Rhodes: Transfer & Cruise to Symi Island & St. George Bay

Symi is worth leaving Rhodes for. This eight-hour cruise pairs two very different pleasures: a swim from the boat in secluded St. George’s Bay and three unhurried hours in Symi’s handsome harbor town. I especially like the included hotel transfer and the clean, modern Doll, with shaded seating, air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, and free snorkel equipment.

The price is $67 per person, which is strong value for a full day with transport, a boat ride, swimming, and time on Symi. The main drawback is the fixed schedule. Your stop at St. George’s Bay may feel short, and the captain’s commentary can be limited, so this suits independent sightseers more than anyone seeking a guided cultural tour.

The cruise has earned a 4.5 rating from 919 people, with the warmest praise aimed at punctual transfers, friendly crew, the comfortable boat, and the sheer beauty of Symi. A few practical details matter, though: book the transfer at least 14 hours before departure, confirm your pickup message, and reach the boat early if you want an outside seat.

Key Details Before You Book

• St. George’s Bay is reached only by boat, giving you a swim stop in a quiet, dramatic setting away from Rhodes’ organized beaches.
• Doll is a new, eco-friendly vessel with sun and shade seating, an air-conditioned salon, onboard toilets, a disabled WC, Wi-Fi, and a snack and drinks counter.
• Three hours in Symi’s Yialos harbor gives you time for lunch, shopping, photos, a waterfront stroll, and possibly the climb to Horio.
• Hotel pickup covers many resorts around Rhodes, but exact details arrive by WhatsApp or email the evening before.
• Snorkeling gear is included, though snacks and drinks cost extra.
• This is a self-directed day, with no regular walking guide in Symi and only limited commentary on the cruise.

Why Symi Makes a Good Day Trip from Rhodes

Rhodes has beaches, resorts, medieval streets, and plenty of organized activities. Symi offers a different mood. Its harbor, Yialos, is framed by steep hills and rows of neoclassical houses in soft colors. Seen from the water, the town arrives as a picture-book sweep of balconies, shutters, and bright facades.

That arrival is one of the best reasons to choose a boat trip rather than a standard land excursion. You get your first view of Symi from the sea, with the harbor gradually opening in front of you. The approach also helps explain the island’s character. The town is compact, sharply defined by the hills, and built around the water.

You do not get a full island tour. Three hours is focused on Yialos and the nearby streets, not on seeing every corner of Symi. That is a fair trade for a day trip, since the harbor itself supplies plenty to do without turning the outing into a rushed march between sights.

Hotel Pickup and the 10:00 AM Sailing

The day starts with a complimentary transfer from your hotel or an assigned pickup point to Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town. Pickup is offered from a large number of hotels and resorts, from Rhodes Town and Ixia to Faliraki, Kallithea, Kolymbia, and areas farther along the east coast.

The transfer takes about 40 to 50 minutes, depending on where you are staying and the route. This is a useful part of the deal. A taxi to the harbor can add a noticeable cost, while the organized minibus removes the need to work out parking or find the correct pier before breakfast.

Do not treat the transfer details casually. You should receive a WhatsApp message or email around 9:00 p.m. the evening before, with your exact pickup point and time. You are expected to reply promptly and arrive at the stated location on time. Transfers are provided only for bookings made at least 14 hours before departure, so a last-minute reservation can leave you responsible for reaching Mandraki Harbour yourself.

Boarding leads to Doll, which departs at 10:00 a.m. The boat has seats in both sun and shade, plus an air-conditioned indoor salon. If you want a seat outside, get aboard early. Several people specifically liked the front seating area, where cushions provide a good place to stretch out and watch the coast.

A coffee and drinks counter is available onboard, but food and beverages are not included. Bring water and perhaps a small snack if you prefer not to buy refreshments during the day. You should also bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

The Ride from Mandraki Harbour to St. George’s Bay

The first cruise section takes you away from Rhodes and toward Symi. The crossing is part transport and part sightseeing, with time to settle in, take photographs, and watch the coastline recede.

