From Rhodes: Cruise to Symi Island and Saint George’s Bay

Saint George Bay is the star of this day out. After roughly two hours at sea, the boat anchors beside steep rocky slopes and gives you time to swim in clear water, use the provided floats, and watch fish below. I like the beautiful swim stop and the chance to reach Symi without arranging a separate ferry or transfer.

I also like the three hours in Gialos, enough time for lunch, shops, harbor views, and a short walk beyond the waterfront. The trade-off is the long boat ride, with about two hours each way, and the open deck can be cold and rough when the wind rises.

Key points

• Saint George Bay: Plan on about an hour in the water, though weather and loading time can reduce the actual swim.
• Symi time: From about 1 p.m. to 4:20 p.m., you can eat, stroll, shop, and see Gialos at your own pace.
• Mandraki departure: Meet at the SP Cruises kiosk opposite the Bank of Greece and arrive early for a better upper-deck seat.
• Boat comfort: The main saloon has air conditioning, while the upper deck offers the best views but fills quickly.
• Good value: At $41 per person, the fare covers the cruise, swim stop, crew, lifeguard, showers, and Symi visit.
• Bring layers: Sunscreen, beachwear, a towel, and comfortable shoes are useful, but a warm jacket matters on windy days.

Why Saint George Bay makes this trip worthwhile

Many boat trips to Symi focus only on getting from Rhodes to the island. This one breaks up the crossing with a stop at Saint George Bay, also called Agios Georgios Bay, where the reward is a swim in clear blue water beneath dramatic rocky cliffs.

The boat stays for about an hour, although you should not treat that as a guaranteed full hour in the water. Arriving, preparing to leave the boat, and getting everyone safely back on board all take time. On some departures, the usable swimming period has been closer to 45 minutes.

That is still enough for a refreshing swim, snorkeling, and a look at the fish near the boat. Floats, swimming rings, and some flotation equipment are available, which helps less confident swimmers enjoy the stop. A lifeguard is also included.

The gangway can create a slow exit, since people leave one at a time. If swimming is your main reason for booking, move toward the exit before the boat reaches the bay and keep an eye on the time. A waterproof watch is useful because an hour disappears quickly when you are in the water.

The bay is not a beach stop in the usual sense. You are swimming from the boat, not walking onto a broad sandy shore. That makes it exciting and scenic, but less suitable if you want a relaxed beach afternoon with space to spread out.

The two-hour crossing from Mandraki Harbour

The day begins at 10 a.m. from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes. Find the SP Cruises kiosk at Pl. Eleftherias, opposite the Bank of Greece. Hotel pickup is not included, so you need to make your own way to the harbor.

The boat then heads into open water toward Saint George Bay and Symi. The crossing takes about two hours each way, which is a major part of the experience. You get broad views of the Dodecanese coast, but you also need to be comfortable spending several hours on a boat.

On a calm day, the ride can feel easy and scenic. On a windy day, the boat may rock, especially on the return journey. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use. One kind crew member has been known to hand out lemon slices for seasickness, but do not rely on that alone.

The upper deck is the best place for open views and fresh air. It is also the first area to fill. Arriving 45 to 60 minutes early improves your chance of finding an upper-level seat, especially in August. Even arriving around 9:15 a.m. may not secure a preferred spot during the busiest weeks.

The main deck saloon has comfortable indoor seating and air conditioning. This is a sensible choice if the wind is strong, the sun is intense, or you want a steadier ride. The boat is not arranged like a large ferry with unlimited window seats, so some people may need to sit away from the view.

A bar serves drinks and snacks during the journey. Prices have been described as reasonable for a boat, though snacks can feel costly compared with buying food in Rhodes or Symi. Bring water if you want to keep spending down.

Swimming from the boat at Saint George Bay

The boat usually reaches Saint George Bay around noon and stays until about 1 p.m. The setting is the real attraction: clear water, steep stone surroundings, and a quiet sense of being far from Rhodes.

You can swim, snorkel, or stay on board and take in the view. Fish have been spotted in the water, and the clear conditions make the stop appealing even if you do not swim far. The boat provides freshwater showers afterward, which are especially welcome before the next stop.

The water may feel cool, particularly outside the height of summer. It is usually comfortable for a proper swim, but the bay is not a warm-water pool. Bring a towel and dry clothes if you want to feel comfortable during the next leg.

This stop works best for people who want an active break from sightseeing. If you prefer to remain dry, you can stay on the boat, but the value of the stop will be less obvious. Some people choose not to swim because the crossing is chilly or because the boarding process takes time.

Safety instructions come from the crew, and a lifeguard is on board. One practical point deserves attention: a past incident raised concerns about the limited first-aid kit. That does not cancel out the safety arrangements, but anyone with specific medical needs should carry essential personal supplies.

Gialos, Symi’s postcard harbor

After Saint George Bay, the boat continues to Gialos, Symi’s main port, arriving at about 1 p.m. You have until 4:20 p.m. to explore before the return crossing.

Gialos is compact enough to enjoy without a complicated plan. The waterfront is lined with restaurants, shops, and colorful buildings climbing the slopes around the harbor. The setting is attractive from the moment you arrive, and the approach by boat gives you time to take in the town from the water.

Three hours is a useful amount of time. You can sit down for lunch, wander along the harbor, browse shops, and take photographs without rushing every minute. Several people find that three hours is enough for a meal and a walk, while others wish they had longer because Symi is so appealing.

