Faliraki: Direct Cruise to Symi & Saint George’s Bay

Symi is worth the fast boat ride. This day trip saves you the long transfer to Rhodes Town, then gives you three hours in Symi Town and a refreshing swim at St. George’s Bay. I like the direct Faliraki pickup, especially if you are staying near Calypso Beach, Apollo Blue, or Amada Colossos. I also like the mix of free time and scenery, since you can explore at your own pace rather than follow a guide around town.

The main thing to consider is the boat itself. It is genuinely fast, but the engine is loud and the ride can feel windy or bumpy when the sea is unsettled. Three hours in Symi is enough for a walk, lunch, photographs, and perhaps a swim, though some people will wish for another hour on the island.

Key points at a glance

• Direct from Faliraki Beach: You avoid the usual bus ride into Rhodes Town and board from one of four local stops.
• Three hours in Symi: Enough time for the harbor, colorful houses, lunch, shopping, and a swim, but not a slow, all-day visit.
• A fast crossing: The boat reaches Symi much quicker than a slower ferry, giving you more time ashore.
• Saint George’s Bay stop: You get 30 minutes to swim in clear water beneath the dramatic cliffs.
• Free parking: Drivers can leave a car near the Amada Colossos beach station at no extra cost.
• Weather can change the plan: Strong wind may bring an earlier departure or a different swimming bay.

Why the Faliraki departure matters

For many people staying on the east coast of Rhodes, the biggest advantage is not Symi itself. It is the departure point.

A standard Symi day trip often means getting to Rhodes Town first, sometimes by a 40-minute bus ride, before you even reach the boat. This service cuts out that awkward beginning. You can check in at Faliraki Harbour, near Apollo Blue Hotel, by Calypso Beach, or at Amada Colossos.

The exact arrangement is worth reading carefully. Passengers checking in at Faliraki Harbour or the Apollo Blue kiosk may be taken by minibus to the Amada Colossos beach station, about five minutes away, to join the boat. The beach pickup points are listed near Calypso, Esperides, and Amada Colossos, with times around 10:00 to 10:15. Times and pickup arrangements can vary, so use the confirmation you receive rather than relying on a general schedule.

If you are driving, the free parking beside the Amada Colossos station is a real money saver. You can leave your car near the beach for the day, then walk a short distance to the boat. That is far easier than finding parking in Rhodes Town.

The high-speed crossing to Symi

The ride to Symi is part of the attraction. The boat cuts across the brilliant blue water at a brisk pace, with coastal views opening up as Rhodes falls behind. The crossing includes a short stop at Mandraki Harbour so some passengers can get off and others can board. That stop adds a little time, but the direct service still gets you to Symi relatively quickly.

The full outbound sightseeing section is listed at about 80 minutes, though the total crossing can feel longer depending on the harbour stop and sea conditions. Some departures reach Symi in around an hour, while others take closer to an hour and a half. The trip back includes about 20 minutes of scenic cruising before the swimming stop, followed by roughly 90 minutes back toward Faliraki.

This is not a quiet ferry ride. The engine can be loud, especially near the rear of the boat, so earplugs or headphones are sensible. The front may offer better views and a cooler breeze, but it is also more exposed to wind. On a hot July day, that can be welcome. On a windy October morning, you may prefer a sheltered seat.

The boat has been described as clean, modern, and comfortable, but comfort depends on the sea. Several departures have remained smooth even in choppy water, while strong winds have made the crossing feel more adventurous. The crew has handed out fleeces when passengers became cold, which is a useful touch. Bring a light layer anyway, even if Faliraki feels hot when you leave.

Three hours among Symi’s pastel houses

Symi Town is the star of the day. The boat arrives in a handsome harbor ringed by steep hills and rows of pastel-colored neoclassical houses. The buildings climb away from the water in layers, with bright shutters, balconies, and church domes adding color to the scene.

Your three hours are free time, not a guided tour. That is a strength if you like choosing your own pace. Start with a walk along the harbor, where you can look at small fishing boats, waterfront cafés, shops, and the view across the bay. Then climb a little into the town for wider photographs and a better sense of how the houses rise above the water.

You have enough time for a relaxed lunch at a traditional taverna, although lunch is not included. Seafood is an obvious choice, and one party enjoyed a rooftop restaurant with a view. Prices and quality will vary, so check the menu before sitting down if you are watching the budget.

A short swim is also possible, though the town stop is better used for walking and lunch than for a long beach session. The heat can be intense in midsummer, and the three hours pass quickly once you combine food, photographs, shopping, and wandering. Carry water, wear comfortable shoes, and plan some shade before the afternoon sun becomes tiring.

I would not try to see every corner of Symi during this visit. The port area and the nearby uphill streets provide the best return for your time. If you spend too long over lunch, you may end up rushing the walk back to the boat. Keep an eye on the meeting time because the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

Some people find three hours just right. Others would prefer four. The difference comes down to how you travel. If you want a gentle lunch and a quick swim, three hours works well. If you want a long town walk, shopping, and a relaxed meal, it may feel tight.

Saint George’s Bay: the day’s great pause

After leaving Symi, the boat cruises along the coast toward Saint George’s Bay. The cliffs here are the main event. Their pale rock rises sharply from clear water, creating the sort of sheltered-looking cove that makes you want to stop immediately.

