Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George’s Bay

Symi’s harbor is the star here: pastel houses climb the hills above a bright fishing port, church domes punctuate the view, and the fast crossing gets you there in about an hour. I like the three hours of free time, which gives you room for lunch, shops, and a walk without turning the stop into a rushed photo call. I also like the Saint George’s Bay swim, with clear water and a dramatic cliffside setting.

The main catch is that the 30-minute swim goes quickly, and it is not included on every departure. Boat seats can feel narrow, the ride may be windy or rough, and the 15:15 trip only pauses for photos at the bay.

Key points to know before booking

• The fast crossing saves serious time: You reach Symi in roughly one hour instead of spending much longer on a slower boat.
• Three hours in Symi is a useful middle ground: You can walk the harbor, climb into the lanes, eat, shop, and still have time for the waterfront.
• Choose your departure carefully: The 9:00 and 11:00 boats include a 30-minute swim at Saint George’s Bay.
• The 15:15 boat has a different purpose: It skips the swim, but offers a cooler, quieter visit and sunset views on the return.
• Saint George’s Bay is a boat stop, not a full beach day: You swim from the boat for about 30 minutes, so have your swimsuit ready.
• Parking at Mandraki Harbor is difficult: If you drive, arrive at least an hour early.

Why Symi makes this day trip special

Rhodes is the practical base, but Symi feels like a different world. The island’s main harbor, Gialos, opens in a broad curve of turquoise water. Hills rise behind it, covered with closely packed houses in soft yellows, pinks, blues, and whites.

This is the sort of arrival that earns a place on a holiday itinerary. The boat glides toward the harbor, and the view improves with every minute. Look for the clock tower, colorful domes, waterfront cafés, and the steep lanes leading uphill from the port.

I like this excursion because it combines two very different pleasures. Symi gives you an attractive town to explore on foot, while Saint George’s Bay gives you a short burst of open-water swimming. You are not simply transported to an island and sent back again. The return route adds a second setting, though the swim stop is brief.

Symi is also a good choice if you want to see a famous Greek island without spending the night. Three hours will not reveal every corner of the island, but it works well for the main harbor and its immediate streets.

The high-speed boat from Mandraki Harbor

The usual starting point is Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town, though the exact meeting point depends on the option you book. Some departures include a transfer arrangement from nearby hotels or beach areas, but hotel transfers are not part of the basic fare.

The crossing takes about an hour each way. That is the big practical advantage over slower services, especially on a day when you want meaningful time ashore. You spend less of the day sitting on a boat and more of it seeing Symi.

The fast boat is not always a silent, glassy ride. Wind and waves can make the crossing lively, and several passengers found it rough at times. If you suffer from seasickness, bring your usual remedy. Sit where you feel most comfortable, and do not assume a hot Greek day means a warm ride. Sea breezes can feel surprisingly cool.

The crew has provided fleece jackets on some trips, which is a thoughtful touch. You should still bring a light layer, especially for an early departure or the ride home. Pool noodles may be available at Saint George’s Bay for swimmers who want extra support.

Arrive early if your seat matters. Upstairs seating fills quickly, and some of the regular seats offer limited legroom. People with long legs may prefer to board early and look for one of the more spacious sofa-style seats. Food and drink service may be available on board, but meals and drinks are not included in the price.

Three hours in Symi: how to use your time

You have approximately three hours in Symi, and that is enough for a satisfying first visit. I would not try to see the whole island on this schedule. Focus on Gialos, the harborfront, the lanes behind it, and the nearby viewpoints.

Start with a slow walk along the water. The harbor is lined with cafés, shops, tavernas, and boats, so you can get your bearings quickly. This is also the easiest place to admire Symi’s neoclassical houses without committing to a steep climb.

Next, head uphill through the narrow streets. The climb gives you better views over the harbor, but the heat can be strong in summer. Wear sensible shoes and carry water. You may find that simply wandering the lanes is more enjoyable than trying to tick off a long list of sights.

Three hours gives you several reasonable options:

• Walk the harbor and upper lanes.
• Stop for lunch at a waterfront taverna.
• Shop for souvenirs and local products.
• Have a swim near the port if time and conditions suit you.
• Take photographs from the higher streets.
• Sit with an ouzo and watch the fishing boats.

The island is known for its small Symi shrimp, often served fried. If you want a local food experience, this is a sensible dish to try. Pair it with an ouzo if that appeals to you, but remember that lunch and drinks are at your own expense.

The timing is well judged for most people. You have enough time to eat and explore, but not so much that the town begins to feel repetitive. A few people may prefer two and a half hours, especially on a very hot day, while anyone who likes slow meals and photography may wish for more.

One practical point: public toilets are limited. Cafés and restaurants are your most likely option, so plan around your meal or coffee stop.

Saint George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

Saint George’s Bay is reached during the return journey on the 9:00 and 11:00 departures. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim directly from the vessel.

The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs, and the water is praised for its clarity. From the boat, you can see the small church on the shore and, on some days, goats perched along the cliffs. It is a striking place to swim, even if you spend most of your time simply floating and looking around.

