Cruise to Symi island & St George bay + Transfer & Greek Lunch

Symi looks best from the sea. This full-day cruise combines the island’s pastel harbor, a swim stop at a boat-only bay, complimentary snorkeling gear, lunch, and hotel transfers for $82.90 per person. I like the clean, comfortable boat and the generous three hours in Symi, which gives you time to stroll, shop, and eat without rushing.

I also like the quiet swimming stop at St George Bay, where cliffs and clear water replace the usual beach crowds. The main consideration is that the route can change: the cruise may stop for swimming before Symi rather than afterward, and rough conditions can lead to a different cove or a canceled swim stop.

Five things to know before you book

• St George Bay is reached by boat only: You swim directly from the vessel in clear water surrounded by steep, wild cliffs. There is no standard beach visit.
• Symi time is generous: You get about three hours in the harbor town, enough for a relaxed walk, shopping, and a Greek lunch.
• The boat is called the Doll: It is new, clean, and spacious, with open upper-deck seating and more sheltered seating below.
• Pickup details need attention: Exact collection times and locations arrive by WhatsApp or email, and some hotels use a nearby pickup point.
• The trip can be busy in high summer: The boat may carry up to 220 people, so arrive early if you want the best upper-deck seats.
• Swimming gear is supplied: Snorkels and other equipment are included, and pool noodles may be available for less confident swimmers.

Why this Rhodes cruise works so well

Symi is only a boat ride from Rhodes, yet it feels like a different world. Its harbor is lined with brightly painted neoclassical houses, small restaurants, fishing boats, and yachts. The approach from the water is part of the reward, since the full sweep of the harbor and hills appears before you step ashore.

This cruise adds something many straightforward ferry trips do not: time in a secluded swimming bay. You do not simply sail to Symi, walk around, and sail home. You also get a long pause for swimming and snorkeling in water that several guests described as the most memorable part of the day.

At roughly eight to nine hours, this is a full commitment. You will spend much of the day aboard the boat, so your comfort matters. The Doll has a newer feel, plenty of seating, restrooms, WiFi, and a covered indoor area. On sunny July days, the upper deck can fill quickly, while the lower areas offer shade and a break from the heat.

The listed price is $82.90, including lunch, snorkeling equipment, and transfers. That is fair if you value convenience. You avoid arranging a separate taxi to the port, buying a boat ticket, and sorting out lunch on Symi. Still, check the price at the marina before paying. One booking found the same trip available at the ticket shop for about 20 euros less, so online convenience may come at a premium.

Getting to the port from Rhodes hotels

The published meeting point is Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town, but hotel pickup is offered. This makes the trip much easier if you are staying outside the center, especially in places such as Kolymbia or near the Rodos Palace area.

Do not assume your hotel entrance is the pickup point. Some locations use a nearby meeting place, and one booking from Stegna required a separate taxi to reach the assigned pickup point. That taxi cost 50 euros for the return journey, which can wipe out much of the value of the package.

You receive the important pickup information about 24 hours before departure. The operator also sends a WhatsApp message or email around 9:00 p.m. the previous evening with the exact place and time. Transfers are provided only for bookings made at least 14 hours before departure.

I would check the pickup arrangement before you commit, particularly if you are staying in a smaller resort. Be at the assigned point early. The company does not accept responsibility if you miss the vehicle, and the transfer driver cannot wait indefinitely for late arrivals.

The drivers can be part of the fun. Apostolos, who has handled transfers from Kolymbia and the Rodos Palace area, was praised for his humor and warm manner. Another driver, Apostolus, made the journey enjoyable before the boat ride even began. These are small details, but a friendly, punctual transfer is valuable on a long excursion.

Boarding the Doll and finding a good seat

The boat itself receives some of the strongest praise. It is described as new, clean, comfortable, and more luxurious than competing boats. You can choose open seating on the upper deck or more protected seating downstairs.

Arrive early if you want a place at the front or a prime sunbathing spot. One useful tip is to arrive before the hotel transfer groups reach the port. Once those larger groups board, the best outdoor places can disappear quickly.

The upper deck gives you the best views and fresh air, but it offers little protection from the Rhodes sun. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water. The indoor seating helps during the hottest part of the day, although one report found the interior lacked effective air conditioning. Other bookings found the covered seating comfortable enough for a full-day trip, so expectations should remain practical rather than resort-like.

There is a small food and drink counter rather than a large formal bar. Soft drinks, snacks, and some alcoholic drinks are sold, but the selection may be limited. Cash is important, since one booking specifically noted that the onboard bar accepted cash only.

The advertised cocktail service is a pleasant extra, but do not book this cruise mainly for mixology. The counter may offer drinks such as a mojito or Aperol Spritz, yet availability depends on the staff and stock that day. Snacks are not included, while lunch is.

St George Bay: a swim from the boat

The first scheduled stop is St George Bay, on Symi’s east coast. It is known for its dramatic cliffs, clear turquoise water, and lack of road access. The boat anchors for about 90 minutes, giving you time to swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, or stay on deck with a drink.

This is not a beach stop. You do not walk onto a strip of sand and set up a towel. You climb or step from the boat into the water, then return aboard when you are ready. Some stops may have rocky edges, but the main swimming is from the vessel.

That distinction matters. If you expect a conventional beach day, this is not it. If you enjoy swimming in open water with high cliffs around you, it is one of the strongest parts of the trip.

