Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Symi is closer than you think. This $90 trip takes you straight from Kolymbia Harbor to one of the Dodecanese’s prettiest islands, without the early bus ride to Rhodes Town. I especially like the direct harbor departure and the generous three hours to explore Symi at your own pace.

The 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay is another strong point. The main consideration is timing: this is a full eight-hour outing, and the boat keeps to its schedule. Arrive early, because late passengers may be left behind rather than delaying everyone else.

Key points to know before booking

• Direct from Kolymbia Harbor: You avoid the usual road transfer to Rhodes Town and board close to many Kolymbia hotels.
• Three hours in Symi: Enough time for the harbor, lunch, photos, shopping, and a relaxed walk without racing back to the boat.
• St George’s Bay swim stop: You get about 30 minutes in clear water on the return journey.
• Fast boat service: The high-speed vessel cuts down sailing time and gives you more time ashore.
• Lunch is not included: Budget separately for a taverna meal, Symi mini shrimps, or a glass of local ouzo.
• Strict departure times: The crew may leave on time, so treat the stated boarding time as firm.

Why the Kolymbia departure matters

Many Symi excursions from Rhodes begin with a road transfer. That can mean an early morning, a coach ride, and extra time spent getting to the main port before the sea journey even begins.

This trip starts at Kolymbia Harbor, which is a major advantage if you are staying in the resort. One passenger described the harbor as only a five-minute walk from their hotel. That will not apply to every accommodation, but it shows why this option can be far easier than a coach-based day trip.

The departure also tends to be later than the early starts used by other operators. One reported schedule had the boat arriving at Kolymbia at 10:15, with passengers boarding and leaving soon after. The boat reached Symi around noon. Check the current departure when booking, since start times can change.

I like this setup because the day begins at a reasonable hour. You are not trading away breakfast just to reach Rhodes Town. You also avoid a hot bus ride, which matters during the Greek summer.

There is one point to watch. The boat may make an operational stop in Rhodes Town to drop off or collect passengers. One departure included a short five-minute pause, giving people views toward the old town and castle beside the harbor. This was described as a quick stop, not a long visit, but it can add a little variation to the journey.

The high-speed ride across the Dodecanese

The main attraction here is not a slow, leisurely ferry. It is a fast boat service designed to get you to Symi and back while leaving useful time on the island.

From Kolymbia, you travel across the bright blue sea toward Symi. The ride gives you open coastal views and a fresh perspective on the Dodecanese. If you enjoy being on the water, sit where you can see the shoreline and keep your camera ready as the boat approaches the harbor.

A high-speed boat can also mean more motion than a large ferry. The available information describes the service as fast and smooth, but conditions at sea can vary. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a stable seat and bring any usual remedy with you. The price does not include such extras.

The boat has been praised for its service and condition, but the exact seating arrangement is not provided. You should expect a shared boat rather than a private cruise. One account referred to a large group of around 100 passengers on a departure, so do not book this expecting a quiet, intimate sailing experience.

The crew communicates in English, and the experience is wheelchair accessible. For detailed boarding help, it is still sensible to confirm the practical arrangements before departure, since harbor access and boat boarding can differ by vessel.

Arriving in Symi Harbor

Your first view of Symi is one of the strongest parts of the day. The boat enters a fishing harbor framed by pastel-colored neoclassical buildings. Houses climb the hills around the water, while church domes add small flashes of color above the rooftops.

This is a place where arrival itself feels like part of the sightseeing. Have your phone or camera ready before the boat reaches the harbor, since the best broad view comes as you approach from the water.

Symi is not presented as a guided walking tour. You get approximately three hours of free time, which means you decide how to use the visit. That freedom is useful, but it also means you need to manage your own clock.

The harbor area is the natural place to begin. You can walk along the waterfront, browse shops, look at the fishing boats, and stop for a drink. The colorful buildings make even an unplanned wander worthwhile.

You may also choose lunch at one of the traditional tavernas. Food is not included in the $90 price, so leave room in your budget. The local specialties suggested for this trip are Symi mini shrimps and ouzo. The shrimp are associated with the island and make a more distinctive choice than ordering the same meal you might find anywhere in Greece.

Ouzo is strong anise-flavored liquor, usually enjoyed slowly with food. Since you still need to return by boat, keep the tasting modest. A sunny harbor lunch and a short swim later in the day are a better combination than overdoing the drinks.

Making three hours in Symi work for you

Three hours is a useful amount of time, but it is not a full island exploration. You should think of this as a focused visit to Symi’s harbor town, not a chance to see every corner of the island.

I would use the time in this order:

• First, walk along the harbor and take in the buildings from the waterfront.
• Next, choose lunch or a drink at a taverna.
• Use the remaining time for photos, small shops, and a relaxed stroll.
• Return to the meeting point early rather than squeezing in one last purchase.

This plan leaves a little breathing room. The boat operates on a fixed timetable, and the crew has shown that it will not hold the departure for late passengers. That policy is fair to the people who arrived on time, but it makes your own watch important.

