Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island and St George’s Bay

Blue water, pastel houses, and a very fast boat. This Rhodes day trip combines three hours on Symi Island with a swim at St George’s Bay, giving you both a pretty harbor town and a memorable stretch of sea. I especially like the quick crossing and the chance to swim in water that looks almost too blue to be real. The main thing to consider is that Symi gets only three hours, so you will need to choose between lunch, shopping, the beach, and walking uphill for views.

The boat ride is the real time-saver. A high-speed crossing takes about an hour, while slower services can use more of your day getting there and back. The crew also seems to take comfort seriously, handing out fleeces when the wind turns chilly. The 3:15 departure skips the swim stop, so choose your sailing time carefully if St George’s Bay is your priority.

Key things to know before booking

• About one hour to Symi: The fast boat gives you more usable time on the island than a slower ferry.
• Three hours in Symi town: Enough for a meal, a short walk, shopping, or a quick swim, but not everything at once.
• A 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay: The most praised part of the day, with very clear water and dramatic surroundings.
• Choose your departure wisely: The 9:00 and 11:00 boats include the swim stop. The 15:15 boat offers cooler temperatures and a possible sunset ride instead.
• Bring a jacket and towel: The boat can feel cold at speed, even on a warm Rhodes day.
• $55 is fair for the time saved: You pay more than for some slower crossings, but the fast ride and bay stop add real value.

Leaving Rhodes from Mandraki Harbor

The usual departure point is Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town, though the exact meeting place depends on the option you book. You check in near the water, receive your boarding pass, and wait for the boat. One commonly used meeting point is only about two minutes from the central bus station, which helps if you are coming from Lindos, Kolymbia, Faliraki, or another resort by public bus.

Some departures may board at another pickup location, including Vlycha Beach. That can be useful if you are staying near Lindos. Check the selected option closely before booking, since hotel transfers are not included and the starting location can change.

Once aboard, expect a purpose-built high-speed boat rather than a large car ferry. The crossing is quick, and the open-sea ride adds a little excitement without taking up half the day. The boat has individual seats, though the sports-style seats can feel narrow for some people. Bench seating toward the back is available if you prefer more room.

Bring a light jacket even in summer. Several passengers needed one during the crossing, and the crew handed out fleeces when the air felt cold. The ride may be warm in the harbor, then surprisingly cool once the boat picks up speed.

The one-hour crossing to Symi

The first leg usually takes about an hour. That is the big practical advantage of this excursion. You spend less time sitting on a boat and more time looking around Symi, which is why the $55 price makes sense for many people.

The boat travels quickly across the brilliant blue water between Rhodes and Symi. Depending on the sea and your seat, the ride can feel smooth or lively. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where you feel most comfortable and keep your eyes on the horizon. The supplied information does not promise a particular seating arrangement, so arrive ready to follow the crew’s directions.

The crossing is mainly transport, not a guided sightseeing session. You will get coastal views and plenty of sea air, but do not expect a detailed historical talk throughout the journey. That is not a serious weakness if your goal is independent time on Symi. It does mean you should treat this as a scenic boat transfer with stops, not as a fully narrated island tour.

Arriving at Symi’s picture-perfect harbor

Symi’s harbor makes a strong first impression. Turquoise water reaches into a fishing port framed by pastel-colored neoclassical buildings. Church domes add bright points above the houses, and the whole setting feels more carefully arranged than most working harbors.

You arrive in the main town area and have approximately three hours to use as you like. This is independent time, so you are free to set your own pace. You do not need a guide to understand the basic layout of the compact harbor area, and you can easily focus on the things that interest you most.

I would begin with a slow look around the waterfront before committing to lunch. The harbor is the easiest place to get your bearings, compare menus, and decide how far you want to walk. If you want a full meal, allow enough time for it. A long lunch can quietly consume a third of your stop.

How to spend your three hours on Symi

Three hours is a sensible amount of time for a first taste of Symi, but it is not a full island visit. You can comfortably combine two or three modest activities. Trying to do everything will make the stop feel rushed.

For a relaxed visit

Spend the first hour walking along the harbor, looking at the pastel houses, and visiting shops. Then choose a taverna for lunch. Symi is known for its small local shrimp, so this is the place to try Symi mini shrimps if they appear on the menu. You can pair lunch with local ouzo, though meals and drinks are not included in the $55 price.

For a short swim

There is a small beach along the harbor area, and you can use part of your free time there. This is convenient if you want a quick dip without going far from the boat. Save your towel and swimwear for St George’s Bay as well, since that later stop is the stronger swimming opportunity.

For views from above

You can walk uphill toward a church for a wider view over Symi. This is a good choice if photographs and scenery matter more to you than a leisurely lunch. The walk uphill takes time and may feel hot in the middle of the day, so it works better for people who are comfortable trading some harbor time for a higher viewpoint.

For food and browsing

A popular approach is one hour on the waterfront, one hour at the beach, and one hour over lunch. That plan gives you a pleasant introduction, but it leaves little time for the smaller streets and a longer climb. If you want to explore beyond the harbor, shorten the meal or skip the beach.

The key is to pick a priority before you step off the boat. Symi rewards wandering, but the clock does not pause for photographs.

St George’s Bay, the day’s finest stop

After leaving Symi, the boat heads toward St George’s Bay. The exact order can change later in the season. From the end of September and during October, the boat goes to St George’s Bay first so the bay is not already in shade. That matters because sunlight brings out the strong blue and turquoise colors shown in the tour photographs.

