Rhodes: Boat trip to Symi island with swimming at St. George

Symi arrives like a painted postcard. This full-day cruise gives you two very different Greek stops in one outing: a refreshing swim at St George Bay and several hours to explore Symi’s pretty harbor town. I like the clean, simple plan, and I like that the boat ride itself offers fine views of Rhodes and the coast. The main drawback is the long day on the water, especially on the return trip.

At $51 per person, the trip offers good value if you want to see Symi without arranging ferries, transfers, and a separate swim stop yourself. You should still expect a structured day, limited time in Symi, and extra costs for lunch, drinks, and possibly hotel transport.

Key points at a glance

• Two destinations in one day: Swim at St George Bay, then spend about three hours in Symi.
• A memorable arrival: The boat enters Symi’s natural harbor, where colorful houses and church towers rise around Gialos.
• A proper swim stop: You get about 45 minutes at St George Bay for swimming and snorkeling.
• Symi’s local specialty: Look for Simiako Garidaki, small baby shrimp cooked in olive oil.
• Transfers are optional: You can meet the boat in Rhodes or pay for a hotel pickup and return transfer.
• Plan for a long return: The trip lasts about 8.5 hours, and the ride back can take close to two hours.

Why this Rhodes to Symi trip works

Symi is close enough to visit from Rhodes, but it feels different almost as soon as you arrive. Its harbor is framed by rows of colorful neoclassical buildings, with churches and hills behind them. The town is compact, so three hours gives you enough time for a meal, a walk, photographs, and a little shopping.

The clever part of this outing is the stop at St George Bay. Many island excursions focus only on transport from one port to another. Here, the journey includes time to get into the water, which breaks up the boat ride and gives the day a second purpose.

I also like the price. At $51, the basic fare covers the round-trip boat tickets and the swim stop. That is a reasonable way to reach Symi if you value convenience and would rather not sort out separate ferry arrangements.

Still, this is not a quiet private cruise. The schedule is fixed, the boat ride is a major part of the day, and Symi time is limited. If you want a slow lunch and a long, unplanned wander, you may find three hours too short.

Starting in Rhodes: meeting point or hotel pickup

If you arrange your own way to the port, check in between 9:15 and 9:40 in the morning at the Half Price Tours office on Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. You receive your boarding pass there.

This option suits you if you are staying near Rhodes Town and can reach Mandraki Harbor easily. It also keeps the price lower, since hotel pickup and return transport are not part of the basic package.

Hotel transfers are available as an added option. The exact pickup time and place are sent after booking, and you can contact the operator by WhatsApp if the message does not arrive. The transfer service has been particularly reliable in the supplied trip feedback, with several people reporting that drivers arrived on time or even a little early.

That convenience matters if you are staying in Pefkos, Lindos, Faliraki, Ialysos, Ixia, Kallithea, Kolympia, Gennadi, Kiotari, Pefki, or another resort away from Rhodes Town. The return journey can include several hotel stops, so it may take longer than the morning ride.

The boat ride from Rhodes to St George Bay

The boat leaves Rhodes at about 10 in the morning according to the supplied timing details. The first part of the journey takes you across the water toward Symi, with views along the Dodecanese coast.

The ride is not a quick hop. You should expect a substantial amount of time on board, so choose clothing and sun protection with care. The boat has hot and cold drinks, alcohol, and snacks available for purchase, but these are not included in the $51 price.

That arrangement is practical. You can buy something during the crossing, but you are not forced into a meal package. I would bring water anyway, along with a hat and sunscreen. A towel and a change of clothes are especially useful after the swim.

Some of the most useful value in this part of the trip is visual. The approach to Symi, and later the return toward Rhodes, gives you views that you cannot get from a bus or road excursion. Keep your camera ready as the harbor comes into sight.

Forty-five minutes at St George Bay

St George Bay is the first major stop. The boat pauses for about 45 minutes, giving you time to swim and snorkel in the clear water.

The bay has a wild, open setting, with steep rocky surroundings and no town atmosphere. That is the appeal. You are not stopping beside a developed beach lined with shops. You are getting a short burst of sea time in a striking natural cove.

The water has been praised for its clarity, and you may be able to see the bottom even where it is deep. The swimming stop is free time, so you can get into the water, snorkel, or stay on deck and enjoy the view.

The 45-minute limit is worth noting. It is enough for a proper swim, but not enough for a relaxed beach day. You will want your swimwear ready before the boat arrives rather than searching through your bag at the last moment.

Bring a towel, dry clothes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen. Wet flooring and a windy boat deck can make a change of clothes more than a minor convenience. If you prefer not to swim, the bay is still a pleasant photo stop from the boat.

Entering Symi’s harbor at Gialos

After St George Bay, the boat continues to Symi. The approach is one of the strongest parts of the trip. Symi’s natural harbor opens gradually, revealing tightly packed buildings in soft colors and prominent churches above the waterfront.

The harbor area is called Gialos. It is small enough to explore on foot without a complicated plan, yet it offers plenty to fill your allotted time. You can stroll along the water, pause at a cafe, browse the shops, or sit down for a seafood lunch.

