Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

Symi is best approached from the water. This eight-hour yacht trip pairs two hours in colorful Symi Town with beautiful swimming stops, a Greek lunch, and unlimited drinks. I like the small maximum of 25 passengers, plus the warm crew service often singled out by name, including Anna, Antonio, and Emily. The main catch is the price: at $141 per person, it costs more than a basic boat trip, and the ride can be windy, wet, and bumpy.

You begin with coffee or tea at Mandraki Port, cruise to Symi, then return by way of St. George Bay and Seskli Island. Bring a towel and a light jacket, especially outside high summer. Also confirm your hotel transfer carefully, since pickup information differs by booking, and one passenger staying in Faliraki reported needing to make their own way to the port.

Key points at a glance

• Small yacht, maximum 25 passengers: You get more room than on the large Symi ferries and excursion boats.
• Two hours in Symi Town: Enough time for the harbor, narrow lanes, shops, lunch or coffee, and a short walk uphill.
• St. George Bay is the main swimming stop: Clear water, a steep rocky setting, and lunch served aboard while you swim.
• Seskli adds a wilder second stop: This small island offers snorkeling, open scenery, and a quieter feel.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect Greek salad, moussaka, water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.
• The ride can be rough: The front cushions offer the best spray and views, but they are also the bumpiest seats.

Why this yacht trip costs more than a basic Symi boat

The headline price is $141 per person, which puts this firmly above the cheapest day boats from Rhodes. The difference is not just the word luxury in the name. You are paying for a smaller group, a faster yacht, lunch, open drinks service, and more personal attention from the crew.

That matters on a full day at sea. A large boat may get you to Symi for less, but you can expect more people, less room to sit, and a more fixed feeling once you leave port. Here, the maximum is 25 passengers. That is still a group, but it is small enough for the crew to keep drinks moving, help with swimming equipment, and notice individual needs.

The price looks strongest if you plan to make use of the inclusions. Have a glass of wine with lunch, use the snorkel gear, swim at both stops, and enjoy the ride itself instead of treating the yacht only as transport. If you do not drink, dislike swimming, or want several hours to explore Symi on land, a cheaper ferry and separate island visit may suit you better.

The best value here is the combination. You see Symi, eat a proper meal, swim in two attractive spots, and spend the day on a comfortable boat without arranging each piece yourself.

Starting at Mandraki Port with coffee and sea air

The day begins at Mandraki Port in Rhodes. At check-in, you can have coffee, tea, or water while you settle aboard. The exact start time varies by date, so you need to check availability when booking.

The yacht then heads toward Symi, with the east coast of Rhodes and its isolated coves opening out around you. The outward trip takes about an hour and 20 minutes according to one detailed account, though sea conditions affect the feel and timing.

Choose your seat with care. The front cushions give you a clear view and plenty of spray, but they can be uncomfortable when the sea is lively. One passenger was warned that the front would be rocky and wet, and found that it was, especially during the first part of the trip.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring medication with you. The ride is not guaranteed to be rough, but several accounts describe a fast, bumpy journey. A light jacket or hoodie is useful in spring and autumn, when the moving air can feel cool even under a bright sky.

The crew keeps the atmosphere friendly rather than formal. Anna and Antonio received special praise for making one solo passenger’s birthday memorable, while Emily was noted for keeping people supplied with refreshments. Small touches such as a birthday cake, pastry, or cocktail have also been arranged for special occasions when the crew knew in advance.

Arriving in Symi Town by boat

The approach to Symi is the visual highlight of the first half of the day. Symi Town, also called Symi Yalos, rises around the harbor in layers of colorful neo-classical houses. From the water, the buildings appear especially attractive because the steep hills frame the port.

You get about two hours to explore. That is enough for a good first look, though not enough for a slow, detailed visit across the whole island. I would use the time for a simple loop: walk along the waterfront, turn into a few side lanes, browse the small shops, and stop for a drink or a local snack if you want one.

The old town is described as UNESCO-protected, and its appeal is architectural rather than based on major monuments. The pleasure comes from the painted houses, stairways, harbor views, and the way the town climbs the hills behind the waterfront.

You can walk uphill for wider views if you are energetic. If you prefer a relaxed outing, stay near the fishing port and enjoy breakfast, coffee, or a few shops. One family chose the easier harbor stroll while the more active member of the group walked up the hill.

That flexibility is useful. Symi is not presented as a guided history tour with a long list of sights. Instead, you receive free time and decide how much walking suits you. Some people may find two hours ideal. Others may want more time, especially if they hope to explore beyond the port.

Do not expect a full island tour by road. This stop focuses on Symi Town, and the time passes quickly once you include getting off the yacht, finding your way around, and returning to the meeting point.

St. George Bay brings the best swim and lunch

After Symi, the yacht sails to St. George Bay. The setting is dramatic: golden sand, clear water, and steep rocky sides that make the bay feel sheltered and secluded.

This is the main swimming stop and the place where the included lunch is served. You can swim before eating, relax on board, use the available floats, or sit with a cold drink while the crew prepares the meal.

The standard lunch includes Greek salad and moussaka. The food has received consistently warm praise, especially given that it is prepared and served on a yacht. The meal is substantial enough to make the day feel like a proper excursion rather than a boat ride with snacks.

Drinks include water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. This is a generous inclusion, though the selection is not cocktail-focused. One passenger would have preferred a wider range than beer, wine, and soft drinks, so keep your expectations sensible.

The yacht has a changing room, which makes the swim stop much easier. Towels are not included, so bring your own. Snorkels and goggles have been available, along with life vests, foam noodles, and floats. If you are not a confident swimmer, tell the crew before entering the water.

