From Rhodes: Cruise to Symi Island and Saint George’s Bay

A beautiful island day starts at sea. This $41 cruise from Rhodes combines a scenic ride from Mandraki Harbour, a swim in the clear water of Saint George Bay, and several hours to explore Symi’s pretty port. I especially like the excellent value and the chance to see two very different sides of the Dodecanese in one day.

The crew is usually friendly and helpful, and the trip runs on a clear schedule. I also like that you get real free time in Symi rather than a rushed photo stop. The main drawback is the long boat ride, which can feel windy, crowded, and rough on the return journey.

Key points to know before booking

• Saint George Bay is the highlight: You get a swimming stop in a dramatic, isolated cove with clear water and fish.
• Symi gives you about three hours: That is enough for lunch, harbor views, shopping, and a relaxed walk through Gialos.
• The boat leaves Rhodes at 10:00: You return to Mandraki Harbour around 18:30, making this a full-day outing.
• Upper-deck seats go quickly: Arrive early if you want open-air seating or a good view.
• The sea can be choppy: Bring a warm layer, and consider motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to it.
• Lunch and drinks cost extra: There is a bar on the boat, but food in Symi is not part of the fare.

Leaving Mandraki Harbour at 10:00

The cruise begins at SP Cruises’ kiosk in Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece building near Pl. Eleftherias. The meeting point is easy to find, but I would not cut it close. The boat leaves on time, and early arrival matters if you want an upper-deck seat.

The upper level is first come, first served. In busy summer periods, seats near the rail or windows can fill well before departure. One useful rule is to arrive around 45 to 60 minutes early if open-air seating matters to you. The main deck has indoor seating with air conditioning, which is the better choice if the wind is strong or the sun is too much.

The trip to Saint George Bay takes about two hours. That sounds long on paper, but the ride is part of the experience. You are out on open water, with Rhodes behind you and the Dodecanese spread around the horizon. The scenery is the main entertainment, so choose a seat where you can look outside comfortably.

The boat has a bar, freshwater showers, toilets, and a crew that includes a lifeguard. Drinks and snacks are available for purchase. A small practical touch is the lemon offered to help with seasickness, though you should bring your own medication if you already know that boat rides bother you.

Why the boat ride matters

This is not a fast ferry. Several people found the journey slow, with roughly two hours each way. The pace can be a drawback if you want maximum time on land, but it also gives you a long look at the coast and open sea without having to arrange separate transport.

The boat can become crowded, especially upstairs and near the windows. Seating is designed more for sitting and looking out than stretching out or sunbathing. If you want to lie down, this is not the right kind of boat trip.

Wind is the bigger issue. On a calm summer day, the ride can be relaxing. On a windy day, the exposed side of the boat can feel cold, even in warm weather. Bring trousers or a light jacket, especially in spring, autumn, and on the shaded side of the boat.

The return journey may be choppy. If you suffer from motion sickness, take sensible precautions before boarding, sit lower and near the middle of the boat if possible, and keep your eyes on the horizon. The crew generally keeps passengers informed, but the captain can change the program for safety and weather.

Saint George Bay: one hour in clear water

After about two hours, the boat reaches Saint George Bay, also called Agios Georgios. The setting is striking: steep rocky sides, a quiet cove, and water clear enough to spot fish. It is the kind of place that makes the long ride feel worthwhile.

The scheduled stop is about an hour. In practice, the actual swimming time can be closer to 45 minutes when arrival, securing the boat, and boarding are counted. If the boat runs late or the sea is unsettled, the captain may shorten the stop.

You can swim directly from the boat. Floaties, swimming rings, and similar aids are available, and a lifeguard is included. Freshwater showers are useful afterward, especially before the onward ride to Symi.

The water is not necessarily warm. In late summer it may feel comfortable, while spring and autumn can bring a sharper chill. You should bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, and a waterproof watch or phone case if you want to keep track of the time. It is easy to lose ten minutes simply looking around.

This stop is best for confident swimmers and anyone who enjoys a quick swim in open water. It is not a beach day with plenty of sand, shade, and room to spread out. Boarding can also take time because people leave the boat one at a time from the gangway. Listen carefully for the return signal and do not wait until the last few minutes.

Arriving at Gialos, Symi’s main port

After Saint George Bay, the boat heads to Gialos, Symi’s main port. The approach is one of the most memorable parts of the day. Hills rise around the harbor, and the waterfront is lined with colorful buildings, small shops, restaurants, and boats.

You get roughly three hours in Symi, with departure scheduled for 16:20. That is enough time for lunch and a good walk around the port area, though you will not see the whole island. This is a self-guided visit, so you can set your own pace.

I would begin with a slow walk along the harbor. The waterfront is compact and easy to explore, with plenty of spots for photos and stops for a drink. The buildings and calm harbor give Symi a very different feel from Rhodes Town.

Lunch is not included, so budget separately for a restaurant meal. Seafood is a natural choice, and the port has several places to eat. If you want a table with a view, allow enough time because service may be slow. You can also keep things simple with a snack, ice cream, or a quick meal before walking farther.

