A few hours on the water beats a whole day of “maybe.” This small-group Rhodes trip mixes fishing, time to swim, and a real on-board lunch—so you’re not stuck guessing what the day will feel like.

I like that the tour handles the basics for you: you get the fishing rod and bait, and Captain Manolis takes you to the spots where the day makes sense. I also like the food setup. You’re not just paying for a snack; you get a proper Greek meal on the boat after the fishing.

One possible drawback: this is normal fishing, not an extreme big-game challenge. If you’re hoping for constant giants, you might end up with smaller catches and a more relaxed pace instead.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Max 10 people keeps things personal and makes it easier to get help while fishing
• Rod and bait are included, so you can show up without hauling gear
• First trolling for little tuna, then bottom fishing gives the day two different fishing styles
• On-board BBQ lunch includes Greek salad, bread, and free soft drinks, water, and beer
• Swimming and snorkeling are part of the plan, so it’s not only about the line in the water

Rhodes Fishing From Akti Sachtouri: The Setup

This half-day trip runs about 4 hours 30 minutes and ends back where you start, at Fishing trips Rhodes Captain Manolis, Akti Sachtouri, Rodos 851 00, Greece. That matters because you avoid the “drive, dock, wait, then repeat” feeling you sometimes get with longer day tours.

The meeting point is near public transportation, and the activity is listed for most travelers, with service animals allowed. The practical takeaway: if you’re staying in the Rhodes area and want a focused water day without heavy logistics, this is built for that.

Group size is capped at 10 travelers. In real terms, that usually means you’re not fighting for attention when you’re learning how to cast or adjust bait. The vibe also tends to be more like “a family boat day” than a production line.

The 4.5-Hour Plan: Trolling for Tuna, Then Bottom Fishing

Here’s how the day runs. First you head out and do trolling for little tuna. Trolling is active but not complicated. You’re working with the motion of the boat and the fishing setup while Captain Manolis moves you through likely feeding areas.

Then the plan shifts to bottom fishing. This is the more classic “drop the line, feel for bites, repeat” portion. If you’ve never fished before, this section is often where people end up feeling most involved, because you can focus on technique and timing rather than staying alert to the boat’s movement the whole time.

The tour is designed as a relaxed experience. You’re not expected to live in survival-mode crank-and-yank fishing gear. If what you want is steady action with big pulls, you may be slightly disappointed by the realism of normal fishing conditions.

Also, catch size can vary a lot. One person noted only small fish, while another reported a much larger catch (16 inches). That’s a good reminder for your expectations: fishing outcomes aren’t guaranteed, but the experience stays fun because you’re also getting the boat day, the swimming, and the BBQ.

Swimming and Snorkeling Time: The Part That Changes the Mood

One reason I’d book this even if you’re not a die-hard angler is the built-in water time. Along with fishing, you get swimming and snorkeling. That changes the whole rhythm of the tour.

Instead of spending every moment focused on whether the line is moving, you also get a chance to enjoy the sea and break up the activity. If you’re traveling with family or mixed experience levels—some people want to fish, others just want to relax—this format helps everyone enjoy the trip.

Practical note: since the tour requires good weather, you’ll want to be flexible in your schedule. If conditions are rough, the operator will adjust by offering a different date or a full refund.

The Boat BBQ Lunch: What You Actually Eat (and Why It Matters)

The BBQ is served after fishing. This isn’t just a gesture. The sample menu is straightforward and filling:

• One fresh fish (500 grams) per person
• Greek salad and bread
• Soft drinks, water, and beers are free

Why this is valuable: you’re paying for a complete half-day experience with a meal included. On a boat day, food can be either tiny and disappointing or it can feel like part of the trip. Here, the meal is part of the point.

Another nice detail from the experience vibe: several people describe the hosts as friendly and hands-on. When Captain Manolis and his crew are preparing food while you’re still buzzing from the fishing, the whole day feels like it flows rather than “fish, clean up, then separate lunch.”

If you’re picky, the menu is simple Greek comfort food rather than a huge buffet. That’s good because you won’t waste time waiting for choices.

