Fast Boat To Symi with a swimming stop at St George’s Bay! (Only 1hr journey)

Symi is only an hour away by fast boat. This trip gives you three hours to explore its pretty harbor town, then adds a refreshing swim at St George’s Bay. I like the short crossing and the freedom to plan your own time on Symi, rather than being tied to a guided walking tour. I also like the practical extras, including onboard toilets, comfortable seats, and fleeces or rain protection when the weather turns cool.

The main thing to watch is the timing. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include the 30-minute swim stop, while the 15:15 departure goes to Symi without a swimming stop, stopping only for photos. The ride can also be choppy, and the boat may carry up to 118 passengers, so this is an efficient group outing rather than a quiet private cruise.

Key points before you book

• The crossing takes about one hour: This saves valuable time compared with slower ferries and leaves you with about three hours on Symi.
• St George’s Bay is the highlight for many people: The boat pauses for 30 minutes so you can swim in clear water beneath steep rocky cliffs.
• Choose your departure carefully: Only the 9:00 and 11:00 departures include swimming. The 15:15 sailing offers photos only.
• Arrive early for better seating: The upper deck gives better views, but access may depend on boarding arrangements and boat capacity.
• Bring swimwear, a towel, and a light jacket: Spray can reach the seats, and the wind may feel cool even on a warm Rhodes day.
• Three hours on Symi is enough for a first visit: You can walk the harbor, browse small shops, eat, and climb part of the Kali Strata if you are reasonably fit.

Why the fast boat makes Symi practical

Symi is close to Rhodes, but the trip can take much longer on a regular ferry. This fast boat covers the crossing in roughly one hour to one hour and ten minutes, depending on sea conditions. That difference matters on a six-hour day trip.

You leave Rhodes, spend about three hours on Symi, stop at St George’s Bay for 30 minutes, and return to the same meeting point. The schedule leaves little wasted time. You are not spending most of your day simply getting there and back.

The boat is operated by Rhodes Sea Lines and departs from the Rhodes Sea Lines point at Pl. Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. Your mobile ticket is confirmed when you book, but you may still need to exchange it for a boarding pass at the kiosk before boarding. Allow extra time for this step.

If you are driving, take the meeting point seriously. Finding a parking space near the harbor can be difficult, and one late arrival turned the start of the day into a stressful scramble. I would arrive early, especially if you want an upper-deck seat or need to collect a paper boarding pass.

Choosing the right sailing from Rhodes

The departure time changes the experience more than you might expect.

The 9:00 and 11:00 boats include the St George’s Bay swimming stop. These are the best choices if swimming is one of your main reasons for booking. The 15:15 departure does not include the swim. It stops for photographs instead, which may suit you if you prefer a later start or have already spent time in the sea elsewhere.

Check the exact return time carefully. The boat will not wait for late passengers. Three hours on Symi sounds generous, but the usable time can be slightly less once you allow for disembarking, finding the boarding area, and returning before departure. Set an alarm and aim to be back early.

This matters even more if you are visiting Rhodes from a cruise ship. One group missed the boat after misunderstanding the departure time and had to arrange a separate ferry back. That was an avoidable mistake. Confirm the harbor, departure time, and return deadline before leaving the boat.

The crossing to Symi: fast, scenic, and sometimes rough

The ride is the transportation and part of the attraction. At about an hour, it feels more like a quick sea run than a long ferry journey. The boat has a reputation for speed, and the comfortable seats are described as similar to padded gaming chairs.

The upper deck is the best place for open views and fresh air. Sit near the back and to one side if you want a broad view of the water and coastline. Still, seat availability may vary. On one departure, some passengers were initially directed to the lower deck while others later gained access to the top.

The downside is spray. Wind and sea conditions can leave seats damp, particularly after rain or on the return run. A plastic bag gives you a dry place to sit, and spare clothes are wise if you plan to swim. Fleeces and rain protection may be handed out, but I would not rely on that alone.

The boat can pitch and roll when the sea is rough. If you suffer from motion sickness, keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid a heavy breakfast. The crew has helped passengers who became ill, but a fast boat does not guarantee a smooth ride.

An onboard restroom is available. There are no facilities for buying snacks or drinks on the boat, so pack water and something small to eat. You can also buy food on Symi, but having your own drink is useful during the crossing and after the swim.

Three hours in Symi Harbor

Symi’s harbor is the central reward of the trip. Colorful houses rise around the water, creating the postcard view that draws people from Rhodes. The town is compact enough to explore without a guide, and three hours gives you a sensible first look.

Start by walking along the waterfront before choosing a restaurant. The arrival period can feel crowded, with several boats unloading at once and passengers heading straight toward the tavernas. If you walk first, you can get your bearings and choose where to eat instead of taking the first available table.

You can spend your time in several ways:

• Walk the harbor and photograph the traditional houses.
• Browse small shops and local products.
• Stop for Greek food, seafood, or a drink.
• Visit the Panormitis Sponge Shop for an explanation of sponge types and textures.
• Climb part of the Kali Strata for views over the harbor, if you are fit and comfortable with steep steps.

The Kali Strata is a good option for active visitors, but it is not necessary to enjoy the town. You can have a pleasant visit simply by wandering the waterfront and side streets, then finding a shady place for lunch.

