Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

Symi’s harbor is the star of this day. As your boat rounds the island, neoclassical houses climb the hillsides in layers of color, while fishing boats bob around the waterfront. Before that postcard arrival, you stop at St Marina Bay, a small cove reachable only by boat, for a swim and some snorkeling.

I like two things in particular: the swimming stop breaks up the sailing time, and the three hours in Symi gives you enough room for lunch, shopping, and a good walk without requiring a rushed shore visit. The main drawback is the long ride, especially the return journey, which can take about two hours or more. Bring a book, and arrive early if you want a prime outdoor seat.

Key points to know before you book

• St Marina Bay is the first major stop: You get about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling in clear water.
• Symi time is self-guided: Three hours lets you eat, shop, photograph the harbor, and explore at your own pace.
• The boat is slower than some catamarans: That keeps the price at about $47, but sailing takes a large part of the eight-hour day.
• Outdoor seats go early: Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, and bring a light jacket early or late in the season.
• The boat has useful basics: You get toilets, WiFi, floats, an air-conditioned cabin, sunbeds, and a snack and drink bar.
• Hotel pickup may be optional: Check your booking carefully, then follow the Rizos Cruises transfer instructions if you select transport.

What this Rhodes to Symi boat trip is really like

This is a full-day sea outing rather than a fast island transfer. You leave Rhodes in the morning, sail first to St Marina Bay, continue to Symi Harbour, spend three hours ashore, and return to Rhodes in the evening.

The total time is about eight hours, but the day is not packed with guided sightseeing. That is a strength if you like freedom. You can choose a long lunch, sit by the water, browse shops, or simply photograph the harbor without following a guide through every lane.

The tradeoff is simple: you spend a good part of the day on the boat. The vessel has an open sundeck with sunbeds, indoor air-conditioned seating, toilets, WiFi, floats, and a bar with drinks, snacks, and ice cream. Those details matter on a long crossing. I would still bring something to read, especially for the ride back.

The trip is operated by Rizos Cruises. Look for the boat marked DISCOVERY, and exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the vessel before boarding. The crew speaks Greek and English, and the available feedback points to a clean boat, clear announcements, and polite, helpful service.

Boarding at Rhodes Harbour

The meeting instructions are worth taking seriously. You should arrive 20 minutes before departure, with check-in generally taking place between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning. Showing up early also gives you a better chance of finding a seat outside.

The boat offers plenty of seating, but the best outdoor places can go quickly. If you want sun on the way out, or a clear view for photographs, do not cut it close. One practical note from the day: the shaded seats can feel cold during the longer crossing, even in warm weather. A jumper or light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season, and not a bad idea at any time if you plan to sit in the shade.

Hotel pickup is not automatically included. Some booking options offer pickup, while others require you to reach Rhodes Harbour independently. If you choose a transfer, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes early. The Rizos Cruises bus has the company logo on its windscreen, and the driver may leave after two minutes, although traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes.

The sailing from Rhodes to St Marina Bay

The first stretch gives you a different view of Rhodes. From the water, the island’s coast opens up in a way you cannot get from the roads, and the ride offers a calm start before the swimming stop.

The trip also passes small fishing boats and gives you time to settle into the rhythm of the day. This is not a high-speed catamaran experience. The boat is slower than some of the more expensive options, so the journey to Symi takes longer, but the lower fare and swimming stop change the value calculation.

At around $47 per person, you are paying for a full day on the water, a swim stop, and several hours on one of the Dodecanese islands. If your priority is reaching Symi as quickly as possible, a faster boat may suit you better. If you want the bay stop and do not mind a slower crossing, this is a sensible price.

St Marina Bay: a short swim in clear water

St Marina Bay is the first real highlight of the outing. The cove is accessible by boat, so the stop gives you a chance to swim somewhere that is not part of an ordinary Rhodes beach day.

You get about 30 minutes in the bay. That is enough for a refreshing swim and a little snorkeling, but not enough for an extended beach session. I would treat it as a pleasant break from the crossing rather than a full snorkeling excursion.

The water is described as clear, and the setting is especially attractive from the boat. Floats are provided, which helps if you prefer to relax on the surface. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the view if swimming is not your priority.

Bring your own towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and snorkeling gear. Towels and food are not included. The stop is not designed around a large reef or a long guided snorkeling route, so set your expectations accordingly. You may see some underwater life, but this is primarily a scenic swim in a beautiful cove.

One practical issue is storage. There are no stated lockers for phones, hotel keys, or other valuables while you swim. I would bring only what you need on deck and keep important items secure in a small waterproof pouch. That small bit of planning makes the swim easier.

Approaching Symi Harbour

After St Marina Bay, the boat continues toward Symi. The sailing time is shorter than the first main crossing, and the arrival is one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Symi Harbour is framed by rows of colorful neoclassical houses. Their shutters, balconies, and painted facades create the island’s familiar look, with hills rising behind the waterfront. From the boat, you get the best first impression because the whole harbor opens in front of you at once.

Keep your camera ready as you enter. The harbor also has a working side, with small fishing boats and local vessels adding character to the view. It is not just a pretty wall of houses. The boats, waterfront restaurants, and steep streets give the place a sense of everyday island life.

You disembark in Symi Harbour and have about three hours of free time. No guided walking route is provided, so your choices are your own.

Three hours in Symi: how to use your time

Three hours is a useful amount of time for Symi Town. You can have lunch, walk along the waterfront, look through shops, buy an ice cream, and wander into some of the colorful streets without turning the visit into a race.

