If you’re spending time in Rhodes and looking for something that delivers real experiences without breaking the bank, this full-day boat excursion deserves serious consideration. We’re impressed by two things in particular: the sheer value you get for the price (under $50 includes both a swimming stop and a full island visit), and the fact that the itinerary takes you to genuinely beautiful, relatively uncrowded spots that feel authentically Greek rather than overly polished tourist traps.

That said, there’s one important consideration worth mentioning upfront: this is a long day on the water (roughly 9 hours total), and the boat can get quite crowded. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more leisurely pace, you’ll want to think carefully about whether this suits your travel style.

This tour works best for active travelers who don’t mind a full day of adventure, appreciate good value for money, and want to see the kind of places that make you understand why people fall in love with Greece. Let’s dig into what makes this excursion tick.

The Real Cost-to-Value Equation

At $48.37 per person, this tour ranks among the most affordable full-day experiences available from Rhodes. But here’s what matters more than the price tag: what you’re actually getting for that money. You’re receiving transportation to two separate destinations, an hour of swimming time in one of the clearest bays you’ll encounter in Greece, three hours to explore a charming island village, and a boat with working facilities on board. The fact that lunch isn’t included actually works in your favor—you’ll eat at local restaurants in Symi where prices are reasonable and the food is authentic.

One traveler captured this perfectly: “The island itself was probably the best thing about the trip. It was so beautiful and the staff on board were also very smiley and kind and welcomed us so nicely.” For the price, this level of service and these destinations represent genuinely solid value, especially when compared to the all-inclusive cruises that cost significantly more.

Your Day on the Water: Hour by Hour

The experience begins at the Half Price Tours office in Rhodes town (or from your hotel if you arrange the pickup service, which costs extra depending on your location). You’ll want to arrive early, particularly during high season. One traveler noted that Half Price Tours “contacted us the day before to share details for the morning” and advised arriving early to “ensure we could check in and get good seats as it was high season.”

The boat departs and heads toward St. George Bay, a journey that takes approximately two hours. This is where the seasickness consideration comes in—multiple reviews mention the boat can be “very bumpy,” and motion sickness pills come up repeatedly. One honest review states: “I would recommend taking travel sickness tablets if you get sea sick.” If you’re susceptible to motion sickness, don’t skip this precaution.

St. George Bay: Your Swimming Stop

After roughly two hours of travel, you’ll arrive at St. George Bay, where you’ll have approximately one hour to swim. This is genuinely worth the journey—the water here is strikingly clear, and the bay itself is relatively unspoiled. One traveler described it as “utterly breathtaking – crystal clear waters. I’ve never seen something like it!”

A few practical notes from fellow travelers: bring your own snorkel if you want one, as the boat only provides basic woggles for snorkeling. Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you can jump in immediately. One thoughtful traveler suggested: "bring something warm to wrap up in afterwards," which is solid advice, especially if the breeze picks up as you continue traveling.

The swimming hour goes quickly, and one reviewer noted it was "quite a lot of time in comparison to other trips so it was great." After your swim, you'll dry off and continue to Symi Island—a 30-minute journey from St. George Bay.

Symi Island: Three Hours to Explore

This is where the day really opens up. You'll have three hours to explore Symi, which is genuinely small enough to cover on foot but charming enough to warrant the time. The island is famous for its colorful waterfront houses and authentic Greek village atmosphere—it's the kind of place that feels like stepping into a different era.

What can you actually accomplish in three hours? You can have a proper lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants (try the local symi shrimp, a regional delicacy), walk through the main streets and browse the small shops, and take plenty of photos. One traveler said, "3 hours is enough time to have lunch and view most of the main street and little shops." Another noted: "Symi was equally beautiful" as St. George Bay, and praised seeing "the colorful houses and such a unique atmosphere."

The food here is worth your attention. Multiple reviews mention enjoying "delicious" meals and "varied" food options. One traveler specifically recommended: "try the symi shrimp a local delicacy." The restaurants are casual and reasonably priced—you're not paying Rhodes resort prices here.

There's a small beach about a 13-minute walk from the main port if you want to squeeze in another quick swim or snorkel. One traveler who explored this option said: "beach was 13 minutes walk brilliant snorkeling spot too! Saw soooo many fish we'd not seen b4 in Greece."

The Boat and Logistics: What to Expect

Let's be honest about the vessel itself. Several reviews mention the boat is "outdated" and "a bit rusty." One traveler noted it was "not the safest-looking," though they still found the experience worthwhile. The boat is large enough to accommodate around 200 people, which brings us to the elephant in the room: crowding.

This is the one consistent complaint across reviews. The boat frequently reaches capacity, and finding seats—especially together if you're traveling with someone—can be challenging. One traveler shared their frustration: "We spent about 6 hours on the boat just to be in Symi for 3 hours, not enough seats on the boat and we were packed like sardines."

Another review provided more context: "The boat was very full. Waiting at the harbour they just kept putting more and more people on and people were struggling to find seats." If you arrive at the port early (rather than coming via hotel transfer), you can secure better seating. Those using the hotel transfer service sometimes find the boat already nearly full by the time they board.

