Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

Symi is the star here, with its steep hills, bright neoclassical houses, and handsome harbor. This Rhodes to Symi boat trip adds a useful bonus: a swim and snorkeling stop at St Marina Bay, a quiet cove reached only by boat. I like the combination of sea time and free exploration, and I like that the boat starts and ends at Rhodes Harbour, so you avoid arranging separate island transport.

The main consideration is the long ride. You may spend roughly two hours each way on the boat, and the 30-minute swim stop is short. At $47 per person, this is strong value for a full day at sea, but you should bring a light jacket, towel, water, and something to read.

Key points before you book

• St Marina Bay is the first reward: You get a 30-minute stop for swimming and snorkeling in clear water that is accessible only by boat.
• Symi time is well judged for a first visit: Three hours gives you time for lunch, photos, a harbor walk, and a little shopping.
• The boat is slower than a catamaran: That keeps the price down and allows the swimming stop, but the return trip can feel long.
• Rizos Cruises keeps things practical: You have an open sun deck with sunbeds, an air-conditioned section, toilets, floats, and WiFi.
• Bring your own beach kit: Towels, food, drinks, and snorkeling gear are not included.
• Getting there takes care: Arrive 20 minutes early, exchange your voucher at the desk, and look for the boat marked DISCOVERY.

Why this Rhodes to Symi trip works

This is a straightforward island day rather than a luxury yacht outing. You board in Rhodes, watch the city and coastline recede, stop for a swim, then reach one of the Dodecanese’ most photogenic harbors.

I like the balance. You are not locked into a guide-led walking tour once you reach Symi. Instead, you get several hours to choose your own pace. You can eat lunch by the water, wander the colorful streets, browse small shops, or simply sit with a cold drink and watch the boats come and go.

The price matters, too. At $47, the trip is among the less expensive ways to reach Symi from Rhodes. Faster catamarans may get you there sooner, but this boat includes a swimming stop that the faster services may not offer. If your priority is seeing Symi and enjoying a day on the water without paying for a premium vessel, the trade-off makes sense.

You should not expect a private cruise or a quiet, intimate sailing experience. This is a scheduled excursion with a set route, shared facilities, and a fairly long crossing. That is perfectly fine for many people, but it helps to know what you are buying.

Boarding at Rhodes Harbour

The exact starting point depends on the option you select, especially if you add a transfer. For the harbour meeting point, arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat, and you should look for the Rizos Cruises DISCOVERY boat.

The check-in window is listed as 8:00 to 8:30. Do not cut this close. The boat can leave on time, and one earlier departure even left slightly ahead of schedule, so arriving early is the sensible move.

If you book optional pickup, wait at the agreed pickup point 10 minutes before the stated time. The transfer vehicle carries the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen. Keep your phone number accurate when booking, since the operator may contact you by phone or WhatsApp with the pickup point and time. Drivers wait only about two minutes after the scheduled time, although traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes.

The advertised hotel transfer list covers a large part of Rhodes, including resorts around Faliraki, Kallithea, Ialyssos, Ixia, and the east coast. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the basic cruise price, so check your selected option carefully.

The boat ride from Rhodes to St Marina Bay

Once underway, you can settle into the open sun deck or choose the air-conditioned interior. Sunbeds are available, and there are toilets onboard, which becomes important during a full day at sea. WiFi and floats are also provided.

For the best outdoor seats, arrive early. The front or upper open areas are the natural choice if you want wide views and plenty of sun. If you prefer shade, air conditioning, or a quieter place to sit, the indoor area is more practical. In cooler months, or at the beginning and end of the season, pack a light jacket. One passenger found the shaded seating chilly after sitting there for a long stretch.

The crossing gives you a different view of Rhodes. Instead of beaches and resort roads, you see the island from the water, with sunshine, open sea, and passing fishing boats. The journey is part of the day, not just transportation, but you should be realistic about the pace. Depending on conditions and the exact schedule, the ride can feel like 1.5 to 2.5 hours in each direction.

Onboard drinks, snacks, ice cream, and lollies are available for purchase. Food and drinks are not included, so bring cash and consider carrying a small lunch or extra water. There is no information about lockers, and you may not want to leave phones, hotel keys, or wallets unattended while swimming. A small waterproof pouch is a useful precaution.

St Marina Bay: a 30-minute swim stop

The first main stop is St Marina Bay, also identified in some descriptions as Marina Bay on Symi. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, take photos, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

This is a good feature of the trip. The bay is reachable only by boat, so the stop feels separate from the more developed harbor experience later in the day. The water is described as clear and attractive for a quick swim. Floats are available, and you can bring your own snorkeling gear.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a short swim stop, not a full snorkeling excursion. You are expected to remain fairly close to the boat, and there may not be much marine life to see. If you want coral reefs or a serious snorkeling session, this is unlikely to satisfy you. If you simply want a refreshing dip in a beautiful cove, 30 minutes is enough.

Wear your beachwear under your clothes so you can get in quickly. Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and a waterproof way to carry anything you need. The boat does not provide towels, and the schedule will not wait for a slow change of clothes.

Arriving in Symi Harbour

After the swim, the boat makes the shorter run to Symi Harbour. The approach is one of the strongest parts of the day. Hills rise around the water, and rows of colorful neoclassical houses give the harbor its distinctive appearance.

