Rhodes waters feel different from a boat. On this 5-hour Makarounas fishing trip out of Mandraki harbor, you get hands-on fishing lessons from Angelo and then sit down to a fresh fish BBQ in true island style. You’ll also have time for a swim and snorkeling in a secluded cove, with the crew keeping things friendly for both first-timers and repeat fishers.

The main drawback to plan for: you’re on open water, so if you’re sensitive to motion or the sea is a bit chilly that day, you may want to prepare accordingly.

If you want a smooth day that mixes activity with real food (not just snacks), this is the kind of trip that does it. The boat is small, about 10.5 meters long and set up for up to 12 people, so you’re not stuck watching from the back. And because the crew actually teaches you how to fish—baiting the hook, handling the rod, and reeling in—the day feels more like an experience than a ticketed ride.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• Small-boat feel in Rhodes Town: up to 12 passengers, so you stay involved
• Angelo runs the show: fish coaching, crowd energy, and help when lines tangle
• BBQ lunch with real catch: grilled fish plus Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks
• Beginner-proof fishing: kids and adults get assistance at the fishing spots
• Snorkeling gear is provided: masks and life jackets, plus extras like an underwater camera
• Swim stop in a secluded cove: you get a break from fishing and time in the water

Getting on the water from Mandraki: location, boat size, and what you’ll notice fast

Your trip starts at Mandraki harbor, at the church Evangelismos area, kiosk 2, Makarounas. Once you’re aboard, one of the first things you’ll feel is the scale. This isn’t a big cruise with hundreds of passengers. It’s a traditional fishing boat, around 10.5 meters long, typically capped at up to 12 people.

That small size matters. You can move around, ask questions, and actually hear what the crew is saying while you fish. It also helps keep the trip personal—people aren’t separated by rows and rows of glass, and you’re closer to the action as the captain maneuvers you between fishing spots.

From the reviews, I also picked up a practical detail: there’s usually a toilet on board, which you’ll really appreciate once you’re out past the harbor.

If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of setup also makes it easier for the crew to help immediately. The tour is built for kids and adults, not just confident adult anglers.

The fishing lesson isn’t a lecture: how Angelo and the captain help you catch something

The best part of this trip is that the crew doesn’t treat fishing like a passive activity. They teach it. Even if you’ve never held a rod before, you’ll get guidance on the basics—how to put bait on the hook correctly, how to hold the rod, and how to reel.

Angelo is repeatedly mentioned as the person who makes the day both easy and funny. Expect a host who’s comfortable juggling roles: explaining fishing, helping when lines get tangled, and keeping the mood light. In one review, he was described as stepping in for everything from fishing help to safety duties. That means you’re not left to figure things out on your own.

You’ll likely see a couple different fishing methods during the outing. One review specifically mentioned two different ways of fishing, with Angelo showing you what to do. The point for you: you get more than one “try.” You get coaching, then a chance to apply it.

And the captain is part of the experience, too. The captain handles the driving between productive areas, while the crew steers you toward the right spot and helps you fish effectively once you’re there.

Even if you’re unlucky and don’t land a fish, this is still the kind of day where you’ll learn something you can reuse later. Fishing feels less random when someone shows you how to set up properly and when to reel.

Rhodes from the water: multiple fishing stops and the scenic Rhodes Town views

The boat heads out from Mandraki harbor and then spends time working different areas. One example from a participant: after a circuit near the city gate area for views, the group moved to the first fishing spot, then to two more fishing locations, with time breaks between.

That matters because the scenery isn’t just “nice to have.” When you’re fishing in different spots, you get different stretches of coastline and different water conditions. You’re also moving often enough that the day doesn’t feel monotonous.

From a value standpoint, this is important: you’re paying for a 5-hour experience, not a 5-hour drift. The crew is actively using the time—fishing, then resetting to fish again, then switching gears to food and water time.

If you’re hoping for great photos, this is also a strong choice. You’re on the sea with Rhodes Town in the background, and the crew’s movements give you multiple angles rather than one static departure line.

BBQ lunch on the water: fresh fish meal, sides, and real options for non-fish eaters

After fishing builds an appetite, the crew fires up the on-board grill. What you get isn’t just a token snack—this is a fresh fish meal prepared onboard.

The meal is described as:

• freshly caught fish cooked on the grill
• Greek salad
• garlic bread
• drinks included

One small detail I like as a practical traveler: many tours assume everyone wants seafood. Here, you have options. A review said the group had a choice of chicken or fish, and someone else mentioned a veggie option as well. Another person noted they wrapped bread and food to take home when they couldn’t eat fish.

That flexibility is a quiet quality-of-life upgrade. It means you can bring a mixed group—someone who wants fish, someone who doesn’t—and nobody has to “tough it out.”

The bigger point is how the meal ties to the day. When you eat the fish you’re catching (or that the crew is catching), it turns lunch into part of the activity, not a separate add-on.

