Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

St Marina Bay is the memorable opener here: a clear-water swimming stop that you can reach only by boat. Then comes Symi, where pastel houses climb the hills around a handsome harbor. The day gives you two very different pleasures without asking you to arrange ferries, taxis, or beach transport yourself.

I like the 30-minute swim and snorkel stop, especially because it breaks up the crossing before Symi. I also like the three hours of free time, which is enough for lunch, a harbor walk, ice cream, and a little shopping without turning the island visit into a race.

The trade-off is time on the boat. This is a slower, value-priced cruise rather than a fast catamaran, and the return trip can feel long. Bring a book, choose your seat early, and pack a light jacket outside the hottest summer weeks.

Key points to know before booking

• St Marina Bay is reachable only by boat, with about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.
• Symi time is independent, giving you three hours to eat, shop, photograph the harbor, and walk around.
• Rizos Cruises offers an open sun deck, sunbeds, WiFi, toilets, floats, snacks, drinks, and air conditioning.
• The $47 price is strong value if you want both a swim stop and Symi in one day.
• The boat is slower than some catamarans, so expect a long crossing each way.
• Arrive at least 20 minutes early to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY.

Why this Rhodes to Symi cruise works

Rhodes has plenty of beach time, but Symi gives you a change of scene. Its harbor is lined with colorful neo-classical homes, small boats, restaurants, and shops. The approach from the sea is part of the pleasure, since the houses reveal themselves around the water rather than all at once from a road.

This cruise also solves a common island-hopping problem. You get a swim in a quiet bay and a proper visit to Symi on the same outing, all while starting and ending at Rhodes Harbour. At $47 per person, that combination is hard to beat if you value convenience and do not need a luxury vessel.

The boat is designed for a full day rather than a quick transfer. There is an open upper deck with sunbeds, an enclosed air-conditioned area, toilets, floats, and WiFi. A bar sells drinks, snacks, and ice creams. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy refreshments onboard or bring cash for Symi.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 387 ratings, which fits the experience well. The strongest points are the friendly crew, clean boat, attractive swim stop, and sensible amount of time in Symi. The main complaints are also clear: the swim is brief, and the return crossing can seem lengthy.

Leaving Rhodes Harbour on the DISCOVERY

You need to be at the meeting point between 8:00 and 8:30, depending on the selected departure. Arrive 20 minutes before the activity starts, then exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat. Look for the Rizos Cruises vessel marked DISCOVERY.

If you choose hotel pickup, wait at the stated point 10 minutes before your scheduled time. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen. Keep your phone number accurate when booking, since the company may contact you by WhatsApp or phone with the pickup point and time. Drivers wait no longer than two minutes, though traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes.

The cruise begins with views of Rhodes from the water. This is a relaxed start, with sunshine, open sea, and the chance to settle into the boat before the first stop. Get onboard early if you want an outside seat. One useful tip is to bring a jumper, even in warm weather, because the shade can feel cool during the long ride.

Seating is generally plentiful, but the sun deck is the popular choice. You can sit in the sun on the way out or back, then retreat to the air-conditioned cabin when you need a break. If you are prone to seasickness, staying near the center of the vessel may be more comfortable, though a specific seating plan is not provided.

St Marina Bay: a 30-minute swim stop

St Marina Bay is the first real highlight. The boat anchors in a sheltered-looking bay with clear water, and you have around 30 minutes to swim or snorkel. Floats are available, and you can stay onboard if you would rather enjoy the view than enter the water.

This stop matters because it adds a real beach moment to what could otherwise be a long transport day. You are not simply sailing from one port to another. You get to cool off, see Rhodes from offshore, and enjoy water that is described as crystal clear.

Pack your own towel and snorkeling gear. Neither is included. Biodegradable sunscreen is recommended, and beachwear is essential if you plan to swim. Cash is also useful for the onboard bar and purchases in Symi.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a short swim break, not a full snorkeling excursion. You are asked not to go far from the boat, so the underwater sights may be limited. One improvement some people would like is more time in the water or a stop near coral reefs. If snorkeling is your main goal, this cruise may feel too brief.

The boat does not provide lockers for phones, keys, or other personal items. Plan ahead. Leave anything nonessential at your accommodation, use a secure waterproof pouch, or take turns with someone in your group. There is no need to risk losing your room key for a half-hour swim.

Sailing into Symi Harbour

After St Marina Bay, the boat makes a shorter run to Symi. The approach is the scenic payoff. Small fishermen’s boats appear around the harbor, while the town’s bright houses rise above the water in layers.

Symi is known for its neo-classical architecture, and the port area gives you an easy introduction. You can stroll along the waterfront, pause for photographs, browse shops, and choose a restaurant with a view. The setting is compact enough to enjoy without a complicated plan.

You have about three hours on the island. That is a useful middle ground. You can have a leisurely lunch, walk through the streets near the harbor, buy souvenirs, and stop for ice cream without spending the day checking your watch.

Still, three hours is not enough for every possible Symi plan. If you want to travel farther inland or visit the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis, you need to check the timing carefully. The cruise does not include a dedicated monastery visit, and the free time is centered on exploring Symi at your own pace.

For most first-time visitors, I would keep the plan simple. Walk the harbor, take in the houses from several angles, eat near the water, and allow time to return to the boat. Trying to fit too many sights into the stop could turn a pleasant visit into a hurried one.

