Rhodes: Captain Manolis Fishing Trip with BBQ and Swimming

The best part of this half-day fishing trip is its mix of real activity and easy sea time. You fish with help from Captain Manolis or Captain Mike, stop near a beach for swimming, then eat a simple BBQ aboard the boat with fish, salad, bread, and drinks. It feels more hands-on than a standard sightseeing cruise.

I like the small-group limit of 10, which gives you a fair chance to use the rods and ask questions. I also like the food arrangement: the crew cooks on board, and the advertised meal includes one 500-gram fish per person, along with salad and bread. The main drawback is that this is not ideal for non-swimmers or anyone prone to seasickness.

Key points to know before booking

• Fishing comes first: You get rods, bait, and help from an experienced captain, with bottom fishing and occasional trolling depending on the outing.
• Captain Mike may lead the trip: Experiences also identify Captain Manolis, so the crew name can vary.
• The BBQ is cooked at sea: Expect grilled fish, Greek salad, bread, and soft drinks or beer.
• Swimming is part of the plan: The boat stops near a beach, and snorkeling may be available.
• Kolona Port is easy to reach: The meeting point is about five minutes from Rhodes’ central bus station.
• The price covers the main costs: At $92 per person, fishing gear, food, drinks, and the boat are included, but port transport is not.

A fishing morning from Kolona Port

You meet the boat at Kolona Port, around five minutes from Rhodes’ central bus station. That central location matters if you are staying in Rhodes Town or arriving by bus, since you do not need to arrange a separate transfer to a distant marina.

The trip lasts 4.5 hours, with starting times depending on availability. Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothes, and a camera. You will be on open water for much of the time, so a hat and sun protection are more useful than they might seem at the dock.

The boat is fully equipped for the outing, and fishing gear is supplied. You do not need to pack your own rod, bait, or tackle. The group is capped at 10 people, though some departures can be much smaller. One outing had only four people, and another had three, making the boat feel close to private.

That small-group format is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. A larger fishing boat can leave you waiting for a turn with the rod. Here, Captain Manolis or Captain Mike can spend more time showing you how to cast, handle the line, and identify what you catch.

Learning the basics from Captain Manolis or Captain Mike

This is not a deep-sea sport-fishing charter built around landing a major catch. It is a relaxed, beginner-friendly fishing trip with guidance from a professional captain and fisherman.

The fishing style can vary. One detailed account described starting with bottom fishing, moving between three or four spots, and catching pufferfish and rosetta. The same group later tried trolling for smaller tuna on the way back and caught a tuna measuring about 40 centimeters.

That gives you a useful picture of the day. You may spend part of the trip holding a rod over deeper water and waiting for a bite. You may also move between spots rather than staying in one place. The outcome depends on conditions and luck, so you should book this for the pleasure of fishing, not as a promise of a full cooler.

Captain Mike is praised for giving clear instructions and keeping the mood friendly. Captain Manolis is also described as helpful, calm, and good at explaining the fishing. The names vary in the supplied trip information, so check the current departure details if having a particular captain matters to you.

The captain also talks about sea life and the need to protect nature. That adds something valuable to the outing. You are not just pulling up lines. You get a closer look at what lives in the Rhodian waters and how local fishing works.

Fishing spots and the chance of a real catch

The catch is not guaranteed, and that is worth saying plainly. Some outings produced several fish, including tuna, while another account describes plenty of smaller fish and one tuna. Your results will depend on the day, the location, and the conditions.

That uncertainty is part of the appeal for people who like fishing. You get the process, the waiting, the small adjustments, and the surprise of finding out what is on the line. If you need a guaranteed sport catch, this is the wrong type of excursion.

The gear and bait are provided, so beginners can take part without shopping for equipment in Rhodes. The captain helps you get started and offers practical tips during the fishing. You should not expect a formal classroom lesson. The teaching happens as the trip moves along, with the captain showing you what to do when you need help.

The fishing also gives the boat ride a purpose. Instead of simply cruising past the coast, you spend time working with the water and watching the shoreline from a lower, slower viewpoint. Rhodes’ monuments, beaches, and open sea provide the backdrop, but the rod keeps you involved.

The onboard BBQ and Greek-style lunch

After fishing, the boat serves a meal at sea. The advertised food includes one fresh fish per person, listed at 500 grams, plus salad and bread. Soft drinks or beer are included, and the crew prepares the food on board.

The meal is intentionally simple. You get grilled fish, a Greek-style salad, roasted or grilled bread, and a drink rather than a large restaurant spread. That suits the setting. The pleasure comes from eating freshly prepared food with the sea around you, not from a long menu.

One account describes fish cooked in a very simple way, paired with salad, roasted bread, and drinks. Another says Captain Mike is an excellent cook, while another notes that the captain and his wife prepared the meal. The crew’s cooking is one of the most praised parts of the trip.

There is one detail to keep clear. The catch from the fishing portion may not be the exact fish served at lunch. One outing included fish that had been bought in advance for the BBQ, while the group also caught fish during the trip. The included meal is assured, but you should not assume your own catch will automatically become lunch.

The boat was also described as clean and well kept. That matters when food is being prepared in a compact space. You can expect a practical meal rather than a polished restaurant service, with the captain focused on cooking and keeping everyone comfortable.

