Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St. Marina Bay — A Detailed Look
If you’re dreaming of a relaxing day out on the water, with a mix of swimming, exploring charming streets, and soaking in beautiful scenery, this boat trip from Rhodes to Symi and St. Marina Bay might just be what you’re looking for. While I haven’t taken this exact tour myself, I’ve dug into reviews and details to give you a clear picture of what to expect.
What we love about this experience is how straightforward and well-organized it is—starting and ending in Rhodes, so there’s no fuss with complicated transfers. Plus, the stops for swimming and snorkeling at St. Marina Bay are highly praised for their clarity and beauty.
plenty of seating although it was a bit cold sitting in the shade for two hours, luckily I had a jumper. Sat in the sun on the way back, reasonably priced drinks, fantastic views but could have done with longer swimming in the bay. would have been nice to put stuff in a locker while swimming as we need things like phones and keys to get back into our hotel.
do this!! was so amazing, my boyfriend and i had the best time. Just make sure to get to the boat early for the best seats outside.
The staff was really nice, and also I loved the stop to swim at the Marina bay before Symi.
On the flip side, it’s worth noting that this is a slower boat compared to speedier catamarans, so if you’re seeking a quick hop, it might not be ideal.
This cruise is best suited for those who want a relaxed, scenic day with enough time to enjoy Symi’s colorful streets without feeling rushed. It’s especially appealing for travelers who appreciate good value, comfortable amenities onboard, and a chance to see two gorgeous spots in one day.
- Key Points
- Setting the Scene: What the Tour Entails
- The Itinerary Breakdown
- Exploring Symi
- The Return Journey
- What Makes This Tour Stand Out?
- Practical Details & Tips
- Real Voices: What Travelers Say
- Who Should Consider This Tour?
- Frequently Asked Questions
- More Boat Tours & Cruises in Rhodes
- More Tour Reviews in Rhodes
Key Points
- Comfortable, well-equipped boat with amenities like air conditioning, WiFi, and sunbeds
- Ideal for swimming and snorkeling at St. Marina Bay, with a 30-minute stop that’s great for cooling off and exploring underwater
- Flexible free time in Symi, allowing you to browse, take photos, or relax at your own pace
- Affordable price point offers good value, especially considering the included swimming stop and free time
- Organized and reliable departures, with clear instructions and helpful staff
- Limited food options onboard, so bringing your own snacks and towels is advisable
Setting the Scene: What the Tour Entails
This boat trip from Rhodes offers a well-rounded way to enjoy some of the Dodecanese’s most picturesque spots without the hassle of arranging separate transport or guided tours. It’s a true city cruise—departing from Rhodes Harbour and gliding across the water to two very different but equally enticing locations: the secluded St. Marina Bay and the vibrant, colorful streets of Symi.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Rhodes
The Itinerary Breakdown
The journey begins early in the morning, with a pickup option that conveniently gathers travelers at designated hotels or meeting points across Rhodes. Once you’re on board, you’ll immediately notice how clean and comfortable the vessel is, with a variety of amenities like onboard toilets, air conditioning, WiFi, and plenty of sunbeds on the open sundeck.
Length of time in Symi is just enough to get some lunch, walk around and explore a little and get a feel for it. Perfect for what we wanted which was a change of scene and to see somewhere cool.
Good trip to Symi and came in as the cheapest price I could find anywhere. to flag, compared to the more expensive catamarans, this boat is a fair bit slower, but I don't think you need more than 3-4 hours in Symi (unless you want to visit the Orthodox Monastery, then you need more time) and the swimming stop which the catamarans can't do was very good
Crew were lovely! Symi is beautiful Dip in the ocean was stunning
The first stop is at St. Marina Bay, reachable only by boat. Here, you’ll get about 30 minutes to swim, snorkel, or just relax in the crystal-clear waters. This swim stop is often praised for the quality of the water and the scenery—many reviews highlight how stunning the bay looks, great for a quick dip.
As one reviewer noted, “Dip in the ocean was stunning,” and the boat’s brief stop means you get enough time to enjoy without feeling rushed.
