Rhodes: Boat trip to Symi island with swimming at St. George

Symi is the star here, but St. George Bay gives this full-day boat trip its best extra scene. You sail from Rhodes to a wild, cliff-framed cove, jump into clear water for roughly 45 minutes, then continue to Symi’s colorful harbor for several hours on your own.

I like the efficient two-part plan: a proper swimming stop breaks up the long crossing, and the free time in Symi is long enough for lunch, a walk, shopping, and photos. At $51, the boat ticket and bay stop make good sense, though hotel transfers, meals, and drinks can change the final cost.

The main drawback is the time spent at sea. The return crossing can take about two hours, and the full day runs to 8.5 hours, so this is best for you if the journey itself sounds enjoyable rather than merely a way to reach Symi.

Key points at a glance

• St. George Bay swim: Spend about 45 minutes swimming and snorkeling in a striking, open bay before reaching Symi.
• Three hours in Symi: Walk around Gialos, eat seafood, browse shops, and take in the harbor without being rushed.
• Optional hotel transfer: Pickup and return service can be added from many parts of Rhodes, including Lindos, Faliraki, Pefkos, Ialysos, and Rhodes Town.
• Local food to try: Look for Simiako Garidaki, the island’s small baby shrimp cooked in olive oil.
• Independent time ashore: This is not a tightly guided walking tour. You make your own plan in Symi.
• Good value at $51: The price covers the return boat trip and swimming stop, while lunch, drinks, and transfers are separate.

Why this Rhodes to Symi trip works

This outing links two very different pleasures. First comes the sea: a day on a boat, open views, and a swim in a remote-looking bay. Then comes Symi, where the harbor is compact, photogenic, and easy to explore on foot.

That combination matters. A dedicated Symi visit gives you more time on the island, but this trip lets you add a memorable swim without arranging a second excursion. You also get the classic arrival by sea, which is the right way to approach Symi. The colorful buildings gather around the natural harbor, and the first view from the boat does much of the work.

The price is appealing for an 8.5-hour outing. At $51 per person, you are paying mainly for transport and access to the two main stops, not for a meal or a guided cultural program. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ticket and a swimming cruise, this is a practical package.

You should keep your expectations clear. This is a sightseeing and swimming day, not a slow, in-depth tour of Symi. There is no listed guided walk, and your time ashore is free time. I see that as a plus if you like choosing your own restaurant and route, but less so if you want someone explaining every church, street, and local tradition.

Check-in at Mandraki Harbor

If you are making your own way to the boat, check in between 9:15 and 9:40 a.m. at the operator’s office on Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. You receive your boarding pass there.

The boat has been described as leaving around 10 a.m., but check the start time attached to your booking. If you choose hotel pickup, the company sends the pickup time and place after booking. Pickup areas cover a wide stretch of Rhodes, including Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialysos, Kremasti, Faliraki, Kallithea, Kolympia, Lindos, Pefkos, Kiotari, Gennadi, and other listed resorts.

I would choose the transfer if your hotel is far from Mandraki Harbor. Several people specifically found the pickups on time and stress-free, including from Pefkos. The return can take longer because the vehicle may make several stops, so do not plan a tight evening appointment.

The crossing from Rhodes to St. George Bay

The first part of the outing is a boat cruise toward Symi. You get scenic views on the way, but the crossing is not short. One account puts the return to Rhodes at about two hours, and the total day lasts 8.5 hours.

That length is worth considering before you book. I like a boat crossing when I can sit outside, watch the coast change, and treat the ride as part of the day. If you mainly want to stand on Symi for a quick look, the travel time may feel heavy.

The boat has comfortable seating, and drinks, snacks, and alcoholic beverages have been available for purchase onboard. None of these are included in the $51 price, so bring money or plan to buy something as needed. Sun exposure can be strong on the water. Pack sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, a towel, and dry clothes.

As Rhodes recedes, the trip becomes less about getting somewhere fast. You have time to settle in, take photographs, and enjoy the changing views. The exact onboard setup can vary, so do not assume that every comfort or refreshment is part of the fare.

Swimming at St. George Bay

The stop at St. George Bay is the outdoor highlight. The boat pauses for swimming and snorkeling in a dramatic bay with clear, emerald-colored water and a wild setting. The scheduled stop is 45 minutes, while some departures have allowed about an hour.

You can jump into the water or stay aboard and enjoy the view. That choice is useful because not everyone wants to swim from a boat, and the bay itself is worth seeing even if you prefer not to get wet.

Bring your own towel and a change of clothes. The activity information does not promise snorkel equipment, so if snorkeling matters to you, ask what is supplied or bring suitable gear. The water may look shallow because it is so clear, but it can be deep beneath the boat.

This stop is not a beach visit in the usual sense. You are swimming from the vessel, not spreading out on a broad sand beach. That gives the stop a more open, scenic feel, but it also means you should be comfortable climbing in and out of the boat and returning when the crew calls time.

