Rhodes Town: Fishing Boat Trip with Fish Meal and Swim Stops

The best part of this Rhodes outing is the mix of fishing, swimming, and lunch on a working-style Greek boat. Angelo keeps the fishing simple for beginners, while the captain handles the boat and barbecue. I especially like the small maximum group of 12 and the chance to eat fish caught during the trip. The swim and snorkel stop adds a welcome change of pace.

The main thing to consider is the sea. One person had serious seasickness, so bring travel-sickness tablets if you are prone to it. The water can also feel cool outside the hottest months, and catching a fish is never guaranteed.

Key points to know before you book

• A 10.5-meter traditional boat: The boat carries up to 12 people, giving the trip a more personal feel than a large excursion vessel.
• Angelo helps at every stage: He teaches you how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in a catch, then helps untangle lines when needed.
• Fresh fish cooked at sea: The crew grills the catch with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks included.
• Fishing comes before swimming: You get several fishing spots before stopping at a secluded cove for swimming and snorkeling.
• Good for first-time fishers: Children and adults receive help, so prior fishing experience is not needed.
• Meet at Mandraki Harbor: Find the Makarounas kiosk at kiosk 2 by Evangelismos Church.

A small fishing boat, not a standard sightseeing cruise

At $76 per person for five hours, this is priced as a full half-day outing rather than a simple harbor cruise. You are paying for the boat, crew, fishing equipment, food, drinks, and swim stop in one package.

The setting matters. You meet at Mandraki Harbor, beside Evangelismos Church, then board a traditional 10.5-meter fishing boat. With room for up to 12 people, the boat is small enough for the crew to give direct help. That is useful when you are learning to bait a hook or trying to manage a line for the first time.

I would not choose this for a quiet private sail. Fishing gear, rods, people moving around, and the barbecue make it an active outing. But if you like the idea of doing something practical on the sea, eating lunch outdoors, and seeing Rhodes from the water, the format makes good sense.

The crew speaks Greek and English. Angelo is the main personality you are likely to remember. He helps with the fishing, keeps the mood light, and takes on several jobs during the day. The captain, identified in the trip details and guest accounts as Vassilis, handles the boat and helps prepare the meal.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor and seeing Rhodes from the water

The opening part gives you a fresh view of Rhodes Town. From the boat, you can look back toward the harbor and the city walls rather than seeing them from street level. The boat also passes around the harbor gate, which makes a pleasant start before the fishing begins.

Do not expect a long narrated sightseeing tour. The focus is the sea and the activity, not a list of monuments. Still, the harbor departure helps you get your bearings and gives you attractive coastal views before the rods come out.

The boat has a seating area and a toilet on board. That makes a difference on a five-hour trip, especially for families. You should still expect a working boat rather than a polished yacht. The charm is in the simple setup and the chance to watch the crew handle real fishing equipment.

Learning to fish with Angelo

The first fishing stop is where the trip becomes hands-on. Angelo explains how to put bait on the hook, how to hold the rod, and how to reel in a fish. He also demonstrates two fishing methods, which gives beginners something more useful than simply being handed a rod.

This is a good choice for families and first-time fishers. Children and adults receive help, and the crew takes time to identify the fish and explain which ones are edible. That small lesson adds meaning to the meal later, since you understand more about what has been caught.

Fishing is naturally unpredictable. Some people catch several fish, while others catch nothing. You should book this for the process, not for a promise of a large catch. Even when your line stays empty, you can learn the technique, watch other catches come aboard, and enjoy the coast.

Angelo also has a practical role when things go wrong. Tangled lines are part of the experience, especially for beginners. Having someone ready to sort them out keeps the activity fun rather than frustrating.

Several fishing spots and the rhythm of the morning

The boat visits more than one fishing area. Moving between spots keeps the outing from feeling stuck in one place, and it gives the crew a chance to search for better conditions.

The rhythm is simple: fish for a while, listen to the crew, move on, and try again. That makes the trip different from a fast sightseeing cruise, where the scenery changes constantly but you have little to do. Here, the scenery is part of the background while you work with the rod.

Your success can depend on the day, the sea, and plain luck. The crew can show you the right method, but nobody can guarantee a catch. I like that the meal does not depend entirely on your fishing skills. The crew prepares food for the group, so an empty hook does not mean an empty lunch.

The boat carries food and drinks for the outing. The exact choice of meal can be discussed before departure, and the crew has accommodated fish, chicken, and vegetarian preferences. If you have an allergy or intolerance, give that information in advance.

The barbecue lunch is the trip’s big reward

Once the fishing is finished, the crew fires up the onboard grill. Freshly caught fish is prepared at sea and served with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. The meal is included in the price, so you do not need to find a restaurant after returning to town.

I like this part because it connects the activity to the meal. You are not simply eating seafood at a waterfront restaurant. You have watched the fish arrive, seen the crew sort the catch, and then eaten it with the sea around you.

The food is described as generous, and the crew can provide chicken or a vegetarian option for people who do not eat fish. That makes the outing easier for mixed groups. A fish lover can enjoy the catch while someone else chooses a different barbecue dish.

