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

Symi is the prize. This Rhodes boat trip pairs three hours in the island’s colorful harbor town with an hour in the clear water of Saint George Bay. I like the simple plan: swim first, then eat and wander in Symi without being rushed. I also like the price, about $48.37 per person, which is fair for a full-day boat outing.

The catch is the boat ride. You may spend about four hours at sea before reaching Symi and another two hours returning to Rhodes. The boat can be crowded, and some departures have had too few seats, so I would treat this as an affordable sightseeing cruise, not a quiet or luxurious yacht trip.

The current score is strong, at 4.6 from 1,753 ratings, with 93 percent recommending it. That fits the experience: the destinations are excellent, but comfort depends heavily on the boat’s crowding, weather, and where you find a seat.

Key points to know before booking

• Saint George Bay comes first: Plan on roughly two hours by boat before a one-hour swim stop.
• Symi allows three hours: That is enough for lunch, the harbor, colorful streets, and small shops, but not every corner of the island.
• The boat may be crowded: Arrive early at the meeting point or check-in area if you want the best chance of sitting with your group.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: Pickup is available across Rhodes, but the fee depends on your hotel’s location.
• Bring swim gear and warm layers: Wear your swimsuit, pack a towel, and take something warm for the ride after swimming.
• Lunch is your responsibility: You have free time in Symi to choose a restaurant, seafood meal, or quick snack.

The day starts in Rhodes with a long ride ahead

The standard meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. The activity returns to this same meeting point at the end of the day. Hotel pickup is also offered for an extra charge, with the price based on where you stay, including southern areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi.

If you select pickup, write your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking. The operator will then confirm the pickup time. This is useful if you are staying outside Rhodes Town, and several accounts describe the transfer as punctual and easy. One reported a late pickup, though, so I would avoid planning another tight commitment that evening.

The boat can carry up to 200 people. That maximum matters because some departures feel much fuller than others. A few people had to stand, sit separately from companions, or wait to board early on the return trip to secure seats. If you use hotel transport, you may arrive at the boat after passengers who went directly to the harbor.

For that reason, I would get to the meeting point early if possible. An early arrival may give you a better shot at choosing seats together. The boat has indoor and outdoor areas, so you can move below if the wind or rain picks up, but the best seats are not guaranteed.

The boat includes a restroom, which is important on a day with several hours at sea. There is also a bar selling drinks and snacks. Prices have been described as reasonable, but payment can be affected by weak phone signal near the Turkish coast, so carrying some cash is sensible. One account specifically noted that snacks could be cash only.

Saint George Bay rewards the long crossing

The ride to Saint George Bay takes about two hours. Depending on wind and sea conditions, it can be smooth or quite rocky. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual medication before departure. This is not a minor tip. The boat ride is the part most likely to test your patience.

Saint George Bay is the first major stop, with about one hour for swimming. The water is praised for its clarity, and the setting makes the long ride feel worthwhile once you arrive. You can jump in soon after reaching the bay, so wearing your swimsuit under your clothes is a smart move.

The boat provides woggles, also called pool noodles, but snorkels are not supplied. Bring your own snorkel if you want to look below the surface. Several people found the water especially good for spotting fish, though the exact swimming conditions will depend on the day.

There is no included lunch or organized meal at the bay. This is simply a swimming stop, so keep your belongings secure and bring any personal swim equipment you need. You will also want a towel and a dry top for the next part of the day.

The order of the stops is worth thinking about. Swimming before Symi makes sense for the boat schedule, but you may still be damp when you begin walking around the town. One useful suggestion is to pack a warm layer or spare clothes. The return ride can feel cool after an hour in the water, especially if the wind rises.

Weather can also change the plan. Saint George Bay may be removed from the schedule in poor conditions, even if the trip to Symi still goes ahead. One departure lost the swim stop after bad weather information arrived the evening before, while the next day turned out mostly dry. That is frustrating if swimming is your main reason for booking, so keep expectations flexible.

Symi appears after the swim, and it is worth the wait

From Saint George Bay, the boat takes about 30 minutes to reach Symi. The approach is one of the best parts of the trip. The harbor town is known for its colorful houses and compact streets, and the first view from the water gives you a sense of why Symi is such a popular day trip from Rhodes.

You have around three hours of free time. No admission ticket is needed, and the town is small enough to explore on foot. I would use the first few minutes to get your bearings, then choose between lunch, shopping, and a walk along the waterfront.

Three hours gives you enough time to:

• Walk the main harbor street
• Browse small shops
• Stop for seafood or a local meal
• Take photos of the painted houses
• Sit with a drink and watch the harbor
• Explore some of the nearby lanes

It does not give you time to see every part of Symi Island. The scheduled free time is centered on the town, not on a full island tour. If you want a slow meal followed by extensive walking, you may find the stop short. For most people, though, three hours is enough to sample the town without turning the visit into a frantic race.

Food is not included, so you can choose how much to spend. Seafood is a natural choice, and Symi shrimp is a local specialty worth looking for. You can also keep the meal simple and use more of your time for walking. At about $48.37, having lunch separately still leaves the day reasonably priced, but the final cost will depend on your restaurant and any hotel pickup fee.

Symi can be busy during the main season. That is part of the price of seeing such a photogenic port on a popular boat route. Still, the town’s compact scale and colorful buildings give it a character quite different from Rhodes Town.

