Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Symi is the star here: a handsome harbor framed by pastel neoclassical houses, reached by boat from Kolymbia without an early bus ride to Rhodes. I like the direct harbor departure and the generous three-hour visit, which gives you time to walk, eat, and take in the view without rushing.

I also like the return swim at St George’s Bay, a welcome cool-down after a hot afternoon. The main drawback is the long crossing, roughly two hours each way, and there is no water supplied on board, so bring your own drinks.

Key points to know before you go

• Leave from Kolymbia Harbor: You avoid the usual early transfer to Rhodes town.
• Reach Symi by high-speed boat: The crossing is fast and scenic, though the ride can be wet.
• Get about three hours ashore: Enough for the harbor, shops, lunch, and a quick swim.
• Stop at St George’s Bay: Expect about 30 minutes in clear water on the way home.
• Plan for a full day: The boat generally runs from about 10:15 to 18:00.
• Bring your own supplies: Water, sun protection, and a towel are practical essentials.

Why the Kolymbia departure matters

Many Symi trips begin with a very early bus ride to Rhodes town. This one starts at Kolymbia Harbor, which is a big practical advantage if you are staying nearby. One person staying at a hotel close to the harbor described the walk as only about five minutes, though your own distance will depend on where you are based.

The boat has been reported arriving at about 10:15, with the return to Kolymbia around 18:00. The timetable is treated seriously, so you should arrive ready to board and return to the boat at the stated departure time. This is not the sort of trip where a late arrival gets a relaxed extra wait.

The direct start does not always mean the boat sails straight to Symi without any other stop. Some departures call at Rhodes town to collect or drop off passengers. The pause can be brief, and it may give you a quick view of the old town castle beside the harbor, but it adds a little uncertainty to the crossing.

The boat change is another detail worth knowing. On at least some departures, passengers have changed boats at Rhodes Harbor, with the vessels beside each other. It has not been described as a serious problem, but it is one more step in a trip otherwise sold on its simple Kolymbia-to-Symi setup.

The high-speed ride across the Dodecanese

The fast boat is part of the fun, not just a way to get from one port to another. The trip from Kolymbia to Symi can take around two hours, including any Rhodes stop, and the speed gets you there more quickly than a slower ferry option might.

You should also prepare to get wet. A summer report described the ride as fun but very wet, so a towel, spare clothing, and a waterproof bag for phones are sensible. The supplied details do not promise onboard drinks, and direct advice from the trip is to bring your own water. That matters on a hot day, when you may spend several hours in the sun.

The ride has been described as smooth and exhilarating, but a fast boat is still more exposed to spray and movement than a large ferry. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a seat carefully and avoid arriving without water. The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, though you may want to confirm the practical boarding arrangements before booking if you need specific assistance.

The crew provides instructions in English. There is no named personal guide attached to the outing, and the time in Symi is independent rather than a guided walking tour. That gives you freedom, but you are responsible for keeping track of the meeting time and finding your own way around town.

First sight of Symi Harbor

Symi’s harbor is the reward for the crossing. As the boat comes in, you see turquoise water ringed by steep hills and rows of pastel-colored neoclassical houses. Bright church domes and the fishing harbor add the details that make the arrival feel special before you have even stepped ashore.

This is a place best appreciated from the water first. Have your camera ready as the boat approaches, then take a moment after disembarking to look back across the bay. The view is more than a photo stop. It explains why Symi works so well as a day trip from Rhodes or the east coast of the island.

You have about three hours in Symi, though some departures have allowed roughly three and a half hours. That is enough time to get a feel for the harbor town without pretending you can see every corner of the island. You are not being given a full island tour. You are being given a useful slice of its prettiest and most accessible area.

How to use your three hours in Symi

Start with a slow walk along the harbor. The waterfront gives you colorful buildings, boats, churches, cafes, and views across the bay. You can browse the shops, stop for photographs, and watch the harbor activity without needing a complicated plan.

If you want lunch, choose from the traditional tavernas around the port. Food is not included, so allow money and time for it. The local specialty to look for is Symi mini shrimp, often served as a simple island dish. You can also try local ouzo if that appeals, but keep the afternoon heat and the return boat in mind.

Three hours is a comfortable amount of time for a first visit, particularly if your goal is the harbor rather than a long inland walk. You can take in the buildings, browse the shops, stop for a drink, and still leave room for a swim. It is less suitable if you want a detailed tour of the whole island or a long meal with no eye on the clock.

A swim near the clock tower has been a useful way to cool down before leaving. The outing does not promise a dedicated beach visit in Symi, so treat this as an optional idea rather than a fixed part of the program. Your main planned swim comes later at St George’s Bay.