Exploring Symi
Next, you’ll sail to Symi Harbor, a highlight for many. Once docked, you have roughly three hours to explore at your own pace. Symi is famous for its colorful, neo-classical houses and charming streets. We loved the way the harbor’s scenery makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.
One reviewer mentioned, “Symi is beautiful. Dip in the ocean was stunning,” capturing the allure of the island’s scenery. During your free time, you can wander through the streets, find a cozy café, or enjoy a leisurely lunch with views of the water.
The boat was very clean, and had a good variety of amenities- snacks, a bar, inside air conditioning and banquettes. The staff was friendly and definitely very capable. The swim stop was the perfect amount of time, both for those who wanted to snorkel and for those who chose to remain on the boat. The 3 hours of free time on Symi was also well timed. We enjoyed a leisurely lunch on the island and still had enough time to shop and explore.
My excursion to Symi was truly exceptional, surpassing all my travel experiences. The crew, especially the lady with brown hair, were incredibly friendly and attentive, ensuring our journey was unforgettable. Symi's beauty was breathtaking, from its azure waters to its colorful streets. Exploring the island was like stepping into a dream, with highlights including the Monastery of Panormitis. Throughout the day, the crew's hospitality and camaraderie made the experience even more memorable. In conclusion, I highly recommend this excursion to anyone seeking a magical adventure.
Amazing amazing. I heard about this place online before coming and knew I had to book a trip there. This was recommended to me and did not disappoint. Beautiful place, great boat ride there and back with a stop half way there so we could get into the sea.
Many found the timing perfect—”3 hours was plenty of time in Symi,” and some even appreciated the opportunity to shop or relax without feeling hurried.
The Return Journey
As the day winds down, you’ll settle onto the boat for the return trip back to Rhodes, often arriving in the evening. The journey itself offers great views of Rhodes from the water, and the relaxed pace means you can enjoy the experience without stress.
More Great Tours NearbyWhat Makes This Tour Stand Out?
Price and Value: At just over $36 per person, this cruise offers solid value considering the swimming stop, free time on Symi, onboard amenities, and round-trip transport. Many reviews mention that it’s one of the most affordable options, especially compared to more expensive catamarans, which might be faster but lack the swimming stop.
Comfort and Convenience: The boat’s cleanliness and onboard facilities, including air conditioning and WiFi, enhance the experience. The organization is generally praised for punctual departures and clear instructions, so you know exactly where to be.
Beautiful bay and island. Would definitely recommend!
Well organised, value for money. Clear instructions. Just what I expected on the trip. Thank you
Fantastic trip! 3 hours was plenty of time in Simi – we got lunch at a beautiful restaurant looking out across the water, went swimming at a beach, bought ice cream and souvenirs! the swimming stop at George Bay was beautiful too. The ferry ride itself is about 1.5/2 hours each way, so perhaps bring a book to pass the time.
The Swimming Stop: This is often highlighted as the biggest perk. Unlike some bigger or faster boats, this vessel allows you to snorkel and swim at St. Marina Bay in calm, inviting waters. It’s a refreshing break that adds a lot to the day, especially if you love beach time.
Symi’s Charm: The three hours on Symi are enough for a leisurely exploration. The colorful houses, friendly vibe, and scenic harbor make it a delightful stop. Many reviewers emphasize that this is enough time for a relaxed lunch, a bit of shopping, and some photos—great for a day trip.
Practical Details & Tips
Duration & Timing: The cruise lasts about 8 hours, with departure times varying. Check availability in advance to pick a start time that suits your schedule. Arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes early to exchange your voucher and get settled.
What to Bring: Pack a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash for shopping or snacks, and your snorkeling gear if you have your own—though floats and snorkeling equipment are provided onboard.
I really liked it, but something that could improve is swimming around coral reefs, and free drinks at least if not food🙏🏻 but overall very fun experience.
