Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

The best part of this day is the mix of Symi Town and two swim stops. You get time to wander among the colorful harbor houses, then trade town streets for clear water, rocky bays, and a Greek lunch served on deck. It feels more personal than the big boats filling the route.

I especially like the small group, capped at 25 people, and the way lunch and drinks are built into the price. The crew has also been thoughtful about birthdays, honeymoons, and dietary needs. The main drawback is the long, sometimes rough ride from Rhodes, so bring a light jacket and seasickness medicine if you need it.

Key points at a glance

• About 25 people: A smaller yacht gives you more room than the large Symi ferries and excursion boats.
• Two hours in Symi Town: Walk the harbor, explore narrow lanes, browse shops, or stop for coffee and local food.
• St. George Bay: Swim beside a steep rock face and golden beach while lunch is prepared aboard.
• Seskli Island: Finish the swimming time at a small, lightly developed island with wild scenery and snorkeling.
• Lunch and drinks included: Expect Greek salad and moussaka, plus unlimited water, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
• Comfort matters: A changing room, snorkels, goggles, floats, and life jackets are available, but you must bring a towel.

Why this Symi cruise costs more than the basic boat trips

At about $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Symi. You can find simpler boat excursions at a lower price, but those often pack far more people aboard. Here, the advertised limit is 25 passengers, which changes the whole feel of the day.

You have more space to sit, move around, and enjoy the views without being shoulder to shoulder. The smaller number also makes it easier to get help from the crew, find a place on deck, and get into the water without a long line.

The price includes a full lunch, unlimited drinks, two swim stops, and the yacht ride. That matters because a cheaper ticket can become less cheap once you add food, drinks, and equipment. If you plan to enjoy several cold drinks, eat lunch aboard, and spend real time swimming, the added cost is easier to justify.

I would not choose this trip simply because it says luxury. I would choose it because you want a relaxed boat day with fewer people and less need to organize the details yourself. If your main goal is only to reach Symi and spend the day ashore, a basic ferry may be better value.

Starting at Mandraki and settling into the yacht

The cruise begins at Mandraki port in Rhodes. Check-in includes coffee, tea, or water, giving you a calm start before the yacht leaves the harbor.

The boat is described as a fast cruise yacht, and the first run to Symi takes roughly an hour and 20 minutes in conditions reported during the season. That is enough time to enjoy the coastline, but it is not a quick hop.

The front cushions offer the best open views, yet they can be windy, wet, and bumpy, especially during the first part of the ride. If you want a smoother start, sit farther back or inside. In October, the morning can feel chilly even when the day warms up later, so pack a light coat or hoodie.

Sea conditions matter. On a calm day, the ride is part of the fun. On a rougher day, it can be lively, and the fast yacht may spray water over the forward seating. If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual tablets before boarding.

The yacht has a changing room, and equipment such as snorkels, goggles, noodle floats, and life jackets is available for the swimming stops. You still need to bring your own towel.

Arriving in Symi Town after the open-water crossing

The yacht enters Symi harbor with a fine view of the town’s painted neoclassical houses. The buildings climb the hills around the water, making the arrival one of the most memorable parts of the day.

You get about two hours to explore Symi Town, also called Symi Yalos. That is enough time to walk the waterfront, poke around the small lanes, browse local shops, and stop for a drink or a bite.

The town is compact, so you can keep things simple. Stay near the fishing port for a relaxed walk, or head uphill if you want wider views and a closer look at the old houses. The climb can be energetic in the heat, so you do not need to race uphill to make the most of the stop.

Symi is known for its colorful architecture and strong visual character. The harbor itself is the main attraction, so even a leisurely stroll and a coffee can make the stop worthwhile. Some visitors may want more organized sightseeing, but this excursion gives you free time rather than a long guided history walk.

That freedom is useful. You can choose between shopping, photography, food, or simply sitting by the water. Local specialties such as Symi shrimp may be available in town, though lunch is served later aboard the yacht.

Keep an eye on the meeting time. Two hours sounds generous, but it passes quickly if you walk uphill, stop for food, and browse the lanes.

St. George Bay combines swimming and lunch

After Symi Town, the yacht heads to St. George Bay. This is the first proper swimming stop and the place where the day shifts from sightseeing to a relaxed beach-and-water outing.

The bay is sheltered, with clear water, a golden strip of sand, and steep rock rising behind it. The setting is dramatic without needing much activity. You can swim, sunbathe, use a float, or simply sit on deck with a drink.

The crew prepares lunch while you are in the water. The meal includes Greek salad and moussaka, with dietary needs accommodated when possible within the limits of boat catering. The food is served in a beautiful setting, which is part of its appeal.

Lunch timing is practical. You get a chance to swim first, eat, and then return to the water afterward. That makes this more than a quick photo stop. You have enough time to enjoy the bay instead of jumping in for five minutes and rushing back aboard.

The water entry may not suit everyone. A ramp and a platform at water level are available, but getting from the yacht into the sea can still be difficult for some people. One visitor specifically found this challenging, so ask the crew for help if you have limited mobility.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but swimming from a yacht involves practical limits. Confirm the arrangements before booking if you need detailed assistance beyond access at the port and aboard the vessel.

Seskli Island offers a quieter final swim

The last stop is Seskli, a small island described as a jewel of the Dodecanese. It has a wilder feel than Symi Town, with open scenery and little development.

