Rhodes: Sunset Cruise to Symi Island with 3 Hours Free Time

The best part of this Rhodes excursion is the timing. You reach Symi in the afternoon, after many of the morning boats have left, then return across the Dodecanese sea as the sun drops behind you. I like the three hours of free time, which is enough for the harbor, lunch, photos, and a little wandering without turning the day into a race. I also like the fast boat, since you spend more of your five-hour outing on Symi and less of it in transit.

The trade-off is the ride itself. Sea spray and choppy water are possible, especially on the upper deck, so bring swimwear or waterproof clothing. This is independent transport, not a guided island tour. You choose what to do on Symi, and that freedom is a big plus if you prefer your own pace.

Key points at a glance

• Afternoon timing: Symi is generally cooler and less crowded than during the busy morning arrival period.
• About three hours on Symi: You have time for the harbor town, food, shopping, photos, or a swim.
• Fast Aphrodite Princess crossing: The boat gets you to Symi quickly, but splashes can reach the upper deck.
• Sunset on the return: The boat may pause for photographs, and the rear seats are useful for sunset views and less wind.
• Independent visit: No island guide is included, so you set your own plan.
• Good value at $57: Boat transport, free time, and the sunset sailing make this a strong half-day option.

Why the afternoon departure works so well

Symi is one of those places where timing changes the whole mood of a visit. Morning arrivals can bring a rush of people into the small harbor town. This tour arrives later, when the heat is easing and the busiest part of the day is past.

That matters because Symi is best enjoyed slowly. You can walk along the waterfront, look up at the pastel buildings, stop for a drink, and take photographs without trying to cover a huge area. Several people who have taken both morning and afternoon trips found the later visit more comfortable and more relaxed.

You also keep your morning in Rhodes. That gives you time to see the Old Town, visit Mandraki Harbour, or simply have a quiet start before meeting the boat. If your stay in Rhodes is short, this is a smart way to add Symi without sacrificing an entire daylight day.

The five-hour duration includes the crossings and your time on the island. The total time on Symi is about three hours, though one departure gave passengers roughly two hours and 45 minutes. That is still enough for the compact harbor area, but you should not expect a full island tour.

Meeting the Aphrodite Princess at Mandraki Harbour

You meet the boat at the Rhodes Sea Lines desk in Mandraki Harbour, opposite the National Bank of Greece. Allow time to find the desk and get ready before departure, since the tour follows a fixed schedule.

The Aphrodite Princess is a high-speed boat, so the crossing is designed to be quicker than a slower ferry journey. That is the main reason this trip works as a half-day outing. You get a proper visit to Symi without spending most of your afternoon at sea.

Choose your seat with the return trip in mind. The back of the boat is the best place for sunset photographs, and the last seats on both levels can offer more shelter from wind. An upper-deck seat gives you a wide view but also leaves you more exposed to spray.

The ride can be smooth, but conditions vary. Choppy patches and seawater splashes are part of the deal. One passenger described getting soaked, while another found the spray refreshing. Pack a waterproof layer, towel, or change of clothes if you want to sit outside. A one-time-use raincoat and a soft jacket were provided on one trip, but I would not rely on that for every departure.

Arriving in Symi’s pastel harbor

Symi announces itself before you step ashore. The harbor is lined with pastel-colored neoclassical buildings, and church domes add bright points of color above the town. The water is turquoise, and fishing boats give the waterfront a working character rather than making it feel like a stage set.

Your arrival point is the fishing town, where you have about three hours to explore independently. The town is compact enough to enjoy without a strict route. Walk along the harbor first, then turn into the streets and look for viewpoints, small shops, and places to eat.

Symi is especially good for photographs. The painted facades climb the sides of the bay, and the water provides a clear foreground. You do not need an elaborate sightseeing plan to have a worthwhile visit. Simply walking, stopping for a drink, and watching the harbor can fill much of your time.

The important limitation is that no guide is included. The English-speaking host is connected with the boat service, not a personal guide for Symi. You are responsible for your own sightseeing, meal, and return to the boat at the stated time.

How to spend three hours on the island

Three hours gives you useful freedom, but it rewards a little planning. I would begin with a slow walk around the harbor, since this helps you get your bearings and see the most photogenic part of town before settling into lunch.

A traditional taverna is the natural choice for a meal. Food and drinks are not included, so keep money aside for lunch and perhaps a cold drink. This is also your chance to try Symi mini shrimps, a local specialty, with some ouzo if that appeals to you.

The mini shrimps are associated with Symi and are usually eaten whole, shell and all. You do not need to order them, but trying a local dish gives the stop more character than simply buying a snack and returning to the boat. Ouzo is strong, so take it slowly, especially before a fast crossing.

You can also use part of the stop for a swim in the glittering water. The tour information does not promise a dedicated swimming stop or beach transfer, so treat swimming as an option around the town rather than the central purpose of the excursion.

Do not try to see every corner of Symi in three hours. Steep stairs can make walking harder, and one passenger skipped the higher streets for that reason. If you have mobility concerns, stay near the harbor and ask about the most manageable route. The boat itself is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the independent town visit may involve uneven ground or steps.

