Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore

Our review of this Rhodes to Symi day trip is simple: it’s an efficient hop across the water, with air-conditioned comfort plus a free chunk of time on Symi to do your own thing. You start at Kolona Harbor, ride aboard a modern speedboat, then spend about half a day wandering Symi’s harbor and hillside streets.

What I like most is the view game. From the boat you get picture-perfect angles on Rhodes landmarks and then the colorful, amphitheater-style harbor in Symi. The other big win is value: for $35 you’re basically paying for fast transport and a generous window to eat, shop, and explore without a rigid schedule.

One thing to plan for: this is not a full-day guided tour, and on Symi you’ll want to handle food, drinks, and your own exploring. Also, depending on the day, the time on the island may feel closer to 3–5 hours, so you’ll get the most from it if you’re flexible and ready to move.

Key things to know before you go

• Fast, mostly scheduled crossings: about 80 minutes each way, so you’re not stuck in transit.
• Two riding modes: an enclosed air-conditioned deck and open sundeck seating.
• Rhodes skyline from the water: Naillac Tower, windmills, fortress views, and more.
• Symi is the whole point: colorful houses, harbor strolling, and time to eat and shop.
• No guided tour included: you’ll rely on staff tips plus your own plan for Symi time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The big idea: a Symi day trip that keeps the pressure off

This tour is made for people who want Symi, but don’t want to spend a full day commuting or waiting for ferries. The format is straightforward: you travel from Rhodes to Symi by speedboat, then you’re dropped with time to wander and return when the boat schedules you back.

The best part is how quickly you get to the payoff. You’re out on the water, you pass major Rhodes sights from angles you don’t get from shore, and then you arrive in Symi’s harbor where the whole town feels staged for photos. You also get the freedom to build your own day: coffee and cats at the quay, shopping in the lanes, a meal at a taverna, or a climb for views.

The tradeoff is that you’re not on a guided walking circuit. So if you want a deep, commentary-heavy experience, you’ll need to lean on what’s provided by onboard staff and your own curiosity while you’re there.

Kolona Harbor check-in: find Sebeco Lines and get inside fast

Your meeting point is Kolona Harbor, and you’re looking for the Sebeco Lines boat. Several travelers mention that boarding can feel hectic, so treat check-in like you’re catching a flight: arrive early, get your return ticket sorted, then wait for the crew instructions.

A couple of practical notes from traveler feedback:

• Boarding can turn into a scrum at first, mainly because people line up in a rush.
• You’ll want to be ready for a bit of a push—especially if your top-deck goal is shade-free and view-forward.

If you’re staying in Rhodes town, plan for the practical reality that harbors can feel confusing when you’re standing there with a printed address. The safest move is to ask staff at the dock where your specific speedboat will leave from, then verify the return window before you wander off.

The speedboat ride: AC inside, sun outside, and waves you should expect

This is a modern speedboat, and you can choose your comfort zone. The enclosed indoor deck is air-conditioned, which is a big deal in Greek summer heat and also helpful if you get sensitive to motion. Up top, there’s a sundeck where you can soak up sun and snap photos.

Crossing times are about 80 minutes each way. Most people report it as quick and smooth enough to enjoy the scenery, but it’s still a speedboat—so expect some chop and noise. One traveler noted the ride was noisier on the return, which makes sense if sea conditions or seating choices change.

If you’re seasick-prone, you’ll probably prefer the enclosed deck. And if you’re chasing the best views, aim for early boarding so you’re not stuck in the back when the nicer viewing seats fill up.

Rhodes landmarks from the water: a rolling photo stop

One reason this trip works so well is that you don’t just “get to Symi.” You also see Rhodes in motion, with multiple famous landmarks sliding past your window and deck rail.

From what’s included and what travelers mention, you’ll catch sights like:

• Rhodes Old Town views from the water
• The windmills of Rhodes
• The Saint Nicholas Fortress area
• The Marine Gate and medieval-clock style landmark views
• Naillac Tower, listed as 46 meters high
• The Aquarium of Rhodes

The practical value here is timing and perspective. From shore, you can see individual buildings. From the boat, the whole coastline reads like a postcard in sequence. It’s the kind of visual momentum that makes the trip feel like more than “just transportation.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Crossing into Symi’s bay: colorful houses and that amphitheater feel

When you arrive in Symi, you get the classic harbor picture: a town that feels built in tiers, amphitheater-style, around a protected bay. The neoclassical houses are the star, and on calm days they can reflect in the sea, which is exactly the kind of scene you want for a first-walk moment.

You’ll disembark and then you’re off. The tour includes free time in Symi—listed as about five hours—so you’re not forced into a rushed checklist. In practice, travelers describe the island as best explored at a leisurely pace around the harbor first, then deeper into the hillside streets if you want more.

The harbor area is where everything easy is: restaurants, cafes, and the people-watching zone. If it’s hot (and it often is), you’ll appreciate that you can start slow while you decide whether to climb.

How to spend your free time in Symi (3–5 hours works)

Your schedule on Symi is flexible by design. Use that freedom smartly. Here’s how I’d plan it if you want the best of Symi without racing.

Start with the harbor loop. Walk the promenade, find a shady spot if you can, and get your bearings fast. This is where the town’s charm shows up first: small streets, photogenic facades, and plenty of places to grab food.

Then pick one activity level.

• Easy mode: browsing shops, snack stops, and a slow wander through lanes.
• Medium mode: a climb toward viewpoints and back again.
• Active mode: a full walk up and down. Many travelers talk about going up via stairways toward the castle area for big views.