The boat is one of the strongest parts of this outing. Doll is described as new, luxurious, and eco-friendly, but the practical details matter more than the marketing words. You have room to move, choices between indoor and outdoor seating, toilets, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and facilities designed for wheelchair access, including a disabled WC.

The vessel is also reported to handle the trip comfortably in normal conditions. One account described a smooth ride, while another noted that large waves made the journey less comfortable. That is a useful reminder that conditions at sea can change. If you are prone to seasickness, choose a stable seat, look toward the horizon, and keep any personal medication with you.

The captain provides commentary about places passed along the route. Do not expect a full history lesson or constant narration. The trip’s emphasis is scenery and transport, not an escorted lecture. Some passengers found the commentary too brief, so bring your own curiosity and enjoy the views at your own pace.

Swimming and Snorkeling at St. George’s Bay

The stop at St. George’s Bay lasts about 1.5 hours in the planned schedule. This is a secluded natural bay that can only be reached by boat, surrounded by steep, rugged slopes and clear water.

You can swim, snorkel, sit on the boat, or order a cocktail and enjoy the view. Snorkeling equipment is supplied at no extra charge, which improves the value of the stop and saves you from packing your own mask and fins. Swimming noodles or floats may also be available onboard.

Getting into the water is straightforward, with ladders available. Many people enjoy jumping from the boat, but you can enter more carefully if you prefer. The water is the star here: clear, inviting, and a sharp contrast to a typical hotel pool day.

The timing deserves a realistic note. The published schedule allows 90 minutes, but the actual water time can feel shorter once the boat arrives, instructions are given, and everyone gets in and out. One account reported about 45 minutes of swimming. If you want to swim, snorkel, take photographs, and relax, start promptly when the stop begins.

Water temperature can also vary by season. It was described as fresh and enjoyable in one account, while an October visit found the shaded bay cold, partly because the lower sun reached the cove less strongly. Summer visitors will likely find the stop more inviting than late-season swimmers, but sunscreen still matters because much of your time on the boat is exposed.

Arriving in Symi’s Yialos Harbor

After the swim, Doll continues toward Symi. The cruise section takes you into the island’s famous harbor, where neoclassical houses climb the lower hills behind the waterfront.

This is the visual high point of the day. Keep your camera ready as the boat enters Yialos. The harbor is not simply a place to get off. It is the main scene, with colorful buildings, boats, steep slopes, and a narrow strip of cafes, restaurants, and shops along the water.

You have about three hours on Symi, with reboarding beginning at 4:00 p.m. and departure at 4:30 p.m. That is enough time to enjoy the harbor without constantly checking your watch. It is also not enough for a leisurely visit to every district, so plan your priorities before stepping ashore.

The boat’s crew will tell you when to return, but you are responsible for being back at the meeting point on time. Do not wander too far uphill during the final half hour. The harbor is easy to explore, yet the steep streets can make a quick return slower than expected.

Three Hours for Lunch, Shops, and Kali Strata

Start with a walk along the waterfront to get your bearings. Yialos is compact, and the harbor promenade gives you a quick look at its cafes, small shops, boats, and colorful architecture.

Lunch at a waterfront taverna is the obvious choice, especially if you want to keep the harbor view in front of you. Symi shrimp is the island’s signature dish and worth seeking out. You can also choose another local meal if seafood is not your thing. Food is not included, so allow room in your budget for lunch and drinks.

For a more memorable meal, consider walking uphill rather than sitting at the first restaurant beside the pier. One particularly praised option was Taverna Napaloa, described as serving fresh food at reasonable prices. Another recommendation was Kali Strata restaurant, reached by climbing above the dock. The walk takes effort, but the higher position brings broader harbor views.

The climb to Horio via Kali Strata is one of the best uses of your free time if you enjoy walking and views. The route involves steps, so it is not ideal for anyone who wants a completely flat outing. You do not need to climb it to enjoy Symi, but even a short walk uphill can show you a different side of the island beyond the waterfront shops.

If you prefer a gentler visit, stay in Yialos. Browse the small stores, stop for a drink, photograph the houses, and watch harbor life. Three hours gives you space for this slower approach. Symi is not a place you need to conquer. Its pleasure is in looking up, pausing often, and letting the setting do the work.