For many people, the stop makes the long day easier. It divides the trip into clear sections: boat ride, swim, Symi, boat ride home. It also gives you something active to do before lunch instead of arriving in Symi already tired from sitting.

Sailing into Symi’s natural harbor

After the swim, the boat continues to Symi. The approach is one of the strongest visual moments of the day. Symi’s harbor area, Gialos, is lined with colorful buildings and framed by hills, churches, and the water.

You will want your camera ready as the boat enters the harbor. This is the kind of arrival that makes a boat trip worthwhile even before you step ashore. The view is especially useful for first-time visitors because it gives you an immediate sense of how compact Gialos is.

Symi is often described as a boutique island, and the harbor area supports that impression. You will find fish and seafood restaurants, small cafes, handmade jewelry, clothing, gifts, sponge stalls, and spice sellers close to the waterfront.

Do not expect a large town with endless streets to cover. Gialos is small enough for a relaxed walk, and that works well with the roughly three hours provided. You can see the main harbor, stop for lunch, browse shops, and still have time to sit by the water.

Three hours to eat, walk, and shop in Gialos

The free time is self-guided, so your choice of pace matters. I would start with a walk along the harbor to get your bearings, then choose lunch rather than stopping at the first available table.

The dish to seek is Simiako Garidaki, small baby shrimp cooked in olive oil. It is one of the island’s signature local foods and a better reason to sit down than ordering a familiar meal you could find anywhere. Fish and seafood restaurants are concentrated around Gialos, making lunch easy to arrange during the visit.

You can also use the time for shopping. Symi is known here for small handmade items, jewelry, clothing, gifts, sponges, and spices. Prices and quality will vary, so browse before buying. The compact harbor makes it simple to return to a shop or restaurant if you find something you want after walking farther along the waterfront.

Three hours is a useful middle ground. You have enough time for a meal and a proper look, but not enough to wander without a plan. If you want to climb every side street or visit sites away from the harbor, this trip may feel limited. If your goal is the harbor view and a taste of Symi, the schedule is more comfortable.

Keep an eye on the departure time. The boat cannot wait for a late lunch or a final purchase, and the free time is the part of the day you control most.

What the $51 price includes

The basic fare includes the round-trip boat tickets to Symi and the swimming stop at St. George Bay. That is the core experience, and at $51 it offers solid value if you want both destinations in one day.

It does not include food or drinks. You will have free time in Symi to buy lunch, and the boat may sell hot and cold drinks, snacks, and alcohol. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included in the basic option, though a transfer package can be selected.

I would compare the total price, not just the advertised fare. A cheap hotel-transfer option may save you a taxi from a distant resort, while a Rhodes Town visitor who can walk or arrange their own transport may prefer the lower base price.

The cancellation terms are flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes plans depend on weather or other bookings. Check the exact conditions shown when you reserve.

Who will enjoy this day most

I recommend this trip for you if you want a broad taste of Symi without giving up a swim. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who are happy to eat and explore on their own.

It is also a strong choice if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. Pickup service reaches resorts such as Lindos, Pefkos, Faliraki, and Kiotari, and the transfer removes the need to arrange your own early transport to the harbor.

You may want a different plan if you dislike long boat rides, need a fully guided experience, or want a quiet day with no fixed departure. The schedule is set, and the return journey can feel long after a sunny afternoon ashore.

Bring sun protection seriously. The recommended list is practical: sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, dry clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. I would keep your boarding details and return time easy to reach, especially if you are exploring shops away from the waterfront.

Final decision: book it for the combination

Book this excursion if you want Symi’s harbor and St. George Bay in the same day. The swimming stop, colorful arrival, independent lunch, and three hours ashore give you a good range of experiences for $51 before optional extras.

I would choose the hotel-transfer version if you are staying far from Mandraki Harbor. If you are already near central Rhodes and prefer to control your transport costs, the basic boat option is likely enough.

Skip it only if the long crossing sounds like a chore. For everyone else, this is a well-packed island day: swim first, eat shrimp in Symi, shop a little, take plenty of photos, and enjoy the ride home.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

The full activity lasts 8.5 hours. The return boat ride from Symi to Rhodes has taken about two hours on some departures, so the crossing is a significant part of the day.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the basic option. You can select an option with transfers from your hotel and back, with pickup areas covering many Rhodes resorts.

Where do I check in without a transfer?

Check in from 9:15 to 9:40 a.m. at the operator’s office at Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. You will receive your boarding pass there.

How long is the swimming stop at St. George Bay?

The planned swimming and snorkeling stop lasts 45 minutes. Some departures have allowed about an hour, so follow the timing given by the crew on your day.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You have free time in Symi to choose and pay for lunch, and the boat may also offer drinks and snacks for purchase.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. If you want to snorkel, check whether equipment is supplied before departure.

Can I cancel the booking?

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