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

Symi is the star here, and this boat gets you there without the usual bus ride into Rhodes Town. You spend about three hours in Symi Town, enough for a waterfront meal, photos, shopping, and a good walk through the colorful harbor. I also like the Saint George’s Bay swim stop, a sharp change of pace after time on land.

I love the easy Faliraki pickup and the free parking at Amada Colossos. The drawback is the fast boat itself: engines are loud, the ride can feel windy or bumpy, and three hours in Symi may feel short if you want a slow lunch and serious exploring.

Key points to know before booking

• Direct Faliraki departure: Four beach-area pickup points save you the 40-minute trip to Rhodes Town.
• Three hours in Symi: Enough for the harbor, lunch, shopping, and a short walk, but not a leisurely full-island visit.
• Saint George’s Bay stop: You get 30 minutes to swim in clear water surrounded by steep, bare cliffs.
• High-speed boat ride: The crossing is quick, but wind, waves, and engine noise are part of the deal.
• Free parking: The Amada Colossos station has free all-day parking close to the beach.
• Weather can change the plan: Departure times, the order of stops, and the swimming bay may shift for wind and sea conditions.

Why this Faliraki to Symi trip is so useful

If you are staying in Faliraki, this excursion solves the biggest nuisance of a Symi day trip: getting to the harbor in Rhodes Town before the boat leaves. Instead, you can board near your hotel or use the short minibus transfer to the Amada Colossos beach station.

The four pickup choices are Faliraki Harbour, Apollo Blue Hotel, the beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel, and Amada Colossos Resort. The service is designed around the resort strip, so you do not need to arrange a separate taxi or bus from Faliraki.

There is one small wrinkle. The boat does not always sail directly from each advertised beach point. At the Faliraki Harbour and Apollo Blue kiosk, staff check you in and may put you on a minibus for the five-minute ride to Amada Colossos, where the main boat boards. That is still much easier than going all the way to Rhodes Town, but you should know the difference before you arrive.

The stated morning check-in times are around 9:50 at Faliraki Harbour and the Apollo Blue kiosk. Beach pickup times are listed around 10:00 at Calypso, 10:05 near Esperides Beach, and 10:15 at Amada Colossos. Since the exact meeting arrangement can depend on your chosen stop and sea conditions, arrive early and follow the time shown for your booking.

The fast crossing from Faliraki to Symi

The first major cruise section lasts about 80 minutes. That is a useful saving compared with a slower ferry, especially when you only have one day for Symi.

The speed is also the defining feature of the boat. The ride can be smooth and exciting, but the open sea brings wind and spray. Several people found the boat comfortable even when the water was choppy, while others found the engine loud enough to recommend headphones or earplugs. If you are sensitive to noise or motion, sit where you feel most secure and bring a light layer.

The crew has fleece tops available when the wind turns cold. That is handy in spring and autumn, when the sea air can feel much cooler than Faliraki Beach. In July and August, the open deck gives you wide coastal views, but the sun can be fierce. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and something to cover your shoulders.

A short stop in Mandraki Harbour may be made to let some people on or off. It is not a sightseeing stop, so do not count on time to walk around Rhodes Town. The main purpose is to keep the boat service moving before the long run to Symi.

The sea crossing is part of the attraction, not just transport. You get changing views of the Rhodes coast and open water, and dolphin sightings are possible, though never promised. Keep your expectations realistic: this is a fast passenger boat, not a quiet sailing trip.

Three hours in Symi Town

The approach to Symi is the visual payoff. The harbor curves around a narrow bay lined with pastel-colored neoclassical houses. Small boats sit on the water, church domes punctuate the hills, and the steep setting makes the town feel very different from the broad resort beaches of Rhodes.

You arrive with roughly three hours to spend on your own. There is no scheduled walking tour, so you control the pace. I would begin with a slow walk along the waterfront, then turn into the lanes behind the harbor before choosing lunch.

Symi is known for its painted houses and compact harbor setting, so much of the pleasure comes from simply looking around. You can take photos from the waterfront, browse shops, sit with a coffee, or find a taverna serving seafood and traditional dishes.

The time limit is the main tradeoff. Three hours is enough for a first taste, a meal, and a short wander. It is not enough for a relaxed lunch, extensive shopping, and a long visit to every corner of the town. Some people found the allotted time just right, while others wanted another hour.

To make the most of it, avoid losing your first 30 minutes to a long meal. Walk first, note where you want to eat, and keep an eye on the meeting time. Symi’s harbor is easy to enjoy at a slow pace, but the return boat will not wait for a late table or an extra photograph.

Lunch is not included, so budget separately. A waterfront meal offers the setting, but prices and service can vary. If value matters more than the view, compare menus as you walk. You can also choose a lighter meal and save more time for exploring.

