Cruise to Symi island & St George bay + Transfer & Greek Lunch

The best part of this day is the combination of Symi’s pastel harbor and a swim stop reachable only by boat. You get three hours to wander the island, plus time in clear water beneath steep coastal cliffs. I especially like the comfortable vessel and the included hotel transfer, which removes much of the fuss from a long day at sea.

I also like the free snorkeling equipment and the chance to choose between an open upper deck and more sheltered seating below. The main catch is that the order of the stops can change, and St George Bay may be replaced by a nearby cove if sea conditions or the captain’s judgment require it.

Key points at a glance

• A full day from Rhodes to Symi: Plan on roughly eight to ten hours, including transfers and sailing.
• A 1.5-hour swim stop: You swim from the boat in a beautiful cove, rather than visiting a developed beach.
• Three hours in Symi town: There is time for lunch, shopping, harbor views, and a walk through the town.
• A comfortable boat called the Doll: Seating includes an open top deck and covered indoor areas, though prime outdoor places go early.
• Snorkeling gear included: Pool noodles are also available for less confident swimmers.
• Transfers need careful checking: Pickup locations vary, and late bookings may not qualify for hotel transport.

Why this Rhodes day cruise works

Symi is one of those Greek islands best approached from the water. Its harbor opens slowly as the boat draws near, with rows of brightly painted houses climbing the hills behind the waterfront. A road trip cannot give you that same first view.

This excursion keeps the day simple. You leave Rhodes, stop for a swim, spend a useful block of time in Symi, and return by sea. At $82.90 per person, that is a fair price if your booking includes the advertised transfer and lunch. A similar boat trip may cost less when bought directly at the marina, though convenience and advance planning have value too. One important practical tip: check the marina price before booking if you are already staying near Rhodes Town.

The group can reach up to 220 people, so this is not a small private sailing trip. In July, the boat may feel crowded, especially on the best sunbathing spots. Still, the Doll has enough seating to make the day comfortable, and arriving early gives you a better choice of places.

Getting from Rhodes to the boat

The listed starting point is Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town, but pickup is offered from various areas. You receive the exact pickup place and time by WhatsApp or email, generally around the evening before the cruise. If you are staying outside the main pickup network, confirm the arrangement before paying.

This matters more than it sounds. A pickup option on a booking page does not always mean a minibus comes directly to your hotel. Someone staying in Stegna had to take a taxi to a different pickup point, adding a large extra cost. Ask specifically: Will the vehicle collect me from my accommodation, or from a nearby town?

Transfers are provided only for bookings made at least 14 hours before departure. The stated start time is 10:00 a.m., but your assigned pickup will be earlier and may differ by resort. Be on time at the exact point given. The company does not accept responsibility if you miss the vehicle.

The transfer itself can be part of the fun. A driver named Apostolos is especially memorable for his cheerful, funny manner. Another driver, also identified as Apostolos in the tour information, received praise for making the day enjoyable before the boat even appeared. The minibus is described as comfortable and, in some cases, luxurious.

Aboard the Doll from Rhodes

The Doll is a newer boat, clean and spacious by the standards of a busy island day cruise. You can sit outside on the upper deck for wide views, or move indoors for shade and a break from the sun. If you want a front-row spot or a place to lie out, arrive early, ideally before the transfer groups reach the boat.

The vessel has restrooms and WiFi. Those are small details, but they matter on a long sea day. Some reports describe the indoor area as comfortable but note that air-conditioning there may be limited. The listed air-conditioning applies to the transfer vehicle, so do not assume the whole boat will feel cool.

There is a counter serving drinks and snacks. The selection includes soft drinks, chips, and some alcoholic drinks for adults, but this is a modest onboard service rather than a full cocktail lounge. Cash may be required at the bar, and the cocktail choices can be limited. Bring some cash and do not plan the trip around ordering elaborate drinks.

The boat is most pleasant when you treat it as a scenic ride rather than a guided lecture. The crew is described as polite, helpful, and efficient, but the excursion is not built around detailed commentary about geology, fish, or island history. You get a relaxed day with scenery, swimming, and free time, not a formal educational cruise.

The first swim at St George Bay

The advertised first stop is St George Bay on Symi’s east coast. It is a natural cove surrounded by high, bare cliffs and clear blue-green water, with no road access. The boat anchors offshore, and you enter the sea directly from the vessel.

You have about 1.5 hours here. That is enough for a good swim, a look below the surface with the supplied snorkeling gear, and time to sit on deck with a drink. There is no regular beach visit in the usual sense, so pack for a boat swim rather than expecting sand beneath your towel.

The water is the star. Several people describe this stop as the most special part of the day, and I can see why. The quiet setting and steep rock walls give the swim a feeling that a busy resort beach cannot match. Pool noodles are available for less confident swimmers, but you should still be comfortable entering the sea from a boat or staying close to the vessel.

Here is where flexibility matters. The boat may anchor in a nearby cove instead of St George Bay itself. The captain may make that choice because of wind, waves, or safe anchoring conditions. A nearby stop can still be lovely, but it may have rocks instead of sand and may not match the images you saw when booking.

The order can change too. Some departures visit the swimming cove first, then Symi, while others may follow a different plan. If you dislike swimming before walking around town, ask the crew about the schedule as you board. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and a dry layer for the ride afterward.

