Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

Symi is the star here: a steep harbor lined with colorful neo-classical houses, reached after a pleasant cruise from Rhodes. Before the island stop, you get a 30-minute swim and snorkeling break at St Marina Bay, a quiet cove reachable only by boat.

I like the mix of sea time and independent exploring. I also like the price, about $47 per person, which is hard to beat for an eight-hour outing with a swimming stop and three hours on Symi. The catch is the long ride, especially on the return, and the swim stop may feel short if you want serious snorkeling.

Key points

• St Marina Bay is the first real highlight: You get 30 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, photos, or staying aboard to enjoy the view.
• Symi gives you three hours ashore: That is enough for lunch, a harbor walk, shopping, ice cream, and a quick look at the island town.
• The boat is practical rather than speedy: Catamarans may reach Symi faster, but this cruise includes a swimming stop that faster options may skip.
• Open-deck seating fills early: Arrive ahead of time if you want a good outdoor place in the sun.
• Bring your own towel and snorkeling gear: Floats are included, but towels, food, drinks, and snorkeling equipment are not.
• Pickup can simplify the morning: Optional transfers serve many Rhodes hotels, but the regular activity begins at the harbor and requires voucher exchange.

Rhodes to Symi: a full day on the water

This is a straightforward island day, not a high-speed sightseeing dash. You board the Rizos Cruises boat at Rhodes Harbour in the morning, sail to St Marina Bay, continue to Symi, and return to Rhodes in the evening.

The total outing lasts about eight hours. That sounds generous, but much of the time is spent aboard. The boat ride can take roughly one and a half to two hours each way, depending on the sailing conditions and schedule. I recommend treating the crossing as part of the experience, not simply as transport.

From the water, you get a different view of Rhodes, with sunshine, open sea, and the pleasure of watching small fishing boats and coastal scenery pass by. Bring a book if you like quiet time, though the open deck and harbor views give you plenty to watch.

The boat has an open sundeck with sunbeds, an air-conditioned indoor area, banquettes, toilets, WiFi, and a bar selling drinks, snacks, and ice cream. The vessel is clean and well organized, but it is not a luxury yacht. Think of it as a comfortable excursion boat designed to carry a full day’s worth of island visitors.

St Marina Bay: a 30-minute swim stop

The first stop is St Marina Bay, a small cove reached by boat. This gives the trip a useful change of pace before Symi. Instead of sitting on deck for the entire crossing, you can get into the water, take photographs, or watch swimmers from the boat.

The water is clear enough for a pleasant swim and a little snorkeling. Floats are provided, but you need to bring a towel and your own snorkeling gear. Biodegradable sunscreen is the sensible choice, especially if you plan to spend the whole day in the sun.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. You have time for a dip and a quick look below the surface, but not for a long snorkel session or a relaxed beach stay. You also remain close to the boat, so this is not a full reef excursion. If your main goal is marine life, you may find the stop limited. If your goal is simply to cool off in beautiful water, it works well.

There are no lockers mentioned for the swim stop. Keep your phone, room key, cash, and other essentials secure and dry. A small waterproof pouch is useful, but do not assume you can leave valuables in a locked compartment while you swim.

The stop is also worthwhile for non-swimmers. You can remain aboard, use the sunbeds, and enjoy the cove without getting wet. That makes the outing easier for mixed groups, since one person can snorkel while another prefers shade and a cold drink.

Arriving in Symi Harbour

After the swim, the boat makes the shorter run to Symi. The approach is the visual reward of the day. Symi Harbour is framed by rows of pastel and brightly painted houses climbing the hillsides, with small fishing boats and local craft adding movement to the water.

The town’s neo-classical buildings give the waterfront a distinctive look. Many excursions to Greek islands focus on ruins or beaches. Symi offers something different: a compact harbor town where the architecture, water, boats, shops, and steep streets create the main attraction.

Your three hours of free time begin when you leave the boat. There is no fixed walking tour, so you can set your own pace. I like that arrangement here because the harbor is easy to understand at a glance, and you can choose between lunch, shopping, photographs, or a longer walk.

Start with a slow look along the waterfront. Restaurants and shops line the harbor, and you can stop for a meal with views over the boats. Three hours is generally enough for lunch, a harbor stroll, ice cream, souvenirs, and a little wandering through the colorful streets.

You should not expect to see every part of Symi in this time. A visit to the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis requires extra time and is not part of this harbor visit. If the monastery is your main reason for coming to Symi, this cruise may not give you enough free time or the right transport arrangement.

For most visitors, though, three hours is a useful middle ground. It gives you a taste of the island without requiring a full day ashore. You can enjoy the harbor at leisure rather than racing from one sight to another.

How much time do you really need in Symi?

The right answer depends on your style. I would find three hours enough for the main harbor area. You can eat, take photographs, browse shops, walk a little uphill, and still return to the boat without panic.

If you prefer long walks, want to visit Panormitis, or plan to explore beyond the harbor, the schedule will feel tight. The boat does not provide unlimited time, and the return sailing follows the planned departure.

Some people may feel that the island stop is slightly too long, especially after they have finished lunch and shopping. Others will appreciate the chance to sit by the water and avoid a rushed visit. This is one reason the excursion works better for a first look at Symi than for a serious exploration of the island.

You also need to factor in the return crossing. After three hours ashore, you may be ready for a quiet ride back. The boat has indoor seating, air conditioning, toilets, a bar, and outdoor areas, so you can settle in. A light jacket helps early and late in the season, and even in summer you may want an extra layer if you sit in the shade.

