REVIEW · RHODES
Fishing Boat Trip with Professional Fisherman (Small Group)
Book on Viator →Operated by Half Price Tours · Bookable on Viator
Fishing on Rhodes beats another beach day. This half-day trip runs on an authentic fishing boat with a captain who brings real-world know-how (35+ years) and Mediterranean sea time that feels like the job.
I love that the crew keeps it family-friendly and will help you fish even if you’re a first-timer. I also like the small-group size (max 10), so you’re not stuck watching from the back of a crowd.
The highlight for me is the catch-of-the-day meal on board: one grilled fish (400g) per person, plus Greek salad, bread, water, soft drinks, and fruits.
That’s not just food included. It’s food that matches the day’s fishing, cooked right where the sea day happens.
One consideration: fishing success and the level of English guidance can vary day to day. If you’re expecting nonstop action and expert instruction in perfect English, go in with flexible expectations—especially if you care about catching a big fish.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- A half-day on Rhodes waters with a working fisherman
- What happens after you meet at Half Price Tours
- Fishing time: rods provided, coaching for beginners
- The boat setup and safety standards you can feel
- Catch-of-the-day lunch cooked right on board
- Swimming and sun time: short break, real sea air
- Captain Bill and Frankie: small crew, big role
- Price and value: what you’re really paying for
- Timing and transfers: how to avoid the common trip-hassle
- Who this trip fits best on Rhodes
- Should you book this Rhodes fishing boat trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the fishing boat trip?
- What does it cost per person?
- Where does the tour start in Rhodes?
- Is hotel pickup offered?
- What language is the tour offered in?
- Is food included?
- Do you provide fishing equipment?
- What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
Key things to know before you go

- Authentic, registered boat: The boat is registered for fishing and designed to meet safety/hygiene/inspection standards.
- Captain with 35+ years: You’re learning from someone who’s been doing this a long time.
- Small group (up to 10): Easier to get help with your rod and find your spot on deck.
- Fishing gear and coaching included: You don’t need to arrive as a fishing pro.
- On-boat grilling with a full meal: 400g grilled fish plus salad, bread, water, soft drinks, and fruits.
- Plan for variable fishing: Some trips deliver a great bite; other days are more about the experience than the haul.
A half-day on Rhodes waters with a working fisherman

This is the kind of Rhodes outing that feels different from the usual port routine. You’re not signing up for a “show.” You’re joining a real fishing day on Mediterranean waters aboard an authentic fishing boat, with safety and inspection standards you’d expect for commercial work.
The timing is set for a morning start (about 9:00 am) and runs around 4 hours 30 minutes. The trip ends back at the starting meeting point, so you’re not spending your afternoon figuring out logistics after the boat ride.
If you like hands-on travel, this fits. The boat portion isn’t just scenic cruising. There’s fishing time, then a move for swimming/sun time, then the cooking and eating right on board. The “day” is short, but it feels complete.
It also helps that the operator keeps the group small. With a max of 10 people, the captain and crew can actually guide you, rather than treating everyone like an extra seat on a bus.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rhodes.
What happens after you meet at Half Price Tours
Your meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rodos (Rhodes City area). The activity starts at 9:00 am and returns to that same point.
If you use hotel pickup, it’s available for an extra charge and depends on where your hotel is on the island (for example, the south side like Lindos/Pefkos/Gennadi versus other areas). When you book, you’re asked to put your hotel name into the special requirements field, and you’ll get pickup timing back.
Here’s the practical part: transfer pickup can be earlier than the scheduled tour departure, so you may have some waiting time before you finally roll out. If you’re staying somewhere central to the meeting point, you might find it easier to handle your own route to Gallias 6 and start fresh right on time.
Once everyone is aboard, you’ll spend the morning on the water fishing. The exact pattern can shift based on conditions, but the trip structure stays the same: fish, photos with what you catch (when you catch something), then the meal and break.
Fishing time: rods provided, coaching for beginners

You don’t need to bring tackle. The trip includes what you need to fish with a fishing rod. And if you’ve never done it, you’re not out of luck—this experience is set up to help people learn.
What that means in real life is simple: you’ll get support at the moments that matter most, like understanding how to handle your rod and line, and what the crew expects during active fishing. For many people, that’s the difference between a nice boat ride and a day that actually feels like fishing.
Do keep one thing in mind: the sea doesn’t always cooperate. Even in good conditions, your haul might be modest. Some days are more about the skills and the atmosphere; other days you’ll catch enough to feel the fun of “real fishing” right away.
If you care about getting strong action, go in with patience. This isn’t a guarantee of a big catch. It’s a chance to spend real time fishing in Aegean-Mediterranean waters with a pro who knows where to try.
The boat setup and safety standards you can feel

This isn’t described as a shaky charter. The boat is equipped for fishing and registered with the Greek Coastal Authorities, and it follows higher safety/hygiene/inspection standards. That matters when you’re on the water for hours.
You’ll also have access to the latest navigation equipment for fishing. Translation: the captain isn’t flying blind. They’re using modern tools alongside long experience to find good opportunities.
Deck-wise, you’ll spend most of your time moving between fishing and resting spots, so it helps to wear something you can move in. The trip also includes a swimming window later, which turns the boat from “work mode” to “play mode” pretty quickly.
For those who want extra confidence: one review specifically noted that COVID requirements were well adhered to. That suggests the crew was paying attention to practical health expectations during that period.
Catch-of-the-day lunch cooked right on board

