or quiet day, spend the money elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the El Greco gulet trip start?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts about six hours and runs in the morning. Check the available starting times when booking.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the gulet cruise, traditional Greek lunch, unlimited wine and soft drinks, morning treats, seasonal fruit, and use of kayaks, SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, floating sofas, and platforms.

Are beer and cocktails included?

No. Beer, cocktails, slush drinks, and other extra drinks are not included. Wine and soft drinks are included.

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 at Kallithea Springs.

Can I join if I have food allergies or special dietary needs?

Yes, but you should tell the company in advance about food allergies, intolerances, vegan requirements, or other health concerns. The lunch is suitable for vegans and non-vegans.

What should I bring, and is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a sun hat. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.