Thinking about taking a boat trip from Rhodes to Symi? This full-day excursion offers a chance to see one of Greece’s charming islands and enjoy a refreshing swim in a stunning bay. While many travelers rave about the views and the experience, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.
What we love about this trip is the chance to explore Symi’s colorful, postcard-worthy streets in just a few hours and to swim at St. George Bay, a spot often praised for its clear water and scenic backdrop. The value for money at around $46 per person seems reasonable given the full day of sightseeing and swimming.
However, a potential downside is that some reviews mention the boat can be crowded, and the travel time is longer than some might prefer—about two hours each way. This means a lot of time on the water, which might not suit everyone, especially if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer shorter excursions.
We found out a day before, at 5.30pm that the trip would not include St. George Bay due to bad weather. Did not have any other choice but accepting to go only to Symi since it was the only day we had available. On our trip day it rained only 5 minutes, on our departure from Rhodos. Anyway, we missed the St. George Bay. Ferry trip was very, very bumpy. Motion sickness pills are a must.
Great experience. Both myself and my mum came to Rhodes with the plan to visit Symi island. I accidentally booked the cruise with the swimming stop at Saint George’s Bay and wow I am glad I did. It was utterly breathtaking – crystal clear waters. I’ve never seen something like it! Symi was equally beautiful. We opted for the transfer to and from our hotel for ease. 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. We even saw the sunset on the way back. Highly recommend this tour and half price tours for any excursion!
Such a lovely tour, the boat ride was nice, you can stay below if it's too windy or rainy up top. Wear your suit so you can jump in right away and bring something warm to wrap up in afterwards.
This trip tends to suit travelers who want a relaxed day combining island exploration with a beautiful swim, and who don’t mind a longer boat ride.
Key Points
- Beautiful Stops: Symi’s tiny, colorful streets and St. George Bay’s crystal-clear waters are real highlights.
- Good Value: At around $46, the trip offers a full-day experience with scenic views and swimming.
- Crowded Boats: The reviews suggest that the boat can get crowded, so those who prefer comfort might need to prepare.
- Long Travel Time: Expect about two hours each way, which can feel lengthy but gives a good chance to relax and enjoy the sea.
- Flexible Includes: The trip covers the boat ride, restroom facilities, and pickup service, making it convenient.
- No Lunch Included: You’ll have free time in Symi for a meal, so planning ahead is smart.
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What’s the Itinerary Like?
The day kicks off at 10:00 am from Rhodes, with pickup offered from your hotel or a nearby location. From there, it’s roughly a two-hour boat ride to Symi. The journey itself can be a highlight—many reviews mention the scenic views and the pleasant ride, although some note it’s a long trip.
Once in Symi, you’ll have about 3 hours of free time. This window is enough to soak in the charm of the island’s narrow streets, colorful houses, and quaint shops. Symi is small, so a leisurely walk through its winding alleys allows you to truly feel the vibe of this boutique Greek village.
One traveler mentioned, “Symi island is beautiful, the three hours giving to explore are more than enough,” which is something to keep in mind if you’re hoping to do a quick tour rather than a full exploration.
After your time on the island, the group heads to St. George Bay for about an hour of swimming. The bay often appears in reviews as a stunning spot for snorkeling and relaxing in clear waters. Many travelers say this swim is the highlight—the perfect chance to cool off and see some fish in the calm, shallow waters.
The return trip is another two hours or so, and the tour ends back at the meeting point in Rhodes around 7:00 pm. Keep in mind, the boat can be quite crowded, so securing a spot might require early arrival or patience if you’re particular about seating.
Super convenient and stress free trip. Picked up on time at our hotel, taken to the boat. Everything was 100% on schedule, mo delays. Boat ride to swim at St. George’s bay, then to Symi island with 3 hours to spare. We had dinner and enjoyed our walk. Swim at St. George’s bay was absolutely fabulous! I just wish swim came after Symi island so we would be dry on our walk
Symi was a beautiful picturesque little gem. Really enjoyed it there after the long boat ride. I think I will take the faster boat next time and with out the swim stop. We booked this excursion with pickup from our hotel.