The three-hour stop also works well for families and couples who dislike tightly managed sightseeing. You can choose a slow meal, divide up for a while, or simply sit near the water. On the other hand, independent explorers hoping to visit distant parts of Symi will find the stop too short.

There is no guide leading you around the town, so you will not receive a formal explanation of the buildings or local history. That is a weakness if you prefer structured sightseeing. It is a strength if you want to set your own pace and avoid following a flag through crowded streets.

St George’s Bay: the payoff on the return

After leaving Symi, the boat passes through St George’s Bay, a striking coastal inlet known for its clear water and dramatic setting.

The excursion includes a 30-minute swim stop. You can get into the water or stay on deck and enjoy the sun. Several departures have reportedly stayed longer than the advertised half hour, but you should treat 30 minutes as the reliable promise rather than expecting extra time.

This stop changes the rhythm of the day. Symi gives you colorful buildings, food, and harbor wandering. St George’s Bay gives you open water and a chance to cool off before the ride back to Kolymbia.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to enter the water quickly. A towel, sun protection, and a dry bag for your phone are also sensible, though they are not listed as included items. Since the provided details do not specify onboard changing facilities, arrive prepared to keep the stop simple.

The swim is optional in practical terms because you can remain on deck. That makes the trip suitable for mixed groups, where one person wants to swim and another would rather enjoy the views.

Still, do not book this solely as a beach day. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, not several hours, and the main purpose of the excursion is the combination of Symi and a short swim. If you want a long, unhurried swim, a dedicated beach outing would suit you better.

Is $90 good value?

At $90 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day in the Dodecanese. The value comes from what the price saves you in time and hassle.

You are paying for the high-speed boat, the direct Kolymbia departure, three hours in Symi, and the St George’s Bay swim stop. You are not paying for lunch, drinks, or a guided tour. Add those costs when planning your day.

The direct departure is the key value point. If you are staying near Kolymbia Harbor, avoiding a bus transfer to Rhodes Town can make the price easier to justify. You also gain a later morning and more comfortable start.

A slower ferry or coach-and-boat package may cost less, but it can involve more transfers and a longer day. The high-speed service is useful if your priority is maximizing time in Symi rather than spending hours getting there.

The price is less attractive if you are already staying near Rhodes Town and want the cheapest possible crossing. It is also less suitable if you dislike a fixed schedule or would rather spend a full day swimming from a quiet beach.

With a 4.9 rating from 76 published ratings, the experience has a strong record for service and organization. The most consistent praise centers on the direct harbor boarding, the smooth boat ride, and the swim at St George’s Bay.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to you if you are staying in Kolymbia and want an easy day trip to Symi. It is especially useful for couples, families, and anyone who prefers not to start a holiday excursion at dawn.

You will probably enjoy it if you like a mix of scenery, independent sightseeing, local food, and a short swim. The three-hour stop gives you room to choose between lunch and wandering instead of forcing you into a formal program.

It also suits people who want an English-speaking host or greeter and a straightforward shared excursion. The service is listed as wheelchair accessible, which makes it worth considering for travelers who need accessible arrangements, though you should confirm the exact boarding setup before booking.

I would hesitate if you want a guided cultural tour, a quiet private boat, or several hours at sea for swimming. The boat can carry a large group, and the itinerary is fixed. You need to be comfortable with other passengers, firm departure times, and only a short stop at the bay.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at Kolymbia Harbor early. The clearest lesson from the operating schedule is that late boarding is a real risk. The boat may leave at the stated time even if someone is missing.

Wear shoes that are easy to remove if you plan to swim, and pack sun protection for the open-water portions. Keep your phone secure near the water and bring enough money for lunch and drinks in Symi.

Do not fill all three hours with a long meal. The harbor is the main attraction, and you will want time for photos and a walk. If Symi mini shrimps interest you, ask for them early rather than leaving lunch until the final part of your stop.

Check availability for the exact start time. Reported departures have included a boat arriving at 10:15 and reaching Symi around noon, but this should not be treated as a permanent timetable.

Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also lets you hold a place without paying immediately, which is useful when your plans are still shifting.

Should you book the Kolymbia to Symi boat?

Book it if convenience matters. The direct harbor departure, fast crossing, free time in Symi, and St George’s Bay swim make this a strong full-day choice from Kolymbia.

I would pay the $90 when I wanted to see Symi without a pre-dawn coach ride. I would skip it only if I wanted a guided tour, a private boat, or a long beach stop. Arrive early, budget for lunch, and treat the schedule as firm. Do that, and this is an efficient and enjoyable way to fit Symi into a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs from Kolymbia Harbor.

Where does the experience end?

The trip ends back at Kolymbia Harbor, the original meeting point.

How long does the excursion last?

The total duration is approximately eight hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time to explore Symi independently.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a taverna is at your own expense.

Is the swim at St George’s Bay included?

Yes. The experience includes a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay.

Do I have to swim at St George’s Bay?

No. You can swim or stay on deck and enjoy the sun and views.

What language is available?

The host or greeter and the listed service language are English.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.