Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay

Symi’s painted harbor houses are the star of this day, but the one-hour swim at Saint George Bay gives the trip a second act. After roughly two hours at sea, you stop in a clear, dramatic cove, then continue to Symi for about three hours of walking, seafood, and harbor views.

I like the chance to see two very different sides of the Dodecanese in one outing, and I like the practical hotel pickup option. The price is also fair for a nine-hour boat trip at $48.37 per person. The catch is the boat ride itself: it can be rough, long, and very crowded, especially in high season.

Key points to know before booking

• Two major stops: Swim for about one hour at Saint George Bay, then spend three hours in Symi town.
• Symi is easy to explore on foot: The main harbor area is compact, with colorful houses, shops, restaurants, and places to stop for lunch.
• Expect a long day at sea: Sailing takes about two hours to Saint George Bay, 30 minutes to Symi, and about two hours back to Rhodes.
• Seats may be limited: Some departures have been crowded enough for people to stand or sit apart from their companions.
• Bring your own snorkel: Woggles are available, but snorkel gear is not provided.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: The fee depends on where your hotel is located, so choose the correct pickup option when booking.

The day begins in Rhodes and quickly turns nautical

The standard meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. The boat returns there at the end of the day. If you prefer not to make your own way into town, hotel pickup is available across the island for an extra charge, including resorts around Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi.

The pickup system is useful, but you need to enter your hotel name in the special requirements field and select the option that matches your area. The pickup time is then confirmed to you. One transfer has been reported as late, while several others were described as on time and well organized, so allow a little patience on the road even though the main schedule is usually kept closely.

At the harbor, arrive early if sitting with your family or partner matters to you. The boat can fill before everyone is aboard, and people who arrive later may have to separate or stand for part of the ride. This is especially important because the outward crossing can last two hours.

The boat has indoor and outdoor seating, a restroom, and a bar area with drinks and snacks. Water has been sold at a low price, and card payments may be possible, though the signal near the Turkish border can be unreliable. Bring some cash as a backup.

Two hours across open water to Saint George Bay

The first crossing is not a quick hop. It takes around two hours from Rhodes to Saint George Bay, and conditions can change. On calm days, you can sit outside and watch the Greek islands slide past. On windy days, the ride may be choppy, and spray or strong engine fumes can affect where you want to sit.

If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual motion-sickness medicine before departure. This is one of the most useful pieces of advice for the trip. The boat has an indoor area if the weather turns wet or windy, but moving inside does not remove the motion of the sea.

The boat itself is functional rather than polished. Some departures have felt comfortable and spacious, while others have been described as old, untidy, or packed beyond a pleasant level. The maximum group size is listed as 200 people, which helps explain why the experience can feel very different from one departure to another.

I would avoid sitting right at the back if fumes bother you. Arrive early, claim a seat away from the engine area if possible, and keep a light layer handy. Even a warm Greek day can feel cool after an hour in the water or during the ride home.

Saint George Bay makes the long crossing worthwhile

Saint George Bay is a striking place to stop. Steep rock faces surround a small, clear-water cove, creating the kind of setting that makes you forget the crowded boat for a while. You get about one hour to swim, and that is enough time for a proper dip rather than a rushed photo stop.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you can get into the water without hunting through a day bag. The boat provides woggles, which are useful if you want to float, but you should bring your own snorkel if you want to look below the surface. Snorkel equipment is not supplied.

The water has been praised for its clarity, and some people have seen plenty of fish near the rocks. Still, this is an open-water stop, not a supervised beach day. Keep your belongings secure on the boat, follow the crew’s instructions, and remember that one hour includes getting ready and boarding again.

The order of the stops is worth thinking about. This tour swims first and visits Symi second. That means you can explore Symi in damp swimwear if you do not pack a towel and a dry change of clothes. Several people would prefer to swim after Symi, but the current order lets you cool off early in the day.

Pack a towel, sunscreen, a hat, a dry shirt, and a small plastic bag for wet items. These simple things make the second half of the day much more comfortable.

A short ride brings you into Symi harbor

From Saint George Bay, the boat takes about 30 minutes to reach Symi. The arrival is one of the most memorable parts of the outing. Symi town rises around the harbor in rows of colorful neoclassical houses, and the view from the water gives you a clear sense of why the island is so popular.

You have about three hours ashore. That is enough for a relaxed meal and a walk through the main harbor area, but it is not enough for an ambitious island tour. Symi is small and very walkable around the port, so you can see a good deal without arranging transport.

I would begin by walking along the waterfront before choosing a restaurant. This gives you time to compare menus, take in the houses, and decide how you want to use the afternoon. Seafood is a natural choice, and Symi shrimp is a local specialty often singled out by people who enjoy the island’s food.