Lunch timing may follow the swim stop, depending on the day’s flow. The crew has prepared food while people were in the water, then served it on the return toward the harbor. Either way, you should expect a relaxed meal rather than a rushed snack.

Drinks are included. The combination of a cooked meal, side dishes, and drinks is a major part of the $76 value. If you booked only a boat ride and paid separately for lunch, swimming equipment, and fishing gear, the total would be less straightforward.

A secluded cove for swimming and snorkeling

The second part of the outing is set aside for swimming and snorkeling in a secluded cove. The crew provides masks, life jackets, and other needed equipment. An underwater camera has also been available on the boat, which can help you see more clearly below the surface and take pictures.

The cove gives you a break from the fishing. After sitting with a rod and watching the water, getting in for a swim changes the pace. You can look for colorful fish and other sea life around the rocks and underwater areas.

The water temperature is worth considering. In late spring and autumn, it may feel cool, and you are not required to swim. One person chose to stay out because the water felt too cold. If you prefer warm water, the hottest part of summer will likely suit you better, although the exact conditions can change.

Swimming ability also matters. Life jackets are available, but the trip details do not promise a shallow-water beach. If you are not comfortable in open water, speak with the crew before entering. The cove is a stop for swimming and snorkeling, not a formal swimming lesson.

How the five hours feel

Five hours is long enough to make the trip feel substantial without taking your whole day. The schedule includes the harbor departure, several fishing stops, the swim and snorkel break, lunch, and the return.

That length works well if you want one main sea activity during your time in Rhodes. You still have part of the day available for Rhodes Town afterward, though fishing and a full meal can make this feel like the day’s main event.

The boat’s capacity is limited to 12 people, but the actual group can be smaller. One outing had eight people on board. A smaller group gives you more room at the seating area and makes it easier to receive personal help.

Because the boat is compact, you should pack light and keep your belongings secure. The available information confirms seating and a toilet, but not large storage areas or private changing rooms. Wear practical swimwear and bring anything you need for sun protection.

Who will get the most from this trip

This is a strong fit for families because the crew helps children and adults. Fishing gives children a clear activity, while the swim stop breaks up the time on board. The crew’s hands-on approach also helps if nobody in your group has fished before.

Couples and friends who want an active meal at sea should also enjoy it. You get conversation, a shared task, coastal views, and a meal prepared in front of you. The boat is not designed for total solitude, so groups looking for a quiet private outing may prefer another type of charter.

It suits seafood fans especially well. The fish is fresh, grilled onboard, and served with Greek sides. Non-fish eaters are not left out, thanks to chicken and vegetarian options that can be arranged.

I would be careful booking this if you are highly prone to seasickness. One person became quite ill despite the crew trying to help. Take suitable medication before departure if you know you need it, and choose a calm-weather day when possible.

This also may not suit anyone expecting a guaranteed catch or a luxury vessel. Fishing includes waiting, missed bites, tangled lines, and luck. The boat is traditional and practical, not a large resort-style cruiser.

Price, booking flexibility, and practical details

The $76 price includes the five-hour boat trip, fishing equipment, help from the crew, the fresh fish meal, food, and drinks. Snorkeling equipment is also provided for the swim stop. For a half-day on the sea with lunch included, I consider that fair value.

You meet at Mandraki Harbor, at Evangelismos Church, kiosk 2, marked Makarounas. Check the starting time when booking because departure times depend on availability.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if you are planning a longer Rhodes stay and do not want to pay immediately.

The activity is offered in Greek and English. If you have food allergies, dietary needs, or a preference for fish, chicken, or vegetarian food, arrange that ahead of time. The crew has shown flexibility, but it is always better to settle meal details before you arrive.

Should you book Makarounas Fishing Trip?

Book it if you want an easygoing, hands-on day on the water, especially if your group includes first-time fishers, children, or people who like fresh seafood. The best features are the small boat, patient help from Angelo and the captain, the swim and snorkel stop, and a proper barbecue instead of a packaged lunch.

Think twice if you dislike open-water motion, need guaranteed swimming temperatures, or want a silent luxury cruise. The sea can cause sickness, the water may feel cool, and fishing success varies.

For most people who want a personal Rhodes sea outing with real food and plenty to do, the $76 cost is sensible. Bring sun protection, consider seasickness medicine, and judge the day by the experience rather than the size of your catch.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip meet?

Meet at Mandraki Harbor by Evangelismos Church, at kiosk 2 for Makarounas.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts five hours. Starting times depend on availability.

How many people can the boat carry?

The 10.5-meter traditional fishing boat can carry up to 12 people.

Is food included?

Yes. A fresh fish meal, barbecue food, and drinks are included. The meal is served with Greek salad and garlic bread.

Can I choose something other than fish?

Chicken and vegetarian food options have been arranged for participants who do not want fish. State your preference before the trip.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. Fishing gear is provided, and the crew helps adults and children learn how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in a catch.

Are swimming and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The crew provides masks, life jackets, and other equipment for the swim and snorkel stop.

What languages does the crew speak?

The activity is offered in Greek and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.