Returning to Rhodes by 6:00 PM

Boarding begins at 4:00 p.m., with departure scheduled for 4:30 p.m. The return cruise to Rhodes takes you back across the Dodecanese waters, followed by the road transfer from Rhodes Town to your hotel.

The planned arrival in Rhodes is around 6:00 p.m., with the return minibus taking roughly 40 minutes depending on your resort. A timely transfer matters here, since you are not left to find your own way back after a long day.

The schedule makes this a full outing rather than a short boat ride. You leave in the morning, swim during the middle of the day, explore Symi in the afternoon, and return in time for an evening meal near your hotel. Delays or rough seas could affect the timetable, so avoid booking a fixed evening commitment that requires you to be back at a precise minute.

What the $67 Price Really Covers

At $67, the trip offers more than a basic ferry ticket. Your price includes hotel transfers, the boat crossing, the St. George’s Bay stop, free snorkeling equipment, three hours on Symi, onboard facilities, and the return ride to your hotel.

That is strong value if you would otherwise pay separately for transport to Mandraki Harbour and a boat trip to Symi. The modern vessel also makes a difference. You are not limited to a hard outdoor seat, and the air-conditioned salon, toilets, Wi-Fi, and accessible facilities make the long day easier.

Budget extra for lunch, snacks, and drinks. The onboard counter sells refreshments, but none are included. You should also remember that the ticket does not cover a guide-led tour of Symi, entrance fees, or a dedicated sightseeing program on the island. This is a cruise with free time, not a tightly managed cultural excursion.

The free cancellation option up to 24 hours before departure and the reserve-now, pay-later choice give you useful flexibility. Still, the transfer cutoff is stricter than the cancellation rule. A reservation made too close to departure may not qualify for pickup, even if a place is available on the boat.

Who Will Enjoy This Cruise Most

I would choose this trip if you want to see Symi without arranging a ferry, taxi, or separate swim trip. It suits couples, families, and independent visitors who like a clear plan but want to decide how to spend their time ashore.

Families may appreciate the easy water access, free snorkel equipment, floats, toilets, and indoor seating. Children who enjoy jumping into the sea should have a good time, though you will need to supervise them around the boat and water.

It is also a good choice for wheelchair users because the boat is described as fully accessible and includes a disabled WC. You should still confirm the exact transfer arrangements for your hotel, since access to the minibus and pickup point can vary.

I would look elsewhere if you want a small-group sailing trip, a long snorkeling session, or a guide explaining every stop. The boat can fill up, outside seats are popular, the swim time may feel compressed, and the commentary may be minimal. This outing works best when you value comfort, scenery, and freedom more than detailed instruction.

Should You Book the Rhodes to Symi Cruise?

Yes, if Symi is on your wish list and you want a well-priced, low-hassle day from Rhodes. The combination of a comfortable boat, a beautiful swim stop, and three hours in Yialos gives you a satisfying taste of the island without asking you to plan every detail.

Book at least 14 hours ahead if you need hotel pickup. Reply to the evening message, arrive early for a better outside seat, and pack swimwear, towel, sunscreen, water, and a little money for food. If you keep those points in mind, this is one of the better-value ways to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi cruise take?

The complete activity lasts about eight hours. The planned schedule leaves Rhodes at 10:00 a.m., reaches Symi after the St. George’s Bay stop, and returns to Rhodes around 6:00 p.m., followed by your hotel transfer.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers between many listed Rhodes hotels and Mandraki Harbour are included. You receive the exact pickup details by WhatsApp or email around 9:00 p.m. the evening before.

How much time do you spend in St. George’s Bay?

The planned stop lasts 1.5 hours. You can swim, snorkel, relax on the boat, or have a drink. The actual time in the water can feel shorter depending on boarding and disembarkation.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for complimentary use on the boat. Swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen are not provided and should be brought with you.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. Doll is described as fully accessible and has a disabled WC. The activity information does not provide further details about the vehicle transfer, so confirm your pickup arrangements if needed.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are not included, although refreshments can be purchased from the onboard counter. Lunch in Symi is also at your own expense.