Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Symi rewards the fast boat. This eight-hour excursion gives you a scenic ride from Kolymbia, about three hours to explore Symi Town, and a swim in the clear water of St George’s Bay. I especially like skipping the early coach ride to Rhodes and having enough free time to enjoy Symi without racing from one sight to the next.

I also like the well-kept schedule. Boats have generally arrived at Kolymbia Harbor around 10:15 and returned close to 18:00, with crews keeping firm departure times. The main consideration is the ride itself: a fast boat can be wet and windy, and some departures include a short stop or boat change at Rhodes Harbor.

• Kolymbia departure: Walk straight to Kolymbia Harbor instead of taking an early bus to Rhodes.
• Fast sea journey: The trip to Symi takes roughly two hours, sometimes with a brief Rhodes Harbor pickup.
• Three hours in Symi: Enough time for harbor views, lunch, shopping, and a relaxed wander.
• St George’s Bay swim: A 30-minute stop in bright, clear water on the return trip.
• Bring your own drinks: No onboard water is provided, so pack refreshments before boarding.
• Good value at $106: The price covers transport, free time, and the swim stop, but lunch and drinks cost extra.

Why This Boat Trip Works So Well

The appeal is simple: you get a full day on the water without giving up much of your day to land transfers. If you are staying in Kolymbia, the harbor departure is a real advantage. Several people have reached the boat with only a short walk from nearby hotels, rather than boarding a coach before breakfast and heading to Rhodes Town first.

At $106 per person, this is not a bargain-bin boat ride, but it compares well with the time saved and the two-part experience. You are not only paying for a transfer to Symi. You also get a scenic cruise, free time in one of the Dodecanese’s prettiest harbors, and a swim stop at St George’s Bay.

The activity has a 4.9 rating from 123 bookings, with 93 percent giving the transport a perfect score. That matches the strongest pattern in the feedback: people praise the punctual departures, clear instructions, friendly staff, and lack of wasted time.

Still, do not expect a quiet yacht cruise. The boat is built for speed. On a breezy day, spray can reach the deck, and the ride may feel lively. Pack water, wear sunscreen, and keep a light cover-up handy.

Leaving Kolymbia Harbor Around 10:15

Your day begins at Kolymbia Harbor, where the boat has commonly arrived around 10:15. The meeting point is easy to understand, and the schedule is one of the experience’s best features. Boats have been reported to leave promptly after boarding, so do not treat the departure time as a suggestion.

The advertised service runs from Kolymbia to Symi, but the boat may stop at Rhodes Harbor to pick up or drop off passengers. Some departures have involved a quick change to a second boat, with the vessels positioned beside each other. This has not been described as a major problem, but it is worth knowing so you are not surprised if the trip is not literally nonstop.

That Rhodes stop can add a small bonus. During one short wait, passengers had time to photograph Rhodes Town’s old harbor and castle from the water. It is not a sightseeing stop, so keep your expectations modest, but the view can make the brief pause worthwhile.

The crew has been praised for being friendly and clear about return times. The firm timetable matters because the boat carries a large group, and a late departure would cut into your time in Symi or at the swim stop. Listen carefully when the crew gives the meeting time in Symi.

The High-Speed Ride Across the Dodecanese

The trip to Symi takes about two hours, including any Rhodes Harbor service. That is a fair amount of time on a fast boat, but the ride is part of the attraction. You get open-water views, passing islands, and the feeling of covering real distance rather than sitting in a bus on a hot road.

People who enjoy speed and sea air will find the crossing fun. If you prefer a calm, sheltered ride, choose your seat with care and prepare for spray. One useful tip is to carry your own water and snacks. No drinks are supplied on the boat, and one person specifically noted that it can be about two hours before reaching Symi.

Keep your phone protected if you want photographs. The ride may be smooth, but the boat’s speed and wind can make the front and exposed sides wet. A dry bag or simple waterproof pouch is sensible for phones, passports, and sunglasses.

This is also where the price makes more sense. A slower ferry could take longer and offer a different atmosphere, but this service gives you more usable time in Symi. For a day trip, that tradeoff is valuable.

Arriving at Symi’s Pastel Harbor

Symi announces itself from the water. The fishing harbor curves around turquoise water, with pastel-colored neoclassical buildings rising along the slopes. Colorful church domes add another layer to the view, and the arrival is one of the clearest highlights of the day.

Your three hours are free time, not a guided walking tour. That is good news if you like setting your own pace. You can stay near the harbor, browse the shops, stop for lunch, or walk farther out to see more of the town. You do not need to follow a guide or keep up with a group.

The harbor area is ideal for getting your bearings quickly. Walk along the waterfront, pause for photographs, and choose a taverna or cafe with a view. If you want the classic Symi experience, try the local mini shrimps and pair them with Greek ouzo. These are optional purchases, not part of the excursion price.

Three hours is a sensible amount of time for a first visit. It gives you room for a meal and a wander without making the day drag. Several people found the time generous, while one person used it for a quick look around and still felt satisfied.

You should keep an eye on the clock. The boat does not wait for late passengers, and one departure reportedly left exactly on schedule after two people failed to return. That may sound strict, but it is fair to the rest of the group. Note your departure time before walking away from the harbor.

