Anthony Quinn Bay and Sea Caves Snorkelling Cruise Rhodes

Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay, also known locally as Vagies, is a small cove just south of Faliraki where pine-covered cliffs drop into water of deep emerald and turquoise. It takes its name from the Hollywood actor who filmed a well-known war film here in the early 1960s and loved the spot so much that he tried to buy the land around it.

The bay is one of the best snorkelling spots in Rhodes: the rocky sides shelter small fish, sea urchins and patches of seagrass, and visibility is often excellent. Arriving by boat is the easiest way to reach Anthony Quinn Bay, avoiding the steep path and busy parking. You can dive straight from the boat, snorkel along the rocks and take in the view from the small pier.

Ladiko beach

Just around the headland from Anthony Quinn Bay lies Ladiko, a pair of small coves with sand, pebbles and calm, clear water framed by rocky outcrops. It is a peaceful spot, popular with families who come by land, and from the sea it shows its full shape of cliffs and turquoise shallows.

The boat anchors for about 20 minutes so you can swim, float or snorkel over the sandy seabed. The water here is usually calm thanks to the shelter of the surrounding rocks, making Ladiko a good stop for less confident swimmers wearing a life jacket. Look down and you will often see small shoals of fish moving over the sand in the sunlight.

Traganou beach and its sea caves

Further along the coast is Traganou, a long gravel and pebble beach backed by pale limestone cliffs. Its main attraction is the series of caves and hidden caverns carved into the rock by the sea, some of which you can swim into and explore from the inside.

The contrast between the crystal-clear water, the rugged cliffs and the dark cave openings creates one of the wildest landscapes on the east coast of Rhodes. Bring the waterproof case provided for your phone, as the light inside the caves makes for memorable photos. As at each stop, you have about 20 minutes to swim and explore. Traganou is also one of the sea caves near Faliraki that are hard to reach on foot, which keeps it quiet.

Alikies caves and the return to Faliraki

The last swim stop is a quieter beach area with the lesser-known Alikies caves, a set of rocky hollows along the shoreline that few visitors reach. You can venture into the cave area, snorkel along the rocks or simply relax on the beach.

On the way back to Faliraki harbour, relax on the spacious deck with a soft drink and snacks, and keep an eye on the sea: dolphins are sometimes seen playing in the waves. The boat has a restroom and Wi-Fi on board. After about 2.5 hours on the water, the main option takes you back to your hotel. Because the group is small, the captain can adapt the timing at each stop to the conditions and the group's wishes.