From Faliraki: High Speed Boat to Symi and St. George’s Bay

Skip the long road to Rhodes Town. This direct fast boat from Faliraki makes a day on Symi much easier, especially if your hotel is near one of the four beach pickup points. I like the time saved and the simple plan: three hours in Symi Town, followed by a 30-minute swim at St. George’s Bay. The main drawback is the ride itself. A fast boat can be windy, and Symi’s three hours can feel short on a hot day.

This is a strong choice if you are staying in Faliraki and want to see one of the Dodecanese’ most distinctive islands without first taking a bus to Rhodes Harbor. At $73 per person, the price is fair for the transport, return journey, and swim stop, though lunch and drinks are extra.

Key points

• Four Faliraki pickup points: Board near Faliraki Harbor, Apollo Blue Hotel, Calypso Beach, or Amada Colossos Resort.
• Three hours in Symi Town: Enough time for the harbor, lunch, shopping, photos, and perhaps a swim.
• A genuinely fast crossing: The boat gives you more useful time on the island than a slower day cruise.
• St. George’s Bay swim stop: Spend 30 minutes in clear water surrounded by steep rocky slopes.
• Beach pickup saves effort: You do not need to reach Rhodes Town for the morning departure.
• Weather can change the order: In late September and October, the boat may visit St. George’s Bay before Symi so the bay gets better sunlight.

Why This Trip Makes Sense From Faliraki

Symi is one of the most rewarding day trips from Rhodes, but the usual journey can begin with a bus ride to Rhodes Town. That means leaving your resort area early, finding the harbor, and adding another transfer before the boat even gets moving.

This service cuts out that first chore. You can board directly from Faliraki’s coast, or use the short minibus transfer arranged from the Faliraki Sea Lines desk. That is especially handy if you are staying at Apollo Blue, Calypso Beach, Amada Colossos, or close to Faliraki Harbor.

The four stated boarding times are close together:

• Faliraki Harbor at 9:45 a.m.
• Apollo Blue Hotel beach at 9:50 a.m.
• The beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel at 9:55 a.m.
• Amada Colossos beach at 10 a.m.

The instructions deserve attention. You should first check in at the Faliraki Sea Lines desk on the beach. Staff then direct you to a minibus for the roughly five-minute ride to the Amada Colossos boat station, where the boat departs. If you are driving, free all-day beach parking is available at that station.

This setup is less complicated than going into Rhodes, but do not simply walk to a beach and wait for a boat without checking in. The desk and minibus arrangement is part of the transfer plan.

The Fast Run Across the Dodecanese

The first stretch is a sightseeing cruise of about 80 minutes. A fast boat gets you across open water efficiently, but speed does not mean a silent or completely still ride. Several passengers found the crossing smooth, while others noted strong wind. Fleeces are provided, which is useful even in warm weather.

I would bring sunglasses, a hat that fits securely, and a light layer. The breeze can be pleasant when you are sitting on deck, but it can also feel cool after several hours at sea. If you are sensitive to motion, choose your seat with care and keep in mind that the ride is a central part of the day, not just a short transfer.

The boat makes a 10-minute stop in Mandraki Harbor. This is for people to disembark and board, not a full sightseeing visit. You should treat it as a short operational pause rather than extra free time in Rhodes Town.

The fast crossing is one of the tour’s biggest practical advantages. You are not spending the whole day in transit. The route still gives you open-water views and a refreshing sea breeze, but the boat gets you to Symi with enough time left to enjoy the town.

Symi Town: Three Hours Beside the Harbor

Symi’s first impression is its harbor. The water is bright and clear, and the town climbs around the bay with pastel-colored neoclassical houses. Church domes add small spots of color above the tightly arranged buildings.

You get around three hours on your own. That is enough for a well-planned visit, but it is not a leisurely overnight-style stay. I would decide before arrival how you want to use the time.

You can spend it in several ways:

• Walk along the harbor and photograph the traditional houses.
• Choose a taverna for lunch.
• Browse the shops near the waterfront.
• Find a place to swim in or near town.
• Sit with a drink and simply enjoy the view.

The best approach is to avoid trying to do everything. Symi Town is most enjoyable when you allow some time to look upward at the houses, pause along the water, and enjoy lunch without watching the clock every minute.

The heat matters. The town can feel very hot, and three hours passes quickly when you combine walking, eating, shopping, and swimming. Wear comfortable shoes, carry sun protection, and do not leave lunch until the final part of your visit. The return boarding time is part of the day’s fixed schedule.

The included time is free time, not a guided walk. English, German, and Greek are spoken by the host or greeter, but the information provided does not describe a formal guided tour of Symi. You are responsible for choosing where to go and when to return to the boat.

That independence is a plus for many people. You can set your own pace instead of following a group through every street. It also means you need to keep track of the meeting point and departure time yourself.

What Makes Symi Worth the Long Day

Symi is not simply a nearby beach stop. Its appeal comes from the way the harbor, water, and hillside buildings fit together. The setting feels different from the larger resort areas of Rhodes, and the town offers a strong sense of place even during a short visit.

The colorful buildings are the visual highlight. Their neoclassical style gives the waterfront a more formal look than a typical holiday port, while the fishing harbor keeps the scene tied to the sea. You get an attractive mix of traditional architecture, small boats, waterfront tavernas, and steep coastal views.

The tour works best for people who want an introduction rather than a slow, detailed exploration. Three hours lets you get a good feel for Symi, enjoy a meal, and take plenty of photos. It does not give you the same freedom as staying overnight.

That trade-off is reasonable for a Rhodes holiday. You can see Symi without changing hotels, and the direct Faliraki departure removes one of the least appealing parts of the standard route.

