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

Symi is the star here: a compact harbor town framed by pastel neoclassical houses, bright church domes, and clear blue water. The high-speed boat gets you there in roughly an hour, leaving more time for wandering than the slower crossings.

I like the generous three-hour stop in Symi and the chance to swim from the boat at Saint George’s Bay. The main catch is that the swim lasts only about 30 minutes, and the 15:15 departure does not include a swimming stop.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Reach Symi in about an hour: The fast crossing saves considerable time compared with slower boat services.
• Three hours in Symi: You have time for the harbor, uphill lanes, shops, lunch, and perhaps a swim.
• Saint George’s Bay is a boat-only style stop: Swim from the vessel in clear water beneath steep cliffs, with about 30 minutes in the bay.
• Departure time changes the experience: The 9:00 and 11:00 trips include swimming. The 15:15 sailing offers a five-minute photo stop instead.
• Bring a jacket or use a supplied fleece: The ride can feel chilly and windy, even on a warm Greek day.
• Hotel transfers can reduce stress: They are available with some options, but pickup arrangements require close attention.

Why This Rhodes to Symi Trip Works So Well

At $69 per person, this is a strong-value day trip if your goal is to see Symi without spending most of the day getting there. The fast boat makes the difference. You still spend a fair amount of time at sea, but the crossing to Symi takes about an hour rather than the longer sail offered by slower boats.

You get two very different experiences in one outing. Symi gives you a picturesque harbor town with time to explore on foot. Saint George’s Bay gives you a short, refreshing swim in a remote-looking cove. That combination explains the trip’s broad appeal.

I would not book this expecting a guided history tour. Your three hours in Symi are independent, and no named guide is provided for the town. That suits people who like to set their own pace, but you will need to do your own sightseeing and planning.

The trip runs about six to nine hours, depending on your departure and pickup arrangement. The exact meeting point can vary, so check your selected option carefully before setting out.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor on the Fast Boat

The standard cruise begins at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes, although some options include pickup from other locations or hotel transfer arrangements. If you drive to the harbor, arrive at least an hour early. Parking can be difficult, and a last-minute search for a space is a poor way to begin a boat day.

Arriving early also helps if you want a particular seat. The upper deck fills quickly, and people with long legs may want to arrive early for seats with more room. Some seats are described as slim, with limited space beneath the seat ahead. Sofa-style seats are available on the boat, but they can go quickly.

The boat ride is fast, lively, and exposed to the wind. On calm days, the crossing can feel smooth and easy. On rougher days, the speed and open sea can make the ride bumpy, so anyone prone to seasickness should consider taking suitable medication before departure.

The crew has received strong praise for helping people board and leave the boat. Fleece jackets may be offered when the air turns cool, a small but useful touch on the return ride. You should still bring a towel, swimwear, and a light layer.

The first part of the journey is sightseeing from the water. Rhodes recedes behind you, and the open sea becomes the main view. The speed is part of the fun, though it also means you should not expect a quiet, slow cruise with long commentary about every island.

Symi Harbor Looks Like a Painted Postcard

The approach to Symi is the visual high point of the outward journey. The harbor curves around clear turquoise water, with rows of pastel houses climbing the surrounding slopes. Neoclassical buildings, colorful shutters, and church domes give the town a polished yet distinctly Greek appearance.

This is not a place you need to rush through with a checklist. The harbor itself is the main attraction, and simply walking along the waterfront gives you a fine introduction. You can stop for photographs, browse small shops, sit at a cafe, or find a taverna for lunch.

The town also rewards a little uphill effort. Narrow lanes lead away from the water, and the higher you climb, the better the views back across the harbor. Three hours is enough for a pleasant introduction, but it is not enough to explore every corner of the island. Think of this as a focused visit to the main port rather than a full island tour.

A few practical points matter here. Public toilets are not readily available, so cafes and restaurants become useful stops. The heat can also be intense in the middle of summer, especially if you climb above the waterfront. Early and late departures offer different advantages, while a midday visit can feel hot and crowded.

How to Spend Your Three Hours in Symi

The three-hour stop is well judged for most people. You can combine several small pleasures without turning the visit into a race.

Start with a walk around the harbor. The waterfront is lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops, and the clock tower area is a useful point for getting your bearings. Take photographs before sitting down for lunch, since the sun and crowds can change the feel of the waterfront as the day progresses.

Then head uphill through the narrow streets. You do not need a major hike to find attractive views. Even a modest climb gives you a better sense of how the houses rise above the port.

Save time for a meal or snack. Symi is known for its small local shrimp, often served fried. They are a good choice if you want something closely tied to the island rather than a generic beach lunch. Local ouzo is another traditional option, though remember that you still have a boat ride back to Rhodes.

You can also swim in Symi if you prefer a longer, more relaxed swim than the later stop allows. Several experiences in the town can be combined, including a waterfront meal, souvenir shopping, a short walk, and time near the water.

The tradeoff is simple: three hours feels ample for a first visit, but some people may find it slightly long once they have walked the harbor and eaten. Others will appreciate the breathing room, especially if they want to climb uphill or sit over lunch rather than keep moving.

