From Rhodes: Cruise to Symi Island and Saint George’s Bay

Clear water, bright harbor towns, and a full day at sea. This cruise from Rhodes combines two strong reasons to leave the island: a swim stop at Saint George’s Bay and several hours to explore Symi’s pretty port of Gialos. I like the simple plan, the friendly crew, and the chance to see the Dodecanese from the water. The main drawback is the long boat ride, which can feel windy, crowded, or rough if the sea turns choppy.

The $41 price is fair for an 8.5-hour outing, especially since transport, the swimming stop, freshwater showers, a lifeguard, and time in Symi are included. You should still plan for extra spending on lunch, drinks, and snacks, and arrive early if you want a seat on the upper deck.

Key points before you book

• Two hours across the sea: The journey from Rhodes to Saint George’s Bay takes about two hours each way, so the boat ride is a major part of the day.
• A memorable one-hour swim stop: Saint George’s Bay has remarkably clear water, floats, and a striking rocky setting.
• Three hours in Symi: You have time for lunch, harbor walks, shopping, photographs, and a short visit to the nearby beach.
• Upper-deck seats go quickly: Seating outside is first come, first served. The air-conditioned main saloon is the reliable backup.
• The boat leaves on time: Be back at the meeting point and on board before departure. The crew does not wait for late returners.
• Bring a warm layer: Even in summer, the open deck can be cold and windy, especially on the shaded side and on the return trip.

Finding SP Cruises at Mandraki Harbour

The departure point is easy to reach in central Rhodes. SP Cruises has a kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece building, at Pl. Eleftherias 85100. The boat leaves at 10:00 in the morning.

I would aim to arrive around 9:15, particularly in July and August. One passenger arrived at 9:15 and found the upper deck already about 95 percent full. The advertised advice to arrive by 9:30 may be enough to board, but it may not be enough to claim the seat you want.

If you are driving, parking after 9:00 can be difficult. The operator provides links to Rhodes parking information, so check those before setting off rather than circling the harbor at the last minute. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to Mandraki.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the crew has helped passengers with mobility scooters on and off. Still, a boat has narrow areas, steps, and changing conditions, so it is sensible to contact the provider ahead of time if you need specific assistance.

The two-hour crossing from Rhodes

Once the boat leaves Mandraki, the city quickly gives way to open water. This is not a quick shuttle. You spend roughly two hours crossing toward Symi, with views of the Rhodes coast and the wider Dodecanese.

That long ride is part of the pleasure if you enjoy being on the water. The sea air, changing views, and open horizon make the trip feel like a proper day away rather than a simple transfer. If you prefer fast transport, though, the pace may test your patience. One passenger described the boat as slow, while still finding the views worth the time.

There is indoor seating with air conditioning on the main deck, along with an onboard bar. Upper-deck seating is better for photographs and fresh air, but it fills early and can become very windy. The lower saloon is the more comfortable choice if the weather is unsettled or you are sensitive to cold.

The boat has toilets, though they could use some attention. The public-address system may also be hard to hear from the back, so do not rely on every announcement reaching you clearly. Pay attention when the crew gives departure times, and keep an eye on your own watch.

Sea conditions matter. The return crossing can be noticeably rougher, and several people found the boat rocked more on the way back. If you suffer from motion sickness, bring whatever usually helps you. The crew sometimes offers lemons to chew, but that is not a substitute for your normal medication.

Swimming at Saint George’s Bay

After about two hours, the boat reaches Saint George’s Bay, also called Agios Georgios. The bay is surrounded by steep, bare rock and feels wonderfully remote. There is no town to explore here. The point is the water.

The stop is scheduled for about an hour, though the actual swimming time can be closer to 45 minutes when arrival and boarding take longer. That distinction matters. You need to change quickly, listen for instructions, and keep track of time rather than assuming you have a full hour in the water.

The water is clear enough to see fish, and the setting is one of the strongest parts of the day. You can swim, snorkel, or simply float near the boat. The crew provides floats, swimming rings, and some vests, with a lifeguard on duty. Freshwater showers are available afterward, which is useful before the long ride to Symi.

Getting off the boat can be slow. The gangway allows people to leave one at a time, and a large group naturally creates a queue. If swimming is your priority, have your towel and beachwear ready before the boat reaches the bay. Do not wait until everyone else is already heading down the gangway.

The water may feel cool, especially outside the hottest summer weeks. It is generally comfortable for a proper swim, but the first step can still be bracing. In cooler or windy weather, some people choose to stay on board. Bring a warm top and trousers for the ride afterward, even if the afternoon forecast looks hot.

Gialos, Symi’s picture-book harbor

The boat leaves Saint George’s Bay at about 13:00 and reaches Gialos, the main port of Symi. You then have roughly three hours before departure at 16:20.

Gialos is the reason many people choose this trip. Its waterfront is lined with restaurants, shops, and colorful buildings rising around the harbor. The town is compact enough to explore on foot, and three hours gives you time for a relaxed meal without turning lunch into a race.

I would first walk along the harbor to get your bearings, then choose a restaurant. Seafood is a natural choice here, and one recommended option from the experience was Tholos, noted for fresh fish and fine views, though the service can be slow. If you want to eat there, allow extra time.

You can also browse small shops, look at local art, stop for ice cream, and photograph the harbor from different angles. A small beach near where the boat docks is worth visiting if you have time. Do not expect a packed sightseeing program. The pleasure is in strolling, eating, and taking in Symi’s distinctive architecture.

