From Rhodes: Cruise to Symi Island and Saint George’s Bay

The best part of this Rhodes to Symi cruise is the pairing of two very different stops: a clear-water swim at St George Bay and a relaxed afternoon in Symi’s postcard-like port. The long crossing gives you wide views of the Dodecanese, while the island stop lets you eat, shop, and wander without being rushed.

I like the strong value at $41, especially since the boat covers a full 8.5-hour day and includes both destinations. I also like the friendly crew, freshwater showers, onboard bar, and the practical choice of indoor air-conditioned seating when the upper deck fills up. The main drawback is the long boat ride, which can become windy or choppy, and the swim stop may feel short once boarding time is taken into account.

Key points before you book

• Two major stops in one day: Swim at St George Bay, then explore Symi’s main port, Gialos.
• A full day from Mandraki Harbour: Departure is at 10:00, with a planned return around 18:30.
• Swimming time can vary: The advertised hour may become 45 minutes after arrival and boarding.
• Upper-deck seats go quickly: They are first come, first served, so arrive early if you want open-air views.
• Symi is the main event: You have about three hours for lunch, shops, waterfront views, and a short walk.
• Bring a warm layer: Even in summer, the exposed side of the boat can feel cold and windy.

Leaving Rhodes from Mandraki Harbour at 10:00

The meeting point is SP Cruises’ kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece building. The location is central and fairly easy to find, but give yourself time to get there, especially in August or if you want an upper-deck seat.

The boat leaves at 10:00, and the crew keeps a firm schedule. You should aim to be at the kiosk by 9:15 or 9:30. Arriving at 9:30 does not guarantee a prime place upstairs, particularly during the busy summer season. One useful detail: the upper deck is not reserved, so early arrival matters more than the order in which you booked.

The boat has seating on the open upper deck and in the main saloon below. The upper deck gives you the best views and fresh air, but it is also where the wind is strongest. The air-conditioned indoor area is more comfortable if you get cold easily, have mobility concerns, or want a calmer place during rougher water.

The boat is described as wheelchair accessible, and the crew has helped passengers with mobility scooters on and off. Still, the most practical step is to contact the operator before departure if you need specific assistance, since access to the swim stop and seating arrangements may depend on the boat and conditions.

The two-hour crossing to St George Bay

The first part of the day is a sea journey of about two hours. That is a meaningful portion of a 510-minute excursion, so this is not the right choice if you want to spend nearly all day on Symi itself.

The reward is the view. Rhodes gradually falls behind as the boat moves into open water, and the journey gives you a broad look at the Dodecanese coast from offshore. The scenery is the main entertainment during this section, so choose your seat based on what matters to you: open views upstairs, or shade and air conditioning below.

On a calm day, the crossing can feel easy and pleasant. On a windy day, it can be loud and cold on the exposed side of the boat, and the return trip may be choppier. If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever normally helps you. The crew has offered lemons to passengers who feel queasy, but do not rely on that as your only plan.

The boat has a bar serving drinks and snacks. It is handy, though snacks may cost more than what you would pay on land. Bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, a towel, and something warm to wear. Comfortable shoes are useful for walking around Symi and moving safely on the boat.

Swimming at St George Bay

After roughly two hours, the boat reaches St George Bay, also called Agios Georgios Bay. The setting is dramatic: steep rocky sides surround a small, quiet-looking cove, and the water is clear enough for swimming and simple snorkeling.

The boat stops for about an hour, though the actual time in the water has sometimes been closer to 45 minutes. The clock begins to matter when everyone has to leave the boat one at a time and then return aboard. I would keep an eye on the time rather than assuming you have a full hour to swim.

Getting into the water can take a little patience. The boat uses a gangplank, and passengers leave in turn rather than all at once. This can create a queue, particularly when many people are eager to swim. Once you are in, the water is the highlight of the morning. You may see small fish, and the boat carries floating aids such as rings and other inflatables. A lifeguard is included.

You should still treat this as an open-water stop, not a supervised swimming pool. Ask the crew about available safety equipment before entering, especially if you are not a confident swimmer. Reviews have praised the instructions and lifeguard, but one passenger raised concerns about adult life jackets and another questioned the first-aid supplies. Those points are worth bearing in mind without letting them overshadow the basic safety arrangements.

Bring beachwear under your clothes so you can change quickly. A towel and waterproof phone pouch are sensible additions. Freshwater showers are available after the swim, which is a welcome feature before the remaining boat journey.

The bay is beautiful, but expectations matter. You are not spending half a day there. It is a compact swimming stop designed to break up the crossing, give you a memorable swim, and then move on to Symi. If swimming is your top priority, the limited time may leave you wanting more. If you see it as one part of a wider day, it works very well.

Arriving in Gialos, Symi’s main port

The boat departs St George Bay at about 13:00 and reaches Gialos, Symi’s main port, after the next stretch of the journey. You then have roughly three hours before the planned 16:20 departure.

Gialos is the kind of port where the setting does much of the work. Its colorful buildings climb the hills around the harbor, and the waterfront is lined with restaurants, shops, and places to stop for a drink. You can walk along the harbor, browse local art and souvenirs, and enjoy the view without needing a long island tour.

Three hours is enough for lunch and a decent look around the port. It is not enough to see every corner of Symi, and you should not expect an inland sightseeing program. This is free time, which is both the strength and limitation of the excursion. You decide how to use it, but you are also responsible for watching the clock.

