Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George’s Bay

Symi is worth the fast ride. This day trip pairs pastel harbor views and three hours of free time with a refreshing swim at Saint George’s Bay. I like the quick crossing, which takes about an hour, and the freedom to explore Symi without being tied to a guide. The main catch is that the 30-minute swim stop can feel too short, especially once you have changed and climbed into the water.

The boat makes this an efficient way to see two beautiful places in one day. I also like the friendly crew, fleece jackets on breezy days, and the chance to try Symi’s little fried shrimp with local ouzo. Just choose your departure carefully: the 3:15 boat has only a photo stop at Saint George’s Bay, not a swim.

Key points to know before you go

• Fast crossing: The high-speed boat reaches Symi in about an hour, giving you more time on the island than slower boats.
• Three hours in Symi: You have enough time for the harbor, narrow lanes, shops, lunch, and a short swim.
• Saint George’s Bay swim: The water is famously clear, but the regular stop lasts only 30 minutes.
• Departure times matter: The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include swimming. The 3:15 departure offers only a five-minute photo stop.
• Bring warm layers: Even on a sunny day, the sea breeze can make the boat ride chilly. Fleece jackets may be available onboard.
• Parking is difficult: If you drive to Mandraki Harbor, arrive at least an hour early to find a place.

Why the fast boat makes sense

The main appeal here is time. Symi lies across the water from Rhodes, and a slower boat can turn the crossing into a major part of your day. This high-speed service cuts the ride to roughly one hour each way, leaving you with a useful block of time on shore.

That matters because Symi is best enjoyed at walking speed. You want time to look at the harbor, climb a few lanes, stop for lunch, and browse the small shops without constantly checking the clock. The boat does not make Symi a rushed snapshot. It gives you a proper taste of the island, even though you will not see every corner.

The price is about $69 per person. I consider that fair for a full-day outing with transport to Symi, three hours of free time, and the Saint George’s Bay stop. Meals and drinks are extra, and hotel transfers are not automatically included. If you add a transfer, check the pickup details closely and watch for the correct minibus. The transfer service has not always been perfectly clear at hotel pickups.

Leaving Rhodes from Mandraki Harbor

Your day begins at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes, unless you select another pickup option. The exact meeting point can vary, so check your booking details before setting out.

If you are coming by car, do not treat parking as a last-minute chore. Spaces near the harbor can be hard to find, and arriving only a few minutes before departure creates needless stress. Give yourself at least an hour.

Boarding early is also sensible if you care about your seat. The upper deck fills quickly, and people with long legs may want to find one of the seats with more room. Some seats are slim and have little space beneath the seat in front. A few sofa-style seats offer more comfort.

The boat ride is part of the fun, but a fast boat is not always a smooth boat. Conditions vary with the wind and waves. Some days bring a pleasant, quick ride. On other days, the crossing can feel rough, and people prone to seasickness may want travel medication or gum.

The crew is generally helpful when people board and leave the boat. The atmosphere can be relaxed, with music and occasional comments from the captain. On cooler days, fleece jackets may be available, a thoughtful touch when the sea breeze picks up.

Arriving in Symi’s picture-book harbor

Symi announces itself beautifully. The boat enters a sheltered fishing harbor lined with pastel-colored neoclassical houses. Church domes add small flashes of color above the buildings, and the water around the quay is a clear turquoise.

This is not a place where you need an elaborate schedule at first. Walk along the waterfront, look back at the stacked houses, and let the scene settle in. The harbor is compact enough to understand quickly, but the slopes and lanes rising behind it reward a bit of uphill wandering.

You have about three hours on the island. That is enough for a good first visit, though the heat can make the climb tiring in midsummer. I would begin with the higher lanes while your legs are fresh, then return to the harbor for food and shopping.

The uphill streets provide some of the best views. You can photograph the harbor from above, pass small houses and narrow passages, and get a better feel for Symi beyond its postcard waterfront. You do not need to walk every lane to enjoy the town. Even a short climb gives you a different view from the one seen by people who remain at the quay.

Making the most of three hours ashore

Three hours sounds generous, but it moves quickly once you combine walking, lunch, photographs, and browsing. I would use the time in three parts:

• Walk uphill for views and quiet streets.
• Return to the waterfront for lunch or a drink.
• Leave time for shops and a final look around the harbor.

Lunch is not included, but Symi gives you plenty of places to eat along the waterfront. The seafood is the obvious choice. Try the small Symi shrimp, often served fried, and consider ordering local ouzo if you want a taste of the island’s food culture.

Some people use part of their free time for a swim near the town. That can be tempting on a hot day, though the organized swim stop later at Saint George’s Bay is the prettier setting.

One practical point: public toilets are limited. Cafes provide facilities, so plan a stop rather than assuming you will find a public restroom when needed.

The island can feel hot and crowded in the middle of summer. The 3:15 departure avoids some of the midday heat and gives you a less busy visit, but it removes the proper swim stop. If swimming is important, take the 9:00 or 11:00 departure instead.

Saint George’s Bay and the half-hour swim

After Symi, the boat follows the coast toward Saint George’s Bay. The approach is one of the strongest parts of the day. High cliffs frame a small, striking cove, and the water is clear enough to make jumping from the boat hard to resist.

