Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay

Symi is the star here: a small harbor town lined with colorful houses, seafood restaurants, and steep lanes. The trip adds an hour at St George Bay, where you can swim in clear water before continuing to the island. It is a memorable two-stop day for $48.37, but the sea crossing takes time.

I like the generous three hours in Symi and the simple, useful format: boat transport, a swimming stop, and free time to eat and explore. I also like that hotel pickup is available across Rhodes. The catch is comfort and crowding. The boat can feel full, seats may be hard to secure together, and rough water can make the roughly nine-hour outing feel even longer.

Key points to know before you book

• St George Bay comes first: You get about one hour to swim before the boat reaches Symi.
• Three hours in Symi: That is enough for lunch, the harbor, the main street, and a little shopping.
• A long day at sea: The outward trip can take about two hours, followed by the swim, a 30-minute ride to Symi, and about two hours back.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: The fee depends on where you stay, with different options for southern resorts such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi.
• The boat may be crowded: Arrive early at the meeting point if you want the best chance of sitting together.
• Pack for swimming and motion: Bring a swimsuit, a warm layer, and seasickness tablets if you need them.

Why Symi makes this day worth the long crossing

Symi is one of those places that rewards simply walking around. The port is small enough to cover on foot, and three hours gives you a useful amount of freedom without forcing you into a guided route.

You can stroll along the waterfront, stop for lunch, browse the little shops, and take in the colorful buildings around the harbor. The island feels different from a standard beach outing. Its appeal is the setting and the easy pace, not a long list of formal sights.

The timing works well for a first visit. You have enough time to eat and look around the main part of town, though you may not see every corner. If you want a slow meal, extensive shopping, and time farther beyond the port, three hours may feel tight.

Food is another reason this stop earns its place. Lunch is not included, so you choose where and what to eat in Symi. Seafood is a natural choice, and local Symi shrimp is one dish worth looking for. You also avoid being tied to a fixed group meal, which gives you more control over both cost and menu.

The St George Bay swimming stop

The first major stop is St George Bay, after about two hours on the water from Rhodes. You get roughly one hour to swim, which is long enough to make the stop feel like a real part of the outing rather than a quick photo pause.

The bay is prized for its clear water and dramatic setting. You can put on your swimsuit before leaving Rhodes and be ready to get in as soon as the boat stops. Bring your own snorkel if you want to look beneath the surface. The boat provides woggles, but snorkel equipment is not included.

This is also where the order of the day matters. Swimming comes before Symi, so you may still be damp when you arrive on the island. Pack a towel and a dry layer for the walk around town. One practical improvement would be to put the swim after Symi, but the current order gets the active part finished early.

Weather can change this stop. In poor conditions, St George Bay may be removed from the schedule. One departure did not include the bay because of bad weather, even though conditions later appeared to improve. If the swim is the main reason you are booking, understand that it depends on the sea and weather on the day.

What the boat journey is really like

The boat ride is a large part of this experience. You may spend about two hours going from Rhodes to St George Bay, around 30 minutes from the bay to Symi, and another two hours returning to Rhodes. With boarding and port time included, you should think of this as a full sea day, not a short ferry transfer.

The ride can be smooth, but it can also be choppy. Several people found motion sickness tablets useful, and I would bring them if you know you are sensitive to boats. The rear of the boat can have strong engine fumes, so you may prefer another area if smells bother you.

Boat comfort is the main variable. Some departures have plenty of room, while others feel packed, with people standing or struggling to find two seats together. The vessel has been described as older and in need of a refresh, though the onboard toilets are available and generally kept clean.

The crew is a bright spot. Service is described as friendly and efficient, with drinks, snacks, and a bar onboard. Water has been available at a low price, and soft drinks and snacks have generally been considered reasonable. Card payments can be affected by weak signal near the Turkish border, so carrying some cash is sensible.

If you want to sit with your companion, arrive early. The official meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town, and early check-in can improve your chances of finding seats together. Hotel transfers are convenient, but the vehicle may deliver you after other people have already boarded. A pre-booked place does not necessarily mean a guaranteed pair of seats.

Symi with three hours of free time

Once you reach Symi, you are on your own for about three hours. That is a good fit if you like setting your own pace. You can walk along the waterfront, choose lunch, take photographs, and explore the small shops without following a guide or waiting for a group.

The port area is compact, which makes the free time practical. You do not need a complicated plan to enjoy it. Start with a walk along the harbor, then turn into the main streets and stop wherever the view or menu catches your eye.

I would keep your plans flexible. The crossing can take longer than expected in rough conditions, and the return boarding time matters. You do not want to wander so far that you have to hurry back to the boat.

The island can be busy, especially in high season. That does not erase its appeal, but it changes the mood. If you want quiet streets and a private island feeling, this is not the right expectation. If you want a picturesque Greek port with enough time for lunch and a walk, the stop works very well.

