Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island and St George’s Bay

Blue water, pastel houses, and one superb swim stop. This high-speed trip from Rhodes combines Symi’s picture-perfect harbor with a refreshing 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay. I like the quick crossing, which takes about an hour, and the generous three hours on Symi, enough time for lunch, a walk, and a look around town. The main catch is that the 3:15 departure skips the swim stop, and the boat can feel chilly on the open sea.

This is a good choice if you want to see one of the Dodecanese islands without spending most of the day on a slow ferry. I also like the simple format: the crew gets you there, gives you free time, and brings you back. You arrange your own lunch and sightseeing, so the experience offers freedom, but not a guided tour of Symi.

Key points to know before booking

• The crossing takes about one hour: The high-speed boat gives you more time on Symi than a slower service.
• Three hours on Symi is a useful amount of time: You can eat, walk along the harbor, visit shops, and climb toward a church viewpoint without rushing every minute.
• St George’s Bay is the star stop: The 30-minute swim in clear water is often the most memorable part of the day.
• Departure time changes the experience: The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include swimming, while the 3:15 trip offers a cooler, quieter visit and sunset views but no swim.
• Bring a jacket as well as swimwear: The boat can be cold, even on a warm Rhodes day, and the crew has supplied fleeces when passengers needed them.
• The $55 price is strong value: You get transport to Symi, free time on the island, and the bay stop, though meals, drinks, and hotel transfers cost extra.

Why the fast boat makes sense from Rhodes

Symi is close enough to Rhodes for a day trip, but the ride can eat up a large part of your day if you choose a slower boat. This service takes roughly one hour each way, giving you a practical balance between time at sea and time on land.

The boat has individual sports-style seats, with bench seating farther back. Some passengers found the sports seats a little narrow, so you may prefer the rear benches if you want more room. The newer, clean boat and smooth ride are useful comforts, especially on the return journey after several hours in the sun.

The speed also changes the mood of the trip. You get the thrill of moving quickly across the Dodecanese sea, while still having enough time to watch the Rhodes coast disappear and Symi’s harbor come into view. The crossing is not a sightseeing cruise with constant commentary, so you should choose this for efficient transport and sea views rather than a narrated lesson.

The crew has earned praise for being friendly, attentive, and practical. A jacket or fleece may be offered if the air feels cold, but you should still pack your own light layer. Wind on a fast boat can make the trip feel much cooler than the temperature on land.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor for Symi

The main departure point is Mandraki Harbor, though the exact meeting place depends on the option you book. Some departures also use other pickup points, including Vlycha Beach, which is handy if you are staying around Lindos.

If you are starting in Rhodes Town, the meeting point can be found close to the central bus station. Allow time to locate the stall beside the water, check in, and collect your boarding pass. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to reach the selected meeting point yourself.

Once underway, the first hour passes quickly. The boat follows the coast and then heads across open water toward Symi. If you are sensitive to wind or spray, sit where you feel most comfortable and keep your towel and spare layer within reach.

The ride is part of the pleasure, but it is also the least sheltered part of the day. The boat has been described as comfortable and smooth, though cold conditions are possible. A light jacket is one of those small packing choices that can make the morning much more pleasant.

First sight of Symi Harbor

Symi announces itself with a remarkable harbor. Turquoise water reaches between hills covered with rows of pastel-colored neoclassical houses. Church domes add bright spots of color, and fishing boats sit close to the waterfront.

The setting is compact enough to explore independently. You do not need a guide simply to find your way around the harbor area, though you should keep an eye on the clock because three hours can pass quickly.

Start by walking along the waterfront and getting your bearings. This gives you a feel for the town before you choose lunch or head uphill. The harbor is the most photogenic part of Symi, but it can also tempt you to spend the whole visit taking pictures. Leave time to walk beyond the first row of tavernas.

The town’s steep setting matters. Even a short uphill walk can bring better views, but you may prefer to stay near the water if the heat is strong or if you want a relaxed lunch. One particularly worthwhile option is to walk toward a church for a view over the town. You will need to judge the climb against your return time.

Making the most of three hours on Symi

Three hours sounds generous, and it is enough for a satisfying first visit. It is not enough to explore every lane, eat slowly, shop at length, and make a long uphill walk without planning.

I would divide the stop into three parts:

• Walk the harbor and nearby streets first.
• Set aside time for lunch or a drink.
• Use the remaining time for a short uphill walk, shopping, or a swim near the harbor if you choose.

The waterfront tavernas are the natural place to eat. Symi is known for its small local shrimp, often called Symi mini shrimps, and this is a good chance to try them with a Greek drink such as ouzo. Meals and drinks are not included, so keep extra money available.

If seafood is not your preference, you can simply have a drink, browse the shops, or sit near the water. A small beach along the harbor provides another option for part of your free time. One practical way to use the stop is an hour exploring, an hour at the beach, and an hour over lunch, though that schedule leaves little room for wandering farther uphill.

The main limitation is not the island itself. It is the fixed departure time. Give yourself a clear buffer before returning to the boat. Missing the departure would be a very expensive way to gain extra time on Symi.

St George’s Bay and the best half-hour of the day

After Symi, the boat passes along the coast toward St George’s Bay. On the standard 9:00 and 11:00 departures, the boat stops for about 30 minutes so you can swim in the clear water.

