Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island and St George’s Bay

Symi’s harbor is the star here: a sweep of turquoise water framed by pastel neoclassical houses, fishing boats, and church domes. The high-speed boat gets you there in about an hour, leaving three useful hours to wander, eat, shop, or swim.

I like the St George’s Bay swim stop, which many people consider the finest part of the day, and the efficient boat service, with individual seats and a crew that has handed out fleeces when the crossing felt cold. The trade-off is simple: three hours is enough for a taste of Symi, but not enough for a leisurely exploration of every lane and hillside church.

Key points to know before you book

• A fast one-hour crossing gives you more time on Symi than a slower boat service.
• Three hours in Symi harbor works well for lunch, a walk, shopping, and a short swim.
• St George’s Bay is the highlight, with a 30-minute stop for swimming on the 9:00 and 11:00 departures.
• The 15:15 boat skips the swim, but gives you cooler sightseeing, a quieter Symi, and sunset views on the return.
• Individual sports-style seats can feel narrow, though bench seating is available farther back.
• The $55 price is fair if you value speed and the included bay stop, but less attractive if you only want time in Symi.

Why this Rhodes to Symi boat trip works

Symi is one of the most photogenic islands in the Dodecanese, and this outing makes it possible to visit from Rhodes without spending most of the day at sea. The boat leaves from Mandraki Harbor or another stated meeting point, depending on the option you choose, then cuts across the blue water toward Symi.

The crossing takes about an hour. That matters. A slower ferry can make a day trip feel like a transport exercise, while this service gets you to the island quickly and returns you to Rhodes with time for a proper look around.

The experience is independent rather than heavily guided. You are shown where to go, then given free time. That suits you if you like choosing your own taverna, setting your own pace, and deciding whether your three hours are best spent over lunch or on foot.

The basic package includes the boat, free time in Symi, and the swimming stop at St George’s Bay when the departure time allows it. Hotel transfers, food, and drinks are not included, so check your meeting point carefully before setting out.

The crossing from Rhodes to Symi

The boat ride is part of the pleasure, not just a way to get from one island to another. As Rhodes recedes, you get open-water views and a brisk ride that feels noticeably quicker than the larger excursion boats.

The main crossing is scheduled at about one hour. The return includes several sections of coastal sightseeing, with the full day lasting roughly six to nine hours depending on your pickup arrangement and departure time.

Bring a light jacket, even in warm weather. The boat can feel cold when it is moving fast, particularly if you sit outside or catch the wind. The crew has provided fleeces to chilly passengers, which is a thoughtful touch, but your own jacket is the safer plan.

Seating is generally comfortable and individual, though the sports-style seats are not especially wide. If you prefer more room, bench seats farther back may suit you better. The ride has been described as smooth, but conditions at sea can always affect comfort.

The boat is also a practical choice if you are staying away from Rhodes Town. Boarding has been available from places such as Vlycha Beach, and the experience can work well for people staying around Lindos, Kolymbia, Faliraki, or other parts of the island, depending on the option booked. Do not assume hotel pickup is included. It is not.

First look at Symi Harbor

Your arrival in Symi is the visual payoff. The harbor is lined with colorful neoclassical buildings, many painted in soft shades that climb the hills around the water. Turquoise sea, small fishing boats, and domed churches give the port a distinct character that feels very different from Rhodes Town.

You get about three hours here. I find that this is the right amount of time for a first visit, provided you accept that you are sampling Symi rather than seeing everything.

Start with a slow walk along the waterfront. The harbor is compact enough to get your bearings quickly, and you can browse shops, pause for photographs, and look for a place to eat without needing a guide.

If you want a view from above, walk uphill toward one of the churches. One account of the day describes going all the way up to a church for the panorama, and that is a good use of your time if you are comfortable with the climb. The reward is a broader view over the harbor and the layered houses.

The drawback is time pressure. You could easily spend an hour by the small beach along the harbor, another hour over lunch, and a final hour looking through the shops. That leaves little room for the upper streets. If you want a thorough walk, eat quickly or skip the beach.

Making the most of three hours on the island

A little planning will help. I would divide the stop according to your priority:

• For food: Walk the waterfront first, compare the tavernas, then settle in for a relaxed lunch.
• For views: Head uphill soon after arrival, before the midday heat becomes tiring.
• For swimming: Use the small harbor beach if you want a quick dip, but save your main swim for St George’s Bay.
• For shopping and atmosphere: Stay near the harbor, where you can browse without worrying about a long return walk.

Lunch is at your own expense. Symi is known for its small local shrimp, often called Symi shrimp, and this is the place to try them if they are offered. Ouzo also fits the setting, though keep an eye on the clock and the heat before ordering a second glass.

The island stop is not built around a formal guide talk. That is a plus if you prefer freedom, but a minus if you want detailed historical explanation. The harbor is straightforward to explore on your own, and the main pleasure is visual: painted houses, sea views, small boats, and hillside lanes.

St George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

St George’s Bay is reached by boat, not road, and that helps explain its appeal. The steep coast opens to a striking cove with clear water and a dramatic rocky setting. You stop for about 30 minutes, long enough for a swim and a quick look around, but not for a long beach afternoon.

Bring your swimwear and towel in an easy-to-reach bag. Do not bury them under luggage. Once the boat arrives, you will want to get into the water without a lot of fuss.

