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

Symi’s colorful harbor is the star of this day, but the best surprise comes first: a 45-minute swim at St. George Bay, where clear emerald water meets a rugged cliff-lined shore. You then have roughly three hours to eat, shop, and walk around Gialos before the boat returns to Rhodes.

I like the simple two-part plan: a memorable swim stop and enough free time in Symi to set your own pace. The main drawback is the long boat ride, especially on the return, and lunch, drinks, towels, and snorkeling gear cost extra or must be supplied by you.

Key points to know before booking

• St. George Bay comes first, with about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling from the boat.
• Symi gives you around three hours, enough for lunch, harbor photos, shopping, and a relaxed walk.
• The boat ride is part of the experience, with views of Rhodes and the Dodecanese coast, but it can feel long.
• Hotel transfers are optional, and they worked particularly well for people staying as far away as Pefkos.
• Simiako garidaki, Symi’s small shrimp cooked in olive oil, is the local dish to look for.
• The $51 price is strong value if you want both a boat outing and a full visit to Symi in one day.

Why this Rhodes to Symi cruise works so well

This is not a quick ferry crossing followed by a short look around. It is a full 8.5-hour outing that combines open-water views, a swim in a striking bay, and several hours on one of the Dodecanese’s most photogenic islands.

You get two very different experiences in one day. St. George Bay is quiet and wild, with no town competing for your attention. Symi is the opposite: a compact harbor lined with colorful houses, churches, cafes, seafood restaurants, and small shops.

I like that the day does not force you into a guided walking route in Symi. You can use your three hours for a seafood lunch, a slow harbor stroll, handmade jewelry, spices, clothing, or simply sitting by the water with a cold drink.

The tradeoff is time. The boat takes much of the day, so this is not the right choice if you prefer to spend every hour on land. It suits you best if the journey itself sounds enjoyable and you want to see Symi without arranging a separate ferry, taxi, and island plan.

Starting in Rhodes: meeting point or hotel transfer

If you arrange your own way to the boat, check in between 9:15 and 9:40 in the morning at the operator’s office on Gallias Street 6, beside the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. You receive your boarding pass there before heading to the boat.

That meeting point is useful if you are staying near Rhodes Town and want the least expensive option. Allow enough time to find the office, collect your boarding pass, and reach the departure area without rushing.

Hotel pickup and return are not included in the basic fare, but you can select a transfer option. Pickup areas cover a wide part of the island, including Rhodes Town, Ialysos, Ixia, Faliraki, Kallithea, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefkos, Pefki, Kiotari, Gennadi, Lartos, Kremasti, and other locations.

If you are staying away from Rhodes Town, I would seriously consider paying for the transfer. It removes the need to organize transport before an early start and after a long day at sea. Pickup times are sent after booking, and the operator asks you to contact them by WhatsApp if the details do not arrive.

The transport service received especially strong praise for punctuality. Pickups were described as early or right on time, including for people staying in Pefkos. The return can take longer because the vehicle may make several stops, so do not plan a tight evening appointment.

The boat ride from Rhodes to St. George Bay

The cruise begins with the long outward run toward Symi. The journey takes you across the Dodecanese waters, with scenic views on the way and a different view of Rhodes as you leave the island behind.

This is a day boat, not a private yacht. The available information does not give a passenger capacity, so you should expect a shared excursion rather than a quiet private charter. The boat has drinks, snacks, and alcohol available for purchase, but these are not part of the $51 fare.

Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and a change of clothes. That last item matters. After swimming, you will still have the boat ride to Symi and the return journey to Rhodes, so staying in wet swimwear for the rest of the day may not be comfortable.

The sea can make the crossing feel long, especially on the way back. One return journey was described as about two hours, with good views of Rhodes Old Town. I see that as part of the bargain: you give up some time in transit to reach an island that is not practical to visit in a short land excursion.

St. George Bay: the day’s best swim stop

After the first section of the cruise, the boat pauses at St. George Bay for about 45 minutes. This is the active part of the day, so have your swimwear and towel ready rather than buried in a suitcase or beach bag.

The bay is known for clear water and a dramatic natural setting. You can jump from the boat for a swim, try snorkeling, or stay on board and enjoy the view. The water has been described as so clear that you can see the bottom even in the deeper section.

Do not expect a conventional beach visit. The stop is from the boat, and the information provided does not mention a shore landing. That means less time dealing with sand and more time in the water, but it also means you should be comfortable getting in and out of the boat.

Snorkeling gear is not listed among the included items, so bring your own if you have it. The stop is short enough that you should not expect a long snorkeling session. It is better understood as a beautiful swim break that adds variety to the day.

I would put your phone away or use a waterproof case. St. George Bay is one of the main photo moments, but the water itself is the point. With only 45 minutes, you will want to spend most of the stop swimming rather than searching through your bag.

Arriving in Symi through the natural harbor

The approach to Symi is one of the strongest parts of the cruise. As the boat enters the natural harbor, the island’s colorful buildings appear around the water, backed by dry hills and marked by large churches.

Gialos, the harbor area, is compact and easy to explore on foot. The first sight is made for photographs: rows of painted buildings, boats in the water, cafes along the shore, and the steep, dry setting behind the town.

This arrival also gives you a useful sense of scale. Symi’s harbor district is small, so three hours is enough for a satisfying visit without trying to cover an entire island. You can walk, stop for lunch, browse shops, and return to the boat without spending the day watching a clock.

The colors and architecture are the main attraction, so take a few minutes simply to look around before buying anything. The harbor is more enjoyable when you see it from the water first and then compare that view with the street-level details.