End with food on the quay. The best meals on a day trip are usually the ones you don’t overthink. Sit down, order local specialties, and let the day wind down while you watch boats come and go.

A small reality check: one traveler pointed out that Symi isn’t really a beach destination from the drop-off area. If you want a real swim, you might need to head to another beach side (sometimes by taxi). Still, you can usually find a quick swim option if you’re willing to make a small plan.

The stairs to the castle: views worth the effort

Symi’s layout invites walking. If you feel like earning the views, head up toward the castle overlooking the main town. Travelers mention climbing the steps toward panoramic overlooks, including routes described as about 500 stairs (often called the Kali Strata).

This part matters because it turns Symi from a pretty harbor into a full town experience. From up top, you can really see how the buildings stack along the hillside and how the whole bay curves around the water. If you only stay at sea level, you still get a great day, but you miss the “wow” angle that makes Symi famous.

Just be honest about your energy level. If it’s very hot, pace yourself. Bring water if you can, and plan a rest stop on the way back down.

What to eat in Symi: shrimp, taverna meals, and casual bar stops

Food on Symi can be a highlight of the day because you’re not stuck with a pre-set menu. Travelers specifically mention:

• Curried goat as a typical dish they enjoyed
• Symi Shrimp, including fried red shrimp as a specialty people seek out
• Meals and drinks around the promenade with plenty of restaurant choices

Even if you’re not sure what to order, the good news is that Symi is small and food is the obvious default activity. The promenade area makes it easy to compare options quickly, and it’s the kind of place where a simple lunch feels like a treat because you’re eating while surrounded by that harbor view.

Tip: If you’re a shrimp fan, plan to try it. Several people highlight it as a must-try local specialty.

Drinks and snacks: budget for them since nothing is included

The tour includes transport and free time in Symi, but it does not include food or drinks. That means you’ll want to budget for lunch and any drinks you want during your island time.

One traveler noted the onboard bar had beer around €4, and others mention the bar being reasonably priced and stocked. There are also comments about coffee on the return. So you’re not stuck paying tourist-exchange-rates for every sip.

Still, don’t assume your day-trip price covers meals. If you’re traveling with family or you like multiple stops, plan for that extra spend in Symi.

Seating and comfort details that can make or break the day

This is one of those tours where small comfort choices matter.

On the way out, many people love the view from the open top deck. But you should also know:

• The open outer seating can get sprayed with seawater, especially if you sit at the most exposed edge.
• Upstairs open-air seats can fill quickly, so if you want them, arrive ready to board promptly.

On the way back, some travelers found the air-conditioned area or indoor deck a better choice, especially if it’s warmer and you want to relax after walking around Symi. If you’re sensitive to motion, the enclosed deck is a smart move.

There’s also a lot of seating variety: indoor shaded comfort plus outdoor sun. You get the flexibility to change your mind mid-crossing, which is exactly how day trips should feel.

Timing and transport logistics: departures, return, and how to not miss the boat

This runs as a day trip, and the speedboat schedule is the backbone. The crossings are each about 80 minutes, and your day total is listed as 7–8 hours.

Because Symi time is “free time,” the main risk isn’t missing a bus—it’s losing track of time and being late back to the dock. A few travelers mention confusion around the exact dock location at Rhodes, so if anything feels off when you arrive, ask before you assume.

Also, treat the return departure like the most important part of your day. The boat leaves on time, and boarding is more orderly if you’re not scrambling in the final minutes.

Value for money: what $35 buys you (and what it doesn’t)

At $35 per person, this trip sits in the category of affordable, practical touring. Why it’s good value:

• You’re paying for roundtrip speedboat transport with decent ride comfort options.
• You get free time on Symi instead of a strict group schedule.
• The scenery package includes Rhodes landmarks from the water plus Symi’s harbor arrival.

What it doesn’t include:

• A guided tour explanation while you’re on Symi
• Any food or drinks
• Hotel pickup details are not guaranteed in the core listing, though some travelers mention transfer options being offered

So the value is highest if you’re the kind of traveler who likes open-ended wandering. If you want someone to guide you through every street, you may still enjoy it, but you’ll want to pair this with a walking plan or a separate guide on Symi.

Who should book this Symi speedboat trip?

I’d point this trip at travelers who:

• Want a classic Symi day without hotel transfers and long planning
• Love views and photos, especially from the water
• Prefer free time over a rigid itinerary
• Are okay handling lunch and exploring independently

It may not be ideal if you:

• Need a fully guided, structured experience
• Get frustrated by boarding crowds and prefer slow, calm departures
• Are determined to do lots of beach time, since the accessible swimming areas may require extra effort beyond the initial dock drop

For most people, it lands in the sweet spot: quick transit, big scenery, and plenty of room to do what you actually feel like doing.

Final verdict: should you book?

Yes, I think you should book this if Symi is on your must-do list and you want an easy day trip from Rhodes. The combination of air-conditioned comfort, fast crossings, and real free time is hard to beat at this price point. Add in the standout views—especially Rhodes landmarks from the water and Symi’s colorful harbor—and it becomes a “check it off” trip you’ll remember.

I’d only hesitate if you want an included guide, or if you know you’ll struggle with hot, sun-heavy walking once you’re on the island. Otherwise, pack a plan for your Symi hours, keep an eye on the return time, and you’ll come away happy with your day-trip math.

You can check availability for your dates here: