Rhodes: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Buffet & Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is the timing: you swim in the late afternoon, eat as the boat heads along the east coast, then watch the sunset from open water. I like the small-catamaran feel and the fact that dinner, wine, beer, soft drinks, and snorkeling gear are included rather than added one by one.

I also like the generous buffet, with grilled chicken, salads, dips, feta, olives, and fresh bread. The main thing to consider is the swim stop. The boat anchors offshore, and reaching the shore or nearby rocks means swimming, so this is not a good fit if you need easy shore access.

Key points at a glance

• A 45-minute ride to Kalithea Bay: Settle into the catamaran before the swim stop.
• Swimming from the anchored boat: You can use snorkeling gear, pool noodles, and life jackets, but you do not simply walk ashore.
• A full Greek-style buffet: Chicken, salads, hummus, tzatziki, feta, olives, aubergine salad, pasta salad, potatoes, and bread are served onboard.
• Unlimited included drinks: Wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are available during the cruise.
• Sunset from the sea: The final return toward Rhodes Town is timed for sunset, with music on deck.
• Three boat choices: You can book a sailing or power catamaran, with the exact boat depending on availability and departure conditions.

Why this three-hour Rhodes cruise works so well

A sunset boat trip can be little more than a slow ride with a drink in your hand. This one has a better rhythm. You leave Mandraki Harbor, spend time at sea, stop for a swim at Kalithea Bay, eat a proper meal, and finish with the sunset. Nothing is rushed, yet the three hours have a clear shape.

The setting helps. Rhodes east coast looks especially good from the water, and the return toward town gives you changing views rather than one long stretch of open sea. The route may shift with weather, and the captain can alter the swimming stop if conditions require it, but the core plan remains a swim, dinner, and sunset.

The boats are described as luxury sailing or power catamarans, with three options used for the experience. Several departures have carried only around 14 to 16 people, giving the trip a friendly, personal feel. Group size can vary, so do not assume every sailing will be this intimate, but the catamaran format gives you more room than a large excursion boat.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor for the east coast

You meet in front of the Poseidon Submarine and Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks, arriving 30 to 15 minutes before departure. Take that seriously. The catamarans leave on time, and missing the boat can mean a €25 rebooking fee for another day.

Once aboard, you have time to settle in during the first 45-minute run. The boats have outdoor seating, an indoor toilet, an outdoor shower, and open areas where you can choose between sun, shade, and a clear view ahead. The exact layout depends on the catamaran assigned to you.

The English-speaking crew handles the basic announcements and keeps the service moving. You may hear information about departure times and the route, so listen closely, especially if the boat has changed from the one you expected. In cooler months, if a boat does not reach its minimum number of passengers, the operator may move you to another catamaran and notify you by message.

For the smoothest start, arrive early, wear swimwear under your clothes, and keep a light layer nearby if you tend to feel cool once the sun drops. The supplied information specifically asks you to bring swimwear, but a towel and sun protection are sensible additions.

Kalithea Bay: a swim stop from the boat

After about 45 minutes, the catamaran anchors at Kalithea Bay for roughly 45 minutes. This is the active part of the evening, but you control how much you do. You can swim, use the snorkeling equipment, float with a pool noodle, or stay onboard and enjoy the view.

The water is clear, and one account describes the swimming area as about six meters deep. You may see fish around the rocks. One person even spotted a lionfish, though underwater life is not guaranteed. The bay can also be popular, so you might share the area with other boats.

The practical detail matters: the boat stays at anchor, and getting to the shore or the nearby caves requires swimming. This is not a beach landing. If you are a confident swimmer, that makes the stop feel free and easy. If you prefer a shallow entry, need step-free access, or are traveling with someone who cannot swim comfortably, the stop may be less appealing.

Life jackets are available, as are snorkeling masks and other equipment. The boat also has an outdoor shower for rinsing off saltwater. Bring your own swimwear, but you do not need to pack snorkeling gear unless you prefer using your own.

There is one timing point worth knowing. The buffet may be set out during the swimming period. If you spend the entire stop in the water, you could miss the first chance to eat. Keep an eye on the crew announcements, or ask when dinner will be served before leaving the boat.

A Greek buffet with more than just snacks

Dinner is one of the strongest parts of the package. You get grilled chicken, pasta salad, potato salad, Greek salad, green salad, tzatziki, hummus, aubergine salad, olives, feta, and fresh local bread. It is a generous spread, but it is not a restaurant-style multi-course dinner.

The food suits a boat setting well. You can make a full plate from the salads, dips, bread, and cheese, then add chicken if you want something more filling. Vegetarian choices include hummus, salads, feta, olives, aubergine salad, pasta salad, and bread. One vegetarian diner chose not to take the food option, so if you need fish, vegan dishes, or a strict special diet, ask before booking rather than assuming the buffet will cover it.

The crew serves the drinks, including wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water. The drinks are unlimited, though alcohol service can stop if someone appears intoxicated. That is a sensible rule on a moving boat, especially when swimming is part of the evening.

Several people have singled out the quality and quantity of the food. The grilled chicken and fresh bread receive particular praise, while the dips and salads make the spread feel more substantial than the usual sandwich or pastry offered on short cruises. One useful detail: food service may begin while some people are still snorkeling, so do not wait until the last minute if you want the full selection.

