Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Symi is one of those Greek islands best approached from the water. This high-speed boat from Kolymbia avoids the early bus ride to Rhodes Town and gives you roughly three hours to explore the island’s handsome harbor, with its pastel houses and bright church domes. I like the easy start and the fact that the swim at St George’s Bay comes as part of the day, not as an extra charge.

I especially like two things here: boarding at Kolymbia Harbor, which can be just a short walk from nearby hotels, and the smooth, direct run to Symi. The main consideration is the fixed departure time. The crew keeps to schedule, so arriving late can mean missing the boat and inconveniencing everyone else.

Key points at a glance

• Kolymbia departure: Board directly at Kolymbia Harbor instead of taking a bus to Rhodes Town.
• Fast route to Symi: The boat can get you to Symi by about noon on some departures, leaving useful time ashore.
• Three hours in Symi: Explore the harbor, shop, eat, swim, or simply enjoy the town at your own pace.
• St George’s Bay swim: Stop for about 30 minutes in clear water surrounded by dramatic coastal scenery.
• Local tastes: Symi mini shrimp and ouzo are the classic food and drink suggestions for your free time.
• Flexible booking: The $90 price includes the boat, free time, and swim stop, with cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

Why the Kolymbia departure matters

A trip to Symi can become a long travel day before you even reach the sea. Many island excursions require a very early coach transfer to Rhodes Town, followed by boarding at the main port. This one starts at Kolymbia Harbor, which is a major practical advantage if you are staying in Kolymbia.

Several departures have used a morning schedule in which the boat arrives at the harbor around 10:15 and reaches Symi around noon. The exact start time can vary, so check the available date and departure before you book. The important point is that you are not automatically signing up for a crack-of-dawn bus ride.

The harbor meeting point is simple: the boat picks you up at Kolymbia Harbor and returns you there at the end of the eight-hour outing. If your hotel is close by, you may be able to walk to the boat. One party found the harbor only about five minutes from its hotel, though that will depend on where you stay.

Arrive early. The crew is strict about departure times, and that is fair on a boat carrying many people. One departure left exactly on schedule, with late passengers left behind. It may sound harsh, but waiting in the hot sun for people who are not ready is unpleasant for everyone. Treat the departure time as firm, not approximate.

The fast ride across the Dodecanese sea

The speedboat is the heart of this excursion. You get the satisfaction of traveling by sea without spending the entire day in transit. The route offers open-water views and a changing look at the Rhodes coastline before Symi comes into view.

The ride has also included a brief stop in Rhodes Town to drop off and collect passengers. This is not presented as a sightseeing stop, so do not book the trip expecting time in Rhodes. Still, a short pause can give you a fine view of the old town castle beside the harbor and a chance to take a few photographs.

The boat itself has been described as fast and smooth, but conditions at sea can always affect comfort. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you feel most secure and keep the ride in mind when planning breakfast. The excursion lasts about eight hours, so you will spend a meaningful part of the day aboard the boat and not only in Symi.

The English-speaking host or greeter helps keep the day straightforward. No named guide is provided, and this is not a guided walking tour. You are taken to Symi, given free time, and brought back after the swim stop. That arrangement suits independent visitors who prefer to set their own pace.

Arriving in Symi Harbor

The arrival is one of the strongest parts of the trip. Symi’s fishing harbor is framed by rows of pastel-colored neoclassical houses, stacked up the hillsides around the water. Turquoise water, colorful domes, and the compact harbor create a scene that feels very different from the larger resort areas of Rhodes.

Take a few minutes simply to look before rushing into lunch or shopping. The harbor is the natural starting point, and it gives you an immediate sense of the island’s character. The boat arrival also lets you appreciate Symi from the angle that suits it best, from the water looking toward the town.

You have approximately three hours ashore. That is enough for a relaxed first visit, but it is not enough for every corner of the island. You should focus on the harbor town rather than trying to turn this into a full island tour.

This is a self-guided stop. You can walk around, browse, eat, take photographs, or swim in the harbor area if you choose. The freedom is useful, but you need to manage your own time and be back at the agreed meeting point before departure.

Making the most of three hours in Symi

I would begin with a slow walk along the waterfront. The harbor is the visual center of the town, and the pastel buildings are best appreciated without a rushed checklist. Look up toward the hills, where the houses and church domes add layers to the view.

After that, use your time according to your priorities:

• For photographs, stay near the waterfront and look back across the bay.
• For food, choose one of the traditional tavernas and allow enough time for a proper meal.
• For a quieter break, find a place by the water and enjoy the setting without trying to see everything.
• For shopping or wandering, keep an eye on the clock because three hours passes quickly.

Lunch is not included in the $90 price. Symi mini shrimp are the food most closely associated with this outing, and you can also try local ouzo if that appeals to you. These are suggestions, not included tastings, so keep some spending money available.