How to Use Three Hours in Symi

You have several practical ways to spend your time:

• Walk the harbor and photograph the colorful buildings.
• Stop at a traditional taverna for lunch.
• Find a cafe for snacks or cocktails with a waterfront view.
• Browse the small shops near the water.
• Take a swim near the harbor if you want to cool off before reboarding.
• Wander farther from the main waterfront if you want a quieter look at town.

I would not try to force every option into three hours. Symi is best enjoyed at an easy pace. A meal, a harbor walk, and a little browsing will fill the time nicely.

The local food is part of the appeal, but remember that lunch is not included. Prices can vary by venue, and the excursion price does not cover food, drinks, or personal purchases. If you are watching costs, bring water and plan on one modest meal rather than making several long cafe stops.

The harbor is also a practical place to cool down. One person found a swimming spot near the clock tower, which can be useful after walking in the summer heat. The official swim stop comes later, but a quick dip in Symi may be tempting if conditions allow.

St George’s Bay on the Return Route

The final highlight comes after you leave Symi. The boat passes St George’s Bay, a dramatic cove framed by steep rocky sides and clear turquoise water. The planned stop lasts 30 minutes, giving you time to swim or remain on deck in the sun.

This stop changes the rhythm of the day. After walking around Symi in the heat, the water feels refreshing rather than like an added extra. Swimmers can jump in for a short, memorable break, while non-swimmers can enjoy the view from the boat.

The water is the star here. It is described as crystal clear, and the tall rocky sides make the bay feel enclosed and striking. You should not expect a long beach visit, though. The boat stops in the bay, but it may not anchor close enough for you to swim to shore or explore the beach itself. If you want a longer beach stay, this excursion is not designed for that.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes and keep a towel accessible. Thirty minutes passes quickly, especially if you need to change before the boat leaves. If you do not want to swim, this is still a pleasant chance to sit in the sun and enjoy the view.

The stop may occasionally last longer than 30 minutes, but you should plan around the stated time rather than count on an extension. The schedule back to Kolymbia is one of the operation’s strongest points.

Value, Timing, and What Is Included

The $106 price includes the high-speed boat cruise, approximately three hours of free time in Symi, and the 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay. Lunch, drinks, and any purchases in Symi are extra.

I consider the price reasonable for someone staying in Kolymbia. The biggest saving is not just money. It is energy and time. You avoid the very early coach departure used by some other options, and you begin at a local harbor rather than traveling overland to Rhodes Town.

The eight-hour duration creates a full day without making Symi feel like a rushed photo stop. The schedule commonly runs from about 10:15 until 18:00, though you should check the exact departure time when booking.

The activity is wheelchair accessible according to the supplied details. The host or greeter speaks English, and the service is offered in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your plans are still moving.

These policies are useful, but the real practical issue is punctuality. Be at the boat early, bring your own water, and return to the agreed meeting place before the stated time.

Who Will Enjoy This Excursion Most

This trip suits you if you want to see Symi in one day without sacrificing a hotel breakfast or spending hours on a coach. It is especially useful for people based in Kolymbia who want a direct local departure.

You will probably enjoy it if you:

• Like fast boats and open-water views.
• Want several free hours rather than a guided, scripted visit.
• Enjoy swimming in clear sea water.
• Prefer a well-timed schedule.
• Are happy paying separately for lunch and drinks.
• Can manage a full day in the sun.

It may be less suitable if you get seasick, dislike wind and spray, or want a long, quiet beach stop. The trip is also not ideal if you need a fully guided introduction to Symi, since your time on the island is independent.

Families, couples, solo visitors, and groups can all make good use of the format. Just plan ahead for heat, hydration, and the walk between the harbor and any places you want to see.

Small Tips That Make a Big Difference

Bring water. This is the clearest practical lesson from the day, since no water is available on the boat.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a light layer. The ride may be hot in the sun and breezy at speed, while Symi itself can feel hot during your walk.

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes if you want to use the St George’s Bay stop fully. A towel, waterproof phone pouch, and sandals or secure shoes will make the transition easier.

Write down the return time in Symi. The crew keeps close to the schedule, and the boat cannot hold up the entire group for late arrivals.

If photography matters to you, protect your phone during the crossing. The fast ride can produce spray, especially on exposed parts of the boat.

Finally, bring a little patience for a possible Rhodes Harbor pickup or boat change. It may add a short pause, but it does not appear to undermine the overall timing.

Should You Book the Kolymbia to Symi Boat?

I would book this trip if you are staying in Kolymbia and want an efficient first look at Symi. The strongest reasons are the convenient harbor departure, punctual operation, generous three-hour visit, and beautiful St George’s Bay swim.

The $106 cost is fair when you count the transport, the time saved, and the extra swim stop. Book it with realistic expectations: this is a fast, organized day on the sea, not a slow private cruise or a long beach excursion.

Bring your own drinks, protect your valuables from spray, and return to the boat on time. If those points suit you, this is one of the better ways to fit Symi into a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Kolymbia Harbor in Kolymbia, Rhodes.

How long does the full excursion last?

The excursion lasts eight hours. Departures have commonly run from about 10:15 until 18:00, though you should check the available starting time for your date.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time to explore Symi independently.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a traditional taverna, along with drinks and other personal purchases, is at your own expense.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat includes a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay on the return journey.

Do I need to bring water?

Yes. Water is not provided on the boat, so bring your own drinks and snacks for the crossing.

Can I cancel the booking?

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