Faliraki: Boat Trip to Anthony Quinn & The Caves with Drinks

Fish, caves, and cold beer make a fine afternoon. This three-hour cruise from Faliraki combines two very different swim stops with a glass underwater cabin, so you can watch the sea even if you prefer not to get in. I especially like the 40 minutes at Anthony Quinn Bay and the 25 minutes at Traganou Caves. The main drawback is the number of beach pickup points, which can use up a noticeable part of the trip.

The price is $58 per person, including beer, water, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the boat ride. That is fair value if you want a short sea outing rather than a full-day sailing trip. The crew, including captains known as Mike and Niko, receives especially strong praise for friendly service, clear safety instructions, and good humor.

Key points before you book

• The underwater cabin is the star feature: Large glass panels let you watch fish below the boat without swimming.
• Anthony Quinn Bay gets the longest stop: You have about 40 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and fish watching.
• Traganou Caves offer a different setting: You can swim into the rock formations during the 25-minute stop.
• The open bar is included: Beer, water, and soft drinks are available throughout the cruise.
• Beach pickup is simple but spread out: You board from red steps at one of several Faliraki beach stops.
• Families are well served: Children can enjoy the underwater windows, fish feeding, and short swim periods.

What this Faliraki boat trip actually offers

This is not a quiet yacht cruise or a long sailing expedition. It is a compact sightseeing and swimming trip on a yellow semi-submarine, designed to give you several holiday pleasures in one package: coastal views, easy snorkeling, an unusual view beneath the boat, and drinks without extra charges.

The boat has an underwater cabin with glass windows. It is not a submarine in the technical sense, but the below-deck viewing area gives the ride its name and its appeal. You can sit inside and watch fish pass beneath you, with air conditioning available in the cabin according to several detailed accounts.

That makes the trip useful for mixed groups. A strong swimmer can jump in and snorkel, while someone nervous about open water can stay on board and still see marine life. One particularly useful detail is that pool noodles are available, and the crew recommends them for swimming into the caves.

The atmosphere is casual. You help yourself to the fridge for cold beer, water, and soft drinks. Food is not included, so eat before boarding or bring your own plan for lunch later.

Boarding from Faliraki beach

The meeting point is not one central pier for everyone. You board from the red steps on the beach at one of the pickup points around Faliraki. The listed stops include beaches near Amada Colossos, Esperides, Calypso Hotel, Apollo Hotel, and Faliraki Harbor.

The pickup times are arranged in three waves:

• Amada Colossos beach: 9:30 AM, 12:30 PM, or 3:30 PM
• Esperides and Calypso Hotel beach: 9:40 AM, 12:40 PM, or 3:40 PM
• Apollo Hotel and Faliraki Harbor: 9:55 AM, 12:55 PM, or 3:55 PM

Look for the yellow boat and the red beach steps. A tender boat may bring you from the beach to the semi-submarine, so you should be ready for a short transfer rather than expecting to walk straight onto the main boat.

This system is handy if you are staying near one of the beaches. It is less convenient if you are far away, and the many pickup points can stretch the transport portion. One family estimated that around an hour of the outing was tied to moving between pickup and drop-off points. That is the clearest practical criticism of an otherwise well-liked trip.

The 30-minute coastal cruise

Once everyone is aboard, the boat follows the coast for roughly 30 minutes. This is sightseeing time rather than a guided history tour, though the captain points out the coastline and shares facts about the places you pass.

The crew’s style is one of the best parts of the outing. Captains Mike and Niko are singled out for being funny, welcoming, and attentive. Safety instructions are explained clearly before swimming, which matters if you are traveling with children or feel uneasy around open water.

The boat gives you several ways to spend this section. Sit above deck for sun and coastal views, visit the underwater cabin for fish watching, or take a cold drink from the fridge. The ride is relaxed rather than formal, and the English-speaking host keeps the information accessible.