The sunset return toward Rhodes Town

After the swim and meal, the catamaran turns back toward Rhodes. The final part of the route lasts about 45 minutes, followed by around 20 minutes focused on the sunset near Rhodes Town.

This is when the trip changes mood. The swim stop is social and active, while the return is slower and quieter. Music plays onboard, often with Greek tones or relaxed evening songs, and the fading light gives you a good reason to move around the deck for different views.

The sunset is not viewed from land. You see it from the boat, with the Aegean around you and Rhodes on the horizon or behind you depending on the route. The captain chooses a suitable position, but exact timing and visibility depend on weather, season, and cloud cover.

For photographs, stay flexible. The best view may not be from your original seat, and the boat can have good sightlines from several areas. If you want a quieter moment, step away from the main group when the music and conversation pick up. If you enjoy a social evening, the deck becomes the natural gathering place.

The cruise ends back at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes base in Mandraki Harbor. The full outing lasts about three hours, making it easy to fit into an evening without giving up a whole day.

Sailing catamaran or power catamaran?

You can choose between sailing and power catamaran options, but the final boat assignment and route details depend on availability and conditions. Both types stop at Kalithea Bay, and both include the buffet, drinks, swimming equipment, toilets, and shower listed for the experience.

A sailing catamaran may appeal if you like the feel of moving with the wind. A power catamaran can be preferable if you want a more direct, motor-powered ride. Do not book this expecting a private charter. The atmosphere is shared, and the number of people can differ from one departure to another.

The boats are maintained with practical comfort in mind. You have outdoor seating and room to enjoy the views, and several departures have been described as clean, modern, and uncrowded. That said, comfort depends partly on the passenger load and the weather. Wind can make the open deck feel cooler, while a calm evening may make the boat feel almost still.

Is $58 good value?

At $58 per person, this is a strong package if you plan to eat and have a few drinks onboard. You are paying for three hours on a catamaran, a swim stop, snorkeling equipment, a full buffet, unlimited drinks, and the sunset ride back to Mandraki Harbor.

The value is clearest when you compare it with paying separately for a boat trip, dinner, and drinks in Rhodes Town. You also avoid arranging transport between several stops. The meal is simple rather than fine dining, but the portions are generous and the range of salads and dips makes it easy to build a satisfying plate.

Families should check the child pricing carefully. One family found that an infant was charged the full adult fare, despite the baby not consuming alcohol. This may not apply to every booking arrangement, but it is worth checking before you pay.

The cruise also works for solo visitors. One solo passenger felt safe and comfortable onboard, and the group format makes it easy to sit back without needing a travel companion. Couples get the romantic sunset setting, while friends and families have enough activity to avoid three quiet hours of simply sitting.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a relaxed evening with a little swimming, a dependable meal, and a scenic finish. It suits couples, small groups of friends, families with older children, and solo visitors who want an organized outing without a huge party boat.

It is especially good for people who value atmosphere over sightseeing commentary. The main attraction is the sea, the food, the music, and the changing light. You are not visiting a long list of monuments or spending time ashore at Kalithea.

Think twice if you need wheelchair access, a shallow beach entry, or a highly structured guided tour. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users, and the boat anchors offshore. You also need to be comfortable with swimming from the catamaran or staying onboard while others swim.

The crew can change the route or swimming stop for weather, so keep your expectations flexible. The sunset is the goal, but nature still controls the clouds, wind, and exact position of the boat.

Practical details before you book

Arrive at the Poseidon Submarine and Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks 30 to 15 minutes before departure. The boats leave on time, and a missed departure can cost €25 to rebook.

Bring swimwear, and consider packing a towel, sunscreen, and a light cover-up for the return ride. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and life jackets are provided. The boat has an outdoor shower and indoor toilets.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available, which helps if your Rhodes schedule is still changing.

The host or greeter speaks English. Listen to announcements about departure times, particularly if the operator changes your boat. Alcohol may be stopped if a passenger becomes intoxicated, and that rule applies for good reason since swimming and open water are part of the evening.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want a well-priced Rhodes evening that combines a real meal, swimming, drinks, and a sunset without feeling like a rushed sightseeing circuit. The strongest reasons to book are the friendly crew, the small-group feel available on some departures, the generous buffet, and the excellent use of the three-hour schedule.

I would skip it only if you need easy shore access, a quiet boat with no music, or a more serious snorkeling site. For most people who enjoy being on the water, $58 buys a full and pleasant evening, with enough variety to make the sunset feel like the final act rather than the only event.

FAQ

Where does the sunset catamaran cruise depart?

It departs from Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes, at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks in front of the Poseidon Submarine.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before the scheduled start. The catamarans leave on time.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours.

What happens at Kalithea Bay?

The catamaran drops anchor for swimming and snorkeling. You can also use pool noodles or stay onboard.

Can I walk ashore at Kalithea Bay?

No shore transfer is provided. The boat stays at anchor, and reaching the shore requires swimming.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and life jackets are included.

What food is served?

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

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.

Can I choose a sailing or power catamaran?

The experience offers sailing and power catamaran options, along with three catamaran choices. The exact boat may depend on availability and operating conditions.

Is the cruise suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The experience is not suitable for wheelchair users.

What happens if the weather changes?

The captain can change the route or swimming stop according to weather conditions.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.