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

Two islands, one easy day. This 8-hour cruise from Rhodes gives you a refreshing swim at boat-only St Marina Bay and three hours to explore Symi’s famous harbor. I especially like the colorful neo-classical houses rising around Symi Harbor and the chance to swim before the island visit, rather than spending the entire day on the boat. The main drawback is the long return sailing, which can take about two and a half hours, while the swimming stop lasts only 30 minutes.

I also like the price. At about $47 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to see Symi from Rhodes, especially when you consider that the cruise includes the boat ride, a swimming stop, onboard toilets, WiFi, air conditioning, sunbeds, floats, and insurance. You still need to budget for food, drinks, towels, and transport to the harbor.

The boat is clean and comfortable, and Rizos Cruises runs the trip in a straightforward way. Get there early for the best outdoor seats, pack a light jacket at the start or end of the season, and bring cash for the island and onboard refreshments.

Key points to know before booking

• A 30-minute swim at St Marina Bay: This clear-water stop is reachable only by boat and is the most active part of the day.
• Three hours in Symi Harbor: You have enough time for lunch, shopping, photos, and a relaxed walk through the colorful waterfront streets.
• A slower boat than the catamarans: The journey can take roughly one and a half to two and a half hours each way, depending on conditions and timing.
• Good value at $47: The fare includes the cruise, swimming stop, onboard facilities, floats, WiFi, and insurance, but not meals or hotel transfers.
• Outdoor seating fills early: Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, and go early if you want a sunbed or a preferred place on the open deck.
• A Rhodes Harbor round trip: You do not need to arrange a separate return boat, which makes this a simple full-day outing.

Why Symi makes a good day trip from Rhodes

Rhodes has enough sights to fill several days, but Symi offers a very different kind of Greek island experience. The approach by sea reveals a compact harbor lined with brightly painted, neo-classical houses. Their orderly facades and pastel colors give Symi a distinct look that feels more polished and theatrical than many of the rougher island ports.

The boat trip also lets you appreciate Symi before you set foot on it. As you approach, you see the harbor open up around you, with small fishing boats and other vessels adding to the scene. The arrival itself is part of the attraction, so keep your phone or camera handy as the boat comes into port.

This cruise works best if you want a taste of Symi rather than a detailed study of the whole island. Three hours is enough to walk around the harbor, stop for lunch, buy a few souvenirs, and take in the views. It is not enough time for an ambitious island-wide outing.

That distinction matters. If your main goal is to see the harbor and enjoy a relaxed island break, the schedule is well judged. If you want to visit the Monastery of Panormitis or explore farther inland, you may find the available time too short. One practical note from the day’s schedule: reaching Panormitis requires extra time, and this cruise does not leave much room for that side trip.

Starting at Rhodes Harbor with Rizos Cruises

Your meeting instructions depend on the option you choose. For the cruise itself, arrive at the harbor between 8:00 and 8:30 in the morning, and be there at least 20 minutes before the activity begins. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat before boarding.

Look for the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY. That detail is important because Rhodes Harbor can feel confusing when several boats are preparing for morning departures. Allow time to find the correct desk and boat rather than arriving at the last moment.

Hotel pickup may be available if you select that option, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the basic cruise price. If you arrange a transfer, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on its windscreen, and drivers wait no longer than two minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Traffic can cause a delay of up to 15 minutes, so stay at the pickup point and keep your phone available. The operator may contact you by WhatsApp or telephone with the exact pickup point and time. Enter your number carefully when booking.

Once aboard, you can choose between the open sundeck and the air-conditioned indoor area. The deck has sunbeds, which are useful for the outward and return sailing, but the best spots go early. If you sit in the shade for a long period, bring a jumper, especially in October or near the beginning and end of the season.

The sailing from Rhodes: views, seating, and pace

The outward journey gives you a pleasant view back toward Rhodes as the boat leaves the harbor. You can feel the sun and sea air on the open deck, while the indoor area offers relief if the weather becomes too strong or cool.

