Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore

Symi is the star here. You sail into a steep Greek harbor lined with pastel neoclassical houses, then step ashore with several hours to eat, shop, swim, or climb above the waterfront. It is an easy way to add a very different island to a Rhodes holiday.

I like the fast, comfortable boat and the choice between air conditioning and open-air seating. I also like the freedom to set your own pace, whether that means a long lunch beside the water or tackling the steps toward the old castle. The main drawback is the boarding rush, and the open upper deck can fill quickly.

Key points to know before you go

• Symi arrives by a scenic 80-minute crossing: You get views of Rhodes Old Town, the harbor defenses, windmills, and the coast before entering Symi Bay.
• You explore independently: There is no guided walking tour, so your time belongs to you.
• The boat has indoor and outdoor seating: The enclosed area is air-conditioned, while the sundeck gives you the best views but limited shade.
• Free time can feel different by departure: Some schedules provide about three to three and a half hours, while an early departure may give you close to five hours.
• The waterfront is the easy part of Symi: For hills, viewpoints, or beaches, you need extra energy and careful planning.
• At $35, the trip is strong value: Roundtrip transport costs less than arranging separate transport, while still leaving room for lunch and shopping.

Why Symi makes a fine day away from Rhodes

Rhodes has grand medieval walls, busy streets, and plenty to fill a week. Symi offers a quieter visual change. Its harbor town rises in a curved amphitheater of pale yellow, pink, blue, and cream houses, with balconies and tiled roofs stacked up the hillsides.

The approach is half the pleasure. As the boat glides into the bay, the town seems to rise straight from the water. On a calm day, the houses reflect in the harbor, giving you the classic Symi photograph before you even reach the dock.

I would not choose this trip if you want a full island tour with a guide, archaeological commentary, or a long beach stop. I would choose it if you want a simple island escape and the freedom to spend your day your own way.

The experience is especially good for couples, families, and independent sightseers who do not need a planned walking route. It also works well for first-time visitors to Greece who want one memorable boat trip without paying for a private excursion.

Boarding at Kolona Harbor

The meeting point is Kolona Harbor in Rhodes. Look for the Sebeco Lines boat and allow enough time to collect any required ticket before boarding. The harbor can feel disorderly at the start, especially when people hurry toward the open-air seats.

That rush matters if you want the upper deck. The best seats in the sun fill early, and groups may not remain together if people spread out inside. I would arrive early, keep your party together, and decide in advance if you prefer shade, air conditioning, or an unobstructed view.

There has been some confusion over dock directions in practice, so read the latest message from the operator carefully before leaving your hotel. The stated meeting point is Kolona Harbor, but the exact boat position can matter in a busy port.

Some bookings may also offer a hotel transfer for an extra fee. Communication about that option can arrive the day before, so check your email rather than assuming transport is included. The $35 price covers the roundtrip boat and free time in Symi, not food, drinks, or a guided tour.

The first 80 minutes, Rhodes from the water

Once the boat leaves, the crossing becomes a moving tour of Rhodes harbor. Look back toward the medieval walls and Old Town, where the minarets, clock tower, and Marine Gate create a striking outline from the sea.

You may also see the 46-meter Naillac Tower, the windmills of Rhodes, Saint Nicholas Fortress, and the Aquarium of Rhodes. These sights pass fairly quickly, so keep your camera ready rather than waiting for a formal announcement.

The boat provides an enclosed air-conditioned deck and outdoor seating. I would use the indoor area if you are sensitive to heat or spray, then move outside when the boat slows or the view becomes especially good. The upper deck gives you the clearest photographs, but the outer seats can get wet from sea spray.

The crossing generally takes about 80 minutes, though conditions and port timing can affect the return. The boat is fast and modern, but this is still a sea journey. It can be bumpy, and the ride back may feel noisy to some people. If you are prone to motion sickness, choose a shaded seat inside and carry whatever remedy you normally use.

There is a bar onboard with drinks and coffee. Prices have been described as reasonable, but food and drinks remain extra. This is useful on the long return, particularly if you have spent your free time walking in the heat rather than stopping for a full meal.

Entering Symi Bay

The arrival into Symi is the visual high point. The boat turns into a protected bay, and the town climbs the hills in layers of colorful houses. Even if you do nothing beyond walking along the waterfront, you will have plenty of photographs.

The port area is the practical center of your visit. You will find places to eat, cafés, shops, and waterfront seating, all close to where the boat leaves and returns. A leisurely lunch with a view is an easy plan, and local specialties include Symi shrimp. One review also singled out the pastries, cakes, and milkshakes at a local patisserie.

The harbor is not the same as a traditional sandy beach. The side of Symi where the boat arrives has limited beach access, though you may find a place for a swim. If swimming is important, plan carefully and ask locally about access. St George’s Beach was specifically praised by one visitor, but reaching beaches beyond the port can require extra transport and time.

The town also has many cats, a small detail that adds to the feel of the place but may matter if you are traveling with children or simply enjoy animals. The waterfront is friendly and easy to reach, while the upper streets demand more effort.

How to use three to five hours on the island

Your exact free time depends on the sailing selected. An early departure can allow close to five hours, while other departures may leave you around three to three and a half hours. Check the return time when you arrive, and set an alarm if you are enjoying lunch near the water.

