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

Rhodes’ eastern coast is best seen from the water, and this six-hour gulet trip gives you three swim stops, a generous Greek lunch, and plenty of time to stretch out on deck. I especially like the free kayaks, SUP boards, and snorkeling gear at Fun Island, plus the steady supply of soft drinks and wine. You get both action and lazy sun time in one outing.

I also like the food-first approach. Morning feta pastries, a traditional lunch, and fresh fruit make this more than a simple boat ride. The main consideration is space: the best sunbeds and bean bags go quickly, and the boat can feel crowded when everyone wants the same activity or deck area.

The highlights that matter most

• Three swim stops: Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Bay, and Kallithea Springs break up the sailing with regular chances to cool off.
• Fun Island access: At Ladiko Bay, you can use kayaks, SUP boards, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and platforms without an extra activity fee.
• Traditional food onboard: Expect Greek salad, seasonal fruit, morning treats, and a substantial lunch with choices suitable for vegans if arranged ahead.
• Drinks included: Water, soft drinks, juices, fizzy drinks, and local wine are available throughout the trip.
• A comfortable wooden gulet: Bean bags, sunbeds, shaded areas, music, and two levels for jumping into the water make the boat part of the fun.
• Arrive early: Plan to reach the boat about 45 to 60 minutes before departure if you want a top-deck sunbed or bean bag.

A six-hour day on Rhodes’ eastern coast

This is not a quick harbor cruise. The boat spends much of the day moving along the coast, with long stretches for scenery and three planned stops for swimming and water activities.

You meet the El Greco Fun Cruises team opposite Eleftherias Square at Mandraki Port. Look for the traditional wooden gulet named El Greco. The morning departure time can vary, so check the day’s availability when booking. The full outing lasts about six hours, usually returning to Mandraki in the afternoon.

The boat has open deck space, sunbeds, bean bags, and shaded seating. That mix matters in Rhodes, where a sunny day can become tiring if you cannot get out of the heat. The top deck is the preferred spot for views and sunbathing, but it is also the first area to fill.

I would arrive 45 minutes early at a minimum. If you want one of the most comfortable bean bags or a prime place on the upper deck, arriving about an hour before departure is the safer plan. Once aboard, settle in quickly, then let the crew handle the drinks and food.

The sailing sections are part of the experience, not just transport between stops. You get changing views of the rocky eastern shore, open water, and the approach to Rhodes’ best-known bays. The trip also includes music, which gives it a relaxed, social feel rather than the quiet mood of a private yacht charter.

Anthony Quinn Bay: a beautiful first swim

The first major stop is Anthony Quinn Bay, one of Rhodes’ most attractive coves. Green vegetation around the bay helps give the water its strong emerald color, and the enclosed setting makes a fine first swim.

You get about 40 minutes here for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs. The stop is long enough for a proper swim, but not long enough to explore every corner slowly. If you want photos, take them early, then use the remaining time in the water.

The gulet gives you a different view of the bay than you get from shore. You can look back at the curved cove, rocky edges, and bright water from the boat before jumping in. Swimming noodles are available, which is useful if you want to float without working hard.

Anthony Quinn Bay can be the most scenic stop, but it is not the main activity center. There are no kayaks or SUP boards listed for this stop, so keep your energy for Ladiko Bay. Bring a mask if you like looking below the surface, though snorkeling equipment is supplied.

Ladiko Bay and Fun Island

The longest stop lasts about two hours at Ladiko Bay, where El Greco Cruises uses a floating activity area called Fun Island. This is the heart of the day for anyone who wants more than swimming.

The setup includes kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, snorkeling gear, floating sofas, and platforms. You can paddle around, swim from the boat, look for fish, or simply lie back with a drink. The floating sofas are especially useful for people who want the water experience without constant swimming.