This is not the fastest way to reach Symi. Compared with more expensive catamarans, the Rizos boat is noticeably slower. Depending on the day’s schedule, the crossing may take around one and a half to two hours, and the return can take about two and a half hours.

That slower pace has both good and bad sides. You spend more time sitting on the boat, so bring a book if you like to read. On the other hand, the boat includes an open deck, seating, a bar area, toilets, air conditioning, floats, and WiFi. You can move between the outside and inside spaces rather than being confined to one seat.

Onboard snacks, ice cream, lollies, and drinks are available for purchase. They are useful for the long crossing, but remember that food and drinks are not included in the ticket. If you want a proper meal, Symi is the better place to spend your money.

The crew has been praised for being friendly, helpful, and clear with announcements. That practical organization matters on a boat day. You need to know when to swim, when to return aboard, and when the boat will leave Symi, and the instructions are given over the public-address system.

St Marina Bay: a short but worthwhile swim stop

The first major stop is St Marina Bay, a small bay that can be reached only by boat. The cruise pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, take photos, or stay aboard and watch.

The water is the star here. It is described as clear and inviting, making the stop a welcome change after the first stretch of sailing. You can use the floats provided by the boat, and you should bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. Snorkeling gear is not listed as included, so do not assume you will receive a mask and fins onboard.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. You need to account for the time required to get ready, enter the water, swim, and climb back aboard. I would treat this as a refreshing dip rather than a full snorkeling session.

There is also a practical issue with valuables. You may need your phone and hotel keys later, but the boat does not list lockers among its facilities. Plan carefully before getting into the water. Keep only what you need with you, and avoid bringing loose valuables onto the swimming platform.

The snorkeling may be pleasant, but conditions are not presented as a coral reef excursion. You are expected to remain reasonably close to the boat, so this is not the place for a long independent swim. If you want an extended snorkeling experience, you may find the stop limited. If you simply want to cool off in clean water and enjoy a memorable bay, it does the job well.

Bring a towel, beachwear, and biodegradable sunscreen. A towel is not included. Apply sunscreen before boarding and choose a biodegradable product, since the trip includes swimming in a small coastal bay.

Three hours in Symi Harbor

After the swim, the boat makes the short sail to Symi Harbor. This is the part of the trip most people anticipate, and the arrival is rewarding. The harbor is framed by colorful houses and filled with small boats, giving you an immediate sense of place.

You are free to explore independently for about three hours. That is enough time to keep the day relaxed instead of turning it into a race. You can walk along the waterfront, pause for lunch with a harbor view, browse shops, buy ice cream, and take photographs of the houses climbing the slopes.

I would begin with a slow walk around the harbor before choosing a restaurant. The waterfront views are a major part of Symi’s appeal, and you will want time to look closely at the buildings rather than rushing straight to a table. The streets are also a good place for a short wander after lunch.

Shopping is another simple way to use the free time. Symi has small shops and souvenir stops close to the harbor, so you do not need a complicated plan. Keep some cash with you, since cash is specifically recommended for the excursion.

Three hours is enough for a first visit, but it comes with limits. You will not have much time to visit distant parts of the island, and an excursion to Panormitis would require more time than this schedule comfortably allows. The port area itself provides plenty to see, but you should not book this cruise expecting a complete tour of Symi.

The return time is important. Listen carefully for the departure instructions and arrive back at the boat early. The ship may leave on schedule, and the morning boarding guidance emphasizes arriving ahead of time for good reason.

The long return to Rhodes

The return sailing is the least exciting part of the day for some people. After lunch and walking around Symi, you may be ready for another swim or a shorter ride, but the boat heads directly back to Rhodes.

A return journey of roughly two to two and a half hours can feel long, particularly if you have already spent time sitting on the outward crossing. The open deck helps, since you can watch the sea and change your position. The indoor air-conditioned section, onboard bar, toilets, and WiFi also make the trip easier.

This is where the cheaper fare needs to be judged honestly. The cruise saves money compared with faster catamarans, but you pay for that saving with more time aboard. The tradeoff may be worthwhile if you value the St Marina Bay swim and do not need every possible minute on Symi.

