Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore

Symi makes a fine escape from Rhodes. This fast boat ride gives you a simple way to trade Rhodes Town’s medieval walls for Symi’s colorful harbor, with time to eat, shop, swim, or climb the old steps. I like the clear division of the day: a scenic crossing, several hours on your own, then a direct ride home. I also like having both an air-conditioned indoor deck and an open sundeck.

The main drawback is the boarding rush. Outdoor seats fill quickly, and some people push ahead, so arriving early matters if you want a particular spot. The crossing can also be bumpy, noisy, or splashy near the front and outer seats. Still, at $35 per person, this is one of the better-value ways to add another Greek island to a Rhodes stay.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Symi’s harbor is the star of the day: The amphitheater of pastel neoclassical houses rising above the water makes the arrival special.
• The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way: That is long enough for sea views, but short enough to make Symi practical as a day trip.
• You choose your own pace: There is no guided walking tour, so you can shop, eat, climb, swim, or simply sit beside the harbor.
• The boat has indoor air conditioning and outdoor seating: You can escape the heat or claim a spot in the sun, depending on your mood.
• Boarding can be hectic: Top-deck places go first, and the boat leaves promptly.
• Symi time varies by departure: Some schedules allow around three to three and a half hours, while others provide roughly five hours. Check the exact departure before booking.

Why Symi Is Worth the Crossing from Rhodes

Rhodes has plenty to keep you busy, especially inside its medieval Old Town. Symi offers a completely different scene. Its main harbor curves beneath steep hills covered with closely packed houses in soft colors. From the water, the town looks almost theatrical, but it still feels like a working island port rather than a museum set.

I especially like the arrival by boat because you see Symi in the right order. The houses gradually appear around the bay, then the details sharpen as you approach the waterfront. The reflections can be lovely on calm days, and the view gives you the best reason to keep your camera ready before you even step ashore.

This is not a guided cultural tour. You will not have a guide explaining every building or leading you through the island. That is a weakness if you want structure, but a strength if you prefer to choose your own lunch, route, and pace.

Leaving Kolona Harbor with Rhodes Behind You

The trip begins at Kolona Harbor in Rhodes. Look for the Sebeco Lines boat and allow time to find the ticket kiosk or boarding area. Instructions at the harbor are generally clear, but the exact dock can cause confusion, so confirm the departure point before you set off. One useful detail is that some departures may use a nearby harbor area, so do not rely only on a vague map pin.

Once aboard, you can choose the enclosed air-conditioned deck or the outdoor areas. The indoor space is the sensible choice if you dislike heat, wind, or spray. The outdoor deck gives you the better views, but the most desirable places go quickly. If you want a top-level seat, arrive early and expect a queue.

Boarding is the least polished part of the experience. The boat is usually described as comfortable and well organized once underway, but getting on can become a scramble. Keep your party together as you board, since people sometimes spread out across the cabin and separate groups.

The boat is modern and has a bar serving drinks and snacks. Prices have been described as reasonable, with beer costing about €4 on one reported trip. Food and drinks are not included, so you should budget separately if you want refreshments during the crossing.

The Rhodes Harbor Sights You See from the Water

The first part of the ride gives you a different angle on Rhodes Town. From the sea, you can photograph the castle walls, the minarets of the Old Town, the medieval clock, and the Marine Gate. The view helps you understand how strongly Rhodes was shaped by its position beside the water.

Keep an eye out for Naillac Tower, a 46-meter-high medieval remnant, along with the windmills of Rhodes. You will also pass Saint Nicholas Fortress and the Aquarium of Rhodes. These sights come and go fairly quickly, so an outdoor seat is useful if photography is a priority.

The crossing is advertised at about 80 minutes, though actual timing can vary. On calm days, the speedboat makes the ride feel efficient. On rougher water, expect some movement. A few people have found the return crossing noisier, and anyone prone to motion sickness should consider sitting in the air-conditioned area rather than at the very front.

The front and outer top-deck seats can get sprayed with seawater. In hot weather, that may feel refreshing. If you want to stay dry, choose a more sheltered seat and avoid the outer edge.

Entering Symi Bay and the Colorful Harbor

The approach to Symi is the visual high point. The town is built in an amphitheater around the bay, with colorful neoclassical houses climbing the hillsides. From the boat, the arrangement is easy to appreciate because you see the whole curve at once.

The harbor promenade is the natural place to begin. Cafes, restaurants, shops, and bars line the waterfront, giving you plenty of ways to spend a few hours without needing complicated transport. You can sit with a drink, have lunch beside the water, or wander through the small streets behind the port.

Symi is also known for its cats, which you are likely to notice around the harbor and side streets. That small detail adds to the island’s relaxed character, especially if you enjoy taking photographs of local life rather than only collecting postcard views.

The water around the harbor can be wonderfully clear. Some people use their free time for a swim, but the main landing area is not the best choice if your priority is a proper beach. If you want to reach a beach such as St George’s Beach, you need to plan your time and arrange local transport independently. The boat ticket includes no beach transfer.

How to Use Three to Five Hours on Symi

Your exact free time depends on the departure schedule. The published plan allows five hours, but other departures provide about three to three and a half hours. That difference matters. Three hours is enough for the harbor, lunch, shopping, and a short walk. Five hours gives you room for a longer walk or a swim without watching the clock every few minutes.

For a shorter stop, I would keep things simple:

• Walk the waterfront and take photographs from several angles.
• Browse the small shops near the port.
• Stop for lunch or a cold drink.
• Wander a little way into the streets behind the harbor.
• Leave time to return to the boat without rushing.

