Fast Boat To Symi & St George’s Bay Directly from Faliraki Beach

The Aegean makes a fine day trip. This fast boat from Faliraki gives you two very different pleasures: three hours to wander Symi’s pretty harbor town, then a 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay. I like the direct beach departure and the generous time in Symi. My main caution is the ride itself, which can feel rough and windy, especially near the front of the boat.

At about $83.27 per person, this is a fair price for a seven-hour outing if you want Symi without arranging your own boat connections. You get a well-organized schedule, a scenic sea crossing, and a swim in a striking bay, but you should not expect a quiet yacht cruise or a small private group.

Key points at a glance

• Direct departure from Ammoudes Beach near Faliraki: You avoid a longer transfer to Rhodes Town and return to the same meeting point.
• Three hours in Symi: This is enough time for a relaxed look around Gialos, a meal beside the water, and some wandering without rushing every minute.
• Fast boat, maximum 118 people: The speed saves time, but the boat may feel busy and exposed compared with a slower ferry.
• St George’s Bay swim stop: You get 30 minutes to admire the cliffs and jump into clear water on the return journey.
• Wind matters: The front section can be especially breezy, and the crossing may be choppy on the way to Symi.
• Simple booking protection: You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure, with weather-related cancellations handled by a new date or refund.

Why this boat trip works from Faliraki

The best feature here is the starting point. You meet at the Ammoudes area, listed by the location code 9679+VX Ammoudes, and the boat returns there at the end. If you are staying in or near Faliraki, this saves you the trouble of reaching Rhodes Town for a harbor departure.

The scheduled start is 10:20 a.m., and the full outing lasts about seven hours. That makes it a useful middle-sized day trip: long enough to reach another island and enjoy a swim, but not so long that you lose the entire day from breakfast until dinner.

I also like the simple shape of the day. There are only two real stops. You are not constantly climbing aboard, getting off, and checking the clock. Most of your time goes to Symi, with St George’s Bay saved for a short, refreshing pause on the way back.

The tradeoff is that the boat is designed for speed and capacity. Up to 118 people can be aboard, so this is a shared excursion rather than an intimate sailing trip. That is not a problem if your priority is reaching Symi efficiently, but it matters if you are hoping for personal attention or a peaceful ride.

The ride from Faliraki to Symi

The sea crossing is a major part of the experience, not just transportation between stops. A fast boat gets you to Symi in useful time, leaving three hours for the island. You will feel the motion more than you would on a broad, slower ferry, though conditions vary by day.

The ride can be windy, with the front of the boat taking the brunt of it. If you are sensitive to motion, I would choose a more sheltered seat and avoid treating the bow as the best place for views. The front may offer an exciting rush and a clear look over the water, but it is also where the wind is strongest.

One outbound crossing was described as rough, while the return was much smoother. That is a useful reminder not to judge the whole day by the first hour. Weather and sea conditions can change, and the boat ride may feel very different in each direction.

The boat has toilets, although one was reported out of order on one day. That is worth keeping in mind during a seven-hour excursion. I would use the facilities before departure and avoid assuming every onboard convenience will be operating perfectly.

The crew and captain have earned praise for keeping the trip organized and on time. That matters on an island excursion. A late departure or slow boarding process would cut into your three hours in Symi, so an orderly schedule adds real value even if it is not glamorous.

Three hours in Symi and the harbor of Gialos

Symi is the heart of this trip. The boat gives you three hours of free time, with no admission charge for the stop and no tightly managed walking program. You can decide how much time to spend strolling, eating, taking photos, or simply sitting by the sea.

The main harbor, Gialos, is the natural place to begin. It is known for its pretty waterfront and traditional buildings, giving the stop a strong visual payoff as soon as you arrive. The setting is compact enough to explore at an easy pace, which is important because three hours sounds generous but passes quickly once lunch and wandering are included.

I would begin by walking along the harbor and getting your bearings before choosing a restaurant or shop. The water beside the quay is part of the pleasure here. A lunch table near the sea can turn the stop into a proper island afternoon rather than a quick photo visit.

Three hours is a sensible amount of time for most people. You can see the harbor, enjoy a meal, and pause without sprinting back to the boat. If you prefer a long, unhurried stay on Symi, though, you may wish the schedule offered more time on the island.

There is a small scheduling question worth considering. The 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay comes out of the return journey, not from your time in Symi. One reasonable view is that this gives you the best balance: a proper island visit plus a short swim. Another is that you would rather have all 30 minutes added to Symi, especially if you care more about wandering than swimming.

This free-time format suits independent visitors. You do not need a guide to tell you when to look at the harbor or where to stand for a picture. On the other hand, you are responsible for watching the time and returning to the boat promptly. A pretty waterfront meal is no bargain if it makes you late for the departure.