This is a place where the arrival itself is part of the sightseeing. Keep your camera ready as the boat comes into port. You will also see small fishing boats and local craft along the way, details that make the crossing feel connected to island life rather than just a transfer between tourist ports.

Symi is compact around the harbor, but the slopes rise quickly behind it. That means you can enjoy a satisfying visit without attempting a major island expedition. The waterfront is the easiest area to explore, with restaurants, shops, photo stops, and views across the bay.

Three hours to eat, shop, and wander

You have about three hours of free time in Symi. For most people, that is enough to get a feel for the port without becoming rushed. I would use the first few minutes to note exactly where and when you must return to the boat. Then choose one main aim rather than trying to see the entire island.

A relaxed plan could look like this:

• Walk along the harbor and take in the painted houses.
• Choose a waterside restaurant for lunch.
• Spend time in the smaller streets and browse local shops.
• Get an ice cream or coffee before returning to the pier.
• Leave a margin for finding the boarding point.

Three hours works particularly well if your goal is lunch, photographs, and a first look at Symi. It is less suitable if you want to travel far beyond the harbor. A longer outing to places such as the Monastery of Panormitis would require more time than this schedule comfortably allows.

You may find the pace either generous or slightly long, depending on your interests. Some people will appreciate time for a proper meal and shopping. Others will feel ready to leave after a walk around the port. Since the return boat is fixed, you cannot shorten your island visit and use the extra time for another swim stop.

The return to Rhodes

The ride back is where the trip’s slower speed becomes most noticeable. After lunch and sightseeing, you may be ready for a quieter seat and a rest. The open deck gives you sea views and sun, while the indoor area offers shade and air conditioning.

I recommend saving a book, downloaded podcast, or simple card game for the return. You can also treat the journey as downtime. Sit with a drink, watch the coast, and let the day’s pace drop.

The crew receives consistent praise for being friendly, polite, and helpful. Instructions are given over the boat’s public-address system, which helps with boarding and departure times. The boat is kept clean, including the toilets, and the bar gives you an easy way to buy refreshments without packing everything yourself.

One practical weakness is the lack of a second swimming stop on the way back. Adding another break would make the long return feel easier, but the fixed schedule does not offer it. If you know you dislike long boat crossings, a faster catamaran may suit you better, although you may pay more and lose the swim stop.

What the $47 price really includes

The $47 fare covers the cruise, the St Marina Bay stop, free time in Symi, onboard toilets, an air-conditioned section, sunbeds, floats, WiFi, and insurance. That is a solid package for an eight-hour day.

It does not cover hotel transfers unless you select that option, nor does it include food, drinks, or towels. Paid snacks and drinks are available onboard, but you should budget for them separately. Bring cash, especially if you plan to buy lunch or souvenirs in Symi.

The value is strongest for a first visit to Symi. You get transport, a swim, and several hours on the island without arranging ferries or local connections yourself. The value is weaker if you want a premium sailing experience, a short crossing, or extended time away from the harbor.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the exact start time and pickup choice before booking, since those details depend on the option selected.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a simple way to see Symi from Rhodes and enjoy a swim without paying for a high-end boat. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who like having free time rather than following a guide through every street.

It also works for anyone who wants an easy first taste of Symi. Three hours lets you see the harbor, eat, shop, and take photographs without committing to an overnight stay.

You may want another option if your main aim is snorkeling. The stop is beautiful but brief, and marine life can be limited. You may also prefer a faster vessel if you become uncomfortable on long crossings or want more time away from the harbor.

Bring a towel, beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, and snorkeling gear. Weapons, sharp objects, indoor smoking, littering, and explosive substances are not allowed. English and Greek are spoken onboard.

Should you book the Rizos Cruises Symi trip?

Book it if you want good-value access to Symi, a pleasant swim stop, and a flexible three-hour visit in the harbor. The clean boat, friendly crew, practical facilities, and low fare make it a sensible choice for a full day from Rhodes.

Skip it if you want a fast crossing, extensive snorkeling, or a guided tour of the whole island. The boat is slower, the bay stop is short, and Symi time is centered on the harbor.

For most first-time visitors, I think the balance is right. Arrive early, claim a good seat, pack a light jacket and towel, and accept that the ride is part of the experience. You will get a memorable look at Symi without spending a great deal.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi boat trip last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours. It includes the cruise from Rhodes, a 30-minute stop at St Marina Bay, about three hours in Symi, and the return journey.

How much time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time. You can use it for lunch, shopping, photos, and walking around the harbor area.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The boat stops at St Marina Bay for about 30 minutes, allowing time for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkeling equipment is not listed as included, so bring your own gear if you want to snorkel. Floats are provided onboard.

Are towels, food, and drinks included?

No. Towels, food, and drinks are not included. Snacks, drinks, ice cream, and lollies can be bought onboard.

Where do I meet the boat?

The meeting point depends on your selected option. At the harbour meeting point, arrive 20 minutes early, exchange your voucher at the desk, and look for the Rizos Cruises boat marked DISCOVERY.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional for selected locations. It is not included in the basic cruise price. If you select a transfer, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes early and watch for the RIZOS CRUISES logo.

What languages are available?

The host and greeter service is available in Greek and English.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.