St. George’s Bay: The Reward After Symi

After leaving Symi, the boat cruises for about 20 minutes before reaching St. George’s Bay. The stop lasts around 30 minutes, so you have time for a proper swim rather than only a quick look from the rail.

The bay is known here for its clear water and dramatic rocky surroundings. It is a simple stop, but a very well-chosen one. After walking around Symi in the heat, getting into the sea can feel like exactly the right change of pace.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes if possible. Thirty minutes is not long enough to waste time getting changed, and you will want to use the stop for swimming rather than standing on deck organizing your bag.

The boat may not always stop at this exact bay. Weather and sea conditions can force a change to another attractive location. That does not guarantee the same view shown in promotional photographs, but the swimming opportunity can still be available.

The order can also change later in the season. From the end of September and during October, the boat may visit St. George’s Bay first because the bay can be shaded after the Symi stop. This is a sensible adjustment: the water and rock colors are best when the sun reaches the bay.

The swim is one of the most praised parts of the day, but it may feel short if you love being in the water. You get 30 minutes, not a full beach afternoon. Think of it as a refreshing break on the return journey.

The Return to Faliraki

The final sightseeing cruise lasts about 90 minutes. After the swim, you can settle in for the ride back and watch the coast pass by.

Some departures return around 5:20 p.m., though the total advertised duration is eight hours and the exact timing can vary. The boat may leave slightly later than planned, and weather can affect the route or stop. The schedule generally gives you a full day without running late into the evening.

Return locations match the pickup area: Calypso Beach, Apollo Blue Hotel, Amada Colossos Resort, and Faliraki Harbor. This is useful because you do not have to find your way back from Rhodes Town after the boat arrives.

The crew and administrative staff have earned praise for being friendly and helpful, including arranging a minibus during rainy weather so passengers did not have to wait exposed on the beach. That kind of practical response matters more than a polished speech. Boat trips depend on weather, and clear communication helps you decide if you want to continue, reschedule, or cancel.

Is $73 a Fair Price?

At $73 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day near Rhodes. You still pay separately for lunch, drinks, and anything you buy in Symi.

The value comes from the direct departure and the fast boat. If you are staying in Faliraki, you avoid the time and inconvenience of reaching Rhodes Harbor by bus. You also receive a three-hour visit to Symi and a swim stop at one of the area’s most scenic bays.

For two people, the cost adds up, but the calculation is different from comparing it with a basic ferry ticket. This is a day-trip package built around speed, a fixed Symi visit, and the return transfer to Faliraki.

One useful price tip is to compare booking channels. The operator is Rhodes Sea Lines, and the direct company price may be lower than the rate offered through a booking platform. The third-party option can still be convenient, especially if you value flexible cancellation and reserve-now, pay-later terms, but check the direct rate before paying.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure adds useful flexibility. It is particularly worthwhile for a sea trip, since wind and rain can change the experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Boat Day?

I would recommend this trip to you if you:

• Are staying in Faliraki and want to avoid a transfer to Rhodes Town.
• Want to see Symi in one day rather than spend a night there.
• Prefer a fast boat to a long, slow cruise.
• Like combining a town visit with a swim.
• Are comfortable managing your own three-hour visit.
• Want a full-day outing that returns to the Faliraki area.

It is also a good fit for families and mixed groups because everyone can use the free time differently. One person can eat lunch, another can shop, and someone else can sit by the water.

I would be more cautious if you dislike wind, choppy sea conditions, or tightly scheduled day trips. The ride is fast, but that can also make it breezy and exposed. I would also choose a longer Symi visit if your main goal is detailed exploration rather than a first look.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, which makes the experience available to more people, though the exact beach boarding process may still be worth confirming before departure if you need specific assistance.

What to Bring for a Better Day

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make a sea day easier:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• A light fleece or windproof layer
• Comfortable shoes for Symi Town
• Money for lunch and personal purchases
• A secure bag for the boat ride

Keep your departure time visible or set a reminder. Three hours sounds generous, but lunch and a walk along the harbor can consume it quickly.

I would also avoid planning a late, elaborate lunch. A relaxed meal is part of the Symi experience, but you need enough time to return to the boat without rushing.

Should You Book This Symi Excursion?

If you are based in Faliraki, this is one of the most practical ways to visit Symi. The direct beach pickup is the major advantage, and the fast crossing leaves you with a useful three hours in town. The St. George’s Bay swim gives the day a second highlight instead of making it only an architecture and lunch outing.

Book it if you want an efficient introduction to Symi, enjoy being on the water, and do not mind wind or a fixed schedule. Think twice if you need a slow, unhurried island visit or a long swim stop.

For most Faliraki visitors, the $73 price makes sense because it buys back time and removes the Rhodes Harbor transfer. Check the exact boarding point near your hotel, arrive prepared for wind, and treat Symi as the main event. The swim is a fine bonus, but the harbor town is why this day deserves a place on your Rhodes plans.

FAQ

How long does the trip last?

The experience lasts about eight hours. Starting times depend on the date and availability, with pickup times in Faliraki beginning at 9:45 a.m. and continuing through 10 a.m.

Where can I board the boat in Faliraki?

You can use Faliraki Harbor, Apollo Blue Hotel beach, the beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel, or Amada Colossos Resort beach.

Do I need to travel to Rhodes Harbor first?

No. The trip is designed to depart from the Faliraki area. You should check in at the Faliraki Sea Lines desk, which may direct you to a minibus for the short ride to the Amada Colossos boat station.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Symi Town. Lunch, swimming, shopping, and other personal expenses are not included.

How long is the swimming stop at St. George’s Bay?

The swimming stop lasts about 30 minutes. Weather may change the exact bay or the order of the stops, especially in late September and October.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. The host or greeter can communicate in English, German, or Greek.