This is not a conventional beach stop. You will not have a long stretch of sand, changing rooms, or a full afternoon ashore. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel close. The boat’s ladder makes getting back aboard easier, but you should be comfortable entering open water.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but it does not leave much spare time. If you need to change, take photographs, or wait for children, the actual swimming time will be shorter. That is the biggest limitation of the stop.

The captain can change the route or cancel the swimming stop because of weather. The sea may be calm one day and choppy the next, so treat the swim as a welcome possibility rather than a guarantee.

From late September into October, the order may change. The boat may visit Saint George’s Bay first so the cliffs and water are not already in shade later in the day. That change is made to preserve the best light and water color.

Picking the right departure

Departure time changes the character of the excursion. This is not a minor booking detail, so check it carefully.

The 9:00 departure gives you a full day and includes the 30-minute swim at Saint George’s Bay. It is the safest pick if the swim is a priority and you want plenty of daylight.

The 11:00 departure also includes the swim. It may suit you better if you prefer a later start, though the day can feel hotter during your time in Symi.

The 15:15 departure does not include swimming. You get a five-minute photo stop at Saint George’s Bay instead. Its advantage is a later, less hot visit to Symi and the chance to see sunset colors on the return to Rhodes.

The Friday 17:00 night cruise does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for either swimming or photographs. It returns around 22:00. Choose it for an evening island visit, not for the famous swim.

If you are booking mainly for the bay, choose 9:00 or 11:00. If you dislike early starts or intense afternoon heat, the 15:15 option has a clear appeal, provided you accept the missing swim.

What the $69 price really buys you

At about $69 per person, the excursion is fairly priced for a full-day boat trip that includes the high-speed crossing, time in Symi, and the Saint George’s Bay stop on eligible departures.

The strongest value comes from the time saved. A slower ferry may cost less or offer a different atmosphere, but the fast boat gets you to Symi in about an hour. That leaves enough time for a real visit instead of making the crossing the main event.

You still need to budget for lunch, drinks, and any shopping in Symi. Hotel transport may cost extra, and the base experience does not include meals. If you are driving to Mandraki Harbor, allow extra time for parking. Spaces can be hard to find, and arriving only a few minutes before departure creates needless stress.

The excursion is also a good value for couples and families who want an easy day with two clear highlights. It is less suitable if you want a guided history tour, a long swim, or a quiet small-boat outing. The host languages include English, German, Greek, French, and Italian, but the experience is mainly independent time in Symi rather than a detailed guided walk.

Comfort, weather, and small practical details

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes on a swimming departure. Pack a towel, sunscreen, water, and a light jacket or fleece. The wind on the crossing can be cool even when Rhodes is hot.

The ride can be smooth, but conditions vary. If you are sensitive to motion, sit in a spot that feels stable and consider bringing travel sickness medication. The boat can fill up, particularly in summer, so booking ahead is sensible.

Transfers require extra attention. Pickup arrangements are not always as simple as walking to the harbor. Confirm the meeting point and arrive early. At some hotels, more than one minibus may serve the same area, so listen carefully and make sure the driver knows you are waiting.

The crew is generally hands-on when helping people board and leave the boat. That matters because the vessel may move with the water, especially at a busy harbor. Still, expect a transport-focused experience rather than a polished guided tour.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now-pay-later terms make it easier to fit the trip around uncertain holiday plans. Check the exact conditions attached to your chosen departure.

Who should book this Rhodes to Symi trip?

I would choose this trip if you want the best-known views of Symi, prefer a faster crossing, and like having free time rather than following a guide from one sight to the next.

It suits:

• First-time visitors to Symi.
• Couples looking for a scenic day away from Rhodes.
• Families who want a simple schedule with a short swim.
• Anyone who values time ashore more than a leisurely ferry ride.
• Swimmers who want clear water without booking a separate boat charter.
• Photographers who want harbor views and a sunset option.

Think twice if you dislike fast boats, get seasick easily, or need a long, relaxed swim. You may also find the schedule restrictive if your main goal is a quiet beach day. Symi’s steep streets and midday heat can be tiring, and three hours is enough for the port area but not for a broad island tour.

Should you book it?

Book it if Symi is high on your Rhodes wish list. The fast crossing, three hours in the pretty harbor town, and Saint George’s Bay swim create a strong day out for the price.

Pick the 9:00 or 11:00 departure if swimming matters. Pick 15:15 if you prefer cooler temperatures and sunset views, and do not choose the Friday 17:00 cruise expecting a bay stop.

Arrive early, bring a towel and light layer, and keep your lunch plans flexible. With those details sorted, this is an efficient way to see Symi’s postcard harbor and enjoy one of the Dodecanese’s clearest swimming stops.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi trip last?

The activity lasts about 6 to 9 hours, depending on the departure and pickup arrangement.

How long is the boat ride to Symi?

The high-speed crossing takes approximately one hour.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You have approximately three hours to explore Symi independently.

Does every departure include swimming at Saint George’s Bay?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. The 15:15 departure offers only a five-minute photo stop, and Friday’s 17:00 night cruise does not stop there.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A light layer is also useful because the boat can feel windy and cool.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, so you pay for lunch and refreshments in Symi yourself.

Is hotel transportation included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard activity. Some booking options may offer transfer arrangements, so check the option you select.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The captain may change the route or swimming stop depending on weather conditions.