Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide

The best part of this Rhodes boat trip is simple: you help catch lunch, then eat it on a handcrafted wooden fishing boat. Skevos and his father, Captain Mike, teach beginners the ropes while experienced anglers can work with Shimano, Daiwa, Penn, and other solid gear. The day also includes swimming and snorkelling near places such as Kallithea Springs or Santa Marina.

I like the small group of up to 10 people, which keeps the fishing personal and makes it easy to chat with the crew. I also like the father-and-son setup: Captain Mike brings more than 35 years of professional fishing experience, while Skevos handles guiding and cooking, including a Greek salad and homemade dressing that have become a major part of the meal.

The main consideration is that fishing depends on the sea, weather, and season. You may catch several species, but no responsible captain can promise a big haul. The boat goes out in rain but not during storms, and windy conditions can change the plan.

Key points before you book

• A real fishing boat: You spend five hours on a traditional, handcrafted 10-meter wooden vessel rather than a large sightseeing boat.
• Two styles of fishing: The trip begins with trolling for predator fish, then moves to roughly two hours of ground fishing near the seabed.
• Lunch comes from the sea: Your catch is grilled onboard, with extra sea bass and gold seabream, Greek salad, bread, drinks, and olive oil.
• A quiet swim stop: The crew anchors in a calm bay for swimming, snorkelling, or an easy break from the fishing.
• Beginner-friendly instruction: Skevos and Captain Mike provide the equipment, bait, and practical help, so you do not need prior fishing experience.
• Easy port access: The boat is at Kolona port, just outside Rhodes Old Town.

A five-hour fishing day from Rhodes Old Town

This is not a quick spin around the coast with a fishing rod added as an afterthought. The whole outing is built around fishing, local food, and time in the water.

You meet the boat at Kolona port, outside Rhodes Old Town. From there, the crew sets a course based on the day’s weather and sea conditions. Possible destinations include the well-known Kallithea Springs, the quieter bay at Santa Marina, or a shallow sandy beach.

That flexibility matters. The exact stop is not fixed because the captain needs to choose water that is safe and useful for fishing. You may not visit every place named above, but you can expect a coastal route chosen for conditions rather than a rigid sightseeing schedule.

The cruise out takes about an hour. During this time, you are already part of the fishing operation, with trolling gear set up to move through the water while the boat searches for active fish.

Trolling first, then fishing near the seabed

The first fishing stage uses professional trolling equipment. This is the more exciting style of the two because the lines move behind the boat as you look for predator fish.

The target species can include small tuna, mahi mahi, amberjack, barracuda, trumpetfish, and great trevally. These are not guaranteed catches, but the range gives you a sense of the kind of sea fishing involved. A sudden strike can turn a quiet stretch of cruising into a hands-on team effort.

This is where Skevos and Captain Mike make a difference. If you have never fished from a boat, they explain what to do and step in with guidance when the line becomes difficult. If you already fish, you can still learn from their local experience and the way they read the conditions.

After trolling, the trip changes pace. You spend about two hours on ground fishing, targeting fish closer to the seabed. This gives you a better chance to take part even if the larger predator fish are not active.

The crew works hard to help everyone catch something, especially beginners and children. Still, you should keep your expectations sensible. One August outing had difficult fishing conditions, yet the group still enjoyed the day. Sea fishing has a real element of chance, and that uncertainty is part of the experience.

What the traditional wooden boat is like

The boat is a 10-meter wooden fishing vessel, handcrafted for working at sea. It has a separate fishing area designed for up to 10 people, plus an independent space for eating and relaxing.

That layout is useful. Fishing can become crowded when lines, rods, and people all need room, so a dedicated area makes the activity more comfortable. Once lunch is ready, you can move away from the fishing gear and eat at a proper space onboard.

The boat has a toilet, freshwater shower, Wi-Fi, and certified VHF and UHF communication systems. It also carries a Lowrance 1000W fish finder, GPS, depth sounder, and radar. These are practical working tools, not decoration. They help the crew locate fish, monitor depth, navigate, and operate safely.

You should still prepare for a working boat rather than a polished yacht. Ocean spray is possible, and one useful tip is to wear clothing that can get wet. Bring beachwear and a towel. If you are prone to seasickness, eating breakfast before departure is advised.

A quiet bay for swimming and snorkelling

After the fishing, the boat anchors in a calm bay. This is the point where the day becomes less about catching fish and more about enjoying the coast.

You can swim, snorkel, or simply sit and rest while the crew prepares lunch. Snorkelling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The boat also carries pool noodles, which can help less confident swimmers feel more comfortable in the water.

The stop is shaped by the weather and the chosen route. It may be near Kallithea Springs, Santa Marina, or a sandy beach. The important point is that you get time in the sea, not just a quick photo stop.

This break also gives the crew time to prepare the meal. You can swim while the fish is cleaned and the BBQ is heated. If you prefer not to swim, the separate relaxation area gives you somewhere to sit and take in the Rhodian coast.

Fresh fish, Greek salad, and a family BBQ

Lunch is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a basic fishing charter. The fish you catch is grilled onboard, alongside fresh gold seabream and sea bass weighing at least 250 grams.

The BBQ was handcrafted by Skevos’s father. The fish is cooked with extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt, keeping the meal direct and Greek rather than turning it into a complicated restaurant dish.

The meal also includes Greek salad with herbs, charcoal-grilled bread with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano. Cold beer, cola, lemonade, and bottled mineral water are included, with unlimited drinks listed as part of the experience.

