Fast Boat To Symi with a swimming stop at St George’s Bay! (Only 1hr journey)

Symi is close enough to Rhodes for a very manageable day trip, but the one-hour fast-boat ride makes it feel like a proper island escape. The best part comes on the return journey, when the boat pauses at St George’s Bay, a dramatic cove with clear water and steep rocky sides.

I like the freedom here: you get three hours to explore Symi at your own pace, with no guide hurrying you from one sight to the next. I also like the value of combining the island visit with a 30-minute swim stop that would be difficult to arrange independently.

The main catch is timing. Only the 9:00 and 11:00 departures include the swim, and the boat can be choppy, breezy, and wet from spray. You also need to arrive early, collect your boarding pass, and keep a close eye on the return time.

Key points to know before booking

• The 9:00 and 11:00 boats include the swim stop: The 15:15 departure goes to Symi but pauses at St George’s Bay only for photographs.
• Symi time is free time: You have about three hours to walk, eat, shop, and explore without a fixed walking tour.
• The crossing takes about one hour: This is much quicker than slower ferry options, though rough water can make the ride uncomfortable.
• Top-deck seats give better views: Arrive early if you want an open view, but expect wind and sea spray.
• Pack for a wet stop: Bring swimwear, a towel, spare clothes, and a light jacket. Fleeces or blankets and rain gear may be available on board.
• Check the departure harbour carefully: Rhodes Harbour and Faliraki Harbour use different boats and schedules, so the meeting point matters.

Why the fast boat makes Symi possible in one day

Symi is one of the easiest Greek island trips from Rhodes if you want pretty harbour views without spending most of the day at sea. This service cuts the crossing to roughly one hour, sometimes closer to an hour and ten minutes, leaving enough time for a useful visit on shore.

The boat departs from Rhodes Sea Lines at Pl. Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. Your booking is confirmed at the time of purchase, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point. The service has toilets on board and can carry up to 118 people, so this is a group excursion rather than a quiet private cruise.

I would treat the ride as part of the fun, but not as a smooth sightseeing ferry. The sea can be rough when leaving the harbour, and several parts of the crossing may feel lively. If you are prone to motion sickness, watch the horizon and avoid eating a large breakfast before departure.

The upper deck offers the best views, especially as Rhodes fades behind you and Symi comes into sight. It is also the most exposed place to wind and spray. Lower-deck seats are more sheltered, but the boat’s high sides can limit your view. Seats are described as comfortable, with some likened to gaming chairs, though spray or rain can leave them damp.

A jacket is sensible even in warm weather. The wind at sea can feel surprisingly cool, and fleeces or blankets have been handed out on some journeys. Rain gear may also be available, but I would still pack a light waterproof layer rather than depend on supplies running out.

Three hours to explore Symi your own way

The boat gives you about three hours on Symi, with no admission charge and no required group route. That is enough time to walk around the harbour, browse shops, stop for a meal, and enjoy the colorful houses rising around the water.

Symi’s main appeal is visual. Its harborfront architecture, bright facades, narrow streets, and small shops create the kind of setting that rewards a slow walk with frequent pauses for photographs. You can make this a relaxed food-and-views stop, or use some of the time for a more energetic climb.

If you are fit, consider walking part of the Kali Strata for higher views. The climb is one of the better ways to see the harbor from above, but it takes effort and can feel very hot in the summer sun. Do not leave it until the last minute, since you need to be back at the boat on time.

A practical plan is to walk first, eat second. The harbor can become crowded when several boats arrive together, and the restaurants closest to the landing area may be busy. You might find a calmer meal by moving away from the first row of tables rather than sitting down immediately.

Food options include fish restaurants, tavernas, drinks, and snacks. One particularly useful stop mentioned by name is Taverna International, where a late meal was enjoyed with attentive service and complimentary melon. The Panormitis Sponge Shop is another easy place to visit, especially if you are curious about the island’s traditional sponge trade. It explains different sponge types and textures and may offer small complimentary items with a purchase.

Three hours is a sensible amount of time for Symi’s harbor area. You can see the main sights without racing, but you will not have time for a broad tour of the whole island. That is not a flaw in this trip. The short visit works because the fast boat keeps the day focused.

The heat is worth planning for. Symi can feel sheltered, with little breeze once you are walking among the buildings. Carry water, use shade when you can, and leave time to return to the landing point without rushing.

St George’s Bay is the day’s most memorable stop

The 30-minute pause at St George’s Bay is the feature that turns this from simple island transport into a proper excursion. The boat stops in a striking cove surrounded by steep rock, with clear water below and a small beach backed by dramatic cliffs.

You can swim directly from the boat. Some people swim toward the shore and back, while others simply use the stop to cool off in the water. The bay is also known for goats, which can sometimes be seen around the beach and rocky slopes.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. You need time to prepare, enter the water, swim, and get back on board, so do not wander far from the boat. Bring a towel and dry clothes, and keep your belongings secure. The stop is a swim break, not a beach visit with changing rooms or a long lunch.

The order of the day matters. On the 9:00 and 11:00 departures, the swim stop is included. The 15:15 departure does not offer swimming and stops only for photographs. Check the exact departure before booking, especially if you are choosing a trip around your preferred sailing time.

Some people would prefer a longer stop, perhaps an hour, but that would reduce your time on Symi or lengthen the overall day. I think the 30-minute format works well for a quick swim, provided you arrive prepared in your swimsuit.

