Rhodes Boat Trips

Shared day cruises from €39 · Private skippered trips from €350

Private and shared sea excursions from Rhodes

From Symi day cruises and Lindos express routes to east-coast swim days along Anthony Quinn Bay, Kalithea and Ladiko — there is a sea experience for every group. We help you choose between shared day cruises (best per-person value) and private skippered excursions (your route, your pace) — honestly, since 1998.

Compare Rhodes boat trip formats
Trip type Best for Typical price Where to book
Shared Symi day cruise Budget, first-timers €45–70 / person Boat cruises
Private Symi speedboat Groups of 4–6, flexible timing €1,000–1,300 / boat Private catalog
Lindos express cruise Short ashore time at Lindos €39–100 / person Boat cruises
Private east-coast day Families, own pace from €350 / boat Private catalog

Popular routes for private excursions

From budget-friendly shared day cruises to fully private speedboat charters, there is a sea experience for every group. Most visitors ask about Symi, Lindos and the east-coast swim bays — here is how the main routes compare, and where shared and private options fit.

Symi day excursion

The Symi day trip is the most booked route from Rhodes. Shared cruises leave Mandraki around 09:00, cross in roughly 75–90 minutes and give you four to five hours in the pastel harbour of Gialos before returning by about 18:00. Expect €45–€70 per person on organised day boats with a swim stop en route. Private speedboat excursions to Symi suit groups who want faster crossings, Panormitis Monastery or flexible timing — typically €1,000–€1,300 per vessel for up to six guests. Browse Symi day cruises for shared departures or the private options in our catalog below.

Lindos by sea

Lindos excursions combine swimming at St Paul's Bay with free time in the village beneath the Acropolis. Shared cruises from Rhodes Town or Kolymbia often run €39–€100 per person depending on duration and lunch. Express routes focus on Lindos ashore; fuller day outings add east-coast swim stops at Anthony Quinn Bay or Kalithea Springs on the return leg. A private speedboat to Lindos starts around €460 for a half-day and €700+ for a full day with lunch on deck — ideal when you want to control how long you stay in the village. See Lindos and east-coast cruises or enquire about a private Lindos day.

East coast swim days (Anthony Quinn, Kalithea, Ladiko)

Not every sea excursion crosses to another island. Half-day and full-day east-coast routes stay along the sheltered shoreline — Anthony Quinn Bay, Kalithea Springs, Ladiko and Traganou Caves are the classic swim-and-snorkel stops. Shared all-inclusive cruises run €45–€75 per person with lunch and drinks on board. A private half-day from €350 lets your group visit two or three bays at your own pace without a fixed timetable. These routes suit first-time visitors who want turquoise water without an open-sea crossing.

Departures from Kolymbia and Faliraki

If you stay on the east coast, departures from Kolymbia or Faliraki shorten transfer time to Symi, Lindos and local swim bays. Express boats to Symi from Kolymbia often leave later than Mandraki services and include a swim stop at St George's Bay. Faliraki sea shuttles connect the resort strip with Rhodes Town harbour for guests who prefer not to drive. When you enquire, tell us your hotel area — we match you to the nearest sensible departure rather than sending you across the island unnecessarily.

What is included and typical prices

Pricing depends on whether you join a shared outing or book a private one. Shared day cruises start from about €39 per person and usually cover the route, swim stops, snorkelling gear and, on full-day departures, lunch and drinks on board. Private skippered experiences start from around €350 for a half-day and €700+ for a full day, priced per vessel rather than per person — so the more of you there are, the better the value. Private rates typically include fuel, the skipper, swimming and snorkelling stops, and flexible timing. What you will not see are hidden extras: we quote the full price before you book. Tell us your group size and dates and we will give you an honest like-for-like comparison between shared and private options.

Speedboat, RIB or sailing catamaran — which vessel?

The type of vessel shapes the whole day. Speedboats and power RIBs are fast and agile — ideal for reaching Symi or several east-coast bays in a half-day without losing time in transit. Sailing catamarans trade speed for space and stability: more deck, shade and a relaxed pace, perfect for families or anyone prone to seasickness. Larger organised boats suit those who want a fixed all-inclusive day out at the lowest price. If you are unsure, tell us how many you are and what matters most — speed, comfort or budget — and we will point you to the right hull. You can also rent a self-drive boat if you would rather skipper yourself, or browse organised day cruises for larger groups.