Skevos is also a certified professional chef. His Greek salad and homemade lemon sauce receive unusually strong praise from people who have eaten at the best-known restaurants on the island. The salad is not a minor side dish here. It is one of the memorable parts of the meal.

If you do not eat fish or Greek salad, bring a snack. The supplied food is centered on both. This is an important detail for picky eaters, vegetarians, or anyone with dietary needs that are not addressed in the tour information.

Eating fish that you helped catch gives the lunch a clear sense of place. You are not simply being served a standard buffet on a boat. The meal connects the fishing, the crew, and the waters around Rhodes.

Skevos and Captain Mike keep the mood relaxed

The father-and-son team is central to the character of the trip. Captain Mike has more than 35 years of professional fishing experience. Skevos grew up on the boat, learned from his father, and now combines fishing skills with professional cooking.

Both men are trained in lifeguarding. They work together during difficult catches, which can become a small piece of live theatre as the fish comes close and the crew helps bring it aboard.

The tone is friendly and informal. Skevos gives clear instructions to first-time anglers and offers extra help when someone is struggling. This matters because fishing from a moving boat can feel confusing at first. You need someone who can explain the basics without making you feel foolish.

The group size helps. With no more than 10 participants, the guides have time to pay attention to each person. Families, couples, solo visitors, and mixed groups can all fit into the format. Several people have also enjoyed meeting the other participants, since the small boat naturally encourages conversation.

The trip can suit different ages, but the official restrictions exclude pregnant women and wheelchair users. The boat is an active fishing vessel, so you should be comfortable moving around it and getting wet.

How much value do you get for $88?

At $88 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning or afternoon in Rhodes. It is also not just a boat ride.

Your price includes five hours on the water, fishing equipment, bait, instruction, snorkelling gear, the full meal, unlimited beer, soft drinks, and bottled water. You also get a small-group setting and a crew with long experience in local fishing.

If you compare it with paying separately for a boat trip, a restaurant lunch, drinks, snorkelling equipment, and a fishing charter, the price is reasonable. The real value comes from the combination. You fish, swim, eat, and spend time with a local family in one half-day outing.

The value is strongest if you want an active experience rather than a passive cruise. It is also a good choice if you would normally avoid fishing because you lack experience. The guides provide the equipment and help, so you do not need to buy a rod or learn beforehand.

The value is weaker if you dislike fish, do not want to share a boat, or expect a guaranteed catch. Fishing conditions vary, and the crew cannot control what bites. You are paying for the complete day on the water, not a certain number of fish.

Practical details that make the day easier

Plan extra time to reach Kolona port and find parking if you are driving to Rhodes Town. The port is outside the Old Town, but parking can be busy, especially during the high season.

The tour lasts five hours, with starting times based on availability. It operates in rain but not during storms. Wind and sea conditions can affect the route and fishing, so keep your schedule flexible if the weather is unsettled.

The working language is English. Bring:

• Beachwear
• A towel
• Clothing that can get wet
• Breakfast before departure

The boat includes a toilet, freshwater shower, Wi-Fi, and snorkelling equipment. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Who will enjoy this Rhodes fishing trip most?

I would choose this for couples who want something more personal than a standard excursion. It gives you a shared activity, a swim, and a proper meal without taking up a full day.

It is also a strong pick for families with children who are interested in fishing. The crew is patient with beginners, and the chance to catch something keeps the activity lively. Parents should still consider that this is a working boat, not a dedicated children’s attraction.

Solo visitors can fit in well because the small group makes conversation easy. The relaxed atmosphere helps if you are travelling alone and want an activity that does not feel formal.

Experienced anglers should enjoy the equipment and the range of fishing styles, though the trip is designed for mixed ability levels. You may want a longer or more specialised charter if your main goal is serious sport fishing.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want to combine hands-on fishing, swimming, and a fresh onboard lunch in one half-day. The strongest reasons are the small group, the father-and-son crew, the quality of the fishing equipment, and the meal cooked from the day’s catch.

Do not book it expecting guaranteed tuna, perfect weather, or a quiet luxury yacht. The boat is a real fishing vessel, conditions can change, and some spray is part of the deal.

For most visitors to Rhodes, I think the $88 price is fair because it covers much more than fishing. If you eat fish, enjoy being on the water, and like local food served without fuss, this is one of the more distinctive ways to spend five hours near Rhodes Town.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes fishing trip start?

The boat is at Kolona port, outside the Old Town of Rhodes.

How long does the fishing trip last?

The experience lasts five hours, including the boat cruise, fishing, swimming, snorkelling, and lunch.

How many people can join the trip?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Who leads the experience?

Skevos and his father, Captain Mike, lead the trip. Captain Mike has more than 35 years of professional fishing experience, and Skevos is also a certified professional chef.

Do I need fishing experience?

No. The crew provides instruction, fishing equipment, and bait. The trip is suitable for first-time anglers as well as people who already fish.

What fish might we catch?

The crew may target small tuna, mahi mahi, amberjack, barracuda, trumpetfish, great trevally, and fish near the seabed. Catches depend on the sea and weather conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes grilled fish, fresh sea bass and gold seabream, Greek salad, charcoal-grilled bread, and drinks.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited bottled water, soft drinks, and beer are included.

Is snorkelling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is provided for the swimming stop.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear and a towel. You should also wear clothing that can get wet and eat breakfast before the trip.