Fast Boat To Symi with a swimming stop at St George’s Bay! (Only 1hr journey)

A fast boat gets you from Rhodes to Symi in about an hour, which leaves you with a useful three hours on this pretty island. The return trip on the morning departures includes a 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay, where the boat stops beside clear water and steep rocky slopes.

I like the freedom here. There is no forced walking route or long commentary, so you can eat, shop, climb the Kali Strata, or simply enjoy Symi harbor at your own speed. I also like the short crossing. A slower ferry may cost less, but this boat gives you more time on the island.

The main catch is comfort. The ride can be choppy, windy, and wet from sea spray, and the group may be large, with up to 118 people. Arrive early, check your departure harbor carefully, and keep your swimming things close.

• About one hour across: The fast boat makes Symi practical as a day trip from Rhodes.
• Three hours on Symi: Enough time for a harbor walk, lunch, shopping, and some sightseeing.
• Morning swim stop: The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include 30 minutes at St George’s Bay.
• Afternoon sailing differs: The 15:15 departure stops for photographs only, not swimming.
• Bring a towel and jacket: Spray, wind, and changing weather are part of the boat ride.
• Large group setting: The boat can carry up to 118 people, so early arrival helps with seating and boarding.

The one-hour crossing from Rhodes

The appeal of this trip is simple: you get to Symi quickly. The crossing takes about one hour, or around an hour and ten minutes according to some departure timings, instead of spending much of the day on a slower vessel.

That shorter ride matters. Symi is attractive enough to deserve a visit, but a day trip from Rhodes can become tiring if the sea journey takes too long. Here, you spend roughly three hours ashore and still have time for a swim before returning to Rhodes.

The speed boat is fitted with comfortable seats and has a restroom onboard. Some seats are on the lower deck, while the upper deck offers better views when it is open. You may also receive a fleece or blanket if the wind picks up. Rain gear is available when needed.

Comfort depends heavily on the sea. The boat can move sharply when the water is rough, especially as it leaves the harbor. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you can watch the horizon, avoid a large breakfast, and keep any medication you normally use close at hand.

Sea spray is another practical issue. The open sides and fast pace mean you may get wet, especially on the return ride. A jacket, spare clothes, and a plastic bag for damp items are sensible additions. The seats are soft, but spray or rain can leave them wet.

Finding Rhodes Sea Lines at the harbor

The listed starting point is Rhodes Sea Lines at Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. You return to the same meeting point at the end of the activity.

Give yourself extra time before departure. The harbor area can be awkward for cars, and parking may be difficult to find. If you are driving, allow time to park and walk. If you are coming from a cruise ship or using public transport, check the exact harbor and meeting instructions carefully.

One important warning: Rhodes has more than one departure harbor. A departure from Faliraki Harbour is not the same as a departure from Rhodes Harbour. Check your ticket for the time and location before you set out. Confusion here has caused missed connections and unnecessary stress.

You may also need to exchange your mobile voucher for a boarding pass at a kiosk before boarding. Arriving early gives you time to sort this out and may improve your choice of seats. It also helps you avoid being placed below deck when you hoped to sit outside.

The boat can carry up to 118 people, so this is a group service rather than a small private cruise. That keeps the price lower, but boarding can feel busy. The crew has been described as helpful in practical situations, though service may not always feel warm or polished.

Three free hours in Symi harbor

Symi is the heart of the day. Once you arrive, you have about three hours to make your own plans.

The harbor is lined with colorful houses climbing the hills around the water. The setting is highly photogenic, but it is also a working port and a popular stop. Several boats may unload at the same time, sending people toward the restaurants and waterfront shops.

I would not rush straight to a table. Walk along the harbor first, get your bearings, and look up at the houses. The waterfront is easy to explore on foot, while the slopes offer views if you are willing to climb.

Three hours is a useful amount of time, but it is not enough for an ambitious island tour. You are visiting the main harbor area rather than seeing every corner of Symi. Some people find the time just right for walking, lunch, drinks, and shopping. Others would prefer more time at the swimming stop instead.

A climb up the Kali Strata can reward you with wider views over the harbor. It is best suited to you if you are fit and comfortable with uphill walking. Remember that you must be back at the boat on time, so keep an eye on the clock rather than wandering too far uphill.

Symi also offers small shops and places to eat. A sponge shop called Panormitis Sponge Shop provides information about sponges and sells related products. For a quieter meal, you might look beyond the first row of waterfront restaurants. One recommended approach is to explore first, then choose a taverna after the initial rush has eased.

The heat can be intense, especially in sheltered parts of the harbor where there is little breeze. Three hours may feel long if you spend the whole time in direct sun. Carry water and plan some shade between walks.

St George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

The swim stop is the extra feature that makes this boat trip more than simple transport to Symi. On the 9:00 and 11:00 departures, the boat stops at St George’s Bay for about 30 minutes.

The bay is known for its dramatic view and clear water. You swim directly from the boat, so bring a swimsuit, towel, and any waterproof case you need for your phone. The stop is short, but it is long enough for a refreshing swim if you are ready when the boat stops.