Getting into the sea may require care. One passenger found it difficult to get off the yacht, and the swimming access is not the same as stepping from a shallow beach. A platform at water level and a ramp or ladder are described, but the exact ease of entry depends on the boat and sea conditions.

The crew generally gives you time to swim before and after lunch. That makes St. George Bay more satisfying than a quick photo stop. You can actually settle into the water, look for fish, and enjoy the setting without being hurried back aboard.

Seskli Island offers a quieter second stop

The final stop is Seskli, a small private island near Symi. It has a more untamed feel than the port and a different character from St. George Bay.

This is another chance to swim and snorkel. The water can offer fish and shells, and the surrounding scenery is open and quiet. A small church and goats have been noted as part of the island setting, adding a little interest when you look beyond the water.

Do not expect a developed beach resort here. Seskli is appealing because it is simple. You swim, look around, enjoy the wild setting, and return to the yacht. The first swimming stop is generally the more dramatic one, but Seskli gives the day a second useful pause rather than repeating the same bay experience.

Snorkeling equipment and floats have been available on board. Still, bring your own mask if you need a particular fit, and remember that water visibility depends on the day.

The return to Rhodes is part of the experience

After Seskli, the yacht turns back toward Rhodes. The return route gives you views of beaches, coves, and the east coast from the sea.

By this point, the day has a pleasant rhythm: town time first, then swimming, food, another swim, and a scenic ride home. You arrive back at Mandraki Port after roughly eight hours, usually tired in the good way that follows a full day outdoors.

The boat ride remains an important part of the return. If the sea is choppy, you may want to stay in a more protected seating area rather than choosing the front. If conditions are calm, the open seats are a fine place to watch the coast pass by.

Music is not guaranteed. One passenger suggested bringing a speaker, but you should keep the volume considerate because the group is small. The crew provides the service and drinks, not necessarily a full entertainment program.

Crew service is a major reason to choose this trip

The strongest part of this experience is the crew. Names such as Anna, Antonio, and Emily come up in connection with attentive service, humor, and thoughtful gestures.

That matters more on a small yacht than it does on a large ferry. The crew can keep an eye on swimmers, explain the stops, serve lunch, refill drinks, and help with equipment. Several special occasions, including birthdays and a honeymoon, received extra attention.

The service also appears practical. Dietary requirements have been accommodated within the limits of cooking on a boat, though you should tell the operator in advance rather than assuming every request can be handled on the day.

The yacht itself has generally been described as clean and comfortable. There has been at least one report of a broken sofa and a need for maintenance, so the boat may not feel brand-new in every corner. That complaint did not outweigh the positive impression of the crew or the overall space, but it is worth keeping in mind if you expect showroom perfection.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this excursion if you want one polished day that combines Symi with swimming. It works particularly well for couples, families with older children, solo visitors who like a social setting, and anyone who values personal service.

It is also a good fit if you dislike crowded excursion boats. The 25-person limit gives you more room to move, a better chance of finding a comfortable seat, and a calmer lunch setting.

You should think twice if your priority is independent sightseeing on Symi. Two hours in town gives you a useful taste, not a complete exploration. You may also prefer another plan if you do not enjoy fast boat rides or if entering the sea from a yacht sounds difficult.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but swimming from the yacht can still involve steps, ramps, or uneven movement. Ask for exact access details before booking if you need assistance in the water or at the boarding point.

Hotel pickup information needs particular attention. The activity information says pickup is included and asks passengers to wait outside their hotel entrance at least five minutes before pickup. Elsewhere, hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included, and a passenger staying in Faliraki reported no transport to the port. Confirm your meeting arrangement before payment.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and reserve-now, pay-later booking make the planning less rigid. If weather cancels the cruise, the activity is fully refundable.

What to bring for a better day

Keep your packing simple:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Light jacket or hoodie for the morning ride
• Seasickness tablets if you need them
• Sunglasses and sun protection
• A personal snorkel mask if you prefer your own equipment

There is a changing room on the yacht, so you do not need to arrive in swimwear. Bring a small bag that stays secure on deck, since wind and spray are part of the ride.

Should you book the Symi yacht tour?

Book it if you want Symi, two swim stops, lunch, and an attentive crew in one long day. The $141 price is fair for the smaller group, included meal, unlimited listed drinks, swimming equipment, and service, especially when compared with a crowded low-cost boat.

I would not book it solely for extensive sightseeing in Symi. The island visit is attractive but brief, and the main reward is the complete sea day rather than a detailed town tour.

For most people who enjoy swimming and open-water cruising, this is one of the stronger ways to see Symi from Rhodes. Confirm your hotel transfer, prepare for a potentially bumpy ride, and bring a towel. If those points suit you, the extra cost buys comfort, space, and a well-paced day rather than just a ticket across the water.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including the cruise from Rhodes, free time in Symi Town, two swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Mandraki Port.

How much does the yacht trip cost?

The listed price is $141 per person.

How much free time do I get in Symi Town?

You receive about two hours to explore Symi Town, including the harbor, small shops, narrow lanes, and parts of the old town.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes Greek salad and moussaka. Dietary requirements may be accommodated, but you should communicate them in advance.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included.

Where are the swimming stops?

The yacht stops at St. George Bay and Seskli Island. Both stops allow time for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Snorkels and goggles have been available on the yacht, along with floats, foam noodles, and life vests.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, although there is a changing room on the yacht.

Is hotel pickup included?

The provided booking information is inconsistent. One section says pickup is included, while another says hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Confirm the exact arrangement, especially if you are staying in Faliraki, and be ready to meet outside your hotel reception if pickup is confirmed.