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

Symi rewards the long ride. This full-day cruise from Rhodes combines a scenic journey across the Dodecanese with a swim at St George’s Bay and several hours in Symi’s pretty harbor town. I especially like the clear-water swimming stop and the generous free time in Gialos, where you can eat, browse, and wander without being rushed.

The main drawback is the boat ride itself. It takes about two hours each way, and the open sea can be windy or rough. Seating on the upper deck fills quickly, too, so you need to arrive early if sunshine and wide views matter to you.

The five things to know before you book

• St George’s Bay is the day’s swimming highlight: You get roughly an hour in a strikingly clear, sheltered-looking cove, though the actual swim time can be shorter if arrival or boarding runs late.
• Symi gives you about three hours: That is enough for lunch, a walk around Gialos, shops, photographs, and a relaxed look at the harbor.
• The boat leaves Mandraki Harbour at 10:00: Find the SP Cruises kiosk opposite the Bank of Greece and arrive early, especially in July and August.
• Upper-deck seats are first come, first served: The indoor main-deck saloon has air conditioning, but it offers a different experience from sitting outside.
• The $41 fare is strong value: The cruise, swimming stop, freshwater showers, lifeguard, crew, and Symi visit are included, but food and drinks are extra.
• Pack for two kinds of weather: You need swimwear and sunscreen for the bay, plus a warm layer and long trousers for a windy ride back.

Leaving Rhodes from Mandraki Harbour at 10:00

The meeting point is easy to locate at Mandraki Harbour, at Pl. Eleftherias 85100. SP Cruises operates a kiosk opposite the Bank of Greece, so you are not hunting through a maze of streets or searching for a distant marina.

The boat departs at 10:00 sharp. I would aim to be at the kiosk around 9:15 or 9:30, particularly during the busy summer months. That does not guarantee an upper-deck seat, but it gives you a much better chance. One useful warning from the practical side of the trip: parking near the harbor becomes difficult after 9:00, so arriving by car takes planning.

Once aboard, you can choose between outdoor seating and the indoor saloon. The upper deck is best for open views, photographs, and fresh air, but it is also the windiest part of the boat. The main deck has comfortable air-conditioned seating, which is a welcome refuge if the sea is choppy or the sun becomes too strong.

The boat has a bar, toilets, freshwater showers, and swimming aids such as floats and swimming rings. Snacks and drinks are available, though some passengers find the snacks pricey. The sound system may also be hard to hear from the rear of the boat, so do not rely on announcements alone. Pay attention to the return time and keep your own watch handy.

The two-hour crossing to Symi

The outward journey is part of the experience, not just transport between two stops. As Rhodes recedes, you get a broad view of the Greek coast and the open sea between the islands. The trip offers a different perspective on the Dodecanese, with plenty of time to sit, talk, take photographs, or simply watch the water.

The tradeoff is speed. Several people find the boat slower than expected, and two hours on board can feel long if you want a quick transfer. On calm days, the ride feels relaxing. On windy days, it can be cold on the shaded side and noticeably rough, especially on the return journey.

Bring a light jacket or warm coat even in summer. Long trousers are sensible if you tend to feel cold, and anyone prone to seasickness should consider taking appropriate medicine before departure. A lemon offered by a friendly crew member may help settle the stomach, but it is no substitute for preparation.

The crew receives consistently warm praise for being friendly and helpful. Captain Yannis is remembered for his jokes and easy manner, and on one occasion he welcomed passengers into the steering cabin for photographs and even let them hold the wheel under supervision. That is a pleasant touch, though you should treat it as a bonus rather than something guaranteed on every sailing.

St George’s Bay: clear water and a quick swim

After about two hours, the boat reaches Agios Georgios, also called St George’s Bay. This is a rugged cove known for its clear blue water and dramatic setting. The boat stops offshore or alongside the bay, and you can swim from the vessel for around an hour.

This is the strongest part of the outing for many people. The water is clear enough for seeing fish and other marine life, and the boat provides floats, rings, and other aids for less confident swimmers. A lifeguard is included, and the crew gives instructions before people enter the water.

The word hour needs a little care here. The planned stop is about one hour, but the actual time in the water can be closer to 45 minutes if the boat arrives late or boarding takes time. Getting off through the gangway may be slow because people leave one at a time. Put your towel and shoes where you can reach them, and keep an eye on the time.

The water may feel cool, particularly outside the hottest months. Still, it is generally a very appealing swim for anyone who enjoys a quick dip in open water. Snorkeling is possible, and the clear conditions may reveal fish and sea urchins, but this is not a guided snorkeling trip. Bring your own mask if you want to spend the full stop looking below the surface.

You should also know that the boat can be crowded. Not everyone will find a perfect place to sit, and people who prefer to remain on board may find the hour less exciting than swimmers. If you do not want to swim, you can stay aboard and enjoy the cove from the deck.

The schedule normally has the boat leaving St George’s Bay around 13:00. Weather and safety come first, so the captain can change the program when conditions require it. That flexibility is sensible on an open-water trip, but it means the advertised timing should not be treated as immovable.

Three hours in Gialos, Symi’s main harbor

The boat continues to Gialos, the main port of Symi. Arrival is scheduled for about 13:00, with departure at 16:20, giving you roughly three hours and twenty minutes in the town according to the stated timetable. In practice, allow for the possibility that the usable time may be closer to three hours.

Gialos is the postcard center of Symi. Its harbor is lined with colorful buildings and shops, and the compact setting makes it easy to spend your time without a formal tour or guide. You can walk along the waterfront, browse local art and souvenirs, stop for ice cream, or settle into a restaurant for seafood and other Greek dishes.

