Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore

Symi is the star here: a steep amphitheater of pastel neoclassical houses reflected in a bright island harbor. I like the fast 80-minute crossing and the freedom to spend your time exactly as you wish, with no guide herding you from shop to shop. I also like the choice between an air-conditioned cabin and an open sundeck, especially useful on a hot Greek day.

The main drawback is simple: boarding can be rushed, and the best upper-deck seats go quickly. Your time in Symi may range from about three to five hours depending on the departure, which is enough for the harbor and a meal, but tight if you want a beach, a hill walk, and a relaxed lunch.

Key points to know before you go

• The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way, with Rhodes and Symi views along the route.
• Kolona Harbor is the departure point, and you should look for the Sebeco Lines boat.
• Symi’s harbor is the main attraction, with colorful houses, waterfront restaurants, shops, and small lanes.
• You get free time, not a guided tour, so planning your own priorities matters.
• The boat has indoor air-conditioning and outdoor seating, but the upper deck fills early.
• The listed price is $35 per person, a strong value for a full-day island outing if you mainly want Symi town.

Why this Rhodes to Symi boat trip works

This is a straightforward island transfer with sightseeing built in. You leave from Rhodes, cross the Aegean on a modern speedboat, get several hours in Symi, and return to the same harbor. There is no formal walking tour and no included meal, so the value comes from the transport and the generous block of free time.

I like that arrangement. Symi is especially rewarding when you can set your own pace. You might spend your morning photographing the harbor, climb part of the Kali Strata for a view, stop for Symi shrimp, and still have time for coffee by the water. Or you can simply sit at a taverna and watch the boats come and go.

At around $35 per person, the trip is inexpensive for a seven to eight-hour outing. You are not paying for a guide, transfers around Symi, or lunch, but the boat gets you to an island that would otherwise require more planning. Add your own food and drinks, and the day remains reasonable for a classic Rhodes side trip.

The trip suits independent sightseers best. If you want a detailed explanation of Symi’s past, a set route, or a guide leading you to every sight, this is not that kind of excursion. If you prefer to make your own plans and avoid being tied to a group, it is a better fit.

Starting at Kolona Harbor in Rhodes

The boat leaves from Kolona Harbor, near Rhodes Old Town. Look for the Sebeco Lines boat and allow time to find the correct ticket or boarding area. The practical warning is that the boarding process can feel hectic, particularly when people hurry forward to secure outdoor seats.

Get there early if the sundeck matters to you. The upper seating fills quickly, and passengers who arrive later may need to use the enclosed cabin or lower outdoor area. Keep your group together when boarding and when choosing seats, since people may spread out and separate parties can end up sitting apart on the return journey.

The exact start time depends on the sailing selected. An early departure can give you close to five hours in Symi, while some schedules provide roughly three to four and a half hours. Check the return time carefully before leaving the boat. The vessel is generally expected to leave promptly, and a late arrival could cost you time on the island.

Some bookings may also offer a hotel transfer by bus. That service is offered separately, so check the arrangements sent to you before the trip. If you use it, pay attention to the pickup message and timing.

Rhodes Old Town from the water

The first part of the trip gives you a different view of Rhodes. From the boat, you can photograph the medieval walls, the minarets of the Old Town, the medieval clock, and Marine Gate. The harbor departure also brings views of the Rhodes windmills and the Saint Nicholas Fortress.

The 46-meter Naillac Tower is another landmark to watch for. Depending on your position on the boat, you may also see the Aquarium of Rhodes and the coastline stretching away from town.

This is not a narrated sightseeing cruise, so you should use the outward journey as a visual checklist rather than expect a running commentary. Sit outside if you want the clearest photographs, but remember that the front and outer seats can get spray. On a calm day that may be refreshing. On a rougher crossing, it can leave you wet.

The boat’s enclosed air-conditioned space is useful for the same reason. The sea can be choppy, and the outdoor deck can become hot. If you are prone to motion sickness, a shaded seat inside may be the wiser choice. The crossing is quick by ferry standards, but 80 minutes is still long enough for rough water to matter.

What the 80-minute crossing feels like

This is a speedboat rather than a slow car ferry. The journey to Symi usually takes about 80 minutes, with some passengers describing the ride as smooth and others finding it bumpy in places. Sea conditions make the difference.

The boat provides several seating choices:

• An air-conditioned enclosed cabin for shade and cooler air
• An outdoor lower area for fresh air without committing to the top deck
• An open upper sundeck for wider views and sunshine

There is also an onboard bar. Drinks and simple refreshments are not included, but the bar gives you an easy option during the crossing. Prices have been described as reasonable, with beer cited at about €4. Bring water as well, especially in summer, when Symi offers limited shade around the harbor.

The return trip can feel noisier, particularly inside, and some passengers find the seats less comfortable than expected. Still, the boat is modern, fast, and generally keeps the day moving. An on-time departure both ways makes a big difference when your time on Symi is limited.

Entering Symi Bay

The most memorable view comes near the end of the outward crossing. Symi town rises steeply around the bay, with rows of colorful neoclassical houses climbing the hillsides. From the water, the town appears almost theatrical, especially when the sea is calm enough to reflect the buildings.

Have your camera ready before the boat reaches the harbor. This approach is one of the best reasons to sit outside for at least part of the trip. You get the full shape of the bay rather than the close-up view available from the waterfront.

Symi’s architecture is the visual payoff. Pale yellows, pinks, blues, and ocher tones cover the hills around the harbor, with shutters and balconies adding detail. The scene feels very different from the stone fortifications of Rhodes, and the contrast makes the day more interesting than a simple beach transfer.

