From Rhodes: Cruise to Symi Island and Saint George’s Bay

Symi’s best introduction may be the approach from the sea: pastel houses climb above Gialos, while the boat cuts across the Dodecanese to one of Greece’s prettiest harbors. The St George’s Bay swim stop adds a memorable hour in clear water before you reach the island.

I like the simple two-part plan: a swim in a remote-looking bay, followed by free time for lunch and a walk around Symi. I also like the price, $41 for about 8.5 hours, including the cruise, crew, lifeguard, showers, and time ashore. The tradeoff is the long boat ride, which can become windy, crowded, and rough on the return.

Key points to know before you go

• St George’s Bay is the day’s highlight: Expect clear water, swimming, floats, and dramatic rocky scenery.
• Gialos gives you about three hours: That is enough for lunch, shopping, photos, and a relaxed walk around the harbor.
• Arrive early for the upper deck: Seats there are first come, first served, and fill quickly in summer.
• The boat ride takes about two hours each way: Bring a warm layer, even in hot weather, and consider motion sickness medicine if needed.
• Lunch and drinks cost extra: The boat has a bar, but your main meal is best planned for Symi.
• The schedule is firm: The boat leaves Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 and departs Symi at 16:20.

Why this Rhodes to Symi cruise works so well

This is a full-day outing built around two very different pleasures. First comes the open-water ride from Rhodes, with the coast and islands changing slowly around you. Then comes a short, beautiful swim stop and several hours in Symi’s main port.

That combination gives you more than a simple ferry transfer. You get the pleasure of being on the water, a chance to swim without arranging a separate beach trip, and free time on an island known for its handsome harbor and colorful buildings.

I would not book this expecting a fast journey. The boat takes roughly two hours to reach St George’s Bay, then continues to Symi. The return also takes about two hours. For me, the views make the slow pace worthwhile, but anyone who dislikes long sea crossings should think carefully.

At $41 per person, the outing offers strong value. Transport to Symi alone would account for much of the cost, and this trip adds a swimming stop and the services of an experienced crew and lifeguard. Food, drinks, hotel transfers, and personal spending are not included, so budget for those separately.

Finding the boat at Mandraki Harbour

The meeting point is SP Cruises’ kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece building. The location is central and should be easy to find, but I would not leave this until the last minute. The boat departs at 10:00, and the best upper-deck seats can be gone well before departure.

A practical target is to arrive around 9:00, especially in July and August. Showing up at 9:15 or 9:30 may get you aboard with time to spare, but the upper level can already be nearly full. Those seats offer the best open-air views, yet they are not guaranteed.

The main deck has comfortable indoor seating with air conditioning. This is useful on a windy day, during the hottest part of the afternoon, or if you prefer a steadier place to sit. The upper deck is better for scenery, but it can be surprisingly cold when the boat is moving.

If you drive into Rhodes, parking after 9:00 can be difficult. Check the city parking information before you set off rather than counting on finding a space beside the harbor.

The two-hour ride across the Dodecanese

Once the boat leaves Mandraki Harbour, the trip becomes a slow scenic crossing. You are looking at Rhodes from the water, then watching the open sea widen around you as the boat heads toward Symi.

The ride is part of the experience, but it is also the main test of patience. Some passengers find it relaxing, while others find two hours each way a long stretch. Bring sunscreen, water, a towel, and an extra layer. Several people have found the wind much stronger than expected, particularly on the less sunny side of the boat.

The boat has a bar selling drinks and snacks. Prices for drinks have been described as reasonable, though snacks can feel expensive compared with buying food in town. You can buy what you need onboard, but I would still carry water and a few small items for the crossing.

Sea conditions matter. The return trip can be choppy, and the boat may rock more than expected. If you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable medicine and choose a seat on the main deck. A lemon offered by a crew member may help some people, but it is not a substitute for preparation.

The onboard announcements are not always easy to hear from the back. If timing matters, keep an eye on your watch rather than relying only on the speaker system.

One hour at St George’s Bay

After about two hours, the boat reaches Agios Georgios, usually called St George’s Bay. This is a dramatic stop, with steep rocky sides and exceptionally clear water. There is no town to explore here. The point is to swim, float, and enjoy the setting.

The advertised stop is about an hour, though the actual swimming time can sometimes be closer to 45 minutes. Boarding and leaving the boat take part of the stop, and a late arrival or a change in the schedule can shorten it.

That means you should be ready before the boat arrives. Wear your swimwear under your clothes, keep your towel handy, and do not wait until the last minute to get into the water. The gangway can become slow when many people try to leave at once.

The water may feel cool, though it is generally more comfortable than the sea around northern Europe. You can swim from the boat and use the floats, rings, and other swimming aids available onboard. The crew and lifeguard help keep the stop orderly, but you remain responsible for your own swimming ability.

This is not the place for a long snorkelling expedition. It is a short, scenic swim. You might see fish in the clear water, and the rocky bay makes a fine setting for photographs, but the main reward is simply getting into the sea in a beautiful, quiet location.