Three hours to explore Symi town

After the swim, or before it depending on the day, the boat heads into Symi harbor. This arrival is a highlight in itself. The town’s tightly packed houses are painted in soft colors, with balconies, shutters, and old-fashioned facades facing the water.

You have around three hours on the island. That is enough for a leisurely lunch and a walk along the harbor, with time left for shops and photographs. It is not enough for a serious island-wide exploration, so stay near the harbor unless you are prepared to spend most of your time walking.

The town feels more polished than remote, but it still has a clear sense of place. Traditional fishing boats, yachts, seafood restaurants, narrow lanes, churches, and flower-filled balconies give the waterfront its character. Symi’s long maritime connection is visible in the architecture and harbor activity.

Lunch is included, which improves the value of the package. The meal details can vary, so do not assume a particular restaurant or menu. You will find seafood, fresh salads, Symi shrimp, and other local dishes available around the harbor, but extra food and drinks may cost more.

The timing deserves attention. In the heat of summer, some shop owners may close for the afternoon siesta. If shopping matters to you, make that your first task after leaving the boat. If you prefer a relaxed meal and a slow walk, the quiet period can work in your favor.

Symi is hot, with little reason to expect shade everywhere. Wear light clothing, a hat, and sturdy sandals. Three hours sounds generous, but lunch, browsing, photographs, and finding your way back to the boat use it quickly.

The ride back and possible second swim

Some departures include a second swim stop on the return journey. This may be a quick stop in another clear-water cove, and it can be a pleasant bonus after time ashore. Do not treat it as guaranteed, however. Rough sea conditions may force the crew to skip it.

The return sailing gives you another chance to settle on the upper deck or in the covered area. After a hot walk through Symi, shade and comfortable seating are useful. The whole outing may run closer to ten hours than eight once transport and loading times are counted, so pace yourself early in the day.

I would not book this trip if you need a tightly fixed minute-by-minute schedule. The captain may change the route, the sea may alter the swimming plans, and the boat can take longer than an optimistic estimate. That is normal for a sea excursion, but the operator could communicate the changes more clearly.

What the $82.90 price includes

The fare covers the cruise, hotel transfer where available, lunch, snorkeling equipment, WiFi, and use of the boat’s restroom. When all of those pieces work as planned, the price is attractive for a full day from Rhodes.

The transfer has the biggest effect on value. If you are collected close to your hotel, you avoid finding a taxi or arranging an early connection to Rhodes Town. If you must pay for a taxi to a distant pickup point, the bargain can disappear quickly.

The included lunch also saves time. You do not need to hunt for a restaurant during a short island stop, though you may prefer to buy your own meal if you want a particular taverna or menu. Snacks are not included, and drinks at the onboard counter cost extra.

You should also compare prices before committing. A lower price at the marina has been reported for the same boat and route, with a difference of about 20 euros. That local price may not be available on every date, and it may not include the same transfer terms, but checking costs little if you are staying near the port.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this excursion if you want the easiest way to see Symi from Rhodes without arranging a separate ferry, local transfer, lunch, and swim stop. Families can benefit from the assistance with buggies and the pool noodles for swimmers who want extra support.

It also suits couples and friends who want scenery and free time rather than constant guiding. You can sit quietly on the boat, swim in clear water, order a drink, and explore Symi at your own speed.

It is less suitable if you want a small boat, a quiet private atmosphere, or detailed talks about every island landmark. A maximum of 220 people is a serious group size, and busy summer sailings may feel full. It is also not the best pick if you dislike swimming from a boat or walking around a hot harbor town after getting wet.

Practical tips for a better day

• Arrive early: The best upper-deck seats and front positions go first, particularly before transfer passengers arrive.
• Bring cash: The onboard bar may accept cash only, and its drink range is limited.
• Pack for two settings: Take swimwear and a towel, but also bring dry clothes, sun protection, and comfortable walking shoes.
• Ask about the order: St George Bay may come before Symi, even if you expected the reverse.
• Confirm pickup: Check the exact meeting point and whether collection is truly from your hotel.
• Keep the return flexible: Weather can remove the second swim stop or alter the cove used for the first one.
• Use your Symi time wisely: Shop early if you want open stores, then enjoy lunch and the harbor walk.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Yes, if your priority is a convenient, good-value day with three strong ingredients: a beautiful boat ride, a memorable swim, and time in Symi town. The clean Doll, friendly crew, included lunch, snorkeling equipment, and possible hotel transfer make the $82.90 fare reasonable for many visitors.

Book with realistic expectations. This is a large-group cruise, not a private yacht outing. The stop may be a nearby cove rather than St George Bay, the swimming order may change, the bar is basic, and the return swim depends on the sea.

I would first confirm your pickup point, compare the marina price, and arrive early for a good seat. If those details work for you, this is one of the simplest ways to add Symi’s harbor and a beautiful sea swim to a Rhodes holiday.

FAQ

How long does the Symi cruise from Rhodes last?

The advertised duration is approximately eight to nine hours, though some departures may take about ten hours when sailing, stops, and transfers are included.

What time does the activity start?

The listed start time is 10:00 a.m. Your actual pickup time may be earlier and will be sent by WhatsApp or email with the assigned meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return transfer are offered, but the exact location depends on where you stay. Some places use a nearby pickup point rather than the hotel itself. Transfers are provided only for bookings made at least 14 hours before departure.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You have approximately three hours in Symi. This allows time for lunch, a harbor walk, shopping, and photographs.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Pool noodles may also be available for people who are less confident in the water.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. For a normal cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.