The regular stop lasts 30 minutes. You can swim from the boat, sit in the sun, or simply enjoy the view from deck. Pool noodles may be available for less confident swimmers or anyone who wants to float without much effort.

The water is the star here, but the setting adds plenty. Goats may be visible on the cliffs or near the shore, and a small church sits by the bay. It is a simple, memorable scene: pale rock, bright water, and a quiet cove reached by boat.

Still, 30 minutes is not a long time. Once the boat reaches the bay, you need to get ready, find a place to leave your belongings, enter the water, and be back onboard on schedule. I would wear your swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach.

The captain can change the route or omit the swim stop if weather conditions make it unsafe. From late September into October, the order may change so the boat visits Saint George’s Bay before Symi. That helps preserve the sunlight and color at the bay, since it can be shaded later in the day.

The 3:15 departure does not include swimming. It makes a five-minute photo stop instead, then returns to Rhodes with the possibility of a sunset view. Friday’s 5:00 night cruise also skips both swimming and the photo stop, returning around 10:00 p.m.

The ride back to Rhodes

The return crossing gives you a final look at the Dodecanese coast from the water. After a hot afternoon in Symi, the open air and sea breeze can feel welcome, though it can also be chilly. This is another reason to bring a light layer, even in summer.

The full outing lasts between six and nine hours, depending on the option and departure time. Routes and pickup arrangements affect the exact schedule. An occasional delay can happen, but the crew generally keeps passengers informed and may adjust the time in Symi when needed.

If you are connecting to a cruise ship or another fixed departure, allow extra time. A late return is not the usual plan, but the sea and weather have the final say. One useful detail: crew members have helped people get back to their ships after a delayed arrival, but it is still your responsibility to leave enough margin.

Who will enjoy this day trip most?

I would recommend this trip if you want a scenic island day without a long boat crossing. It suits couples, families with older children, photographers, and anyone who wants a pretty Greek harbor plus a swim in one outing.

It is also a good choice if you prefer independent exploring. There is no full guided tour of Symi, so you set your own pace. That freedom is useful if you want lunch, shopping, swimming, or photographs more than a running commentary.

It may be less suitable if you dislike fast boats, rough water, or limited time at each stop. The seats are not ideal for everyone, especially if you have long legs, and the Saint George’s Bay stop is too brief for anyone hoping for a long, relaxed swim.

The 3:15 option works best for people who value a cooler, quieter visit and sunset scenery more than swimming. The 9:00 or 11:00 boats are the clear choice if Saint George’s Bay is a main reason for booking.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. You will save time at Saint George’s Bay and avoid trying to change on a busy boat.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, and a light jacket or sweatshirt. The boat can feel cold when it is moving, even if Rhodes is hot at the harbor.

Arrive early for boarding. This helps with parking, check-in, and seating. The upper deck fills quickly, and early arrival gives you a better chance of finding more comfortable legroom.

If you are adding hotel transport, confirm where and when to wait. At least one pickup problem involved two minibuses and unclear communication, so stay visible and ask the driver to confirm your names and destination before a vehicle leaves.

Do not count on a detailed historical talk about Symi. This is mainly transport, free time, scenery, and swimming. If you want background, read a little about the island before you go or ask the crew what they can share.

The activity is offered with English, German, Greek, French, and Italian host or greeter support. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later if that option appears for your chosen time.

Should you book it?

Yes, if you want the quickest practical trip from Rhodes to Symi and you like mixing town time with a short swim. The island is genuinely beautiful, the fast crossing saves hours, and three hours gives you enough room to see the harbor, climb the lanes, eat, and shop.

Choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departure for the full Saint George’s Bay experience. Choose 3:15 if you prefer cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and sunset scenery, and do not mind giving up the swim.

At $69, I think the outing offers good value for a full day, especially compared with spending much longer on a slower boat. Just arrive early, prepare for wind and waves, and treat the 30-minute swim as a bright little bonus rather than a full beach afternoon.

FAQ

How long does the trip to Symi take?

The high-speed boat crossing takes approximately one hour each way. The complete activity lasts between six and nine hours, depending on the selected departure and pickup option.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore Symi independently. You can walk around the harbor, visit the upper lanes, shop, eat lunch, or swim near the town.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch and refreshments at one of the traditional tavernas in Symi.

Does every departure stop for swimming at Saint George’s Bay?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swimming stop. The 3:15 departure has a five-minute photo stop instead and does not include swimming.

Does the Friday 5:00 p.m. cruise include a swim stop?

No. The 5:00 p.m. Friday night cruise does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photos. It returns to Rhodes at about 10:00 p.m.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A light jacket or warm layer is also useful because the boat can feel windy and chilly, even on a warm day.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard activity. Some options may offer transfers, so check the exact option you book and confirm the pickup details.

Can I drive to the meeting point?

Yes, but parking at Mandraki Harbor can be difficult. If you arrive by car, plan to reach the harbor at least one hour before departure.

Can the route or swim stop change?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stop because of weather conditions. In late September and October, the boat may visit Saint George’s Bay before Symi to avoid shade at the bay.