The Main Types of Boat Trip
Before diving into specific destinations, it helps to know the kind of experience each boat type offers. Think about the atmosphere you want, as well as the stops.
- Coastal Swim Cruise: Ideal for a classic day on the water, visiting several bays like Anthony Quinn Bay for swimming and snorkelling. Perfect for a first boat day.
- Catamaran or Sailing Trip: Best for a quieter day in a smaller group, often with more space to relax onboard than on larger, crowded excursion boats.
- Symi Excursion: A full-day trip to another island, focusing on its famous colourful harbour and your choice of optional swimming or monastery stops.
- Lindos Cruise: Combines a visit to the historic village and Acropolis with swimming stops at beautiful coves like St Paul's Bay.
- Sunset Cruise: A shorter evening trip to enjoy the coastal scenery in the golden hour, often with drinks and food included, without committing to a full day.
Experience, Destination or Convenience? How to Decide
The best boat trip is the one that matches your priorities. If your main goal is to be in the water, an east-coast swim cruise is an excellent choice. These routes often visit the famously scenic rocky coves around Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko, or the long sandy bays near Tsambika and Stegna. If sightseeing is more important, a structured excursion to historic Lindos or the island of Symi is a better fit.
The onboard atmosphere is just as crucial. Large excursion boats can be lively and social, which is great for meeting other travellers. For a more relaxed experience, look for smaller vessels, sailing boats or catamarans. These typically carry fewer passengers, offering a quieter day that’s popular with couples and those wanting to unwind.
Finally, don’t overlook the departure point. A fantastic trip departing from Rhodes Town might be less appealing if you're staying in Kiotari and face a long transfer in summer traffic. Choosing a trip leaving from a nearby harbour in Faliraki or Lindos can make for a much more relaxed day.
Understanding Symi & Lindos Itineraries
A day trip to Symi requires a key decision: do you want more time to explore the island independently or a structured cruise with swimming? A direct ferry gives you maximum freedom to wander through the pastel-coloured harbour of Yialos, climb the Kali Strata to the upper village, and find a taverna for lunch. An organised boat excursion, by contrast, builds the day around its stops, which might include swimming at the dramatic Saint George’s Bay or a visit to Panormitis Monastery.
Cruises involving Lindos also offer different experiences. A trip to Lindos from a northern harbour like Rhodes Town is typically a full-day sightseeing tour, combining a few hours ashore to explore the village with swimming on the way. A cruise departing from Lindos, however, is more of a local coastal tour. It's an ideal choice if you're staying in the south and want to see the Acropolis from the sea and swim in nearby coves without a long journey north.
Related Rhodes guides
Next, read our local guides to Symi, Lindos and Anthony Quinn Bay. Check the details of the specific place or listing before you book, as general island advice will not fit every trip.
Frequently asked questions
What's the best boat trip for a first-timer in Rhodes?
An east-coast swim cruise is a great starting point. It lets you experience several beautiful bays and coastal scenery in one outing without the time commitment of a full-day excursion to another island like Symi.
Should I choose a boat trip based on price alone?
It's better to look at the overall value. Compare what's included—like food, drinks, and the number of swim stops—alongside the price. Also consider the departure harbour's location, as a cheaper trip might require a long and inconvenient journey to the port.
I want to visit Symi. Do all trips include the monastery and a swim stop?
No, these are separate itinerary elements and not automatic inclusions. You must choose a trip that specifically lists Panormitis Monastery or a named swim stop like Saint George's Bay. A direct ferry is best if your priority is simply exploring the town at your own pace.
Is a catamaran trip always the best option?
It depends on the experience you're after. Catamarans usually offer a quieter atmosphere with smaller groups, which is great for couples or those avoiding crowds. However, a larger excursion boat might be a better fit if you're looking for a more social, lively atmosphere.