The boat anchors or pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim. The water is clear and often strikingly blue, and the stop provides a cool break after walking around Symi in the heat. You can swim from the boat or remain on deck and enjoy the view if you prefer not to enter the water.

Do not assume the bay will always be calm. Wind and current can be strong, and swimming may be harder than the postcard view suggests. Listen carefully to the crew and stay within the permitted area. The boat staff have been praised for remaining patient and attentive when people ignored safety instructions around the vessel.

Thirty minutes is enough for a proper dip, but not a long snorkel session. Bring your swimsuit under your clothes, keep a towel handy, and protect your phone from spray. There is no lunch or separate beach day built into this stop. It is a short swim from the boat, not a shore excursion.

The order of the stops can change with the season and weather. From late September and in October, the crew may visit Saint George’s Bay before Symi so the cove still has sunlight and clearer colors. One criticism came from a passenger expecting the swimming stop after Symi, so check the day’s order if that matters to you.

What weather can change

The operator appears willing to adjust the schedule when conditions require it. Strong winds have led to earlier departures, and passengers have received notice more than 24 hours ahead in some cases. A different swimming bay may also be used if Saint George’s Bay is not suitable.

That flexibility is good for safety, but it means you should not treat every time as fixed. Keep your phone on, read messages before departure, and allow extra flexibility if you have evening plans in Rhodes.

Wind can also affect the comfort of the trip. The boat may remain stable, but spray and cold air are possible. A light jacket, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat with a secure fit are more useful than formal holiday clothes. In cooler months, take the offered fleece if you need it.

Wildlife sightings are possible. One departure saw dolphins, though this is a lucky extra rather than something you should expect.

Is $81 a fair price?

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest possible way to see Symi. The value comes from what the price removes: the transfer to Rhodes Town, the hassle of arranging parking there, and the need to find a separate boat connection.

For someone staying near one of the four Faliraki stops, the price is easier to justify. You get transportation from the resort area, a fast boat, three hours in Symi, and a swimming stop at a famous cove. Free parking makes the deal better for drivers.

The value is less clear if you are already staying in Rhodes Town or near the main harbor. In that case, a direct harbor departure may cost less, especially if you book with the boat company rather than through a reseller. Several passengers specifically noted that booking directly with Rhodes Sea Lines can be cheaper than using a third-party booking site.

Remember to budget for lunch and drinks in Symi. Those costs are not included. There is no separate charge for the swimming stop or pickup from Faliraki, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure under the stated terms.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

This trip suits you if you are staying in Faliraki and want to see another Greek island without giving up a full day to transfers. It also works well for couples, families, and anyone who prefers a self-guided visit rather than a tightly managed walking tour.

You will probably enjoy it most if you like:

• Fast boat rides and open-sea views
• A pretty harbor town with free time to explore
• Swimming from a boat in clear water
• A full day away from the resort
• Simple transport from a nearby hotel or beach stop

It may not suit you if you dislike engine noise, windy decks, or choppy water. It is also not ideal if you want a long, leisurely stay in Symi. The visit is designed as a well-packed day trip, not an overnight island experience.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the host or greeter can assist in English, German, or Greek. Still, the practical details of boarding at a beach station can be different from boarding at a standard pier, so confirm what assistance you need before departure.

My practical plan for the day

I would arrive early at the stated check-in point, especially if using the minibus connection. Wear swimwear under comfortable clothes and bring a light jacket for the crossing. Pack sunscreen, water, a towel, earplugs, and a waterproof phone pouch.

In Symi, I would first walk the harbor and climb into the nearby streets for photographs. Then I would choose lunch with enough time left for a short wander before returning to the boat. Save the swimming gear for Saint George’s Bay, where the water is the main reason to get back onboard.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the crew recommends and avoid a heavy meal before the crossing. Sea conditions are not fully predictable, even on a fast modern boat. A smooth departure can still become windy later in the day.

Should you book the Faliraki to Symi cruise?

Book it if you are based in Faliraki and want the simplest practical route to Symi. The direct beach pickup is the big advantage, while the fast crossing, free parking, and Saint George’s Bay swim make the $81 price reasonable for many visitors.

I would skip it only if you need a very quiet boat ride, want more than three hours in Symi, or can reach Rhodes Town easily and find a cheaper direct booking. For most people staying along Faliraki Beach, this is one of the better ways to turn a resort holiday into a memorable island day.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

There are four Faliraki pickup options: Faliraki Harbour, the beach near Apollo Blue Hotel, the beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel, and the beach near Amada Colossos Resort.

Do I need to travel to Rhodes Town first?

No. The service is designed to take you from the Faliraki area. Passengers checking in at Faliraki Harbour or the Apollo Blue kiosk may be transferred by minibus to the Amada Colossos beach station, about five minutes away.

How long do I have in Symi?

You have approximately three hours of free time in Symi Town.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense, and you can choose from the tavernas and restaurants in Symi.

How long is the swimming stop?

The stop at Saint George’s Bay lasts about 30 minutes.

Can the order of the stops change?

Yes. From late September and during October, the boat may visit Saint George’s Bay before Symi so the bay has better sunlight. Weather can also lead to a different swimming bay.

Is parking available?

Yes. Free all-day parking is available near the Amada Colossos beach station.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund under the stated cancellation terms.