For a relaxed visit, I would use the time like this:

• Walk the waterfront first and take your main photos before the heat builds.
• Browse the shops and small streets above the harbor.
• Stop for lunch or a cold drink with a view.
• Leave time to return to the boat without rushing.

If you are fit and want a viewpoint, walk up Kali Strata, the long flight of roughly 500 steps. The climb gives you wider views over the harbor and rooftops, but it is not a casual stroll in hot weather. Wear secure shoes, carry water, and allow enough time to come back down.

A visitor who wants a full climb, a swim, lunch, and shopping may find five hours barely enough. If you mainly want the harbor, a meal, and photographs, three hours can work well. This difference explains why some people wish they had longer while others find the available time just right.

There are no organized activities included after arrival. That is a strength if you dislike group schedules, but it means you must make your own plan. The operator leaves you in Symi and collects you later, so note the departure place and return time before wandering uphill.

Food, shopping, and the local feel

Symi is well suited to a slow meal. Restaurants and cafés line the waterfront, letting you watch boats and enjoy the view without needing a complicated plan. Try Symi shrimp if it appears on the menu, and keep some time for a Greek coffee, pastry, or cold drink.

Shopping is another easy use of your free time. The compact port area has enough shops to browse without committing to a long walk. You can combine this with the narrow streets behind the waterfront, where the colorful houses and small lanes make good photo subjects.

I would not treat this as a serious food tour. Meals are not included, and there is no guide to explain local dishes. The value is the choice: you can spend very little with a simple drink and walk, or make the day more leisurely with lunch and dessert.

Symi feels most enjoyable when you resist trying to see everything. The harbor, steps, houses, and sea provide the main pleasures. A rushed attempt to reach a distant beach, complete a long climb, and shop before departure can make the day feel like a race.

The return crossing to Rhodes

The boat normally leaves Symi promptly, so do not arrive at the last minute. Allow time to walk back from your restaurant or shopping street, especially if you have climbed above the harbor.

The return takes about 80 minutes, though occasional delays have occurred. In one case, a late departure reduced the island time rather than adding the lost minutes later. I would treat the published duration as an estimate and keep the final part of your day flexible.

The ride back can be a pleasant chance to rest. Choose the air-conditioned indoor deck if you are tired or sunburned, or sit outside for sea views and the possibility of a sunset. The outer seats can receive spray, which feels refreshing in hot weather but may surprise you if you are carrying a camera or wearing dry clothes.

Some boats have enough seating for everyone, but the most desirable upper-deck places are limited. If you want to sit outside on both legs, board early and avoid leaving your group scattered across the boat.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, this is one of the simpler ways to visit Symi from Rhodes. The price includes the return crossing and your free time on the island. You do not pay for a guide, a set meal, or an added sightseeing program that you may not want.

The value is strongest when you appreciate independence. You can spend your money on the parts of the day that matter to you, such as lunch, a swim, or a taxi toward another part of Symi. A guided package might offer more explanation, but it would also give you less control.

The price does not cover meals, drinks, or optional hotel transport. Build those costs into your budget. The onboard bar is convenient, but bringing the cost of lunch and at least one drink into your planning will prevent surprises.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make the booking fairly flexible. Still, weather and sea conditions can affect comfort, so a little flexibility in your wider Rhodes schedule is sensible.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would book it for:

• Anyone staying in Rhodes who wants a full-day change of scene.
• Families who prefer a simple transfer and self-guided day.
• Couples looking for harbor views, lunch, and photographs.
• Independent visitors who dislike being led from stop to stop.
• People who want to see Symi without arranging a private boat.

I would think twice if you need a quiet, empty boat, guaranteed upper-deck seating, or a full beach day. Boarding can be hurried, the sea can be choppy, and Symi’s main port is better for walking and dining than for a classic beach holiday.

It also demands some mobility if you want the best viewpoints. The harbor itself is the easiest option, while Kali Strata and the hillside streets add steps and heat.

My verdict on the Rhodes to Symi trip

You should book this tour if your main goal is to see Symi’s famous harbor, enjoy several hours at your own pace, and travel there without paying for a private excursion. The boat is comfortable, the crossing is scenic, and the colorful arrival is worth the day.

Arrive early for better seating, confirm the dock instructions, watch the clock in Symi, and do not count on the short waterfront visit turning into a full island tour. At $35, the trip offers a practical mix of transport and free time, with enough flexibility to make the day feel like your own.

FAQ

How long does the trip from Rhodes to Symi take?

The boat crossing takes about 80 minutes each way. The full activity lasts around seven to eight hours, including free time on Symi.

How much free time will I have in Symi?

The schedule can provide roughly three to five hours. An early departure may give you close to five hours, while other departures can offer around three to three and a half hours. Check the selected departure time for the exact schedule.

Is a guided tour of Symi included?

No. The experience includes roundtrip boat transport and free time in Symi, but no guided walking tour.

Does the boat have indoor seating?

Yes. The boat has an enclosed, air-conditioned area as well as outdoor seating and a sundeck.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. There is an onboard bar, and Symi has cafés, restaurants, shops, and places to stop along the waterfront.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Kolona Harbor in Rhodes and look for the Sebeco Lines boat. Check the latest operator instructions before departure because the exact dock position can be confusing in the harbor.