Some people swim toward the shore and back. Others stay close to the boat. You should be comfortable entering open water, since this is a boat-based swim stop rather than a visit to a conventional beach with changing rooms or other facilities.

The timing is worth considering. You generally leave Symi before stopping at St George’s Bay, which means you can change out of your walking clothes before swimming if you plan ahead. Pack your swimwear where you can reach it, not at the bottom of a suitcase.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. The stop is designed for a swim and a view, not a long beach visit. A few people would prefer an hour here, but extending the swim would reduce your time on Symi or make the day longer. I think the current balance works if Symi is your main goal.

The 15:15 departure is different. It does not include swimming at St George’s Bay and stops only for photographs. If getting into the water is one of your reasons for booking, choose the 9:00 or 11:00 sailing and confirm the schedule before paying.

What the $71.35 price really buys you

At $71.35 per person, this is best judged as a fast transport-and-free-time package. You are paying for the boat ride, the organized return, and the chance to reach Symi without arranging separate ferries.

The value is strongest if you care about time. The fast crossing gives you a full three hours on the island and includes the morning swim stop. You also get a restroom onboard, mobile ticketing, and a return to the original meeting point.

The price may not be the lowest available option. A direct purchase from the operator at the quayside has been reported at about €45 on some days, while booking through a third-party platform can cost more. Availability, sailing times, and booking convenience can affect the comparison, so check the direct Rhodes Sea Lines price before committing.

A higher price through a booking platform may still suit you if you want confirmation in advance and a mobile voucher. But if you are already in Rhodes and your schedule is flexible, compare the direct rate. A large difference is hard to justify if the boat and departure are identical.

This is an economical group excursion compared with hiring a private boat. You give up privacy and flexibility, but you avoid the planning and cost of arranging a private crossing. For a couple, family, or small group that mainly wants Symi and a swim, that trade can work well.

Who will enjoy this day trip

I would choose this trip if you want a straightforward taste of Symi without spending the night. It suits independent sightseers who are happy to make their own plans once they arrive.

It is also a good fit if you enjoy being on the water and do not mind a fast, open boat. The short journey is a major advantage for anyone with limited holiday time.

Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate the simple format. There is no long guided walk to follow, and most people can participate. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

I would think twice if you dislike rough water, need a calm and quiet crossing, or want a detailed guided tour of Symi. The free-time format gives you independence, but you must decide how to use it.

It may also be a poor choice if you are on a tight cruise schedule and cannot tolerate any delay. The boat generally follows its planned schedule, but weather can affect sailing. Allow a generous margin before your ship leaves Rhodes.

Practical packing and seating advice

Arrive early enough to collect any required boarding pass and choose a seat. The top deck tends to offer better views, but access may depend on the crew and how full the boat is. If you sit outside, expect wind and spray.

Pack these items where you can reach them:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Light jacket or fleece
• Spare clothes
• Water and snacks
• Sun protection
• Plastic bag for wet clothing
• Motion sickness medicine, if you normally need it

Food and drinks are not clearly provided onboard, so take your own supplies. You will find restaurants and shops on Symi, but having water for the crossing is wise.

Keep your ticket and departure details handy. Most problems with this excursion are not about Symi itself. They come from arriving at the wrong harbor, misunderstanding the departure time, or returning late to the boat.

Three hours means three hours, not an open-ended visit. Be back at the boarding point early. The boat can leave without you if you miss the stated departure.

Weather, cancellation, and the group size

This activity depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cut-off follows local Rhodes time.

The maximum group size is 118 people. That tells you what sort of experience to expect: efficient and practical, but not intimate. You may have to queue for boarding, and your preferred deck or seat may not be available.

The large boat does provide useful basics, including a restroom. The short crossing also keeps the group experience manageable. I would choose a smaller private boat only if privacy, flexible timing, or a longer swim mattered more to me than price.

Should you book the fast boat to Symi?

Yes, if your priorities are a quick crossing, three independent hours on a beautiful island, and a swim in clear water on the way back. The combination is hard to beat for a single day from Rhodes.

Book the 9:00 or 11:00 departure if swimming matters. Choose the 15:15 sailing only if you are content with a photo stop at St George’s Bay.

Before booking, compare the direct operator price, confirm the exact harbor, and prepare for wind, spray, and possible choppy water. If you do that homework, this is a practical and memorable way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

How long does the trip take?

The experience lasts about six hours. The fast boat journey takes roughly one hour each way, with about three hours of free time on Symi and, on eligible departures, a 30-minute stop at St George’s Bay.

How much time do I get on Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time to explore Symi, eat, shop, walk around the harbor, or climb the Kali Strata if you are fit.

Which departures include swimming at St George’s Bay?

The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop at St George’s Bay. The 15:15 departure stops there for photographs only.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Rhodes Sea Lines, Platia Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is included onboard.

Is this a private boat trip?

No. It is an economical group service, with a maximum capacity of 118 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.