The order of the stops can be presented differently in the trip information. The detailed route lists Anthony Quinn Bay first and Traganou Caves second, while the general description puts the caves first. If the order matters to you, confirm it at boarding. The two stops and their stated lengths remain the same.

Anthony Quinn Bay and the fish feeding

Anthony Quinn Bay is the headline stop. The bay is famous for clear water, rocky edges, and a compact, dramatic setting. You get about 40 minutes here, the longer of the two swimming breaks.

This is the best place to bring a mask if you enjoy watching fish. The crew feeds fish near the underwater cabin, creating a busy scene below the boat. Several people describe seeing large schools gather around the glass panels. One account even recalls a fish about a meter long near the entrance to the bay, though marine life naturally varies from day to day.

You can choose your level of activity:

• Swim and snorkel around the boat.
• Watch the fish from the underwater cabin.
• Use a pool noodle if you want extra support.
• Stay on deck with a beer or soft drink.

The fish feeding is visually effective, but it is worth viewing it as an added attraction rather than a guarantee of a natural wildlife encounter. The spectacle comes from the fish gathering around the boat, not from a guided marine biology session.

The 40-minute stop is long enough to feel worthwhile without turning the trip into a full beach day. Strong swimmers will have time to explore near the boat, while less confident swimmers can take a short dip and still enjoy the glass cabin.

One point to keep in mind: the boat may not bring you directly onto the beach at Anthony Quinn Bay. The swimming takes place from the boat, which gives you a beautiful view but not the same experience as spending an afternoon on shore.

Traganou Caves and swimming inside the rocks

Traganou Caves provide a change of mood. Instead of fish gathering under the boat in an open bay, you get rock formations and the chance to swim inside the caves.

The stop lasts about 25 minutes. That is enough time for a quick swim through the cave openings, though you should not expect a long exploration session. Pool noodles are recommended here, especially if you want to enter the rock formations without tiring yourself out.

The caves are a strong choice for families and first-time snorkelers because the stop is short and clearly structured. Children can enjoy the sense of adventure, while adults get a striking coastal setting without committing to a demanding water activity.

You should still be comfortable entering the sea before booking. The trip is friendly to nervous swimmers because of the underwater cabin, but the main appeal of both stops is getting into the water. If you prefer to remain dry, you will still see the coast and fish, but you will miss part of what you are paying for.

The underwater cabin is more than a glass-bottom gimmick

Many glass-bottom boat rides offer a quick look through a small viewing panel. This boat takes the idea further with a proper cabin beneath the main deck. You can sit inside and watch the water through larger windows, making the experience more engaging for children and anyone who does not snorkel.

The cabin is also useful during hot weather. Air conditioning below deck has been noted as a welcome touch, especially when the boat is sitting in the sun. You can cool off, watch the fish, and return upstairs when you feel ready.

The best viewing comes at Anthony Quinn Bay when the crew feeds the fish. At other points, visibility depends on the light, water conditions, and marine life in the area. Do not expect an aquarium with constant action. The charm comes from seeing real sea life in its setting, with no promise that every minute will produce a memorable sight.

Drinks, snorkeling gear, and overall value

At $58 per person, the package offers solid value for a three-hour outing. The two swim stops alone would make it a reasonable coastal activity, and the unlimited beer, water, and soft drinks improve the deal for adults who would otherwise buy drinks separately.

The open bar is self-service. You can help yourself from the fridge during the ride. Beer is available, along with water and soft drinks, but food is not included. Have breakfast or a snack beforehand, especially if you choose the 9:30 AM departure and expect to be active in the water.

Snorkeling equipment is provided, which saves you from carrying or renting basic gear. Bring your own mask if you prefer a particular fit, but the supplied equipment is useful for a casual swim.

The price looks strongest for families and groups with different interests. A child can watch fish through the windows, an adult can snorkel, and another person can enjoy the scenery with a soft drink. A dedicated snorkeler may want a longer reef trip, while someone seeking luxury may find the boat simple rather than polished.

