Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip with swimming stop and BBQ on board

Fishing first, swimming later. The Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip pairs a relaxed morning on the water with a small group of up to 12 people, a swim near Kallithea’s rocky caves, and a generous BBQ lunch served aboard. I especially like the friendly crew, including Angelo and the captain, and the chance to eat freshly prepared fish, salad, fruit, and grilled food at sea. The main caution is simple: fishing success is never guaranteed, and the three-hour fishing period may feel long for younger children.

This is a five-hour outing from Rhodes, priced at $78.60 per person. It is best understood as a social boat day with fishing included, not as a serious angling charter. The boat is older rather than luxurious, the onboard toilet is basic, and cruise passengers should leave plenty of time before their ship departs.

Key points at a glance

• Small boat, maximum 12 people: The limited group size makes it easier to get help with bait, tangled lines, and fishing technique.
• About three hours of fishing: You may stop in two or three fishing areas, but your catch could range from a large fish to nothing at all.
• Kallithea cave swimming: The one-hour swim stop offers clear water, snorkeling, rocky beaches, and a memorable change of pace.
• BBQ lunch on board: Fresh fish, grilled food, Greek salad, fruit, and bread are part of the meal experience described by visitors.
• Angelo brings the fun: His humor and helpful manner are repeatedly praised, while the captain is also described as warm and attentive.
• Meet at the waterfront: The listed address is 25is Martiou 2, Rhodes 851 00, but the actual boarding point is on the waterfront, not necessarily where Google Maps places the pin.

What kind of day is this?

I would treat this as a friendly local outing rather than a polished luxury cruise. You spend much of the morning with a fishing rod in hand, then stop for a swim and return to a meal prepared on the boat.

The format works well because it gives the day several layers. If the fish are not biting, you still have the sea views, company, swimming, and lunch. If you catch something worthwhile, the crew may add it to the meal, which gives the food a direct connection to the morning’s activity.

The trip has a five-star rating from 831 reviews, with 99 percent recommending it. That strong response makes sense when you understand the product. The best part is not guaranteed fishing. It is the combination of an informal crew, a small group, a beautiful swim stop, and food that receives unusually warm praise.

Still, you should set your expectations correctly. Some people catch fish, while others catch only a few tiny ones or nothing at all. Photos showing a line full of fish should not be taken as a promise of your own haul.

Meeting at Rhodes waterfront

The listed starting point is 25is Martiou 2 in Rhodes. The practical detail that matters most is that the boat meets you on the waterfront. One person specifically found that Google Maps led toward the wrong spot, so I would not rely on the map pin alone.

Give yourself extra time to find the boat, especially if you are coming from a cruise ship or traveling with children. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, which keeps the logistics fairly simple.

Confirmation arrives when you book, and the tour is offered in English. It is near public transportation, and most people can take part. The maximum group size is 12, a useful limit on a boat where space and access to the fishing gear matter.

The boat runs in good weather. If conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. That policy is helpful, but it does not remove the need to plan carefully if you have a ship departure later the same day.

Three hours with a fishing rod

The fishing section takes about three hours, which is the heart of the outing. The crew helps first-time fishers bait the hooks, handle the rods, and deal with tangled lines. That makes the activity approachable even if you have never fished before.

The limited group size helps here. On a large boat, beginners can spend much of the trip waiting for assistance. With no more than 12 people, the crew has a better chance of giving practical help when the line knots or a fish takes the bait.

You may stop in two or three fishing locations. The exact number appears to vary, so I would not expect a tightly fixed sequence of stops. The captain moves the boat to different areas, giving you several chances to try.

Fishing from a small boat has a pleasant rhythm. You bait the hook, lower the line, wait, and watch the water. When something pulls, even a small fish can create a welcome burst of excitement. Children and first-time fishers often enjoy the process as much as the catch.

The honest downside is the uncertainty. One outing produced only a few bites and three very small fish. Another included a substantial catch. That difference is normal for fishing, but it matters when deciding if the trip is right for you.

If your main goal is to bring home a large catch, this may disappoint. If you enjoy trying something new and can accept a quiet spell, the fishing becomes a pleasant way to spend the morning.

For families, three hours may be too long for younger children. Ages seven to fourteen can work well, but interest will depend on the child. Teenagers and adults are more likely to enjoy the unhurried pace, especially if they like the idea of learning a basic local fishing routine.

Kallithea caves and the one-hour swim

After fishing, the boat heads toward Kallithea Springs and the rocky beaches around the Kalithea caves. You get roughly one hour to swim and snorkel in the clear water around the rocks.

This is the part that saves the day if the fish stay away. The water is described as cool, clear, and beautiful, and swimming through or near the caves gives the stop more character than a simple open-water dip.

The setting also breaks up the fishing period. After sitting with a rod for several hours, you can stretch, swim, snorkel, and enjoy the sea from a different angle. Bring whatever you need for time in the water, since this is a real activity stop rather than a quick photo pause.

The swim is not presented as a guided snorkeling lesson. You should think of it as free time in a scenic cove, with the opportunity to look around beneath the surface. The rocky shore and cave setting are the main appeal.

Families should keep an eye on the clock. One hour passes quickly once everyone has changed, entered the water, explored, and returned to the boat. The value of this stop comes from the contrast with fishing, not from a long beach stay.

A BBQ lunch that gets top billing

The meal is one of the strongest reasons to book this trip. The captain prepares a BBQ on board, and the food is served after the fishing and swim stop.

The exact menu can vary, but the meal descriptions include grilled fish, chicken, Greek salad, fresh fruit, bread, and side dishes. One gluten-free meal included grilled fish, gluten-free bread, salad, and fruit. The fish caught during the outing may also be grilled and served.