The town has shops and small streets to browse, but the best use of your time may simply be looking back across the harbor. The colorful buildings, boats, hills, and bright water create a setting that feels quite different from Rhodes Town.

Three hours is a sensible amount of time for lunch and a first look. You may feel ready to leave after that, especially in the heat, or you may wish you had longer if you want to explore beyond the port. The tour is designed for a taste of Symi, not a complete visit to the island.

Keep track of the meeting time. The boat cannot wait for late return, and the journey back to Rhodes is another two hours.

The return crossing can feel longer than the outward trip

After Symi, the boat heads back to Rhodes. The crossing takes about two hours, making the full day roughly nine hours from start to finish. Add the swim stop and the time in Symi, and you spend around six hours connected to the boat, depending on the exact schedule.

That is the central tradeoff. You get a beautiful island and a memorable swimming cove for a modest price, but you pay for them with a great deal of time at sea. If you enjoy boat rides, the journey becomes part of the day. If you mainly want Symi, a faster boat without the swim stop may suit you better, though it will not provide the same two-stop experience.

The return can be social and pleasant. Crew members have been described as friendly and helpful, and drinks and simple snacks are available. On some evenings, the light over the water has made the ride home especially attractive. On the other hand, tiredness, a rough sea, or a shortage of seats can make the final stretch feel tedious.

Try to save a little energy for the return. Drink water, eat something in Symi, and keep your motion-sickness medicine accessible rather than buried in your luggage.

Is the $48.37 price good value?

At $48.37 per person, this is an inexpensive way to combine transport to Symi, a swim stop, and several hours on the island. You do not need to arrange a separate ferry, find your own way around the harbor, or pay for a second excursion to Saint George Bay.

Lunch is not included, and neither are drinks, snacks, snorkel equipment, or hotel pickup. These costs are easy to manage, but they should be part of your budget. Hotel transfer charges vary by location, and southern resorts generally cost more to reach than central Rhodes.

The value is strongest if you want variety. In one day, you get open-water views, a dramatic cove, a swim, and a colorful island town. The value is weaker if your priority is comfort, quiet, or guaranteed seats together. For that kind of day, paying more for a smaller or faster boat could be sensible.

The rating attached to this experience is 4.6 out of 5, with 93 percent recommending it. That matches the basic picture: the destinations are excellent, the crew is often friendly, and the schedule offers a lot for the money. The lower ratings tend to center on crowding, seating, boat condition, and rough water rather than on Saint George Bay or Symi themselves.

Who will enjoy this Symi excursion most?

I would choose this trip if you want to see Symi but also like the idea of swimming from the boat. It works particularly well for couples, families, and independent visitors who are happy to spend most of a day out on the water.

It also suits people staying outside Rhodes Town, since the optional hotel pickup removes some of the transport hassle. The transfer is not included in the base price, but it can make an early start much easier.

You should think twice if you are highly sensitive to seasickness, dislike crowded boats, or want a slow and refined sailing experience. The long crossing and the possibility of standing or sitting separately are real concerns, not minor details.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The activity is offered in English. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the experience can be canceled for poor weather or if the minimum number of participants is not reached. In those cases, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Practical packing list for a better day

Bring these items and the outing becomes easier:

• Motion-sickness tablets if you need them
• Swimsuit worn under your clothes
• Towel and a dry change of clothes
• Your own snorkel
• Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• Cash for snacks, drinks, and backup payments
• A light layer for the boat
• A small bag for wet swimwear

Try to board early, especially during the high season. If you have hotel pickup, you may arrive after people who went directly to the harbor, so tell your group to expect that seats together may not be guaranteed.

Should you book the trip to Symi?

Book it if your ideal Rhodes day includes a beautiful island, a clear-water swim, and a low-cost boat adventure. Symi is the main reward, and Saint George Bay adds a memorable hour that many visitors consider the highlight.

Skip it if you want maximum time on Symi, a guaranteed seat, or a short and comfortable crossing. In that case, look for a faster boat without the swimming stop. For everyone else, this is a good-value full-day outing, provided you accept the long ride and prepare for crowds, wind, and possible motion sickness.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Symi Island take?

The full experience lasts about nine hours. The crossing to Saint George Bay takes roughly two hours, the ride from the bay to Symi takes about 30 minutes, and the return to Rhodes takes about two hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get around three hours in Symi. This is enough time to walk around the compact harbor area, shop, and have lunch, but it may not be enough for a wider tour of the island.

How long is the swimming stop at Saint George Bay?

The swimming stop lasts about one hour. You can swim in the bay, and woggles are available on board. Snorkel equipment is not provided.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you have free time in Symi to choose and pay for your own meal.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an extra charge. The amount depends on your hotel’s location, so choose the correct pickup option and provide your hotel name when booking.

Does the boat have a restroom?

Yes. A restroom is available on board.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, while cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded.