Fast Boat To Symi & St George’s Bay Directly from Faliraki Beach

The best part of this outing is the combination of three unhurried hours in Symi and a swim in the clear water of St George’s Bay. You are not rushed from one photo stop to the next. The boat gets you to the island quickly, then gives you enough time for lunch, a harbor walk, and a look at Symi’s handsome waterfront buildings.

I like the direct departure from Ammoudes near Faliraki Beach, which saves you a trip to Rhodes Town. I also like the simple plan: Symi for exploring, St George’s Bay for a refreshing jump into the sea. The main drawback is the ride itself. Fast boats can feel rough and windy, especially at the front, and the boat is basic rather than luxurious.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours in Symi: Enough time for a relaxed harbor stroll, lunch beside the water, and some browsing without racing back to the boat.
• Direct from Faliraki: The 10:20 am departure at Ammoudes is useful if you are staying around Faliraki or the east coast.
• St George’s Bay swim stop: You get 30 minutes to swim and enjoy one of the day’s best coastal views.
• Fast but exposed ride: The boat covers the route efficiently, but the front can be windy and uncomfortable in rough conditions.
• Simple onboard facilities: A toilet is available, though one of the toilets was reported out of service on one departure.
• Good weather matters: The trip requires suitable weather, with a different date or full refund offered if the operator cancels.

Why the Symi and St George’s Bay combination works

This excursion gives you two very different slices of the Dodecanese in one day. Symi is the cultural and scenic stop, with its pretty harbor and traditional buildings. St George’s Bay is the sea stop, where the point is not sightseeing on land but getting into the water.

I like that balance. A full day devoted only to boat travel can become tiring, while three hours in one harbor can feel too slow for some people. Here, you get time to explore Symi at your own pace, then a short swim break before heading back to Rhodes.

The outing lasts about seven hours. That makes it a substantial day, but not an exhausting all-day cruise with a late-night return. The schedule begins at 10:20 am and ends back at the same meeting point near Ammoudes.

Leaving Ammoudes at 10:20 am

The departure point is in the Ammoudes area near Faliraki Beach. That direct pickup is one of the tour’s strongest practical features. If you are staying in Faliraki, you avoid arranging transport into Rhodes Town just to board a boat.

Use the exact meeting-point map information supplied when booking. The listed location includes the Plus Code 9679+VX5 Ammoudes, Greece, and the activity returns to this same point.

The boat carries up to 118 people. That is not a small private trip, so you should expect a shared excursion rather than a quiet charter. The larger capacity helps keep the price at $83.27 per person reasonable, but it also means the atmosphere may feel lively and busy around boarding and disembarking.

The boat is built for speed, not luxury. You will find a toilet onboard, but the facilities are basic, and one toilet was out of service on one departure. That is worth knowing before you settle in for the ride.

The fast crossing to Symi

The quick boat is useful because it leaves you more time on the island. You are not spending the bulk of the day creeping across the water. The tradeoff is comfort: a fast, open boat can be windy, and the sea can feel rough.

I would avoid assuming that the front seats are the best seats. On a calm day, the forward view may be appealing, but the front can take the most wind and movement. A smoother ride was reported on the return, which is a reminder that conditions can change during the day.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring whatever precautions you normally use for boat trips. The tour depends on good weather, and the operator can cancel for poor conditions, but suitable weather does not guarantee a perfectly smooth sea.

The crew and captain are part of the experience. The trip is designed to run on schedule, and the direct route means less time spent on unnecessary stops. You should think of the crossing as transport with a view, not a guided lesson about every island or cove along the way.

Three hours around Symi’s harbor

Symi is the heart of the excursion. You get three hours of free time, with no admission ticket included because the stop is based around exploring the public harbor area on your own.

The harbor, often called Gialos, is the kind of place that rewards a slow walk. The waterfront is lined with attractive buildings, small streets, sea views, and places to stop for food. The setting feels more traditional and intimate than a large resort port.

Three hours gives you room to set your own pace. You can stroll along the water, take photographs of the colorful buildings, have lunch beside the sea, and still leave time to sit with a drink or browse the local shops. You do not need to choose between eating and exploring, which is a real advantage over shorter island visits.

I would not treat the stop as a chance to see every corner of Symi. The time is generous for the harbor area, but it is not a full island tour. The supplied plan provides free time rather than a guided inland visit, so you are responsible for watching the clock and returning to the boat on time.

That independent format suits you if you like choosing your own lunch and route. It is less suitable if you want a guide explaining the island’s history or escorting you from sight to sight.

What to do with your three hours

Start by getting your bearings along the waterfront. The harbor is compact enough for a straightforward walk, and you can use the first part of your stop for photos before the midday heat becomes a factor.

Allow time for a meal. A lunch beside the water is one of the most appealing ways to use the visit, and the three-hour window gives you a better chance of eating without rushing. You should still keep an eye on the departure time, particularly if you choose a restaurant rather than a quick snack.

