Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay

Symi is the star here: a small Greek island lined with colorful neoclassical houses, a handsome harbor, and lanes you can cover on foot. I like the chance to pair three hours in Symi with a swim in the clear water of St George Bay, rather than choosing between a beach day and an island visit.

I also like the price, about $48.37 per person, and the simple setup. There is a restroom on board, hotel pickup can take the sting out of an early start, and lunch is left to you, so you can choose a taverna in Symi instead of paying for a fixed meal. The main concern is the boat ride: it can be long, choppy, and crowded, with seating sometimes hard to secure.

Key points to know

• Two-hour ride to St George Bay: The first sailing can take about two hours, so bring motion-sickness tablets if you need them.
• One hour in clear water: St George Bay is the swimming stop, with woggles available but no snorkels supplied.
• Three hours in Symi town: You have time for lunch, the harbor, colorful houses, shops, and a relaxed walk.
• A full nine-hour outing: Expect roughly four hours before reaching Symi and about two hours back to Rhodes.
• Pickup costs extra: Hotel transfers are available across Rhodes, but the fee depends on your area.
• Value with a comfort tradeoff: The low fare covers the boat and restroom, but not lunch, drinks, or guaranteed paired seating.

Why Symi makes this boat day worthwhile

Symi offers the sort of arrival that makes a long crossing feel justified. As the boat enters the harbor, the hillsides fill with tightly packed houses painted in soft yellows, blues, pinks, and creams. The setting feels more polished and distinctive than a standard beach stop, and the compact town is easy to explore without a guide.

I like that your three hours are free time. You are not pushed into a group meal or a scheduled shopping stop. You can walk the waterfront, settle into a taverna for seafood, browse small shops, or simply sit near the harbor and watch the boats come and go.

Three hours is enough for a good first look at Symi town. It is not enough to see every corner of the island, and you should not expect a slow, all-day exploration. Still, for a first visit from Rhodes, the time is well judged. You can eat and walk without racing from one sight to another.

The two-hour crossing from Rhodes

The trip begins at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town, then heads across the water. The sailing to St George Bay can take around two hours, followed by roughly 30 minutes to Symi. After your time on the island, the return crossing takes about two more hours.

That adds up to a lot of time on the boat. The advertised duration is about nine hours, and the day can feel even longer because the ride itself is a major part of the experience. I would book this for the scenery and the destinations, not for a quick transfer to Symi.

Conditions vary. Several accounts describe a pleasant ride, while others found the sea quite rocky. If you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual medication before boarding rather than waiting until the boat begins to roll. Sit where you feel most comfortable, and avoid the rear if strong engine fumes bother you.

The boat has indoor and outdoor areas, so you can move below if the wind or rain picks up. Pack a light layer for the return ride, even on a warm Rhodes day. After swimming, your clothes may still be damp, and the open deck can feel cool once the boat is moving.

St George Bay swimming stop

The first main stop is St George Bay, where you have about one hour to swim. The water is the main attraction, with clear conditions that make the bay especially appealing for a quick sea swim.

You can wear your swimsuit under your clothes and be ready as soon as the boat stops. Bring your own snorkel if you want to look beneath the surface. Woggles are available on board, but snorkel equipment is not provided.

One hour sounds brief, yet it is a useful amount of time for this kind of stop. You can get into the water, swim, float, and dry off without losing the main purpose of the day, which is visiting Symi. If you prefer long, quiet beach time, this will feel short. If you want a refreshing break from the boat, it works well.

There is an important weather proviso. St George Bay may be removed from the schedule in poor conditions, sometimes with notice close to departure. If the swim matters most to you, keep an eye on messages from the operator and understand that a rough sea can change the plan. The overall activity also requires good weather, with a different date or full refund offered if the operator cancels for that reason.

Three hours to explore Symi town

After the swim, the boat takes about 30 minutes to reach Symi. This is when the pace improves. Once ashore, you can walk directly into the small harbor town, where the colorful waterfront buildings provide the island’s most memorable view.

I would spend the first few minutes getting oriented rather than rushing straight to lunch. The town is small enough to cover on foot, and a walk along the harbor lets you see the full sweep of the houses before you choose a restaurant.

Lunch is not included, but that is a reasonable arrangement here. You have the freedom to choose what suits your budget and appetite. Seafood is a natural choice, and Symi shrimp is a local specialty mentioned as a highlight of the island’s food. You can also use the time for a shorter meal and more wandering if food is not your priority.

The town is popular, so the waterfront may feel busy, particularly in high season. That does not erase its charm, but it does mean you should expect an active port rather than a completely quiet island village. Shops, restaurants, and the harbor give you plenty to do, but the visit is focused on Symi town, not the whole island.

Some people would prefer a longer stay. If you want to visit farther-away beaches or explore the island beyond the port, this excursion will not provide enough time. For a first taste, though, three hours gives you a satisfying look without requiring an overnight stay.

Boat comfort, seats, and onboard services

The biggest weakness is comfort, not the route. The boat can carry up to 200 people, and on busy days it may feel very full. Some departures have had passengers searching for seats, standing, or sitting apart from companions during the long outward ride.

