Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

A beautiful island day starts at sea. This Rhodes to Symi cruise pairs a short swim and snorkeling stop at St Marina Bay with three hours to wander Symi’s handsome harbor, making it an easy way to see more of the Dodecanese without arranging ferries yourself. I especially like the chance to reach a bay accessible only by boat, and I like that the cruise begins and ends at Rhodes Harbour.

The main trade-off is time on the water. The boat is slower than the more expensive catamarans, and the return crossing can feel long after your Symi visit. Still, at about $47 per person, the combination of transport, a swimming stop, open-deck seating, and free time on Symi is strong value.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• St Marina Bay is the first real highlight: You get about 30 minutes to swim, snorkel, or stay aboard and enjoy the clear water.
• Symi gives you three hours ashore: That is enough for lunch, harbor photos, shopping, and a good walk through the town.
• The boat has useful basics: Expect an open sundeck with sunbeds, an air-conditioned indoor area, toilets, WiFi, floats, and a snack and drink bar.
• Arrive early for the best outside seats: The boat can have plenty of seating, but the sun deck is the popular spot.
• The crossing is part of the day: Plan for a long ride in each direction and bring a book, light jacket, or something to occupy you.
• Pickup depends on your booking option: You may meet at the harbor, or arrange an optional transfer from one of the listed Rhodes hotels.

Setting Sail From Rhodes Harbour

The day begins in the morning, with check-in at the desk in front of the boat. Look for the Rizos Cruises vessel named DISCOVERY, and arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. The instructions also ask passengers to be at the meeting point between 8:00 and 8:30, depending on the selected starting time.

That early arrival matters. You must exchange your voucher for entry, and the boat may leave on time or even a little early. If you have chosen hotel pickup, wait at the agreed point 10 minutes before the scheduled transfer. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen, and drivers wait only two minutes after the pickup time, with possible delays of up to 15 minutes because of traffic.

Once aboard, you can choose between the open sundeck and the enclosed air-conditioned area. I would head outside early if you want a sunbed or one of the better views. The outdoor area is ideal for watching Rhodes recede across the water, though shade can feel cool during the longer ride, especially in spring or autumn.

A light jacket is sensible at the beginning and end of the season. In July and August, sun protection matters more. Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a hat if you use one, and water for the crossing. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase, but food and beverages are not included.

St Marina Bay: Thirty Minutes in Clear Water

The first stop is St Marina Bay, a small inlet reached by boat. The vessel pauses for roughly 30 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, take photographs, or simply sit on deck while others use the water.

This stop gives the cruise its extra appeal. A standard ferry to Symi gets you from one harbor to another, but this trip breaks up the crossing with a proper swim. You can use the floats provided, and you are welcome to bring your own snorkeling gear. Towels are not supplied, so pack one in a beach bag.

The water is described as crystal-clear, and the bay is attractive even if you decide not to get wet. The stop is short, so organize yourself before the boat arrives. Keep your phone, room key, wallet, and other valuables secure. There is no stated locker service, and the boat does not provide a special storage arrangement while you swim.

Snorkeling here is pleasant, but you should set your expectations sensibly. This is not presented as a reef expedition, and you are instructed not to swim far from the boat. One practical benefit of the short stop is that non-swimmers are not left waiting for a large part of the morning. If you want a long snorkel session or coral viewing, this is not the right trip.

The timing also depends on the sea and the day’s operation. Some people will feel that 30 minutes is just right. Others will wish for a longer swim or a second stop on the return journey. I would treat St Marina Bay as a refreshing bonus rather than the main purpose of the cruise.

The Cruise to Symi and What You See Along the Way

After St Marina Bay, the boat continues toward Symi Harbour. The crossing offers a different view of the Dodecanese than you get from inland Rhodes. You will see Rhodes from the water early in the journey, then pass smaller boats and fishing craft as you approach Symi.

The boat is a conventional cruise vessel rather than a fast catamaran. That means a steadier, slower rhythm. The trip can take around two hours in each direction, and the ride back may feel especially lengthy after several hours ashore. One useful strategy is to bring a book, download a podcast, or simply treat the crossing as time to rest.

The vessel has banquettes and an indoor air-conditioned section, along with an onboard toilet. Those details matter on an eight-hour outing. You are not relying on a tiny speedboat with nowhere to sit, and you can move inside if the sun becomes too strong or the wind picks up.

The onboard bar sells drinks, snacks, ice cream, and lollies. Prices have been described as reasonable, but you should still bring cash for purchases on the boat and on Symi. WiFi is listed as available onboard, although I would not plan your whole day around a strong connection at sea.

Symi Harbour: Three Hours Among Neoclassical Houses

Symi is the centerpiece of the excursion. When you approach the harbor, the first thing to notice is the wall of colorful neoclassical houses rising around the water. Their painted facades and orderly shapes give the port a look quite different from Rhodes Town.

The three-hour stop is self-guided. You disembark and make your own plans, with no fixed group walk or formal sightseeing program. That freedom is useful because Symi works well at an unhurried pace. You can sit by the harbor, eat lunch, browse shops, take photographs, and wander the streets without racing after a guide.

For many people, three hours is the right amount. It allows time for a leisurely meal, a walk around the port, ice cream, souvenirs, and plenty of harbor photographs. It also gives you a taste of the island without turning the day into a complicated expedition.