Smoking is limited to designated areas upstairs and near the bar and wheelhouse. Wind can carry smoke across the boat, so choose your seat with that in mind.

Arriving in Gialos, Symi’s picture-book port

After the swim, the boat continues to Gialos, Symi’s main port. The arrival is one of the strongest moments of the day. The harbor is framed by brightly painted neoclassical houses, small shops, waterfront restaurants, and steep hills behind them.

Symi is compact enough to explore on foot around the port, but it is not flat. You can enjoy a good visit without climbing far, especially if you focus on the waterfront, the lanes close to the harbor, and the shops. Comfortable shoes are still useful because the ground can be uneven in places.

You have roughly three hours in Symi. The schedule gives you enough time for lunch and a walk, but not enough for a broad island tour. This cruise is about Gialos, not about seeing every corner of Symi.

Lunch is not included, so plan your time around a meal. The waterfront restaurants serve seafood and other Greek dishes, and there are cafés, ice cream shops, and small stores for browsing. Prices and service vary, as they do in any popular port, so look at menus before sitting down.

I would spend the first few minutes getting your bearings, then choose lunch without rushing. Afterward, walk along the harbor and explore the side streets. A small beach close to where the ship docks can be a pleasant extra stop if you still have time.

The port can feel busy in high season, and the heat may slow you down. That is another reason three hours is a useful amount of time. You can eat, take photographs, shop, and sit with a cold drink without trying to force in too much.

Returning to Rhodes at 16:20

The boat leaves Symi at 16:20. Treat that time as firm. The crew may not wait for late passengers, and the harbor’s shops and restaurants are an easy place to lose track of time.

The return crossing takes about two hours and can be rougher than the journey out. If you have a sensitive stomach, take your usual precautions before departure rather than waiting for the boat to start rocking.

This is often the quietest part of the day. You may be tired from the sun and swim, so the air-conditioned main saloon can be welcome. If you want final views of Symi and the sea, claim an outdoor seat early, but keep a warm layer close.

The scheduled arrival at Mandraki Harbour is 18:30. Allow a little flexibility if you have evening plans, a dinner booking, or a cruise-ship departure to catch. One practical estimate is to plan for your return around 18:45 rather than building a tight connection around 18:30.

Comfort, safety, and access

The boat provides freshwater showers, which are useful after the swim, and a lifeguard is included. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, including with boarding and mobility equipment. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but you should still confirm the details of your particular mobility needs before booking.

The boat is not huge, and seating near windows or on the upper deck is limited. You can sit indoors with air conditioning, but you may not have a choice of seat if you arrive late.

The first-aid supplies have been criticized as limited, so carry any personal medication and basic items you may need. The crew has handled passenger emergencies quickly, but normal travel sense still applies: watch your footing, follow instructions, and do not swim beyond your comfort level.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable shoes
• A warm jacket or trousers for the crossing
• Motion sickness medication if you need it
• Cash or a card for lunch, drinks, and shopping

Who should book this day out?

I would recommend this cruise to anyone staying in Rhodes who wants to see Symi without arranging several separate connections. It suits couples, families, solo visitors, and anyone who enjoys a mix of sightseeing and swimming.

It is especially good for first-time visitors to Symi. You get the classic harbor view, enough time for a meal, and a taste of the island’s atmosphere without committing to an overnight stay.

Families should like the simple plan and the swimming aids, though young children need close supervision around the water and gangway. The day is also a good fit for solo passengers because the crew is present and the schedule is straightforward.

I would hesitate only if you dislike long boat rides, need a great deal of personal space, or want a full island tour. The boat can feel crowded, the upper-deck seats go quickly, and the swim may be shorter than the full hour advertised.

Should you book the SP Cruises trip?

Yes, if you want a well-priced day that combines Symi’s beautiful port with a clear-water swim. The strongest parts are the approach to Gialos, the scenery from the sea, and St George’s Bay. The crew, lifeguard, showers, and onboard bar make the day easy to manage.

Book it with realistic expectations. Arrive early for better seats, bring warm clothing for the crossing, prepare for possible waves, and be back at the boat well before 16:20. At $41, this is a good-value choice for seeing Symi and enjoying the sea in one organized outing.

FAQ

Where does the cruise to Symi depart from?

The boat departs from SP Cruises’ kiosk at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes, opposite the Bank of Greece building.

What time does the boat leave Rhodes?

The cruise leaves Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 in the morning.

How long is the entire cruise?

The scheduled duration is 510 minutes, or about 8.5 hours. The planned return to Mandraki Harbour is at 18:30.

How long do you spend at St George’s Bay?

The planned stop is about one hour for swimming and free time. Actual swimming time can sometimes be closer to 45 minutes because boarding and disembarking use part of the stop.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch at one of the restaurants in Gialos, and drinks and snacks are available from the boat’s bar.

Are swimming aids available?

The boat provides floats, swimming rings, and other floating accessories. A lifeguard is also included.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available.