With more time, you can tackle the Kali Strata, the steep staircase route with roughly 500 steps. The climb offers views over the harbor and town, but it is not a casual stroll in the midday heat. Wear sensible shoes, carry water, and leave enough time to get back down.

A few people have used their free hours to find a swimming spot. Others have stayed close to the harbor and felt that was enough, since the port itself provides the classic Symi views. I like that the trip accommodates both styles. You can work for the views or simply order lunch and watch the boats.

For food, look for local specialties such as Symi shrimp, often served fried. One particularly useful tip is to save room for pastries, cakes, or a milkshake from one of the harbor cafes. You do not need a formal meal plan here. A simple lunch beside the water fits the mood better than trying to race around the island.

The Return Ride to Rhodes

Return times are firm, and the boat has left promptly on many departures. Do not treat the stated departure as a rough suggestion. Check your return ticket and be back at the boarding area early.

Delays have occurred, including one departure that left Rhodes about 15 to 20 minutes late without adding that time to the island stop. Most trips have run on time in both directions, but the practical lesson is simple: use your free time carefully and do not plan a final activity far from the harbor.

The ride back can be a good chance to rest in the air-conditioned cabin. If you sat outside on the way over, you may prefer shade for the return. The crossing can be smooth, though rough patches are part of any sea journey. On clear evenings, you might catch warm light or a sunset on the way back to Rhodes.

Is the $35 Price Good Value?

Yes, provided you want transport and free time rather than a guided excursion. The fare includes the roundtrip speedboat and your time on Symi. It does not include lunch, drinks, a guided tour, beach transport, or other activities.

At $35, the value is strong because the boat removes the difficulty of arranging your own island connection. You get a full day away from Rhodes for less than many organized sightseeing outings, and you still control how you spend your time.

The price is especially attractive for independent visitors. You can choose a modest harbor lunch, skip paid activities, and focus on walking and photography. The cost rises if you add drinks, a large meal, taxis, or a beach visit, but those extras are optional.

Hotel transfers may be offered separately by email before departure. Some people have found this convenient, especially when staying away from Rhodes Town. The transfer is not part of the basic ticket, so check the additional cost before accepting it.

Who Will Like This Trip Most?

I would recommend it to anyone staying in Rhodes who wants to see a second island without booking an expensive private boat. It suits couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who are comfortable organizing their own few hours.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like:

• Scenic boat rides with open-air seating options.
• Pretty harbor towns and photography.
• Flexible sightseeing without a guide.
• Casual Greek food, cafes, and shopping.
• A moderate walk with the option of a steep climb.
• A day trip that offers good value.

It is less suitable if you need a quiet, tightly managed boarding process or a detailed historical explanation. It is also not ideal if you want a guaranteed beach day at the landing point. Symi’s main harbor is beautiful, but proper beaches are elsewhere.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Arrive early if you want a top-deck seat. The outdoor seats fill fast, and shade is limited on Symi itself, especially in summer.

Bring sun protection, water, and a hat. The island can feel very hot, and some walking routes have little shade. Choose the indoor deck if you are sensitive to heat or prone to seasickness.

Keep your return ticket safe and confirm where you need to board in Symi. The boat leaves from the harbor, but a little attention saves a stressful final hour.

Wear shoes suitable for steps if you plan to walk the Kali Strata. A swim can fit into the day, but do not assume the main harbor offers a full beach experience.

Finally, keep your schedule realistic. The boat crossing already takes about 80 minutes each way. With three hours on the island, you need to choose between a leisurely harbor visit, a serious climb, and a distant beach. With five hours, you can combine more of them.

Should You Book the Rhodes to Symi Speedboat?

I would book this trip if you want an affordable, scenic day away from Rhodes and are happy to explore independently. The boat is fast, has air conditioning, offers outdoor seating, and usually runs on schedule. Symi itself gives you striking views, good food, small shops, clear water, and enough variety for a satisfying short visit.

Book with care if your priority is a particular seat, a long beach visit, or a fully guided experience. Arrive early, confirm the harbor details, check how many free hours your departure provides, and return to the boat before boarding begins. For most people, the combination of beautiful scenery, flexible island time, and a $35 fare makes this a very sensible Rhodes day trip.

FAQ

Where does the Symi speedboat trip start?

The trip starts at Kolona Harbor in Rhodes. Look for the Sebeco Lines boat and check the precise boarding area before departure.

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?

The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way.

How much free time do I get on Symi?

The schedule can provide around three to five hours of free time. The exact amount depends on the departure you select, so check the timing when booking.

Is there a guided tour of Symi?

No. The experience includes transport and free time, but no guided tour. You explore Symi at your own pace.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although the boat has a bar and Symi has restaurants, cafes, and shops around the harbor.

Does the boat have air conditioning?

Yes. The boat has an enclosed air-conditioned deck as well as outdoor seating and a sundeck.

Can I sit outside on the boat?

Yes. Outdoor seating is available, but the top-deck seats fill quickly. Arrive early if sitting outside is important to you.

Can I swim during the Symi stop?

Swimming may be possible during your free time, and some people find swimming spots on the island. The main harbor is not described as a proper beach, so reaching a beach may require local transport.

What food should I try on Symi?

Symi shrimp, often served fried, is a local specialty. You can also find restaurants, cafes, pastries, cakes, and milkshakes around the harbor.

Can I cancel the booking?

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