This is where Symi feels more like a town than a beach stop. The waterfront has fish and seafood restaurants, cafes, stalls selling sponges and spices, handmade jewelry, clothing, and gifts. The setting is highly photogenic, but it is not only a place for taking pictures. You can also get a good taste of local island life in a short visit.

The boat gives you roughly three hours in Symi, with one supplied timing noting about three hours and 20 minutes. That is enough for a relaxed outline of the town. I would not spend the entire period at lunch, though. Leave time to walk beyond the first stretch of waterfront and browse the small shops.

What to eat in Symi

The dish to look for is Simiako Garidaki, Symi’s small baby shrimp cooked in olive oil. It is one of the most useful local food tips connected with this excursion.

You will have to pay for lunch and drinks yourself. That gives you freedom to choose between a sit-down seafood meal, a lighter snack, or simply a drink while you watch the harbor.

Because the stop is limited, check the time before ordering a leisurely meal. A restaurant along the waterfront may offer the best views, while a short walk can lead you to other places and shops. The important point is to leave enough time to return to the boat without rushing.

If seafood is not your preference, there are cafes and other food choices around Gialos. The available information does not promise a set lunch, so you should treat the meal as an independent part of your Symi visit.

Three hours to walk, shop, and take photographs

Symi is especially rewarding for people who enjoy visual details. The colorful buildings, church towers, harbor water, and hillside setting create one photo opportunity after another.

You can keep the visit simple. Walk along the waterfront, look at the sponge and spice stalls, browse handmade jewelry, then stop for food. There is no required guided route, so you can set your own pace.

That freedom is useful, but it also means you need to watch the clock. A self-guided visit can easily turn into a longer walk than planned, particularly if you stop often for photographs or shopping.

The town is described as small, but do not mistake small for empty. The waterfront can keep you occupied for the whole stop. I would decide early whether your priority is lunch, shopping, photographs, or a longer walk. Three hours is generous for one focus and comfortable for a mix of several.

The ride back to Rhodes

The return crossing can take around two hours. It is a scenic finish, with views back toward Rhodes and, on a clear day, the old town from the water.

This is also the point where the day may feel long. The total outing lasts about 8.5 hours, and you have already spent time on the boat in the morning, at St George Bay, and in Symi. If you tire easily on boats, bring water, a snack, and something light to read.

The boat has drinks and snacks for purchase, including hot and cold options and alcohol. These are handy, but they add to the cost if you buy several items. Since lunch is also extra, the final amount will be higher than the advertised fare.

For many people, the return ride is part of the value. You get a different view of the islands and Rhodes as you approach the harbor. For others, it will feel like transportation after the main sightseeing is finished. Your tolerance for a long day on the water should guide your decision.

Is $51 good value?

I think the basic $51 fare is good value for a full day that combines transport, a swim stop, and time in one of the Dodecanese’s most scenic harbor towns.

The fare includes the round-trip boat ticket and the St George Bay stop. It does not include food, drinks, or hotel transport. If you need a transfer from a resort outside Rhodes Town, the convenience may be worth paying extra, but check the final price before booking.

The value is strongest if you are already staying on Rhodes and want to see Symi without planning a separate trip. It is also good for a first visit, since you get a broad introduction rather than spending the whole day in one place.

The value is weaker if you dislike fixed schedules or want a private boat, a long swim, or more time in Symi. This is a shared day cruise with a set departure and return.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want an easy island day with strong scenery and a little swimming. It suits couples, families, photographers, food-focused visitors, and anyone staying at a Rhodes resort who wants hotel transport arranged.

It is also a good fit if you like variety. The day moves from open water to a quiet bay, then to a colorful port town. You will not spend the entire excursion doing the same thing.

You may want to skip it if you prefer slow travel, independent ferry times, or a full day at the beach. The schedule gives you enough time to sample Symi, but not enough to explore every corner of the island.

Pack lightly but sensibly: swimwear, towel, dry clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Keep your boarding details and pickup message easy to find, and arrive on time for check-in if you are meeting the boat yourself.

Final verdict

Book this Rhodes to Symi cruise if you want a well-priced first look at Symi plus a worthwhile swim stop. The most praised parts are the punctual transfers, friendly staff, clear water at St George Bay, and the beautiful arrival into Symi harbor.

I would choose the hotel pickup option if I were staying outside Rhodes Town. I would also plan lunch around Simiako Garidaki, reserve time for photographs, and accept that the return boat ride is part of the day rather than a quick trip home.

For $51, this is a practical way to add another island to your Rhodes holiday. Just bring sun protection, expect a full day, and do not confuse a taste of Symi with a slow, private island stay.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

The full activity lasts about 8.5 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes round-trip boat tickets to Symi and the swimming stop at St George Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and return transport are not included in the basic option. You can book an option that includes transfers from your hotel and back.

Where do I check in if I arrange my own transport?

Check in at the Half Price Tours office at Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor.

What time is check-in?

You should check in between 9:15 and 9:40 in the morning to receive your boarding pass.

How long is the swimming stop at St George Bay?

The stop lasts about 45 minutes and allows time for swimming and snorkeling.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about three hours in Symi. One supplied timing gives the visit as approximately three hours and 20 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but you can buy lunch and other refreshments in Symi. Drinks and snacks are also available for purchase on the boat.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.