For a quieter break, look for a cafe at the far end of the harbor. One account singled out a place there for snacks, cocktails, and a fine view. The exact cafe is not identified, so you will need to choose for yourself, but the tip is sound: the end of the harbor can make a pleasant pause after the central waterfront.

St George’s Bay on the return journey

The return swim is often the emotional high point of the day. As the boat passes the coast, it stops at St George’s Bay for about 30 minutes. The water is described as clear and turquoise, with dramatic rocky sides rising around it.

This is a swim from the boat, not a full shore excursion. You can get into the water, float, and cool off, or stay on deck in the sun. The stop comes after your time in Symi, so it works well as a reset before the crossing back to Kolymbia.

Do not expect a long visit ashore. A suggestion has been made that the boat anchor closer to the beach, allowing people to swim in and explore more of the bay, but the planned stop is a 30-minute water break. If you want to walk on the beach, this trip may not give you that chance.

Bring swimwear under your clothes or pack it where you can reach it easily. A towel is just as important. The bay can be a welcome relief after walking around Symi in the heat, but you should still use sun protection because time on deck and in the water adds up quickly.

Is $106 fair for a full day?

At $106 per person, this is not a bargain harbor ferry. It is a full-day boat outing with a high-speed crossing, about three hours on Symi, and a swim stop at one of the area’s most attractive bays.

The strongest value is convenience. You can board at Kolymbia rather than paying for or enduring an early bus transfer to Rhodes town. You also receive a faster service, which protects your time on Symi. If you are staying close to Kolymbia Harbor, that convenience may justify the price on its own.

The price does not cover lunch, drinks, or any purchases in Symi. Since no onboard water is available, add the cost and effort of bringing your own supplies. You should also remember that the trip takes about eight hours, so this is a major day allocation rather than a short excursion.

For me, the value is strongest if you specifically want to see Symi and dislike long pre-dawn transfers. It is weaker if you only want a short boat ride, a quiet beach afternoon, or a guided cultural tour. You are paying for transport, scenery, and a well-timed independent visit, not for a meal or a personal guide.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 123 reviews, with 93 percent giving the transport a perfect score. The most consistent strengths are punctual departures, clear instructions, friendly crew service, the attractive Symi harbor, and the St George’s Bay swim.

Timing, comfort, and small practical details

The schedule rewards people who keep an eye on the clock. The boat has left exactly at its announced departure time, and late passengers have been left behind rather than making a large group wait in the sun. Once you arrive in Symi, note the return time immediately.

Pack lightly but thoughtfully:

• Water and any snacks you want on the boat
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun cream, hat, and sunglasses
• Waterproof protection for phones and cameras
• A small amount of money for lunch, drinks, or shops
• Dry clothing in case spray reaches you on the crossing

The boat trip is offered in English, and the host or greeter is also listed as English-speaking. The activity is wheelchair accessible according to the supplied information. Because boat access can vary by vessel and harbor conditions, anyone needing particular boarding support should confirm those details before travel.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve and pay later, which helps if you are still arranging your holiday plans.

Who will enjoy this Symi trip most

I would choose this outing if you are staying in Kolymbia and want a practical way to see one of the Dodecanese islands without first traveling to Rhodes town. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who enjoy choosing their own lunch and route.

It is also a good match for anyone who likes a day with two distinct parts: a pretty harbor town followed by a swim in open water. The combination keeps the outing from becoming only a long transport day.

You may want another option if you need a fully guided itinerary, dislike fast boats, or want lots of time on a beach. Three hours in Symi is enough for a first look, but not enough for an unhurried exploration of the entire island. The St George’s Bay stop is refreshing, yet it is short and centered on swimming from the boat.

Should you book the Kolymbia to Symi boat?

Book it if easy departure logistics, a fast crossing, and a generous Symi visit matter to you. The harbor scenery is excellent, the three-hour stop gives you real freedom, and St George’s Bay adds a memorable swim before the ride home.

Think twice if you want a calm ferry, included refreshments, or a guided tour with every detail arranged. For most people staying near Kolymbia, though, the direct harbor start and full day of scenery make the $106 fare a reasonable price for seeing Symi without the usual early Rhodes transfer.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs from Kolymbia Harbor in the Dodecanese, Greece.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is eight hours. Departures have been reported at about 10:15, with a return around 18:00.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Symi. Some departures have provided about three and a half hours.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense, and you can choose from the traditional tavernas in Symi.

Is water available on the boat?

No onboard water is listed as included. Bring your own drinks, especially because the crossing can take about two hours.

How long is the swim stop?

The planned swim stop at St George’s Bay lasts about 30 minutes.

Can I swim to the beach at St George’s Bay?

The activity includes a swim stop in the bay, but it does not promise that the boat will anchor close enough for swimming to the beach or exploring ashore.

Is the boat trip offered in English?

Yes. The listed language is English, and the host or greeter is English-speaking.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is also available.