Rhodes Rent a Boat & Boat Tours Handpicked Trips, Cruises and Private Experiences

There is no single “best” boat tour in Rhodes — the right choice depends on what you want from the day, who is travelling with you, and how much flexibility you need. The most popular shared cruises visit Anthony Quinn Bay, Kalithea Springs and the east coast for swimming and snorkelling in calm, shallow water. Full-day trips to Symi and Lindos focus more on sightseeing and island exploration than on repeated swim stops. For couples or small families who want to set the pace, a private boat trip with a skipper gives you full control over the route and timing. We have been helping visitors choose the right experience since 1998, and we do not push the most expensive option — we listen first. Browse the full catalog on our things to do page, or tell us your dates and group size and we will recommend honestly based on weather, season and what is actually available that week. You speak with people who know Rhodes harbour by name, not a generic booking platform.

Prices vary by type of experience, season and group size, but we always send a clear written quote before any booking — no hidden fees and no commission to a marketplace. Shared day cruises along the east coast typically run €40–€80 per person, often including lunch, soft drinks and several swim stops. Sunset catamaran cruises are usually €40–€70 per person with a lighter meal and drinks on board. Private half-day trips with a skipper start around €400–€600 for the boat (4–8 guests), which works out comparable to a shared cruise when split between a group. Weekly yacht charters depend on yacht type, length and season — bareboat monohulls from roughly €1,500 per week, catamarans considerably more in peak summer. July and August are the most expensive weeks; June and September often offer better value for the same boats. We explain exactly what is included in each price — fuel, food, skipper, equipment — so you can compare fairly. Contact us with your dates and we will reply with real numbers, not a range that disappears at checkout.

May through October is the operating season for most boat tours and cruises around Rhodes. June and September offer the best balance of warm sea temperatures, lighter winds and fewer crowds at the popular bays. July and August are peak summer — the sea is at its warmest and every operator is running full schedules, but you should book at least one to two weeks ahead, especially for private boats and weekend slots. Spring and early autumn are ideal for sailing trips because the Meltemi north winds are weaker than in high summer, making coastal routes and shorter crossings more comfortable for first-time sailors and families. Shoulder-season days can feel more relaxed at Anthony Quinn Bay and Kalithea when there are fewer boats anchored together. We have lived through every month on this island since 1998 and will tell you honestly if your chosen week suits the experience you have in mind — for example, a Symi crossing in a strong Meltemi week is a very different day from a sheltered east-coast swim tour.

Yes — non-swimmers can absolutely join most boat tours and day cruises. Pool noodles and life jackets are on every boat, and many swim stops are in calm, shallow bays where you can stand near shore or simply stay on deck and enjoy the view. If you are prone to sea sickness, choose a catamaran (significantly more stable than a monohull) or a coastal route along the east shore rather than a longer open-sea crossing such as Symi on a windy day. Morning departures often feel smoother than afternoon trips when wind tends to pick up. Tell us when you book — we have steered nervous guests toward the right option since 1998 and we would rather suggest a gentler trip than have you suffer through the wrong one. Skippers know which bays are sheltered on Meltemi days. Medication taken an hour before boarding helps on longer routes. We never pressure anyone to swim; watching the coast from a stable deck is a valid way to enjoy the day. For departure times, trip length and harbour meeting points, see our full FAQ or ask when you enquire.