The two-hour pause gives you time to try several activities rather than choosing only one. I would start with the SUP or kayak while you have plenty of energy, then snorkel and finish by relaxing on the floating platforms. Equipment availability can vary moment by moment when the boat is full, so a little patience may be needed.

Some SUP boards may need more air, and one practical tip from past use is to ask for a fin if you want better tracking. That small piece can make paddleboarding easier, especially if you are new to it.

The water sports are simple and family-friendly, but you still need to follow the crew’s safety directions. The staff keep an eye on the activity area and can help with equipment. One crew member has also been known to show people nearby sea caves, adding a small sense of discovery to the stop.

Lunch is served during the Ladiko portion of the day. This works well because you can eat, swim, and return to the water without losing much time. You are not being rushed through a restaurant meal. Instead, food becomes part of the floating picnic atmosphere.

Greek lunch, morning pastries, and afternoon fruit

Food is one of the strongest parts of this trip. The day begins with morning treats, including feta pastries, which are an unexpected bonus on a boat excursion. Later, the meal includes Greek salad, seasonal fruit, and traditional cooked dishes.

The exact menu can vary, but the food served has included chicken, beans in sauce, stuffed tomatoes and peppers with rice, salad, and similar Greek dishes. Portions are generous, so you are unlikely to need a separate lunch before returning to port.

The meal suits both meat eaters and vegans, but you must tell the company about allergies, intolerances, or other health concerns in advance. If you follow a strict diet, do not wait until food is being served. Ask ahead so the crew can prepare properly.

Taste is personal. Many people will enjoy the familiar Greek flavors, but one past experience found the vegetarian plate less satisfying than the main meal. If you are a picky eater, pack your expectations carefully. Outside food and drinks are not allowed, so you cannot bring your own backup meal onboard.

Fresh fruit arrives later in the day, and the crew also brings snacks around the deck. It is this steady rhythm of small treats, lunch, and drinks that makes the price feel stronger than a basic sightseeing cruise.

What is actually included in the drink service

Unlimited wine and soft drinks are included in the fare. That generally covers water, juices, fizzy drinks, and local white or rosé wine. Drinks are available throughout the sailing, and the crew comes around the boat so you do not need to keep returning to a bar.

Beer, slushies, cocktails, and coffee are not included. They can be bought separately, but you should budget for them if those are your preferred drinks. The lack of included beer is the clearest disappointment for some people, particularly on a hot day.

For most families and wine drinkers, the included drinks are a real saving. At $104 per person, you are paying for transport, a six-hour boat outing, lunch, equipment, and drinks in one package. A couple who would otherwise buy lunch, several soft drinks, and water separately can recover a good part of the fare through the inclusions alone.

Kallithea Springs and the final swim

The last stop is Kallithea Springs, where architecture and the sea create a different mood from the two bays. You get about 30 minutes for photos, swimming, snorkeling, and local snacks.

The springs are known for their decorative architecture and setting by the water. This stop is shorter, so treat it as a final refresh rather than a full afternoon at the beach. If you prefer photographs to swimming, it is a good place to stay aboard or near the shore and take in the buildings.

After Kallithea, the gulet begins the return run to Mandraki. The final sailing section gives you time to dry off, find a shaded seat, finish a drink, and watch the coastline recede. By this point, the day has had a useful pattern: sail, swim, eat, paddle, swim again, and relax.

Comfort, crowding, and choosing your seat

The gulet is clean and traditionally styled, with several seating choices. Bean bags and padded sunbeds make the upper deck comfortable, while shaded areas are important when the sun is strong. The boat also has two levels from which you can jump into the water at suitable stops.

The best seats are not assigned. Early arrival is the simplest way to improve your position. Once the boat fills, some people may hold onto prime spots, and moving around can become awkward. If you arrive only 20 or 25 minutes before departure, you might end up indoors or at a basic table and chair for much of the sailing.

This is worth thinking about if your main goal is sunbathing. If you care more about swimming and activities, your seat matters less because you will spend time in the water. Families may prefer shade, while couples might want an open deck spot for the views.