The sunset return to Rhodes

The return journey is more than a ride back. As the light softens, the water takes on warmer colors and the coast becomes a series of silhouettes. The boat may slow or stop briefly so everyone can take photographs, and the sunset is the main event of the second crossing.

For the clearest view, head toward the rear of the boat. The back seats can be less windy and more sheltered than exposed seats farther forward. You may also want to move between the lower and upper levels as the light changes. The upper deck offers open views, while the lower deck is the safer choice if spray or wind bothers you.

The sunset is not guaranteed to look identical every evening. Clouds, haze, and sea conditions will shape the view. Still, the timing gives you a strong chance to see the sky change during the ride, and some departures have also had striking moon views after dark.

A small delay is possible. One return was about 10 minutes late, so do not schedule a tight dinner reservation or onward transport immediately after arrival in Rhodes. The trip is well suited to a relaxed evening, not to a minute-by-minute connection.

What the $57 price really buys you

At $57 per person, this is a fair price for a five-hour boat outing that combines transport to Symi, several hours on the island, and a sunset cruise. You are paying for the efficient high-speed crossing and the chance to visit one of the Dodecanese islands without arranging separate ferries.

Food and drinks are extra, as are any purchases in Symi. That is not a problem if you prefer choosing your own taverna, but budget beyond the ticket price for lunch, drinks, and local specialties.

The value is strongest for people who want a taste of Symi rather than a guided tour or a full day on the island. You do not pay for a guide you may not need, and you are free to spend your time on what interests you. The value is weaker if you dislike fast boats, need a quiet ferry crossing, or want detailed commentary about the island.

The transport receives very strong marks overall, with 88 percent of ratings giving it a perfect score and an overall rating of 4.8 from 186 ratings. The most praised features are consistent: good organization, friendly English-speaking staff, enough time in Symi, and the sunset on the way home.

Practical advice for a smoother trip

Wear shoes that can handle walking and steps. Symi’s harbor is easy to explore, but the higher streets can be steep, and you may want to wander beyond the waterfront.

Pack for two very different parts of the day. Rhodes and Symi can feel warm before sunset, while the boat becomes cooler and windier on the return. A light jacket is useful, and waterproof clothing is wise if you sit outside.

Arrive early enough to choose your seat. If the sunset matters most to you, aim for the rear of the boat. If staying dry matters more, choose a lower-deck seat and keep a jacket close.

Keep your return time firmly in mind. Three hours can pass quickly once you add lunch, photographs, and shopping. Missing the boat would defeat the main advantage of this tightly timed excursion.

This tour is also listed as wheelchair accessible, but accessibility on the island itself may vary. The boat access and the streets of Symi are separate concerns, especially if you hope to climb above the harbor.

Who should book this Symi sunset cruise?

I would choose this trip if you want Symi’s famous harbor, pastel buildings, and sea views without giving up an entire day. It suits couples, friends, families with older children, and independent sightseers who like to make their own plans.

It is especially useful during a short Rhodes stay. You can spend the morning in Rhodes, visit Symi in the cooler afternoon, eat dinner or a late lunch on the island, and return with the sunset behind you.

You should think twice if you get seasick or strongly dislike being splashed. The high-speed boat is efficient, but it is not a dry, slow ferry in every condition. Waterproof clothing and a rear or lower-deck seat can help, but they cannot remove the movement of the sea.

You should also skip it if you want a guided history tour, a set meal, or a long stop at a swimming beach. This is a boat transfer with free time, not a guided cultural program.

Should you book it?

Book this Rhodes to Symi cruise if you value freedom, cooler afternoon temperatures, and a memorable sunset more than detailed guiding. Three hours is enough to enjoy the harbor town, eat something local, and take in the setting without exhausting yourself.

The best version of the trip is simple: arrive early, sit toward the back, pack for spray, explore Symi at an easy pace, and leave enough time to return to the boat. At $57, it offers a practical way to see one of the Dodecanese’s prettiest islands while keeping your morning in Rhodes free.

FAQ

Where does the Symi cruise depart from?

The boat departs from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes. Meet at the Rhodes Sea Lines desk, opposite the National Bank of Greece.

How long is the total tour?

The listed duration is five hours, including the boat crossings and free time in Symi.

How much free time do you get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours on Symi. One departure provided about two hours and 45 minutes.

Is a guide included on Symi?

No. The tour provides boat transport and free time, but not a guided walking tour of the island.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are at your own expense. You can choose a taverna and try local options such as Symi mini shrimps and ouzo.

Can you swim during the visit?

Swimming is listed as an option during your free time, but the tour does not include a dedicated swimming stop or beach transfer.

Is the boat ride suitable for wheelchair users?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Accessibility around Symi may be more limited because some routes include steep stairs.

Can the boat ride be choppy?

Yes. Sea conditions can be choppy in places, and passengers may experience wind and seawater splashes, especially on the upper deck.

Where is the best place to watch the sunset?

The rear of the boat is recommended for sunset views. The last seats on either level can also provide less wind and some shelter.

Can you cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.