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

Symi is the star here. Its fishing harbor is lined with pastel neoclassical houses, domed churches, small shops, and waterfront tavernas. The high-speed boat gets you there in about an hour, leaving three useful hours to walk, eat, shop, and swim before returning to Rhodes.

I like the efficient crossing and the chance to pair Symi with Saint George’s Bay, where you can jump from the boat into clear water beneath steep cliffs. I also like the practical touches, including fleece jackets when the sea wind turns cool and pool noodles for swimmers who want extra support.

The main catch is time. Thirty minutes at Saint George’s Bay passes quickly, and the boat ride can be rough in wind. If swimming matters most, avoid the 15:15 departure, which makes only a short photo stop.

Key points to know before you book

• Symi in about an hour: The fast crossing saves a lot of time compared with slower boats.
• Three hours on the island: Enough for the harbor, hillside walks, food, shopping, and a short swim.
• Saint George’s Bay swim: The 9:00 and 11:00 departures stop for about 30 minutes.
• A fast, open-sea ride: The trip can be smooth and fun, but wind and waves may make it bumpy.
• No guide-led island tour: You explore Symi independently, so bring your own plan.
• Departure time matters: The 15:15 boat skips the swim and returns with sunset views.

Why this Rhodes to Symi trip works so well

At $69 per person, this is a solid value if you want two very different experiences in one day. You get the boat crossing, free time on Symi, and a swim stop without arranging separate ferries or taxis.

The real value is the shorter crossing. Some Symi boats take around two and a half hours each way. Here, the high-speed service reaches the island in roughly one hour, leaving more of your day for the places you came to see.

You should think of this as an independent island visit, not a guided cultural tour. The crew handles the transport and timing, but nobody leads you through Symi’s streets or explains every building. I see that as a plus if you enjoy setting your own pace, though you may want to read a little about the island before leaving Rhodes.

The experience normally lasts six to nine hours, depending on your departure and pickup arrangement. English, German, Greek, French, and Italian support is available from the host or greeter.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor for the open sea

The trip begins at Mandraki Harbor, with the exact meeting point depending on the option you book. Arrive early. The harbor can be difficult for parking, especially if you come by car, and arriving at least an hour before departure is wise.

The boat ride is part of the fun, but it is not a quiet ferry crossing. You feel the speed, and the sea breeze can be surprisingly cold even on a warm Rhodes day. Staff may provide fleece jackets, which are useful on the return trip as well.

Seat choice matters. The upper deck fills quickly, and some seats have limited legroom. If you are tall or want a better view, arrive early rather than hoping to find a spacious seat later.

Conditions make a difference. On a calm day, the crossing can feel smooth and relaxed. In stronger wind, the ride may be rough, and seasickness is possible. If you are sensitive to motion, bring whatever remedy you normally use and avoid a heavy meal before sailing.

The crew is generally attentive with boarding and disembarking. Some departures may run slightly late, but the crew works to keep the schedule moving and may adjust island time when needed.

Symi Harbor: pastel houses and a self-guided afternoon

The approach to Symi is the visual payoff. The harbor curves between hills covered with colorful houses, with pale facades rising above the water in neat rows. Church domes add bright spots to the view, while fishing boats and small craft fill the bay.

You arrive in the main harbor area, where the town is easy to explore on foot. Three hours is a sensible amount of time for most people. It gives you enough room to see the waterfront, climb some of the narrow streets, stop for lunch, and browse shops without turning the visit into a race.

Start by walking along the water. The harbor is the best place for photographs, especially around the clock tower area and the rows of traditional buildings. From there, head into the lanes behind the waterfront. The climb gives you wider views back across the bay, but it can be hot in summer, so take water and wear sensible shoes.

Symi is small enough to enjoy without a fixed route. I would divide the stop into three parts:

• Walk the harbor and central lanes.
• Climb toward the upper streets for views and photographs.
• Return to the waterfront for food, shopping, or a short swim.

You can eat at one of the many traditional tavernas, but lunch is not included. Waterfront tables offer the most attractive setting, though prices and service can vary. Try the local Symi mini shrimps if they are available. They are a well-known local specialty and a better choice than treating the stop as just another generic seaside lunch.

There are shops selling souvenirs and local goods, and the waterfront has cafes for a quick drink. Public toilets are limited, so use the facilities at a cafe when you stop for food or coffee.

A short swim from Symi’s harbor may be possible, but do not rely on it as your main swim. The scheduled stop at Saint George’s Bay offers the clearest chance for a proper swim in open water.

The Saint George’s Bay swim stop

After leaving Symi, the boat heads along the coast toward Saint George’s Bay. The setting is dramatic: steep rock faces, bright water, and a small beach beneath the cliffs. Goats may be visible high on the rocks or near the shore, adding a distinctly Greek-island touch to the scene.

