Rhodes: Boat trip to Symi island with swimming at St. George

Symi’s best feature arrives before you even reach the harbor: the boat pauses at St. George Bay, where steep rocky sides frame clear emerald water. After a swim, you continue to Symi’s colorful harbor for roughly three hours of wandering, shopping, photos, and lunch. It is a smart way to see two very different corners of the Dodecanese in one day.

I like the two-stop design and the easy hotel-transfer option, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. I also like that Symi time is long enough for a meal and a walk rather than a rushed photo stop. The catch is the return crossing, which can take about two hours, and the day involves plenty of sun and open water.

Key points

• St. George Bay comes first: You get about 45 minutes to an hour for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.
• Symi offers about three hours ashore: Use it for the harbor, churches, shops, lunch, and photos.
• The harbor arrival is the visual highlight: Colorful houses and steep hills make the approach especially memorable.
• Try Simiako Garidaki: Symi’s small baby shrimp are cooked in olive oil and are a local specialty.
• Hotel pickup is optional: Self-arriving passengers check in at Gallias Street 6 in Mandraki Harbor between 9:15 and 9:40 a.m.
• The $51 price covers the core boat trip: Food, drinks, and hotel transport are extra unless you choose a transfer option.

Why This Rhodes to Symi Day Trip Works

This outing gives you a useful contrast. Rhodes is larger, busier, and packed with major sights. Symi feels smaller and more decorative, with a compact harbor lined by neoclassical houses, churches, cafés, seafood restaurants, and shops.

The day is not a guided history tour. You are mainly paying for transportation, the swimming stop, and free time. That is good news if you prefer to set your own pace. You can spend your Symi hours at a waterfront table, walk uphill for a better view, shop for jewelry or sponges, or simply photograph the harbor.

The price of $51 per person is reasonable for a full-day boat outing, particularly if you are already near Rhodes Town and do not need a transfer. The core fare includes the round-trip boat ticket and the stop at St. George Bay. You will need to budget separately for lunch, drinks, shopping, and transportation to the harbor if you choose the self-arrival option.

The rating of 4 out of 5 from 157 ratings suggests a generally strong experience, with the usual limits of a long shared boat day. The most dependable strengths are punctual transfers, friendly staff, a clear swimming stop, and enough time to explore Symi.

Getting to Mandraki Harbor Before 10 a.m.

If you are not using hotel transportation, check in at the operator’s office at Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. Check-in is scheduled from 9:15 to 9:40 a.m., when you receive your boarding pass.

Give yourself enough time to locate the office. Mandraki is a useful starting point because you can reach it from central Rhodes Town without a long transfer, but you do not want to arrive at the last minute with swim gear, water, and sun cream still to organize.

Pickup is available as an upgrade or selected booking option. The service covers many parts of Rhodes, including Ialysos, Ixia, Faliraki, Lindos, Kallithea, Kolympia, Gennadi, Kiotari, Pefki, Lardos, Afantou, and other locations listed by the operator.

The exact pickup time is sent after booking. If that message does not arrive, the supplied contact number is available through WhatsApp. This matters if you are staying in Pefkos or another resort well beyond Rhodes Town, where reaching the harbor independently could be inconvenient.

The transfer is one of the better reasons to choose the package with pickup. Several bookings describe the vehicle arriving early or on time, with return transport also running reliably. The ride home can take longer if the vehicle makes several resort stops, so do not plan a tight evening appointment.

The Boat Ride Across the Dodecanese

The crossing is part of the experience, but it is not a quick hop. One account describes leaving Rhodes at about 10 a.m., reaching St. George Bay shortly after 11, and spending about two hours on the return trip from Symi to Rhodes.

That gives you plenty of time to sit outside, watch the coastline, and take photographs. You will also want sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and a light change of clothes. The sea breeze can feel pleasant at first, but eight and a half hours in the sun can wear you down.

The boat has hot and cold drinks, alcohol, and snacks available for purchase according to the supplied trip details. These are not included in the $51 price. Bring water if you prefer not to rely on onboard purchases, and bring a little food if you know you get hungry between stops.

The return crossing offers a different view from the morning ride. One account specifically notes views of Rhodes Old Town on the way back. Still, the boat ride may feel long if you want a fast transfer rather than a full day on the water. This is better suited to someone who enjoys the journey, not just the destination.

Swimming at St. George Bay

The first major stop is St. George Bay, also called Saint George’s Bay in the tour details. The boat anchors for about 45 minutes to an hour, giving you time to swim and snorkel.

The bay is presented as one of the most scenic swimming spots in the area, and the available details support the appeal: clear water, a wild setting, and steep rocky sides. One account describes water so clear that the bottom was visible even in deep sections.

You can jump from the boat into the water or stay aboard and enjoy the view. This is not a beach visit in the usual sense, so do not expect a broad strip of sand, beach chairs, or land-based facilities. You return to the boat after swimming, which makes a towel, dry clothes, and a secure place for your phone especially useful.

The stop is short enough that you should be ready when the boat arrives. Keep your swimsuit under your clothes, pack your towel near the top of your bag, and apply sunscreen before boarding. If you want photographs from the boat, protect your phone from splashes.

Snorkeling is included as an activity, but specific equipment details are not provided. If you have a preferred mask or snorkel, you may want to bring it. The important point is that the stop gives the day a real activity, rather than making Symi only a sightseeing and shopping visit.

Arriving in Symi’s Colorful Harbor

After St. George Bay, the boat continues to Symi. The approach into the natural harbor is one of the strongest moments of the day. Houses climb the surrounding slopes in shades of yellow, pink, blue, and white, while churches and larger buildings add shape to the view.

