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

The best part of this Rhodes outing is that you do not simply look at the Mediterranean from shore. You fish from a traditional Greek boat, stop in quiet bays, then eat the catch with the coastline around you. I especially like the small boat size, limited to 12 people, and the way Angelo helps beginners, children, and anyone facing a stubborn tangle. I also like that the meal is cooked on board, not served from a shore restaurant.

The main point to consider is the sea itself. One passenger became badly seasick, and even the swimming stop felt too cold for some people in spring and late autumn. If you are prone to motion sickness, take appropriate precautions before leaving Mandraki Harbor.

Key points to know before you book

• A real fishing lesson: Angelo shows you how to bait the hook, hold the rod, and reel in your catch.
• A 10.5-meter traditional boat: The vessel carries up to 12 people, with seating, fishing equipment, and a toilet on board.
• Several fishing stops: You may use different fishing methods and see the crew sort and identify the fish you catch.
• A freshly cooked meal: Fish is grilled at sea with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. Chicken and vegetarian food can also be arranged.
• A secluded swim and snorkel stop: Masks, life jackets, and other equipment are provided.
• Friendly crew with personality: Angelo keeps the mood light, while Vassilis, the captain, and the rest of the crew handle fishing and lunch.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbor

You meet the crew at Mandraki Harbor, beside Evangelismos Church, at kiosk 2 for Makarounas. This is a useful location in Rhodes Town because the harbor is easy to identify, but give yourself enough time to find the exact kiosk rather than arriving at the last moment.

The boat is 10.5 meters long and holds a maximum of 12 people. That is a good balance for this kind of trip. You get more room than you would on a tiny private fishing boat, but the outing still feels personal rather than like a large cruise.

The first views come as you leave the harbor and pass around the city gate. This gives you a pleasant change of angle: Rhodes Town becomes part of the scenery, while the water opens around you. You are not just heading straight to a fishing station. The route begins with a little sightseeing and time to settle into the boat.

The crew speaks Greek and English. Angelo is the main personality on board, helping with fishing and keeping everyone involved. Vassilis is identified as the owner, captain, and cook, and the crew works together to prepare the meal while the boat is out at sea.

Learning to fish, even if you have never tried

Fishing is the heart of the outing, and the crew makes it approachable. Angelo shows you how to place the bait on the hook, how to hold the rod, and how to reel in the line. Two different fishing methods may be used, and the boat stops at several fishing areas rather than relying on one spot.

This matters if you are a beginner. You do not need to arrive with fishing experience or your own equipment. The crew supplies the gear and helps both adults and children. If a line tangles, Angelo has earned a reputation on board as the person who can sort it out, which is a useful skill on a boat where several people may be fishing at once.

I like the way this turns fishing into a shared activity rather than a test of skill. You may catch something, or you may spend much of the time waiting. Both outcomes can still work, because the crew explains what has been caught and identifies the fish. Some fish are suitable for eating, and the catch becomes part of the lunch when conditions allow.

Do not book this expecting a guaranteed haul. Fishing is unpredictable. One person may catch nothing while another pulls in several fish. The experience is better understood as a hands-on sea outing with fishing included, not as a serious fishing charter designed around a specific species.

The fishing stops and the changing views

The boat visits several fishing spots, giving the day a gentle rhythm. You fish for a while, move to another area, and watch the crew adjust the activity as needed. The repeated stops also prevent the outing from feeling like five hours in one fixed position.

The surrounding coastline is part of the reward. From the water, you see Rhodes from a quieter angle, with the Mediterranean stretching around the boat and bays opening along the island. The scenery is most enjoyable when you are not concentrating on your line, so take time to look up.

You can also expect some waiting. Fishing requires patience, and the boat may remain still while everyone watches the rods. That will suit you if you enjoy unhurried time on the sea. It may feel slow if you want constant action.

The crew helps keep the mood relaxed. Angelo is described as funny and energetic, with a playful habit of claiming expertise in everything from fishing to swimming and climbing. That personality is useful on a half-day outing, especially when the fish are not cooperating.

A swim and snorkel stop in a secluded cove

The second half of the trip includes a stop at a secluded cove for swimming and snorkeling. The crew provides masks, life jackets, and the needed equipment, so you do not have to arrange a separate rental.

The water gives you a different way to enjoy the island. Instead of watching the sea from the deck, you can look for fish and other marine life below the surface. The setting is described as having colorful fish, coral reefs, and other sea creatures, though what you see will depend on the day and the conditions.

The swim stop is not equally appealing in every season. In summer, it may be the refreshing break you want after sitting in the sun. In April and November, the water can feel cold, and some people may prefer to stay on the boat. You can still enjoy the stop without swimming, but bring sun protection and a towel if you plan to use the water.

The crew has also helped people who were uncomfortable at sea. One passenger with severe seasickness was offered practical support, including the suggestion that swimming might help settle the body. That does not make seasickness disappear, so take your own precautions. A motion sickness tablet may be sensible if you know you are affected by boat trips.

Lunch cooked on board from the day’s catch

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to choose this excursion. The crew grills freshly caught fish on board and serves it with Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. You eat at sea, with the boat and coastline providing the setting. That feels more connected to the activity than a standard restaurant lunch after a boat ride.