The boat was lovely and clean and plenty of seats for everyone. The boat left on time and we travelled to a lovely little spot to do some swimming/snorkelling. There was a lovely bar on board which sold an array or drinks and snacks and icecreams/lollies. After another short boat ride, we then arrived in Symi where there were lovely shops and restaurants. We were allocated 3.5 hours in Symi. Personally I thought this was too long as. We set sail and travelled for 2.5 hours back to Rhodes. I think once thing I would change on this trip is to have ½ hour or 1 hour less at Stmi and have another swimming stop on the way back – it would have broken up the journey back a bit.
Boat departed on time, both times, and in fact was a little early in leaving for Symi island (lucky we got there 20mins early!). The vessel was handled well and was clean throughout, including the toilets which I was impressed by! The staff/crew were helpful and polite and the instructions given to passengers were clear over the tanoy. The snorkelling stop was brief and there wasn’t much to see as you were told not to go far from the boat. It was still pleasant and worth doing. I would say that if you wanted to explore the island properly then there isn’t a lot of time to do so and probably worth hiring a moped. The port itself is lovely to spend a few hours in though.
What’s Not Included: Remember, food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or buy something on Symi. Towels aren’t provided, so bring your own if you plan to swim.
Accessibility & Group Size: The boat can handle a good number of passengers, and the organized nature means everyone stays together comfortably. However, it’s not explicitly family-oriented, so if you’re traveling with young children, consider their comfort with boat excursions.
Real Voices: What Travelers Say
Many reviews echo the overall positive experience, especially about the crew’s friendliness. One reviewer noted, “Crew were lovely! Symi is beautiful,” and others appreciated the cleanliness and helpful staff onboard. The pricing was also highlighted as a reason many consider this a great deal, especially for those who want a relaxed, scenic day without breaking the bank.
Some pointed out that the boat is slower than catamarans, which might affect those wanting a quicker trip. But if you’re in no rush and want to enjoy the waters, that’s actually a plus—more time for swimming and soaking up the views.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This trip is perfect if you’re after a laid-back, scenic day with a good balance between water-based activities and exploring a charming island. It’s a solid choice for budget-conscious travelers who value comfort and organization. The free time in Symi means you can tailor your experience—whether that’s shopping, sampling local food, or just wandering the colorful streets.
If you’re short on time and prefer a quick, high-energy tour, this might not be your top pick. But for those who love a relaxed pace, friendly staff, and beautiful scenery, this cruise hits the right notes.
Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay
"plenty of seating although it was a bit cold sitting in the shade for two hours, luckily I had a jumper. Sat in the sun on the way back, reasonably..."
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the boat trip?
The entire tour lasts around 8 hours, including stops and free time. Check specific departure times when booking.
Is there a pickup service?
Pickup is optional. You’ll need to wait at your designated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The bus will have the “RIZOS CRUISES” logo, and drivers wait no longer than 2 minutes, with a possible delay of up to 15 minutes due to traffic.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear if you have it. Towels aren’t provided.
Are food and drinks included?
No, they are not. Bring your own snacks or plan to buy something on Symi. The onboard amenities include a bar, so you can purchase drinks if you like.
Is this suitable for families or children?
While not explicitly aimed at families, the relaxed nature of the trip and onboard amenities make it suitable for most travelers. Just consider the age and comfort level of children with boat trips.
Can I swim and snorkel?
Yes, at St. Marina Bay, where you’ll have about 30 minutes to enjoy the waters. The stop is known for its clear, calm sea, great for a quick dip.
How much free time do I get in Symi?
You’ll have approximately three hours to explore the island, which is enough for sightseeing, shopping, or a leisurely lunch.
What’s the price?
At around $36 per person, it’s a good value considering the amenities, the swimming stop, and the free time. Compare this to other options to see if it fits your budget.
In all, this boat trip offers a well-balanced mix of relaxation and exploration, great for those who enjoy scenic water rides, charming islands, and a comfortable onboard experience. It’s a straightforward way to tick off Symi and St. Marina Bay from your Greece itinerary without complex planning or hefty costs.
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