From Faliraki: High Speed Boat to Symi and St. George’s Bay

Symi Island is one of the prettiest day trips from Rhodes, and this direct fast boat from Faliraki removes the least appealing part: the bus ride to Rhodes Town and the wait at its port. You board near your hotel, reach Symi in about 80 minutes, then have three hours to explore before a swim stop at St. George’s Bay.

I like the easy beach pickup and the useful balance between town time and swimming. I also like that the boat is genuinely fast, clean, and comfortable, with friendly staff and fleeces available when the ride gets windy. The main drawback is the weather: the crossing can feel breezy, and the 30-minute swim stop may seem short after you see the bay.

Key points to know before booking

• Four Faliraki pickup points: Board at Faliraki Harbour, Apollo Blue, near Calypso Beach, or Amada Colossos.
• About 80 minutes to Symi: The fast boat gives you a practical day trip without first reaching Rhodes Port.
• Three hours in Symi Town: Enough for lunch, a walk around the harbor, shopping, and possibly a quick swim.
• A 30-minute stop at St. George’s Bay: Bring swimwear, a towel, and something secure for your phone.
• Weather can change the order: In late September and October, the bay may come first so the water is not shaded.
• Best for Faliraki visitors: The $73 price is strongest if you value convenience and want to avoid a long transfer to Rhodes Town.

Why this Faliraki to Symi trip is so useful

Symi is a natural choice for a day away from Rhodes. Its harbor is framed by pastel-colored neoclassical houses, steep hills, bright church domes, and intensely blue water. The setting feels very different from the larger resort areas on Rhodes, even though the island is close enough for a day trip.

The real selling point here is not simply Symi itself. It is where the day begins. If you are staying in Faliraki, you do not need to arrange a 40-minute bus trip to Rhodes Town before joining a boat there. You can reach the service at the beach, board close to your hotel, and save energy for the island.

That matters more than it may sound. A port transfer adds early-morning planning, road time, and another place where you could be delayed. Here, the pickup points run along the Faliraki coast, making this one of the more practical ways to visit Symi from the resort area.

The experience is rated 4.6 from 356 ratings, and the strongest praise is consistent: the direct pickup, smooth fast crossing, attractive boat, friendly staff, and refreshing swim stop. That does not make the trip perfect, but it tells you where the value lies.

The four Faliraki pickup points

The listed pickup points are:

• Faliraki Harbour at 9:45 AM
• Apollo Blue beach at 9:50 AM
• The beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel at 9:55 AM
• Amada Colossos beach at 10:00 AM

You should check the exact meeting instructions when booking, since the process involves a small wrinkle. At some locations, you first check in at the Faliraki Sea Lines desk on the beach. Staff then accompany you to a minibus for the short ride to the Amada Colossos boat station, about five minutes away.

This is still far easier than going to Rhodes Port, but do not simply wander onto the first boat you see. Find the desk, allow time to check in, and follow the staff instructions. If you are driving, free all-day parking is available by the beach at the Amada Colossos boat station.

The service is wheelchair accessible, though you should still confirm the exact boarding arrangements if you need assistance with the minibus or beach access.

The fast crossing to Symi

The first sailing section takes about 80 minutes, with a short 10-minute stop at Mandraki Harbour so people can get on or off. The boat is designed for speed, so you spend less of the day sitting at sea and more of it on Symi.

I would treat the crossing as part transport and part sightseeing. You can watch the Rhodes coastline recede, feel the sea air, and enjoy views of the Dodecanese from the water. The ride is described as smooth by many passengers, but it can also be windy. Bring a light layer, even on a warm day. Fleeces are provided when needed, which is a thoughtful touch.

A fast boat is not automatically the most relaxing boat. If you dislike wind, spray, or a lively ride, choose your seat with care and keep loose items secured. The speed is the reason this service works as a day trip, but the open sea can still feel brisk.

English, German, and Greek are spoken by the host or greeter. The supplied information does not name individual guides, and this is not a guided walking tour. You should expect help with boarding and timing rather than a long running commentary about Symi.

Three hours in Symi Town

The boat drops you at Symi, where you have approximately three hours on your own. That is enough time to get a good taste of the harbor town, but it is not a full island tour.

Start by taking in the harbor. Symi’s buildings rise around the water in soft colors, with traditional facades and church domes adding plenty of visual interest. The setting rewards a slow walk, especially if you enjoy photographing architecture and boats.

You can use your free time in several ways:

• Walk along the harbor and look for a quieter angle on the colorful buildings.
• Stop at a traditional taverna for lunch.
• Browse shops and small local businesses.
• Find a place for a drink and watch the harbor.
• Swim in the town area if conditions and access suit you.

Lunch is not included, so budget separately for food and drinks. Three hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly once you combine a meal, a walk, photographs, and shopping. One useful approach is to pause for a quick look around first, then choose a taverna rather than sitting down immediately beside the first available table.

Do not expect to see every part of Symi during this visit. The time is centered on Symi Town, not the whole island. You will not have hours for remote beaches or a long inland exploration. For a first look, though, the schedule is sensible. You get enough time to experience the harbor without turning the day into a rushed march.

The heat is another factor. Symi can feel very hot, and three hours in the middle of the day may be tiring if you spend all of it walking. Carry water, use sun protection, and give yourself time to sit in the shade. The best memories may come from a quiet harbor break rather than trying to fill every minute.