The standard 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. You can jump into the clear water, swim, or stay on deck and enjoy the view. Thirty minutes is short, but it is long enough for a refreshing dip and a few photographs without turning the day into a beach outing.

This is the part I would use to judge the excursion. Symi is beautiful and worth seeing, but St George’s Bay gives the boat trip its special character. The bay feels dramatic from the water, and the combination of cliffs, open sea, and bright water is far more memorable than a routine harbor stop.

Bring your own towel and swimwear. Meals and drinks are not included, and there is no promise of beach equipment, so pack simply and keep your belongings secure on the boat. If you do not want to swim, you can enjoy the stop from the deck, but the experience loses some of its value if you are expecting a long shore visit.

The late departure has a different appeal

The 3:15 departure to Symi does not include the 30-minute swim. Instead, it makes a five-minute photo stop at St George’s Bay. That is an important difference, not a small timetable detail.

The late option can be attractive if you dislike the hottest part of the day or want to see Symi when it is less busy. The return trip may also include a sunset, which gives the sailing a different mood. But if your main reason for booking is swimming in St George’s Bay, choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departure.

You also need to check the total duration when selecting a time. The complete outing can take six to nine hours, depending on the departure and pickup arrangement. The listed return sequence includes a sightseeing cruise after the bay, followed by drop-off back at the meeting point or one of the available locations.

What the boat experience is really like

The boat is reported to be new, clean, and comfortable, with individual seating. The high speed is not just a marketing label. It can get to Symi in about an hour and may pass slower boats that left Rhodes earlier.

Comfort has a few limits. The sports seats are not the widest, and the boat can feel cold while moving. A fleece from the crew is a thoughtful touch, but I would still bring a jacket rather than depend on one being available.

The crew receives strong praise for being friendly, attentive, and efficient. They help people settle in, keep the trip moving, and look after those who feel cold. Do not book this expecting constant commentary from a guide, though. The guide may not speak much during the ride, and the main format is independent exploration rather than guided touring.

The boat can also attract other passengers who are enthusiastic about the vessel itself. That is not a problem for most people, but anyone looking for a quiet, private cruise should understand that this is a shared excursion.

Is $55 good value?

At $55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Symi. Slower boat trips can cost less, depending on the sailing and operator. The question is what your time is worth during a Rhodes holiday.

You are paying for speed, a full three hours on Symi, and a stop at one of the area’s most striking bays. If you are staying in Rhodes for only a few days, the quicker crossing can make the island practical without consuming the entire day in transit.

The price does not cover hotel transfers, lunch, or drinks. Add those costs when planning your day. You should also account for transport to the meeting point if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. Still, the package has a clear advantage: it combines transport, free time, and swimming without adding a separate boat outing.

I consider it good value for people who want both Symi and St George’s Bay. It is less compelling for someone who only wants a long, unhurried meal or a slow ferry ride with plenty of onboard space.

The practical details that matter

The activity is offered with English, German, Greek, French, and Italian support. The meeting point varies by booking option, and the activity ends back at the meeting point or designated drop-off location.

Possible return locations include areas around Lardos, Kiotari, Kolymbia Harbor, and Rhodes Town, among others. Confirm your selected departure and return point before paying, especially if you are staying in Lindos or another resort.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your weather plans are not settled. The sea conditions still matter, so keep your schedule flexible when possible.

Pack:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Light jacket or fleece
• Comfortable shoes for walking around Symi
• Money for lunch, drinks, and personal purchases

The high-speed boat is not the place for heavy luggage. Bring only what you need for the day.

Who should book this Symi excursion?

This trip suits you if you want to see Symi without spending many hours on a slow crossing. It also works well for couples, families, and independent visitors who like having a clear transport plan but prefer to explore an island on their own.

It is particularly good for:

• People staying in Rhodes who want a full-day island outing
• Anyone keen to swim in St George’s Bay
• Visitors who value speed and efficient use of holiday time
• Independent explorers who do not need a guide beside them
• People staying near Lindos, Vlycha Beach, Kolymbia, Faliraki, or Rhodes Town, depending on the chosen meeting point

Think twice if you need a wide seat, dislike fast boats, or want several hours to explore Symi’s inland streets. Three hours is enough for a satisfying introduction, not a thorough visit.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

I would book this excursion if you want the best combination of Symi harbor and St George’s Bay in one day. The fast crossing, friendly crew, clean boat, and excellent swim stop explain why the experience earns such strong marks.

Choose the 9:00 or 11:00 sailing if swimming is essential. Choose 3:15 if you prefer a cooler visit, fewer crowds, and a possible sunset, but accept that you will only see St George’s Bay during a short photo stop.

The only real compromise is time. You will need to plan your three hours on Symi rather than simply wander until you feel like leaving. For most people, that is a fair trade for a quick crossing and a swim in remarkably clear water.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi trip take?

The experience lasts approximately six to nine hours, depending on the selected departure and pickup option.

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?

The sightseeing cruise to Symi takes about one hour.

How much free time do I get on Symi Island?

You get approximately three hours to explore Symi independently.

Is swimming at St George’s Bay included?

Yes, the 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay.

Does the 3:15 departure include a swim stop?

No. The 3:15 departure makes a five-minute photo stop at St George’s Bay instead of a swimming stop.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A jacket is also useful because the boat can feel cold during the high-speed crossing.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Lunch, drinks, and other food purchases on Symi are at your own expense.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included, and the meeting point depends on the option you book.

Can I cancel the booking?

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