If sitting together matters, arrive early at the meeting point and check in promptly. Hotel transfers are convenient, but a transfer may bring you to the boat after other people have already taken their preferred seats. Pre-booking does not appear to guarantee a particular seat or seats together.

The boat has a restroom, which matters during a nine-hour day. There is also a bar area with drinks and snacks, based on the onboard service described for the trip. Prices have been described as reasonable, but payment arrangements may not always be consistent, especially when the boat is near the Turkish border and phone signal is unreliable. I would carry some cash as a backup.

Boat condition is another variable. Some departures have been described as clean and comfortable, while others felt old, messy, or in need of an update. The crew is generally described as friendly and helpful, but a pleasant crew cannot create extra seats when the boat is full.

Think of this as a practical excursion boat, not a polished luxury cruise. That distinction helps set the right expectation. You are paying for transport, a swim stop, and access to Symi at a low price, not for a spacious lounge chair or a quiet sailing experience.

Hotel pickup across Rhodes

The official meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town, and the activity returns there at the end. Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge, with the amount based on where your hotel sits on the island.

Hotels in southern areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi fall into a different pickup category from hotels closer to Rhodes Town. When booking, choose the option that covers your hotel and enter the hotel name in the special requirements field. The operator then provides the pickup time.

Pickup has been a strong part of the experience when it runs on time. It removes the need to arrange your own early transport to Rhodes Town and gives you a direct return at the end of a tiring day. At least one account reported a late pickup, so I would not plan an important evening commitment immediately after the excursion.

If you are already staying near Rhodes Town, meeting at the office may be the better value. If you are staying far south, the extra transfer fee can still make sense because it saves you a separate taxi or bus arrangement.

What the $48.37 price really covers

At about $48.37 per person, this is an attractive way to reach Symi. You receive the boat trip, the St George Bay stop, about three hours on the island, and a restroom on board. For a full day out from Rhodes, that is a strong basic package.

The low price becomes less impressive if you expect comfort or extras. Lunch is not included. Drinks and snacks are separate, hotel pickup costs extra, and there is no promise of reserved seating. You may also choose to spend more on motion-sickness medicine, snorkel gear, or a taxi if you skip the paid pickup.

I see the value in the route itself. A separate trip to Symi plus a beach outing could cost more and require extra planning. Here, the logistics are handled in one booking, and you get two very different experiences in one day: a scenic island town and a clear-water swim.

The price is best for people who prioritize destinations over onboard polish. If you want a newer, less crowded vessel, paying more for a faster or smaller boat may be sensible. One account specifically suggested choosing a faster boat next time for a more comfortable ride, while still praising Symi itself.

Who should book this Symi excursion

I would choose this trip if you have one free day in Rhodes and want to see Symi without arranging ferries yourself. It suits couples, families, and solo visitors who are comfortable with a long sea crossing and who value a flexible afternoon in town.

It is also a good match if you want a swim but do not need a full beach day. The hour at St George Bay breaks up the crossing and gives the outing a welcome physical change.

I would think twice if you get seasick, dislike crowds, need guaranteed seats together, or want a quiet, refined cruise. The route is beautiful, but the boat can be rocky and packed. A faster or smaller vessel may be worth the extra cost for those priorities.

The group limit can reach 200 people, so this is not an intimate outing. Still, the crew has been described as friendly, organized, and helpful, and the day generally follows a clear schedule: Rhodes, St George Bay, Symi, then Rhodes again.

Booking and cancellation details

You receive confirmation at booking. Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, though pickup from your hotel is available for an extra fee.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Bad weather can lead to a new date or a full refund, and the same options apply if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

Should you book this boat trip to Symi?

Book it if Symi is high on your Rhodes list and you want to add a memorable swim without paying for a premium cruise. The colorful harbor, free time for seafood and walking, and clear water at St George Bay make the day feel varied and worthwhile.

Go in prepared: take motion-sickness tablets if needed, arrive early for the best chance of finding seats together, pack a towel and warm layer, bring a snorkel if you want one, and carry cash. If you can accept a long crossing and occasional crowding, this is one of the more affordable ways to experience Symi from Rhodes.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip to Symi and St George Bay?

The full activity lasts about nine hours. The trip to St George Bay can take around two hours, the crossing from the bay to Symi about 30 minutes, and the return to Rhodes about two hours after your time on the island.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You have about three hours of free time in Symi. You can walk around town, shop, sit by the harbor, and arrange your own lunch.

How long is the swimming stop at St George Bay?

The swimming stop lasts about one hour. The stop depends on suitable weather conditions.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you have free time in Symi to choose and pay for your own meal.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an additional charge. The fee depends on your hotel’s location, including areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi.

Where does the tour start and end?

The meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rhodes 851 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point unless you use the available hotel transfer.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom on board is included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkels are not provided. Woggles are available on board, so bring your own snorkel if you want to look underwater.

Can the St George Bay stop be canceled?

Yes. Poor weather can cause the swimming stop to be removed from the schedule. If the full activity is canceled because of bad weather, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.