One practical point: if you swim before spending time on Symi, you may spend the rest of the day damp unless you have spare clothes. The stop is generally on the return journey, which makes the timing more comfortable. You can explore Symi dry, then finish with the water.

What the boat ride is really like

The fast crossing saves time, but speed does not guarantee calm water. The boat can be rough, particularly as it leaves the harbor, and the open upper deck can take a steady blast of wind. You may also get spray on the way back.

I would choose your seat with a simple tradeoff in mind:

• Sit on top for better views and fresh air.
• Sit inside or on the lower deck for more shelter.
• Arrive early if you want the best choice of seats.
• Bring a plastic bag or spare layer if a damp seat would bother you.
• Keep a jacket nearby, even on a hot day.

The crew has been described as helpful when passengers feel unwell, though service can vary. One account also found some crew members grumpy, and another noted smoking by the pilots while sailing. Since the boat is open and windy, this may not affect you, but it is worth knowing if you are sensitive to smoke.

The crossing is not a luxury yacht cruise. It is practical, fast transport with comfortable seating, toilets, and a lively ride. That is exactly why it works for a day trip: you spend less time getting there and more time on Symi.

Price, group size, and overall value

The listed price is $71.35 per person. For a six-hour outing that includes the fast crossing, three hours on Symi, and the St George’s Bay stop, that can be fair value if you want convenience and a ready-made schedule.

The price deserves a closer look, though. A direct purchase at the quayside was reported at about €45 on some days, compared with a higher price through a third-party booking channel. That does not mean the direct price will always be available, and schedules or departure points may differ, but it is worth checking Rhodes Sea Lines before paying.

The real value depends on your priorities. If you want the simplest way to secure a place before your holiday, online booking may be worth the extra cost. If you are already in Rhodes and can visit the quayside, comparing prices could save money.

This is a group tour with a maximum capacity of 118 people. That means you should expect other passengers at the harbor, on the boat, in Symi, and at the swim stop. The operator is not selling solitude. It is selling speed, a straightforward schedule, and access to two beautiful locations in one day.

I would consider it good value for someone staying in Rhodes Town who does not want to organize ferries, local tickets, and a separate swim outing. It is less attractive if you strongly prefer a small boat, a quiet deck, or a private itinerary.

Getting to the right harbour and boarding on time

The stated meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines, Pl. Eleftherias, Rhodes Town. But the departure harbour is critical. Rhodes Harbour and Faliraki Harbour are not interchangeable, and different boats leave from each.

Check your voucher carefully for the departure time and harbour. Some passengers have arrived at the wrong port after confusing a 10:20 Faliraki departure with an 11:00 Rhodes Harbour departure. That kind of mistake can ruin the day, particularly if you are visiting Rhodes from a cruise ship with a fixed sailing time.

Arrive early. Even with a mobile ticket and barcode, you may need to queue at a kiosk or office to receive a physical boarding pass. Early arrival also improves your chance of getting an upper-deck seat and gives you time to solve any confusion before boarding begins.

Parking near the harbor can be difficult. If you are driving, allow extra time to find a space and walk to the meeting point. Public transportation is available nearby, and most people can participate, but the boarding area itself may feel busy and poorly marked if you arrive at the last minute.

The boat will not wait indefinitely. Set an alarm for the return meeting time in Symi and return early. A three-hour stop may be slightly less than three full hours once boarding time is counted, so do not plan to arrive at the pier at the exact advertised departure minute.

Who should book this Symi trip?

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A quick, uncomplicated day trip from Rhodes
• Free time rather than a guided walking tour
• A scenic swim in a clear-water cove
• A reasonably priced group outing
• A chance to see Symi without committing to an overnight stay

It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who are comfortable managing their own time. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is described as suitable for most people, but the rough crossing and boat boarding may be uncomfortable for anyone with serious mobility or motion concerns.

You should think twice if you dislike crowded boats, get seasick easily, or want a long swim. The fast ride is efficient but can be choppy. The bay stop is beautiful but brief, and Symi can feel very hot when several boats arrive together.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The trip also depends on good weather, with a different date or full refund offered if poor conditions force cancellation.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the fastest practical route from Rhodes to a beautiful Greek island and you like the idea of ending the day with a swim from the boat. Symi is the star, while St George’s Bay provides the memorable extra.

Book the 9:00 or 11:00 departure if swimming matters to you. Check the harbour, arrive early for your boarding pass and seat choice, and pack a towel, swimsuit, jacket, water, and spare clothes.

I would compare the online price with the operator’s direct quayside price if you are already in Rhodes. Even so, the convenience can justify paying more, particularly when your holiday schedule is tight. For most independent visitors, this is a strong day trip, as long as you accept the group setting, rough water, and strict return time.

FAQ

How long is the trip from Rhodes to Symi?

The fast boat takes about one hour each way, with some crossings taking around one hour and ten minutes.

How long do I have on Symi?

You have approximately three hours of free time on Symi.

Is the St George’s Bay swim included on every departure?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. The 15:15 departure stops at St George’s Bay only for photographs.

Can I swim at St George’s Bay?

Yes, the 9:00 and 11:00 boats stop for swimming in the clear water at St George’s Bay.

Should I bring swimwear and a towel?

Yes. Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to swim. Spare clothes are also useful because spray or rain can make parts of the boat ride wet.

Is there a toilet on the boat?

Yes, a restroom is available on board.

Where does the tour start?

The stated meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines, Pl. Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece.

Where does the tour finish?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum capacity of 118 people.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours beforehand are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.