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

The best part comes before Symi. This full-day cruise pairs a scenic ride from Rhodes with a swim at crystal-clear Saint George Bay, then gives you time to wander Symi’s pretty harbor town. I like the memorable swimming stop and the easy, well-run schedule. The main drawback is the long boat ride, which can feel cold, windy, or rough, especially on the return.

You leave Mandraki Harbour at 10:00 and return around 18:30, so this is a proper day out rather than a quick island hop. Arrive early for an upper-deck seat, bring a warm layer even in summer, and keep an eye on the clock during the swimming stop.

Key points to know before you go

• Saint George Bay is the star stop: You get about an hour to swim in remarkably clear water, with floats available and a lifeguard on duty.
• Symi gives you around three hours: That is enough for lunch, harbor walks, shops, photographs, and a relaxed look at Gialos.
• The sea crossing takes about two hours each way: The views are lovely, but the boat may rock and the open decks can turn chilly.
• Upper-deck seating is first come, first served: In July and August, arrive well before departure if sunshine and views matter to you.
• The price is strong value: At $41 per person, transport, the swimming stop, crew, showers, and Symi visit are included, but lunch and drinks cost extra.
• The crew gets high marks: Captain Yannis is known for his friendly humor, while the bar staff, including Oksana, add warmth to a long day at sea.

Setting out from Mandraki Harbour at 10:00

The meeting point is SP Cruises’ kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece building on Pl. Eleftherias. It is central and fairly easy to find, but do not cut things close. The boat leaves on time, and late arrivals are not likely to get a gentle second chance.

The stated advice is to arrive around 9:30. In the busiest summer weeks, that may not be early enough if you want a place on the upper deck. One August departure already had the upper level nearly full by 9:15. I would aim for 9:00 if an outdoor seat is important to you.

The boat has a main-deck saloon with air conditioning and indoor seating. That is the sensible choice if the wind is strong, the sun is harsh, or you are prone to seasickness. The upper deck gives you better views and fresh air, but seats are limited and are not designed as loungers.

There is also a bar on board for drinks and snacks. Prices have been described as reasonable for drinks, though snacks can feel expensive. Food is not included, so treat the bar as a useful backup rather than your lunch plan.

Two hours across the Dodecanese sea

The crossing from Rhodes to Symi takes about two hours. That sounds long on paper, and it can feel long if you expect a fast ferry, but the purpose here is the view as much as the transport.

From the deck, you see Rhodes recede and open water take over. The boat gives you a new angle on the Dodecanese, with rocky coastlines, islands, and bright water passing by. Some people enjoy sitting outside and watching the sea. Others settle into the cool saloon and save their energy for Symi.

The boat is described as comfortable, though not especially large. Seating near windows and on the upper deck can be scarce. The sound system may also be hard to hear from the back, so do not rely on every announcement reaching you clearly.

Conditions matter. In calm weather, the ride can be relaxing. On a windy day, the open deck may become surprisingly cold, and the return crossing can be choppy. Pack trousers, a light jacket, and motion-sickness medication if you normally need it. A lemon offered by a crew member may help some people, but it is not a substitute for your usual remedy.

Saint George Bay and its clear water

After roughly two hours, the boat reaches Saint George Bay, also called Agios Georgios. This is a dramatic, enclosed-looking cove backed by steep rock and reached by boat, which gives the stop a special sense of escape.

You get roughly an hour for swimming, though the exact time can be closer to 45 minutes if the boat arrives late or boarding takes longer than planned. That distinction matters. Once everyone has moved through the gangway, found swimming gear, and entered the water, your actual swimming time can pass very quickly.

The water is the reason to choose this cruise over a simple Rhodes to Symi crossing. It is clear enough for some people to see fish and other small marine life while snorkeling. The boat carries floats, swimming rings, and other buoyant equipment, which helps less confident swimmers enjoy the stop. A lifeguard is included, and the crew gives instructions before people enter the water.

The gangway can create a bottleneck. Only one person at a time may be able to leave the boat, so the first few minutes can disappear while people queue. Keep your towel and shoes together, listen for the return signal, and wear a waterproof watch if you have one. Several people have nearly lost track of time because the hour goes so fast.

The bay is beautiful even if you do not swim. You can remain on board, take photographs, or watch people enter the water. That said, the crossing can leave you cold, and some passengers choose to skip swimming simply because they do not want to get wet before another long ride.

Freshwater showers are available after the stop. They are basic but useful, especially if you plan to walk around Symi in wet swimwear. Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Arriving at Gialos, Symi’s picture-perfect port

The boat leaves Saint George Bay around 13:00 and reaches Gialos, Symi’s main port. The harbor is framed by colorful houses climbing the hillsides, small boats, restaurants, and shops. This is the part of the day when the excursion changes from sea outing to island visit.

You have about three hours in Symi. That is a good amount of time for a first look, but it is not enough for a wide-ranging tour of the whole island. Your time is centered on Gialos, so plan to stay near the port unless you already know exactly where you want to go.

The town is easy to enjoy without a strict plan. Walk along the waterfront, study the painted buildings, browse the shops, and pause for photographs. A small beach close to where the ship docks is also worth looking for if you want another quick look at the water.

Lunch is at your own expense. This is a good chance to order seafood, local dishes, or a cold drink beside the harbor, but keep the boat’s departure firmly in mind. The vessel leaves Symi at 16:20, and it does not wait for a slow meal.