Once the boat docks, you are on your own. There is no included guided walk, so take a few minutes to get your bearings before setting off. The waterfront is easy to explore, but the steep streets behind it require more energy and comfortable shoes.

How to spend three to five hours in Symi

Your free time is the heart of the experience. A short visit works well if you focus on the harbor, but you should decide in advance how ambitious you want to be.

For an easy plan, walk along the waterfront, browse the shops, stop for lunch, and leave time for coffee or a cold drink. This is enough to enjoy the setting without turning the day into a race. The harbor has restaurants, cafes, and shops close to the boat, so you do not need transport to have a pleasant visit.

For a more active plan, climb some of the Kali Strata, the long stairway rising from the harbor. One account describes walking all 500 steps, enjoying the views, and returning for lunch. You do not need to climb the whole route to gain a higher view, but the steps are a serious addition in strong heat.

The houses on the hills provide constant photo opportunities. Small streets offer a quieter change from the waterfront, and you may find cats around the town. Symi is also known for its small red shrimp, often fried and served as a local specialty. Trying them is one of the easiest ways to make lunch feel tied to the island rather than just another meal beside the sea.

Some people use part of their free time for swimming. You may find a place near the harbor, but the main waterfront is not a classic sandy beach. If swimming is your priority, ask locally about access to another side of the island and plan carefully, since traveling away from the port will reduce your sightseeing time.

A five-hour schedule gives you more flexibility. With only around three hours, I would stay near the harbor unless you are determined to make a quick climb or swim. Symi rewards lingering, but the boat cannot wait for a long lunch.

Food, shopping, and the waterfront

Symi’s harbor is built for an unhurried meal. You can choose a table overlooking the water, order seafood or a local dish, and watch the colorful buildings rise behind the promenade. Symi shrimp are the obvious specialty to look for, while pastry shops and cafes offer easier options for a short stop.

Shopping is also concentrated around the harbor and nearby streets. You can browse without committing your whole visit to retail, then return to the water for a drink. Since food and beverages are not part of the tour price, keep a little extra money available.

I would not spend all your time shopping. The main pleasure is the setting: the steep town, boats in the bay, and changing views as you walk uphill and back down. A simple plan of walk, eat, photograph, and pause usually works better than trying to cover every lane.

The return to Rhodes

Be back at the meeting point well before the stated departure. The boat is designed to keep a schedule, and late departures can reduce the already limited time available on Symi. There have been occasional reports of a delayed departure, with the lost time not always added to the island visit, so do not plan your return to the last minute.

The ride back takes about 80 minutes. You can use the air-conditioned cabin to rest, return to the sundeck for sea air, or buy a drink from the bar. The top deck may again be crowded, and sitting on the outer edge can mean spray, particularly at speed.

The return crossing can offer a final look toward Symi and, on a clear evening, a fine sunset. As you approach Rhodes, the harbor walls and familiar Old Town landmarks come back into view. It is a pleasant way to close the day, though the boat may feel louder and more tiring after several hours in the sun.

Timing, comfort, and small practical warnings

The published duration is seven to eight hours, with two crossings of about 80 minutes each. Time on Symi varies by departure, so the schedule matters more than the headline duration.

Keep these points in mind:

• Arrive early if you want an upper-deck seat.
• Expect some jostling during boarding.
• Choose indoor seating if you need air-conditioning or feel uneasy on choppy water.
• Avoid the outer front seats if you want to stay completely dry.
• Bring sun protection because shade on Symi can be limited.
• Check the return time and return to the boat early.
• Ask for clear ticket instructions at the harbor if anything seems uncertain.

The harbor location is usually easy to find, but directions can cause confusion if the boat or dock changes. One useful habit is to confirm the exact boarding spot with the Sebeco Lines staff on the day.

Who should book this Symi day trip

I would choose this trip if you are staying in Rhodes and want to see a second Greek island without arranging your own boat tickets. It works well for couples, families, and friends who are happy to split up for a while and make their own plans.

It is also a good choice for photographers. The views of Rhodes from the sea, the approach into Symi Bay, and the hillside houses give you strong pictures before you even step ashore.

You may want another option if your main goal is a long beach day, a formal cultural tour, or a quiet small-group sailing experience. The crossing is shared, boarding may be busy, and Symi’s best-known town is concentrated around the harbor. You get freedom, not a carefully guided program.

Should you book it?

Book this Rhodes to Symi speedboat trip if you want a low-cost, independent day out with dependable transport and several hours to explore one of the Dodecanese’ most photogenic towns. The boat is fast, the facilities are useful, and the price leaves room in your budget for lunch and a drink.

My advice is to choose an early sailing if available. That gives you the best chance of receiving close to five hours in Symi, enough for the harbor, a meal, photos, and part of the Kali Strata. Arrive early for the boat, pack sun protection, and treat the crossing as part of the sightseeing rather than just transportation.

FAQ

Where does the boat to Symi leave from?

The boat leaves from Kolona Harbor in Rhodes. Look for the Sebeco Lines boat and confirm the exact boarding area on the day.

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?

The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

The schedule allows several hours in Symi. The provided itinerary lists five hours, while departure times can result in roughly three to five hours of free time. Check the selected sailing for the exact duration.

Is there a guided tour of Symi?

No. The experience includes transport and free time only. You explore Symi independently, and food and drinks are not included.

Does the boat have air-conditioning?

Yes. The boat has an enclosed air-conditioned area as well as outdoor seating and a sundeck.

Can I buy food or drinks on the boat?

Yes. There is an onboard bar, but drinks and food are not included in the price.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The booking also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.