The short stay creates a useful tradeoff. You get a clear taste of Symi without committing to a much longer island visit, but you will not have time for a broad exploration beyond the harbor area. If your main goal is the famous waterfront view, three hours is a practical amount of time. If you want a slow meal, extensive shopping, and a longer swim, you may find the schedule tight.

St George’s Bay and the return swim

The return journey includes a stop at St George’s Bay, one of the day’s most appealing features. The boat passes along the coast before pausing in the bay, where you can swim for about 30 minutes in clear water.

This is not a quick photo pause. You have enough time for a proper swim, though you should not expect a full beach visit or a long stay ashore. The stop is built around being in the water from the boat, or relaxing on deck if you would rather not swim.

The bay’s steep coastal setting gives the stop a different feel from a normal hotel pool or crowded resort beach. The water is the attraction, and the view around you makes the short break memorable. Several departures have stayed longer than the stated 30 minutes, but you should plan around the advertised time rather than counting on an extension.

Bring a swimsuit and anything you need to dry off afterward. The supplied details do not specify changing facilities, towels, or equipment, so do not assume these are included. If you prefer to remain dry, you can soak up the sun on deck during the stop.

What the $90 price really buys

At $90 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Rhodes. The value depends on how much you care about avoiding the transfer to Rhodes Town and how much you want the speedboat experience.

The price includes:

• High-speed boat transportation
• About three hours of free time in Symi
• A 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay

Food, drinks, and any personal spending in Symi are extra. There is no included guided tour, meal, or tasting. You are paying mainly for the transport, the time saved at the start of the day, and the combination of Symi and St George’s Bay in one outing.

For someone staying near Kolymbia Harbor, the value improves. You can avoid an early coach, avoid the hassle of getting to Rhodes Town, and board near your accommodation. One of the most common positive points is precisely that convenience. The boat service also gives you more time in Symi than a slower transfer might allow.

For a visitor staying far from Kolymbia, the calculation is different because you still need to reach the harbor. The activity details do not promise hotel pickup, so check your own route to the meeting point before booking.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a simple day trip to Symi without arranging ferries and transfers yourself. It works particularly well for people staying in Kolymbia who value a nearby harbor and a later start.

It also suits independent sightseers. You are not tied to a guide’s walking route or a group lunch. Three hours gives you room to make your own choices, which is useful if your ideal Symi visit is mostly photographs, waterfront food, and a little wandering.

Swimmers will appreciate the St George’s Bay stop. It gives the day a second highlight beyond the town and breaks up the return ride. If you do not swim, the stop still offers time on deck, but part of the excursion’s appeal will be less relevant to you.

Families and older visitors should consider the fixed schedule and the boat ride. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is important, though the details do not explain how boarding works or whether every part of the free-time stop is accessible. Ask for those specifics if they matter to your group.

This is less suitable if you want a long, slow day on Symi, a guided history tour, or a full meal included in the price. It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes strict departure times. The crew runs on schedule, and you need to do the same.

Practical details before you reserve

The activity lasts about eight hours, but the exact starting time depends on the date selected. Check availability carefully rather than relying on a general morning timetable.

The meeting point is Kolymbia Harbor. The return is to the same place. The host or greeter speaks English, and the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

The stated cancellation policy allows a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes plans depend on weather or changing holiday arrangements.

A few simple preparations will make the day easier:

• Arrive at Kolymbia Harbor early, since the boat leaves on time.
• Bring swimwear for St George’s Bay.
• Keep money available for lunch, drinks, mini shrimp, and ouzo.
• Watch the time in Symi, especially if you stop for a long meal.
• Check the selected departure time and your route to Kolymbia Harbor before paying.

Should you book the Kolymbia to Symi boat?

Book it if you want the easiest practical route from Kolymbia to Symi, value a fast boat, and like the idea of combining a pretty harbor town with a clear-water swim. The strongest reasons are the convenient departure point, the roughly three hours in Symi, and the St George’s Bay stop.

Skip it if you want a fully guided cultural tour, a leisurely full-day stay on Symi, or an included lunch. You will need to organize your own time and pay for food separately.

For most people staying in or near Kolymbia, the $90 price is reasonable because it removes the Rhodes Town transfer and packs two strong sea experiences into one day. Just arrive early, keep your watch handy, and treat the boat’s departure time as non-negotiable.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Kolymbia Harbor.

Where does the activity finish?

The activity ends back at Kolymbia Harbor, the original meeting point.

How long does the excursion last?

The full activity lasts about eight hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time to explore Symi independently.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense, and you can choose among the traditional tavernas in Symi.

Is the swimming stop included?

Yes. A swimming stop of about 30 minutes at St George’s Bay is included.

Can I swim at St George’s Bay?

Yes. The itinerary includes time to swim in the clear water of St George’s Bay. You may also remain on deck if you prefer not to swim.

Is the boat trip guided?

An English-speaking host or greeter is provided, but your time in Symi is free time rather than a guided walking tour.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.