From Rhodes: Cruise to Symi Island and Saint George’s Bay

St George’s Bay is the star of this Rhodes to Symi cruise. After about two hours at sea, the boat stops beside steep rocky cliffs and clear blue water, giving you roughly an hour to swim or snorkel before continuing to Symi. It is a simple setup, but the setting is memorable.

I like the mix of open-sea scenery and island time. You get a refreshing swim in a hard-to-reach bay, then enough time in Gialos to eat, shop, and walk along one of Greece’s prettiest harbors. I also like the price: at $41, it is a strong value for a 510-minute outing, though lunch, drinks, and hotel transport cost extra.

The main drawback is the long boat ride. The trip takes about two hours each way, and the sea can turn rough, especially on the return. Upper-deck seats go quickly, so arrive early if fresh air and a good view matter to you.

Key points to know before you book

• St George’s Bay is the main highlight: Plan to swim, snorkel, or use the float aids during the short stop.
• Gialos gives you about three hours: That is enough for lunch, harbor views, shops, and a relaxed walk, but not a full tour of Symi Island.
• The cruise leaves Mandraki Harbour at 10:00: Find the SP Cruises kiosk opposite the Bank of Greece and arrive early for upper-deck seating.
• The boat has indoor seating and air conditioning: This helps on windy days, when the open deck can feel surprisingly cold.
• The sea crossing can be choppy: Bring a warm layer, and consider motion-sickness medicine if you are sensitive on boats.
• Lunch and drinks are not included: The boat has a bar, while Gialos has restaurants and cafes for your midday meal.

Why this cruise works so well from Rhodes

Symi is one of the easiest and most rewarding island trips from Rhodes. You do not need to arrange separate ferries, taxis, or a complicated timetable. The boat leaves from central Mandraki Harbour, visits a beautiful swimming cove, and then places you right at Gialos, Symi’s main port.

That combination matters. A direct trip to Symi would give you the island, but this cruise adds a proper swim stop in St George’s Bay. A simple beach excursion would give you the water, but not the colorful harbor and old-fashioned streets of Gialos. You get two very different parts of the Dodecanese in one day.

At $41, the value is strong if you want a full day without paying for a private boat. The fare covers the cruise, the swim stop, crew, lifeguard, freshwater showers, and time in Symi. You still need to budget for food and drinks, but the main transport and sightseeing are handled.

The tradeoff is pace. This is not a quick transfer. You spend a large part of the day aboard the boat, and some of that time is simply the price of reaching Symi. I would book it for the scenery and the complete day out, not if you want to maximize time walking around the island.

Finding the boat at Mandraki Harbour

The meeting point is the SP Cruises kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece on Pl. Eleftherias. The location is central, but give yourself time to get oriented around the waterfront rather than cutting it close.

The scheduled departure is 10:00. I would aim to arrive by 9:15 or 9:30, especially in July and August. Upper-deck seating is first come, first served, and early arrivals have a much better chance of getting a place outdoors or near a window.

The upper deck is popular for good reason. You get the best open view as Rhodes fades behind you and the boat heads into the Dodecanese sea. It is also the most exposed area, though, so a sunny morning can turn into a cold, windy ride once the boat picks up speed.

If the upper deck is full, the main saloon has comfortable indoor seating and air conditioning. This is a sensible choice if you are prone to seasickness, traveling with young children, or simply prefer a steadier seat. The boat can feel crowded, with many people wanting the same outdoor spots, so do not assume every passenger will have a place beside the railing.

Parking near the harbor can be difficult after 9:00 in the morning. If you are driving, check the Rhodes parking information before the day of the cruise. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to Mandraki.

The two-hour cruise from Rhodes to St George’s Bay

The crossing is part of the experience, but it requires patience. You spend about two hours on the way to St George’s Bay and another two hours returning from Symi. The slow pace gives you time to watch the coastline and open sea, but it can feel long if you expect constant activity.

I would use the outward journey to settle in, find the least windy seat, and take in the views. The route offers a different view of Rhodes and the surrounding Dodecanese than you get from land. On clear days, the sea and rocky coast make the crossing especially scenic.

The boat has a bar for drinks and snacks. Some onboard items have been described as pricey, so buying water or snacks before departure may save money. A friendly bar team, including Oksana on some sailings, adds to the social feel of the trip.

Captain Yannis has also been singled out for his humor and warm approach. On some departures, he has welcomed passengers into the wheelhouse for photographs and even allowed them to hold the wheel briefly under supervision. That should not be treated as a guaranteed part of the trip, but it gives you an idea of the informal atmosphere that can develop onboard.

The sea is not always calm. Several accounts describe considerable rocking, particularly on the way back. If motion sickness affects you, prepare before departure rather than waiting until the boat starts moving. Sit lower and closer to the center of the boat if possible, keep your eyes on the horizon, and bring any medicine you normally use.

A warm jacket and long trousers are useful even in summer. The shaded side of the boat can become cold and windy during the crossing. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are just as important on the open deck.

St George’s Bay: a short swim in a dramatic setting

After roughly two hours, the boat reaches Agios Georgios, commonly called St George’s Bay. The cove is framed by high rocky sides and has clear water that makes it ideal for a quick swim and some basic snorkeling.

The boat stays for about an hour according to the planned schedule, but the actual water time can be closer to 45 minutes on some departures. Arrival delays and the time needed for people to leave and return to the boat can reduce the swimming period.

That makes this a quick, lively stop rather than a lazy beach afternoon. Have your beachwear on before arrival, keep your towel ready, and listen carefully for instructions. The gangway can move slowly when many people are trying to get off one at a time.