The return ride is where comfort matters most

After three hours in Symi, you board for the roughly two-hour ride back to Rhodes. This is when crowding, seat choice, and weather become most important. Some departures have plenty of room, while others have had people standing or searching for seats.

If you want to sit with a partner or family member, do not assume that prebooking guarantees neighboring seats. Going directly to the boat early may help. If you use hotel pickup, the convenience is excellent, but you may lose that early boarding advantage.

The rear of the boat may have stronger engine fumes, according to one account. If fumes or motion sickness bother you, try to avoid sitting at the back. An indoor area can help with wind and rain, although it may fill quickly.

The boat itself has received mixed comments. Some people found it clean, pleasant, and spacious. Others described it as old, rusty, messy, or overcrowded. That contrast suggests the boat experience may vary by departure, passenger load, and seating area. The crew, however, is consistently described as friendly and helpful, and the onboard restroom is kept usable.

The journey can also be surprisingly scenic. On a clear day, you may watch the light change over the water, and one late return included a sunset. But I would not book this trip mainly for the crossing. The boat is transportation to two excellent stops, with the swim and Symi carrying most of the value.

What the $48.37 price really gives you

At roughly $48.37 per person, this is one of the cheaper ways to combine Symi and Saint George Bay in one day. The price includes the boat trip and use of the onboard restroom. It does not include lunch, drinks, snacks, or hotel pickup.

The value is strongest if you want a straightforward day out and are comfortable with a large boat. You get a swim in a striking bay, three hours in one of the prettiest small towns near Rhodes, and transport between the two. Organizing those pieces independently could take more time and may not be cheaper.

The price is less attractive if you expect guaranteed seating, a modern boat, or a relaxed cruise atmosphere. A more expensive, smaller boat may suit you better if comfort is your main concern. One account specifically suggested paying more for a more comfortable ride when seasickness or cramped seating is a concern.

I see this as a destination-first deal. You pay for access to Symi and Saint George Bay, not for polished onboard service. That is a good bargain for swimmers, photographers, families, and first-time visitors who want to see both places in one day. It is a weaker choice for anyone who dislikes long crossings or crowded transport.

What to pack for this Rhodes boat trip

A few simple items will make the day easier:

• Swimsuit worn under your clothes
• Towel and spare dry clothing
• Warm layer for the boat ride
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Motion sickness tablets if needed
• Your own snorkel
• Cash for drinks or snacks
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Water and a small bag for wet items

The woggles are useful if you want extra support in the water, but they are not a substitute for snorkeling equipment. You should also plan your Symi meal before you arrive, at least in broad terms. Three hours sounds generous, but time passes quickly once you combine lunch, photos, shopping, and walking.

Who will enjoy this excursion most?

I would recommend it to you if your ideal Rhodes day includes clear water, scenic boat views, a compact town, and a full schedule. It suits active visitors who do not mind a long day and who see the boat ride as part of the adventure.

Families can enjoy it, especially because the swimming stop is long enough to feel worthwhile and the boat has a restroom. Children and less confident swimmers may appreciate the woggles. Still, parents should be ready for sun, wind, changing sea conditions, and possible difficulty finding seats together.

It is also a good fit for couples who want a memorable day outside Rhodes. The combination of the bay, the colorful harbor, seafood, and an evening return can feel special. Just do not count on sitting together unless you board early.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone with serious motion sickness, limited stamina for a nine-hour outing, or a strong need for personal space. The schedule is fixed, the crossing is long, and crowding can affect the experience. If those issues sound familiar, choose a faster or smaller boat, even if it costs more.

Booking, weather, and practical conditions

Confirmation is provided when you book. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The tour is offered in English and operates with a maximum group size of 200 people.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. The trip also depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

The swim stop is the part most affected by weather. If conditions are poor, the schedule may change or Saint George Bay may be removed. Keep your plans for the evening loose, since the day lasts about nine hours and the return sea can be slower than expected.

Should you book the Symi and Saint George Bay trip?

Book it if you want the best sights for a moderate price and can accept a long, sometimes crowded boat ride. Symi is genuinely special, and Saint George Bay gives the day a refreshing swimming break rather than making it only a town visit.

I would arrive early, bring motion sickness tablets, pack a snorkel and dry clothes, and budget separately for lunch and pickup. If you treat the boat as basic transport and focus on the two destinations, this is a strong Rhodes day trip. If your priority is comfort, guaranteed seating, or a quiet cruise, spend more on a smaller and faster option.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip to Symi Island?

The full experience lasts about nine hours. The ride to Saint George Bay takes around two hours, the swim lasts about one hour, the trip to Symi takes about 30 minutes, and the return to Rhodes takes roughly two hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You have around three hours of free time in Symi. You can walk around town, visit shops, eat lunch, and enjoy the harbor.

Is lunch included?

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

Is the swimming stop at Saint George Bay guaranteed?

No. The stop depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, the swimming stop may be removed or the activity may be changed.

How long do we swim at Saint George Bay?

The scheduled swimming time is about one hour.

Are snorkeling masks provided?

No snorkeling masks are listed as included. Woggles are available, so bring your own snorkel if you want to look underwater.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels across Rhodes for an extra charge. The fee depends on the location of your hotel.

Where does the activity start and finish?

The standard start point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rhodes Town. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom on board is included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.