Lunch is not included, so budget separately for food and drinks. Three hours is generally enough for lunch and a walk, but it is not enough for a long island tour or a visit to every corner of Symi. The cruise is designed around Gialos, not around seeing the whole island.

I like that the schedule gives you independent time here. You can choose a shaded table, wander at your own pace, or keep things simple with a short harbor walk. The downside is that the town can feel busy when several boatloads arrive, and the heat can be intense in midsummer. Carry water, use sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes rather than relying on beach sandals for the whole visit.

A small beach near the harbor is worth noting if you want another look at the water without leaving town. You might also find that restaurant service takes longer than expected, so do not wait until the final minutes to ask for the bill. The boat leaves on schedule, and missing the 16:20 departure is not a minor inconvenience.

Returning to Rhodes at 16:20

The return crossing is scheduled to reach Mandraki Harbour at about 18:30. Allow a little extra time in your personal plans, since docking may take longer than the printed schedule. One passenger advised planning for 18:45, a useful margin if you have a cruise-ship boarding deadline or an evening reservation.

The ride back can be rougher than the trip out. If the sea is lively, choose the indoor saloon, sit where you feel most stable, and avoid a heavy meal immediately before sailing. If conditions remain calm, the return gives you another long stretch of sea views and a chance to rest after the hot afternoon in Symi.

The boat has a lifeguard and an experienced crew, which adds reassurance during the swimming stop. Still, basic caution matters. Follow the crew’s instructions, use the available flotation equipment if needed, and do not treat the bay as a private pool.

Is the $41 price good value?

At $41 per person, this is a low-cost way to combine transport to Symi, a swimming stop, and several hours in one of the Dodecanese’s most attractive harbor towns. If you paid separately for a boat trip and a day visit, you would likely spend more, and this arrangement removes the need to organize your own sea transport.

The value is best for people who want a full day out rather than a fast ferry crossing. Your fare includes the boat cruise, the St George’s Bay stop, time in Gialos, freshwater showers, crew assistance, and a lifeguard. You pay extra for lunch, snacks, and drinks at the onboard bar or in Symi.

The main cost is your time. With about four hours spent crossing the sea, this is not the efficient choice if your priority is maximizing time on Symi. It is a good deal if you enjoy the journey itself and want the added swimming stop.

Comfort, accessibility, and what to pack

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the crew has helped passengers with mobility scooters on and off the boat. Conditions at the harbor and gangway can still affect how easy boarding feels, so anyone with specific mobility needs should contact the operator before sailing.

Pack the following:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable shoes for Gialos
• A warm coat or jacket for the boat
• Long trousers for a windy return
• A waterproof watch to track the swimming time
• Seasickness medication if you normally need it
• A mask if you want to look for fish while snorkeling

The boat has swimming floats and rings, but do not assume every piece of safety equipment will suit every person. One passenger also raised concerns about the limited first-aid supplies, so take personal medication and small essentials with you.

Smoking is permitted in an upstairs area near the bar and wheelhouse. If you want a smoke-free outdoor seat, check the designated areas before settling in, especially when the wind is blowing across the deck.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

You are a good match for this trip if you want to see Symi without arranging a private boat, enjoy swimming in clear water, and do not mind a long day at sea. Families can make good use of the floats, swimming stop, and easy free time in Gialos. Couples and friends will appreciate the combination of photographs, lunch, shopping, and a relaxed harbor walk.

It also works for solo visitors. The crew has a reputation for being helpful, and the schedule gives you a clear structure without forcing you into a guided walking group.

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, need a quiet and spacious seat, or want a deep exploration of Symi beyond the port. Upper-deck seating is limited, the boat may feel crowded, and the swim stop can be shorter than planned. It is also a poor fit for anyone with a tight evening appointment in Rhodes unless you leave a generous time buffer.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book it if you want a good-value day combining sea views, a memorable swim, and Symi’s beautiful harbor. St George’s Bay is the extra feature that makes this more appealing than a simple port transfer, and the roughly three hours in Gialos give you enough time for lunch and a useful first look at the town.

Arrive early for a better seat, bring warm clothes for the crossing, and treat the swimming time as approximate rather than guaranteed to the minute. If you accept the long ride and possible crowding, SP Cruises offers an enjoyable and affordable way to add Symi to your Rhodes holiday.

Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. The program can change for weather or safety reasons, as it should.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from in Rhodes?

It leaves from Mandraki Harbour at Pl. Eleftherias 85100. The SP Cruises kiosk is opposite the Bank of Greece.

What time does the boat depart?

The scheduled departure from Rhodes is 10:00 in the morning.

How long is the cruise?

The full activity lasts about 510 minutes, or eight and a half hours. The usual schedule runs from 10:00 until about 18:30.

How long does the boat take to reach St George’s Bay?

The boat takes about two hours from Mandraki Harbour to Agios Georgios, also known as St George’s Bay.

Can I swim at St George’s Bay?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop in the bay, normally lasting about one hour. Actual water time may be shorter if arrival or boarding takes longer.

Are swimming aids available?

Yes. The boat provides floats, swimming rings, and other flotation equipment. A lifeguard is also included.

How much time do I get in Symi?

The boat is scheduled to leave Gialos at 16:20. Depending on arrival time, you generally have about three hours to explore, eat lunch, and shop.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the cruise fare. You can buy lunch in Symi and purchase drinks or snacks from the boat’s bar.

Can I cancel the booking?

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