The boat, seating, and onboard facilities

The boat has plenty of seats, but the best outdoor spots are popular. Arrive early if you want a sunbed or a good place on the open deck. One useful tip is to sit in the sun on the return journey if you found the shaded area cool on the way out.

There is an air-conditioned section for hot weather, along with indoor banquettes. That matters on an eight-hour trip, since you will probably want to switch between sun and shade. The boat also has toilets, which is a small but important comfort on a long crossing.

The onboard bar sells drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Food and drinks are not included in the price, so budget for them or eat before boarding. Prices are described as reasonable, but this is still worth planning for if you are traveling with children or want lunch before reaching Symi.

WiFi is included, though the quality of a connection at sea can vary. Do not rely on it for anything important. The more dependable entertainment is the view, especially when approaching Symi Harbour.

The crew speaks Greek and English. Instructions are given clearly over the boat’s announcement system, and the crew handles the practical side of the day. You will still need to keep track of the departure time in Symi. Free time means you are responsible for returning to the boat on schedule.

Is $47 good value?

At about $47 per person, this is a strong-value way to see Symi from Rhodes. The price covers the cruise, the St Marina Bay swimming stop, three hours of free time on Symi, use of the open deck and onboard facilities, floats, WiFi, and insurance.

The biggest value is the combination. A simple boat crossing might get you to Symi, but this trip also adds a swim stop and gives you an organized return to Rhodes. You do not need to arrange separate boat transport or work out your own schedule between the island and the harbor.

The tradeoff is speed. More expensive catamarans can make the journey faster. That may appeal to you if you want to maximize time on Symi or dislike long ferry rides. This slower boat has a different advantage: it includes the swim at St Marina Bay, which faster services may not offer.

You should also allow extra money for lunch, drinks, snacks, and shopping. A towel is not included, and snorkeling gear is not included. The boat provides floats, but you should pack your own equipment if snorkeling matters to you.

The overall rating is 4.4 from 387 reviews, which fits the experience as described: well organized, clean, friendly, and good value, with the main weaknesses being the long crossings and brief swim time.

Getting to the boat and handling pickup

The main meeting point is Rhodes Harbour. Look for the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY, and arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat before boarding.

The activity information asks passengers to check in between 8:00 and 8:30, though you should confirm the exact start time when booking. Morning departures vary by availability.

Optional pickup is available from many Rhodes hotels. The transfer service covers areas including Rhodes Town, Ialysos, Kremasti, Faliraki, Kallithea, and several large beach resorts. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the basic cruise price, so check the selected option carefully.

If you book a transfer, wait at the assigned point 10 minutes early. The bus carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen, and the driver waits no longer than two minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes, so stay at the pickup point and keep your phone available.

Enter your phone number correctly when booking. The operator may contact you by WhatsApp or phone with the pickup location, time, and vehicle details.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would choose this cruise if you want a simple way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday without renting a boat or arranging separate transport. It suits couples, families, and mixed groups where some people want to swim and others prefer sightseeing.

It is also a good choice for first-time visitors to Symi. The three-hour visit lets you see the famous harbor, enjoy a meal, and get a feel for the island without committing to a longer stay.

You may want another option if you dislike long boat rides, need a great deal of time on land, or want a serious snorkeling trip. The swim stop is pleasant but short, and the snorkeling area is close to the boat. You should also think twice if visiting Panormitis is essential, since the free time in Symi is centered on the harbor.

Families should pack towels, water, sunscreen, and a few snacks. Children may enjoy the swim and ice cream, but the long return sailing can feel slow. An indoor seat, a book, or a quiet game can make the ride easier.

What to pack for the day

Bring a towel, beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and snorkeling gear. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season, and it can help if you sit in the shade or feel cool during the return trip.

Keep valuables to a minimum during the swim. Since no locker is specified, a waterproof pouch for a room key and phone is a practical addition.

Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably. Symi’s harbor is easy to explore, but you may want to wander beyond the waterfront and up some of the colorful streets. Also leave room in your bag for small purchases.

The boat does not allow weapons or sharp objects. Smoking indoors and littering are not allowed, and explosive substances are prohibited.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book it if you want good value, an easy schedule, and a first taste of Symi. The St Marina Bay swim breaks up the crossing, while three hours in Symi gives you enough time for lunch, photographs, shopping, and a harbor walk.

Do not book it expecting a fast catamaran, a long snorkeling session, or a full island tour. The return trip is slow, and the swim stop is only 30 minutes. For about $47, though, the balance is appealing: a clean, well-equipped boat, friendly English-speaking crew, a beautiful cove, and one of the Dodecanese’ most photogenic harbors.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps, but the real decision is simpler: if you can handle a full day at sea, this is one of the more practical and affordable ways to see Symi from Rhodes.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi cruise last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours, including the boat rides, the 30-minute stop at St Marina Bay, and approximately three hours of free time in Symi.

How long is the swimming stop at St Marina Bay?

The swimming and snorkeling stop lasts 30 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, take photographs, or stay aboard and enjoy the cove.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Floats are included, but you need to bring your own snorkeling gear. Towels are also not included.

Is food included on the boat?

No. Food and drinks are not included. The boat has a bar selling drinks, snacks, and ice cream, and you can also buy lunch during your free time in Symi.

Where does the cruise start and end?

The cruise starts and ends at Rhodes Harbour. Optional pickup and drop-off services are available for selected hotels at an additional or selected-option cost.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at least 20 minutes before the activity begins. Check-in is listed between 8:00 and 8:30, and you must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the DISCOVERY boat.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.