Very relaxed and enjoyable trip. After our recent stay in Marmaris where in most of the trips we went on you were treated like a captive audience to be harassed and upsold whatever, the change in outlook was very much appreciated. Water was available at 50 cents and soft drinks were more than reasonable but you were never approached by anyone. The service was quick and delightful despite dealing with the vagaries of signal on the phone to pay on the card since you are so close to the Turkish border but they manage to sort everything out, everything on board not only the crew but even other Greek passengers were beyond welcoming and helpful. Symi was a very pleasant day out.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Rhodes
What to Expect on the Boat
The trip includes basic amenities like restroom facilities onboard, which are appreciated on a full-day tour. Some reviews mention that the boat can be packed, especially during peak times or if the boat is not a "fast boat," which might influence your comfort level.
A couple of travelers noted that snacks and drinks are available for purchase, but cash-only transactions are common. No lunch is included, so planning to grab a meal in Symi or bringing snacks is a good idea, especially if you prefer variety or have dietary preferences.
The group size can be up to 200 people, so don’t expect a private experience, but most reviews find the crew friendly and helpful, which makes a big difference when dealing with larger groups.
The Pros and Cons
Pros
- Picture-perfect scenery: Symi’s colorful houses and St. George Bay’s turquoise waters are unforgettable.
- Great value for money: For around $46, the day includes transportation, swimming, and exploration time.
- Convenient pickup: The tour offers pick-up from your hotel or a nearby spot, removing the hassle of arranging transport.
- Flexible free time: Three hours in Symi is enough for a quick exploration, and the swim stop is well-loved.
Cons
- Long boat ride: About four hours in total on the water might be tiring, especially for those not used to boat travel.
- Crowded conditions: Some reviews mention limited seats and crowded boats, which could impact your comfort.
- Timing issues: A few travelers felt that the schedule could be clearer or better explained, especially the timing of activities.
Who Would Enjoy This Trip?
This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed day of scenic views, island wandering, and swimming without breaking the bank. It's ideal if you’re comfortable on boats and don’t mind a longer journey to reach a beautiful destination.
If you’re someone who enjoys the small-town charm of Symi, or you’re looking for a good day-trip option that combines sightseeing with a refreshing swim, this trip fits nicely. However, if you prefer shorter excursions or are sensitive to crowded conditions, you might want to consider other options or prepare accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This boat trip to Symi offers a mix of stunning scenery, cultural exploration, and relaxing swimming in a single day. The value for money is solid, especially considering the scenic beauty and the friendly crew. If you're looking to see a different side of Greece, away from the more touristy spots, this trip delivers a charming experience.
The main drawbacks—long travel time and crowded boats—are worth keeping in mind if you’re looking for a more intimate or comfortable adventure. Still, many travelers find the views, the colorful streets of Symi, and the swim stop at St. George Bay to be well worth the journey.
If you enjoy island hopping and don’t mind a busy boat, this tour will give you a memorable taste of Greek island life that you’ll cherish long after your trip ends.
Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay
"We found out a day before, at 5.30pm that the trip would not include St. George Bay due to bad weather. Did not have any other choice but accepting..."
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for families? The tour is generally open to most travelers, but the boat can get crowded, and the long hours on water might be tiring for very young children. Be prepared for a possibly packed experience.
What should I bring? Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water, and some cash for snacks and drinks. Planning your lunch in advance is a good idea as it’s not included.
How long is the boat ride? The trip to and from Symi is about two hours each way, so expect around four hours on the water including stops.
Can I explore Symi on my own? Yes, with about 3 hours of free time, you can walk around the small town at your own pace and enjoy its charming streets and shops.
Are there vegetarian or special diet options? The tour doesn’t include food, so you’ll need to find lunch on the island or bring your own; Symi offers various options for different diets.
Is there parking nearby? The meeting point is centrally located in Rhodes, with nearby public transportation options, but check your local info to plan your arrival.
What happens if the weather isn’t good? The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
This trip offers a sweet mix of scenic beauty, cultural charm, and refreshing sea time for those who don’t mind spending a good part of the day on a boat. It’s a solid choice if you’re after a memorable, affordable day out from Rhodes.