The trip can also feel busy during the high season. Food service, drinks, and equipment all work best when people share space and take turns. The staff are helpful, but they cannot create extra deck space on a full boat.

Crew, safety, and the general mood

The crew is a major part of the experience. They serve food and drinks, explain the activities, help with equipment, and keep an eye on safety. Nikos and Stephanos are two crew names worth remembering, especially if you want local advice about Rhodes after the cruise.

The tone is friendly and informal. Music plays onboard, and the day suits people who want to chat, sunbathe, and enjoy a drink as much as those who want to use every piece of equipment.

This is not a silent sailing trip or a private charter. You share the boat, the platforms, and the activity gear with other passengers. That shared atmosphere is part of the appeal for families, groups, and solo visitors who like a social day at sea. It is less suitable if you want quiet, personal service, or complete control over the schedule.

You should also be comfortable climbing into the water and moving around a boat. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users. Bring a towel, swimwear, sun hat, and strong sunscreen. Apply sunscreen before boarding and keep reapplying, particularly during the long Ladiko stop.

Is $104 good value?

At $104 per person, this is not the cheapest way to see the Rhodes coast. But it includes enough to make the price reasonable: six hours aboard a traditional gulet, three swim stops, lunch, fresh fruit, morning snacks, wine, soft drinks, and use of the kayaks, SUP boards, snorkeling equipment, floating sofas, and platforms.

The key value is variety. You do not need to book a separate snorkeling trip, rent a kayak, find a beach restaurant, or buy drinks every hour. You get a full day structure with very little extra spending, unless you want beer, coffee, cocktails, or slushies.

I would compare this with a simple sightseeing cruise by asking one question: do you want to swim and use equipment, or only look at the coast? If you want active stops and food included, the extra cost makes sense. If you plan to stay seated and avoid the water, you may not get the same value.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option add useful flexibility. The host service is available in English and Greek.

Who should book the El Greco gulet trip?

You should consider this trip if you want a relaxed but active day, especially if you enjoy swimming, casual water sports, Greek food, and a social boat setting. It works well for families, couples, groups of friends, and adults who want an easy day away from Rhodes’ streets.

Children and teenagers have several ways to stay busy, while older adults can use the bean bags, shaded areas, floating sofas, and swimming noodles. You do not need to be an expert paddler. The crew helps with the equipment, and you can always choose to swim or relax instead.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, need guaranteed seating, want included beer, or expect a polished private-yacht experience. Strict dietary needs also require advance planning, and picky eaters may want to ask about the menu before booking.

Should you book this Rhodes boat trip?

I would book it if I wanted one easy day that combines Rhodes scenery, three swims, water sports, Greek food, and drinks without arranging each part separately. The strongest reasons are the long Ladiko stop, the free SUP and kayak use, and the generous food and soft-drink service.

Arrive early for a good deck position, bring serious sunscreen, and treat the included wine and soft drinks as the main bar offer. If you can accept a shared boat and a lively atmosphere, El Greco Cruises offers strong value at $104 and a pleasant way to see the eastern coast from the water.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes gulet trip start?

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

How long does the boat trip last?

The experience lasts six hours. Check the available starting time for your chosen date.

What food is served onboard?

The trip includes morning treats, a traditional Greek lunch, Greek salad, seasonal fresh fruit, and local snacks. Menu items can include chicken, beans in sauce, and stuffed tomatoes or peppers with rice.

Are drinks included?

Unlimited wine and soft drinks are included. Water, juices, fizzy drinks, and local wine are available. Beer, slushies, cocktails, and coffee are not included.

Can I use a kayak or SUP?

Yes. Kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkeling equipment are included, mainly during the two-hour stop at Fun Island in Ladiko Bay.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sun hat, and sunscreen. Food and drinks from outside are not allowed onboard.

Is the trip suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.