Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George’s Bay

Symi is worth the fast crossing. This high-speed boat trip gets you from Rhodes to one of the Dodecanese’s prettiest harbors in about an hour, then gives you three hours to wander, eat, shop, and swim. I like the efficient travel time and the chance to visit both Symi and Saint George’s Bay in one day. The main drawback is that the half-hour swim stop can feel too short, especially when the water is this inviting.

I also like that the tour leaves Symi largely in your hands. You are not tied to a guide or a fixed walking route. You can climb through the town, sit beside the harbor, eat local shrimp, or simply enjoy the views. Just remember that the boat ride can be windy and rough, and the 3:15 departure skips the swimming stop.

Key points before you book

• A fast one-hour crossing: You spend less time getting to Symi than on slower boats, leaving more useful time on the island.
• Three hours in Symi: That is enough for the harbor, narrow streets, shopping, lunch, and a short swim, but not a full island tour.
• Saint George’s Bay is the swimming highlight: The water is exceptionally clear, and you swim directly from the boat for about 30 minutes.
• Departure time changes the experience: The 9:00 and 11:00 boats include the swim stop. The 3:15 boat offers only a short photo stop.
• Bring warm layers: Even on a hot Rhodes day, wind on the open water can make the ride chilly. Fleece jackets may be available onboard.
• Parking at Mandraki Harbor is difficult: If you drive, arrive at least an hour early.

Why the fast boat makes sense

A conventional boat can make Symi feel like a long transport day. This service cuts the crossing to roughly an hour each way, depending on sea conditions. That matters because your real prize is time ashore, not hours spent watching the wake.

The boat ride is part of the fun, but it is not always gentle. Calm seas can make the crossing smooth and relaxing. Wind and waves can produce a lively ride, especially toward the back or on exposed seats. If you suffer from seasickness, bring your usual remedy. One useful comfort detail is the supply of fleece jackets, which can make a real difference during the morning crossing or the cooler return ride.

Try to arrive early if you care about your seat. The upstairs area fills quickly, and some seats have better legroom than others. Slim seats and limited space under the seat in front may bother taller passengers. Sofa-style seats are available in some areas, but they can go quickly.

The crew is generally described as friendly and helpful, especially when people are boarding and stepping off the boat. The atmosphere may include music and occasional comments from the captain. This is a transport-focused cruise rather than a guided sightseeing lecture, so do not expect a detailed talk about Symi’s history.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes

The day begins at Mandraki Harbor, unless you choose an option with another pickup point. Pickup arrangements vary, so check your chosen option carefully before setting out. Hotel transfers may be available as an add-on, but they are not part of the basic boat price.

If you are driving to the harbor, give yourself extra time. Parking is hard to find, and arriving only a few minutes before departure can turn the start of the day into a sprint. Reaching the harbor an hour early is the sensible plan.

Once onboard, Rhodes fades behind you and the Dodecanese opens up around the boat. The ride offers broad sea views and a pleasant sense of distance. You are not crossing to a nearby beach. You are heading to a separate island with its own look and pace.

The boat can be full, particularly in summer, so advance booking is wise. At $69 per person, the price is reasonable if you want both transportation and a swimming stop without arranging separate ferries or boats. Meals, drinks, and hotel transfers are extra, so budget for those separately.

Symi Harbor, pastel buildings, and three hours ashore

Symi’s harbor is the visual payoff. As the boat comes in, you see turquoise water framed by rows of pastel-colored neoclassical houses. Small church domes punctuate the hills, while fishing boats and waterfront tavernas give the bay a working harbor feel.

This is not a place that needs a long introduction. The first few minutes are often spent taking photographs, then looking for the best route uphill. The town rises away from the water, and the narrow streets lead you past colorful houses and small shops.

Three hours is a practical amount of free time. I would use it with a little planning:

• Walk along the harbor first, while you are still fresh.
• Climb into the upper streets for wider views over the bay.
• Leave time for lunch or a cold drink.
• Browse the souvenir shops near the waterfront.
• If you want a swim in Symi, do it before the final part of your visit.

You can see a good amount of the port town in three hours, but you will not experience every corner of the island. This boat does not provide a full island sightseeing tour. You are free to explore the main town at your own speed, which suits independent visitors but may disappoint anyone wanting a guide and a detailed explanation of local sights.

The climb through the streets is worth it, but the heat can make it tiring in July and August. Wear shoes with a secure grip, carry water, and avoid spending the whole first hour in the shops. The best views usually require moving uphill.

What to eat in Symi

Symi’s famous mini shrimp are a good reason to make lunch part of your plan. These tiny local shrimp are commonly served fried, and they make an easy island specialty to try beside the harbor. Ouzo is another local choice if you want a Greek aperitif with your meal.

You pay for food and drinks yourself. Waterfront tavernas offer the most convenient setting, with boats and pastel houses as your backdrop. The tradeoff is simple: you are paying for the view as well as the meal.

If you prefer a quicker stop, a snack and drink can leave more time for walking. If lunch matters to you, sit down soon after arriving rather than waiting until the final hour. Restaurants can take time, and the boat will not wait for a lingering meal.

There are cafes around town, but public toilets are not readily available. Plan to use facilities at a cafe or restaurant when you stop for refreshments.

