Kolymbia: All-Inclusive Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Drinks

Kolymbia’s five-hour catamaran cruise is built around the best kind of Greek island day: three clear-water swim stops, a relaxed sail along the Rhodes coast, and lunch served without sending you ashore. You can swim at Tsambika Bay, explore the Hidden Caves, then spend nearly an hour at Stegna Beach.

I especially like the maximum of 25 passengers, since it gives you room to sit, stretch out, and enjoy the boat without feeling packed in. I also like the all-inclusive setup: unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water are included, along with a Greek meal. The main thing to consider is the lack of hotel pickup, plus the possibility that coastal commentary may be limited. If you want a detailed guided sightseeing cruise, this may feel light on explanation.

Key things to know before sailing

• Three different swimming settings: Tsambika Bay offers broad coastal views, the Hidden Caves add a more unusual stop, and Stegna gives you the longest swim break.
• A small boat capacity: The catamaran accepts no more than 25 passengers, a useful advantage on a five-hour outing.
• Lunch stays onboard: You do not lose valuable swimming time searching for a restaurant during the cruise.
• Drinks are included throughout: Beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are available at no extra charge.
• The cruise lasts five hours: This is long enough for several stops without taking up a full day.
• You arrange your own way to the harbor: Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the meeting point is Kolymbia Sea Lines on Google Maps.

Why this cruise works for a Rhodes beach day

This outing keeps things simple. You board at Kolymbia, point the catamaran along the coast, and spend most of the day alternating between sailing, swimming, eating, and relaxing. You are not trying to squeeze an ancient town, a museum, and a beach into one packed schedule.

That focus matters in Rhodes. The coast around Kolymbia, Tsambika, and Stegna is best appreciated from the water, where you can see the curves of the bays and reach swimming spots that are not part of an ordinary beach day. You also get the pleasure of moving between places without repacking a beach bag or looking for a new parking spot.

The group limit is one of the strongest features. With space for up to 25 passengers, the boat should feel more personal than a large excursion vessel. That does not mean you will have the catamaran to yourself, but it should make finding a comfortable place to sit easier. One useful point from the available feedback is that the boat did not feel overloaded, with enough room for people to spread out.

The host or greeter speaks English, and the activity information lists English as the operating language. You should expect basic assistance and coordination in English. If you want a running explanation of every cove and headland, keep your expectations modest. One practical criticism concerned limited communication from the skipper about upcoming stops and points of interest. That is worth considering if commentary is important to you.

Setting out from Kolymbia

You meet at Kolymbia Sea Lines, with the location available on Google Maps. Since hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, you need to arrange your own transport to the harbor and allow enough time to find the correct meeting point.

The cruise is operated by Kolymbia Sea Lines 2 on a Lagoon catamaran. A catamaran is a good match for this route because its broad layout gives you several places to sit and watch the coast. The twin-hull design also suits a day that mixes open-water sailing with repeated stops for swimming.

The exact starting time depends on availability, so you should check the schedule before booking. The total duration is five hours. That makes this a half-day activity, leaving part of your morning or afternoon free, depending on the departure time.

Once underway, you can settle into the rhythm of the trip. The coast is the main show, but the real purpose is to reach the swimming stops. Bring your swimsuit, towel, sun protection, and anything you need for time in the water. Snorkeling is part of the plan, but the provided information does not confirm whether equipment is supplied, so check before you go if you do not have your own.

First stop: Tsambika Bay

Tsambika Bay is the first swimming stop. The setting is known here for its broad coastal views, and the stop gives you an early chance to get into the water before lunch.

This is a good opening stop because it eases you into the day. You can swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the view. The water is described as clear in the available feedback, making this one of the more appealing parts of the trip for anyone who likes looking below the surface.

You should think of Tsambika Bay as a scenic swimming break rather than a formal guided visit. There is no stated walking tour or shore excursion. The value comes from the chance to swim from the catamaran and see this part of Rhodes from offshore.

If you prefer to stay dry, you are not required to swim. You can use the stop as a quiet pause, take in the coastal views, and enjoy a drink. The all-inclusive drinks make this easy, since you do not need to carry a cooler or buy refreshments at each stop.

Second stop: the Hidden Caves

After Tsambika Bay, the catamaran continues to the Hidden Caves. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, and explore the caves from the water.

The caves give the route a little more character than a standard beach cruise. You are not simply stopping at three similar patches of coast. The setting changes, and the shorter stop creates a compact burst of activity between the longer swimming breaks.

The phrase Hidden Caves should not lead you to expect a long land exploration. The information provided describes swimming, snorkeling, and exploring them, so plan on seeing the caves from the boat or water. You may find that the best way to enjoy this stop is to swim near the openings, then return to the catamaran before the group moves on.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. If you want photographs, take them early rather than waiting until the end. If swimming is your priority, go straight into the water and make the most of the stop. You can relax during the sailing time that follows.

Greek lunch served on the catamaran

After the cave stop, lunch is prepared and served onboard. This is one of the most practical parts of the experience. You stay with the boat, avoid a restaurant detour, and keep the day moving at an easy pace.

The meal is described as a Greek lunch, but no detailed menu is provided. I would not book this expecting a specific dish or a full restaurant-style spread. Instead, see it as a welcome meal during a day on the water.

