Rhodes: Transfer & Cruise to Symi Island & St. George Bay

Symi makes a beautiful escape from Rhodes. This full-day cruise combines a swim in secluded St. George’s Bay with three hours in Symi’s postcard harbour, Yialos. I especially like the comfortable modern boat and the included hotel transfer, since both remove much of the usual day-trip fuss. The main drawback is that the swim stop can feel short, and onboard commentary may be limited.

I also like the freedom built into the day. You can sit in the sun or shade, use the air-conditioned salon, buy a drink from the bar, and explore Symi on your own rather than follow a guide with a flag. Just remember that lunch, drinks, and snacks cost extra, and pickup details arrive late the evening before.

Key points at a glance

• St. George’s Bay is boat-access only: You get 1.5 hours in a striking natural cove for swimming and snorkelling.
• The boat is new and comfortable: Doll has indoor air conditioning, toilets, Wi-Fi, sun and shaded seating, and a disabled WC.
• Symi time is self-guided: Three hours gives you room for lunch, harbour views, shopping, and the climb toward Horio.
• Hotel transfers are included: Pickup and return service covers many hotels and resorts around Rhodes.
• Arrive early for the best outdoor seats: The boat can fill quickly, especially if you want a place outside or at the front.
• The $67 price is strong value: Transport, the cruise, snorkelling equipment, and two major stops are included, but food and drinks are not.

Why Symi makes a worthwhile day from Rhodes

Rhodes has famous beaches and a handsome old town, but Symi offers a different mood. The harbour is lined with brightly painted neoclassical houses that climb the hillsides above the water. From the boat, the approach is part of the pleasure, since the steep slopes and tightly packed buildings appear gradually around the harbour.

This is not the sort of island visit where you cover every corner of Symi. You have about three hours, focused around Yialos, the harbour settlement. That is enough for a relaxed meal, photos, small shops, and a walk along the waterfront. It is not enough for a slow island-wide tour, so set your expectations accordingly.

I think the combination works well. St. George’s Bay gives you a proper swim in clear water, while Symi supplies the architecture, food, and walking. You get two very different experiences in one day without needing to arrange separate boats or transfers.

The morning transfer to Mandraki Harbour

The day begins with a complimentary transfer from your hotel to Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town. Pickup is available from a long list of hotels and resorts, including properties in Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kallithea, Faliraki, Kolymbia, and areas farther along the east coast.

The transfer takes roughly 40 to 50 minutes, depending on your location and the day’s route. This matters if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. The cruise itself is straightforward, but the road pickup adds time at both ends, so the advertised eight hours is a full day rather than a short morning outing.

You receive the exact pickup point and time by WhatsApp or email at around 9:00 p.m. the evening before. You need to check your messages and reply promptly with your location if requested. The operator requires bookings at least 14 hours before departure for the transfer, and missing the stated pickup time is your responsibility.

That late confirmation is practical but not especially relaxed. I would keep your phone available the night before, save the pickup message, and arrive at the stated point early. Some collection points may be near your hotel rather than directly at the entrance.

Boarding Doll at Mandraki Harbour

The boat, Doll, is described as new, luxurious, and eco-friendly. The useful part for you is not the marketing label but the layout: there are seats in full sun and shade, an air-conditioned indoor salon, toilets, free Wi-Fi, and an onboard bar selling drinks and snacks.

The boat is fully accessible and includes a disabled WC. That is a meaningful advantage for anyone who finds smaller excursion boats difficult, although you should still confirm your personal access needs when booking.

Departure is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. After boarding, choose your seat with care. Outside positions give you the best view of the coast and open water, while the indoor salon is the sensible choice if the sun is strong or the sea turns rough.

If you want a front seat, arrive early. The forward area is popular because it offers a clear view and, according to one particularly happy passenger, comfortable cushions where you can stretch out. Do not count on having the exact seat you want if you arrive at the last moment.

Coffee and other refreshments are available for purchase, but they are not included in the price. Bring water and perhaps a small snack if you prefer to avoid spending onboard. You should also pack swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

The cruise from Rhodes toward St. George’s Bay

The first part of the sailing takes you away from Rhodes and toward the coast of Symi. The boat provides a smooth, speedy ride in good conditions, with enough room to move around and take in the views.

