Rhodes: Boat trip to Symi island with swimming at St. George

Symi gives you two good reasons to leave Rhodes for a day: a picture-book harbor lined with colorful houses, and a one-hour swim stop at St George Bay. The cruise combines sightseeing, free time, and a welcome break in clear water instead of keeping you on a boat all day.

I like the simple plan: you get a proper visit to Symi rather than a rushed photo stop, and the hotel-transfer option removes much of the morning fuss. The main drawback is the long return by boat, which can feel tiring if you are not comfortable with a full day at sea.

Key points to know before booking

• St George Bay comes first: You have about 45 minutes to swim and snorkel in clear, emerald-colored water.
• Symi allows about three hours ashore: That is enough for lunch, photographs, shopping, and a walk around Gialos.
• The boat ride is part of the day: Expect roughly two hours on the return journey, with views back toward Rhodes.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: You can travel independently to the Mandraki Harbor office or choose a transfer option.
• Bring a full swimming kit: Pack swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and dry clothes.
• Try Simiako Garidaki: These small local shrimp are cooked in olive oil and are a specialty worth seeking out.

Why the St George Bay stop improves the day

The first major stop is St George Bay, a wild-looking cove reached by boat. It is not a beach day in the usual sense, since the swimming takes place from the boat, but that is part of the appeal. You can jump straight into the water, snorkel for a while, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

The water is described as exceptionally clear, with the seabed visible even in the deeper section. You have about 45 minutes here, which is long enough for a proper swim but short enough to keep the day moving toward Symi.

Bring your towel and a change of clothes. A wet swimsuit becomes uncomfortable during the later hours on the boat, especially on the ride back. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses are essential because much of the day is exposed to the sun.

The stop also gives the cruise a better rhythm. You begin with open-water scenery, have an active break, then arrive in Symi ready for lunch and a walk. If you prefer a quiet boat trip with no swimming, this may feel like an interruption. For most people, though, it is the most memorable part of the cruise.

The approach to Symi is the visual highlight

Symi is best appreciated from the water. As the boat enters the natural harbor, the island rises around Gialos with rows of colorful buildings and prominent churches. The approach is slow enough to give you time for photographs, so keep your camera ready before the boat reaches the harbor.

The harbor area is compact. That works in your favor during a three-hour stop because you can see a lot without spending the whole visit figuring out transport. You can walk along the waterfront, look into the small shops, stop for lunch, and still leave time for photographs.

Symi has a more polished, boutique feel than a simple port stop. Its buildings, churches, and waterfront setting are the main attraction. You are not coming here for a packed list of major sights. You are coming to enjoy the setting, take a gentle walk, and let the island’s appearance do the work.

The boat ride also gives you a different view of Rhodes on the return. One account of the trip specifically notes the pleasure of seeing Rhodes Old Town from the water. That final view helps make the long ride feel less like dead time.

Three hours in Gialos: how to use your free time

You have approximately three hours in Symi, sometimes listed as around three hours and 20 minutes depending on the day’s timing. This is self-guided time, so you are free to set your own pace rather than follow a guide from one sight to the next.

I would divide the stop into three parts:

1. Walk the harbor and take photographs.
2. Eat lunch, ideally including the island’s small shrimp.
3. Spend the remaining time browsing shops or sitting at a café.

Gialos is lined with cafés, fish and seafood restaurants, sponge stalls, spice sellers, jewelry shops, clothing stores, and gift shops. The mix gives you plenty to look at, but you should still watch the clock. It is easy to sit down for lunch and discover that much of your free time has gone.

The local dish to look for is Simiako Garidaki, baby shrimp cooked in olive oil. It is one of the most distinctive food choices connected with the island. Food and drinks are not included in the tour price, so plan to pay separately for lunch and anything you buy.

If shopping is your priority, the harbor is convenient because the stores are close together. If you mainly want quiet scenery, use some of the time simply to sit by the water and watch the boats come and go. You do not need to fill every minute with purchases.

What the boat journey is really like

The cruise lasts about 8.5 hours, including transfers if you select that option. The sea time is significant, especially on the way back, which can take about two hours. That is important when you compare this trip with a shorter boat outing.

The boat used on the trip has drinks and snacks available for purchase, including hot and cold drinks, alcohol, and small food items. These are not part of the $51 price, so bring your payment method and do not assume refreshments are included.

The schedule is generally structured around a departure close to 10 a.m., arrival at St George Bay shortly after 11 a.m., then onward travel to Symi. Exact start times can vary, so check availability for your date. The boat and transfers have been described as running on time, which matters because a missed connection would cut into your limited time on Symi.