St George’s Bay, a short swim with a big view

St George’s Bay is the visual high point of the return trip. The boat stops for about 30 minutes, giving you time to look at the dramatic setting and swim in clear water.

This is not a full beach afternoon. Thirty minutes goes quickly once the boat slows, people prepare to get into the water, and everyone returns aboard. Think of it as a refreshing break rather than a long period for sunbathing or exploring.

The stop works because it changes the pace. After walking around Symi and eating lunch, you get to cool off in the sea before returning to Faliraki. Jumping from the boat into the bay has been a particular hit, so bring a swimsuit and be ready to move efficiently when the crew gives the signal.

The same stop may not appeal to everyone equally. If you dislike swimming from a boat, or if you would rather spend every possible minute on Symi, this half-hour may feel like time taken from the island. If you enjoy a quick swim and scenic water views, it is a strong addition.

The bay also gives you a memorable final image of the day. The stop is brief, but it breaks up the return journey and makes the excursion feel like more than a simple ride to Symi and back.

Is $83.27 good value?

At $83.27, the cost is reasonable for a seven-hour boat excursion that includes transport from Faliraki, three hours on Symi, and the St George’s Bay swim stop. The main value comes from convenience. You do not have to arrange separate tickets, work out a connection, or find your way between a Rhodes departure point and your beach area.

The price is easier to justify if you are already staying near Faliraki. The direct departure reduces wasted time and makes the day feel more focused. You are paying for the boat ride, but also for a simple schedule that gets you to a well-known island and back without much planning.

The value is less clear if you strongly prefer comfort over speed. A shared boat with up to 118 people may feel basic, and the ride can be windy. One practical assessment described the boat as somewhat primitive, despite its speed. That is fair: the boat does its transport job well, but it is not presented as a luxury vessel.

I would compare this trip with what it would cost you to organize a separate visit to Symi, including transport, timing, and the risk of missing a connection. For many people, the organized return and direct Faliraki access make the price worthwhile. If you already have easy access to other boats or want a more relaxed vessel, the savings in effort may matter less.

Who will enjoy this day most?

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want to see Symi during a Rhodes holiday but do not want to spend time planning the journey. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who are happy with free time rather than a guided walking tour.

It is also a good match if you like variety. In one day, you get an open-water crossing, a traditional island harbor, lunch beside the sea, and a swim in a striking bay. There is enough structure to keep the day easy, but enough free time to make Symi feel like your own visit.

You should think twice if you are highly sensitive to wind or boat motion. The ride may be rough, particularly on the way out or in the front seats. You should also consider your preference for island time. Three hours is useful and generally well judged, but a person who wants a full day on Symi may find the schedule short.

The group size matters as well. With a maximum of 118 people, boarding and the swim stop will have a shared-excursion feel. That is normal for the price, and the organized timing helps, but you should not expect a private boat atmosphere.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and is near public transportation. Those details make the practical side fairly simple, though the meeting point is given as a specific Ammoudes location code, so check it carefully before setting out.

Weather, cancellation, and planning tips

Good weather is required for this outing. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel yourself for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10:20 a.m. start time.

After that cutoff, refunds are not available and changes are not accepted. I would make the booking once your plans are reasonably firm, then keep an eye on the forecast without leaving your decision until the last minute.

A few simple choices can improve the day:

• Choose a less exposed seat if wind or motion bothers you.
• Bring swimwear for the St George’s Bay stop.
• Keep track of the return time during your free hours in Gialos.
• Plan lunch with the boat departure in mind.
• Use the toilet before boarding, since onboard facilities may not all be in service.
• If you are driving, parking near the pickup point may be possible, but the available information does not guarantee a space.

The mobile ticket is handy, and confirmation is provided at booking. The English-language service should be straightforward for English-speaking passengers, while the free-time format means you will not need to follow a guided commentary throughout the island stop.

Should you book the Faliraki to Symi boat?

I would book this if your main goal is an easy, well-timed visit to Symi from Faliraki, with a swim added for good measure. The three hours in Gialos are the strongest part of the schedule, and the direct beach departure saves effort.

I would skip it only if you need a calm, spacious boat, dislike choppy water, or would trade the St George’s Bay stop for more time on Symi. For most people who want a practical island day at a reasonable price, this excursion gets the balance right: fast transport, a worthwhile island visit, and one clear-water swim before heading home.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

The meeting point is in the Ammoudes area near Faliraki Beach, at the location listed as 9679+VX Ammoudes, Greece.

What time does the experience start?

The scheduled start time is 10:20 a.m.

How long does the full excursion last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You receive three hours of free time to explore Symi independently.

Is there a swim stop?

Yes. The boat stops at St George’s Bay for about 30 minutes so you can enjoy the views and swim in the clear water.

Is admission to the stops included?

There is no admission ticket charge for the Symi or St George’s Bay stops.

How many people can join the boat?

The activity has a maximum capacity of 118 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.