Rhodes: Sunset Cruise to Symi Island with 3 Hours Free Time

Symi looks made for a postcard. This five-hour cruise from Rhodes gives you three hours to wander its pastel harbor town, eat by the water, and enjoy the island after the hottest part of the day. I especially like the afternoon departure and the fast boat ride, which leaves more time for Symi instead of turning the trip into a full-day slog.

The sunset return is the other big draw. The boat often pauses for photos, and the view from the back can be superb. The main drawback is the ride itself: the high-speed crossing can be wet and choppy, especially on the upper deck, so bring swimwear or waterproof clothing and do not expect a quiet ferry.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours in Symi: Enough time for the harbor, a meal, photographs, shopping, and a relaxed walk.
• Afternoon timing: Symi is usually cooler and less crowded than during the morning rush.
• Fast boat service: The Aphrodite Princess gets you across quickly, but splashes and wind are part of the deal.
• Best sunset seats: The rear seats on the lower level offer more shelter, while the upper rear deck gives better open views but more spray.
• Food is extra: Plan to pay separately for lunch, dinner, drinks, Symi mini shrimps, and ouzo.
• Strong value at $57: You get transport, free time on Symi, and a sunset cruise without using a full day.

Leaving Rhodes from Mandraki Harbour

Your meeting point is the Rhodes Sea Lines desk in Mandraki Harbour, directly opposite the National Bank of Greece. That detail matters because Mandraki is a working harbor with several boats and operators. Give yourself enough time to find the correct desk rather than arriving at the last minute and hoping the largest boat is yours.

The vessel is the Aphrodite Princess, a high-speed boat designed to make the Rhodes to Symi crossing in about an hour. The exact conditions can affect the ride, and one return trip arrived about ten minutes late, but the service is generally organized around a five-hour schedule.

There is no guided tour of Symi included. You are paying for transport and free time, not a guide who leads you through the town. I consider that a strength if you like to set your own pace, but it means you should have a basic plan before you leave Rhodes.

The host service is in English, and the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If access needs are important for you, confirm the current boarding details when booking, since boat access can depend on the harbor setup and conditions.

The high-speed crossing to Symi

The Aphrodite Princess makes the trip feel more like a sea outing than a slow ferry transfer. You get open-water views and reach Symi quickly, leaving close to three hours for the island itself.

That speed comes with a trade-off. Spray can hit the upper deck, and several passengers found themselves soaked on the crossing. One useful tip is to wear swimwear or waterproof clothing, even in hot weather. A light jacket also helps because the wind can feel cool once the boat is moving.

The upper rear deck offers the clearest open view, but it is also the spot most exposed to spray. The lower rear seats provide more shelter and are a smart choice if you want to watch the sunset without spending the return trip bracing against wind. The back of the boat is also widely considered the best place for sunset photographs.

Sea conditions vary. The ride may be smooth, but choppy patches are possible. If you are nervous on boats, the speed can feel exciting rather than gentle. Choose a lower seat if you prefer a steadier, more protected ride, and keep your phone in something waterproof.

The crew has been praised for friendly service and good English. Some passengers also received a single-use raincoat and a soft bomber jacket when the weather turned cool or wet. I would treat those as helpful extras, not something to rely on. Bring your own cover.

First sight of Symi Harbour

The arrival is the visual high point of the outward journey. Symi Harbour curves around clear turquoise water, with pastel-colored neoclassical houses rising above it. Church domes add small flashes of color to the hillsides, and fishing boats give the waterfront a lived-in feel.

This is not a large island capital where you need a packed plan. The harbor town is compact enough to enjoy on foot during your three-hour stop. You can walk along the waterfront, browse the shops, sit for a drink, and find a taverna without racing from one sight to another.

The buildings are the main event. Their pale yellows, pinks, blues, and creams make Symi feel distinct from Rhodes Town. The steep hills around the harbor also create the classic view, but they bring a practical issue: some streets and stairways rise sharply. If stairs are difficult for you, stay near the waterfront and lower town. You can still enjoy the best scenery without climbing far above the harbor.

The afternoon arrival changes the mood. Morning boats can bring large numbers of people at once, and the summer heat is strongest earlier in the day. By arriving later, you have a better chance of finding the town calmer and more comfortable for walking.

Three hours to make Symi your own

Three hours is a useful amount of time here. It is long enough for a proper meal and a wander, but short enough to keep you moving. I would not try to see every corner of the island during this stop. Concentrate on the harbor town and let the setting do the work.

A simple plan could look like this:

• Walk the waterfront soon after disembarking, while you still have plenty of time.
• Choose a taverna for a meal or a drink.
• Try Symi mini shrimps if they are available and appeal to you.
• Order local ouzo with care, since you still need to board the boat later.
• Use the remaining time for photographs, shops, and a slower stroll.

Food and drinks are not included in the $57 price. That is worth remembering because a harbor meal, several drinks, and snacks can quickly add to the cost. Still, the freedom to choose your own place is better than being tied to a fixed restaurant or group meal.

Symi mini shrimps are one of the local specialties suggested for this trip. They are a natural choice if you want to try something connected to the island rather than simply ordering familiar food. Ouzo is another local option, though moderation makes sense when you have a boat ride back.

Swimming is also possible according to the trip description, but the time available and the exact swimming conditions may vary. If you want to swim, keep your plans simple and allow plenty of time to return to the boat. The safer choice is to treat swimming as an option, not the main purpose of the visit.