Swimming near a beach in the Aegean

The fishing is only half the experience. The boat stops near a beach so you can swim in clear Aegean water and cool off after time in the sun.

This stop gives the trip a useful change of pace. Fishing requires patience, while swimming is simple and immediate. You can get in the water, relax, and enjoy the coast from offshore. The advertised program also includes snorkeling and marine-life viewing, and one account specifically notes that snorkels were available.

Do not treat the swim stop as a full beach day. You are swimming from the boat near a beach, not spending hours on shore with sunbeds, changing rooms, or a promenade. Bring your own towel and arrive ready to get wet.

This part is best for confident swimmers. The experience is listed as unsuitable for non-swimmers, and that warning should guide your choice. You may also want to skip it if you are uncomfortable getting in and out of a boat in open water.

Views of Rhodes from the water

The route offers scenic views of beaches, open sea, and Rhodian monuments. The boat gives you a different angle on the island than a bus or walking tour. From the water, the coastline becomes the subject rather than the road between attractions.

The views are a pleasant part of the day, but they are not presented as a guided monument tour. The main focus remains fishing, swimming, and lunch. If your priority is detailed sightseeing at historic sites, choose a dedicated Rhodes city or island tour instead.

I like the balance here. The scenery fills the gaps between fishing spots, and the boat ride adds context to the island’s coastal character without turning the day into a lecture. You can watch the shoreline, look for marine life, and enjoy a drink while the crew handles the next part of the trip.

Is $92 a fair price?

At $92 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several activities in one outing. The cost includes the boat, captain, fishing gear, bait, BBQ, one fish allocation per person, salad, bread, soft drinks or beer, swimming, and a 4.5-hour trip.

You are paying for more than a boat transfer. The captain provides instruction, moves the group to fishing spots, prepares food, and helps organize the swimming stop. That makes the price stronger than it would be for a simple cruise with no equipment or meal.

The value improves when the group is small. A full group of 10 still gives you a shared experience, but a departure with three or four people can feel almost private at the same price. You should not count on that smaller group size, but the limit keeps the outing from becoming a large party boat.

Transport to and from the port is not included. If you are staying near central Rhodes Town, that is a minor issue because Kolona Port is close to the central bus station. If you are staying farther away, add the cost and time of reaching the meeting point.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your island plans may shift, but you still need to check the available start time when booking.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

You will likely enjoy this outing if you:

• Like fishing but do not want to bring equipment
• Want a small boat experience rather than a large cruise
• Enjoy swimming and simple meals at sea
• Are happy with a relaxed pace and an uncertain catch
• Want practical help from a captain
• Are staying near Rhodes Town or can reach Kolona Port easily

Families and mixed groups can also find it appealing if everyone is comfortable on a boat and in the water. The fishing gives one person something to do while others enjoy the views, drinks, or swim stop.

It is less suitable for non-swimmers, people who get seasick, or anyone seeking a luxury yacht meal. The boat is described as fully equipped and clean, but the appeal is its working fishing setup and friendly atmosphere, not high-end service.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear comfortable clothing that can handle sun, spray, and fish handling. Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a camera. You should also bring any personal seasickness remedy you normally use, though the activity specifically warns that it is unsuitable for people prone to seasickness.

Do not pack fishing equipment unless you simply prefer your own gear. Rods and bait are supplied. Drinks are included, so you do not need to plan around buying beer or soft drinks on board.

Arrive at Kolona Port with enough time to locate the boat. The meeting point is near the central bus station, but the port area can still take a moment to navigate, especially if you are carrying beach items or arriving by bus.

Should you book Captain Manolis’s fishing trip?

Book it if you want an active, social half-day with fishing, swimming, a freshly cooked BBQ, and a small group. The strongest parts are the personal instruction, the friendly captains, the included food and drinks, and the chance to catch anything from small local fish to tuna.

Skip it if seasickness is a serious concern, if you do not swim, or if you need a guaranteed catch. For most people who like being on the water and do not mind a little uncertainty, $92 buys a full and varied morning rather than a short boat ride with a snack.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip start?

The boat is at Kolona Port in Rhodes, about five minutes from the central bus station.

How long does the experience last?

The fishing, boat cruise, swimming, BBQ, and related activities last 4.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the half-day fishing trip, fully equipped boat, fishing gear, experienced captain, BBQ, one fresh fish per person listed at 500 grams, salad, bread, soft drinks or beers, and swimming near the beach.

Is transport to the port included?

No. Transportation to and from the port is not included.

Is fishing equipment provided?

Yes. The boat provides fishing gear, including rods and bait.

Will a captain teach me how to fish?

Yes. An experienced captain provides fishing help and instructions during the trip. The supplied information identifies Captain Manolis and also includes departures led by Captain Mike.

Is swimming part of the trip?

Yes. The boat stops near a beach for swimming. Snorkeling and marine-life viewing are also included in the advertised activity.

Is food cooked on the boat?

Yes. The BBQ is prepared on board and includes fish, salad, and bread.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Soft drinks or beers are included.

Is the trip suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness?

No. The activity is not suitable for non-swimmers or people prone to seasickness.

How large is the group?

The trip is limited to 10 participants. Some departures may have fewer people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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