Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island and St George’s Bay

Symi’s pastel harbor and St George’s Bay are the two big reasons to book this trip. The high-speed boat reaches Symi in about an hour, leaving you a useful three hours on the island rather than spending most of the day in transit. Then comes a 30-minute swim in water so clear and blue it almost looks painted.

I like the freedom here: you explore Symi without being tied to a guide or group, and I like the clever pairing of a handsome island town with a spectacular sea stop. The main catch is timing. The 3:15 departure skips the swim, and even the morning schedule can feel short if you want lunch, shopping, the beach, and the hilltop views.

Key points to know before booking

• One-hour crossing: The fast boat gets you to Symi more quickly than slower services, giving you more time ashore.
• Three hours in Symi: You can eat at a taverna, browse the harbor, swim near town, or walk uphill for wide views.
• St George’s Bay swim: Morning departures at 9:00 and 11:00 include a 30-minute stop in the bay.
• Late departure trade-off: The 3:15 boat offers a cooler, quieter visit and sunset scenery, but only a five-minute photo stop at St George’s Bay.
• Practical boat comfort: Individual sports-style seats are available, with bench seating farther back. Bring a jacket because the ride can feel cold.
• Good value at $55: The price covers the fast crossing, free time in Symi, and the swimming stop, but not food, drinks, or hotel transfers.

Why the fast boat changes the Symi day

Symi is close enough to Rhodes to visit, but the crossing still takes a meaningful part of your day. A high-speed boat makes the trip feel more like an island excursion than a long ferry transfer. The ride to Symi takes roughly one hour, with sightseeing time on the water before arrival.

That saved time matters. Three hours in Symi is enough to get a taste of the harbor town without turning the trip into a frantic sprint. You can walk along the waterfront, stop for lunch, look inside shops, and still leave time for a short uphill walk or a swim.

The boat itself has individual seats, though the sports-style seats are not especially wide. If you prefer more room, bench seating toward the back may suit you better. The open-water ride can also feel chilly, even on a warm Rhodes day. Bring a light jacket or ask the crew about a fleece. The crew has handed out fleeces when passengers got cold, which is a small but useful touch.

The ride is not presented as a full guided sightseeing tour. You receive the essential information and the crew manages the schedule, but you should expect to explore Symi on your own. That is a strength if you like setting your own pace, though it may disappoint you if you want a guide explaining every building and viewpoint.

Arriving at Symi’s colorful harbor

The approach to Symi is one of the best parts of the trip. The harbor curves around bright water, with fishing boats and pastel-colored neoclassical buildings climbing the hills around the bay. Colorful church domes add small flashes of detail above the rooftops.

The first impression is compact and photogenic. Symi does not require a complicated plan to enjoy. Walk the waterfront first, then decide how to spend the remaining time. The harbor is the natural center, with places to eat, small shops, and easy access to the water.

I would avoid rushing straight into lunch. Take a few minutes to look across the bay and walk along the quay while the town still feels new to you. The setting is more important than any single attraction, and the best views often come from simply turning around as you walk.

You have about three hours ashore. That sounds generous until you divide it between lunch, browsing, swimming, and walking uphill. A sensible plan is to choose two priorities rather than attempt everything.

Making three hours in Symi count

For a relaxed visit, spend the first hour exploring the harbor and lower streets. Symi’s town is compact enough to understand on foot, and you can get a good sense of its character without a guide.

Use the second hour for lunch or a swim. The local specialty to look for is Symi’s tiny shrimp, often served in simple local dishes. You can also try ouzo, the anise-flavored Greek spirit, though remember that the boat ride still lies ahead.

The final hour works well for a short walk uphill. One particularly rewarding option mentioned by visitors is walking up to a church for the view. You should allow enough time to return to the waterfront and reach the boat comfortably. Missing the departure would be a very poor trade for one more photograph.

Some people prefer to spend the whole stop beside the small beach along the harbor. That is perfectly reasonable. The water there offers an easy break, and you can combine an hour near the beach with lunch and a walk through town.

The limitation is clear: three hours is ideal for an introduction, not a complete exploration. If you want to inspect every side street, sit over a long meal, and climb high above the harbor, you may wish for another hour. For most people, the fast crossing makes the balance work.

St George’s Bay is the real highlight

St George’s Bay is a dramatic cove reached by boat, with steep rocky sides and clear water. There is no long beach visit or shore walk built into the stop. Instead, the boat pauses for around 30 minutes, giving you time to swim directly in the bay or stay on deck and enjoy the view.

For many people, this is the strongest part of the day. The water is described as exceptionally clear, and the enclosed bay gives the swim a special sense of place. You are not simply stopping at an ordinary beach. You are floating in a striking coastal setting that is difficult to reach by land.

Bring swimwear and a towel. If you want to swim, change before the stop or use the boat’s facilities if available, though those details are not specified. Keep your belongings secure and remember that 30 minutes passes quickly once everyone is in the water.

The boat may stop at St George’s Bay after leaving Symi on the morning departures. From late September through October, the order may change, with the bay visited first so the cove still gets good sunlight and the water keeps its strong color. That seasonal adjustment matters because the bay can become shaded later in the day.

There is also a major schedule difference. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include the 30-minute swim. The 3:15 departure does not offer a swimming stop. It makes only a five-minute photo stop at St George’s Bay, then continues toward Rhodes.

Picking the right departure time

The 9:00 departure gives you the longest-feeling day and includes the swim. Choose it if St George’s Bay is a main reason for booking, or if you want more flexibility in Symi.

