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

Symi is the star here, with steep hillsides covered in colorful neoclassical houses and a harbor that looks made for a slow lunch. The trip adds a worthwhile bonus: a 30-minute swim stop at St Marina Bay, a quiet cove reached by boat rather than road.

I like the combination of three hours in Symi and the low $47 price. I also like the practical setup: a clean boat, toilets, air conditioning, sunbeds, floats, and a bar selling snacks and drinks. The tradeoff is time at sea. This is a full eight-hour outing, and the ride back can feel long if you want more island time.

Key points to know

• St Marina Bay adds a proper swim stop: Bring a towel, beachwear, and snorkeling gear for the clear water.
• Symi time is well suited to a first visit: You can eat lunch, walk the harbor, shop, and get a taste of the island in about three hours.
• The $47 fare is strong value: The boat is slower than pricier catamarans, but those faster boats may not include this swimming stop.
• Arrive early for the best outdoor seats: Check in 20 minutes before departure and exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY.
• The crew and organization earn high marks: Clear announcements, helpful staff, clean facilities, and punctual departures make the long day easier.
• Bring a light jacket in the shoulder season: The open deck can feel cool in the shade, especially on the ride home.

Why this Rhodes to Symi boat trip works

This is a simple island-hopping day with two different rewards. First, you get time in the water at St Marina Bay. Then you get a land-based visit to Symi, one of the Dodecanese islands most famous for its graceful harbor houses.

You do not need to arrange a ferry, find a taxi on Symi, or build your own timetable. The boat leaves from Rhodes Harbour, stops at the bay, continues to Symi, and returns to Rhodes in the evening. If you want a change of scene without giving up an entire night on another island, this format makes sense.

The $47 cost is the main reason I would consider this trip. It is not the fastest way to reach Symi, but it gives you a swim stop and free time on the island for less than many faster boat options. You are paying for a long day on the water, not for a private yacht or a guided island tour.

The overall rating of 4.4 from 387 reviews fits the experience well. The strongest points are the friendly crew, clean boat, attractive views, and sensible schedule. The main complaints are also easy to understand: the swim stop is brief, and the return journey can take around two to two and a half hours.

Starting at Rhodes Harbour

Plan to arrive 20 minutes before departure. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat, so do not walk straight to the gangway and expect to board with a phone voucher alone.

Look for the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY. Arriving early matters for two reasons. You need time to check in, and the best outside seats go first. The open sun deck gives you the clearest views and more sun, while the shaded seats can become cool during the longer stretches.

Some bookings include optional pickup, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the standard fare. If you arrange a transfer, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The Rizos Cruises vehicle carries the company logo on the windscreen, and drivers wait no more than two minutes after the planned pickup time. Traffic can add up to 15 minutes, so keep your phone available for a call or WhatsApp message.

The listed pickup area covers many hotels around Rhodes, including resorts in Faliraki, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, and along the east coast. Check your exact option carefully when booking. If you are meeting at the harbor yourself, the early arrival rule is the safer choice.

The ride to St Marina Bay

Once the boat leaves Rhodes, you get a different view of the island. From the water, the coastline opens up in a way you cannot see from a hotel pool or a roadside stop. This first sailing is part of the experience, though you should set your expectations correctly: this is a cruising boat, not a high-speed catamaran.

The boat has an open sun deck with sunbeds, an air-conditioned indoor area, toilets, WiFi, and floats. A bar sells drinks, snacks, ice cream, and lollies. You can sit inside if the sun becomes too strong, but the outside deck is the place to be for scenery.

The vessel has plenty of seating, but the best spots still go early. If you want a seat in the sun on the way out and a sheltered option later, boarding early gives you more choice. Bring a light sweater in May, October, or near the beginning and end of the season. Shade can feel surprisingly chilly after swimming.

The crew gives directions over the boat’s public address system, and the trip is generally well organized. That matters on a day with a large number of passengers and several timed movements. You want clear instructions when it is time to swim, return to the boat, or gather for the sailing to Symi.

Thirty minutes at St Marina Bay

The stop at St Marina Bay lasts about 30 minutes. It is short, but it changes the pace of the day. Instead of spending the whole morning seated, you can get into clear water for a swim or use the time to snorkel near the boat.

This bay is reachable by boat, which gives the stop its appeal. You are not being dropped at a regular beach with roads, shops, and rows of umbrellas. The setting feels more open and peaceful, and the surrounding water is the main attraction.

Bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. The trip provides floats, but snorkeling equipment is not included. Some equipment may be available separately, yet the safest plan is to pack your own mask and snorkel.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing dip, but not enough for a long snorkeling session. The boat keeps you near the vessel, so this is not an extended reef excursion. If your main goal is to spend hours exploring underwater life, this trip is not designed for that. If you simply want clear water and a swim between two long sailings, the stop works very well.

There are no lockers listed onboard. Keep your phone, room key, wallet, and other essentials secure and dry. A small waterproof pouch is useful, since you may not want to leave important items loose on a seat while swimming.

You also need to bring a towel. Food and drinks are not included, although the onboard bar sells refreshments. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, and it is a sensible choice for the bay and the wider marine environment.

Arriving in Symi Harbour

After the swimming stop, the boat continues to Symi. The approach to the harbor is one of the most memorable parts of the day. Colorful neoclassical houses rise above the water, and the harbor is filled with small fishing boats and pleasure craft.

Symi is compact enough to explore on foot around the harbor. You will have roughly three hours of free time, with no guide directing every step. That freedom is useful because different people can use the time in different ways. You might sit down for lunch, walk the waterfront, browse shops, buy an ice cream, or simply photograph the houses from several angles.

