Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay

The best island days include a swim. This full-day boat trip from Rhodes pairs three hours in Symi with a one-hour stop at Saint George Bay, giving you both a pretty harbor town and a clear-water swim in one outing. At $48.37 per person, it is an affordable way to see more of the Dodecanese without arranging ferries, taxis, or meals yourself.

I especially like the beautiful approach to Symi and the chance to swim at Saint George Bay, where the water is clear enough for snorkeling. Hotel pickup can also make the day easy. The tradeoff is the long ride: you may spend about six hours on the boat, and busy departures can mean a crowded cabin or difficulty finding seats together.

Key points to know before you book

• Saint George Bay comes first: Expect about two hours on the boat before a one-hour swim stop.
• Symi allows three hours ashore: You have enough time for lunch, the harbor, shops, and a walk through town.
• The trip lasts about nine hours: It is a full day, not a quick island hop.
• Seat choice matters: Arrive early at the departure point if you want a better chance of sitting together.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: The price depends on where your hotel is located on Rhodes.
• Bring sea-sickness tablets: The crossing can be choppy, especially in open water.

What this Rhodes to Symi day actually includes

The boat leaves from Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town and returns to the same meeting point. The advertised price is $48.37 per person, with the boat ride and an onboard restroom included.

This is a large shared excursion, with up to 200 people. That helps keep the cost low, but it also explains why the boat can feel packed during the busy season. Some departures have plenty of room, while others have people searching for seats or standing for parts of the journey.

The tour is offered in English. Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge, including from areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi. The exact pickup cost depends on your hotel’s location, so check the correct option when booking and enter your hotel name in the special requirements field.

The whole outing takes about nine hours. The usual pattern is approximately two hours from Rhodes to Saint George Bay, one hour in the water, 30 minutes to Symi, three hours in Symi, and about two hours back to Rhodes. That schedule is useful to know before you book, since the time on the boat is a major part of the day.

The long ride from Rhodes to Saint George Bay

The first stretch takes roughly two hours. On calm days, you can enjoy the sea views from the upper deck. If the wind picks up, rain arrives, or you simply want shelter, you can sit below.

The boat ride is not always smooth. Several parts of the crossing can feel rocky, and anyone prone to motion sickness should take their usual tablet before leaving Rhodes. Sitting near the middle of the boat may help, although the available seat depends on how early you arrive.

A practical issue is seating. If you use hotel transfer, the bus may reach the harbor after other passengers have already boarded. That can leave couples sitting apart, particularly during high season. If you make your own way to the departure point, arriving early gives you a better chance of finding seats together.

The boat has toilets, and there is a bar selling drinks and light snacks. Water has been available at a low price, although card payments have not always worked reliably near the Turkish border. Carrying some cash is sensible. You should also bring a light layer, since a windy ride can feel cool even on a warm Rhodes morning.

The boat itself is functional rather than polished. Some departures have been described as clean and comfortable, while others have felt old, crowded, or in need of better upkeep. The crew is generally friendly and helpful, but your comfort depends heavily on how full the boat is and where you find a seat.

Swimming at Saint George Bay

Saint George Bay is the first proper stop. The boat stays for about one hour, giving you time to get into the water, swim, and dry off before continuing to Symi.

This is one of the strongest parts of the day. The bay is known on this trip for exceptionally clear water, and the surrounding cliffs make the stop feel special even though you are only there for an hour. You can use the provided pool noodles, called woggles, but snorkels are not supplied. Bring your own if you want to see fish below the surface.

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. You will not want to waste half the stop changing, especially when the water looks inviting the moment the boat arrives. A towel is essential, and something warm to wrap around yourself afterward is useful because the next boat ride can be breezy.

The order of the stops has both benefits and drawbacks. Swimming first means you cool off early and enjoy the most scenic part of the day before the town visit. But if you want to walk around Symi in dry clothes, you will need to change on the boat or accept a slightly damp start to your afternoon.

Weather can also change this part of the tour. Saint George Bay may be removed from the schedule in poor conditions, even if the day later turns out mostly dry. If that happens, the operator may offer a different date or a full refund, depending on the circumstances. If swimming is the main reason you are booking, keep this possibility in mind.

Arriving in Symi after the swim

After about 30 minutes from Saint George Bay, the boat reaches Symi. The arrival is one of the most memorable moments of the trip. The harbor is lined with colorful houses climbing the hillsides, giving the town a very different feel from the larger resort areas of Rhodes.

You have about three hours in Symi. That is enough time for a relaxed lunch, a walk along the waterfront, and a look through the small shops. You can also climb a little above the harbor for better views, though three hours is not enough for a long island tour.

Symi is compact enough to explore on foot from the port area. You do not need a planned excursion to enjoy it. The pleasure is in wandering, looking at the painted houses, and stopping when a view or café catches your attention.

