Rhodes: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Dinner Buffet & Drinks

The best part of this Rhodes cruise is the timing: you get a swim in the late afternoon, dinner while the coast slips past, and a sunset from open water. I like the small-group feel and the fact that your $58 includes a full buffet plus unlimited drinks, not just a seat and a view.

I also like the useful extras, especially clean snorkeling gear, pool noodles, an outdoor shower, and indoor toilets. The main thing to consider is that the boat stays at anchor, so reaching the water or any nearby shore means swimming. If you are not comfortable in the sea, much of the Kalithea stop may be less useful.

Key points to know before boarding

• Kalithea Bay is a swim-from-the-boat stop: The catamaran anchors rather than pulling up to a beach.
• The $58 price covers plenty: Buffet dinner, wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included.
• You can choose your boat style: The outing runs on a sailing catamaran or a powered catamaran, with three catamaran options in total.
• Small boats are part of the appeal: Several outings have carried roughly 14 to 16 people, leaving room to sit and move about.
• Sunset comes near the end: The boat returns toward Rhodes Town for about 20 minutes of sunset viewing before Mandraki Harbor.
• Arrive early: Check in at the Poseidon Submarine, Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks 30 to 15 minutes before departure.

A three-hour evening on the water

This is a compact cruise built around three simple pleasures: swimming, eating, and watching the sun go down. You leave from Mandraki Harbor, spend about 45 minutes cruising toward Kalithea Bay, stop for roughly 45 minutes, and then make the return run toward Rhodes Town.

That schedule works well for a holiday evening. You are not giving up an entire day, and you still get enough time to settle into the boat rather than rushing from one photo stop to the next. The music adds a Greek holiday mood without turning the outing into a full party boat.

The catamaran choices matter a little. A sailing catamaran gives you the traditional feel of moving under sail, while a power catamaran offers a different ride and gets you out along the coast without relying on wind. The exact boat assigned can vary, particularly in April, May, and October if one vessel does not reach its minimum number of passengers.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor for Kalithea Bay

Your meeting point is in front of the Poseidon Submarine, at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks. Arrive early. The boats leave on time, and missing departure can mean a €25 rebooking fee per ticket for another day.

Once aboard, you have time to get comfortable and look back toward Rhodes Town as the boat heads along the east coast. A catamaran gives you several ways to enjoy the ride: sit in the shade, find a place outside, or move around for a better view. The boats have indoor toilets and an outdoor shower, which are practical touches on a swimming cruise.

Group size is one of the more important details here. Several outings have had only about 14 to 16 people. That is much more pleasant than being packed shoulder to shoulder, especially when you are carrying towels, wet swimwear, and a plate of food. Group size can change, of course, so do not treat those numbers as a guarantee.

The crew gets strong marks for being warm and attentive. Eleni is one crew member specifically praised for checking that everyone had enough to drink. That kind of service matters on a short boat trip, since the crew is handling food, drinks, safety, and the swimming stop all at once.

Swimming and snorkeling from the catamaran

At Kalithea Bay, the boat drops anchor for around 45 minutes. Bring your swimwear, because this is not a sightseeing-only cruise. You can use the provided snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and floating pool noodles, then rinse off under the outdoor shower afterward.

The water is clear, and you may see fish and rocky underwater areas. One particularly fortunate swimmer spotted a lionfish. At the same time, you should keep expectations sensible. Kalithea is a pleasant place to swim, but it is not presented as a major reef site. One account described the underwater scenery as mostly rocks and not especially full of marine life.

The stop is also not a conventional beach visit. The boat remains at anchor, and reaching shore requires swimming. That means this part suits confident swimmers best. You can use a life jacket or pool noodle, but the operator does not provide a way to walk directly onto the beach from the boat.

The water has been described as about six meters deep at the swimming point. That can be exciting for strong swimmers and less appealing if you prefer shallow water. Listen carefully to the crew before entering, and follow their instructions about the boat, swimming area, and return time.

One practical tip: dinner may be served while the swimming stop is still underway. If you spend the full break snorkeling, you could miss part of the buffet. I would take a quick look at the food before getting in, then choose how long you want to stay in the water.

A Greek buffet with drinks included

Dinner is served on board and includes 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 rather than a formal restaurant meal, with enough variety for people who want meat, salad, dips, or lighter food.

The chicken and salads receive especially strong praise, and the buffet is often replenished or offered in generous portions. The food is simple, fresh, and well suited to a boat. Dips, feta, bread, and salads also give vegetarians several choices.

There is one useful limitation for strict vegetarians or anyone hoping for seafood: the menu does not list fish, and one person chose not to eat because the vegetarian selection did not feel broad enough. If you need a specific diet, ask before booking rather than assuming the buffet can be adjusted.