I would begin by walking along the harbor to take in the view from different angles. The waterfront is the easiest place to get your bearings, and it gives you plenty of photo opportunities. From there, continue into the streets behind the port, where the neoclassical homes and narrow lanes provide a closer look at Symi’s style.

Lunch is another good use of the stop. You can choose a restaurant overlooking the water, then still have time for shopping and a little more exploring. Three hours is long enough for a relaxed harbor visit, but it is not enough for every corner of the island.

That limit matters if you want to visit the Monastery of Panormitis or explore far beyond the port. The monastery is on another part of Symi, and the available time is better suited to the harbor and nearby streets. Do not plan a distant side trip unless the operator gives you a separate transport arrangement and a clear return schedule.

The port itself can fill the entire visit for many people. I like the balance here: you get a real taste of Symi without having to organize an overnight stay. At the same time, anyone wanting a broad island tour should book a longer visit or a different excursion.

Food, drinks, and comfort on the boat

The onboard bar sells a range of drinks, snacks, and ice creams. Food and drinks are not included, so carry cash for purchases on board and in Symi.

The air-conditioned interior is useful during the hottest part of the day, while the open sundeck is the place to sit for fresh air and views. You can move between the two depending on the weather and your comfort.

The boat has toilets, which is an important feature during a long crossing. It also offers WiFi, though I would not plan the day around a strong connection. Use it as a convenience rather than a reason to leave your book at home.

The boat is reported to be clean, including the toilets, and the crew gives announcements through the onboard system. That makes the schedule easier to follow, especially when it is time to return to the vessel in Symi.

The return to Rhodes

The return crossing is where the day’s length becomes most noticeable. Depending on conditions and the exact route, the journey can take around two hours or more. After three hours in Symi, you may be ready for a quiet seat and a drink.

This is the point where the boat’s slower speed matters. Some catamarans make the transfer faster, but they may not include the same swim stop. If you value another break in the water more than a quick return, the slower schedule is a reasonable compromise.

Try to change seats if you spent the outward journey in the shade. One useful tip is to carry a light jacket because the temperature can shift between the sunny deck, shaded areas, and air-conditioned cabin.

The boat returns to Rhodes Harbour in the evening. If you have a dinner reservation or another activity planned, leave some flexibility around the advertised finish time. The overall schedule is well defined, but sea conditions and port operations can affect timing.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want to see Symi without arranging your own ferry, and if you like mixing sightseeing with a short swim. It works especially well for couples, families, and anyone who wants a straightforward day away from Rhodes.

The three hours in Symi also suit people who prefer independent exploring. You are not pushed through a guided program, and you can spend your time on lunch, photos, shopping, or a walk.

This may be less suitable if you dislike long boat rides or need a lot of time on a beach. The St Marina Bay stop is only 30 minutes, and the return to Rhodes can feel long after a full day in the sun.

It is also not ideal for anyone determined to visit Panormitis Monastery and see much more of the island. For that plan, you need more time than this harbor-focused schedule provides.

What to bring for a better day

Pack light, but include the items that make the long crossing and swim easier:

• A towel, since one is not supplied
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• Snorkeling gear if you have your own
• Cash for food, drinks, and shopping
• A light jacket, especially in spring, autumn, or for shaded seating
• A small waterproof pouch for your phone and hotel keys

Smoking is not allowed indoors, and littering is prohibited. Weapons, sharp objects, and explosive substances are also not permitted.

The open deck is the place for views, but strong sun can make the day tiring. I would alternate between the deck and the air-conditioned cabin rather than staying in direct sun for the entire crossing.

Is $47 good value?

At $47, this trip offers solid value for a full eight-hour day. You get transport from Rhodes to Symi, a boat-only swimming stop, three hours on the island, onboard facilities, and a return to Rhodes Harbour.

The price looks especially good if you compare it with faster, more expensive catamaran options and do not need the quickest crossing. The key advantage here is the St Marina Bay stop, which gives the day more variety than a simple port-to-port ferry ride.

The value is weaker if your only goal is maximum time in Symi. You spend several hours sailing, and the boat is slower than some alternatives. In that case, compare the total time on the island rather than just the ticket price.

For most people, I would call it a good-value introduction to Symi. You get the famous harbor views, enough free time to enjoy the town, and a swim in a quiet bay without paying for a private boat.

Should you book this Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book it if you want a well-organized day from Rhodes with a scenic swim stop and independent time in Symi. The clean boat, useful facilities, friendly crew, and $47 price make it an easy choice for a first visit to the island.

Skip it if you want a fast crossing, a long snorkeling session, or time to tour the whole island. In that case, look for a faster boat or an excursion with a longer Symi visit.

For everyone else, arrive early, claim a good seat, bring a towel and jacket, and keep your Symi plans focused on the harbor. That is where this trip delivers its best moments.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

The full experience lasts about eight hours, including the sailing from Rhodes, the St Marina Bay stop, three hours in Symi, and the return trip to Rhodes Harbour.

How long do you stop at St Marina Bay?

The swimming and snorkeling stop lasts about 30 minutes.

How much free time do you get in Symi?

You get about three hours of free time in Symi Harbour and the surrounding town.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not automatically included, but pickup may be available as an optional booking choice. Check the selected option carefully.

Where do you meet the boat?

You meet at Rhodes Harbour and should arrive 20 minutes before departure. Exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the Rizos Cruises boat marked DISCOVERY.

What facilities are available on board?

The boat has an open sundeck with sunbeds, an air-conditioned area, toilets, WiFi, floats, and a bar selling drinks, snacks, and ice cream.

What should you bring?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season.