The water is clear enough for fish and other small marine life, so bring a waterproof phone case or a simple mask if you have one. The boat provides float aids, including rings and similar equipment, which helps less confident swimmers enjoy the stop. Freshwater showers are available after you return aboard.

There is no need to swim far from the boat. The setting is the point, and you can enjoy the cliffs and bright water from the vessel if you prefer not to enter the sea. A lifeguard is included, but you should still judge the conditions honestly, especially if the water is cold or the sea is moving.

A waterproof watch is a smart addition. An hour disappears quickly, and it is easy to lose track of time while swimming. You must return promptly because the boat leaves according to the captain’s schedule.

Weather can change the plan. Strong wind or rough water may shorten the stop or alter the order of the itinerary. The captain has final authority for safety, so treat the advertised timings as a plan rather than a promise.

Gialos, Symi’s picture-perfect port

From St George’s Bay, the boat continues to Gialos, the main port of Symi. The approach is one of the best parts of the day. The harbor rises around the water in layers of pastel-colored buildings, giving you an immediate sense of why Symi is such a popular day trip from Rhodes.

You have about three hours in port, with departure scheduled for 16:20. That is enough time for lunch and a walk around the waterfront, though it is not enough for a broad tour of the island or a visit to distant sights.

Gialos is compact and easy to explore on foot. I would first walk along the harbor to get your bearings, then choose a restaurant rather than sitting down at the first available table. Seafood is a natural choice, and the port has plenty of restaurants with water views. Lunch is at your own expense, and service may be slower at some places, so keep an eye on the time.

The town is also good for browsing. You will find shops, local art, souvenirs, and cafes along the harbor streets. The main appeal is not a long list of formal sights. It is the combination of bright facades, boats, steep hills, and relaxed island atmosphere.

Some people find three hours just right. You can eat, stroll, stop for ice cream, and still return without rushing. If you enjoy long hikes, museums, or exploring beyond the port, you may wish for more time. This cruise is focused on Gialos rather than the whole of Symi.

A small beach is located close to where the boat docks, giving you another option if you would rather swim than shop. Still, the earlier stop at St George’s Bay is the better choice for a scenic swim. Use your time in Symi for food and walking unless you have a strong preference for another dip.

The boat leaves on time. Be back well before 16:20, especially if you are connecting to a cruise ship in Rhodes. The return to Mandraki is scheduled for 18:30, though allowing some extra time is wise because sea conditions can affect the arrival.

Comfort, crowds, and practical details

This is a shared boat trip, not a quiet private charter. Seating near the windows and on the upper deck fills quickly. If you arrive late, you may need to use the main indoor saloon or sit in a less desirable position.

That is not necessarily a problem. The indoor section has air conditioning, and it may be more comfortable than the top deck during a windy crossing. The best seat depends on the weather: choose the open deck for views on a calm day, and choose shelter if the sea is rough.

The onboard bar is convenient, but bring your own water and snacks if you want to control costs. Toilets are available, though they may benefit from better upkeep. The boat also has freshwater showers, which are useful after the swim.

The sound system may be hard to hear from the back. If announcements matter to you, sit closer to the front or keep an eye on the crew when the boat approaches a stop. Do not assume every explanation will be clearly audible from every seat.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the crew has helped passengers with mobility scooters on and off the boat. Access can still depend on the boat, harbor conditions, and the person’s needs, so contact SP Cruises before booking if you require specific assistance.

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, comfortable shoes, and a warm layer. Comfortable shoes matter in Gialos, where you will be walking along the harbor and possibly up sloping streets.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those options are useful if your Rhodes plans may change, but they do not remove the need to check the weather forecast before sailing.

Who should take this Rhodes to Symi cruise?

I would recommend it to anyone staying in Rhodes who wants an easy taste of Symi without organizing transport independently. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who enjoy a full day with a clear plan and a good mix of swimming and sightseeing.

It is also a good fit if you value scenery over speed. The long crossing is not wasted time if you enjoy sitting outside, watching the coast, and talking with other people onboard. The crew and lifeguard add reassurance, while the swim stop gives the day more variety than a direct harbor transfer.

Families should like the float aids, freshwater showers, and manageable time in Gialos. Keep in mind that the boat can be windy and crowded, and younger children may find four hours at sea tiring.

I would be more cautious if you get seasick, dislike shared excursions, or want a quiet beach day. The return can be rough, the swim period may be shorter than expected, and upper-deck seating is not guaranteed.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if you want St George’s Bay and Symi in one affordable day. The clear water, rocky cove, and colorful harbor make a strong combination, and $41 is reasonable for the length of the outing.

Arrive early, prepare for wind, bring a towel and warm layer, and keep your expectations realistic about the long crossing. If you do that, this is a practical and memorable way to see Symi from Rhodes, with enough free time to enjoy Gialos without paying for a private boat.

FAQ

Where does the cruise to Symi leave from?

The cruise leaves from the SP Cruises kiosk at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes, opposite the Bank of Greece on Pl. Eleftherias.

What time does the boat depart and return?

The planned departure is 10:00, with arrival back at Mandraki Harbour scheduled for 18:30. The boat leaves Symi at about 16:20.

How long is the stop at St George’s Bay?

The planned stop is about one hour, though the actual time in the water can be closer to 45 minutes if arrival or boarding takes longer.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included. You can buy food and drinks at restaurants in Gialos, and the boat also has a bar.

Is seating on the upper deck guaranteed?

No. Upper-deck seating is first come, first served. The main deck has indoor seating with air conditioning.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, comfortable shoes, and a warm layer for the boat. A waterproof watch can help you keep track of time during the swimming stop.