This is the highlight for many people, and it is easy to understand why. St George’s Bay is framed by steep coastal rock and bright blue water, creating a dramatic setting that feels far removed from the harbor towns. You can swim, sit on deck, or simply take in the view if you do not want to get wet.

Thirty minutes is short, but that is part of the design. You have enough time for a proper dip and a quick dry-off, but not enough to turn the stop into a long beach afternoon. Bring swimwear under your clothes, and keep your towel easy to reach.

The stop is also dependent on the departure time and seasonal light. From the end of September into October, the boat may visit St George’s Bay before Symi instead. This helps preserve the sunlight and water color later in the year, when the bay can be shaded after the island visit.

The 3:15 departure does not include the swim. It makes only a five-minute photo stop at the bay, then returns toward Rhodes with the chance to see the sunset. This later option may suit you if you prefer cooler temperatures, fewer people, and evening views. Do not book it expecting a swimming excursion.

Choosing the right departure time

Your departure choice matters more than the small difference in price between options. The schedule changes the whole shape of the day.

The 9:00 departure

This is the best option if swimming at St George’s Bay is important to you and you want a full day out. You get the 30-minute swim stop and arrive in Symi with plenty of time to explore before the return journey.

The 11:00 departure

This also includes the swim stop. It gives you a slower start in Rhodes, which can be helpful if you are staying outside town or do not want an early morning. You still receive the main combination of Symi and St George’s Bay.

The 3:15 departure

This is a different product in practical terms. You visit Symi during a cooler part of the day, see it at a less crowded time, and may enjoy sunset views on the return. The cost is the missed swim, since St George’s Bay is limited to a five-minute photo stop.

If your priority is swimming, pick 9:00 or 11:00. If you dislike heat and would rather see Symi in softer evening light, the late trip can be a better fit.

What the $55 price really covers

At $55 per person, the trip offers good value for anyone who wants independent time on Symi without arranging separate transport. The price includes the high-speed boat, free time on the island, and the St George’s Bay swim stop on the qualifying departures.

It does not include lunch, drinks, or hotel transfers. These exclusions are reasonable for a free-time excursion, but they mean the final cost will be higher than the advertised fare. You should also consider transport to the meeting point, especially if you are staying in Lindos, Kolymbia, Lardos, Kiotari, or another resort area.

The strongest value comes from the speed. You are paying partly to avoid a slow crossing and partly for the swim stop. If you only want to see Symi and do not care about the bay, compare the price with other boat services. If you want both destinations in one day, the fare is easier to justify.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later make planning less rigid. The host or greeter support is available in English, German, Greek, French, and Italian.

Small drawbacks worth considering

The trip is highly rated for good reason, but it is not perfect for everyone. Three hours on Symi is enough for an introduction, yet you may feel hurried if you want a long lunch, extensive shopping, and a serious uphill walk.

The boat can also feel cold. This came up more than once, even though the crew helped by handing out fleeces. Pack a jacket rather than trusting the summer forecast.

The sports seats are individual and comfortable for a fast ride, but they are not the widest. Bench seating toward the back may suit you better if you prefer extra space.

Finally, the guide may not provide much spoken information during the ride. That is not a problem if you enjoy exploring on your own, but it means you should not expect a detailed guided tour of Symi. The staff’s role is mainly to manage the boat, timing, and passenger comfort.

Who should book this Symi trip?

I would choose this excursion if you are staying in Rhodes and want to add a second Greek island without spending the night away. It suits couples, families, and independent visitors who like a clear schedule but want to choose their own lunch and walking route.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want a fast crossing.
• You value free time rather than a guided walking tour.
• You want a memorable swim in a dramatic bay.
• You are staying near Rhodes Town, Lindos, or one of the listed pickup areas.
• You can handle a short boat ride in open water and bring a warm layer.

I would think twice if you dislike fixed departure times, want a long and leisurely meal, or need hotel pickup. I would also avoid the 3:15 departure if swimming is the main reason you are booking.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi trip take?

The full activity lasts approximately 6 to 9 hours, depending on the selected departure and pickup option. The boat crossing to Symi takes about one hour.

How much free time do I get on Symi?

You get approximately three hours on Symi Island. This allows time for the harbor, lunch, shopping, a short walk, or a swim near the waterfront.

Is swimming at St George’s Bay included?

Yes, the 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay. The 3:15 departure does not include swimming and makes only a five-minute photo stop.

Does the tour include lunch and drinks?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, so you pay separately for lunch, ouzo, seafood, or other refreshments on Symi.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included. The meeting point depends on the option you book, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A jacket is also a smart choice because the high-speed boat can feel cold, even when Rhodes is warm.

Which languages are available?

Host or greeter support is available in English, German, Greek, French, and Italian.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the most efficient way to combine Symi with a memorable swim in St George’s Bay. The fast crossing, three hours of independent time, helpful crew, and dramatic water make this a strong day trip for $55.

Choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departure for the full experience. Choose 3:15 only if you prefer a cooler visit and sunset views over swimming. Pack a jacket, keep your lunch plans simple, and return to the boat early. That small bit of planning leaves you free to enjoy one of the prettiest boat days from Rhodes.