Luxury Boat Trip to Symi Island with Swimming at St. George Bay

Symi rewards the early start. This day cruise pairs two very different pleasures: a swim in boat-only St. George Bay and three free hours to explore Symi Town’s handsome harbor and Old-World charm. I like the clean, well-presented boat, the included snorkeling gear, and the clear schedule from Rhodes to the island and back.

The main catch is size. With space for up to 220 people, this is a lively group outing rather than a quiet private cruise. The ride can also feel bouncy at times, so anyone prone to seasickness should plan carefully.

Key points to know before booking

• St. George Bay is reachable only by boat, giving you a rare swim stop away from roads and crowds on Symi.
• You get about three hours on Symi, enough for a proper look around rather than a rushed photo stop.
• Snorkeling equipment is included, but lunch and drinks are not.
• The boat can carry up to 220 people, so expect a social, shared excursion rather than an intimate sailing trip.
• Hotel pickup is available for an added fee, with the amount based on your hotel’s location on Rhodes.
• The day runs from about 10:00 to 18:00, with departure from Rhodes Town and return to Mandraki Harbor.

Why Symi makes such a good day trip from Rhodes

Rhodes has plenty to keep you busy, but Symi offers a gentler change of pace. Its harbor is known for elegant, colorful buildings climbing the hills around the water. The setting feels more polished and old-fashioned than the larger island, with a compact center that is easy to explore on foot during your three-hour stop.

I like the balance here. You are not asked to spend the entire day on a boat, and you are not confined to a short island photo stop. Three hours gives you time to walk along the waterfront, take in the architecture, stop for lunch, and shop or sit for a drink before returning to the harbor.

The tour calls Symi the Jewel of the Dodecanese, which is a familiar travel phrase, but the appeal is easy to understand once the harbor comes into view. The steep hills, bright facades, and calm water make the arrival itself one of the day’s best moments.

The free time is also useful because food is not included. Instead of being tied to a fixed group meal, you can choose where and when to eat in Symi. That gives you more control, though you will need to budget separately for lunch and drinks.

Setting out from Rhodes Town at 10:00

The scheduled departure is every day at 10:00 from the harbor in Rhodes Town. The listed meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rhodes 851 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point, while the boat returns to Mandraki Harbor at about 18:00.

If you are staying near Rhodes Town, getting to the meeting point is part of the planning you need to handle yourself. Hotel pickup is offered from all hotels on the island, but it costs extra. The fee depends on where you stay, with separate pricing for areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, and other parts of Rhodes.

Write your hotel name in the special requirements field when you book. The operator then sends the pickup time. One pickup ran at 07:30 from a hotel, reaching the port around 09:10, so a hotel transfer can make this a very early morning, especially from the south of the island.

That early start is worth keeping in mind. You should not choose this outing based only on the 10:00 boat departure. Your actual day may begin much earlier if you are staying far from Rhodes Town.

Communication appears to be one of the stronger parts of the operation. Confirmation is issued at booking, and pickup details may be sent by email and WhatsApp shortly before departure. Still, check your messages the day before and allow plenty of time for the transfer and port check-in.

The boat ride and the feel of a large group

The boat used for the outing is called Doll. It has been described as clean and well presented, with a welcoming crew and good equipment. That gives the trip a more polished feel than a basic ferry crossing, though you should keep your expectations in check.

This is not a small yacht charter. The stated maximum is 220 people, and a full sailing can feel busy. One passenger enjoyed the organization and equipment but would have preferred a more private atmosphere. That is the clearest trade-off in the price: you get a pleasant boat trip and a full itinerary without paying for an exclusive vessel, but you share the experience with a large crowd.

The open-water journey can also be slightly bouncy. That is normal for a sea crossing, and the boat handled it well, but the motion may bother you if you are sensitive to waves. Sit where you feel most comfortable, keep water nearby, and consider your usual seasickness routine before leaving Rhodes.

The return crossing has the same character. It is a useful time to rest after the island stop, but it is still a sea journey, not a smooth land transfer.

St. George Bay: a swim stop with no road access

St. George Bay is scheduled as the first stop. This striking natural bay on Symi’s east coast can only be reached by boat, which is what makes it feel separate from the island’s harbor towns and roads.

The water is described as crystal clear, and the setting is framed by turquoise water and wild natural surroundings. The boat anchors here for about 1 to 1.5 hours. The published details vary slightly, so I would plan on roughly an hour to 90 minutes rather than counting on a precise long stop.

This is a simple stop, but a very good one. You can swim, use the supplied snorkeling equipment, and enjoy the rare chance to see a quieter side of Symi. There is no need to organize a separate beach transfer or search for a public swimming area. The boat brings you directly into the bay.

You should bring whatever personal swim items you need, but the tour includes snorkeling equipment. Food and drinks are not included, so do not assume refreshments will be provided during the swim stop. The available information does not promise a meal service onboard.