This part is the big value boost. After fishing and photos with the catch of the day, the crew grills the fish directly on the boat.
Meal included:
- One grilled fish (400g) per person
- Greek salad
- Bread
- Water and soft drinks
- Fruits
This is not a “snack and maybe a sandwich” lunch. It’s a proper onboard meal, and it’s timed as part of the boat flow—so you’re not stuck waiting in a dock-side restaurant while everyone else eats.
The cooking is also part of the fun. In at least one account, the crew cooked lunch while people headed to a swimming area. That means you can enjoy the break without losing your spot in the day.
One balanced note: if your fishing results are limited, that can change how you personally feel about the meal connection. The trip is set up for catch-of-the-day grilling, but your fishing haul is still at the mercy of the sea.
Also, drinks can feel like a small detail until you’re thirsty. Water and soft drinks are included in the trip description, but you might still find it smart to confirm when drinks are served during the meal window, especially if you want them right away.
Swimming and sun time: short break, real sea air

Not everyone wants to fish the entire time, and that’s built in. Even if you’re not actively casting, you can swim and sunbathe on the outing.
This is one reason I like it for mixed groups. Someone who loves the fishing can stay focused. Someone who’s “meh” on fishing can still get a proper break in the water and enjoy the sea day.
The trip also gives you a different view of Rhodes. From the bay, you get a coast perspective you won’t get from the road. It’s not just about catching fish. It’s about being out there long enough to feel like you left the city behind.
If you’re sensitive to motion, try to pick a comfortable spot once the boat slows down. And if swimming matters to you, consider bringing the basics you’d want for water time (swimwear, something to cover up afterward). You’ll likely make use of that part.
Captain Bill and Frankie: small crew, big role

This is a crew-led experience, not a scripted performance. Captain Bill is one name that comes up, along with Frankie as part of the crew.
With a captain this experienced (35+ years), the teaching style matters. The goal is not to test your technique like a sport. The goal is to help you enjoy the day while still giving the process a real fishing feel.
The crew’s roles also show up in the little extras. One account mentions food scraps being used to feed chickens. That kind of practical detail makes the day feel grounded in how working boats actually operate, not just what the tour includes on paper.
If English is important to you for instruction, keep expectations realistic. The tour is offered in English, but the captain’s spoken English can range depending on the day and crew flow. If you’re unsure, ask for clarity early when you’re learning what to do with your rod and line.
Price and value: what you’re really paying for

At $108.84 per person for about 4.5 hours, you’re paying for a working-boat experience plus a full onboard meal. The value is strongest if you want three things together:
1) Actual time fishing with provided gear
2) A real grilled meal you don’t have to plan or pay for separately
3) Boat time plus swimming/sun break
When tours include only light snacks, they often feel overpriced once you add up what you still need to buy. Here, the listed meal is substantial—especially the 400g fish per person plus salad, bread, drinks, and fruits.
It’s also booked in advance regularly (on average about 18 days). That suggests demand is steady, especially for people looking for something different than another beach day.
Is it the cheapest option? Probably not. But it’s priced like a half-day activity where the food and the boat time are doing most of the heavy lifting. For the experience type, it’s a fair fit.
And the quality signal is solid: the experience averages 4.7 out of 5 with 103 reviews, and 92% recommend it.
Timing and transfers: how to avoid the common trip-hassle
The tour starts at 9:00 am at Gallias 6 (Half Price Tours). If you book pickup, you’ll likely be collected based on where your hotel sits on the island.
The main thing to watch is the gap between pickup time and actual departure. One account described being picked up earlier and waiting around an hour before the boat left. That’s not a deal-breaker, but it changes how you manage your morning.
There’s also a practical warning if you plan tightly around your return transfer. One person said they missed the last transfer home after the trip ran longer than the original time guidance.
My advice: if you have flexible plans that afternoon, you’ll be fine. If you must catch a specific reservation later, build a buffer.
If your hotel is close enough to the meeting point, going yourself can reduce stress. The meeting point is described as central and near public transportation, so you’re not stuck on a remote pier with no plan B.
Who this trip fits best on Rhodes
This fishing boat trip is a good match if:
- You want something hands-on instead of another shore excursion
- You have mixed interests in your group (fishing plus swimming)
- You care about getting a full meal included
- You’re traveling with family and want an activity that isn’t only for experts
It may be less ideal if:
- You’re only satisfied with heavy fishing action and specific outcomes
- You need very detailed English instruction throughout
- You expect fancy, brand-new tackle and gear that feels “just bought”
Remember: part of the charm is that it’s real. The sea is unpredictable. The day is still worth it if your goal is the outing itself, not a guaranteed catch.
Should you book this Rhodes fishing boat trip?
I’d book it if you want a short, satisfying sea day with genuine fishing time and a no-stress lunch cooked onboard. The meal offering alone makes it easier to justify the price, and the small-group setup keeps the experience personal.
I would also book it if you’re traveling with people who like different things—one person can fish, another can swim and relax, and the whole group shares the same meal and boat time.
Skip or adjust expectations if you’re chasing a very specific fishing result, or if you’re the type who gets upset when the day doesn’t go exactly to plan. This is a fishing experience, not a fishing factory.
FAQ
How long is the fishing boat trip?
The trip lasts about 4 hours 30 minutes.
What does it cost per person?
It costs $108.84 per person.
Where does the tour start in Rhodes?
The meeting point is Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece.
Is hotel pickup offered?
Yes, pickup is offered from all hotels on the island for an extra charge, depending on how far your hotel is located. You provide your hotel name at booking, and you’ll receive pickup timing.
What language is the tour offered in?
The tour is offered in English.
Is food included?
Yes. Lunch includes one grilled fish (400g) per person, Greek salad, bread, water, soft drinks, and fruits.
Do you provide fishing equipment?
Yes. You get everything you need to fish with a fishing rod, and the crew helps teach you what to do.
What if the weather is bad or I need to cancel?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.