Leave some time simply to enjoy the setting. Symi is not a stop you need to fill with a long checklist. The harbor view, traditional buildings, and bright sea are the main reward.

There is no stated guided sightseeing program, entrance ticket, or included meal. Plan on paying for your own food and any personal purchases. The flexibility is useful, but it also means the value of the stop comes from how you choose to spend it.

St George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

The return journey includes a 30-minute stop at St George’s Bay. This is the day’s clearest change of pace. After walking and eating in Symi, you can enjoy the view from the water and take a swim.

The bay is known for its dramatic setting and clear water. The stop is short, so it works best if you are ready to get in without a long preparation routine. A quick swim or a jump from the boat is the point of the visit.

You should not expect a long beach stay. The information provided describes a swim stop, not time onshore, so plan around entering the water directly from the boat. Bring swimwear and any small items you need for a brief swim, while keeping valuables secure.

For many people, this will be the most memorable part of the day. The contrast is appealing: Symi offers buildings, food, and a walk, while St George’s Bay offers open water and a dramatic coastal view.

Still, the 30-minute stop will not satisfy everyone. If you would rather have more time in Symi than stop for a swim, this schedule may feel slightly misjudged. One practical view is that three hours in Symi is enough, but some visitors would happily exchange the swim stop for another hour on the island.

Is $83.27 a fair price?

At $83.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Rhodes, but the price can make sense if you want Symi without arranging several separate connections.

You are paying for the fast boat journey, the direct departure from the Faliraki area, about three hours on Symi, and the St George’s Bay stop. The boat returns you to the original meeting point, which removes the need to organize a second transport plan.

The value is strongest if you are based near Faliraki. The closer you are to Ammoudes, the more useful the departure point becomes. If you are staying elsewhere on Rhodes, add the time and cost of reaching the meeting point before deciding.

The price is less appealing if you expect a luxury vessel, a guided tour, an included meal, or extensive onboard service. This is a practical shared boat excursion. It gives you access to a beautiful island and a swimming stop, but the facilities are basic and the boat can be windy.

I see the trip as good value for a first visit to Symi, especially if you want a straightforward day with no complicated planning. It is less compelling for someone who prefers small boats, quiet travel, or a highly personal guide.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend it to you if you want to see Symi during a Rhodes holiday but do not want to arrange an independent boat connection. The three-hour stop is long enough to make the island feel like a real visit rather than a quick photograph from the dock.

It also suits swimmers and people who enjoy being on the water. The St George’s Bay stop adds a clear purpose to the return journey, rather than treating the boat as nothing more than a shuttle.

Families and mixed-age groups may find the flexible Symi stop useful because everyone can choose an activity. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is also near public transportation, though the supplied information does not specify routes or schedules.

You may want to choose another option if you dislike rough water, need polished onboard facilities, or want a detailed guided tour. The boat is fast, but speed does not always mean comfort.

Booking, weather, and practical planning

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the ticket is mobile, so you can keep the booking on your phone. The operating language is English.

This trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cause cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the 10:20 am start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours ahead are not refunded or accepted.

The trip is often booked about 18 days in advance. That does not guarantee that every date sells out, but it is a useful sign that you should not leave a preferred travel day until the last minute.

Arrive prepared for sun, wind, and a swim. The supplied details do not list included equipment, towels, meals, or hotel pickup, so you should not assume those extras are part of the price.

My final take on the Symi day trip

I would book this excursion if I were staying near Faliraki and wanted a simple, well-paced introduction to Symi. The three hours on the island are the strongest feature, and the St George’s Bay swim gives the day a refreshing finish.

I would go in with realistic expectations. This is a fast, shared boat with basic facilities, not a luxury cruise. The front can be windy, the ride may be rough, and the 30-minute swim stop may feel too long if you would rather keep exploring Symi.

For most people, the combination is worthwhile: an attractive harbor, lunch beside the sea, a clear-water swim, and a return to the same beach-area meeting point. Book it if you value convenience and a well-balanced day. Skip it if comfort, a private setting, or a guided island tour matters more than speed and flexibility.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at Ammoudes near Faliraki Beach, Greece. The listed meeting point includes the Plus Code 9679+VX5 Ammoudes.

What time does the experience begin?

The scheduled start time is 10:20 am.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts about seven hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $83.27 per person.

How long do I get to spend in Symi?

You have three hours of free time to explore Symi.

Is admission to Symi included?

The Symi stop has no separate admission ticket listed. It is free time to explore the island.

How long is the St George’s Bay stop?

The boat stops at St George’s Bay for 30 minutes.

Can I swim at St George’s Bay?

Yes. The stop is intended for swimming and enjoying the views and clear water.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 118 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if the operator cancels because of poor weather.