The limit becomes clearer if you want to go well beyond the harbor. A visit to the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis, for example, requires additional time and transport planning. The cruise does not include that excursion, so you should not expect to see the whole island in one stop. If Panormitis is your main reason for visiting Symi, a longer independent stay would make more sense.

You might also find that the waterfront is enough for one visit. The harbor has the classic views, restaurants, and shops, while the streets behind it offer a closer look at the town’s painted houses. I would spend the first hour walking and photographing, the second on lunch, and the final hour shopping or relaxing near the water.

Food, Shopping, and Free Time on Symi

Food is not included, but three hours gives you a natural chance to buy lunch on the island. You can choose a harbor restaurant, stop for something quick, or keep the meal short and use more time for exploring.

If you care most about photographs, go first. The harbor views are the reason many people come, and an early walk lets you enjoy them before settling into a meal. Symi’s colorful buildings are best appreciated from the water and from the port itself, so keep some time for both angles.

Shopping is another easy way to use the free period. The details provided for the trip do not promise particular products or prices, so bring cash and treat shopping as optional rather than a central feature. Cash is also useful for food, drinks, ice cream, and small purchases.

The lack of a guided walk is both a strength and a weakness. I like being able to set my own pace, but you will need to manage your time and find your way around independently. Clear instructions are given for returning to the boat, yet you should keep an eye on the departure time. A ship cannot wait for one late passenger.

The Return to Rhodes

The boat returns to Rhodes Harbour in the evening, completing an eight-hour day. The return ride is usually the quietest part of the experience. After swimming, walking, eating, and shopping, you may be happy to sit inside with the air conditioning or stretch out on the open deck.

This is also where the boat’s slower speed becomes most noticeable. More expensive catamarans can shorten the crossing, but they generally do not offer the same swimming stop. You are choosing between faster transport and a more varied day, not simply between two versions of the same boat trip.

A few practical choices make the ride easier. Keep a dry layer available, even in warm weather. Put your sunscreen, towel, and cash in a small day bag rather than burying them under luggage. If you swim, do not leave important hotel keys or phones loose on a seat.

The cruise is insured, and the crew speaks Greek and English. The boat has been praised for being clean, well organized, and easy to use, with polite staff and clear announcements. Those are modest details, but they matter during a full day at sea.

What the $47 Price Really Buys You

At $47 per person, this is a strong option if you want transport to Symi without paying for a private boat or a faster catamaran. The price includes the cruise, the St Marina Bay stop, three hours of free time on Symi, use of the open deck and sunbeds, onboard toilets, air conditioning, floats, WiFi, and insurance.

You still need to budget for food, drinks, towels, and any snorkeling gear you do not bring. Optional hotel pickup and drop-off may also depend on the booking option you select, so check that detail before paying.

The best value comes from the combination of two experiences: a swimming cruise and an island visit. If you only want to reach Symi as quickly as possible, a faster service may suit you better. If you want a cheaper day with a swim included, this cruise makes a good case for itself.

Who Will Enjoy This Rhodes Boat Trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time visitors to Rhodes who want a simple day away from the main island. The self-guided format suits you if you like choosing your own lunch and walking route rather than following a guide.

It also works for mixed groups. Swimmers can use the St Marina Bay stop, while anyone who prefers to stay dry can remain aboard and enjoy the scenery. The air-conditioned interior, toilets, bar, and open seating make the boat more comfortable than a basic transfer vessel.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat rides, need a full day to explore an island, or want serious snorkeling. The 30-minute water stop is limited, and three hours in Symi is enough for an introduction, not an exhaustive visit. People who want Panormitis or a wider look at Symi may prefer to stay overnight or arrange a separate excursion.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

• Arrive 20 minutes early to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of DISCOVERY.
• Get aboard early if an outside seat or sunbed matters to you.
• Pack a towel, beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and snorkeling equipment.
• Bring a light jacket in the early or late season, especially if you plan to sit in the shade.
• Keep valuables with you during the swimming stop because no locker service is specified.
• Use your three hours in Symi with a plan: walk first, eat second, then shop or relax.
• If you book pickup, enter a working phone number so the operator can send details by WhatsApp or call.
• Cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and reserve-now-pay-later booking is offered.

Should You Book the Symi and St Marina Bay Cruise?

Book this trip if you want good-value transport to Symi plus a swim stop, and you are comfortable spending a large part of the day on a slower boat. The crew, cleanliness, seating, clear announcements, and useful onboard facilities make the long crossing manageable.

I would skip it only if speed is your top concern or if you want more time on Symi. For most people, the $47 price gives you a pleasant mix of sea views, clear water, colorful harbor buildings, lunch, and free exploration. It is not a deep island tour, but it is an easy and well-priced way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi cruise last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours, including the sailing time, a 30-minute stop at St Marina Bay, and three hours of free time on Symi.

What happens at St Marina Bay?

The boat stops for about 30 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, take photographs, use the floats, or stay aboard and enjoy the bay.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks, drinks, ice cream, and lollies are available for purchase at the onboard bar.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling gear is not included, so bring your own if you want to use it. Floats are provided onboard.

Where does the cruise begin and end?

The cruise starts and finishes at Rhodes Harbour. Optional hotel pickup may be available, depending on the booking option you choose.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at the meeting point at least 20 minutes before the activity begins. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat, which is marked Rizos Cruises DISCOVERY.