When to go and what to bring

The season runs from late April to October, with the calmest seas and warmest water between June and September. Mornings usually have the lightest wind, which matters for open-sea crossings to Symi; afternoons can be breezier on the exposed routes. Bring swimwear, a towel, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and a light layer for the return leg, plus a waterproof phone case if you are on a speedboat or RIB. Most boats provide water and snorkelling gear, but it is worth checking before you go. If anyone in your group is sensitive to motion, choose a catamaran or a sheltered east-coast route over an open crossing. Not sure which experience fits? Send us your dates and we will recommend the right route and vessel.

Shared day cruises offer the best per-person value; private skippered outings give you the vessel, route and timing to yourselves. We have curated both since 1998 — compare shared cruises, browse the private options below, or ask us which format fits your dates and group.

A private skippered experience is one of the most personal ways to see Rhodes from the sea — your route, your pace, your group only.

Your Private Vessel

A skippered boat reserved for your group — flexible 2–8 hour outings, not a shared tour or large cruise vessel.

Handpicked Boats

Speedboats, RIBs and small catamarans from operators we know — quality vessels and experienced skippers.

Flexible Routes

Anthony Quinn Bay, Lindos, south coast or east-coast swims — you choose with the skipper on the day.

Private excursions for your group
Private · skippered · flexible

Private excursions for your group

A private boat trip in Rhodes means your own skipper, your chosen duration and a route tailored to your group — couples, families and friends who want the vessel to themselves.

Prices typically start around €350 for a half-day. Tell us your dates and preferences and we connect you with the right vessel and crew.

Private Skippered Experiences

Excursions reserved for your group

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Rhodes boat trips — shared cruises and private skippered days. For booking see the full FAQ.

How much is a Rhodes boat trip to Symi?

A Rhodes boat trip to Symi typically costs €45–€70 per person on shared day cruises that leave Mandraki around 09:00, include a swim stop and give you four to five hours in Gialos harbour before returning by about 18:00. Express departures and sunset variants sit in the same range depending on season.

Rhodes boat trips vs private boat trip — which is better?

Rhodes boat trips on shared day cruises suit visitors who want the lowest per-person price, a fixed timetable, lunch and drinks included, and a social deck without planning routes. A private boat trip suits groups who want the vessel to themselves, flexible swim stops, and timing you control with a dedicated skipper.

How much does a boat trip in Rhodes cost?

A boat trip in Rhodes typically costs €40–€80 per person on shared day cruises that include lunch, soft drinks and several swim stops along the east coast. Private boat trips are priced per vessel: half-day skippered trips often start around €350–€500, full-day private trips €600–€900 for groups of four to eight.

How much does a private boat trip in Rhodes cost?

Private boat trips are priced per boat, not per person, which changes the maths for groups. Half-day private trips on a small motorboat with skipper often start around €350–€500 for four to six guests. Full-day private trips commonly run €600–€900 depending on route and vessel. Private catamaran day charters typically fall in the €920–€1,400 range for a half or full day with crew.

Is a private boat trip worth it compared to a shared tour?

For groups of four or more, a private trip is often worth it financially and experientially, per-person cost approaches a shared cruise while you gain a flexible route, your own pace, no strangers on deck and the ability to stay longer in a bay you love. For couples, private is more a celebration or honeymoon choice than a strict budget decision: you pay for intimacy and control.

How is a private boat trip different from a guided tour or cruise?

A private trip is your group alone on a small or mid-size boat with a dedicated skipper and a route you shape together within weather limits. A guided tour may still be private, but the term often covers semi-private setups with other guests and a more fixed programme.

How many people fit on a private boat?

Capacity depends on vessel type and legal certification, not just brochure photos. Small motorboats and speedboats comfortably carry four to eight guests for day trips. Mid-size sailing or motor yachts handle eight to twelve with seated shade and swim access.

Can we choose the route on a private trip?

Yes, flexible routing is the main reason guests book private. Tell the skipper what matters most, snorkelling at Anthony Quinn Bay, lunch at a beach taverna, sunset light along the Old Town walls, a longer reach toward Symi if conditions allow, and they design the day around it within safety and fuel limits agreed at booking.

How far in advance should I book a private boat trip?

In peak season from mid-June through August, book one to two weeks ahead for most private boats, especially weekends and popular catamarans. Luxury yachts and repeat-request skippers may need two to three weeks notice in July and August because agents and returning guests reserve early. In May, late September and October, a few days notice is often enough unless you need a specific yacht model.

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