Rhodes Boat Trip Departure Points — Where Cruises Leave From (2026)

This guide is part of my Best Boat Trips in Rhodes collection — where I help travellers understand how boat experiences actually work before booking, so you avoid confusion on the day and choose departures that fit your trip smoothly.

One of the most common questions I hear from visitors is surprisingly simple:

“Where do boat trips in Rhodes actually leave from?”

Because Rhodes is a large island, departure location can completely change your experience. Choosing the wrong harbour can mean long travel time, early stress, or even missing cruises that would have been easier from another area.

The good news is that once you understand the main departure points, everything becomes much simpler.

If you’re still deciding whether a cruise is worth planning at all, start with Are Boat Trips in Rhodes Worth It? Honest Local Advice (2026) — it explains why most travellers say boat days become trip highlights.

Grab my FREE Rhodes Pocket Planner (instant download) — the hidden shortcut to easy boat trip bookings, must-do experiences, and smoother holiday planning.

The Quick Answer

Most boat trips in Rhodes depart from four main areas:

✅ Rhodes Town (Mandraki & nearby harbours) — largest selection
✅ Faliraki — central east coast departures
✅ Lindos & south Rhodes — scenic coastal cruises
✅ Kamiros Skala (west coast) — quieter nature-focused trips

Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town is the island’s historic port and the most common starting point for daily cruises to Symi and east-coast swimming routes.

But choosing the closest harbour to where you stay often matters more than choosing the “main” one.

Why Departure Points Matter More Than Travellers Expect

This is something visitors often realise only after arriving.

Rhodes isn’t a small island you cross in 20 minutes. Travelling from south resorts to Rhodes Town can take over an hour, especially in summer traffic.

That means:

• earlier wake-ups

• taxi costs

• potential stress before what should be a relaxed day

In many cases, travellers enjoy their cruise much more simply by choosing a departure closer to their hotel.

If you want a full breakdown of cruise atmosphere differences too, read Which Boat Trip in Rhodes Should You Choose? Local Decision Guide (2026).

Rhodes Town — The Main Boat Trip Hub

Rhodes Town offers the largest variety of cruises on the island.

Most Symi island trips, sunset cruises, catamaran sailing experiences, and full-day swim cruises leave from here.

Mandraki Harbour in particular is historically the main departure point for daily excursions along the east coast and toward nearby islands.

Best for:

• first-time visitors

• island-hopping cruises

• premium sailing and catamaran trips

• sunset and evening experiences

Many of my favourite classic routes depart here, including:

Rhodes: All Inclusive Day Cruise with BBQ & Unlimited Drinks
Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George's Bay

If you’re staying in Rhodes Town, Ixia, or Ialyssos, this is usually the easiest departure choice.

Faliraki — Convenient Central East Coast Departures

Faliraki is often overlooked, but it’s actually very practical.

Local day boats operate directly from Faliraki Beach and the small harbour area, connecting travellers to Lindos, Symi, Rhodes Town, and nearby bays.

There are also sea shuttle services linking Faliraki with Mandraki Harbour throughout the day.

Best for:

• travellers staying mid-island

• Anthony Quinn Bay and cave cruises

• Lindos sightseeing boat trips

• avoiding travel into Rhodes Town

Example experience I often suggest:

Faliraki: Lindos Boat Cruise with Swim Stops & Free Time

Faliraki departures usually feel slightly quieter and more relaxed compared to Rhodes Town.

Lindos & South Rhodes — Scenic Coastal Cruises

South Rhodes departures focus more on scenery and swimming rather than island hopping.

You’ll find relaxed coastal cruises around Lindos, sunset sailing experiences, and private boat trips exploring quieter bays.

Best for:

• travellers staying in Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Kiotari or Gennadi

• romantic cruises

• calm swimming routes

• avoiding long transfers north

One experience I regularly recommend here:

Lindos: Rhodes South-East Coast Cruise with Swim Stops

Seeing Lindos from the sea is genuinely one of the most memorable views on the island.

Kamiros Skala — West Coast & Nature Experiences

Kamiros Skala is the west coast departure point — much quieter but very unique.

This small harbour mainly serves trips toward Halki island and marine-focused experiences.

Best for:

• nature lovers

• west coast explorers

• travellers wanting quieter cruises

• marine life experiences

A good example:

Kamiros Skala: Marine Life Experience by Boat

West coast cruises feel very different — less swimming-focused, more scenic and peaceful.

When Departure Location Should NOT Be Your Main Decision

Sometimes the experience matters more than convenience.

For example:

• Symi island trips

• premium catamaran sailing

• highly rated sunset cruises

These are often worth travelling slightly further for.

If you’re debating comfort and logistics too, read Rhodes Boat Trip Comfort — Shade, Seating and Facilities Explained (2026).

Common Mistakes Travellers Make

Booking without checking the harbour

Some visitors accidentally book a Rhodes Town cruise while staying in south Rhodes — turning a relaxing day into a long travel morning.

Ignoring hotel pickup availability

Many tours include transport, which completely removes departure stress.

Choosing based only on price

Cheaper tours may depart from less convenient locations or include fewer stops.

If you’re planning logistics, Rhodes Boat Trips Hotel Pickup — Do Cruises Include Transport? (2026) is very helpful.

Local Tips for Choosing the Right Departure Point

Choose the closest harbour when possible

This keeps the day relaxed and avoids early fatigue.

Rhodes Town = variety

If you want the biggest selection, choose Mandraki.

South Rhodes = scenery

Lindos departures often feel more relaxed and photogenic.

West coast = quiet experiences

Great if you prefer nature over busy swimming routes.

If you’re planning your wider activity itinerary too, explore Best Experiences in Rhodes and Best Things to Do in Rhodes to see how boat days fit into a balanced trip.

Rhodes Boat Trip Questions Travellers Often Ask

Do all boat trips leave from Rhodes Town?

No — Rhodes Town has the biggest selection, but Faliraki, Lindos, and Kamiros Skala also offer excellent departures depending on cruise type and location.

How early should I arrive at the harbour?

Usually 20–30 minutes before departure is enough. Some larger boats require earlier boarding during peak season.

Can I change departure location after booking?

Sometimes — but not always. It depends on the operator and transport options included.

Is one harbour better than the others?

Not really. The best departure point depends on where you stay and what experience you want.

The Best Next Step

Understanding departure points removes a huge amount of planning stress — and helps you choose cruises that feel effortless rather than rushed.

If you want help choosing the right experience next, explore Best Boat Trips in Rhodes, where I break down cruise styles, atmospheres, and my personal favourite routes.

And if you want step-by-step planning help with activities, routes, and local hidden swim spots, the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 (Local, Digital, Instant Download) makes organising your trip dramatically easier.