Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Symi is the star here, but the real travel advantage is the departure point. You board at Kolymbia Harbor, rather than taking an early bus to Rhodes Town first. The fast boat gives you about three hours on Symi, followed by a swim in the clear water of St George’s Bay.

I like the easy start and the generous free time on Symi. I also like the return swim stop, which adds a refreshing break to what could otherwise be a simple boat transfer. The main consideration is the strict departure time. If you are late, the boat will not wait, so arrive early and keep an eye on the clock.

Key points

• Direct departure from Kolymbia Harbor: A good choice if you are staying nearby and want to avoid a pre-dawn bus ride to Rhodes.
• Three hours on Symi: Enough time for the harbor, a meal, photos, and a relaxed walk, though not enough for a full island tour.
• High-speed boat service: You spend less time in transit and more time at your destination.
• St George’s Bay swim stop: The 30-minute break is a major part of the day, not just a quick photo pause.
• Local food to seek out: Symi mini shrimps and Greek ouzo are two local specialties worth considering.
• $90 value: The price makes the most sense if direct transport and a swim stop matter more to you than a long guided tour.

Why the Kolymbia departure matters

Many boat trips to Symi begin with a bus transfer to Rhodes Town. This one starts at Kolymbia Harbor, which can make the morning far easier if you are staying in Kolymbia.

The harbor is close enough for some people to walk from nearby hotels. One reported pickup was only about five minutes from the accommodation, a useful detail if you want to avoid arranging a taxi or packing a breakfast for an early road journey.

The usual departure timing shown for this service is around 10:15, though you should check the current availability before booking. The boat has been reported to arrive, load passengers, and leave promptly. That is good news for an organized day, but it also means you should not stroll down at the last moment.

I would arrive at the harbor early, with your ticket details ready and your swim gear easy to reach. The crew has made clear that the boat keeps to its schedule. That may sound strict, but waiting in the sun for late passengers would cut into everyone’s time on Symi.

The high-speed ride to Symi

The boat ride is designed to get you across quickly. That matters because Symi is the main event, and a slow ferry can eat up much of a day trip.

The route gives you views of the Dodecanese coast and the brilliant blue sea. In at least one reported sailing, the boat made a short stop in Rhodes Town to drop off and collect passengers. That pause lasted only a few minutes, but it offered a useful view of the old town castle beside the harbor.

Do not count on that stop as a scheduled sightseeing visit. It is better treated as a possible extra view from the boat. The service is built around getting you to Symi, not touring Rhodes.

A high-speed boat can also feel more exposed than a large ferry. If you are sensitive to motion, choose your seat with care and keep the open-water nature of the ride in mind. The available information describes the service as smooth, but sea conditions can change. The trip is still a boat journey, not a bus ride with a view.

First look at Symi Harbor

Symi’s harbor is one of the most memorable arrivals in the Dodecanese. As the boat comes in, you see turquoise water surrounded by pastel-colored neoclassical buildings. Colorful church domes add small flashes of detail among the buildings and hillsides.

The setting rewards a slow arrival. Keep your camera ready, but do not spend the whole approach looking through a screen. The harbor view is best understood as a whole: boats on the water, stacked houses around the bay, and the bright Aegean light on the buildings.

Once you disembark, you have about three hours to spend independently. There is no listed guided walking tour, so you are responsible for setting your own pace and watching the meeting time.

That freedom is a strength for some people. You can sit by the water, browse at your own speed, eat lunch, or simply enjoy the harbor without following a guide with a flag. It is less ideal if you want detailed historical explanations or a planned tour of the island’s main sights.

Making three hours on Symi count

Three hours is a useful amount of time, but you should set sensible goals. It is enough for a close look at the harbor town, a meal, and a relaxed wander. It is not enough to see every corner of Symi Island.

Start by getting your bearings near the waterfront. The harbor is the natural center of the visit, and the pastel buildings provide the classic Symi views. From there, use your time according to your priorities.

If food matters to you, plan on lunch at one of the traditional tavernas. The meal is not included, so keep part of the $90 budget for food and drinks. Symi mini shrimps are a local specialty worth looking for, and ouzo gives you a taste of a familiar Greek aperitif tradition.

I would not order a long, leisurely meal if you still want time for photographs and a walk. Three hours can pass quickly, especially after the boat ride. Ask for the return meeting time when you arrive, then work backward from it.