The food is included in the $76 price, along with drinks, fishing equipment, and crew assistance. That makes the cost easier to assess. You are paying for five hours, a boat trip, guided fishing, a swim and snorkel stop, a full meal, and an all-inclusive drinks setup. For a half-day activity in Rhodes, that is a solid package if you want several elements in one booking.

Fish is the natural choice, but you do not have to force yourself to eat it. Chicken and vegetarian options can be arranged, and the crew contacts you before the trip to ask about your preference, allergies, or food intolerances. Tell them in advance rather than waiting until lunch.

The meal may be generous enough to take leftovers away if someone cannot eat at the time. That was especially useful for one passenger whose partner became seasick. Still, if you have a serious allergy or a strict diet, make your needs clear before departure so the crew can plan properly.

The lunch is also a practical lesson in what the fishing has produced. You see the catch, learn which fish are edible, and then taste the result. Even if you caught nothing yourself, you remain part of the process.

What the boat offers during five hours

The vessel has comfortable seating and a toilet on board. The capacity of 12 people is important because fishing needs elbow room, especially when several lines are in the water. A full boat may feel more social and less spacious, while a smaller departure could feel especially relaxed.

Food, drinks, fishing gear, and snorkeling equipment are included. The crew also provides help to children and adults, so families can take part without bringing specialist equipment.

The tour lasts five hours, long enough to include harbor views, several fishing stops, lunch, and time at the cove. It is not a quick ride squeezed between other appointments. Plan it as the main activity for half a day.

You should also dress for sun and sea spray, though the supplied information does not set out a formal packing list. Bring anything you normally need for swimming and time outdoors. If you want to snorkel, make sure you are comfortable using a mask and life jacket in open water.

The crew makes the difference

Angelo is central to the atmosphere. He teaches fishing, helps with equipment, explains the catch, and keeps people laughing. His role is part instructor, part entertainer, and part all-purpose deck helper.

Vassilis handles the boat and food, working as owner, captain, and cook. The captain and other crew members prepare the barbecue while the fishing and swimming continue. That division of work lets you enjoy the activity without having to manage lunch yourself.

The crew’s friendly approach is especially valuable for families and first-time fishers. Children receive help, adults can ask questions, and experienced fishers still have room to show what they can do. The tone is informal rather than technical.

You may even leave with a small souvenir. One group received a picture of the catch made into a little magnet with a shell. That detail is not guaranteed, but it shows the personal touch the crew sometimes adds to the day.

Best for families, beginners, and food-focused visitors

I would recommend this trip most strongly to people who want variety. In five hours, you get fishing, sightseeing, swimming, snorkeling, and lunch. You do not need to be a committed angler to enjoy it.

Families can benefit from the hands-on format, since children can learn to bait a hook and reel in a fish with help. Couples and small groups may also like the relaxed social setting, especially if they prefer a local boat outing to a large organized cruise.

Food lovers have a clear reason to book. The fish is cooked shortly after the fishing portion, and the lunch includes familiar Greek sides. The chicken and vegetarian alternatives make the meal workable for people who do not eat fish.

This is less suitable if you need a guaranteed catch, dislike sitting on boats, or want a private charter with complete control over the route. It may also be a poor fit if you are highly prone to motion sickness and have no way to manage it.

Price, flexibility, and practical booking details

At $76 per person, the trip offers good value when you count what is included. You receive a five-hour boat experience, fishing instruction, gear, food, drinks, a swim and snorkel stop, and support from the crew. Paying separately for those pieces would likely take more planning and could cost more.

You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes schedule is still changing. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Starting times vary, so check availability before booking.

The meeting point is Mandraki Harbor at Evangelismos Church, kiosk 2, Makarounas. The provider is Makarounas fishing trip. Greek and English are available, both for the crew and for the practical instructions you need on board.

Should you book the Makarounas fishing trip?

Book it if you want a friendly, small-boat day that mixes simple fishing with a proper meal and time in the water. I especially recommend it for first-time fishers, families, and anyone who likes the idea of eating a fresh barbecue lunch while still at sea.

Think twice if the thought of five hours on open water worries you, or if cold swimming water and an uncertain catch would disappoint you. Take motion sickness precautions, tell the crew about food needs before the trip, and remember that the catch is not guaranteed.

For most people who want more than a standard sightseeing cruise, the combination is hard to beat at $76: a traditional boat, practical fishing help, a secluded cove, snorkeling gear, and a meal prepared by the people running the trip.

FAQ

Where does the fishing trip meet?

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

How long does the activity last?

The trip lasts five hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

How many people can the boat carry?

The traditional fishing boat is 10.5 meters long and has capacity for up to 12 people.

Is fishing equipment included?

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

Is food and drink included?

Yes. Food and drinks are included. The usual meal features freshly caught fish, Greek salad, and garlic bread.

Can I request a meal other than fish?

Yes. Chicken and vegetarian options can be arranged. You can also provide information about allergies or food intolerances before the trip.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The crew provides masks, life jackets, and other equipment for the swimming and snorkeling stop.

What languages are spoken on the boat?

The crew and activity information are available in Greek and English.