Saint George’s Bay Gives the Day Its Best Swim

After leaving Symi, the boat travels along the coast toward Saint George’s Bay. The cove is known for its clear water, steep rocky surroundings, and a small church near the shore. Goats may be visible on the cliffs or beach, adding a distinctly Greek-island touch to the scene.

For the 9:00 and 11:00 departures, the boat stops for about 30 minutes. You can swim from the boat, stay on deck, or simply enjoy the setting. Pool noodles may be available for less confident swimmers or anyone who wants to float without effort.

The water is the main attraction, and it is easy to understand why this stop receives so much attention. After walking around Symi in the heat, even half an hour in the sea feels welcome.

Still, 30 minutes passes quickly. You need to allow time to get ready, enter the water, climb back aboard, and dry off before departure. Strong swimmers may find the stop too short, especially if they hoped to swim all the way toward the shore. Treat it as a refreshing taste of the bay, not a full beach afternoon.

The captain can change the route or swimming stop if weather conditions require it. In late September and October, the order may change so Saint George’s Bay is visited before Symi. This helps preserve the sunlight and color of the water, since the bay can become shaded later in the day.

Choose Your Departure Time Carefully

The departure schedule changes the character of the trip more than many people expect.

The 9:00 sailing gives you a full daytime outing and includes the Saint George’s Bay swimming stop. It is a good choice if you want the clearest plan and enough daylight for both locations.

The 11:00 sailing also includes the 30-minute swim. It may suit you better if an early start is inconvenient, though the heat at Symi can be stronger around the middle of the day.

The 15:15 sailing does not include a swimming stop. Instead, you get a short photo stop at Saint George’s Bay. Its advantages are a less busy and cooler visit to Symi, followed by the possibility of sunset colors on the return to Rhodes. Choose it only if swimming is not important to you.

On Fridays, the 17:00 night cruise returns around 22:00 and does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photos. This option gives you an evening visit to Symi, but it is a different product from the daytime swim-and-sightseeing outing.

Comfort, Transfers, and Small Practical Details

The high-speed boat is efficient, but comfort depends on the sea and your seat. The rear seats may need extra cleaning from drink or food spills, and the boat can feel crowded at busy times. Arriving early helps with seating, especially if you want more legroom or an upper-deck position.

The crew is generally described as friendly and attentive, with staff helping people on and off the boat. Music and occasional captain announcements can add to the mood, though you should not expect a formal lecture about Symi.

Hotel transfers are available with selected options and can make the day much easier if you are staying away from Rhodes Town. Pickup arrangements need care, however. Keep an eye out for the correct minibus and confirm the departure point rather than assuming the driver will call each name. If you are using a transfer, be ready early and stay visible.

There are multiple possible drop-off points around Rhodes, including Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lardos, Kiotari, and other resort areas. Check your chosen option, since the meeting point and return location depend on the booking.

Meals and drinks are not included. Plan to buy lunch in Symi, where you can choose from the waterfront tavernas. Bring your own towel and swimwear, and pack a light jacket for the boat.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and reserve-now-pay-later booking can help if your plans are still shifting. Those terms are useful, but the more important decision is choosing the right departure time.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most?

I would recommend it to anyone staying in Rhodes who wants to see Symi in a single day without committing to a slow, lengthy crossing. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, and independent sightseers who prefer free time over a tightly guided program.

It is also a good match for photographers. The harbor buildings, uphill views, church domes, and Saint George’s Bay provide plenty of attractive scenes, especially in the softer light of the later departure.

Swimmers should choose the 9:00 or 11:00 option. If you dislike getting wet, the 15:15 sailing offers the scenery without promising a swim, though the photo stop is brief.

I would be more cautious if you are highly sensitive to motion, dislike crowded boats, or need a long, quiet swim. The crossing can be rough, the seats are not universally comfortable, and the bay stop is short. The trip is designed to cover a lot in one day, not to provide a slow beach escape.

Should You Book the Rhodes to Symi Speedboat?

Yes, if you want the best balance of speed, scenery, free time, and price. At $69, the trip gives you transport to a beautiful neighboring island, about three hours to explore independently, and a memorable swim stop on the daytime departures. That is a useful package for a Rhodes holiday.

Book the 9:00 or 11:00 departure if Saint George’s Bay matters to you. Pick 15:15 for cooler sightseeing and sunset views, and choose the Friday night sailing only if you specifically want an evening outing.

Arrive early, allow extra time if driving to Mandraki Harbor, and do not forget a towel and a warm layer. If you can accept a fast, sometimes bumpy boat and a short swim, this is one of the more efficient ways to add Symi to your Rhodes plans.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi trip take?

The full experience lasts about six to nine hours, depending on the departure time, route, and pickup option. The boat crossing to Symi takes about one hour.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore Symi independently. You can walk around the harbor, climb through the narrow streets, shop, eat at a taverna, or swim.

Which departures include swimming at Saint George’s Bay?

The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swimming stop at Saint George’s Bay. The 15:15 departure offers only a five-minute photo stop.

Does the Friday 17:00 cruise stop for swimming?

No. The Friday 17:00 night cruise does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photos and returns to Rhodes around 22:00.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included. You can purchase lunch and refreshments at one of Symi’s traditional tavernas or cafes.

What should I bring?

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