The stop works best for people who are comfortable getting into open sea from a boat and then returning to the vessel when called. If you prefer a sandy beach, a long shore stay, or a fully structured water-sports session, this may feel brief. If you simply want a beautiful swim in clear water, it is one of the strongest parts of the day.

Three hours in Symi Town

After St. George Bay, the cruise continues to Symi for about three hours. This is the heart of the excursion, and the generous amount of time makes a real difference.

Use the first few minutes to get your bearings around the harbor. Symi’s appeal is visual, so do not rush straight into shopping or lunch. Walk along the waterfront and look up toward the hillside buildings. The architecture is the reason many people remember Symi long after the boat ride ends.

You can make the stop as active or relaxed as you like. A simple plan might include:

• Walking beside the harbor and photographing the hillside buildings
• Finding a waterfront place for lunch
• Browsing shops and local displays
• Sitting with a drink and watching boats come and go
• Taking a slower walk through the compact town center

Three hours is enough for a pleasant introduction, but not enough to see every part of the island. You should not treat this as a full Symi tour. It is a focused visit centered on the harbor area and the atmosphere of the town.

Lunch is at your own expense, which is both a limitation and a benefit. The price does not cover food or drinks, but you are free to choose your own meal rather than accepting a fixed menu. Keep an eye on the return time, since the boat will not wait for a late lunch.

I also like that the stop gives you a break from the group. Even with a large boat, you can spend the island portion at your own pace. You may still see other people from the cruise around the harbor, but the three-hour window gives you room to spread out.

What $88.67 buys you

At $88.67 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to combine transport, a swim stop, and several hours on Symi. The value is strongest if you are already in Rhodes and want to visit Symi without arranging separate ferry tickets, local transport, and a boat trip to St. George Bay.

The included snorkeling equipment adds a small but useful saving. Hotel pickup can also make the day easier, although the extra fee may change the total cost considerably if you are staying in southern Rhodes.

The price does not include lunch or drinks, so add those costs before comparing the tour with other options. You are also paying for convenience and structure. The boat leaves at a set time, stops at the bay first, gives you three hours on Symi, and returns to Rhodes the same day.

The value is less clear if you want privacy, a small group, or a slow sailing day. A maximum of 220 people means the experience can feel organized and busy rather than personal. For many people, that is a fair exchange for reaching both St. George Bay and Symi in one day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a straightforward day away from Rhodes with a strong mix of scenery and free time. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who like having transport arranged but do not want every minute controlled by a guide.

It is particularly good for:

• First-time visitors to Symi
• People who want a swim stop as well as town time
• Anyone staying in Rhodes without their own boat
• Visitors who prefer a set schedule and hotel transfer options
• Swimmers who appreciate included snorkeling equipment

You may want another option if you dislike large groups or feel unwell on moving boats. The journey can be bouncy, and the vessel may carry many people. The tour is also less suitable if you want a full day at a beach, since the main swim stop lasts about an hour to 90 minutes and the rest of the day is spent traveling or exploring Symi.

The activity is listed as suitable for most people, but the information does not provide a detailed accessibility assessment. If you have specific mobility needs, contact Half Price Tours before booking.

Timing, weather, and cancellation details

The full outing lasts about eight hours. The boat leaves Rhodes at 10:00 and is expected back at Mandraki Harbor around 18:00. Allow additional time if you use hotel pickup, especially from Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, or other southern areas.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows local time.

The experience is often reserved about 18 days ahead, so booking early makes sense if your Rhodes dates are fixed. Just make sure you select the pickup option that covers your hotel and provide the hotel name when booking.

Should you book the Symi and St. George Bay trip?

Book it if you want the easiest way to see Symi and swim at St. George Bay in one well-organized day. The strongest features are the beautiful boat-only bay, three useful hours on Symi, included snorkeling equipment, and clear transport arrangements.

Skip it if a crowded boat would spoil the day for you or if you want a private sailing experience. At $88.67, it offers good value for a full day of transport and sightseeing, but the extra pickup fee, meals, drinks, and large-group setting are important parts of the decision.

For most visitors based in Rhodes, I would choose this trip for the combination of scenery and free time. Go prepared for an early pickup, a slightly rolling sea, and a busy boat, and you should get a memorable look at one of the Dodecanese islands’ most attractive harbors.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Symi last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. It departs Rhodes at 10:00 and returns to Mandraki Harbor at approximately 18:00.

Where does the tour start?

The listed meeting point is Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The boat departs from the harbor in Rhodes Town.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from all hotels on Rhodes for an additional charge. The fee depends on how far the hotel is from the departure area, including whether it is in the south of the island.

What should I provide when booking hotel pickup?

Enter the name of your hotel in the special requirements field. Half Price Tours will provide the pickup time.

How much time do I get in Symi?

You get about three hours in Symi. This is free time, so you can explore, eat lunch, shop, or walk around the harbor at your own pace.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Are lunch and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You have free time in Symi to arrange and pay for lunch yourself.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather causes the tour to be canceled, you will be offered another date or a full refund.