What three hours in Symi can realistically cover

The port itself is the safest focus. Begin with a slow walk along the waterfront, where you can watch the fishermen’s boats and see the town from below. Then head into the colorful streets for photographs and small shops.

A waterfront lunch is a good use of your time. You can eat without losing the chance to explore, especially if you choose a restaurant close to the harbor. Allow time afterward for a short walk, a cold drink, and any shopping you want to do.

The island visit is not a guided tour. You will not have a local guide leading you from sight to sight, and that is both a benefit and a limitation. You set the pace, but you also need to keep an eye on the departure time and decide what is worth seeing.

If you care more about atmosphere than a checklist, the three-hour stop should suit you well. If you want a full island tour, a monastery visit, and time away from the port, you may prefer a longer independent stay on Symi.

The return crossing and onboard comfort

The return to Rhodes is the least exciting part of the day, but the boat makes it manageable. You can use the open sundeck, rest on a sunbed, sit in the air-conditioned area, or buy a snack and drink from the bar. WiFi and onboard toilets are practical touches during a long crossing.

Expect the return journey to take roughly two hours, with some reports putting the full sailing time closer to two and a half hours in certain conditions. The exact timing can vary, but you should not book an evening plan in Rhodes that depends on arriving at a precise minute.

This is where the boat’s slower pace matters. Catamarans can get you to Symi faster, but they may not offer the same swimming stop. If you want speed above all else, compare the schedules and prices before booking. If you prefer a lower fare and like the idea of swimming on the way, the slower boat makes sense.

Some people would prefer another swim stop on the return. That is not part of this trip. Once you leave Symi, the main activity is the sail back to Rhodes, so bring reading material, headphones, or a camera.

Is $47 good value?

At $47 per person, this cruise offers a lot for a full eight-hour day. You get the boat ride, a swimming stop, three hours in Symi, sun deck access, toilets, air conditioning, floats, WiFi, and insurance. You also avoid arranging separate transportation between Rhodes and Symi.

The low price comes with clear limits. Food and drinks are extra. Towels and snorkeling equipment are extra or must be brought from your accommodation. The boat is slower than more expensive catamarans, and the swim stop is short.

I see the price as especially good for couples, families, and first-time visitors who want an easy day away from Rhodes. It is less attractive if you want a fast crossing, a formal guided tour, or serious snorkeling time.

The friendly crew adds to the value. The boat is kept clean, the instructions are given clearly over the public-address system, and the staff are described as helpful and attentive. Those small details matter on an eight-hour outing.

Who should choose this experience?

You should consider this cruise if you want:

• A simple day trip from Rhodes with no overnight stay
• A scenic harbor town with time to explore independently
• A swim stop before sightseeing
• A lower-cost alternative to faster catamarans
• A boat with indoor and outdoor seating
• A flexible day that works for people with different interests

It suits you particularly well if one person wants to swim while another would rather remain dry. The 30-minute stop allows both choices, and the open deck gives you something to do during the crossing.

Families may appreciate the toilets, air-conditioned cabin, floats, and onboard snacks. Couples may like the harbor lunch and sunset-colored return views, though exact light and arrival timing depend on the season and schedule.

You may want another option if you dislike long boat rides, need extensive snorkeling time, or want to see more of Symi than the port area. The cruise gives you a taste of the island rather than a complete exploration.

Practical packing advice

Bring a towel, swimsuit, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and snorkeling gear. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season, and it can also help if you sit in the shade on deck.

Wear shoes that are comfortable for walking around Symi. Keep valuables limited during the swim stop, since lockers are not provided. A small waterproof pouch can protect your phone, but the safest approach is to avoid bringing unnecessary items to the water.

Book with enough flexibility for weather and sea conditions. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is offered. Check the exact starting time when you select your date.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

I would book this trip if I wanted the best mix of price, scenery, swimming, and free time. The strongest part is the combination: St Marina Bay gives you a refreshing break, while Symi supplies the architecture, harbor views, lunch, and shopping.

I would not book it for a serious snorkeling outing or a fast transfer. The 30-minute swim is pleasant but limited, and the boat ride takes patience. Still, for $47, Rizos Cruises gives you a well-organized full day with a clean boat, useful facilities, and enough time to get a feel for one of the Dodecanese’ prettiest ports.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi cruise last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including the swimming stop, free time in Symi, and the return sailing to Rhodes Harbour.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about three hours of free time in Symi. You can use it for lunch, shopping, sightseeing, photographs, and a walk around the harbor and streets.

How long is the swimming stop at St Marina Bay?

The swimming and snorkeling stop lasts about 30 minutes.

Can I swim or snorkel at St Marina Bay?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop, and you can snorkel if you bring your own gear. Floats are also available onboard.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling gear. Towels are not included either.

Are food and drinks included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks, drinks, and ice creams are available for purchase at the onboard bar.

Does the boat have toilets and air conditioning?

Yes. The boat has onboard toilets and an air-conditioned indoor area, as well as an open sundeck with sunbeds.

Where do I meet the boat?

You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY. Arrive about 20 minutes before departure and check the exact meeting details for your selected option.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional on selected booking options. If you choose it, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time and look for a vehicle with the RIZOS CRUISES logo.