Who Capt. Manolis Is Helping You Be With on the Water

Captain Manolis Fishing Trips in Rhodes runs this as a host-led experience. In the reviews, the first mate is named Katerina, and the captain is referred to as Captain Mike. So if you meet them, it’s worth listening for those names and asking quick questions early. A good crew will help you get your setup right fast.

This tour is offered in English, which makes it easier to follow instructions without guessing. Even if you’re new to fishing, you’ll likely be able to pick up what to do with bait and line since the operation is set up for regular travelers—not only seasoned anglers.

One more thing: because this trip is small-group and the tour is capped at 10, you’re more likely to get personal attention when something doesn’t make sense. That’s especially helpful if you’re switching between trolling and bottom fishing.

Price and Value: Does $78.64 Make Sense?

At $78.64 per person, you’re paying for four things bundled together: a guided boat trip, included fishing gear (rod and bait), time on the water with fishing plus swimming/snorkeling, and an on-board meal with fish and drinks.

That’s where the value comes from. A lot of “boat + lunch” experiences end up being mostly about the boat ride, with food that’s more snack than meal. Here, the BBQ includes 500 grams of fresh fish per person plus Greek salad and bread, and you also get free drinks.

That doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest boat fishing option. The captain also notes the difference between shared trips and private charters, where private costs can be far higher. So if you’re trying to treat this like an ultra-premium private fishing expedition, you might feel the gap.

My advice: treat this as a friendly, normal fishing day that also includes a real meal. If you want big-game target fishing with a high chance at trophy catches, you’d need a different kind of charter.

Realistic Fishing Expectations: Normal Fishing, Not Big-Game Guarantees

The biggest reason people get frustrated with fishing tours is mismatched expectations. This trip is built for normal fishing, not for extreme game fishing. That’s not a negative—it’s just the truth of how fishing works when you’re traveling, learning, and sharing the day with others.

You might catch small fish (one person specifically mentioned smaller catches), or you might get a stronger bite. If you’re lucky, you could land something noticeably bigger. The point is that the experience is designed to stay enjoyable even when the fish aren’t trophy-size.

If you’re the kind of person who can enjoy the process—learning bait, feeling for bites, seeing the coast from the water—this will likely hit the right note. If your only goal is to bring home a huge catch, you’ll want to set that goal against the type of fishing and fishing conditions this trip offers.

Practical Tips So Your Day Goes Smoothly

A few practical ideas will help you get the most out of the day:

• Bring swim-ready gear even if you think you’ll only fish. The swimming/snorkeling time is part of the plan.
• Wear shoes or sandals that can handle boat transfer. It’s a water day, and you’ll want stable footing.
• If you’re new to fishing, ask early about bait and technique rather than waiting. With a small group, you can get quick answers.
• Be flexible about the fishing outcome. The BBQ is timed after the fishing portion, and it’s built to be a satisfying close to the day.

Weather matters. This experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

Should You Book This Rhodes Fishing + BBQ Trip?

Book it if you want a relaxed half-day on the water that blends fishing, swimming/snorkeling, and a real on-board Greek BBQ lunch. The combination of included gear, small group size (up to 10), and free drinks makes it feel like a complete outing rather than a “cheap activity” that turns into a snack hunt.

Skip it or reconsider if your top priority is extreme fishing for big catches. This trip is normal fishing, and catch size can range from small to decent depending on conditions. If your goal is trophy-level game fishing, you’ll likely need a different style of charter.

Overall, for most people visiting Rhodes—especially those who want a memorable boat day without heavy planning—this is an easy “yes” as long as you go in with the right fishing expectations.

FAQ

What’s included in the Captain Manolis fishing with barbecue tour?

The tour includes a half-day fishing experience with a fishing rod and bait, plus barbecue on the boat. The BBQ meal includes one fresh fish (500 grams) per person, Greek salad and bread, and soft drinks, water, and beers are free.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 4 hours 30 minutes.

Is swimming or snorkeling included?

Yes. The tour includes swimming and snorkeling.

How large is the group?

The experience has a maximum of 10 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The tour also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.