Symi is picturesque, but it is not packed with major sights for a short stop. Three hours is enough for walking, shopping, and a meal. If you want a slower day with long hikes or extensive sightseeing, this schedule may feel tight.

Heat is another factor. Symi’s harbor can feel very sheltered, with little breeze, especially in hot weather. Much of your visit may involve sitting in a restaurant or looking for shade between walks. Carry water, use sun protection, and do not plan a demanding climb during the hottest part of the day.

St George’s Bay swimming stop

The 30-minute stop at St George’s Bay adds something special to what could otherwise be a standard island transfer. The bay is known for its clear water and dramatic rocky setting. The boat pauses offshore, allowing you to swim directly from the vessel.

You should bring a swimsuit and towel in an easy-to-reach bag. Do not bury them under luggage. A change of clothes is useful because the boat may spray you even if you do not enter the water.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but it is not a long beach visit. You will need time to get ready, enter the water, swim, and climb back aboard. There is no need to swim to shore, and the stop is designed around a quick dip rather than a full afternoon at the bay.

Some people would prefer a longer stop, but the short pause helps keep the overall day efficient. You spend three hours seeing Symi and still get a memorable swim without extending the return to Rhodes by a large amount.

The order of the day is also helpful. The swimming stop is generally experienced on the return journey, so you can explore Symi in dry clothes and finish with the water. That is more comfortable than swimming first and walking around town damp.

If you book the 15:15 sailing, you will not get this swim. You may have a photo stop at the bay, but you should not bring swimwear expecting to enter the water on that departure.

Price, group size, and overall value

The listed price is $71.35 per person. For a six-hour trip with fast transportation to another Greek island, three hours of free time, and a swimming stop, that can be fair value, particularly if you are staying in Rhodes and want an easy day out.

The value comes mainly from saved time. A slower ferry may cost less, but the fast boat gives you more useful hours on Symi and avoids turning the crossing into the main event. For a first visit, that trade-off makes sense.

Still, compare prices before paying. One passenger reported finding a direct quayside fare of about €45, compared with roughly £57 paid through an online booking platform. Prices and availability change, and online booking may offer convenience or a confirmed mobile ticket, but a large price difference is worth checking.

This is an economical group trip, not a private excursion. The boat can carry up to 118 people, and the swim stop will not feel secluded. If you want personal attention, a flexible schedule, or a quiet bay, a private boat may suit you better.

The simple format is actually a strength for many people. You are paying for transport and access to two excellent locations, not for a guide who keeps you moving from one sight to the next. I like that freedom, especially on an island where wandering is part of the pleasure.

Who will enjoy this day trip most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to see Symi without arranging separate ferries, taxis, or a private boat. It works well for couples, families, independent sightseers, and anyone with one free day in Rhodes.

It is also a good choice for people who value time. The fast crossing leaves enough room for lunch, a walk, shopping, and a swim, all in one outing.

You should think twice if you dislike boats that move quickly in rough water, need a very quiet setting, or want a long beach stop. The boat may be windy and wet, and the 30-minute swim is brief.

The day also requires punctuality. If you are the kind of person who likes to wander without checking the clock, set a reminder before leaving the harbor. Missing the return boat can create a costly and complicated problem.

Practical advice for a smoother outing

Arrive early at the Rhodes meeting point. This gives you time to locate the correct kiosk, collect any required boarding pass, and improve your chance of sitting on the upper deck.

Pack light but prepare for changing conditions:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Spare clothes
• Light jacket or fleece
• Water and snacks
• Sun protection
• A plastic bag for damp seats or wet clothing
• Motion sickness medication if you normally need it

Keep your phone charged for the mobile ticket and photographs. The meeting point is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat, walking around Symi, and entering or exiting the water during the short stop.

The tour is offered in English. It is mainly a self-guided day, so do not expect a running commentary throughout Symi. That is ideal if you prefer to set your own pace.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. The trip depends on good weather, and a weather cancellation brings the choice of another date or a full refund.

Should you book the fast boat to Symi?

I would book it if your priorities are a quick crossing, a beautiful island harbor, and a short swim in clear water. The combination gives you a lot in six hours, and the 90 percent recommendation rate and 4.5 rating reflect a generally strong experience.

Choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departure if St George’s Bay matters to you. Arrive early, confirm the exact harbor and return time, and bring a jacket, towel, water, and spare clothes.

I would skip it only if you want a private, slow-paced boat day or if rough seas make you uncomfortable. For most visitors based in Rhodes, this is a practical and enjoyable way to get a first taste of Symi without losing a full day to transportation.

FAQ

How long does the boat take from Rhodes to Symi?

The fast boat takes about one hour, although some crossings may take around one hour and ten minutes depending on conditions.

How long is the full experience?

The trip lasts approximately six hours, including the crossing, three hours of free time on Symi, and the swimming or photo stop.

Which departures include the swimming stop?

The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay.

Does the 15:15 departure include swimming?

No. The 15:15 departure stops at St George’s Bay for photographs only and does not include swimming.

How much free time do I get on Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore Symi independently.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Rhodes Sea Lines, Pl. Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece, and finishes back at the same meeting point.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, a restroom is available onboard.

Is food or drink included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and there are no onboard facilities for buying snacks or drinks, so bring your own refreshments.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity can accommodate a maximum of 118 passengers.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.