The Saint George’s Bay swim stop

Saint George’s Bay is the second big reason to book this excursion. The boat approaches a steep, quiet cove with clear water and a small beach. The rocky surroundings and goats visible on the cliffs add a memorable Greek-island touch.

For the 9:00 and 11:00 departures, the stop lasts about 30 minutes. You swim from the boat rather than walking into a busy beach resort. Pool noodles may be available for anyone who wants extra support in the water, and you can also stay onboard and enjoy the view if swimming is not your thing.

Thirty minutes goes fast. You need to change, get ready, swim, and return to the boat before departure. If you want a long, lazy beach session, this will feel rushed. If you see it as a refreshing break after a hot walk around Symi, it works well.

The captain can change the route or stop because of weather. Sea conditions also affect how comfortable it feels to jump from the boat and climb back aboard. Bring swimwear and a towel, and keep your belongings secure while you are in the water.

The late-season schedule can change the order of the day. From the end of September into October, the boat may visit Saint George’s Bay first so the cove receives better sunlight. After Symi, the bay can be shaded and the water may not look as bright.

Choosing between the departure times

Your departure time matters more than the small difference in price. The schedule affects heat, crowds, light, and whether you get a swim.

The 9:00 departure is best for a full day with the standard swimming stop. You reach Symi earlier, giving you cooler hours for walking and a clear plan for the return.

The 11:00 departure also includes the approximately 30-minute swim at Saint George’s Bay. It may suit you if an early start is difficult, though you should expect more heat during your time in Symi.

The 3:15 departure does not include swimming. It makes a five-minute photo stop at Saint George’s Bay instead. The advantage is a later, cooler visit to Symi and the possibility of sunset views on the return to Rhodes. Choose it only if swimming is not important to you.

The 5:00 Friday night cruise has a different pattern. It does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photographs and returns around 10:00 p.m. It is a night outing rather than the full daytime version.

If swimming is one of your main reasons for booking, choose 9:00 or 11:00 and confirm the exact schedule before paying.

Comfort, crowds, and small practical problems

This is a popular excursion, and a full boat is possible. Arrive early for check-in and better seating. A queue before boarding can form, so do not cut your timing too close.

The boat’s comfort depends on where you sit and how rough the sea is. Some passengers find the narrow seats fine for the fast crossing, while taller people may struggle with legroom. The rear seats may need extra cleaning after food and drinks, so look around before settling in.

The crossing can be smooth, but you should not assume it will be. Strong wind and waves can make the ride exciting, uncomfortable, or both. Sit where you feel steady, keep a light jacket handy, and take seasickness medication if you normally need it.

Hotel transfer options can remove the problem of reaching Mandraki Harbor, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. Still, confirm the pickup point and watch for the correct minibus. Some pickup arrangements can feel hurried, and two minibuses may arrive at once. If you use a transfer, be visible and ready at the stated meeting point.

The overall organization is usually a strength. The boat runs to a clear schedule, staff help with boarding, and delays may be explained onboard. Weather remains the one factor nobody can control.

Is $69 good value?

At $69, this is good value if you want a quick crossing, three hours in Symi, and a swim in Saint George’s Bay. A slower boat may offer a different pace, but the high-speed service gives you more usable time in the destination.

The price does not cover lunch, drinks, or hotel transfers. You should also allow for a taverna meal, cafe stops, and any souvenirs. Even with those extras, the day offers two distinct experiences: a beautiful harbor town and a swim in a remote-looking cove.

The value is weaker if you want a detailed guided tour, a long beach stop, or a completely relaxed schedule. You are choosing efficiency and freedom over depth and leisure. For many people, that is exactly the right balance for a day from Rhodes.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Symi without giving up most of a day to the crossing. It suits couples, families with older children, photographers, independent sightseers, and anyone who wants a swim in clear Greek water.

It is also a strong choice for a first visit to the Dodecanese. Symi’s harbor is easy to appreciate even on a short stay, and three hours gives you enough time to form a real impression rather than simply step off the boat for a photograph.

Think twice if you dislike fast boats, get seasick easily, need generous legroom, or want a quiet guided tour. The route is active, the stop at Saint George’s Bay is short, and the town can be very hot and crowded in high summer.

FAQ

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately 6 to 9 hours, depending on the departure option and pickup arrangements.

How long is the boat ride to Symi?

The high-speed crossing takes about one hour under normal conditions. Sea and weather conditions can affect the timing.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore Symi independently.

Does every departure include swimming at Saint George’s Bay?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include an approximately 30-minute swim stop. The 3:15 departure makes only a five-minute photo stop.

What happens on the Friday 5:00 night cruise?

The Friday 5:00 departure does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photographs and returns to Rhodes around 10:00 p.m.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Lunch, drinks, and other food purchases are not included in the price.

Is hotel transportation included?

Hotel transportation is not included in the basic activity. Pickup and transfer options depend on the option you select.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A light layer is also useful because the boat can feel windy and chilly, even on a warm day.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if your ideal Rhodes day includes a beautiful harbor, local food, independent walking, and a quick swim in clear water. Choose the 9:00 departure for the fullest daytime plan, or 11:00 if you prefer a later start. If you want cooler streets and sunset views, the 3:15 boat is attractive, but you must give up the swim.

For $69, the fast crossing makes this a sensible way to see Symi in one day. Just arrive early, prepare for wind and waves, and treat the 30-minute Saint George’s Bay stop as a refreshing bonus rather than a full beach visit.