The water is generally the star here. Snorkeling equipment is included, and pool noodles may be available for people who are not strong swimmers. You should still be comfortable entering the sea from a boat and climbing back aboard. The stop is weather-dependent, and the captain can alter the location if sea conditions are poor.

A few details deserve careful attention. The planned bay may not always be the exact place reached. On one outing, the boat stopped at a smaller nearby cove, while St George Bay could be seen in the distance. Another cruise made a second short swim stop on the return journey, but this is not guaranteed as a fixed feature.

The order can also differ from the advertised plan. Many people expect to visit Symi first and swim afterward, but the boat often goes to the swimming stop first. If you dislike swimming before a hot walk around town, bring a change of clothes and consider your preference before booking.

Three hours in Symi’s harbor town

After the swim, the boat heads to Symi. The approach is wonderfully scenic, with the harbor opening to reveal rows of pastel-colored houses climbing the hillsides. Traditional fishing boats share the water with yachts, and balconies, churches, and narrow streets give the town its distinctive character.

Three hours is a sensible amount of time. You can walk along the harbor, inspect the shops, stop for lunch, and take photographs without treating the visit like a race. It is enough for a first look, though not enough to explore every corner of the island beyond the port.

Symi is attractive but not untouched. The waterfront has souvenir shops, restaurants, and the usual summer crowds. Walk a little away from the main harbor if you want a quieter feel, but keep an eye on the time. The boat will not wait for late returners.

The included Greek lunch adds value, though you should confirm how it is arranged on the day. The town itself has tavernas serving seafood, salads, and local dishes, and several bookings enjoyed eating there. Symi prawns were singled out as a worthwhile choice.

Heat is the main challenge. Symi’s harbor can feel very hot, particularly when you are walking on exposed streets after the morning swim. Carry water, use sunscreen, and save some energy for the walk back to the boat. If you want to browse shops, keep in mind that some businesses may close during the afternoon siesta period.

The best way to use your three hours is simple:

• Walk the harbor first, before spending too long in shops.
• Take photographs from the waterfront and higher streets.
• Stop for lunch without leaving it until the final minutes.
• Keep enough time to return to the boarding point calmly.

The return trip and possible second swim

Some departures include another short swimming stop on the way back to Rhodes. This gives you a second chance to get in the water, and it can be a welcome break after the hot streets of Symi.

However, treat it as a possible feature rather than a firm promise. Sea conditions may prevent the captain from stopping, and the exact cove can change. One trip included two beautiful swimming stops, while another skipped the second stop because the sea was rough.

This flexibility is sensible from a safety point of view, but it can disappoint if you expect a fixed schedule. The captain’s decision controls the route, and conditions around the Dodecanese can shift during the day.

Crowds, timing, and the summer trade-off

The boat can hold up to 220 people. That is a sizeable group, and July departures may feel crowded, especially around the bar, boarding points, and upper deck. Early-season trips can be quieter, with more choice of seating and a calmer feel.

The advertised duration is eight to nine hours, though one journey lasted about ten hours. Sailing times can also run longer than expected. A crossing described as taking 50 minutes took closer to an hour and 20 minutes on one occasion.

This is not a problem if you regard the sailing as part of the day. The coastal views, coves, and open water are pleasant, and the boat is comfortable enough for a long ride. It matters more if you have evening plans or young children who struggle with long hours at sea.

The crew is generally polite, helpful, and efficient. The service is not built around guided commentary, though. If you want detailed explanations about the islands, geology, fish, or local traditions, you may find the experience quiet. If you want to relax, read, sunbathe, and enjoy the view without a running lecture, that can be a benefit.

Who should book this Symi day trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want a convenient first visit to Symi with swimming added. Families can benefit from the transfer service, roomy boat, restrooms, and helpful crew, although you should confirm the pickup point and be ready for a long day.

It also suits couples and friends who care more about scenery, swimming, lunch, and free time than formal guiding. The three-hour stop gives you room to enjoy Symi at your own pace.

You may want another option if you need a small boat, quiet service, or a guaranteed visit to one exact bay. The maximum group size is large, and the route can change with weather and the captain’s judgment. You should also think twice if you dislike entering the water from a boat or spending most of a day in strong sun.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather may result in a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the cruise to Symi?

Book this trip if you want a good-value package with hotel transfer, lunch, snorkeling gear, and a comfortable boat rolled into one day. The strongest reasons to go are the beautiful approach to Symi, the long town visit, and the chance to swim in a secluded cove.

Before booking, confirm your pickup location, check the price against the marina ticket shop, and accept that St George Bay, the route order, and a second swim may change. Arrive early for a good seat, bring cash for the boat counter, and pack dry clothes for the walk around Symi.

For most people staying in Rhodes, this is a rewarding and easy way to see the island. It is not a private sailing adventure, but it delivers plenty of scenery and sea time for the price.

FAQ

How long does the cruise to Symi last?

The experience lasts about eight to nine hours, although some departures may take closer to ten hours depending on sailing conditions and the day’s route.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 10:00 a.m. Exact pickup times and locations are sent by WhatsApp or email before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, transfer from and back to your hotel is included when the booking is made at least 14 hours before the activity. Some hotels use a nearby pickup point rather than the hotel entrance.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and pool noodles may also be available for less confident swimmers.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included. Snacks and alcoholic drinks are not included, although alcoholic drinks are sold onboard to adults.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.