Lunch is not included. You can choose a restaurant in Gialos and pay directly, with seafood a popular choice. If you want a waterfront table, allow enough time for service, since a slow meal can reduce the time left for walking.

There is also a small beach near the harbor, according to the available trip information. If you want to see it, do not leave the waterfront stroll until the final few minutes. The town has enough shops and restaurants to keep you occupied, but it is not a full island tour. You will not visit remote villages or travel deep into Symi during this excursion.

That limitation is worth understanding. This is a scenic introduction to the port town, not a complete exploration of the island. For a first visit, the harbor offers plenty of visual appeal. If you already know Symi and want its quieter inland corners, the free time may feel short.

What the crew and boat add to the day

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Staff help with boarding, answer questions, and watch the swimming stop. Captain Yannis has been praised for his humor and friendly approach, and on some trips he has welcomed people near the wheelhouse for photographs.

A bar staff member named Oksana has also been singled out for warm service and well-made cocktails. You should treat these personal touches as a pleasant possibility rather than a guaranteed part of every departure, since crew assignments can change.

The boat has freshwater showers, a lifeguard, indoor air-conditioned seating, an onboard bar, and flotation equipment. These details matter on a 510-minute outing. You are not simply taking a short transfer and stepping off at Symi.

There are a few rough edges. The speaker system may be difficult to hear from the back, and the toilets could use more care. Seating is limited in the most popular spots, especially upstairs and beside windows. Smoking is allowed in a designated upstairs area, but wind can carry smoke toward other parts of the boat.

The vessel can also feel crowded. That is most noticeable when everyone wants sun, views, or a place near the rail. If you are traveling with a group and need seats together, arrive early rather than expecting to find several open seats at the last minute.

Timing, parking, and practical planning

The published schedule is straightforward:

• 10 a.m.: Depart Mandraki Harbour
• Around noon: Arrive at Saint George Bay
• About one hour: Swim and relax at the bay
• 1 p.m.: Leave for Gialos
• 4:20 p.m.: Depart Symi
• Around 6:30 p.m.: Return to Mandraki Harbour

Weather, sea conditions, and safety decisions can change this order or shorten a stop. The captain has final say, so build some flexibility into the rest of your evening.

The boat leaves Symi on time. Do not treat 4:20 p.m. as an approximate suggestion. If you are connecting to a cruise ship, allow extra time after the scheduled 6:30 p.m. return. A return closer to 6:45 p.m. has been reported, and you still need to walk back to your ship or transport.

Driving to the harbor requires planning. Parking becomes difficult after 9 a.m., especially in summer. The operator provides links to Rhodes parking information, but public transport or a taxi may be easier if you are staying nearby.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the crew has helped a passenger with a mobility scooter. Still, boat boarding and the swimming stop involve gangways and movement on deck. Contacting the operator before departure is sensible if you need specific assistance.

Is $41 a fair price?

At $41 per person, this is a strong value if you want both a Symi visit and a swim stop. The fare includes the boat, crew, lifeguard, freshwater showers, the Saint George Bay stop, and several hours in Gialos. Lunch, drinks, and transport to the harbor cost extra.

The comparison is simple. A separate trip to Symi may give you more flexibility, but this outing adds a memorable swim in Saint George Bay without requiring another booking. You also get a full day on the water for less than many organized excursions.

The price looks less attractive if you dislike long crossings, avoid swimming from boats, or want guided sightseeing on Symi. Much of the day is unstructured free time, so the experience depends on your interest in sea views, independent wandering, and a relaxed meal.

Who should book this Symi cruise?

I would choose this for a first visit to Symi, families who want a swim and a town visit in one day, and anyone seeking a low-cost outing from Rhodes. It suits people who enjoy scenic boat rides and do not need every minute filled with commentary.

It is also a good fit for confident swimmers and people happy to use a boat ladder or gangway. The bay stop gives the day a clear highlight beyond shopping and lunch.

I would think twice if you get seasick, need a quiet and spacious boat, or want a full island tour. The crossing is long, the upper deck fills early, and the sea can turn rough. In cooler months, windproof clothing is not optional. A warm coat and trousers can make the difference between enjoying the ride and spending two hours wishing for land.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the best parts of a Symi day trip in one package: an attractive harbor town, a clear-water swim, and a scenic ride from Rhodes for $41. Arrive early, bring a towel and warm layer, and keep your plans flexible around the weather.

Skip it if your priority is a fast transfer, guaranteed sun-deck seating, or detailed guided touring. For most people who enjoy the sea, Saint George Bay is worth the long crossing, and Symi gives you enough time for lunch and a good first look at the island.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from the SP Cruises kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece, at Pl. Eleftherias 85100 in Rhodes.

What time does the boat depart and return?

The scheduled departure is 10 a.m. The boat leaves Symi at 4:20 p.m. and is due back at Mandraki Harbour around 6:30 p.m., though weather and sea conditions can affect the timing.

How long is the stop at Saint George Bay?

The planned stop is about one hour. The actual swimming time can be shorter because boarding and leaving the boat take part of the stop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included. You have free time in Gialos to choose and pay for your own meal.

Is the boat suitable for people who do not want to swim?

Yes. Swimming is optional, and you can remain on the boat during the Saint George Bay stop. Indoor seating with air conditioning is available on the main deck.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes. A warm jacket and trousers are also wise because the boat can be cold and windy, especially on the open deck.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers reserve now and pay later booking.