Family suitability and safety

This outing works well for families because the swimming periods are short, the underwater cabin adds variety, and the crew takes safety seriously. Children as young as three and five have been included on similar outings, and families with six- and nine-year-old children found the format manageable.

The captain gives a detailed safety talk before the water stops. That is reassuring for anyone who feels nervous about swimming from a boat. Crew members also help create a friendly mood, which can make a first open-water swim less intimidating.

Still, this is a boat-based sea activity, not a supervised pool. You should be comfortable following crew instructions and entering the water from the boat. The supplied details do not state specific accessibility arrangements, so ask the operator directly if you need help with boarding, the tender transfer, or the stairs to the underwater cabin.

Timing, comfort, and small drawbacks

The three-hour length is one of the trip’s strengths. It is long enough to reach both sites but short enough to fit around a beach day, dinner, or another Rhodes activity. The 25-minute cave stop and 40-minute bay stop also keep the pace moving.

The tradeoff is the pickup network. Several beach stops make the tour accessible from more hotels, but they can reduce the time spent at sea. If you are boarding at the first pickup, you may spend extra time collecting other passengers. If you board later, you may be among the last people returned.

The cruise is also weather dependent in practical terms. One family had rain and poor conditions but still felt safe and comfortable because the captain explained the safety measures and worked to keep everyone dry. The sea can still affect visibility, comfort, and how enjoyable the swim stops feel.

For the best chance of calm water and clear fish viewing, choose the departure that fits the day’s conditions rather than simply the most convenient hour. The activity provider offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, which gives you some room to adjust plans.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want a compact introduction to the Faliraki coast, especially if your group includes swimmers and non-swimmers. It is also a strong pick for families, couples, and friends who like a relaxed boat ride with a little activity mixed in.

You may want another type of excursion if you want a full-day sailing trip, a quiet boat with no pickup circuit, a serious snorkeling session, or a meal at sea. This is a friendly, structured outing with popular swimming sites, not a remote coastal expedition.

Should you book the Anthony Quinn Bay and Caves trip?

Book it if the combination of two swim stops, an underwater cabin, and included drinks sounds like a good use of three hours. The fish feeding at Anthony Quinn Bay is the standout moment, while swimming into Traganou Caves gives the tour a second setting rather than repeating the same type of stop.

I especially like the flexibility for mixed groups. You can snorkel, use a pool noodle, watch through the glass, or simply enjoy a cold drink. Just allow for pickup delays, remember that food is not included, and confirm the stop order if that detail matters to you. At $58, it is a fair and enjoyable Rhodes excursion for anyone who wants a short sea break without spending the whole day on a boat.

FAQ

How long is the semi-submarine boat trip?

The experience lasts three hours, including the coastal cruise, swimming stops, and return transfers.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $58 per person.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the semi-submarine tour, a 40-minute swim stop at Anthony Quinn Bay, a 25-minute swim stop at Traganou Caves, beer, water, and soft drinks.

Is food included?

No. Food is not included, so you should eat before the trip or plan a meal afterward.

How long do you stop at Anthony Quinn Bay?

The swimming stop at Anthony Quinn Bay lasts about 40 minutes.

How long do you stop at Traganou Caves?

The swimming stop at Traganou Caves lasts about 25 minutes.

Can you swim inside Traganou Caves?

Yes. The trip allows you to swim into the rock formations inside the caves.

Can you see fish without swimming?

Yes. The boat has a glass underwater cabin where you can watch fish beneath the boat.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Beer, water, and soft drinks are available from the open bar during the cruise.

Where do you board the boat?

You board from the red steps on the beach at one of the designated Faliraki pickup points. These include beaches near Amada Colossos, Esperides, Calypso Hotel, Apollo Hotel, and Faliraki Harbor.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and pool noodles are available for the swimming stops.

What language does the host speak?

The host or greeter speaks English.

Can you cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Can you reserve now and pay later?

Yes. The booking option allows you to reserve your place and pay later.