Bay to Bay Cruise in Lindos

Rhodes looks best from the water. The Bay to Bay Cruise links four pretty swimming spots with a relaxed six-hour boat ride from Saint Paul’s Bay in Lindos. I like the generous swim time and the calm, friendly crew, especially Captain Mia and her co-captain. I also like that lunch, snorkeling gear, water toys, and one drink are included. The main drawback is that the boat can carry up to 70 people, so the feel may change on a busy departure, and the lunch may not match every person’s idea of a traditional Greek meal.

This is not a loud party cruise. It is aimed at swimming, sun, sea views, and an easy day on the water. Pickup is available from hotels between Vlycha and Plimmiri, but you should check your pickup option carefully before booking. The cruise begins and ends at Pallas Beach Taverna in Lindos, and the boat leaves from Saint Paul’s Bay.

Key points to know before booking

• Four swimming stops: Guns of Navarone Bay, Charaki Bay, Kamares Beach, and Agathi Beach each offer a different setting.
• About six hours on the water: Travel time is included, so this is a full half-day outing rather than a quick boat ride.
• Lunch is served onboard: Expect a full meal, seasonal fruit, and one free drink, with advance notice required for vegan, vegetarian, allergy, or intolerance needs.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You can also use life jackets and swimming toys, according to the experience details and onboard feedback.
• Pickup covers a broad south Rhodes area: Transfers are offered from hotels between Vlycha and Plimmiri, with the meeting point at Pallas Beach Taverna.
• Strong satisfaction record: The cruise has a 4.9 rating from 111 reviews, with 98 percent of customers recommending it.

Setting out from Saint Paul’s Bay

Your day begins at Pallas Beach Taverna in Lindos, unless you select the available transfer service. The boat departs from Saint Paul’s Bay, one of the most attractive coastal settings near Lindos. Allow yourself enough time to reach the meeting point, especially if you are arranging your own transport.

The boat is called the Calypso Lazy Day Boat. It has a pirate-style look, but the mood is much more peaceful than theatrical. The crew keeps the focus on swimming, scenery, food, and safety. A recent account praised the crew’s clear communication and said safety was treated as a priority.

The cruise lasts about six hours, and travel time is part of that total. That matters because you are not getting six full hours at the beaches. The four swimming stops add up to about two hours and 45 minutes, with the remaining time spent moving along the coast, eating, and enjoying the boat.

The maximum group size is 70 people. That is not a tiny private sailing trip, but the boat has been described as spacious and comfortable. On quieter dates, the atmosphere can feel especially easygoing. If you want the smallest possible group, check the expected departure size before booking.

Guns of Navarone Bay: your first swim

The first stop is Guns of Navarone Bay near Lindos. You get 30 minutes here, enough for a quick swim, a look below the surface with the supplied snorkeling equipment, and a few photographs from the boat.

The bay is linked with dramatic coastal scenery and the old film connection suggested by its name. The appeal is less about visiting a formal attraction and more about seeing a quiet stretch of coast that is difficult to appreciate from inland roads.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. I would treat this as a chance to get comfortable in the water rather than a long beach stop. If you are a cautious swimmer, ask for a life jacket before entering the sea. Water noodles and other swimming toys are also available, so you do not need to bring your own flotation aid.

There is no admission charge at the stop. Your main cost is the cruise itself, and that price includes access to the boat, equipment, food, and the other bays.

Charaki Bay: 45 minutes for a calmer swim

The second stop is Charaki Bay, also known as Haraki Beach. You have 45 minutes here, which gives you more time to swim and relax than at the first stop.

The bay is known for golden sand and clear water. From the boat, you can enjoy the view without dealing with a separate beach transfer or searching for a parking space. The boat-based format also lets you see the coast from a different angle, with the hills and shoreline forming the backdrop while you swim.

If you prefer a slow day, this is likely one of the most useful stops. You can swim, use a noodle, try the snorkel equipment, or stay on deck with a drink. The cruise is designed so you do not have to take part in every water activity. You can simply enjoy the boat and the view.

One practical point: the stop is described as a swimming stop, not a guided visit to Haraki village or a long shore excursion. If you want time to walk through the settlement, eat at a waterfront restaurant, or visit local sights, this cruise is not built around that.

Kamares Beach and the pirate stories

The third stop is Kamares Beach, with about 40 minutes in the water. Local stories connect the coast with pirates who once used nearby places for shelter. That gives the stop a little extra character, though the real attraction is the sea itself.

This is another good place to use the snorkeling equipment. The water is presented as suitable for exploring marine life, but the experience does not promise a guided snorkeling lesson or a dedicated wildlife tour. Bring modest expectations and enjoy whatever conditions allow you to see.

The pattern of the day works well here. By the third stop, you have had time to settle into the rhythm: cruise, swim, climb back aboard, dry off, and repeat. You can use the deck as your base between stops, and the supplied water and one free drink help keep the day simple.

The cruise provides one soda, bottle of water, beer, or glass of wine. Additional alcoholic drinks cost extra. If you know you will want more than one drink, budget for that separately.

Agathi Beach and lunch on the deck

Agathi Beach is the final swimming stop and the longest meal break, at about 50 minutes. The bay is described as calm, with green hills and rough cliffs around it. That setting gives the last stop a quieter finish than a crowded resort beach.