Saint George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

After Symi, the boat heads toward Saint George’s Bay for a 30-minute swimming stop. The bay is surrounded by steep cliffs, with no road access visible from the water. That dramatic setting is what makes the stop feel special.

The water is clear and intensely blue, and the short swim is a welcome break after sitting on the boat and walking through Symi. You can swim from the boat or remain on deck and enjoy the view. Bring a swimsuit under your clothes, since changing time will be limited.

Conditions matter here. Wind and current can make swimming tiring, especially for weaker swimmers or children. The crew gives safety instructions, and you should follow them closely. Do not enter the water until the crew says it is safe, and remember that 30 minutes passes quickly.

The order of the day may change. From late September and through October, the boat may visit Saint George’s Bay before Symi so the bay gets better light and the water looks its best. In other conditions, the swim may come after Symi. Weather can also require a different bay or an earlier departure.

That flexibility is sensible, but it means the exact sequence shown in a brochure is not guaranteed. If the bay is shaded, windy, or unsafe, the crew may shorten the stop or use another location. One October booking specifically found the advertised order confusing, so check the current plan when you board.

The return ride and what eight hours really means

The full activity lasts about eight hours. The listed cruise sections add up to roughly three hours and ten minutes on the water, with three hours in Symi and 30 minutes at the swimming stop. The remaining time covers boarding, transfers, and the normal movement of a busy day at sea.

The return from Saint George’s Bay to Faliraki takes about 90 minutes according to the schedule. By then, you may be ready for a quiet seat and a light snack. The ride can feel longer after a hot day, so keep water with you and do not rely only on buying food in Symi.

Drop-off points are the same four areas: Apollo Blue Hotel, Calypso Beach, Amada Colossos, and Faliraki Harbour. If you used the minibus connection on the way out, allow a little patience on the way back. One account described waiting around 20 minutes for the transfer to Faliraki Harbour, while other departures ran on time.

That is the nature of a shared boat service. The crew may be punctual and organized, but sea conditions, boarding, and short transfers can create delays. Do not book a tight dinner reservation or airport connection immediately after the stated return time.

Price, parking, and overall value

At $81 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on the water, but the price buys more than a simple boat crossing. You get pickup from the Faliraki area, a fast journey, three hours in Symi, a dedicated swim stop, and the convenience of avoiding Rhodes Town.

The free parking at Amada Colossos improves the value for anyone with a rental car. Parking is close to the beach station, reported at roughly 50 meters away, so you can leave the car for the day and board without arranging a taxi.

The value is weaker if you are already staying close to Rhodes Town or can find a cheaper direct boat from another departure point. Some bookings made through outside sales platforms cost more than booking directly with Rhodes Sea Lines. It is worth comparing the final price before paying, while checking that the departure point, cancellation terms, and included transfers match.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. The service is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the beach boarding arrangement and minibus transfer are details you should confirm in advance if you need specific assistance.

Who will enjoy this boat most

I would choose this trip if you are staying in Faliraki and want to see Symi without giving up a full day to transport. It suits people who like a clear schedule, independent time in port, and a quick sea ride rather than a slow ferry.

It is also a good fit for couples, families with older children, and anyone who wants one memorable island day during a Rhodes holiday. The combination of colorful Symi and a swim in Saint George’s Bay gives the day more variety than a simple town visit.

You may want another option if you get seasick, dislike engine noise, or need a long, unhurried visit. The boat is fast, exposed to wind, and sometimes bumpy. Symi deserves more than three hours if your priority is a relaxed meal and detailed exploration.

For the best chance of a comfortable day, bring earplugs or headphones, a fleece or light jacket, swimwear, sun protection, water, and a small towel. Keep valuables secure near the water, and wear footwear that works for both the boat and Symi’s streets.

Should you book the Faliraki to Symi cruise?

Yes, if you are based in Faliraki and want the simplest practical route to Symi. The direct resort-area boarding, free parking, fast crossing, striking harbor, and Saint George’s Bay swim make a strong full-day package for $81.

Book with realistic expectations. You get three hours, not a full day on the island. The sea can be windy, the engines are loud, and the order of the stops may change. If those limits suit you, this is one of the most efficient ways to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday without starting your morning in Rhodes Town.

FAQ

Where can I board the boat in Faliraki?

The four pickup areas are Faliraki Harbour, Apollo Blue Hotel, the beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel, and Amada Colossos Resort. Some passengers checking in at Faliraki Harbour or Apollo Blue are taken by minibus to Amada Colossos for boarding.

Is parking available?

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

How long do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Symi Town. Lunch, shopping, walking, and swimming in the harbor area are at your own expense and discretion.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you should budget for food in Symi or bring something suitable for the day.

How long is the swimming stop?

The stop at Saint George’s Bay lasts 30 minutes. The location and order of the stop can change because of wind, sea conditions, season, and available light.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.