The usual swim stop lasts about 30 minutes. The boat remains the base, and you can jump directly into the water rather than walk onto a busy beach. The water is clear, and the sheltered bay usually feels like a welcome break after a hot afternoon in Symi.

Bring swimwear under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. You will not want to dig through a full bag while everyone else is heading for the water. Pool noodles are available for people who want help staying afloat or simply prefer to relax without swimming hard.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim and a few photographs, but it is not enough for a slow beach afternoon. Several people would prefer a longer stop, and I agree that the timing feels tight once boarding and getting dry are included.

The captain can change the route or stop according to weather conditions. That matters here because a swim from a fast boat depends on sea conditions, not just the advertised schedule.

For departures in late September and October, the order may change. The boat may visit Saint George’s Bay first so the bay still has sunlight and the water retains its best color. This is a smart seasonal adjustment, but it means the sequence may not match the standard daytime plan.

Choosing between the 9:00, 11:00, and 15:15 boats

Departure time changes the character of the day.

The 9:00 sailing gives you the fullest daytime experience. You get the crossing, about three hours on Symi, and the 30-minute swim at Saint George’s Bay. It is a good choice if you want time for walking and lunch without feeling rushed.

The 11:00 sailing also includes the swim stop. It may suit you better if you do not want an early start, though the island can feel hotter and busier later in the day.

The 15:15 departure is the choice for a quieter, cooler visit and sunset views on the way back to Rhodes. It does not include a swimming stop. Instead, the boat makes about a five-minute photo stop at Saint George’s Bay. Choose it only if sunset scenery matters more to you than getting into the water.

There is also a 17:00 Friday night cruise. This sailing does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photographs and returns around 22:00. It offers a different evening schedule, but it is not the right option if you want the advertised swim.

Comfort, transfers, and practical details

Hotel transfers are not included in the standard activity, though some booking options may offer a transfer add-on. This can reduce the stress of reaching Mandraki Harbor, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town.

Allow extra time if you use a transfer. One reported problem involved two minibuses arriving at a hotel, with unclear coordination and people being left behind temporarily. Keep watch for your vehicle, confirm the pickup details, and do not assume the driver will call out names clearly.

If you drive to Mandraki Harbor, parking is hard to find. Arriving an hour early gives you a better chance of solving the parking problem without a last-minute dash to the boat.

Meals and drinks are not included. Bring water, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel. A light jacket is also sensible because the boat can feel chilly at speed.

The boat may be full in high season, so booking ahead is sensible. Arriving early also improves your chance of choosing a seat with better legroom or a preferred upper-deck position.

The activity allows cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies help if the weather forecast is uncertain, though the captain still has the final say on the route and swim stop.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want to see Symi but do not want to spend five hours of the day on slow ferry crossings. It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone who likes a mix of town time and swimming.

It also works well for first-time visitors to Rhodes who want one memorable day away from the main island. Symi gives you architecture, food, shopping, and photographs. Saint George’s Bay adds the natural setting and swimming that Symi’s harbor alone cannot provide.

You may want a different boat trip if you dislike fast rides, want a guided explanation of Symi, or prefer a long beach stop. The 30-minute swim is a bonus, not a full beach excursion, and the island visit is self-guided.

The day can feel hot in July and August. If you dislike intense sun, consider the 15:15 sailing, but remember that you will lose the swim. For the best balance of swimming and cooler conditions, an early departure or a late-season date is the safer choice.

Is the Symi and Saint George’s Bay trip worth booking?

Yes, I would book it if your priority is efficient transport to beautiful Symi, followed by a quick swim in a striking bay. The $69 price is reasonable for the fast crossing and two-stop format, especially compared with arranging transport independently.

Choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departure if Saint George’s Bay is important. Choose 15:15 if you prefer a less intense afternoon and sunset views. Arrive early, bring a towel and jacket, and treat the three hours in Symi as free exploration rather than a guided tour.

The only real limitation is the compressed swim stop. If you can accept 30 minutes in the water and a possibly bumpy crossing, this is one of the most practical ways to fit Symi into a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

How much does the trip cost?

The listed price is $69 per person.

How long does the experience last?

The full activity lasts about six to nine hours, depending on the departure and pickup option.

How long is the boat ride to Symi?

The high-speed crossing takes about one hour under typical conditions.

How much free time do I get on Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore independently.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, but Symi has many traditional tavernas and cafes.

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

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. The 15:15 departure makes only about a five-minute photo stop.

Does the Friday 17:00 cruise include swimming?

No. The Friday 17:00 night cruise does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photographs and returns around 22:00.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. Sunscreen, water, and a light jacket are also practical choices because the boat can be windy and cool.

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel transfers are not included unless you select an option that offers them. The meeting point depends on the option booked.

Can the route or swim stop change?

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