Lunch is not included, so plan to buy it in Symi. Seafood is a popular choice, and Symi shrimp is a local specialty worth trying if you see it on a menu. Three hours gives you time to eat without rushing, but you should keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat will not wait for late arrivals.

The town can be busy, particularly during the high season. That is part of the price of visiting one of the most attractive ports near Rhodes. Still, the three-hour stop is long enough to move beyond the first waterfront stretch and find a quieter lane or viewpoint.

Some people may want more time on land. If your priority is photographing Symi, shopping, and eating slowly, the schedule may feel tight after the swim. If you mainly want to see the harbor and enjoy a Greek island lunch, the time works well.

The return crossing to Rhodes

The return trip takes about two hours. By this point, you may be pleasantly tired from the swim and the walk around Symi, but the crossing can still feel long.

Try to secure your return seat promptly. Some passengers have spent a substantial part of the three-hour Symi stop waiting near the boarding area because they wanted to sit together on the way back. That is not an ideal use of island time, but it can be worthwhile if you need a particular seat or are worried about standing.

If you are sensitive to fumes, avoid the rear of the boat when possible. Engine smells can be stronger there. The upper deck offers better views, but it also exposes you to more wind and sun, so choose based on the weather and your comfort.

The schedule sometimes allows you to see the sunset from the water on the way back. That can be a lovely final touch, though it depends on the season, departure time, and weather. Expect to arrive back at the original meeting point after the full day is complete.

Is the $48.37 price good value?

For $48.37, this trip gives you transport to two attractive stops, a full hour in a striking bay, three hours in Symi, and an onboard restroom. You also avoid arranging separate ferry tickets and local transport. For many people, that is good value.

The price looks even better if you use the day as a simple introduction to Symi. A separate visit could require more planning, while this excursion handles the crossing and gives you a clear structure. Hotel pickup can make it easier still, although the extra charge may reduce the savings, especially if you are staying far from Rhodes Town.

You should not expect a premium boat experience at this price. The main cost saving comes with shared transport and a large passenger load. The boat may be perfectly pleasant, or it may feel crowded and dated. If you want guaranteed seating, more space, or a quicker crossing, paying more for a smaller or faster boat may suit you better.

The published score is 4.6 out of 5 from 1,753 ratings, with 93 percent of customers recommending the experience. That fits the nature of the trip: the places are the main attraction, while comfort on the boat is the part that divides opinion.

How to make the day easier

A few small choices can greatly improve your experience:

• Arrive early at the Rhodes meeting point, especially in high season.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine if boats usually bother you.
• Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a warm layer.
• Carry cash for onboard drinks and snacks.
• Bring your own snorkel if underwater viewing matters to you.
• Keep your lunch plans flexible, since the meal is bought in Symi.
• Write your hotel name in the booking requirements if you request pickup.
• Do not assume Saint George Bay will operate in poor weather.

The tour is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. The main physical demand is spending a long day on a boat and walking around Symi. If you dislike crowded transport or need a guaranteed seat, ask yourself how comfortable you will be with that arrangement before paying.

Who should book this Symi excursion?

I would recommend it to you if you want a good-value full-day outing from Rhodes and care more about the destinations than luxury transport. Families, couples, and independent visitors can all enjoy the simple format: swim, eat, walk, and return.

It is especially suitable if Symi is high on your list but you do not want to arrange the ferry yourself. The free time gives you independence, and you are not tied to a guide for every minute ashore.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to sea sickness, dislike long crossings, or expect a quiet boat with plenty of personal space. A faster boat without the swim stop may be a better fit for you, even though it removes one of the most memorable parts of this outing.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want the classic Rhodes day out: a bright-water swim, a scenic arrival in Symi, a Greek lunch, and enough free time to wander. The price is fair, and the combination of Saint George Bay and Symi gives you more variety than a simple ferry ride.

Skip it if six hours on a busy boat sounds worse than the destinations sound appealing. If you do book, arrive early, bring sea-sickness tablets and cash, and treat the boat as practical transport rather than the star of the show. Symi and Saint George Bay are the reasons to go.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Symi Island take?

The complete experience lasts approximately nine hours. The journey includes about two hours to Saint George Bay, one hour for swimming, 30 minutes to Symi, three hours in Symi, and about two hours back to Rhodes.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $48.37 per person. Hotel pickup is available for an additional charge based on your hotel’s location.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rhodes 851 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an extra fee. You should select the option covering your hotel area and provide your hotel name when booking.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You have free time in Symi to choose and pay for your own meal.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. The tour includes approximately one hour at Saint George Bay for swimming. The stop depends on suitable weather conditions.

Is a restroom available on the boat?

Yes. An onboard restroom is included.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient bookings causes cancellation, you may be offered another date or a full refund.