The St. George’s Bay swimming stop

After leaving Symi, the boat makes a sightseeing cruise of about 20 minutes before stopping at St. George’s Bay for 30 minutes. The bay is known for clear water surrounded by dramatic rocky scenery, and the stop gives the day a welcome change of pace.

This is a swim from the boat, not a long beach visit. You should be ready to get into the water when the crew gives the signal, then return to the boat within the half-hour. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if possible, along with a towel and waterproof protection for valuables.

The water is the star here. After a hot walk through Symi, a swim can feel wonderfully refreshing. You can also stay on deck and enjoy the view if swimming is not for you, though the stop is clearly aimed at people who want a proper dip.

Thirty minutes is enough for a swim, but not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. I would not book this trip mainly for St. George’s Bay if you want hours on shore. Think of it as a scenic, cooling break that improves the day rather than the main event.

Weather may change the order. From the end of September into October, the operator may visit St. George’s Bay before Symi because the bay can be shaded later in the day, reducing the strong colors in the water. A different bay may also be used if conditions require it. That flexibility is sensible, but it means the advertised order is not guaranteed.

The return to Faliraki

The return sightseeing cruise takes about 1.5 hours, followed by drop-off at one of the four Faliraki locations. You may arrive around 5:20 PM, although the exact time depends on the day’s conditions and schedule.

The afternoon return can be windy, so keep your light layer handy. If you have spent three hours in the sun, the fast ride may feel longer than the morning crossing. Drink water before boarding and avoid assuming you will have a full meal after the swim stop.

The drop-off points are Calypso Beach, Apollo Blue, Amada Colossos, and Faliraki Harbour. This is especially convenient if you are staying near one of them. You avoid a second transfer at the end of the day, which is one reason the service feels less tiring than a port-based excursion.

Is $73 a fair price?

At $73 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on Rhodes. Lunch is extra, and the three hours in Symi are self-guided. Still, the price compares favorably if you are staying in Faliraki and would otherwise need transport to Rhodes Town, extra time at the port, and a longer overall day.

You are paying for speed and convenience, not a private guide or a luxury cruise. The direct beach access is the part with the clearest value. It saves a bus transfer in the morning and places you back near your hotel in the evening.

The price makes the most sense for:

• Couples who want an easy day away from Faliraki.
• Families who would rather avoid a long early transfer.
• Repeat Rhodes visitors who already know the main sights and want a simple trip to Symi.
• Anyone who wants both a picturesque town and a swim stop.
• Drivers who can use the free parking at Amada Colossos.

You may find better value elsewhere if you want a fully guided Symi tour, a longer stop on the island, or a more leisurely boat with extensive onboard service. This is a transport-focused day trip with a strong sightseeing payoff.

Practical tips for a better day

Wear comfortable shoes for Symi Town, but do not forget swimwear. The two parts of the day have different needs: walking shoes and sun protection for the harbor, then a towel and secure bag for the bay.

Bring water, especially if you plan to spend the full three hours walking. Lunch is at your own expense, and it is wise to leave enough time for a meal instead of trying to eat during the final minutes before boarding.

Keep your belongings compact. A large suitcase has no place on a day boat, while a small day bag is easy to manage at the beach, in town, and on deck.

Check the weather before you go, but understand that a forecast is not the whole story. Rain or wind can affect the route and timing. Staff have arranged minibus transfers during wet conditions and may offer a refund or rescheduling option if the weather makes the trip unsuitable. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Who should book this boat?

You should book it if you are based in Faliraki, want to see Symi without traveling to Rhodes Port, and like the idea of combining free time in town with a swim in a beautiful bay.

It suits independent visitors who are happy to explore without a guide. You choose your lunch, walking route, and pace. It also suits people who value a well-organized schedule and a fast crossing more than a slow, luxury sailing experience.

Think twice if you dislike open-water speed, need a long beach stop, or want to explore beyond Symi Town. The ride can be windy, the swim is brief, and the island visit is fixed at about three hours.

Should you book the Faliraki to Symi boat?

I would book this trip if I were staying in Faliraki and Symi was high on my Rhodes wish list. The direct pickup is the key advantage, and the combination of a colorful harbor town, a fast crossing, and a swim at St. George’s Bay gives you a satisfying full-day outing for $73.

Just set the right expectations. This is not a private tour, a full island exploration, or a long beach holiday. It is a practical day boat that gets you from Faliraki to one of the Dodecanese’s most photogenic ports with minimal fuss. Bring a layer for the wind, save room in your schedule for lunch, and be ready to swim when the boat reaches the bay.

FAQ

Where can I board the boat in Faliraki?

You can board or check in at Faliraki Harbour, Apollo Blue beach, the beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel, or the beach at Amada Colossos. The listed morning times run from 9:45 AM to 10:00 AM.

Do I need to travel to Rhodes Port first?

No. The service begins from Faliraki beach locations. Some passengers check in at the Faliraki Sea Lines desk and take a short, five-minute minibus ride to the Amada Colossos boat station.

How long do I have in Symi?

You have approximately three hours of free time in Symi Town. Lunch, shopping, walking, and any swimming in town are at your own pace and expense.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at St. George’s Bay for about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim or relax on deck. The stop can change because of weather conditions.

Is lunch included in the price?

No. Lunch is not included, so you pay separately at one of Symi’s traditional tavernas or other available food places.

What languages are available, and is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The host or greeter speaks English, German, and Greek. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.