This is a good counterpoint to St. George Bay. The first bay is the visual showstopper, while Seskli gives you another chance to swim and snorkel in a more open, natural setting. You may see fish and shells in the water, and the island’s quiet character makes it a pleasant place to slow down.

Do not expect a full island visit with shops or a long list of sights. Seskli is mainly about the stop itself: water, rocks, swimming, and the view from the yacht. Bring your mask if you have a favorite one, though snorkeling equipment is provided.

The crew supplies drinks throughout the day, including water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. The unlimited arrangement is useful on a hot day, especially after swimming, but the selection is not extensive. If you want cocktails or a broad bar menu, this is not that kind of cruise.

The crew is a major part of the experience

The crew receives unusually strong praise for being warm, attentive, and good-humored. Anna, Antonio, and Emily are named specifically in the feedback, and the crew has made birthdays and honeymoons feel special with small surprises such as cake, pastries, or a cocktail.

That personal attention matters on a small yacht. You are not just being directed from one stop to another. The crew keeps drinks moving, helps with equipment, explains the ride, and assists people getting into the water.

Service can also make a difference when the weather changes. The crew warns you about spray and rougher seating near the front, and they can help you choose a more comfortable spot.

The boat has received some practical criticism over time. One account noted that a sofa needed maintenance, while another found the yacht a little full despite the smaller format. These points do not cancel out the overall appeal, but they are worth keeping in mind if you expect a flawless private charter.

There may also be little or no music provided. If background music is important to you, do not assume it will be part of the day. The focus is on the sea, swimming, food, and conversation.

What the ride back to Rhodes feels like

After Seskli, the yacht returns to Rhodes and arrives at Mandraki port. The ride back gives you broad views of beaches, coves, and the east coast.

By this point, you will probably be full, sun-warmed, and ready for a quieter stretch. The return journey is also when you appreciate the value of having drinks included and space to sit comfortably.

The trip lasts about eight hours in total, so this is a full-day commitment. You should not plan another major activity immediately afterward. Weather and sea conditions can affect the feel of the ride, and the captain may cancel for safety reasons. If bad weather cancels the cruise, the booking is fully refundable.

Who will enjoy this yacht day most

I would recommend this trip to couples, small groups of friends, and solo visitors who want a social but not crowded day at sea. It also works well for anyone marking a birthday, honeymoon, or other occasion, since the crew has shown a knack for adding thoughtful touches.

It suits you if you value:

• A small passenger group
• Free time in Symi rather than a tightly guided walking tour
• Swimming in scenic bays
• Lunch and drinks included in the fare
• Help with snorkeling and flotation equipment
• A faster, more polished boat experience

It may not suit you if you dislike open-water travel, get seasick easily, or want several hours of sightseeing on land. The journey to Symi takes time, and the two-hour town visit is only one part of the day.

Families with children can use life jackets and floats, though the practical ease of boarding the water will depend on each child. Anyone with mobility concerns should check the swimming arrangements in advance.

Hotel pickup needs careful checking. The activity information asks people to be ready outside their hotel reception, but hotel pickup is not clearly included among the listed inclusions, and one booking from Faliraki reported no transport to the port. Confirm your exact meeting point and transport arrangement before paying.

What to pack for the eight-hour outing

Keep your day bag simple. You will want:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• A light jacket or hoodie for the morning
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Seasickness medicine if needed
• Comfortable shoes for Symi’s streets
• A waterproof pouch for small valuables

The yacht has a changing room, so you do not need to stay in wet swimwear all day. Still, a dry layer makes the ride back more comfortable.

The boat provides drinks, lunch, and swimming equipment, so you do not need to pack a picnic or snorkeling gear unless you prefer your own.

Should you book this Rhodes to Symi cruise?

I would book it if you want Symi plus a proper day on the water, not simply a transfer to the island. The combination of two hours in town, lunch at St. George Bay, a second swim at Seskli, and unlimited drinks gives the day a good rhythm.

The strongest reasons to pay the $141 are the smaller group, attentive crew, included food and drinks, and the chance to avoid the packed feel of larger boats. The main costs are the long crossing, possible spray and rocking, and the fact that much of the day is spent aboard rather than ashore.

Book it for the yacht experience. Choose another option if Symi Town is your only priority or if rough water is likely to spoil your day. For a balanced mix of island scenery, swimming, food, and friendly service, this is one of the more appealing full-day boat outings from Rhodes.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

The tour lasts about eight hours, including the cruise to Symi, free time in Symi Town, two swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Rhodes.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $141 per person.

How many people are on the yacht?

The experience is designed for a maximum of 25 passengers.

How much free time do I get in Symi Town?

You get about two hours to explore Symi Town, walk through its lanes, browse shops, enjoy the harbor, or stop for food and drinks.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes Greek salad and moussaka. Dietary requirements can be accommodated when possible within the limits of preparing food aboard the yacht.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included.

Where are the swimming stops?

The swimming stops are at St. George Bay and Seskli Island.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels and goggles are available, along with floats and life jackets.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own.

Is hotel pickup included?

The transport information is not fully consistent. The activity notes pickup instructions, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not listed among the inclusions, and transport from Faliraki was reported as unavailable. Confirm your exact pickup or port meeting point before booking.