Drinks are a major part of the value. Unlimited wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. The wine has been described as good quality, and the crew serves drinks throughout the trip. Alcohol service can stop if someone appears intoxicated, a sensible rule on a small boat.

At $58 per person, the price compares well with a simple evening meal and a separate boat trip. You are paying for three hours on the sea, dinner, drinks, equipment, and the sunset setting. The value is strongest if you plan to have wine or beer and would otherwise pay separately for dinner.

Catching the sunset near Rhodes Town

After Kalithea Bay, the catamaran heads back toward Rhodes Town. The final section includes about 20 minutes set aside for the sunset, with the captain positioning the boat at a good viewing point before returning to Mandraki Harbor.

This is the emotional high point of the evening. The sun drops over the Aegean, the coastline fades into softer colors, and the boat’s music creates a relaxed setting. The soundtrack has been described as Greek and romantic, with some outings taking on a livelier mood. It is not a silent nature cruise, so keep that in mind if you want only the sound of the sea.

The sunset view depends on weather and the captain’s route. The captain may change the swimming stop or course for safety. Clear skies will give you the strongest colors, but no boat operator can guarantee a perfect sunset. The cruise is still worthwhile on a less dramatic evening because the coast, swim stop, meal, and open-water ride remain part of the outing.

There may be other boats in the area, especially at a popular swimming point. Still, the smaller catamaran setup helps the evening feel more personal than a large excursion vessel. Find your viewing spot early if you want an unobstructed place for photographs.

Comfort, safety, and the practical details

The catamarans have indoor toilets, an outdoor shower, snorkeling equipment, pool noodles, and life jackets. These features make the trip easier for families and for anyone who does not want to pack specialist equipment.

The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users. Getting around a catamaran and entering the water from an anchored boat requires mobility, so check carefully before booking if anyone in your party has access needs.

The host and greeter speak English. The separate entrance helps with boarding, but you still need to arrive at the right place and listen for announcements. If you are unsure about the departure time, ask a crew member directly. The schedule can vary by date, and the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if your Rhodes plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to arrive on time.

Weather controls the route. The captain can change the course or swimming stop according to conditions. In the quieter months of April, May, and October, you may also be moved to another catamaran if your original boat does not reach its minimum number of participants. You should receive a message if that happens.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes cruise most

I would choose this cruise for couples wanting a simple romantic evening, especially if you like the idea of swimming before dinner rather than sitting at a restaurant all night. The sunset, music, open deck, and included wine create the right setting without requiring a full evening commitment.

It also works for friends and families. A toddler and a six-month-old baby have been taken aboard, with the crew offering help and making the family feel welcome. Keep in mind that one family found the full adult fare for an infant disappointing, so check the child pricing before you pay.

Solo visitors can also fit in comfortably. The small group, friendly crew, and shared buffet make it easier to enjoy the outing without feeling stranded at a large table.

I would be more cautious about booking if you dislike swimming from boats, need a broad special-diet menu, or want a quiet, lecture-style cruise. The catamaran is focused on atmosphere and simple pleasures, not historical commentary or a long guided tour of Rhodes.

Should you book it?

At $58, I think this is one of the better-value evening outings in Rhodes if you want food, drinks, a swim, and a sunset in one package. The strongest reasons to book are the attentive crew, smaller boat size, generous buffet, and the chance to watch the sky change from the middle of the sea.

Book it if you are comfortable entering the water from an anchored catamaran and can arrive early at Mandraki Harbor. Skip it if you need direct beach access, wheelchair-friendly boarding, or a highly specialized meal. For most couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who want an easy three-hour escape, this is a well-priced way to finish a day in Rhodes.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes sunset catamaran cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from Mandraki Harbor. Meet in front of the Poseidon Submarine, at the Catamaran Cruises Rhodes desks.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 30 to 15 minutes before the activity begins. The catamarans depart on time, and missing the boat can result in a €25 rebooking fee per ticket for another day.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts three hours. The route includes about 45 minutes to Kalithea Bay, around 45 minutes for dinner and swimming, and the return journey with about 20 minutes set aside for sunset viewing.

Which boats can I choose?

You can choose between a sailing catamaran and a power catamaran. There are three catamaran options, though the provider may move bookings to another boat in April, May, or October if a vessel does not meet its minimum passenger number.

Can I swim to the beach at Kalithea Bay?

The boats remain at anchor, so reaching the shore requires swimming. The stop is designed for swimming and snorkeling from the catamaran.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, floating pool noodles, and life jackets are provided. The boat also has an outdoor shower for rinsing off after swimming.

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 local bread.

Are drinks included?

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

Can wheelchair users join the cruise?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users.