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

Symi looks made for a postcard. This eight-hour cruise pairs a refreshing swim at St Marina Bay with three hours to explore Symi’s colorful harbor, making it an easy way to add a second Greek island to your Rhodes holiday. I like the simple route: boat from Rhodes, swimming stop, free time in Symi, then back to Rhodes Harbour.

I also like the value. At about $47 per person, the trip costs less than many faster catamaran options and includes the cruise, sunbeds, toilets, air-conditioned seating, WiFi, floats, and insurance. The tradeoff is time on the water: the boat can take roughly two to two and a half hours each way, and the 30-minute swim stop may feel short if you want serious snorkeling.

Key points before you book

• A rare swim stop: St Marina Bay is reachable by boat, with 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.
• Three hours in Symi: You have enough time for lunch, harbor walks, shopping, ice cream, and a first look at the island.
• Slower but less expensive: The boat is not as quick as higher-priced catamarans, but it includes the swimming stop.
• Excellent harbor scenery: Symi’s neo-classical houses climb around the water in rows of soft colors.
• Good onboard comfort: You get an open sundeck with sunbeds, indoor air conditioning, toilets, a bar area, snacks, and floats.
• Early arrival matters: Check in between 8:00 and 8:30, and arrive at the boat at least 20 minutes before departure.

Why this Rhodes to Symi cruise works

Rhodes has plenty of beaches, resorts, and ancient sites, but Symi feels like a change of scene. The island’s main harbor is compact, photogenic, and easy to explore on foot. You do not need to plan a complicated island transfer or arrange your own boat tickets. You simply board in Rhodes, enjoy the ride, and get a set block of time on Symi.

The route is also nicely balanced. You are not confined to sightseeing from the boat all day. The stop at St Marina Bay gives you a chance to get into the water, while the later time in Symi lets you eat, stroll, shop, and look around at your own speed.

I would choose this trip for the combination of swimming and island time. Many boat excursions make you choose between a long cruise and a short stop at the destination. Here, you get both, though neither part is endless.

Getting to the boat in Rhodes Harbour

The cruise begins and ends at Rhodes Harbour. Depending on the option you select, hotel pickup may be available, but it is not automatically included in the basic price. If you arrange a transfer, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes early. The bus or minivan carries the Rizos Cruises logo on the windscreen, and drivers wait only about two minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

If you are making your own way to the harbor, arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. You need to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat before boarding. Look for the vessel marked DISCOVERY.

The morning check-in window is listed as 8:00 to 8:30. That early start is useful because it gives you a full day between departure and the evening return, but it also means you should not cut things close. If traffic delays a pickup, the delay can reach 15 minutes, so remain at the stated meeting point rather than wandering off.

The boat ride from Rhodes to St Marina Bay

Once the boat leaves Rhodes, you get a different view of the island. The harbor recedes, and the cruise becomes a relaxed stretch of open water, sunshine, and passing boats. Keep an eye out for the small fishermen’s boats along the route. They add a local touch to what might otherwise feel like a simple transfer.

The boat has an open sundeck with sunbeds, along with an indoor air-conditioned area and banquette seating. There is also a bar selling drinks and snacks, including ice cream and lollies. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket, so bring cash if you want to buy something onboard or on Symi.

Seat choice can affect the ride. If you want the open-air view, arrive early and claim a place outside. The sun deck is pleasant in bright weather, but shade can become cool during the longer ride, especially at the beginning or end of the season. A light jacket is sensible, even in Greece.

The journey is part of the value, but it is also the main limitation. You may spend around one and a half to two and a half hours each way on the boat, depending on the day and conditions. Bring a book, download something to listen to, or simply treat the ride as scenic rest time.

St Marina Bay: a beautiful 30-minute water stop

St Marina Bay is the first real reward of the day. The boat stops in a clear-water cove that can only be reached by boat, giving you a chance to swim away from the usual road-access beaches. The stop lasts about 30 minutes.

You can jump into the water, use the floats, or stay onboard and enjoy the view. Snorkeling is included as an activity, but bring your own gear if you have it, since snorkeling equipment is listed among the items to bring. Biodegradable sunscreen is also recommended.

I like this stop because it breaks up the trip before Symi. You do not have to wait until the afternoon to swim, and the water gives the day a holiday feel right away. The bay is especially appealing if your main goal is a quick dip rather than a long beach session.

Still, keep your expectations realistic. Thirty minutes goes quickly once you allow time to prepare, enter the water, and get back onboard. The swimming area is close to the boat, and the stop is not designed as a full snorkeling expedition. If you want coral reefs or a long session with marine life, this may feel limited.

There are no lockers mentioned for phones, keys, or valuables. You may want a small waterproof pouch, but do not assume the boat can store everything securely while you swim. Towels are not included, so pack your own.

Arriving in Symi Harbour

The boat makes a short onward trip from St Marina Bay to Symi Harbour. The arrival is one of the strongest parts of the excursion. Symi’s harbor is lined with colorful neo-classical houses, and the buildings rise around the water in a way that makes the whole setting easy to appreciate from the deck.

