Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay

Symi is the star here: a small Greek island lined with colorful neoclassical houses, narrow streets, seafood tavernas, and a photogenic harbor. The trip adds a one-hour swim at St George Bay, a dramatic, clear-water cove reached after roughly two hours at sea.

I like the generous three hours in Symi, enough time for lunch and a good walk without rushing. I also like the practical hotel pickup option, which takes the stress out of reaching the harbor. The main drawback is the long, sometimes crowded boat ride, and the swim stop may be canceled if the weather turns rough.

Key points to know before booking

• Two-hour crossing to St George Bay: The first leg can be choppy, so take motion-sickness tablets if you need them.
• One-hour swim in clear water: Bring swimwear, a towel, and your own snorkel if you want to look below the surface.
• Three hours in Symi Town: You have time for lunch, the harbor, shops, and a walk along the main street.
• Large group, up to 200 people: Seating can be tight, especially in high season. Arrive early if you want the best chance of sitting with your group.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: Pickup is available across Rhodes, but the fee depends on your hotel’s location.
• Good value at $48.37: The price covers the boat trip and onboard restroom, but not lunch, drinks, or hotel transfers.

Why this Rhodes boat trip is worth considering

This is a full island day rather than a quick harbor cruise. For $48.37 per person, you get transport by sea to one of Rhodes’ most popular nearby destinations, a swim in St George Bay, and three hours to explore Symi. That is strong value if you want to see both the coast and the island without arranging separate transport.

The price also reflects the compromises. This is not a small yacht outing with reserved seats and quiet service. The boat can carry up to 200 people, and on busy days it may feel full. The ride takes roughly two hours to St George Bay, about 30 minutes onward to Symi, and another two hours back to Rhodes. Add the swim and your time ashore, and the day runs close to nine hours.

I would book this trip for the itinerary, not for a polished boat experience. The destinations are the reason to go. The boat is simply the practical link between them.

The morning departure from Rhodes

The listed meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. You can also choose hotel pickup for an additional fee. Pickup prices vary by location, with different options for hotels in the south, including Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi.

If you use the transfer, enter your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking. The operator then sends the pickup time. Transfers are generally useful, especially if you are staying away from Rhodes Town, but give yourself plenty of time at the start of the day.

If you go directly to the meeting point, arriving early matters. The boat can fill quickly in high season, and early arrival gives you a better chance of finding a comfortable seat. People using a hotel transfer may reach the boat after direct arrivals have already boarded, so couples and families should think about this if sitting together is important.

The group can be large, and some departures have had passengers standing or searching for spare seats. That does not happen on every sailing, but it is a real possibility during busy periods. For a two-hour outward crossing, a seat is more than a minor comfort.

Two hours across the Aegean

The first stretch to St George Bay is the longest uninterrupted part of the trip. The water can be smooth, but several departures have been described as rocky, especially in changing weather. If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication with you rather than waiting until you feel ill.

You can usually sit inside or outside. The upper deck offers sun and views, while the lower area is useful if it becomes windy or rainy. Bring a light layer even in warm weather. After swimming, you may want something dry and warm to put over your clothes.

The boat has a restroom, which is important on a day with several hours at sea. There is also a bar selling drinks and snacks. Water has been available at a low price, but payment arrangements can vary, and one departure accepted cash only for snacks. Carry some cash as a backup.

The boat itself is functional rather than stylish. Some people find it clean and comfortable enough, while others find it old, crowded, or untidy. Sitting near the back may also expose you to stronger engine fumes. If that bothers you, try to sit farther forward or in a better-ventilated area.

St George Bay: one hour in clear water

St George Bay is the first major reward for the long ride. The boat stops for about an hour, giving you time to swim from the vessel in clear water surrounded by steep rocky scenery. There is no admission charge and no separate beach transfer involved.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you can get into the water without wasting time. A towel, sunscreen, and a dry top are useful. The boat provides foam noodles, sometimes called woggles, but snorkels are not supplied. Bring your own snorkel if you want to see fish below the surface.

An hour is a sensible amount of time. It is long enough for a proper swim without turning the stop into an entire beach afternoon. You do need to stay aware of the boarding time, since the boat must keep to its schedule for Symi.

The swim stop is also the part most affected by weather. If conditions are poor, the operator may cancel St George Bay and continue with a Symi-only trip. One departure lost the swim stop after a late weather decision, even though conditions later improved. That is frustrating if the swim is central to your plans, but the change is tied to sea conditions and cannot be guaranteed.

If the swimming stop is canceled, you should expect the day to feel different. Symi remains the main destination, but the outing becomes a long boat ride for three hours ashore rather than a two-stop excursion.

The short ride into Symi

After St George Bay, the boat takes about 30 minutes to reach Symi. This is a useful transition from open water to the island’s compact harbor setting. Arriving by sea gives you an immediate view of the town’s tightly packed, brightly painted houses rising around the water.

Symi is small enough to explore on foot, which makes the three-hour stop easy to manage without a guide. You do not need complicated transport to see the main harbor area. The goal is to walk, eat, browse, and enjoy the setting at a relaxed pace.

The approach is one of the strongest parts of the day. Even people who find the crossing tiring tend to feel that Symi repays the effort. The town has an old-fashioned Greek island character, with colorful facades, small shops, and waterfront places to eat.