You can sit back during the scenic sections, but the boat ride may feel long if you need constant activity. I would treat the journey as part of the sightseeing rather than merely transportation. The views of the coast, harbor entrances, and Rhodes Old Town give you a useful sense of the islands from a different angle.

Pickup options and the morning routine

You have two practical choices. If you book without a transfer, check in between 9:15 and 9:40 a.m. at the operator’s office on Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. You receive your boarding pass there.

The independent option usually suits people staying near central Rhodes who are comfortable finding Mandraki Harbor. It may also be the better value if you can reach the meeting point easily, since the base price is $51 per person.

The hotel-transfer option costs more, but it can be worth paying for if you are staying outside central Rhodes. Pickup areas listed for the service include places such as Faliraki, Lindos, Pefki, Pefkos, Ialysos, Ixia, Kallithea, Kolympia, Kiotari, Gennadi, Afantou, and other locations around the island.

Pickup time and place are sent after booking. If the message does not arrive, the supplied contact information asks you to use WhatsApp at +30 694 8322505. Allow extra patience on the return transfer because a vehicle may make several hotel stops. One especially practical point from the day’s operation is that hotel pickups have been early and on time, but the ride home can take longer when several locations are involved.

Is $51 a fair price?

At $51, the basic option is good value if your goal is to combine two worthwhile sights in one day. The price includes the round-trip boat ticket and the St George Bay swimming stop. It does not include food, drinks, or hotel transport.

The strongest value comes from the amount of time in Symi. Three hours gives you enough room for lunch, shopping, and a walk, rather than forcing you to see the harbor in a single hurried hour. The swimming stop adds another distinct experience, so you are not paying only for transport between Rhodes and Symi.

The cost becomes less simple once you add hotel transfers, lunch, drinks, and shopping. Even then, it may compare well with arranging separate transport and boat tickets yourself, but the supplied information does not give a separate transfer price, so check the final booking total carefully.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later option make the booking less rigid. These policies are useful when your plans depend on weather or changing holiday arrangements, though the day itself depends on suitable sailing conditions.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to anyone staying in Rhodes who wants a straightforward introduction to Symi without arranging several separate connections. It suits couples, families, and groups who like a mix of scenery, swimming, food, and free time.

It is especially good for photographers. The harbor approach, colorful buildings, churches, St George Bay, and views of Rhodes from the sea provide plenty of camera-ready moments. You should still bring sun protection rather than spending the whole day focused on your phone.

Food lovers have a clear reason to go: Simiako Garidaki gives you something local to seek out rather than settling for the first familiar meal. Shoppers also have plenty to browse, particularly handmade jewelry, clothing, gifts, sponges, and spices.

I would hesitate to recommend it to someone who dislikes long boat rides or wants a deeply guided historical tour. There is no named guide or structured walking tour provided in the information. Your time in Symi is self-guided, so the day works best when you are happy to explore at your own pace.

Practical packing advice for an exposed day

Keep your essentials in a small day bag that stays easy to reach on the boat. You should bring:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• A dry change of clothes
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Sun hat

A light cover-up is also sensible for walking through Symi after swimming, though it is not listed as a required item. Since food and drinks are extra, carry enough money for lunch, refreshments, and any shopping.

Do not pack as if this were only a town visit. You need to prepare for sun, salt water, and several hours outdoors. The best version of this day depends on staying comfortable between the swimming stop and the return journey.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book it if you want one full day with two clear highlights: a swim at St George Bay and a proper visit to Symi. The well-timed transfers, generous free time, and attractive boat approach make the plan easy to follow, while the $51 starting price keeps it reasonable before extras.

Think twice if you want a short outing, a guided cultural tour, or a slow island stay. The boat ride is long, and the return can be tiring. For most people staying in Rhodes, though, this is a practical way to add Symi to your holiday without giving up the pleasure of swimming in one of the area’s most striking bays.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

The full activity lasts about 8.5 hours. This includes the boat journey, the swimming stop at St George Bay, and approximately three hours of free time in Symi.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the round-trip boat tickets to Symi and back, plus the swimming stop at St George Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the basic option. You can book an option that includes transportation from your hotel and back.

Where do I check in without a transfer?

You check in at the operator’s office at Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. Check-in is between 9:15 and 9:40 a.m.

How long do I swim at St George Bay?

The swimming and snorkeling stop lasts about 45 minutes.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You have free time in Symi to buy lunch, drinks, and snacks.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a pay-later option?

Yes. You can reserve your place and pay later, which keeps your plans flexible.