Three hours in Gialos: food, shops, and free time

You have about three hours in Symi, sometimes described as roughly three hours and 20 minutes depending on the day’s timing. That is a useful amount of time, but not enough for a long island tour away from the harbor.

Start with a walk along the waterfront. You will find cafes and fish restaurants, along with stalls selling sponges and spices. The town also has handmade jewelry, clothing, and gift shops, making this a better stop for browsing than for a rushed meal followed by a quick photograph.

For lunch, look for Simiako garidaki, the local baby shrimp cooked in olive oil. It is one of the island’s signature dishes and a good reason to choose a seafood restaurant rather than treating Symi as only a photo stop.

Food and drinks are not included, so budget for lunch separately. The $51 price covers the boat ticket and the St. George Bay stop, not your meal, refreshments, shopping, or equipment.

I would avoid using all three hours at the first restaurant you see. Walk a little, compare menus, and keep track of the boat departure time. Missing the return boat is not a small inconvenience, and the free time is generous enough to enjoy lunch without rushing if you plan sensibly.

Shopping is easy to fit in. Sponges and spices connect directly to the island’s local character, while jewelry, clothing, and gifts offer more familiar holiday purchases. If you want handmade items, the free-time format lets you browse at your own speed rather than being pushed through a scheduled shop visit.

Returning to Rhodes after a full day at sea

The trip back is typically around two hours, although the full day includes the broader route and loading times. You can use the return crossing to rest, have a drink, and watch Rhodes come back into view.

The return boat provides a different angle on the island, including views toward Rhodes Old Town. This is a pleasant final scene, but it also explains why the day can feel tiring. You have already had an early start, a long crossing, a swim, several hours of walking, and another boat ride.

Hotel transfers make the last part easier if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. The service covers many resort areas, but extra hotel stops may lengthen the ride. If you are staying in Pefkos, Lindos, or another southern resort, the transfer is likely worth considering simply because it lets you stop thinking about transport.

The operator has a free-cancellation policy up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms give you some flexibility, though you should still check the exact option you select, especially if you add hotel transportation.

Is $51 good value?

At $51 per person, this is good value for a full-day island outing if you would otherwise need to arrange your own boat trip to Symi. You get round-trip boat tickets, a dedicated swimming stop, and about three hours in Symi.

The price is less attractive if you only want a ferry ride and a long, quiet day on land. A large share of the experience is spent on the water, and food, drinks, hotel transfers, towels, and snorkeling equipment are extra.

The value improves if you make use of both parts of the day. Swim at St. George Bay, then have lunch and explore Symi instead of treating the stop as a quick harbor photograph. The tour is also useful for anyone who wants to visit two destinations from Rhodes without changing hotels.

The overall rating is 4 out of 5 from 157 ratings, and the strongest recurring themes are punctual transfers, friendly staff, a smooth schedule, and the beauty of Symi and St. George Bay. Those are the practical details that matter most on a long excursion.

Who should book this trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A full-day outing from Rhodes with several different activities
• A chance to swim in clear water without arranging a separate beach trip
• A first visit to Symi focused on Gialos and the harbor
• Free time rather than a tightly managed guided walk
• Optional hotel transport from many Rhodes resort areas
• A reasonably priced way to combine sightseeing and time at sea

It is especially suitable for couples, families with older children, and anyone who enjoys scenic boat journeys. Swimmers will get more from the St. George Bay stop, but you can remain on the boat if you do not want to enter the water.

I would think twice if you dislike long boat crossings, need a quiet private setting, or want several hours to explore beyond Symi’s harbor. This is a shared, structured day with one main town visit, not an independent island stay.

Practical packing advice

Bring the basics listed by the operator, but think about how they work together over a long day:

• Swimwear for St. George Bay
• A towel and a full change of clothes
• Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat
• Comfortable shoes for walking around Gialos
• Money or a card for lunch, drinks, and shopping
• A waterproof phone case if you want photos from the swim stop

Wear your swimwear under your clothes if possible. You will save time when the boat reaches St. George Bay, and the stop is short.

Keep your boarding details and phone charged, especially if you use hotel pickup. The operator provides pickup information after booking and lists WhatsApp support if the message does not arrive.

My verdict: book it for the combination

Book this Rhodes to Symi cruise if you want more than a simple ferry transfer. The St. George Bay swim gives the day an outdoorsy break, while Symi supplies the food, photos, shopping, and harbor scenery.

The main question is not the price. It is how you feel about spending several hours on a shared boat. If you enjoy being on the water, $51 is a fair deal for two destinations in one day. If you want maximum time on land, choose a shorter transport-only option if available.

For the best day, add the hotel transfer if you are staying outside Rhodes Town, bring your own snorkeling gear, reserve time for Simiako garidaki, and keep the final evening free. Symi is worth the boat ride, but you should enjoy the crossing as part of the experience rather than treating it as a minor inconvenience.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi trip last?

The activity lasts about 8.5 hours. The schedule includes a boat journey from Rhodes, a 45-minute stop at St. George Bay, about three hours in Symi, and the return cruise.

Is swimming included?

Yes. A swimming stop at St. George Bay is included, with about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling from the boat.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You have free time in Symi to buy lunch, including the local Simiako garidaki baby shrimp cooked in olive oil.

Can I get picked up from my hotel?

Yes, but hotel pickup and return are optional rather than included in the basic fare. Pickup options cover locations including Rhodes Town, Lindos, Faliraki, Pefkos, Pefki, Ialysos, Ixia, and other areas.

Where do I check in if I do not use a transfer?

Check in between 9:15 and 9:40 in the morning at the office on Gallias Street 6, beside the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. You receive your boarding pass there.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. Snorkeling equipment, food, and drinks are not listed as included, so bring or purchase them separately.