This is not a restaurant meal with a printed menu. It is a generous boat lunch, prepared in a practical setting and served as part of the day. That simplicity is part of its appeal. Food tastes better after time on the water, and freshly grilled fish feels especially fitting after fishing.

The lunch portions can be large. One person could not finish the meal, and the grilled fish and Greek salad earned especially strong praise. Chicken also receives high marks, so you are not dependent on catching fish to enjoy the food.

Drinks are another plus. Free soft drinks, beer, and wine are available on board according to the experience details provided by visitors. If you have dietary needs, it is sensible to raise them when booking, since the gluten-free meal shows that an accommodation may be possible.

Angelo, the captain, and the boat itself

Angelo is a major part of the experience. He is repeatedly described as funny, helpful, and warm, with an infectious laugh. His job is not just to explain fishing. He helps create the relaxed mood that makes a small boat feel sociable rather than awkward.

The captain also receives praise for his cooking and hospitality. The meal is prepared by the captain, and the crew helps with baiting, untangling lines, and general support.

The tone is informal. Most of the praise focuses on the crew making everyone feel welcome and included. That can matter more than polished fittings during a five-hour boat trip.

The boat itself is older and somewhat basic. Some people see that as part of the adventure, while others may prefer newer seats, a more refined finish, or more space. You should book this for the people and the day on the water, not for a luxury vessel.

There is a toilet on board, but it has limitations. It is described as basic, with no sink, and one person found the cleaning and door lock inadequate. Carry hand wipes. That small preparation can make the facilities much easier to manage.

Is $78.60 good value?

At $78.60 per person, the price is fair if you value the whole package. You are getting about five hours on the water, fishing instruction, a swimming and snorkeling stop, a BBQ lunch, and drinks in a small group.

The value is less clear if you view this only as a fishing charter. The catch is unpredictable, and the trip is not designed around maximizing fish landed. You are paying for a relaxed social outing, not a guaranteed haul.

The meal improves the calculation. A substantial lunch with fish or chicken, salad, fruit, and drinks would already account for part of the cost. Add the cave swim, boat time, equipment, and personal help with fishing, and the price feels reasonable for a full half-day in Rhodes.

The small group also matters. A maximum of 12 people is much more pleasant than being packed onto a large excursion boat, especially when everyone needs room to handle a rod. I would consider the price good for families with older children, couples, and anyone who wants a low-pressure day at sea.

Cruise ship timing needs careful thought

This is the most important practical warning. The trip takes approximately five hours, and the boat may be late returning from an earlier outing. The captain cannot simply shorten the experience for one person if other people are still taking part.

That creates a serious risk for cruise passengers. If your ship sails soon after the scheduled return, you should not assume the listed timing provides a safe buffer. A delayed start or slow return could leave you racing back to the port.

I would book this only when your ship’s departure time allows a generous margin. If the schedule is tight, choose an activity operated directly by the cruise line or one with a more controlled return arrangement. Losing more than $300 as a group is a painful result when the excursion seemed to fit the timetable.

For a hotel-based stay in Rhodes, this concern is much smaller. You can enjoy the five-hour schedule without watching the clock for a ship departure.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I think this outing suits:

• First-time fishers who want hands-on help
• Adults who enjoy a relaxed day rather than a fast tour
• Families with older children and teenagers
• Couples looking for a social boat experience
• People who care as much about lunch and swimming as the catch
• Anyone who likes small-group activities with a lively guide

It is less suitable for someone seeking a serious fishing charter, a luxury yacht, a long beach stay, or a tightly timed cruise excursion.

You should also be comfortable with a basic boat toilet, an older vessel, and several hours seated around a fishing activity. The day is easygoing, but it is not passive. You will handle bait, rods, lines, and the practical mess of fishing.

What to bring and how to prepare

Wear clothing suitable for both fishing and swimming. You will want something that can handle sea spray, along with swimwear for the Kallithea stop.

Bring hand wipes because the onboard toilet has no sink. I would also carry sun protection and a towel, although the supplied information does not list specific equipment or personal items.

Confirm the waterfront meeting point before leaving. Do not depend entirely on Google Maps, since the map may not place you directly at the boat.

Finally, decide how you feel about fishing before booking. You may catch a good fish, a small fish, or nothing. The trip works best when you see the rod, swim, lunch, and company as one experience rather than treating the catch as the sole measure of success.

Should you book the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

I would book it if you want a friendly, unpretentious day with fishing, a cave swim, and a very well-liked meal. Angelo and the captain add real warmth, and the food appears to be the most dependable highlight. The 12-person limit keeps the outing personal.

I would skip it if you need a modern boat, spotless facilities, guaranteed fishing results, or a precise return time for a cruise ship. For everyone else, $78.60 buys a full half-day with enough variety to keep a slow fishing session from becoming a wasted one.

FAQ

How long is the Makarounas Fishing Boat Trip?

The experience lasts approximately five hours.

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $78.60 per person.

Where does the boat leave from?

The listed meeting point is 25is Martiou 2, Rhodes 851 00, Greece. The actual boarding point is on the waterfront.

Where does the trip finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the trip?

The boat accepts a maximum of 12 participants.

How long is the fishing portion?

The fishing segment lasts about three hours.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The trip includes about one hour for swimming and snorkeling near the Kallithea caves and rocky beaches.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ meal is prepared on board. Meal descriptions include grilled fish or chicken, Greek salad, fruit, and bread.

Are drinks available?

Free soft drinks, beer, and wine are available on board.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted, and poor weather may lead to a different date or a full refund.