A captain’s commentary is included, but you should not expect a full guided tour. The amount of information may be limited to basic announcements and points of interest. If you want detailed stories about the islands, coastline, or local culture, this cruise may feel quiet.

That is not necessarily a bad thing. The outing is built around scenery, swimming, and independent time in Symi rather than lectures. I would treat the commentary as a useful extra, not the main reason to book.

Sea conditions can change. Most of the supplied feedback describes a comfortable trip, but rough water is possible, and one account found the boat less comfortable in large waves. If you are prone to seasickness, sit in a stable central area, look toward the horizon, and consider bringing your usual remedy.

Swimming and snorkelling at St. George’s Bay

The boat stops at St. George’s Bay for about 1.5 hours. This is one of the strongest parts of the day. The cove is accessible only by boat, with steep natural surroundings and clear turquoise water that feels far removed from the resort beaches of Rhodes.

You can jump from the boat or use the ladders to enter the water. Complimentary snorkelling equipment is available, and swimming noodles or floats may also be provided. The bay is suitable for a refreshing swim and a look beneath the surface, though this is not a formal guided snorkelling session.

The water can feel wonderfully clear and cool. In late season, especially in October when the sun sits lower, the bay may be partly shaded and noticeably cold. Bring a towel and do not assume you will want to stay in the water for the entire stop.

The published schedule allows 1.5 hours, but the actual swimming time can feel less once docking, instructions, boarding, and other practical steps are counted. One account described about 45 minutes in the water. I would enjoy the stop without expecting every minute of the scheduled period to be available for swimming.

There is also no need to swim if you would rather stay aboard. You can sit with a cocktail, watch the cliffs, and take photos from the deck. That flexibility makes the stop work for mixed groups, although anyone hoping for a long snorkelling session may find it brief.

Entering Symi Harbour and Yialos

After the bay, the boat continues toward Symi’s harbour. The approach is a highlight in its own right. Yialos is framed by dry, steep hills and rows of neoclassical houses in soft colors, creating one of the most distinctive waterfront scenes in the Dodecanese.

The boat reaches Symi around 1:00 p.m., leaving three hours ashore. You are free to choose how to spend them, with no fixed walking tour or required group activity.

Start with a stroll along the harbour. The waterfront is lined with restaurants, small shops, and places to stop for a drink. This is an easy area to explore, though the heat and uneven surfaces can make a slow pace more pleasant than trying to see everything quickly.

Symi’s signature food is shrimp, so this is the place to try it if you want a local specialty. Waterfront restaurants offer the best views, but a side street may provide a quieter meal and better value. One useful suggestion from the supplied experiences is Taverna Napaloa, described as serving fresh food at a reasonable price.

You can also walk up Kali Strata, the old staircase leading toward Horio. The climb gives you wider views over Yialos and the harbour, but it is steep and exposed. With only three hours, decide early if this is your priority. A slow harbour visit and lunch may leave little time for the full climb.

Symi is also known for its cats, which you will likely notice around the harbour and residential lanes. They add to the island’s relaxed character, though you should still avoid feeding animals unless permitted.

How to use your three hours in Symi

A simple plan keeps the afternoon from slipping away:

• Spend the first 30 to 45 minutes walking beside the harbour and taking photos.
• Stop for lunch, allowing enough time for service and payment.
• Use the remaining time for shops, a drink, or part of the Kali Strata climb.
• Return toward the boat before the 4:00 p.m. boarding time.

Boarding begins at 4:00 p.m., with departure at 4:30 p.m. Do not cut this close. The boat cannot wait for a late passenger, and the harbour can be distracting when you are watching the water, browsing shops, or finishing a meal.

The return sailing reaches Rhodes at about 6:00 p.m. Your transfer then takes you back toward your hotel. The return road journey can take around 40 minutes, though the exact duration depends on your accommodation and route.

Is $67 good value?