The water is the main attraction. It is clear enough to make the half-hour stop feel special, and many people rate it as the best moment of the day. If you do not swim, you can stay on deck and enjoy the view, but you will miss the central reason this boat trip costs more than a basic Symi transfer.

The timing changes with the season. On the 9:00 and 11:00 departures, the boat includes a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay. From the end of September into October, the operator may visit the bay before Symi so the cove is not shaded later in the day and the water keeps its brighter color.

The 15:15 departure does not include the swim. Instead, it makes a five-minute photo stop. Choose this sailing only if you are happy to give up the swim for a later, cooler visit to Symi and a sunset return to Rhodes.

That choice is important. If the bay is your main reason for booking, select the morning departure and confirm the current schedule. If you dislike heat, prefer a quieter island visit, or care more about sunset than swimming, the late boat has its own appeal.

Is $55 good value?

At $55 per person, the price sits above a basic slow boat outing, but you are paying for two useful things: speed and the St George’s Bay stop.

The speed has real value. You get roughly three hours on Symi without giving the whole day to the crossing. That makes the outing easier to fit into a Rhodes holiday, especially if you want to return in time for an evening meal.

The bay stop adds something a simple island transfer does not. You are not only visiting Symi harbor, you are also reaching a cove that is best appreciated from the water. If you swim, the price feels stronger.

Food and drinks are extra, and hotel transfers are not included. Budget for lunch, a drink, and any local purchases in Symi. Also allow time and money to reach your meeting point if you are not staying nearby.

I would call the price good value for an active half-day or full-day outing, especially for first-time visitors to Rhodes. It is less compelling if you dislike boats, do not plan to swim, and mainly want to sit over a long meal in Symi.

Choosing the right departure

The departure time shapes the whole experience:

9:00 departure

This gives you an early start and includes the St George’s Bay swim. It is a good choice if you want the classic version of the trip, with Symi and the cove both included.

The morning can feel cool on the boat, so bring a jacket. You will also reach Symi with plenty of daylight for walking uphill and taking photographs.

11:00 departure

This also includes the 30-minute swim stop. It may suit you better if you do not want an especially early morning, while still preserving the main features of the outing.

The day can feel warmer by the time you are walking around Symi, so carry water and avoid using all three hours on a long lunch if you want to see the upper town.

15:15 departure

This is a different product in practice. You do not get the swimming stop, only a five-minute photo stop at St George’s Bay, but Symi should be cooler and less busy. The return journey may include a sunset view.

Pick this option for atmosphere and timing, not for swimming. The late sailing can be especially appealing if you have already spent time at the beach elsewhere in Rhodes.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward way to see Symi without arranging a private boat or spending hours on a slow ferry. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who enjoys a mix of scenery, independent wandering, and a short swim.

It is also a strong choice for people staying near Lindos or along the east coast, provided the selected option offers a convenient boarding point. The meeting location can change, so read the booking details rather than heading automatically to Mandraki Harbor.

You will get the most from it if you can walk comfortably, tolerate a brisk boat ride, and organize your own three hours. It is less suitable if you need a fully guided cultural tour, a long swim, or a leisurely day with no fixed schedule.

The crew has been described as friendly and attentive, and the boats are clean and comfortable. Still, service details can vary by sailing, and there is no named guide to rely on for a long commentary. Think of this as a scenic transport experience with good staff support, not a formal guided tour.

Practical details that make the day easier

The activity is offered in English, German, Greek, French, and Italian. The end point is back at the meeting point, though the exact pickup and drop-off arrangements depend on the option you choose.

There are multiple listed drop-off areas, including Lardos, Kiotari, Kolymbia Harbor, and Rhodes Town locations. Confirm yours before the day begins, especially if you are using a bus or arranging a taxi afterward.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve while paying later. That flexibility helps when your holiday schedule or sea conditions are uncertain.

Wear shoes suitable for walking, pack swimwear and a towel, and keep a jacket handy. You will also want sun protection, though that is general good sense for a day on the Aegean.

Should you book the Symi and St George’s Bay boat trip?

Book it if you want the fastest practical day trip to Symi and you like the idea of adding a memorable swim in a hard-to-reach bay. The three-hour island stop is enough for a first taste, and the boat crossing keeps the day from becoming a long wait at sea.

Choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departure if St George’s Bay matters to you. Choose 15:15 if you prefer a cooler, quieter Symi and sunset views, and can happily skip swimming.

I would not book it for a slow, deeply guided look at the island. I would book it for the combination of Symi’s beautiful harbor, a quick crossing, friendly onboard service, and 30 minutes in exceptionally clear water. At $55, that is a solid use of one day in Rhodes.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi trip last?

The activity lasts about six to nine hours, depending on the selected departure and pickup option. Check availability for the exact starting time.

How long is the boat ride to Symi?

The high-speed crossing to Symi takes about one hour. The return journey includes additional sightseeing time along the coast.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore Symi independently. You can use the time for lunch, walking, shopping, or a short swim near the harbor.

Which departures include the St George’s Bay swim stop?

The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop at St George’s Bay. The 15:15 departure does not include swimming and makes a five-minute photo stop instead.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A jacket is also sensible because the boat can feel cold during the high-speed crossing.

Are hotel transfers, meals, and drinks included?

No. Hotel transfers, meals, and drinks are not included. The meeting point depends on the option you book, and the activity returns to the stated meeting point.