Why the afternoon schedule works

The timing is the clever part of this trip. A morning visit to Symi can mean stronger heat, more people, and a busier waterfront. This cruise gets you there later, when the light softens and the town often feels easier to enjoy.

You can also spend the morning in Rhodes before leaving. That works well if you have only a few days on the island and want to see Rhodes Town, visit a historic site, or simply have a slow breakfast before heading to the harbor.

The later schedule also gives Symi a different character. You are not trying to squeeze into the same few hours as every other boat. The streets may feel less crowded, and the lower temperature makes the walk more pleasant. Several passengers found this afternoon version more enjoyable than a traditional daytime visit for exactly those reasons.

The trade-off is that you lose daylight for any ambitious exploration away from the harbor. This is not the right trip if you want to tour the entire island or spend hours at a distant beach. It is best for the town, the harbor, food, photographs, and the sunset ride.

The sunset return to Rhodes

The boat leaves Symi after roughly three hours, although one trip provided about two hours and 45 minutes. Allow for that small variation and listen carefully for the return boarding time. Missing the departure would be a serious problem because this is a scheduled transport trip, not a private boat waiting just for your group.

The return is when the cruise earns its name. As the sun drops, the sea and the hills around Symi take on warmer colors. On some trips, the captain stops the boat so everyone can take photographs. The combination of open water, evening light, and the changing view back toward Rhodes can be more memorable than the crossing to Symi.

For the best chance of a clear sunset view, head toward the back of the boat. The upper level gives you a broad view, but expect wind and spray. The lower rear section is the sensible compromise if you want shelter. If you want a particular seat, board promptly rather than waiting until the last moment.

The sunset will not look identical every evening. Clouds, wind, and the direction of the boat all matter. Still, the return timing gives you a strong chance of enjoying a scenic end to the excursion, and several passengers also found the moon particularly striking after sunset.

Is $57 good value?

At $57 per person, this is a good-value way to visit Symi if you want transport and free time rather than a guided program. The price includes the boat tour, the crossing, and about three hours on the island. It does not include food, drinks, or personal purchases.

The fast boat helps the value. A slower service would use more of your limited day simply getting there and back. Here, the trip is five hours overall, with most of the useful middle portion available for Symi itself.

You should budget for at least one meal and drinks on the island. You might also want to allow for a snack or coffee during the wait to board. Even after those extras, the trip compares well with arranging separate transport and then planning your own return.

The value is strongest for people who want a taste of Symi without committing a full day. It is also a good fit for a short Rhodes stay. You can spend the morning in Rhodes, visit Symi in the afternoon, eat there, and return after sunset.

It is less attractive if you dislike speedboats, need a very quiet crossing, or want a fully guided tour. In those cases, a slower ferry or an organized island tour with commentary may suit you better, though this experience offers neither of those features.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, photographers, and anyone who wants a scenic island break with little planning. The three-hour stop gives you enough room to eat and explore without forcing you to fill an entire day.

It also suits repeat visitors to Symi. One useful advantage is that the island can feel different in the afternoon, with less heat and fewer people than during a morning arrival.

People with mobility concerns should think about the steep streets and stairways above the harbor. The boat tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the town itself includes sloping streets and steps, so staying near the waterfront may be more comfortable.

I would be cautious if you get seasick or strongly dislike getting wet. The ride is fast, and splashes can reach the upper deck. Choose the lower level, bring waterproof protection, and keep electronics covered.

What to bring and how to use your time

Pack light, but pack for the boat rather than only for the island. A waterproof phone pouch, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, and a light jacket are all sensible.

You should also bring comfortable shoes. Even if you stay near the waterfront, Symi is better enjoyed on foot, and the upper streets can be steep. Avoid planning a long climb if you have only three hours.

At the harbor, keep an eye on the time. It is easy to sit down for a late meal and lose track of the return departure. I would aim to finish eating with enough time for a final walk and a calm return to the boat.

Finally, choose your seat with purpose. The lower rear section gives protection from wind and spray. The upper rear section gives a more open sunset view. Neither is perfect, so decide if comfort or photographs matter more to you.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi sunset cruise?

Book this trip if you want the best parts of Symi in a compact, well-priced outing: the pastel harbor, three hours of free time, local food, and a sunset at sea. The afternoon schedule is the real advantage, especially during hot summer months.

Skip it if you want a guide, a full island tour, or a dry and gentle ferry ride. For everyone else, the Aphrodite Princess offers a practical route to one of the Dodecanese islands, with enough free time to make the visit feel like your own.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi sunset cruise?

The activity lasts about five hours, including the boat journey and roughly three hours of free time on Symi.

How much does the cruise cost?

The listed price is $57 per person.

Where do I meet the boat in Rhodes?

Go to the Rhodes Sea Lines desk in Mandraki Harbour, directly opposite the National Bank of Greece.

Which boat operates the cruise?

The boat is the Aphrodite Princess.

Is the cruise guided on Symi?

No. The experience provides boat transport and free time on Symi. A guide for the island is not included.

How much free time do I get on Symi?

You get approximately three hours, although one departure provided about two hours and 45 minutes.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, so you pay separately for meals, drinks, Symi mini shrimps, and ouzo.

Can I swim during the stop in Symi?

Swimming is listed as an option, but it is not the main included feature of the tour. You should allow enough time to return to the boat for departure.

Is the boat ride likely to be wet?

It can be. Water splashes may reach the upper deck, especially during faster sections or choppy conditions. Waterproof clothing or swimwear is a sensible choice.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Symi itself has steep streets and stairs in places, so the waterfront may be the easiest area to explore.