The good news: the boat has working toilets (kept clean, according to reviews), a bar with reasonably priced drinks and snacks, and you can retreat below deck if the weather turns rough topside. The crew consistently receives praise across reviews—described as "friendly," "professional," and "welcoming."

Timing Reality Check

Here's what the actual day looks like: roughly two hours to St. George Bay, one hour swimming, 30 minutes to Symi, three hours in Symi, and two hours returning to Rhodes. That's a full day, and it's important to understand this isn't a quick excursion. One traveler said: "it felt a long day, 2 hours to Saint George's Bay, half an hour to Symi from there and then approximately 2 hours back to Rhodes but was well worth it."

What's Included and What You'll Need

The tour includes the boat trip and onboard restroom access. Lunch is not included, but that's actually fine—you'll eat in Symi where prices are fair and the quality is good. Snacks and drinks are available on the boat at reasonable prices (water for 50 cents, soft drinks moderately priced).

What should you bring? Definitely pack motion sickness tablets if you're prone to seasickness. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and something warm to throw on afterward. Sunscreen is essential. If you want to snorkel properly, bring your own snorkel gear. Cash is useful on the boat for drinks and snacks, though one traveler mentioned they had "cash only to buy snacks on boat," so check current payment options when you book.

The Hotel Pickup Option

If your hotel isn't within walking distance of the Rhodes town center, the hotel pickup service is worth considering. It's an extra charge based on your location (south coast hotels cost more than those closer to town), but it eliminates the hassle of getting to the meeting point early. Multiple reviews praise this service as "super efficient" and "stellar." One traveler noted: "Picked up on time at our hotel, taken to the boat. Everything was 100% on schedule, no delays."

The only caveat: arriving by transfer means you board the boat later, so you're more likely to find it already crowded. If you can manage it, getting to the office early gives you more control over your seating situation.

Weather and Cancellation Flexibility

This tour requires good weather, and cancellations do happen. One traveler found out "a day before, at 5.30pm that the trip would not include St. George Bay due to bad weather." They were disappointed because the weather turned out fine that day, but weather forecasting isn't an exact science. The tour operator offers either a different date or full refund if weather causes cancellation.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which gives you reasonable flexibility if your plans change.

Who This Tour Really Suits

This experience works best for travelers who can commit a full day to an excursion, don't mind sharing a boat with other travelers, and want to see genuinely beautiful places without spending a fortune. It's excellent for swimmers and snorkelers. It's less ideal if you're prone to severe seasickness, prefer smaller group experiences, or need a more leisurely pace.

Families with older kids and teens generally enjoy it. Solo travelers find it social and stress-free. Couples often appreciate the variety—swimming, island exploration, and sunset views on the return journey (one traveler mentioned "we even saw the sunset on the way back").

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the boat ride to St. George Bay?
The journey to St. George Bay takes approximately two hours. From St. George Bay to Symi is about 30 minutes, and the return to Rhodes is roughly two hours. It's a full day of travel, so come prepared with motion sickness tablets if you're prone to seasickness.

What's included in the $48.37 price?
The price covers your boat transportation to both St. George Bay and Symi Island, access to onboard facilities (restroom), and your swimming time at St. George Bay. Lunch is not included, but you'll have three hours to eat in Symi at local restaurants with reasonable prices. Snacks and drinks are available on the boat for purchase.

Is there enough time to explore Symi Island properly?
You'll have three hours in Symi, which is enough time for lunch at a waterfront restaurant, a walk through the main streets and shops, and some photos. Multiple travelers confirmed this timeframe is adequate to see the highlights. If you're an extremely thorough explorer, you might wish for more time, but most people find it sufficient.

How crowded does the boat get?
The boat can accommodate around 200 people, and it frequently reaches capacity. Finding seats can be challenging, especially if you're traveling as a couple and want to sit together. Arriving at the port early (rather than via hotel transfer) gives you a better chance of securing good seating. Several reviews mention the boat being "packed," so manage your expectations about personal space.

What should I bring for the swimming stop?
Wear your swimsuit under your clothes so you can jump in immediately. Bring a towel and something warm to put on afterward. The water is cold enough that warming up matters. If you want to snorkel with proper equipment, bring your own snorkel gear—the boat only provides basic woggles. Sunscreen is essential.

Will my hotel pickup be on time?
According to reviews, the hotel pickup service is reliable. One traveler noted being "picked up on time at our hotel" with "everything was 100% on schedule, no delays." The service costs extra depending on your hotel's location (south coast hotels cost more). Just note that arriving by transfer means boarding a boat that's already partially full, so you might not get ideal seating.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather and can be canceled if conditions are poor. If cancellation occurs, you'll be offered either a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund if your plans change. Just note that cancellations less than 24 hours before departure are non-refundable.

Bottom line: This tour delivers exceptional value and genuine experiences—crystal-clear swimming waters, an authentically charming Greek island, and good food—for under $50 per person. Yes, the boat gets crowded and the day is long, but most travelers find the destinations and the price more than compensate for these minor inconveniences. It's perfect for active travelers who want to see real Greece without spending a fortune, and the 93% recommendation rate from actual visitors speaks volumes.