A small beach near the harbor can be worth a visit if you want one more look at the water. Shopping is another easy way to use your time, though the main pleasure here is simply walking and taking in the harbor.

The three-hour stop is well judged for most people. You have enough time to eat and explore without being left on the island until evening. If you want to hike inland, visit distant villages, or see more of Symi beyond Gialos, this cruise will feel limited.

The crew and onboard atmosphere

The crew receives some of the strongest praise, and that matters on a long boat day. Staff help with boarding, answer questions, watch the swimming stop, and keep the schedule moving. One passenger with a mobility scooter received help getting on and off, and the crew even took photos during the swim stop.

Captain Yannis has been especially memorable for some passengers. He is known for joking with people and, when conditions allow, inviting them into the steering cabin for photos. That kind of personal touch can make a standard boat ride feel more cheerful.

The onboard bar adds to the social feel. Oksana, one of the bar staff, has been singled out for friendly service and good cocktails. Prices for drinks were described as reasonable by some people, though snacks can feel expensive compared with buying food in Symi.

The sound system may be hard to hear from the back of the boat. If the captain or crew gives instructions, move closer or pay attention to nearby passengers. Safety instructions at Saint George Bay are important, especially because the swimming time passes quickly.

A few practical standards are less polished. Toilets may need more care, and one passenger felt the first-aid kit was poorly equipped after an accident. The crew handled an emergency quickly and safely, but these details are worth noting if you expect a premium yacht-style service.

Is $41 good value?

At $41 per person, this is strong value for an eight-and-a-half-hour day that includes the boat ride, a swimming stop, and free time in Symi. A separate trip to Symi would still require transport, and this option removes the need to arrange the sea crossing yourself.

The value is best if you want a simple, all-in-one day. You get transport from Rhodes, a scenic ride, a swim in Saint George Bay, a lifeguard, freshwater showers, and time to eat and walk around Symi.

The price does not include lunch, drinks, hotel transfers, or personal expenses. You also pay with your time. About four hours of the day are spent on the boat, and some of that may be windy or uncomfortable.

I would consider it a particularly good deal for first-time visitors to Rhodes who want to see Symi without spending a night there. It is less appealing if you dislike long ferry rides, need lots of personal space, or want a quiet luxury boat experience.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack for two different parts of the day: a swim stop and a windy sea crossing.

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light jacket, sweater, or warm trousers
• Motion-sickness medicine if needed
• Waterproof pouch for phone and valuables
• Cash or card for lunch, drinks, and shopping

Wear shoes you can walk in comfortably around Symi. Flip-flops are fine for the boat, but less useful if you plan to explore beyond the immediate harbor.

If you drive to Mandraki Harbour, parking becomes harder after 9:00 in busy periods. Check the Rhodes parking information before leaving, and allow extra time. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the kiosk independently.

The cruise is listed as wheelchair accessible, and crew assistance has been provided for a mobility scooter. Still, I would contact the operator before booking if you use a larger mobility device or need specific boarding support.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a full day with a mix of swimming, scenery, and free exploration. Children who enjoy the sea should have a good time, especially with the floaties and short swimming session.

It also suits solo visitors. The crew is helpful, and the free time in Symi gives you an easy chance to walk, eat, and take photos at your own pace.

You should think twice if you want a detailed guided tour of Symi. There is no structured walking tour in Gialos, so you are responsible for making your own plan. You also need to be comfortable with a long ride and changing sea conditions.

The program can change if the weather turns bad. The captain’s decision comes first, so the timing at Saint George Bay may vary. Treat the advertised schedule as a useful plan, not a promise that every minute will unfold exactly as printed.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book it if you want good value, beautiful sea views, and a real swim stop in one full day. Saint George Bay is the special part, while Symi provides the culture, food, shops, and harbor scenery.

Skip it if you hate crowded boats, get severe seasickness, or want more than three hours on Symi. For most people, though, the combination works well: two hours across the water, a memorable swim, and a relaxed afternoon in one of the prettiest ports near Rhodes.

Arrive early, dress for wind, watch the clock at the swimming stop, and be back at the boat before departure. Do that, and this is an easy way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

It leaves from SP Cruises’ kiosk at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes, opposite the Bank of Greece building near Pl. Eleftherias.

What time does the boat leave Rhodes?

The cruise departs at 10:00 in the morning.

What time does the boat return to Rhodes?

The scheduled return to Mandraki Harbour is around 18:30.

How long is the cruise?

The listed duration is 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours.

How long is the swimming stop at Saint George Bay?

The planned stop is about one hour, though the actual time in the water can sometimes be closer to 45 minutes because boarding and disembarking are included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included in the cruise fare. You can buy lunch at a restaurant in Symi, and drinks and snacks are available from the boat’s bar.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You generally have about three hours in Gialos, Symi’s main port. The boat is scheduled to leave Symi at 16:20.

Are swimming aids available?

Yes. The boat has floaties and swimming rings, and a lifeguard is included. You should still bring your own towel and beachwear.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Crew assistance has also been provided with a mobility scooter, but you should contact the operator in advance about your specific needs.

Can weather change the program?

Yes. The captain can change the program for safety and weather conditions. Sea conditions can also make the boat windy or rough, especially on the return journey.