Swim stop and snorkeling in a secluded cove: equipment included, and how to plan your comfort

The second half shifts from fishing to water time. You’ll swim and snorkel in a secluded cove, with equipment provided by the crew.

From reviews, the kit can include:

• masks
• life jackets
• and even an underwater camera in at least one instance

You don’t have to be a confident swimmer to benefit from snorkeling as an activity. The crew is there, and life jackets help you stay comfortable while you explore close to the surface.

One caution: water temperature can vary. In one review, a participant chose not to go in because the sea felt cold. That doesn’t mean snorkeling is “not worth it,” but it does mean you might want a basic plan for comfort—something you can wear that won’t make you miserable, and the right mindset if you’re not a fan of cool water.

Also, motion sickness is real on boats. One participant mentioned their husband had bad sea sickness and they ended up using the recommendation to swim to help him feel more balanced. If you’re prone to nausea, bring your usual sea sickness tablets and take it seriously.

Pricing and value at $76: what you’re really buying in 5 hours

At $76 per person for a 5-hour outing, you’re paying for several things bundled together:

1. a guided fishing experience (gear plus instruction)
2. food and drinks onboard
3. time to swim and snorkel with equipment provided
4. a small-boat setting that keeps the experience hands-on

Big group tours can be cheaper, but they often trade interaction for crowd management. Here, the boat capacity is up to 12, which supports real coaching and less waiting around.

Food is a huge part of the value. You’re not just getting a sandwich. You’re getting a BBQ lunch that includes Greek salad, garlic bread, and drinks. And because it’s cooked onboard, it feels like a true midday “event.”

If you’re the type who wants to do more than sightseeing—something active plus a meal—you’ll likely feel it’s good value. If you only care about lying down and taking photos, you might find the fishing part less engaging.

Who should book this Rhodes Town fishing trip (and who should think twice)

This trip fits especially well if you:

• want a real hands-on activity in Rhodes Town, not just a ride
• enjoy seafood (or want options like chicken/vegetarian)
• travel with kids who can handle short bursts of activity and attention
• like learning from a crew that actually helps you fish

It can be a tougher fit if:

• you strongly dislike boats or get sea sick easily
• you plan your day around lounging, not participating
• you hate cold water and snorkeling isn’t your thing

That said, even people who don’t catch fish still seem to leave happy because the day includes coaching, time at multiple fishing spots, food, and water time.

Practical tips so your day feels smooth

A few things to do before you go, based on what shows up in how people describe their experience:

• Bring sea sickness tablets if you’re even mildly prone to nausea.
• Wear something you can swim in comfortably. One review mentioned cold water stopped them from getting in, so plan around comfort.
• If you’re picky about seafood, ask about chicken or other options ahead of time when you book—some groups had choices.
• Expect line tangles and be patient. The crew is there to help, and that’s part of the learning curve.
• Bring a flexible attitude: the goal is fun and fishing practice, not guaranteed fish.

Also, a small but useful mindset shift: try to treat the first catch attempt as the start of learning, not a pass/fail moment.

Should you book the Makarounas fishing boat trip?

I’d recommend booking this if you want a compact, active day that mixes fishing lessons, snack-to-lunch value, and time in the water, all from the Rhodes Town harbor.

Book it if:

• you’d enjoy learning a skill on the water
• you’re happy with small-group dynamics
• you want a real BBQ meal included
• you like the idea of snorkeling with equipment provided

Skip it if:

• you can’t handle boats or cool water
• you’re looking for a purely relaxing itinerary
• you want long, structured beach time (this is swim/snorkel sized, not beach sized)

If you fall somewhere in the middle, this is still a solid pick. The crew support—especially Angelo’s hands-on help—makes it easier for beginners to feel included, and the food keeps everyone content whether or not you land the big one.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the trip?

You’ll meet at Mandraki harbor, near the church Evangelismos, at kiosk 2 Makarounas.

How long is the fishing boat trip?

The tour runs for 5 hours.

What’s included in the fish meal?

The trip includes a fresh fish meal, plus all inclusive food and drinks. You’ll also have sides like Greek salad and garlic bread as part of the onboard BBQ meal.

Is fishing gear provided?

Yes. Fishing gear is provided.

Can beginners go on this trip?

Yes. The crew provides assistance for both kids and adults, and they help with how to fish, including instructions like baiting the hook and handling the rod.

What if I don’t want to eat fish for the BBQ?

You may have options. One review mentioned choosing chicken or fish, and another mentioned a veggie option.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get equipment?

Yes. The second half includes swim stops and snorkeling, and the crew provides snorkeling equipment such as masks and life jackets.

What languages are spoken during the trip?

The trip is offered in Greek and English.

Is free cancellation and reserve-and-pay-later available?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now & pay later to keep plans flexible.