Lunch also gives you a natural break from swimming. Five hours can feel long if every minute is spent in the sun or salt water. Sitting down to eat, having a drink, and watching the coast pass by adds variety to the schedule.

Unlimited drinks are included with the meal and during the cruise. The selection includes ice-cold beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water. That is a strong value point at $106 per person, especially for a five-hour outing where drinks purchased separately could add up quickly.

The package does not state that cocktails, spirits, or specialty drinks are included. You should plan around the listed choices rather than assume a wider bar service.

Final stop: Stegna Beach

Stegna Beach is the last stop and the longest swimming break, lasting almost a full hour. That extra time gives you the best chance to settle into the water instead of checking the clock every few minutes.

You can swim, snorkel, or relax during the stop. The longer pause makes Stegna a good place to repeat whatever you enjoyed earlier. If Tsambika Bay was your scenic swim and the Hidden Caves were your exploring stop, Stegna gives you time simply to float, cool off, and enjoy the beach from the sea.

A longer stop also helps different members of a group. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while anyone who prefers a slower pace can remain aboard and still enjoy the view. Families, couples, and solo passengers can each use the hour differently.

You should not assume that an hour at Stegna means a full shore visit. The activity describes it as a swimming and snorkeling stop before returning to Kolymbia Harbour. The emphasis is on the water, not on a long beach walk or village visit.

How good is the value at $106?

At $106 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. The price makes more sense when you count what is bundled into the five hours: a Lagoon catamaran, three swimming stops, lunch, and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, and water.

The small passenger limit also matters. A cheaper boat trip with a much larger crowd may offer a lower headline price but give you less personal space. Here, the capacity of 25 helps explain the cost and improves the comfort of the day.

I would consider this good value for someone who wants a ready-made sea outing. You pay once and do not need to budget for lunch or drinks onboard. The cruise also saves you from planning several separate beach visits.

The value is weaker if you mainly want transport from one place to another, or if you do not drink and would rather spend the day on a public beach. It is also less compelling if you need hotel transport, since getting to Kolymbia is your responsibility.

The strongest value comes from combining the swim stops with the food and small group. You are paying for an easy day, not only for a boat ride.

Comfort, atmosphere, and communication

The catamaran is intended to keep the group comfortable, and the 25-person limit is reassuring. The available feedback describes the boat as comfortable and not overcrowded. That is especially important on a five-hour outing, since cramped seating becomes tiring long before the final harbor return.

The mood should suit people who like relaxed days rather than nonstop activity. You can swim when you want, eat when lunch is served, and enjoy the sailing between stops. The drinks service adds to the holiday feel without requiring you to keep opening your wallet.

The crew has been described as friendly and attentive in the available comments. That is useful on a boat trip, where clear instructions and a welcoming manner make the day easier. Still, do not confuse a friendly crew with a full sightseeing guide.

The one clear consideration is communication about the route. You may not receive detailed commentary about every coastal feature or a long explanation before each stop. If you want that, ask the English-speaking host or crew for clarification when you board. It is better to know the timing of each stop early, especially if you want to swim at every location.

Who should book this cruise?

This trip suits you if you want:

• A half-day on the water rather than a full-day excursion
• Several chances to swim and snorkel
• A smaller group instead of a crowded boat
• Lunch and drinks included in the price
• A relaxed outing for couples, families, or solo visitors
• A coastal experience without a long shore program

It is also a good fit if you like having choices. You can swim, snorkel, sit in the sun, enjoy a drink, or simply watch the coast. The itinerary has structure, but it does not force you into a demanding schedule.

You may want a different activity if you need hotel pickup, a detailed history lesson, a large amount of time on shore, or a specific lunch menu. The cruise is about the sea and swimming, not archaeology or sightseeing in a town.

Booking details worth checking

The tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes plans are still taking shape.

Check availability for the departure time, then confirm the meeting point at Kolymbia Sea Lines on Google Maps. Since transport is not included, this is one detail you should sort out before the day of the cruise.

The host or greeter speaks English. The activity information does not list other operating languages, so contact the provider before booking if you need assistance in another language.

Should you book the Kolymbia catamaran cruise?

I would book this if your ideal Rhodes outing includes clear-water swimming, a comfortable small-group boat, Greek food, and drinks already covered. The three stops give the day variety, while the five-hour length keeps it from taking over your entire holiday schedule.

The biggest reason to choose it is the balance between comfort and activity. You get three chances to swim, but also time to eat and relax. The maximum of 25 passengers is a real advantage, and the included drinks make the $106 price easier to justify.

Before booking, ask yourself how much guiding you need. If you want detailed coastal commentary, the communication may feel limited. If you are happy to enjoy the water without a constant explanation, this is a practical and pleasant way to see the Rhodes coast.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran cruise last?

The cruise lasts five hours.

Where does the cruise depart from?

The meeting point is Kolymbia Sea Lines, with the location available on Google Maps.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many swimming stops are there?

There are three swimming stops: Tsambika Bay, the Hidden Caves, and Stegna Beach.

How long is the stop at the Hidden Caves?

The Hidden Caves stop lasts about 30 minutes.

How long is the stop at Stegna Beach?

You get almost a full hour at Stegna Beach for swimming and snorkeling.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek lunch is prepared and served onboard.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, white wine, soft drinks, and water are included.

How many passengers can join the cruise?

The catamaran has a maximum capacity of 25 passengers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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