REVIEW · RHODES TOWN
Rhodes: Fishing Trip, Snorkelling, BBQ, & Professional Guide
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by Skevos Fishing Trip · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Back with fish tales and dinner. I like how this Rhodes trip mixes hands-on fishing with real local know-how from Skevos and Captain Mike, then rewards you with BBQ lunch on the boat. The second big win for me is Skevos’s Greek salad, famous for those secret-herb flavors. One thing to plan for: the meal is built around fish and Greek flavors, so if that’s not your thing, pack a small backup snack.
Small group helps too: you get up to 10 people on a traditional 10-meter wooden fishing boat, with onboard space for dining and relaxing. You’ll troll and fish for predator species, then anchor for swimming and snorkelling when the sea allows.
In This Review
- Key points before you go
- Meeting the Kolona Port Crew: Skevos and Captain Mike
- The Wooden 10-Meter Boat Experience (Not Just a Ride)
- How They Choose Your Fishing Spots Around Rhodes
- Trolling for Predator Fish with Pro Equipment
- Ground Fishing Near the Seabed for About Two Hours
- The Anchored Bay Swim and Snorkel Stop
- Onboard Lunch: The BBQ Fish Meal That People Remember
- Who This Rhodes Fishing Trip Is Best For
- Price and Value: What $88 Really Includes
- Practical Tips for a Smoother Day in Rhodes
- Should You Book the Skevos Fishing Trip?
- FAQ
- How long is the Rhodes fishing trip?
- How much does it cost?
- Where is the meeting point?
- How big is the group?
- What language is the guide?
- Does the trip run in bad weather?
- What kind of fishing will we do?
- What fish species do they target?
- Is snorkelling included?
- What’s included in lunch and drinks?
Key points before you go
- Skevos and Captain Mike run the day as a father-son team, with decades of fishing and a chef’s approach to lunch
- Traditional boat setup: separate fishing area, plus dining/relax space, WC, freshwater shower, and Wi‑Fi
- Two fishing styles in one 5-hour trip: trolling for predators, then ground fishing near the seabed
- Snorkelling included (equipment provided), with time to swim at a quiet anchored bay
- Onboard BBQ lunch: your catch plus gold seabream and sea bass, served with Greek salad, bread, and unlimited drinks
Meeting the Kolona Port Crew: Skevos and Captain Mike
This is not a big-deck cruise. Your start point is the port of Kolona, just outside Rhodes Old Town, where Skevos’s fishing boat waits for your group.
What I appreciate right away is that you’re stepping into a family operation. Captain Mike brings 35+ years of professional fishing experience, and his son Skevos grew up with the boat and learned his craft early. Skevos is also a certified professional chef, so the food feels like part of the plan—not a last-minute add-on.
The vibe tends to be relaxed but focused. The small group size makes it easier for the guides to notice when someone’s struggling with bait, line, or technique—especially if you’re brand new to fishing. If you want a guided day that still feels personal, this setup fits.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rhodes Town.
The Wooden 10-Meter Boat Experience (Not Just a Ride)
The boat matters on a fishing trip. You’re on a handcrafted traditional wooden vessel (about 10 meters), and it’s designed for real work: there’s a specially designed fishing area sized for the group, plus independent space for dining and relaxing.
You also get practical onboard comforts:
- A WC and a freshwater shower
- Wi‑Fi (handy if you want to share photos from the water)
- Safety gear and communication systems that match professional standards, including certified VHF/UHF systems
Then there’s the fishing tech. The boat is equipped with a Lowrance 1000W fish finder, GPS, depth sounder, and radar. That combination is what helps the crew move efficiently and fish smarter instead of guessing.
For tackle and reliability, they use well-known brands like Shimano, Daiwa, Okuma, Penn, WFT, and Ryobi. Translation: the gear feels sturdy and familiar, even if you’re new—less time fighting equipment, more time fishing.
How They Choose Your Fishing Spots Around Rhodes
You’ll start from the Kolona port area and then set course for one of their selected destinations based on sea conditions. On the day, you may head to the famous Kallithea Springs, the quiet bay of Santa Marina, or a shallow sandy beach.
Expect about an hour of cruising. This part isn’t just travel time. It’s when you get oriented, see the coastline, and feel the rhythm of the day—before you start trolling or dropping lines.
A smart thing here is that the plan flexes. Since fishing depends on wind, currents, and visibility, they adjust destinations to match the day’s reality. That’s usually what separates an enjoyable outing from a frustrating one.
Trolling for Predator Fish with Pro Equipment
Once you reach the day’s fishing area, trolling kicks in. This is where you’ll use professional equipment that the guide provides onboard.
The targets are predator fish common in the region, including:
- small tunas
- mahi mahi
- amberjacks
- barracudas
- trumpetfish
- great trevally
I like this phase because it feels like real “active fishing.” You’re not just dropping a line and waiting. You’re learning how lure or bait presentation works while the boat is moving, and the crew can correct technique as you go.
If you’ve never fished from a boat, this portion can feel like a hands-on lesson. The guides are there for the basics—how to handle the rod, how to keep control of the line, and what to do when the bite comes. Even if you don’t land something immediately, the fact that you’re actively trying usually keeps the energy up.
Ground Fishing Near the Seabed for About Two Hours
After trolling, the trip shifts gears to ground fishing for about two hours. This is more of the patient side of fishing—targeting fish near the seabed rather than tracking predators as they roam.
What I find valuable for first-timers is that you get a second shot at a different method. One approach can be tougher on one day; the other might be better. Having both in one 5-hour outing means you aren’t stuck hoping the sea gives you one specific kind of action.
Also, ground fishing can be a great learning window. The guide’s instructions (and the way they adjust based on what you’re seeing) help you understand why depth, placement, and bait choice matter.
The Anchored Bay Swim and Snorkel Stop
Then comes the “stop doing everything” moment. After fishing, the crew anchors in a quiet bay where you can swim, snorkel, or just relax.
Snorkelling equipment is provided if you want it. The trip length is short enough that this swim break doesn’t drag, but long enough that you actually feel like you changed environments—boat work time to sea time.
One practical tip: the Mediterranean can splash. Wear swimwear you’re okay getting wet and possibly a bit salty. If you’re a cautious swimmer, you might want to ask what support they provide on the day—some people have mentioned pool noodles and snorkels being available, which can make the water feel less intimidating.
And yes, you’ll be eating lunch shortly after, so this is also a good window to cool off, stretch your legs, and reset.
Onboard Lunch: The BBQ Fish Meal That People Remember
This is the reason the trip earns repeat bookings. The lunch happens onboard, and the food is built around the catch plus classic Greek staples.
Here’s what’s on the BBQ:
- fish you catch
- fresh gold seabream and sea bass (250g and up)
They grill it on a handcrafted BBQ made by Skevos’s father. The cooking style uses extra virgin olive oil and coarse sea salt, so the flavors stay simple and sea-forward.
The meal also includes:
- an authentic Greek salad with secret herbs (this is the dish that repeatedly gets the biggest praise)
- charcoal-grilled bread with olive oil, sea salt, and fresh Rhodian oregano
And drinks are generous:
- cold beer
- soft drinks like cola and lemonade
- bottled mineral water
This matters for value. At $88 per person, you’re not only paying for boat time. You’re paying for bait, fishing equipment, a guided half-day on the water, snorkelling gear, and a full meal with unlimited drinks. That combination is what makes it feel like a complete experience instead of a “tour with snacks.”
Who This Rhodes Fishing Trip Is Best For
This works well if you want:
- a hands-on activity on the water (not just watching)
- a small group day with a father-son team running the show
- a fishing lesson that still has downtime for swimming and snorkelling
- a meal that feels genuinely local and homemade
It’s also a good fit for beginners. The guides are set up for instruction—rods, bait, technique, and encouragement. A lot of first-timers leave happier than they expected because the crew actively helps you join the action.
Who should skip it?
- Pregnant women (not suitable)
- Wheelchair users (not suitable)
Also, if you don’t eat fish or you’re not into Greek salad flavors, plan a workaround. The BBQ lunch is centered on fish and Greek ingredients, and some people have recommended bringing a snack if you think you might not finish the fish portion or the salad.
Price and Value: What $88 Really Includes
$88 for 5 hours sounds simple, but the value comes from what’s packed into the day.
You get:
- fishing equipment and bait
- a full onboard meal
- unlimited soft drinks, unlimited beer, and bottled water
- snorkelling equipment
- Wi‑Fi, plus the comfort of a WC and freshwater shower
- a professionally run fishing experience with safety equipment and certified communications
- a small group limit of 10 participants
That’s a lot of “extras” that many tours charge for separately—especially onboard food and drinks, and the gear required to actually fish.
Also, the long-term experience behind the operation matters. Captain Mike’s decades of professional fishing experience and Skevos’s chef/lifeguard training add up to a day that feels controlled. Even when the sea is challenging, you’re not left guessing what to do next.
Practical Tips for a Smoother Day in Rhodes
Here’s how to get the most out of your 5 hours.
Meet on time. Your boat is in the port of Kolona outside Old Town. If you’re driving and plan to park near Rhodes town, give yourself extra time—parking can be busy.
Eat breakfast. It’s advised you eat before the tour, because you’ll be working up an appetite on the water and lunch comes during the trip.
Bring beachwear and a towel. Simple, but it prevents the usual end-of-day scramble.
Expect splashes. The sea can wet you during fishing and boat movement. Wear something you’re comfortable getting wet.
Bring a swimsuit for snorkelling and swimming. Even in shoulder seasons, people mention the water can feel great once you’re in, so don’t pack swim gear “just in case.”
Should You Book the Skevos Fishing Trip?
Book this if you want a small, local-feeling Rhodes day where you fish with a real guide team and then eat the results—on the boat, grilled and served with proper Greek sides.
Skip it if you need a calm, low-activity sightseeing day, or if you’re avoiding seafood/Greek salad flavors. And check the suitability limits: it’s not for pregnant women or wheelchair users.
If you’re on the fence, make the decision based on two things: do you want hands-on fishing, and do you want an onboard meal that’s part of the experience? If yes to both, this is one of the most straightforward “worth it” half-day plans around Rhodes.
FAQ
How long is the Rhodes fishing trip?
It lasts 5 hours.
How much does it cost?
The price is $88 per person.
Where is the meeting point?
The boat is located in the port of Kolona, outside the old town of Rhodes.
How big is the group?
It’s a small group limited to 10 participants.
What language is the guide?
The instructor/guides provide instruction in English.
Does the trip run in bad weather?
It takes place rain or shine, but it will not take place during storms.
What kind of fishing will we do?
You’ll do trolling with professional equipment and then ground fishing near the seabed.
What fish species do they target?
Targets include small tunas, mahi mahi, amberjacks, barracudas, trumpetfish, and great trevally.
Is snorkelling included?
Snorkelling equipment is included, and you can use it if you wish.
What’s included in lunch and drinks?
Lunch includes fresh fish (including gold seabream and sea bass at 250g and up) plus Greek salad and grilled bread. Drinks include unlimited beer, unlimited soft drinks (cola-lemonade), and bottled mineral water.