Three hours is enough for most people to see the port and have lunch. Some will wish for longer, especially if they want to wander farther uphill or shop at a slower pace. The heat can also limit how much ground you want to cover in midsummer. Wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and protect yourself from the sun.

Keep an eye on the time. The boat leaves Symi at 16:20, and it does so promptly. If you are on a cruise ship, allow extra margin for the return to Rhodes. The advertised arrival is 18:30, but one passenger advised planning closer to 18:45 before making a tight connection back to a ship.

How much of the day is spent on the boat?

The schedule is simple:

• 10:00: Depart Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes
• Around 12:00: Arrive at Saint George’s Bay
• About one hour: Swim and snorkel
• Around 13:00: Leave the bay
• Around 13:30: Reach Gialos in Symi
• 16:20: Depart Symi
• 18:30: Return to Mandraki Harbour

Exact timing can change with weather and the captain’s safety decisions. The swimming stop may be shortened, as happened when an onboard accident delayed the schedule. The crew handled that situation quickly and safely, but the bay visit was reduced.

This is an important point when deciding if the trip suits you. You are not booking a long, leisurely beach day. You are booking a full boat outing with one short swim and a few free hours in Symi. That mix works well for people who want variety. It is less suitable if you want several hours of swimming or quiet time in one place.

Crew, safety, and the onboard atmosphere

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Staff are described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, including when passengers need assistance boarding or moving around. The lifeguard supervises the swimming stop, and the captain makes changes when weather or safety requires it.

Captain Yannis is remembered for being warm and entertaining. On one trip, he welcomed passengers into the wheelhouse and allowed them to hold the steering wheel for photographs. That kind of personal touch can make a long crossing more enjoyable, though it should never be expected as part of the formal program.

There is a bar on board selling drinks and snacks. Prices are described as reasonable for drinks, while some snacks can feel expensive. Lunch in Symi is not included, so budget separately for your meal.

The first-aid kit was criticized as poorly stocked after one passenger was injured. That is a fair concern, even though the crew responded quickly during another medical incident. I would not let it cancel the trip, but anyone with a medical condition should carry personal medication and basic essentials.

Smoking is allowed upstairs and in the area between the bar and wheelhouse. Wind can carry smoke toward other parts of the boat, so choose your seat carefully if you dislike it.

What to bring for a better day

Pack for two different conditions: hot sun at the bay and cool wind on the crossing.

• Swimsuit or other beachwear
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A warm jumper or light coat
• Trousers for the windy return trip
• Motion-sickness medication if you need it
• A waterproof watch or phone timer for the swim stop
• Cash or a card for lunch, drinks, and shopping

A waterproof phone case is also sensible if you want photographs in the water. Do not take valuables into the sea unless you can secure them safely.

If you want an upper-deck seat, arrive early. If you would rather stay out of the wind, the air-conditioned main saloon is more dependable. The upper deck is best for views, while the main deck is best for comfort.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, this is a strong-value day out. You get the boat trip, the Saint George’s Bay stop, crew assistance, a lifeguard, freshwater showers, and around three hours in Symi. A separate trip to Symi would still require paying for transport, and it would not necessarily include the memorable swim stop.

The value depends on how you feel about the crossing. Roughly four hours of the day are spent going to and from the island. If you enjoy sea travel, those hours add to the experience. If you see the boat only as a way to reach Symi, the journey may feel too long.

Lunch and drinks cost extra, and upper-deck seating is not guaranteed. Even so, the combination of a famous Greek harbor town and a clear-water swim makes the fare reasonable, particularly for a first visit to Symi.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families, swimmers, photographers, and anyone staying in Rhodes who wants to see Symi without arranging separate transport. It also suits people who enjoy a social boat atmosphere and do not mind sharing the day with a large group.

Families should appreciate the floats, lifeguard, freshwater showers, and easy plan. Parents still need to supervise children closely around the gangway and water. The stop is short, so have everything ready before you reach the bay.

It is also a good choice for solo visitors. The crew can help with photographs and boarding, and the schedule gives you an easy structure for the day.

I would think twice if you dislike boats, get severe motion sickness, need long periods of quiet, or want a guaranteed outdoor seat. The trip can be windy, the sea can turn rough, and the upper deck fills quickly.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-priced full day that combines a beautiful swim stop with Symi’s charming harbor. The best moments are simple: stepping into clear water at Saint George’s Bay, watching the rocky coast from the boat, and eating lunch beside Gialos.

Book it with realistic expectations. You may get only 45 minutes in the water, the crossing can be cold and slow, and Symi’s three hours pass quickly. Arrive early, bring a warm layer, watch the clock, and keep your lunch plans flexible. With those small preparations, this is an enjoyable and practical way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

It departs from SP Cruises’ kiosk at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes, opposite the Bank of Greece building at Pl. Eleftherias 85100.

What time does the boat leave Rhodes?

The scheduled departure is 10:00 in the morning.

How long is the cruise?

The experience lasts about 510 minutes, or 8.5 hours. The planned return to Mandraki Harbour is around 18:30.

How long do you spend at Saint George’s Bay?

The scheduled stop is about one hour for swimming and snorkeling. Actual swimming time can be closer to 45 minutes if boarding and arrival take longer.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included. You have free time in Gialos to choose and pay for your own meal.

Are seats on the upper deck guaranteed?

No. Upper-deck seating is first come, first served. Air-conditioned seating is available in the main-deck saloon.

What happens if the weather changes?

The captain may change the program for safety reasons. The route, timing, or length of the swimming stop can therefore change.