You can swim in the calm water or stay on the comfortable deck. This is also when the full traditional lunch is served. The food described in the available details includes cold salad and hot stuffed peppers and tomatoes, followed by seasonal fruit.

The meal has received mixed but generally positive feedback. Several people praised the lunch, while one Italian customer found it less traditionally Greek than expected and closer to an adapted Italian-style meal aimed at English-speaking tastes. That is useful to know. You should expect a pleasant included meal, but not necessarily a long, regional taverna feast with a fixed menu of classic Rhodes dishes.

Tell the operator in advance about vegan or vegetarian needs, food allergies, or intolerances. Do not wait until you board, since special arrangements need advance notice.

The fruit served after lunch is a small but welcome touch. After several swims, a simple meal and something fresh to finish can be more useful than an elaborate spread.

What the boat day feels like

The strongest feature of this cruise is its pace. You are not rushed from one landmark to another, and there is no large program of commentary or shore sightseeing to keep up with. The day is built around water time.

The crew has been praised for being friendly and accommodating. One booking was moved to the following day after the original date no longer worked, though you should not assume every change can be handled after the deadline. The crew also speaks English well, which makes safety instructions and meal requests easier for English-speaking customers.

The cruise is a good match for you if you want a social boat ride without a party atmosphere. It is also useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel and explore, while less confident swimmers can use life jackets or water noodles and remain close to the boat.

The boat’s size offers both benefits and limits. A larger vessel usually gives you more room to sit, move around, and find shade or sun. It can also mean more people in the water at the same time. The quietest feel is more likely outside the busiest summer periods, but group size can vary.

Price and overall value at $78.61

At $78.61 per person, the cruise is priced as an all-in day on the sea rather than a bare boat transfer. You receive roughly six hours, four swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, swimming toys, lunch, seasonal fruit, and one included drink.

That package makes the price reasonable if you plan to spend the day swimming. You would otherwise need to arrange transport, find beaches, pay for food and drinks, and possibly rent or buy snorkeling equipment. The cruise also takes care of the route, which lets you see several coastal bays without planning each stop yourself.

The value is weaker if you dislike swimming or want substantial time on land. Much of the day centers on getting into the water, and the stops are short to moderate in length. You are paying for the boat experience and the sequence of bays, not for extended visits to Lindos, Haraki, or Agathi.

Pickup can improve the value if your hotel is within the service area from Vlycha to Plimmiri. It can save you the trouble of arranging transport to Lindos. Confirm that your accommodation falls within the stated radius and select the correct pickup option when booking.

The tour is often reserved about 23 days ahead on average. That is a useful planning signal, especially if you are visiting in a busy period. If your dates are fixed, booking ahead is sensible.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The cruise depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. The same choice applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and cut-off times follow local Rhodes time.

Wear swim-friendly clothing and bring anything you need for time in the sun, though the supplied equipment covers snorkeling and basic flotation. Since lunch and a drink are included, you do not need to plan a separate meal during the cruise. Extra alcoholic drinks are not included.

The meeting point is Pallas Beach Taverna, and the activity returns there. If you use pickup, remember that transfer time counts toward the total tour duration.

Who will enjoy this Lindos cruise most?

I would choose this cruise for someone who wants a relaxed day on the water with several chances to swim. It suits couples, families, and groups of friends who enjoy scenic bays but do not need a packed schedule of historical stops.

It is also a good choice if you want equipment and lunch handled for you. The included snorkeling gear, life jackets, swimming toys, food, and drink remove several small decisions from the day.

I would hesitate if you want a private sailing trip, a serious snorkeling program, or long walks ashore. The maximum capacity is 70 people, the swim breaks are timed, and the cruise does not focus on guided cultural visits. Anyone with limited mobility should ask the provider about boarding and access before reserving, since the supplied information confirms that most participants can take part but does not describe detailed accessibility arrangements.

Should you book the Bay to Bay Cruise?

Book it if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, four scenic bays, a comfortable boat, and a simple lunch without a party soundtrack. The crew’s friendly service, the calm pace, and the included swim equipment give the cruise a strong practical edge.

Skip it if you prefer to stay on land, need a private boat, or expect a highly traditional Greek meal with extensive local dishes. For most people who want an easy swimming day from Lindos, the $78.61 price is fair, especially when pickup, lunch, equipment, and a drink are part of the package.

FAQ

Where does the Bay to Bay Cruise begin?

The cruise begins at Pallas Beach Taverna in Lindos, with the boat departing from Saint Paul’s Bay. The activity returns to the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered for hotels within the area from Vlycha to Plimmiri in southern Rhodes. You should select the pickup option that matches your location.

How long does the cruise last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours. Travel time is included in the total duration.

What swimming stops are included?

The cruise stops at Guns of Navarone Bay near Lindos, Charaki Bay, Kamares Beach, and Agathi Beach. The listed swimming times are 30, 45, 40, and 50 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full traditional Greek lunch and seasonal fruit are included. You should inform the operator in advance about vegan or vegetarian meals, allergies, or food intolerances.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. A full refund is also available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins.