Rhodes: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Buffet & Drinks

The best evenings happen offshore. This three-hour cruise combines a swim at Kalithea Bay with a generous Greek-style buffet, unlimited beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, and a sunset viewed from the Aegean. I especially like the friendly small-boat feel and the fact that swimming, dinner, music, and sunset all fit into one easy outing.

The main consideration is that the boat anchors offshore, so you must swim to reach the water and any nearby rocky spots. If you are not comfortable in open water, or if you need wheelchair access, this is not the right choice.

• Kalithea Bay swim: The catamaran anchors in water reported at around six metres deep, with snorkeling gear and pool noodles available.
• Dinner is included: Expect grilled chicken, salads, pasta salad, potatoes, dips, olives, feta, and fresh local bread.
• Drinks keep coming: Beer, wine, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included without a set limit.
• Small-group atmosphere: Boats often carry around 14 to 16 people, though group size can vary.
• Three catamaran choices: You may be assigned to a sailing catamaran or a powered catamaran, depending on the booking and operating conditions.
• Sunset music: Greek-toned music and a calm return toward Rhodes Town create the most romantic part of the evening.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor in the Late Afternoon

You meet in front of the Poseidon Submarine and Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks at Mandraki Harbor. Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before departure. The boats leave on time, and missing the sailing can mean paying a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

That early arrival is worth treating seriously. The harbor is easy to reach in Rhodes Town, but the departure point can be busy, and you do not want to be searching for the desk while the crew is preparing to leave. Listen carefully for announcements, or ask a crew member if you are unsure about the exact departure time.

Once aboard, you choose a place on the outside deck. The boats include outdoor showers, indoor toilets, life jackets, snorkeling equipment, and floating pool noodles. Seating varies by catamaran, but the boats used for this cruise are described as clean, comfortable, and well maintained.

You can choose between sailing and power catamarans when booking options are available. The sailing boat gives you the more traditional sea experience, while the powered boat usually offers a quicker, more direct feel. The exact vessel can change, especially in April, May, and October if one boat does not reach its minimum number of passengers.

The 45-Minute Run Along Rhodes’ East Coast

The first 45 minutes are about settling into the rhythm of the sea. From Mandraki Harbor, the boat heads along the east coast of Rhodes toward Kalithea Bay. You get open views of the coastline, the water, and the changing light as afternoon begins to fade.

This is not a sightseeing cruise packed with spoken commentary. It is more about sitting on deck, listening to music, and watching Rhodes slide past from the water. That suits the trip. You are paying for time outside, not a long list of historical facts.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Several accounts describe staff who keep drinks topped up, help with snorkeling equipment, and make a point of talking with passengers. One crew member named Eleni was singled out for making sure everyone had enough to drink. The captain and first mate have also been praised for sharing information about Rhodes and nearby areas.

The atmosphere can range from quiet and romantic to lively and social. Some boats have as few as 14 or 15 people, giving the evening an intimate feel. That is a useful contrast with large excursion boats, which can feel crowded around the swim stop. Still, group size is not guaranteed, so do not book solely on the promise of a tiny party.

Swimming and Snorkeling at Kalithea Bay

After roughly 45 minutes, the boat drops anchor at Kalithea Bay for about 45 minutes. This is the active part of the cruise. You can swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or float with one of the pool noodles.

The water is clear, and the rocky surroundings give you something to look at below the surface. One account described the swimming area as about six metres deep, while another noted seeing a lionfish and plenty of smaller fish. At the same time, conditions are not the same every day. One person found the underwater scene fairly modest, with rocks being the main attraction.

That is the fair way to view the stop. It is a lovely chance to swim in the Mediterranean from a comfortable boat, but it is not a dedicated marine-life expedition. If you want extensive snorkeling, this may feel brief. If you simply want a refreshing swim in a beautiful bay before dinner, 45 minutes is a good length.

The boat remains at anchor rather than pulling up to a beach. You do not step directly onto the shore. You swim from the boat, so bring swimwear and be ready for a ladder entry and exit. Life jackets and noodles are available, but you should still be confident in the water.

The crew may adjust the route or swimming stop if weather conditions require it. That is sensible at sea, though it means the exact bay experience cannot be guaranteed. The captain has final say on safety and route changes.

Buffet Dinner With Greek Salads, Chicken, and Local Bread

Dinner is served aboard the catamaran, usually around the swimming portion or after it. The buffet includes:

• Grilled chicken
• Pasta salad
• Potato salad
• Greek salad
• Green salad
• Tzatziki
• Hummus
• Aubergine salad
• Olives
• Feta
• Fresh baked local bread

The menu is simple, filling, and well suited to a boat outing. You get familiar Greek flavors rather than a formal restaurant meal. The dips, salads, feta, olives, and bread provide plenty for vegetarians, though the main hot dish is grilled chicken.

Vegetarian diners should take note of one limitation. The spread offers several meat-free choices, but no fish option is listed, and one person decided not to take the food option because the vegetarian selection felt limited. If you eat plant-based food or have a serious allergy, ask the provider before booking.

The quantity is one of the better features. People repeatedly describe the buffet as generous, with staff offering more food and drinks throughout the cruise. I would not expect elaborate cooking or a broad dessert service. Instead, think of it as a fresh, casual Greek supper served at sea, with enough variety to make a proper meal.

The timing can be worth watching. One account noted that food came out while passengers were still snorkeling. If you want first choice from the buffet, keep an ear out for the crew’s announcement and return to the boat before the entire 45-minute stop has passed.

Unlimited Drinks and a Relaxed Onboard Mood

The cruise includes unlimited wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water. That inclusion changes the value calculation considerably. At $58 per person, you are not paying only for a boat ride and a sunset. You are also covering a full buffet, nonalcoholic drinks, and alcoholic drinks for three hours.

The wine and beer receive particularly strong praise, though expectations should remain sensible. This is a casual catamaran meal, not a wine tasting. The crew serves drinks throughout the trip, which makes the evening feel attentive rather than self-service.

Alcohol is available only as long as the crew considers it safe. Staff can stop serving someone who appears intoxicated. That is a reasonable rule on a boat, especially when swimming is part of the program.

Music adds a gentle holiday feel. Several accounts describe good music, romantic songs, and Greek tones during the return to Rhodes. The sound level can shape the evening: some passengers want quiet sea air, while others enjoy a more social soundtrack. Here, the balance appears to lean relaxed and upbeat rather than party boat.

Sunset From the Water Near Rhodes Town

After the swim and dinner, the catamaran begins the return journey. The final part of the cruise is timed around sunset, with about 20 minutes set aside near Rhodes Town to watch the colors change over the sea.

This is the emotional high point. From the deck, you have a wide view rather than the blocked sightline you might get along a crowded waterfront. The boat pauses at a good viewing position, and the fading light works with the music and open water.

For couples, this is the most romantic part of the outing. It also works well for families and friends, since the earlier swim gives the evening some activity before everyone settles down for the view. A family with a six-month-old baby found the crew accommodating, while another family with a toddler appreciated the welcoming service. The boat can suit families, but children still need close supervision around the water and deck edges.

Sunset timing changes with the season, so check the start time when booking. The captain can also alter the route for weather. You should see the sunset as the central aim, but not treat one exact bay or viewing angle as guaranteed.

What $58 Buys You

At $58, the cruise offers good value if you will use the full package. The price includes three hours on the water, a proper buffet, unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, toilets, and an outdoor shower.

A cheaper boat trip might give you the ride and views but charge extra for food and drinks. A restaurant dinner with sunset views could cost a similar amount without the swimming stop. The value is strongest for anyone who wants a complete evening rather than a short photo trip.

The price is less compelling if you do not drink alcohol, do not plan to eat, or have no interest in swimming. In that case, much of the package is wasted. Families should also check the child pricing carefully. One parent felt that charging full adult price for a baby reduced the value, even though the overall trip was excellent.

The published rating is 4.8 from 644 reviews, and 90 percent of ratings give the transport a perfect score. That points to a consistently strong operation, especially in service, food quantity, boat condition, and sunset timing.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would recommend this cruise to:

• Couples wanting a relaxed sunset outing
• Friends who like swimming, drinks, and music
• Families comfortable with boat travel and open-water swimming
• Solo visitors who want a social but manageable evening
• Anyone looking for a good-value dinner away from the city

Solo passengers should feel comfortable here. The crew is described as friendly and attentive, and the group size can be small enough to make conversation easy.

You should think twice if you need step-free access, cannot swim from an anchored boat, or want a serious snorkeling trip. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. It is also not the right match for someone seeking a formal, quiet dinner with extensive service and a large menu.

The cruise runs for three hours, but the active portions pass quickly. You spend about 45 minutes sailing out, 45 minutes at Kalithea Bay, 45 minutes returning, and around 20 minutes focused on sunset. The remaining time is used for boarding, serving food, and moving between activities.

Practical Tips Before You Go

Bring swimwear, and consider adding a towel and a light layer for the return journey. The boat has an outdoor shower, but the evening breeze may feel cooler after you leave the water.

Arrive early at the Poseidon Submarine desk. The catamarans depart on time, and the €25 rebooking fee makes a late arrival an expensive mistake.

If snorkeling matters to you, start early at Kalithea Bay rather than waiting until the end of the stop. Food may be served while people are still in the water, so ask the crew when dinner begins.

Listen for announcements. If you are uncertain about the departure time or the next activity, ask a crew member directly. The crew can also explain which drinks and equipment are available.

Finally, keep your expectations realistic. The main rewards are the swim, the open sea, the friendly service, the generous meal, and the sunset. The underwater area may be attractive without offering a huge amount of marine life, and the route may change with weather.

Should You Book the Rhodes Sunset Catamaran Cruise?

Yes, if you want a full evening on the water at a reasonable price. The mix is hard to beat: Kalithea Bay swimming, a Greek buffet, unlimited drinks, comfortable catamaran seating, and sunset views on the way back to Rhodes Town.

I would book it especially for a couple, a small family, or anyone who values attentive service more than formal sightseeing commentary. I would skip it if you cannot swim from an anchored boat, need wheelchair access, or expect a large snorkeling site with extensive sea life.

For most people, this is an easy, good-value way to finish a day in Rhodes. Arrive early, bring swimwear, save room for the buffet, and claim a good spot on deck before the sun begins its final show.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise?

The cruise lasts three hours. The schedule includes sailing to Kalithea Bay, a swimming and snorkeling stop, dinner aboard, and sunset views during the return toward Rhodes Town.

What food is included?

The buffet includes grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh baked local bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. The crew may stop serving alcohol if someone appears intoxicated.

Can I swim to the shore at Kalithea Bay?

The catamaran stays anchored in the bay, and you must swim from the boat if you want to reach the shore. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and life jackets are available.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet in front of the Poseidon Submarine and Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks at Mandraki Harbor. Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before departure because the boat leaves on time.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.