Have your camera ready before the boat enters the harbor. The best images are not limited to one viewpoint, since the scene changes as the boat turns through the sheltered water. This is the sort of arrival that makes a small island feel special before you have even stepped ashore.

Symi’s main harbor area is Gialos. It is compact, so you can cover a good portion of it on foot during the allotted free time. The waterfront has cafés and fish restaurants, along with stalls selling sponges and spices.

Shopping is part of the appeal. You might find handmade jewelry, clothing, and small gifts, though exact shops and prices change. The town is suitable for a relaxed wander rather than a checklist of major monuments.

The island’s churches and hillside buildings provide visual interest, but the activity does not include a named guide or a formal walking tour. You are responsible for your own sightseeing. That gives you freedom, though you will need to do a little preparation if you want historical background beyond what you see in the streets.

Making the Most of Three Hours in Gialos

Three hours is a useful amount of time, but it disappears quickly if you want lunch, shopping, and a walk. I would begin by taking in the harbor views and choosing a rough route before sitting down for a meal.

Lunch is not included, so plan to pay directly at a restaurant or café. Seafood is the obvious choice, and the island’s signature order is Simiako Garidaki, small baby shrimp cooked in olive oil. It is one of the most specific food experiences attached to this trip, so it is worth trying if you enjoy seafood.

You may also see fish dishes, simple Greek meals, and drinks along the harbor, but the supplied details do not promise particular menus or prices. Ask about the cost before ordering if you are keeping the day within a strict budget.

After lunch, leave time for shopping and photographs. The waterfront is easy to explore, while higher viewpoints may require walking uphill. Since the schedule is fixed by the boat, keep track of the meeting time and do not wander so far that you have to hurry back.

Three hours is enough for a pleasant first look at Symi. It is not enough for an unhurried visit to every church, shop, and hillside street. If you want a slow island holiday, this cruise will feel brief. If you want a taste of Symi while based in Rhodes, the timing is well judged.

What the $51 Price Really Includes

At $51 per person, the fare is focused and easy to understand. You receive the boat ticket from Rhodes to Symi and back, plus the swimming stop at St. George Bay.

You do not receive lunch, drinks, or hotel pickup unless you select a booking option that adds transport. That means the final cost depends on where you stay and how much you spend ashore.

For someone staying near Mandraki Harbor, the basic fare offers good value. You get an eight and a half hour outing, two destinations, a swimming stop, and free time on Symi without arranging separate transport.

For someone staying in Lindos, Pefkos, Kiotari, or another distant resort, the transfer option may be worth the extra cost simply because it removes the need to coordinate buses or taxis. The return ride can include several stops, so convenience may come with a longer end to the day.

The trip is also a good value for couples and families who want a straightforward day rather than a private boat charter. You give up privacy and control over the schedule, but the price keeps the famous Symi crossing accessible.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Trip Most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want:

• A full-day break from Rhodes sightseeing
• A chance to swim from a boat in clear water
• A colorful harbor with cafés, seafood, and small shops
• Free time rather than a tightly guided walking tour
• A pickup option from resorts outside Rhodes Town
• A practical introduction to Symi without booking an overnight stay

It may be less suitable if you dislike long boat crossings, need a quiet private experience, or want a detailed guided tour of Symi. The return ride is a real part of the day, not a minor transfer.

Families with confident swimmers may enjoy the water stop, but parents should bring towels, dry clothing, sun protection, and anything needed for children during a long day. The details do not specify child facilities or special assistance, so ask the operator directly about personal requirements before booking.

Practical Packing Advice for the 8.5-Hour Day

Pack lightly, but keep the important items accessible. Your bag should include:

• Sunglasses and a sun hat
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen
• A change of clothes
• Water and money for food or drinks
• A phone or camera with splash protection

Wear something comfortable for walking around Gialos. You may spend part of the day in swimwear, part in the sun on the boat, and part walking between restaurants and shops.

Do not put your towel and dry clothes at the bottom of a large bag. The St. George Bay stop comes before Symi, so you will want them ready without unpacking everything.

The booking allows cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and reserve-now-pay-later options are available. Pickup details arrive after booking, so check your messages before the morning of departure.

Should You Book the Rhodes to Symi Cruise?

Book it if you want the easiest way to combine St. George Bay and Symi in one day. The swimming stop adds variety, while three hours in Gialos gives you enough time for lunch, photos, and a first look at the island.

Choose the hotel-transfer option if you are staying far from Rhodes Town. Choose the self-arrival option if you are already near Mandraki Harbor and want to keep the cost close to $51.

Skip it if a long shared boat crossing sounds tiring or if you want several days to explore Symi at a slow pace. For most visitors with one free day, though, this is a sensible and scenic use of time, with reliable organization, strong photo opportunities, and a clear taste of island life.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

The full activity lasts about 8.5 hours, including the boat rides, the stop at St. George Bay, and free time in Symi.

What is included in the $51 price?

The price includes round-trip boat tickets to Symi and the swimming stop at St. George Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included in the basic option, but you can select an option with transport from your hotel and back.

Where do I check in if I arrange my own transport?

Check in at the operator’s office at Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor.

What time is check-in for passengers without a transfer?

Self-arriving passengers should check in between 9:15 and 9:40 a.m. to receive a boarding pass.

How long is the swimming stop at St. George Bay?

The scheduled stop is about 45 minutes. Some trip details describe it as approximately one hour.

Can I snorkel at St. George Bay?

Yes. Swimming and snorkeling are listed as activities during the stop.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about three hours in Symi, with some details describing approximately three hours and twenty minutes.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch in Symi, including the local baby shrimp dish called Simiako Garidaki.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen. You should also bring money for food, drinks, and shopping.