Three hours to eat and explore

Three hours gives you enough time for a proper look at Symi Town, though not enough to see every corner of the island. You can stroll along the harbor, browse the little shops, stop for lunch, and take photographs without racing back to the boat.

Lunch is not included. That is actually useful here because your free time lets you choose what suits your budget and appetite. Seafood is a natural choice, and Symi shrimp is a local specialty often singled out by visitors. Prices and menus vary, so check before ordering if you are watching costs.

I would not spend the whole stop at a restaurant. Eat at a sensible pace, then leave time for the waterfront and the main street. The town is compact, but it is easy to lose time at a table or in a shop.

The three-hour allowance works well for a first visit. Some people may wish for longer, especially if they want to walk beyond the main harbor area. If your priority is a deep exploration of Symi, an independent overnight stay would suit you better. For a day trip that combines swimming and sightseeing, the timing is reasonable.

One practical point: you swim before reaching Symi, so you may be damp during part of your walk if you do not change. Bring dry clothes if you want to explore comfortably after the bay stop.

The return crossing to Rhodes

The return ride takes about two hours. By this point, the long day becomes noticeable, particularly if you have spent the swim stop in the sun and walked around Symi in warm weather.

Try to be ready to board on time. On busy departures, people may queue early to secure seats for the ride back. Losing a large part of your three hours in Symi just to guarantee a seat is not ideal, but arriving at the boat at the requested time is still sensible.

The return journey can be a pleasant chance to rest, especially if the sea is calm. Some departures have reached Rhodes around sunset, adding a memorable finish to the day. Other trips may feel mainly like a long ride home. Your experience will depend heavily on weather, seating, and how crowded the boat is.

The activity ends back at the original meeting point. If you used hotel transfer, confirm the return arrangements and pickup details before the day begins.

Comfort, crowds, and what to pack

The largest practical issue is seating. With capacity for up to 200 people, the boat may feel crowded in high season. Some departures have had plenty of room, while others have left people standing or sitting separately from their companions.

Arrive early if you are not using a transfer. If you are using hotel pickup, ask about the pickup schedule and be aware that your group may not be first aboard. There is no stated seat reservation system, so prebooking does not necessarily mean you will have a particular seat or seats together.

Pack for changing conditions:

• Motion-sickness tablets if boats affect you
• Swimsuit under your clothes
• Towel and dry clothing
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Light jacket or warm layer
• Your own snorkel
• Cash for snacks and drinks
• Comfortable shoes for walking in Symi

The boat has a restroom and a bar area, which make the day easier. Service from the crew is generally friendly and helpful, but the standard is practical rather than luxurious. Think public ferry with an excursion schedule, not a private cruise.

Who will enjoy this day most

This trip suits you if you want to see Symi without arranging ferries, taxis, and meals yourself. It is also a good fit if the idea of swimming from the boat at a scenic bay appeals to you. Families, couples, and independent sightseers can all manage the itinerary, since the Symi portion is self-guided and easy to follow.

You should be comfortable with a long day at sea. If you dislike crowded boats, need guaranteed seating, or get seasick easily, consider paying more for a faster or smaller boat. One passenger specifically preferred the idea of a faster boat without the swim stop after experiencing the long crossing.

The activity is also less suitable if you want a quiet, slow visit to Symi. Three hours is enough for the center, but the schedule leaves little room for wandering far from the harbor. You are choosing convenience and variety over a deep island visit.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is received when you book. Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can take part. There is no stated accessibility detail beyond that, so contact the operator if you have specific mobility needs.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

The trip requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund. Since St George Bay can be removed from the schedule in poor conditions, check the final plan before departure.

Should you book the Symi and St George Bay trip?

Book it if you want a reasonably priced full-day outing from Rhodes that combines one beautiful swim stop with a memorable island town. The three hours in Symi are well judged for lunch, shopping, and a walk, and the hotel transfer option can make the day simple.

Think twice if comfort matters more than cost. The boat may be crowded, the crossing can be rough, and the day includes roughly six hours of travel by sea. Take sickness tablets, arrive early, pack your own snorkel, and carry a warm layer.

At $48.37, I see this as a strong-value sightseeing day with basic transport rather than a polished cruise. If you accept the long ride, Symi and St George Bay make the effort worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Symi and St George Bay take?

The activity lasts about nine hours. The outward journey takes roughly two hours to St George Bay, followed by about one hour of swimming, 30 minutes to Symi, three hours in Symi, and around two hours back to Rhodes.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you have about three hours of free time in Symi to choose and pay for your own meal.

How long is the swimming stop at St George Bay?

The stop lasts about one hour. You swim from the boat in the bay, and the stop may be changed or canceled if weather conditions are unsuitable.

Does the boat have a restroom?

Yes. A restroom is available onboard.

Can I be picked up from my hotel?

Yes. Hotel pickup is available across Rhodes for an additional charge. The price depends on how far your hotel is from the departure point, and you should provide your hotel name when booking.

Is hotel pickup included in the $48.37 price?

No. The stated price includes the boat trip and onboard restroom, but hotel pickup costs extra. Lunch, drinks, and snacks are also not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the experience are not accepted, and poor weather or insufficient participation may lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.