Some people would prefer a second swimming stop instead of spending all that time on the return. That is not part of this trip, so plan to bring something to read or simply treat the ride as a quiet end to the day. You should also carry a light layer. Sitting in the shade can feel cool even after a warm morning, and October conditions may be breezy.

What the $47 price really includes

At $47 per person, this is a strong-value way to reach Symi from Rhodes. The price includes:

• The round-trip cruise
• A 30-minute swimming stop at St Marina Bay
• Three hours of free time in Symi
• Use of the open sundeck and sunbeds
• An air-conditioned indoor area
• Toilets onboard
• Floats
• WiFi
• Insurance

You still pay separately for food, drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and any hotel transfer that is not included in your selected option. These extras are easy to manage if you arrive prepared.

The biggest value is the combination of two experiences in one day. You get a boat-only bay for swimming and a proper visit to Symi, rather than choosing between a standard ferry crossing and a separate beach outing. The cruise also begins and ends at Rhodes Harbor, so the basic plan is simple.

The main cost is your time. A faster catamaran may get you to Symi sooner, but it may not offer the same swimming stop. If you care more about speed and extra island time, compare the options. If you want the swim and are happy with a leisurely crossing, this trip makes good financial sense.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to anyone staying in Rhodes who wants one easy day away from the main island. It suits couples, families, and independent visitors who are comfortable exploring without a guide once they reach Symi.

You will likely enjoy it most if you want:

• A first look at Symi rather than a full island tour
• A swim in a clear bay
• Time for lunch and shopping
• A boat with indoor and outdoor seating
• A lower-cost alternative to faster catamarans
• A day with no need to arrange your own return transport

It is less suitable if you dislike long boat rides or need several hours for swimming and snorkeling. It also may not fit your plans if visiting Panormitis is the main purpose of your Symi trip.

For families, the toilets, air-conditioned area, floats, and snack bar are useful. For couples, the harbor views and lunch break make a pleasant change from Rhodes. For photographers, the approach to Symi and the rows of colorful houses provide plenty to capture.

Packing advice for a smoother day

Keep your bag light, but bring the items that make a boat day easier:

• Towel
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear
• Cash
• A light jacket in cooler parts of the season
• A book for the longer sailing periods

Arrive early if you want an outdoor seat. The open deck is popular, and the best places can go quickly. If you prefer shade, do not forget that sitting still for two hours can feel cool, even in Greece.

You should also keep your boarding voucher ready for exchange at the desk. Bring your phone, but think ahead about where to keep it during the swim. No locker service is listed, so this is one of the few details you need to manage yourself.

The cruise does not permit weapons or sharp objects, smoking indoors, littering, or explosive substances. These are basic boat rules, but they are worth noting before you pack.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book it if you want good value, a swim stop, and a first taste of Symi. The clean boat, friendly crew, useful facilities, colorful harbor, and three hours of free time create a well-balanced day for $47.

Choose a faster boat if your priority is maximizing time on Symi or visiting Panormitis. Choose this Rizos Cruises trip if you prefer the added St Marina Bay swim and do not mind a slower return to Rhodes.

My practical verdict: arrive early, claim a good seat, bring a towel and light jacket, and carry something to read. For a straightforward island day with strong scenery and a memorable swim, this is an easy cruise to recommend.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi cruise last?

The full activity lasts about 8 hours. The schedule includes a 30-minute stop at St Marina Bay, about 3 hours of free time in Symi, and the boat journeys between Rhodes and Symi.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about 3 hours to explore Symi at your own pace. This is enough for lunch, shopping, photos, and a walk around the harbor, but not for a lengthy visit to distant parts of the island.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop at St Marina Bay for about 30 minutes. Floats are provided, but towels and snorkeling gear are not included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included. Snacks, ice cream, and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and you can also have lunch during your free time in Symi.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Rhodes Harbor and must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat. Look for the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY, and arrive at least 20 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup may be available if you select a pickup option. Basic hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so check your selected option carefully. If using a transfer, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes early and look for the vehicle with the RIZOS CRUISES logo.