The town rewards a slow start. First, take a few minutes near the water to look back at the full sweep of the harbor. Then follow the streets uphill or along the waterfront, depending on your energy and the heat. The architecture is the main event, so you do not need an ambitious plan to enjoy the stop.

Three hours is enough for a relaxed first look. You can have lunch and still find time for shopping and a short walk. It is not enough for every corner of Symi, and you should not expect to visit distant parts of the island at an easy pace.

What to do with three hours on Symi

I would divide the time into three parts: views, food, and wandering. Start with the harbor because it gives you the clearest sense of Symi’s character. The houses are the reason many people make the crossing, and the best photographs come from looking across the water rather than only walking through the streets.

Next, choose a waterfront restaurant for lunch. You get attractive views while eating, and a relaxed meal makes better use of the stop than rushing from shop to shop. Prices and menus can vary, so check before sitting down if you are watching your budget.

Leave time for the small shops and side streets. You can browse souvenirs, pick up an ice cream, and walk without needing a fixed route. The harbor itself provides plenty to see, especially if you like boats and traditional island buildings.

A visit to the Monastery of Panormitis is possible in the wider Symi area, but it does not fit comfortably into this standard free-time stop unless you arrange extra transport and accept a much tighter schedule. The excursion is best for Symi Harbour and the nearby town, not for a full island tour.

This distinction is important. If you want a broad visit covering Panormitis, remote beaches, and the harbor, look for a longer island program. If you want lunch, photographs, shopping, and a feel for Symi, the three-hour stop is well judged.

The return to Rhodes

The return sailing is the least exciting part for some people. Depending on conditions and the day’s timing, the trip back can take around two to two and a half hours. You may be ready for a shower by then, so plan to treat this as a relaxed ride rather than another major sightseeing stop.

The boat gives you several ways to make the journey comfortable. Sit on the open deck for the views, move inside to the air-conditioned area, buy a drink or snack, or use the time to read. WiFi is included, but connection quality on the water can vary, so do not depend on it for anything important.

The long ride is also why the early start and full eight-hour schedule matter. This is not a quick morning outing. You spend a meaningful part of the day getting to and from Symi, but the sailing is the only practical way to combine the island with a swimming stop at this price.

The boat usually departs on time, and clear announcements help keep the return organized. Listen carefully before leaving Symi. The vessel will not wait for late passengers, and the schedule is built around returning to Rhodes in the evening.

Boat comfort, food, and practical details

The boat is a good match for a full-day cruise. It has toilets, air conditioning, an indoor seating area, an open sun deck, sunbeds, floats, and WiFi. Cleanliness is a particular strength, including the onboard toilets, which is something you will appreciate after a long day.

The bar sells drinks and light food, but nothing is included in the price. Bring cash for the bar and Symi, as well as for lunch and shopping. You may also want to pack a small snack so you are not relying only on onboard choices.

Pack these items:

• Towel
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear
• Cash
• Light jacket in cooler months
• Waterproof pouch for valuables

Smoking indoors, littering, weapons, sharp objects, and explosive substances are not allowed. The boat is intended to be a clean, orderly shared space, so follow the crew’s instructions during the swimming stop and boarding periods.

The host service is available in Greek and English. Pickup information depends on the option you select, so check the booking details rather than assuming your hotel is covered.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want a first taste of Symi without arranging several separate transport connections. It is especially good for couples, families, and anyone who likes a mix of swimming, scenery, lunch, and easy sightseeing.

It also suits budget-minded visitors. At $47, you get the cruise, a swimming stop, free time in Symi, onboard facilities, insurance, and the return journey. The slower speed is the price of that lower fare, but the swimming stop gives this boat a useful advantage over some faster alternatives.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat rides or want deep snorkeling time. Thirty minutes in the bay may feel too brief, and the return trip can drag if you are tired. You should also choose another arrangement if your priority is visiting Panormitis or exploring the whole island.

Families should note that towels and food are not included, so pack carefully. The floats help make the swim stop easier, but the boat does not provide a long, supervised beach session.

Is the $47 price good value?

Yes, if you judge the trip as a combined transport and sightseeing day. A faster catamaran may get you to Symi sooner, but you may pay more and lose the swimming stop. This cruise trades speed for a lower price, onboard amenities, and time in the water.

The value is strongest when you use all three parts of the outing: enjoy the views from Rhodes, swim at St Marina Bay, and make a clear plan for Symi. If you only want to reach Symi as quickly as possible, the slower boat may frustrate you. If you want a full day with several types of scenery, it is a sensible choice.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure adds useful flexibility, and you can reserve now and pay later. Just remember that the basic fare does not include hotel transfers, towels, food, or drinks.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book it if you want an affordable, well-organized day that combines a clear-water swim with a proper Symi visit. The crew, clean facilities, clear announcements, and comfortable seating make the long sailing manageable.

Skip it if you need a fast crossing, extensive snorkeling, or enough time to explore beyond Symi Harbour. For most first-time visitors, though, three hours on the island is enough for lunch, photographs, shopping, and a pleasant walk, while the stop at St Marina Bay gives the day something a simple ferry crossing cannot.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi boat trip last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours. It includes the sailing from Rhodes, a 30-minute stop at St Marina Bay, about three hours of free time in Symi, and the return trip to Rhodes Harbour.

Where does the boat leave from?

The cruise starts and ends at Rhodes Harbour. You need to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional and depends on the selected booking option. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard cruise fare, so check your chosen option carefully.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the cruise, open sun deck with sunbeds, the swimming stop at St Marina Bay, free time in Symi, toilets, an air-conditioned onboard area, floats, WiFi, and insurance.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

Snorkeling gear is not listed as included, so bring your own if you want to snorkel. You should also bring a towel, beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and cash.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.