If swimming is important to you, remember that the main planned swim stop comes later at St George’s Bay. That means you can use your Symi time for the town rather than changing into swimwear right away.

The St George’s Bay swim stop

The return route includes a 30-minute stop at St George’s Bay. This is one of the strongest features of the trip because it changes the mood from sightseeing to holiday relaxation.

The bay is described as having crystal-clear water, and the boat stops for swimming while you can also remain on deck and enjoy the sun. Some sailings have stayed longer than the planned 30 minutes, but you should treat 30 minutes as the reliable allowance rather than expecting extra time.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and anything you need to get comfortable on the boat afterward. The stop is short enough that you will not want to waste time searching through a large day bag.

You should also be realistic about the setup. This is a boat swim stop, not a private beach visit. You enter the water from the boat, then return to the vessel when the crew calls time. That makes it a good fit for confident swimmers who want a quick plunge, while anyone who prefers a long beach stay may find it too brief.

For many people, this stop becomes the most memorable part of the return journey. After several hours of walking and eating in Symi, the clear water offers a simple, welcome reset before Kolymbia.

What the $90 price includes

The price is $90 per person. It includes the high-speed boat cruise, about three hours of free time on Symi, and the 30-minute swim stop at St George’s Bay.

Lunch, drinks, and personal purchases are not included. You should budget extra for a taverna meal, ouzo, mini shrimps, or other snacks. The total cost can rise if you also buy souvenirs or choose a more elaborate lunch.

I see the value mainly in the direct departure and the time saved. If you are staying in Kolymbia, avoiding a transfer to Rhodes Town can make the day calmer and more pleasant. You are also paying for a fast connection that leaves enough time for a proper visit to Symi.

The price is less attractive if you want a detailed guided tour, a full day on the island, or included food. This is a transport-focused excursion with free time, not an all-inclusive cultural program.

The high rating attached to the experience fits its strongest points: easy boarding in Kolymbia, helpful staff, a smooth boat ride, and the combination of Symi with St George’s Bay. The value depends on how much you appreciate convenience.

Timing, comfort, and practical details

The full activity lasts about eight hours. The starting time can vary, so check the available date and time before you book. The boat returns to Kolymbia Harbor, where the activity ends.

The host or greeter speaks English, and English is the listed language for the activity. No individual guide name is provided, so do not book this expecting a named guide leading a personal walking tour.

The experience is listed as wheelchair accessible. Even so, boat access and movement around a harbor can involve practical limits, so you should confirm the current boarding arrangements if you have specific mobility needs.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which is useful when your holiday plans are still changing.

The most important practical rule is punctuality. Arrive before the stated departure time, not at it. A fast boat schedule works only when everyone is ready to go.

Who will enjoy this trip most?

I would recommend this for anyone staying in Kolymbia who wants to see Symi without giving up a whole morning to road transport. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who are happy to plan their own three hours.

It is also a good fit if you want two different experiences in one day: a scenic harbor town and a short swim in clear water. The free-time format lets you choose between food, photos, walking, and sitting beside the bay.

You may want another option if you need a guided history tour, dislike boats, or want several hours at a beach. The Symi visit is independent, and the St George’s Bay stop lasts only around 30 minutes.

I would also think carefully if you dislike fixed schedules. The day has a clear rhythm, and the boat does not wait for late passengers. That firmness is part of what keeps the trip efficient, but it leaves little room for a careless start.

Should you book the Kolymbia to Symi boat?

Book it if you value a direct start, a fast crossing, and a sensible amount of free time in Symi. The best reason to choose it is convenience: you can walk to Kolymbia Harbor, board there, and avoid the usual transfer to Rhodes Town.

The Symi harbor views, local food options, and St George’s Bay swim stop give the day plenty of variety. At $90, the trip is a fair buy for a well-organized boat day, provided you remember that lunch and drinks cost extra.

Skip it if you want a slow ferry ride, a private beach, or a guided cultural tour. For everyone else, arrive early, pack swim gear, save time for Symi mini shrimps, and keep your return schedule in view.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Kolymbia Harbor in the Dodecanese.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at Kolymbia Harbor, the same meeting point used for departure.

How long is the trip?

The full activity lasts about eight hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

How much free time do I get on Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time to explore Symi independently.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a traditional taverna, along with drinks and other personal purchases, is at your own expense.

How long is the swimming stop?

The planned swimming stop at St George’s Bay lasts 30 minutes.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.