The Best Boat Tours in Rhodes

Greece › Rhodes › Boat Tours
By Santorini Dave
Updated: February 22, 2026

See Also

• Where to Stay in Rhodes
• Rhodes Family Hotels

A boat tour around the best beaches and swim spots in Rhodes is a marvelous way to see the island’s beauty. All tours listed below are kid and family-friendly.

Rhodes Boat Tours – My Advice

• Book in advance. High-quality tours in Rhodes sell out weeks ahead in July and August. My advice is to worry less about which specific tour you choose and more about getting something booked before they sell out. If you are visiting between late June and early September, lock in your date early.
• Swim vs. Sightsee. Determine your priority before booking. Most cruises, like the day cruises from Rhodes Town or Faliraki, focus on swimming and snorkeling in multiple bays. Others, like the trips to Lindos or Symi, are primarily for sightseeing on land with only brief swim stops. If your main interest is being in the water, stick to the dedicated swimming cruises.
• Beat motion sickness. The Aegean can get choppy, particularly in the afternoon when the winds pick up. If you are susceptible to sea sickness, book a catamaran cruise. Catamarans are significantly more stable than traditional monohull boats. I also recommend taking medication like Dramamine at least 30 minutes before boarding if you have concerns.
• Check your departure point. Boats depart from different locations around the island. Most leave from Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town, but several popular swimming tours depart from Faliraki. While many tours offer hotel pickups from areas like Ixia, Ialyssos, and Kallithea, be aware that these shuttles make multiple stops and can add 30 to 60 minutes to your travel time.
• Symi is for sightseeing. The boat trip to Symi is beautiful, but keep in mind it is a long day and mainly focused on exploring the colorful harbor town and the Panormitis Monastery. There is usually only one swim stop. If you want a day of lounging on deck and jumping into the water, this is not the right tour for you.
• Sun protection is vital. There is very little shade on the decks of most boats, and the reflection of the sun off the water is intense. Bring a high-SPF sunscreen, a hat that won’t blow away, and polarized sunglasses. Even on breezy days, you will burn quickly without protection.
• Facilities on board. All the major tour boats listed here have multiple toilets on board. Most swimming cruises include a large lunch and unlimited drinks, but sightseeing ferries to Lindos or Symi often operate more like a standard ferry with a snack bar where you pay for items individually.
• Family friendly. Every tour I have listed is kid and family friendly. For families with active children, the sea kayaking option from Kathara Beach is a fantastic alternative to a traditional boat tour and includes a generous picnic lunch.

The 6 Best Boat Tours in Rhodes

1. Day Cruise with Snorkeling & Cocktail Bar

• Departs from Rhodes Town at 10am
• Wheelchair accessible
• Includes large lunch and unlimited wine, beer, & drinks
• Visits 3 bays for swimming & snorkeling

2. Catamaran Day Cruise with Lunch

• Departs from Rhodes Town at 10am
• Includes large lunch and unlimited wine, beer, & drinks
• Visits 3 bays/beaches for swimming & snorkeling
• If you’re worried about seasickness catamarans are more stable and a good choice

3. 3-hour Swimming Cruise & Snorkel

• Departs from Faliraki at 10am
• Pick up available from Ixia, Rhodes Town, Kremasti (or as cruise ship excursion)
• Includes snacks, fruit, and unlimited wine, beer, & drinks
• Swim & snorkel at 3 coastal spots

4. Boat Day Trip to Lindos

• Departs from Rhodes Town at 8:45am
• Wine, beer, drinks, snacks, & sandwiches available for reasonable prices
• Visits Lindos (with enough time to see the Acropolis) and 2 bays/beaches to swim & snorkel

5. Symi Island Full Day Trip by Boat

• Departs from Rhodes Town at 9am
• Hotel pick up available from Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes Town, or Kallithea
• Bar on board for drinks and snacks
• This is mainly a sightseeing tour for Symi. There is a swim stop but if that’s your main interest do one of the swim/snorkel tours above.

6. Sea Kayaking and Snorkeling Activity

• Departs from Kathara Beach near Faliraki at 8:30am
• Hotel pick up available from Rhodes Town, Lindos Ialysos, Kremasti, Kallithea, Faliraki, Kolymbia
• Includes bottled water and generous picnic lunch
• Family option available
• Super fun!