Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board

The best part of this Rhodes outing is the simple rhythm: fish from a small boat, cool off at Kallithea Caves, then sit down to a freshly cooked BBQ meal. The crew, especially Angelo and the captain, keep the mood easy and help first-time anglers handle bait, hooks, and tangled lines.

I like the small group of up to 12 people, which gives the crew time to help each person. I also like the meal served on board, with grilled fish or chicken, salad, fruit, bread, and drinks. The main caution is that fishing success is not guaranteed, and three hours can feel long for young children or anyone who mainly wants to swim.

Key points at a glance

• Fishing comes first: Expect roughly three hours at several fishing spots, with hands-on help for beginners.
• Kallithea Caves provide the payoff: The swimming and snorkeling stop offers clear water and rocky coastal scenery.
• The BBQ is a real part of the experience: The captain prepares a generous meal on board, often including fresh fish or chicken.
• Angelo sets the tone: His humor and practical help are a major part of the relaxed atmosphere.
• This is a working boat, not a luxury yacht: The boat may feel old, and the toilet is basic.
• Cruise passengers need a time buffer: A late departure can create trouble if your ship leaves soon after the scheduled return.

A fishing trip with a swim and a proper meal

This is best understood as a small local boat day, not a serious fishing charter and not a polished yacht cruise. You get several hours on the water, basic fishing gear, a swim near the rocky coast, and lunch cooked by the crew.

At $78.60 per person, the value depends on what you want from the day. If you judge the price by the number of fish caught, you may be disappointed. If you count the boat ride, instruction, swimming stop, food, drinks, and the friendly service, the fare is easier to justify.

I would book this for a relaxed half-day at sea, especially if your group includes first-time anglers. I would not book it mainly to catch a large haul of fish. Several outings produce only a few small fish, while some people catch a good fish or two. The sea decides.

Finding the boat at 25is Martiou 2

The listed meeting point is 25is Martiou 2 in Rhodes Town, with the activity returning there at the end. One practical wrinkle deserves attention: the actual meeting place is on the waterfront, while map directions may lead you somewhere less useful.

I would allow extra time to find the pier and confirm the exact boat location before departure. The organizer provides booking communication, and that contact is useful if you are unsure where to wait.

The tour is offered in English. It is near public transportation, and confirmation arrives when you book. Since the group limit is 12 people, this feels more personal than a large sightseeing cruise.

Three hours of fishing off Rhodes

The fishing portion takes about three hours, with the boat stopping in more than one place. Some outings use two fishing stops, while others stop three times. The crew sets up the lines and helps with bait, tangles, and the basic mechanics of fishing.

If you have never fished before, you will not be left to guess what to do. Angelo and the captain show you how to bait the hook, lower the line, and work the reel. That makes this a good introduction for families and beginners.

Experienced anglers can get started without much fuss. The appeal is not technical instruction or specialized equipment. It is the chance to fish in local waters while spending time on a small boat with a mixed group.

Keep your expectations sensible. Some people catch fish, including an occasional surprisingly large one, but others get only a few bites or nothing at all. Photos showing many fish should not be taken as a promise that your boat will catch the same amount.

The fishing time also shapes the whole day. Three hours is enough for people who enjoy waiting for a bite, chatting, and watching the coast. For younger children, it may be too long. One family with children from 7 to 14 enjoyed the day but felt the fishing section tested the patience of the youngest children.

I would bring a little patience and treat the fishing as part sport, part time on the water. The swimming stop and lunch are important parts of the value, not backup plans in case the fish stay away.

Kallithea Caves and the one-hour swim

After fishing, the boat heads to the Kallithea area for about an hour. The stop includes the rocky beaches and caves of Rhodes, with time to swim and snorkel in the surrounding water.

This is the most reliable pleasure of the trip. Fish may not cooperate, but a swim in clear water does not depend on luck. The setting is rocky and natural rather than sandy and resort-like, so water shoes may be useful, though they are not listed as a requirement.

You can swim near the caves and look into the water with a mask. The stop is long enough for a proper swim, but it is not a full beach afternoon. If you mainly want hours in the water, a dedicated beach trip may suit you better.

I like the contrast between the fishing and the swim. The fishing asks you to sit still and wait. At Kallithea, you can stretch your legs, cool off, and enjoy the coast from the water.

The BBQ lunch is more than a snack

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to consider this outing. The captain prepares a BBQ on board, and the food is served after the fishing and swimming. Expect a generous plate rather than a small sandwich.

The exact meal can vary, but the food described includes grilled fish or chicken, Greek salad, bread, fruit, and other simple sides. Fresh fish caught during the trip may be grilled and added to the meal. Gluten-free bread was available for at least one guest, though I would still confirm dietary needs before booking.

The cooking is basic in the best sense. This is not a restaurant service, and the boat is not designed for fine dining. It is a fresh meal eaten at sea, often with fish, salad, and the satisfaction of having spent the morning outside.