Three hours is enough for most first-time visitors to see the central area. It is not enough for a relaxed exploration of the entire island, and this trip does not provide the time or transport for that. The value comes from seeing Symi as part of a day at sea.

Pickup from Rhodes hotels

Hotel pickup is offered for an extra charge. The cost depends on how far your hotel is from the departure point, with separate options for southern areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi.

This can be worth paying for if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. It removes the need to arrange your own early transport and can make the day feel more orderly. Pickup and return transfers have generally run well, though one departure had a late pickup, so leave some flexibility in your morning plans.

When booking, enter your hotel name in the special requirements field. The operator will then provide your pickup time. Check the pickup variation carefully so it covers your location. The tour ends back at the original meeting point, with hotel return available when included in your chosen transfer option.

If you are staying near the meeting point, making your own way there may be better value and may let you check in earlier. That matters on a busy departure because sitting arrangements are not always ideal.

Is $48.37 good value?

At $48.37 per person, this is an affordable way to combine two highlights in one day. You get the boat trip, an hour at St George Bay, three hours in Symi, and a restroom onboard. The price does not include lunch, drinks, snorkel equipment, or hotel transfers.

The value is strongest if you want both the swimming stop and the island visit. Booking separate transport to Symi and arranging a swim elsewhere would likely take more planning, even though a faster or more comfortable boat might cost more.

The price also explains the compromises. You are paying for a shared boat outing with up to 200 people, not a small-group cruise. The boat may be older, busy, and less comfortable than a premium vessel. If you care most about space, quiet, and a guaranteed seat beside your companion, consider paying more for a faster or smaller option.

For many people, the two destinations make the cost worthwhile. Symi alone is beautiful, and St George Bay adds a proper swim rather than another hour spent only in transit. Just remember that the inexpensive fare is attached to a long day and variable onboard comfort.

How to prepare for the day

A little planning makes a large difference. I would pack:

• Swimsuit worn under your clothes
• Towel and a dry shirt or light sweater
• Seasickness tablets if you need them
• Your own snorkel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Cash for snacks and drinks
• Comfortable shoes for walking in Symi

Bring something warm for the ride home. Even on a sunny day, a long boat crossing can feel cool once you are wet or sitting in wind.

Try to arrive early at the departure point. High-season departures may fill quickly, and early arrival gives you a better chance of finding seats together. If you use hotel pickup, ask for the exact pickup time and allow for possible delays.

Keep lunch plans simple. Three hours sounds generous, but the time includes getting off the boat, walking around, eating, and returning for boarding. A waterfront meal may be tempting, but leave room for a short walk and a few photographs.

The trip is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. Still, the long ride, possible chop, and crowded seating mean it is less suitable for anyone who needs a highly controlled or spacious environment.

Who should book this Symi excursion?

I would choose this outing if you are staying in Rhodes and want a straightforward way to see Symi without arranging your own ferry plans. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who are happy with a shared boat and free time rather than a formal guided tour.

It is especially good for you if swimming in clear water matters as much as seeing the island. The bay is not an afterthought. You get a full hour there, and that gives the day two distinct highlights.

I would think twice if you dislike long sea crossings, get motion sickness easily, or need guaranteed seating. The return ride alone can take about two hours, and the whole day may feel tiring if the sea is rough.

The trip also suits people who like independent exploring. You decide where to eat and how to spend your three hours in Symi. If you prefer a guide explaining every stop or a smaller, quieter boat, this is probably not the best match.

Booking, cancellation, and weather notes

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, and if that number is not reached, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

The activity is offered in English, confirmation is provided at booking, and the maximum group size is 200 people.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if your priority is seeing Symi and St George Bay in one affordable day. The colorful port, free time for lunch, and clear-water swimming stop offer plenty for the price.

Skip it or choose a faster boat if you value comfort more than cost. The crossing is long, seats may be limited, and a rough sea can test even enthusiastic sightseers. For everyone else, arrive early, pack for wet and windy conditions, take motion sickness tablets if needed, and treat the boat ride as part of the adventure rather than a short transfer.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip to Symi and St George Bay?

The complete activity lasts approximately nine hours. The trip from Rhodes to St George Bay takes about two hours, the swimming stop lasts around one hour, the ride to Symi takes about 30 minutes, and the return to Rhodes takes about two hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You have about three hours of free time in Symi. You can walk around the small town, eat lunch, visit shops, and explore the waterfront.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you have free time in Symi to choose and pay for your own meal.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an extra charge. The fee depends on the location of your hotel, so choose the booking option that covers your area and provide your hotel name in the special requirements field.

What is included in the tour?

The boat trip and a restroom onboard are included. Snorkel equipment, lunch, drinks, and hotel pickup are not included in the base price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum number of participants causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.