Three hours should let you eat and stroll without rushing too badly. In very hot weather, the time may feel just right rather than generous. If you want a long restaurant meal, extensive shopping, and a slow walk up the hills, you may wish for more time.

Symi’s beauty is visual and immediate. The harbor town feels more intimate than Rhodes Town, and its painted facades make even a simple walk enjoyable. You do not need a guide to appreciate it, though extra information would help if you want to understand the island beyond its looks.

The return crossing and what the timing means

Departure from Symi is scheduled for 16:20, with arrival back at Mandraki Harbour around 18:30. Plan to be back at the boat early. The crew keeps to the timetable, and returning at the last possible minute is an unnecessary way to finish a good day.

The return can be rougher than the outward journey. If the sea is unsettled, sit low in the main saloon, look toward the horizon when outside, and avoid a heavy meal just before departure. If you are on a cruise ship or have an evening reservation, allow a little extra time beyond the stated 18:30 arrival. One practical estimate is closer to 18:45 in real conditions.

A long ride is the clearest trade-off in this experience. You spend around four hours at sea for about four hours split between Saint George Bay and Symi. I think that is worthwhile if you enjoy boat trips and scenery. If you mainly want time on land, a faster ferry or an overnight stay in Symi may suit you better, though that would be a different kind of outing.

Is $41 good value for a full day?

At $41 per person, this is one of the easier day trips from Rhodes to justify. You receive the boat crossing, a dedicated stop at Saint George Bay, swimming equipment, freshwater showers, an experienced crew, and a lifeguard. You also get several hours in one of the Dodecanese’ most photogenic port towns.

The price does not include lunch, drinks, hotel pickup, or return transport to your accommodation. Those costs are easy to understand, but they still belong in your budget. If you are driving, parking near Mandraki can be difficult after 9:00, so check the city’s parking information in advance.

The value is strongest for people who want two experiences in one day: swimming from the boat and seeing Symi. A basic ferry ticket may get you to the island, but it will not provide the same swimming stop. An organized boat day also removes the need to arrange separate transport.

The boat is not a luxury yacht. Seating is practical, the toilets may need more attention, and the upper deck fills quickly. Still, the friendly crew and simple setup fit the price well.

Crew, safety, and comfort on board

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Staff help with boarding, answer questions, manage the swimming stop, and watch over people in the water. One passenger using a mobility scooter received hands-on help getting on and off, while crew members even took photographs in the bay.

Captain Yannis has made a particularly warm impression with his jokes and friendly manner. On one trip, he invited passengers into the steering cabin and let them hold the wheel for photographs. That should never be assumed, but it gives you an idea of the personal touch that can make a long crossing more enjoyable.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, according to the activity details. If you use a wheelchair or mobility scooter, contact the operator before departure to confirm the practical arrangements for your particular equipment.

The boat includes a lifeguard, floats, and swimming aids. A small first-aid kit was criticized after an onboard injury, so it is sensible to carry any personal medication or basic items you may need. The crew handled a serious passenger incident quickly on one trip, but normal precautions still matter.

Smoking is restricted to an upstairs area near the bar and wheelhouse. If smoke bothers you, choose the opposite side or stay inside when the wind carries it across the deck.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a full day away from Rhodes with plenty of scenery and two clear highlights. It works well for couples, families, groups of friends, and solo visitors who like the social feel of a shared boat.

Families may especially enjoy the swimming equipment and the gentle freedom of having time in Symi. Less confident swimmers can use floats, stay close to the boat, or simply enjoy the bay from deck level.

You should think twice if you dislike long crossings, get severe seasickness, or need a quiet, spacious boat. Seating is limited in the most popular areas, and the sea may become rough. Anyone who wants a serious island tour will also find the schedule focused almost entirely on Gialos.

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, comfortable shoes, and a warm layer. I would also add a waterproof watch, sunglasses, motion-sickness tablets if needed, and enough cash or payment capacity for lunch and drinks.

Should you book the Symi and Saint George Bay cruise?

Book it if you want the best combination of swimming and Symi sightseeing for $41. Saint George Bay is the emotional high point, while Gialos gives you a beautiful, easy-to-manage taste of Symi.

Skip it if your priority is speed, luxury, or a long, quiet visit on land. For everyone else, the long crossing is a fair price for the clear water, sea views, friendly crew, and several hours in a lovely harbor town. Arrive early, dress for wind, and treat the 16:20 departure as non-negotiable.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

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

What time does the boat depart from Rhodes?

The scheduled departure from Mandraki Harbour is 10:00 in the morning.

What time does the boat return to Rhodes?

The scheduled return to Mandraki Harbour is 18:30, though allowing a little extra time is sensible.

How long is the boat ride to Symi?

The trip to Symi takes about two hours, followed by a similar return crossing.

How long is the swimming stop at Saint George Bay?

The planned stop is about one hour, but the actual swimming time may be around 45 minutes if arrival or boarding takes longer.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included, and you buy lunch at your own expense in Symi.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You have about three hours in Gialos, the island’s main port.

Are swimming aids available?

Yes. The boat provides floats, swimming rings, and other buoyant equipment. A lifeguard is also included.

Is there seating inside the boat?

Yes. The main-deck saloon has comfortable indoor seating and air conditioning.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.