Take a few minutes to look back toward the harbor after you leave the boat. The view changes as you walk along the waterfront, and the stacked houses provide the classic Symi photograph. The small fishing boats and working harbor details keep the scene from feeling like a stage set.

Your three hours on the island are free time. There is no fixed walking tour in the schedule, which is useful if you prefer to set your own pace. You can stay close to the waterfront, wander through the colorful streets, browse shops, or stop for lunch with a view.

Three hours is enough for a pleasant first visit. You can have a leisurely meal, buy a souvenir, eat an ice cream, and walk around without turning the afternoon into a race. It is not enough for every corner of the island. A visit to the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis requires more time, and this cruise does not include that longer inland excursion.

How to spend your three hours on Symi

Start with orientation. Walk along the harbor and take in the full row of houses before settling into lunch. This gives you a sense of the town and helps you decide how much time you want to leave for shopping or side streets.

For lunch, choose a restaurant that faces the water if that view matters to you. The meal becomes part of the outing, not just a break between activities. Since food is not included, plan to pay separately and keep cash with you.

After eating, use the remaining time for a slow walk. Symi is well suited to strolling and looking closely at doors, balconies, painted façades, and boats in the harbor. The town is more about atmosphere and views than checking off a long list of sights.

Shopping is another easy use of the free time. You can browse small stores, pick up souvenirs, and return toward the boat without needing a taxi or complicated navigation. Keep track of the departure time, though. The return boat is not the place to test how fast you can run with shopping bags.

If you want to see Panormitis Monastery, this is probably the wrong schedule unless you are satisfied with a very quick visit. The available time is best used in Symi Harbour and its nearby streets.

The return to Rhodes

The evening sail back to Rhodes is quiet and scenic, but it can feel long after a full day. This is where the boat’s seating options help. You can sit outside for the views, move into the air-conditioned section, or buy a drink and settle in.

Some people may wish the schedule included another swim stop on the return. That is a fair criticism. After three hours on Symi, a second break in the water would divide the journey and make the ride home feel shorter. The current plan gives you only one swim stop, and it is on the way out.

The upside is that you are not rushed on Symi. Cutting the island visit shorter would give more space for another stop, but three hours allows a proper lunch and a relaxed walk. For a first taste of Symi, I think the current balance works better than a rushed visit.

The boat returns to Rhodes Harbour in the evening. If you booked a transfer, confirm your return arrangements before the day begins. The excursion offers many possible drop-off points, including resorts around Rhodes, but the exact option depends on your booking.

Price, comfort, and overall value

At approximately $47 per person, this is a strong-priced way to visit Symi from Rhodes. The ticket includes the boat trip, the St Marina Bay stop, three hours of free time, toilets, air-conditioned seating, sunbeds, floats, WiFi, and insurance. Those inclusions matter because you are paying for a full day rather than just a ferry crossing.

The trip is especially good value compared with faster catamarans. A catamaran may get you to Symi sooner, but this cruise offers the swimming stop that faster services may not. If the water stop is important to you, the slower boat is not simply a cheaper substitute. It provides a different kind of day.

You should budget extra for lunch, drinks, snacks, and shopping. Towels are not included, and you should bring swimwear, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and snorkeling gear. A light jacket is useful in cooler periods or when sitting in the shade.

The boat has earned an overall rating of 4.4 from 387 reviews, which fits the experience described here: strong organization, friendly crew, a clean vessel, good views, and a worthwhile destination, with the main complaints focused on long sailing time and the brief swim stop.

Who should book this day trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want an uncomplicated day away from Rhodes. It suits you if you want a scenic boat ride, a short swim, and enough time for lunch and a walk in Symi without arranging several separate bookings.

It is also a good choice for budget-minded visitors. The price is low for a full-day island outing, and the included facilities make the long ride easier.

You may want another option if you dislike long boat journeys, need extensive snorkeling time, or want to visit Panormitis Monastery. A faster boat could suit you better if reaching Symi quickly matters more than swimming at St Marina Bay.

Book this cruise if you value good scenery, simple planning, and a fair price. Skip it if you want a fast transfer or a full beach day. For most people, the best reason to choose it is the balance: a clear-water stop in the morning, a beautiful harbor at midday, and no complicated logistics.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi cruise last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours, including the swimming stop at St Marina Bay, three hours of free time in Symi, and the return journey to Rhodes Harbour.

How long is the swimming stop at St Marina Bay?

The stop lasts about 30 minutes. You can swim, snorkel, use the floats, take photographs, or remain onboard.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is optional and depends on the selected booking option. If you arrange pickup, wait at the stated point 10 minutes early.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear. A light jacket is useful at the beginning or end of the season.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but the boat has a bar selling drinks, snacks, ice cream, and lollies. You can also buy lunch and refreshments in Symi.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now-and-pay-later option is also available, depending on the booking conditions.