The 11:00 departure also includes the swim and may suit you better if you do not want an early start. You still get roughly three hours in Symi, followed by the bay stop on the route back.

The 3:15 departure is a different product in practical terms. You visit Symi at a cooler time, when it may feel less crowded, and you can watch the sun drop during the return to Rhodes. That sounds appealing if you prefer atmosphere over swimming. Just do not book it expecting to get into the water at St George’s Bay.

The duration is listed as six to nine hours, depending on the selected option and pickup arrangement. Check the exact departure and return time before paying, especially if you have dinner plans, a flight, or another activity later that day.

What $55 includes, and what it does not

At $55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Symi. The value comes from the faster crossing and the included St George’s Bay stop on the 9:00 and 11:00 departures.

You are paying for a straightforward day at sea, with transport, three hours of independent time in Symi, and the swim stop. There is no separate charge for the bay visit. Compared with a slower boat that leaves you less time ashore, the extra cost can make sense if you dislike spending your holiday sitting in transit.

Food and drinks are not included. Budget separately for lunch, drinks, coffee, or Symi shrimp at a taverna. Hotel transfers are also not included, so you need to reach the selected meeting point yourself.

The boarding point can vary by option. Pickup choices include places around Rhodes such as Mandraki Harbor, Vlycha Beach, Lardos, Kiotari, Kolymbia Harbor, and other listed meeting locations. Read your chosen option carefully rather than assuming every departure leaves from central Rhodes.

The activity ends back at the meeting point. That is convenient if you board in town, but you should confirm the exact return location before arranging onward transport.

Boat comfort, crew service, and small practical details

The crew’s role is mainly practical. They keep the boat moving on time, help with boarding, and look after passengers during the ride. English, German, Greek, French, and Italian support is available.

The crossing is generally smooth when conditions cooperate, but a fast boat is still a boat. If you are sensitive to wind or spray, choose a seat that feels comfortable and bring a jacket. Several useful details matter more than fancy extras here: the boat is described as new and clean, the seating is individual, and fleeces may be available if the ride feels cold.

The group experience depends on the day. You share the boat with other passengers, and the ride is designed for efficient transport rather than a quiet private charter. One odd complaint involved some passengers behaving as if they owned the boat, which is not something the operator controls. If you want complete peace and personal space, a shared speedboat may not be your ideal outing.

Still, the overall setup is simple. Check in at the designated stall or meeting point, receive your boarding pass, and wait for the boat. The central Rhodes meeting point is close to the main bus station, around a two-minute walk according to the supplied directions, which helps if you are arriving from Lindos, Kolymbia, or Faliraki by bus.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This boat trip suits you if you want to see Symi without arranging several ferry connections or spending most of the day aboard a slow vessel. It is especially good for first-time visitors to Symi who want the harbor, a meal, and a memorable swim in one outing.

Families and mixed-age groups may like the independent format because everyone can choose an activity in town. One person can shop, another can eat, and another can sit by the water. The main family consideration is the speedboat seating and the fixed 30-minute swim window.

Swimmers will get the most from the morning departures. Bring your towel and make St George’s Bay a priority. If you are not comfortable swimming from the boat, you can remain on deck and enjoy the cove, but you will miss the experience that gives this trip much of its appeal.

Photographers and sunset fans should consider 3:15. You lose the swim, but the cooler timing, quieter feel in Symi, five-minute bay photo stop, and sunset on the return crossing create a different kind of day.

This is less suitable if you want a slow, detailed study of Symi. Three hours gives you a strong introduction, but not enough time for a leisurely meal, extensive hill walking, and a thorough look at every lane.

Booking details to keep straight

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your Rhodes schedule is still shifting. The exact meeting point depends on the option selected, so save the booking details and check them before setting out.

The most important choice is not the cancellation rule. It is the departure time. Select 9:00 or 11:00 for the 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay. Select 3:15 only if you are happy with a photo stop and prefer cooler hours and sunset scenery.

Also pack more than swimwear and a towel. A light jacket is wise, even in summer, because the wind on the crossing can make the ride feel cold. Comfortable shoes will help if you walk uphill to a church viewpoint.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi speedboat?

I would book this trip if you want two distinct pleasures in one day: Symi’s elegant harbor town and a swim in an extraordinary bay. The fast crossing is the main practical advantage, and $55 is fair value when you use the included swim stop.

Choose the 9:00 departure for the fullest version of the experience, or 11:00 if you want a later start. Choose 3:15 for a cooler, more atmospheric visit, but only if you accept that St George’s Bay will be a five-minute photo stop rather than a swim.

The trip is not perfect. The seats may feel narrow, the boat can be cold, meals cost extra, and three hours in Symi will not satisfy every ambitious explorer. But if you plan your time and pick the right departure, this is an efficient and memorable way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

How long does the trip to Symi take?

The high-speed boat crossing takes about one hour. The full activity lasts approximately six to nine hours, depending on the selected departure and pickup option.

How much time do I get on Symi Island?

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

Is swimming at St George’s Bay included?

Yes, the 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay.

Does the 3:15 departure include swimming?

No. The 3:15 departure makes a five-minute photo stop at St George’s Bay but does not include a swimming stop.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A jacket is also sensible because the boat can feel cold during the crossing.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Lunch, food, and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch at a traditional taverna in Symi at your own expense.

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included. The meeting point depends on the option you book, and the activity ends back at that meeting point.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.