At $67 per person, I consider this a good-value full-day outing. You are paying for hotel transport, the boat journey, the St. George’s Bay stop, snorkelling equipment, three hours in Symi, onboard facilities, and the return transfer.

Comparable value would be harder to achieve if you had to arrange a taxi to Mandraki Harbour, buy separate transport, and find a boat independently. The included transfer is especially helpful if you are staying in Faliraki, Ialyssos, Kallithea, or another resort area.

The price does not include lunch, snacks, or drinks. Budget extra for a waterfront meal, which can be more expensive than food away from the harbour. You may also want to buy something at the onboard bar during the long sailing sections.

The strongest value comes if you want variety. A simple ferry to Symi might suit you better if you only care about island time. This cruise makes more sense if you want a swim stop and a comfortable boat as part of the same day.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it for couples, families, and small groups who want an easy island day without planning every detail themselves. The swim stop is particularly appealing to children and anyone who enjoys jumping from a boat into clear water, while the ladders and onboard facilities help make the experience less demanding.

It also suits people who prefer independent sightseeing. You are not rushed from one landmark to another in Symi, and three hours gives you a fair amount of freedom.

This is less suitable if you want a serious historical tour, a long snorkelling expedition, or a quiet small-boat outing. The boat is comfortable, but it is still a scheduled group cruise. Commentary is limited, and the St. George’s Bay stop may feel too short for dedicated swimmers.

The accessible design is a plus for wheelchair users, with a fully accessible boat and disabled WC. Hotel pickup arrangements can vary, so contact the operator promptly with your exact location and check the assigned pickup point.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive at the harbour early if you want an outdoor or forward-facing seat. Bring swimwear under your clothes, pack a towel, and use sunscreen before boarding because shade may not cover every seating area.

Carry some cash or a payment method for lunch and drinks. Food is not included, and you may want to stop at the onboard bar during the cruise.

Keep your phone charged. Pickup instructions arrive through WhatsApp or email around 9:00 p.m. the previous evening, and the operator expects you to be at the exact assigned point on time.

If you are visiting late in the season, take a light layer for the boat and remember that St. George’s Bay may sit in shade. The water can feel cold even when Rhodes is warm.

Finally, leave Symi’s harbour area with enough time to board. The scheduled return is firm, and the island is good at making three hours disappear.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want the easiest mix of sea, swimming, and island scenery from Rhodes. The modern boat, included transfers, free snorkelling gear, and generous three-hour stop in Symi make the $67 price attractive.

I would skip it only if your priority is a fully guided cultural tour or extended time in the water. For everyone else, it offers a well-paced day: a comfortable ride, a beautiful bay, and one of Greece’s most photogenic harbours, with the practical details largely handled for you.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

The complete experience lasts about eight hours. The planned schedule departs Rhodes at 10:00 a.m., reaches Symi after the St. George’s Bay stop, leaves Symi at 4:30 p.m., and returns to Rhodes at about 6:00 p.m., followed by the hotel transfer.

What is included in the $67 price?

The price includes round-trip hotel transfers to Mandraki Harbour, the cruise aboard Doll, complimentary snorkelling equipment, Wi-Fi, onboard toilets, access to indoor air conditioning and outdoor seating, the St. George’s Bay stop, and three hours in Symi.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, snacks, and drinks are not included. You can buy refreshments from the onboard bar and choose a restaurant in Symi.

How long do you spend at St. George’s Bay?

The planned stop is 1.5 hours. The exact time available for swimming may feel shorter because of boarding and departure procedures.

Can I snorkel at St. George’s Bay?

Yes. Complimentary snorkelling equipment is available on the boat. You can also swim without snorkelling or relax aboard.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The boat is described as fully accessible and has a disabled WC.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes. Round-trip transfers to and from Mandraki Harbour are included for the listed pickup locations.

When do I receive my pickup time?

The exact pickup location and other instructions are sent by WhatsApp or email at around 9:00 p.m. the evening before the cruise.

Can I book less than 14 hours before departure and still receive a transfer?

No transfer is provided for bookings made less than 14 hours before the activity. Promptly confirming your location is also required.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking conditions.