Soft drinks, beer, and wine are available on board. That adds value at this price, especially since the trip lasts about five hours. I would still check the current food and drink arrangements if someone in your group has allergies or strict dietary requirements.

Angelo, the captain, and the small-boat atmosphere

The crew shapes the experience. Angelo is repeatedly described as funny, warm, and helpful, with an infectious laugh. He teaches people how to fish, helps with lines, and keeps conversation moving when the action slows.

The captain handles the boat and cooks the meal. That combination gives the trip a personal feel. You are not being passed from one staff member to another. The people running the outing are also the people helping you fish and preparing lunch.

The tone can vary slightly depending on who is working that day. One account found a younger crew member irritating and less sincere, while the wider experience is described as friendly and welcoming. I would not expect formal guiding or polished hospitality. The charm comes from an informal crew making the most of a modest boat.

The boat itself is older and somewhat basic. That is not a problem for everyone. Some people like the local, unfussy character, while others may prefer a newer vessel with more space and comfort.

What the boat is really like

This is not a luxury cruise. The boat has a toilet, but it is basic. There is no sink, and the door may not have a proper lock. Bring hand wipes and keep your expectations practical.

The size of the boat helps create the friendly atmosphere, but it also means less room to spread out. If you are sensitive to motion, weather, or cramped conditions, a small boat may feel more demanding than a large cruise vessel.

The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. That policy is useful, since the comfort of a small fishing boat depends heavily on sea and wind conditions.

The timing matters if you arrive by cruise ship

This is the biggest practical warning. The stated duration is about five hours, but a late-running earlier trip can delay your departure. The captain cannot simply cut the outing short for one party if other people are still on board.

That creates a real risk for anyone with a ship departure soon after the scheduled return. One booking party abandoned the excursion because the boat was late and returning to the ship on time was uncertain. Losing that much money is painful, but missing a ship is far worse.

If you are visiting Rhodes on a cruise, book only if you have a large buffer before all-aboard time. I would not schedule this with a tight connection, airport transfer, or fixed afternoon activity. The boat returns to the meeting point, but the exact timing can be affected by the previous departure and the weather.

For hotel-based visitors, this issue is much smaller. You can enjoy the day without watching the clock every few minutes.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to:

• First-time anglers who want simple instruction
• Families with older children and teenagers
• Couples looking for a relaxed day at sea
• Small groups that prefer personal service over a large cruise
• People who value a fresh meal and swimming as much as fishing
• Anyone happy with an older, practical boat

I would think twice if you need a luxury vessel, a spotless modern bathroom, or guaranteed fishing results. Very young children may also lose interest during three hours of fishing, even though the swim and meal help break up the day.

The outing works particularly well for mixed groups. One person can enjoy the fishing, another can look forward to swimming, and everyone can share the meal. That balance is more important than the size of the catch.

Price, value, and what to bring

At $78.60, I see the price as fair for a five-hour small-group outing that includes fishing help, a swim stop, a BBQ meal, and drinks. It is not a bargain if you only want a short fishing lesson. It becomes better value when you use the whole day as a combination of sea trip, meal, and coastal swim.

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and a towel. Hand wipes are especially useful because the toilet has no sink. I would also bring a waterproof case for your phone and a small amount of patience for the fishing section.

The meeting point deserves one final check. Use the organizer’s directions and confirm the waterfront location rather than relying only on a map pin. That small step can prevent a rushed start.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. Since weather can cancel the trip, check the terms when booking and keep some flexibility if possible.

Should you book the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, informal day that combines fishing, swimming, and a memorable meal. The strongest parts are the crew, the small group, the Kallithea swim, and the generous BBQ. Angelo’s humor and the captain’s cooking add character you will not get from a large boat tour.

Skip it if your main goal is serious fishing, a modern boat, or a guaranteed catch. Also skip it for a tight cruise-ship schedule. For everyone else, this is a good-value Rhodes outing with a few rough edges and plenty of personality.

FAQ

How long does the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. About three hours are devoted to fishing, followed by around one hour at Kallithea Caves for swimming and snorkeling, with time also used for the boat ride and meal.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The listed meeting point is 25is Martiou 2 in Rhodes, Greece. The activity ends back at the meeting point. The actual departure area is on the waterfront, so confirm the precise pier before setting out.

How many people can join the boat?

The maximum group size is 12 people. This gives the crew more time to help with bait, lines, and basic fishing technique.

Is the trip suitable for beginners?

Yes. The crew helps beginners bait hooks, manage lines, and learn how to use the reel. Experienced anglers can start fishing without the same level of instruction.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at Kallithea Caves for about one hour, where you can swim and snorkel near the rocky beaches and caves.

Is food and drink included?

A BBQ meal is served on board. Food described includes grilled fish or chicken, Greek salad, bread, and fruit. Soft drinks, beer, and wine are available on board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The trip requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.