Lunch is not included. The port has seafood restaurants and other dining options, and you can choose between a full meal, a quick snack, or something sweet before boarding. If you want a leisurely meal with a harbor view, sit down soon after arrival. Waiting until the last hour can make the return to the boat feel rushed.

The town is also a good place for an unhurried walk. Wear comfortable shoes, use sunscreen, and carry water. The summer heat can make even a short uphill stroll feel demanding, so do not pack too much into the afternoon.

The return to Rhodes at 16:20

The boat is scheduled to leave Gialos at 16:20 and return to Mandraki Harbour around 18:30. Be back at the boat early. The schedule is taken seriously, and arriving late can disrupt the return for everyone.

The ride home is another two hours, and this is when rough water may be more noticeable. You can move indoors if the upper deck becomes too windy, but it is wise to keep a light jacket and long trousers nearby. The boat may also feel crowded, particularly when many people want a window seat or the upper deck.

The onboard sound system has not always been easy to hear from the rear, so do not expect a detailed commentary throughout the journey. This is mainly a scenic cruise with free time at the destinations, rather than a guided history tour. You get the best experience by treating the crossing as a chance to rest, watch the coast, and talk with the crew or other passengers.

Some crew members add a personal touch. Oksana at the bar has been singled out for friendly service, and Captain Yannis has been known to joke with passengers and invite them into the steering cabin for photographs when conditions allow. These moments are not a guaranteed part of the schedule, but they help give the trip a warmer feel than a purely functional ferry ride.

What the $41 price really gives you

At $41 per person, this is one of the more affordable ways to combine Rhodes, St George Bay, and Symi in one day. The fare includes the boat cruise, the swimming stop, time in Gialos, freshwater showers, the crew, and a lifeguard.

You still pay for lunch, drinks, and snacks, so your final cost will be higher. Even so, the price is strong for a full-day outing with two distinct stops. You are paying for transport and access to the experience, not a guided island tour or a meal package.

The value is highest if you want variety. For one modest fare, you get open-sea views, a swim in a striking bay, and several hours in one of the Dodecanese’s prettiest port towns. The value is lower if you dislike long boat rides, need a quiet low-capacity vessel, or want to spend an entire day exploring Symi beyond Gialos.

The overall rating of 4 from more than 2,000 reviews suggests a broadly dependable experience, but the recurring cautions are useful: crowding, wind, choppy water, a sometimes-short swimming stop, and limited seating upstairs. The tour is good value because of its low price, not because it offers a luxurious boat.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families, first-time visitors to Symi, and anyone based in Rhodes who wants an easy island day without arranging separate transport. It also suits people who like a mix of swimming and town time rather than one long beach stop.

Families can make good use of the floatation equipment, freshwater showers, and lifeguard, though parents should remain attentive during the open-water stop. The trip also works for solo visitors, since the crew has helped passengers take photographs and provided assistance when needed.

It is less suitable for anyone who gets badly seasick or finds two hours on a boat each way tiring. People who need lots of space, quiet, or guaranteed outdoor seating should also think twice. The boat can fill up, and the upper deck is first come, first served.

If you are visiting Rhodes from a cruise ship, check your all-aboard time carefully. The stated return is 18:30, but allowing a little extra time is sensible. You do not want a small delay on the water to create a stressful dash back to your ship.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Arrive by 9:15 or 9:30 if you want a good upper-deck seat.
• Bring a light coat and trousers, even in July or August.
• Pack sunscreen, a towel, beachwear, and comfortable shoes.
• Take motion-sickness medication if you normally need it.
• Keep track of the time at St George Bay, since boarding reduces swimming time.
• Return to the boat early in Gialos. It leaves on schedule.
• Budget separately for lunch, drinks, and snacks.
• If you are driving, check the Rhodes parking links supplied by the operator before leaving for the harbor.
• Choose the indoor saloon if wind, sun, or sea spray becomes uncomfortable.
• Ask the crew about safety equipment before swimming if you need a life jacket or other support.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book it if you want a low-cost full-day outing that combines a memorable swim with a first look at Symi. The clear water at St George Bay is the emotional high point, while Gialos gives you enough time for seafood, shopping, photographs, and a walk around the harbor.

Skip it if you want a fast crossing, a quiet small boat, or several hours to explore the whole island. The journey is long, the boat can be crowded, and the swimming stop may be shorter than the advertised hour.

For most people staying in Rhodes, this is a sensible way to see Symi without complicated planning. Arrive early, prepare for wind, watch the clock, and you will get a lot from the day for the price.

FAQ

Where does the cruise leave from?

The cruise leaves from SP Cruises’ kiosk at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes, opposite the Bank of Greece building.

What time does the boat depart and return?

The scheduled departure is 10:00, with a planned return to Mandraki Harbour around 18:30. The boat leaves Symi at approximately 16:20.

How long is the stop at St George Bay?

The planned swimming stop is about one hour, but the time in the water may be closer to 45 minutes if arrival or boarding takes longer.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included, but you have free time in Gialos to buy lunch at one of the town’s restaurants.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes. A warm jacket or trousers are also useful because the boat can become windy and cold.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the crew has assisted passengers with mobility scooters. Contact SP Cruises in advance if you need specific arrangements.