Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

Symi is the star here: a bright sweep of neoclassical houses climbing above a handsome harbor, reached by a relaxed boat ride from Rhodes. Before the island, you stop at St Marina Bay, a clear-water cove where you can swim and snorkel straight from the boat.

I like the simple combination of a proper swim stop and free time in Symi, rather than rushing from one guided sight to another. I also like the price: at $47, this is a practical way to see another Dodecanese island without paying catamaran rates. The tradeoff is time on the water. The boat is slower than some high-speed options, and the 30-minute swim stop may feel brief.

Key points to know before booking

• St Marina Bay is reachable only by boat, making the first stop the day’s best chance for a quiet swim in clear water.
• Symi time is self-guided, with about three hours for lunch, shopping, photographs, and a walk around the harbor.
• Rizos Cruises’ Discovery boat has an open sundeck, sunbeds, toilets, WiFi, floats, an air-conditioned area, snacks, and drinks for sale.
• The boat ride takes a large part of the day, so bring a book, a light jacket early or late in the season, and patience for the return crossing.
• Arrive 20 minutes early to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat and secure a better outside seat.
• Pickup is optional, but hotel transfers depend on the option you choose and must be arranged carefully by phone or WhatsApp.

Why this Rhodes to Symi day trip works

This is a full-day island outing with a clear rhythm: leave Rhodes in the morning, swim at St Marina Bay, spend time in Symi, then return to Rhodes Harbour in the evening. You are not tied to a guide once you reach Symi, which gives the day a welcome sense of freedom.

The cruise begins at Rhodes Harbour, although some booking options include transport from a long list of hotels around Rhodes. If you use a transfer, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes early. The coach or minivan carries the Rizos Cruises logo, and drivers wait only two minutes after the scheduled time. Traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes, so do not wander off if the vehicle is late.

At the harbor, look for the Rizos Cruises Discovery boat. You need to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat before boarding. Arrive during the stated 8:00 to 8:30 check-in window, or at least 20 minutes before departure. This matters because the boat can leave on time, and the best outside seats go early.

The vessel is clean and set up for a long day at sea. You can sit on the open upper deck, stretch out on sunbeds, or move inside to the air-conditioned area with banquette seating. There are toilets onboard, which is a small but important comfort on an eight-hour excursion.

The onboard bar sells drinks, snacks, ice creams, and lollies. Food and drinks are not included, so carry some cash. WiFi and floats are included, but towels and snorkeling equipment are not. Bring your own mask and snorkel if you want to look below the surface rather than simply swim.

The first crossing gives you Rhodes from the water

Once the boat leaves Rhodes, you get a different view of the island. The shore opens up, and the cruise becomes part transport, part sightseeing. The ride is not a fast hop. Depending on conditions and the day’s timing, the crossing can take roughly one and a half to two hours in each direction, with the return sometimes feeling longer.

I would treat this as a scenic ferry trip, not a speedboat transfer. Sit outside when the sun is pleasant, but remember that shade can feel cool after a while, especially in October or near the beginning and end of the season. A light jumper is a smart addition even on a warm Greek day.

The crew gives instructions over the boat’s announcement system and keeps the schedule moving. You will see small fishing boats and other vessels along the route, adding interest to the crossing. Still, the ride is a real part of the experience. Bring a book, music, or something else to occupy you between the views.

If you want an outside seat, board early. The upper deck is the place for sun, breeze, and the widest views, but sitting in the sun for hours is tiring. Sunscreen, a hat, and water are essential. Use biodegradable sunscreen, especially before the swim stop.

St Marina Bay is the day’s refreshing pause

The first major stop is St Marina Bay, a small cove reached by boat. The setting gives you a break from sitting and lets you enjoy the sea before exploring Symi.

You have about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. The water is clear, and the stop is attractive even if you stay onboard to take photographs. Floats are available, but you should bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to see more than the surface.

This is a swim from the boat, not a long beach visit. You will not have a private locker, and the boat does not provide towels. Keep your valuables secured and think ahead about your phone, room key, and cash. A waterproof pouch can be useful, but do not assume the boat has storage lockers for personal items.

Thirty minutes is enough for a quick swim and a little snorkeling, but not for a leisurely session. If you want coral reefs or a longer underwater stop, this excursion may leave you wanting more. You are also asked to remain reasonably close to the boat, so this is not an independent snorkeling expedition.

Still, the stop adds real value. Faster catamarans may get you to Symi sooner, but this boat includes a swim in a place you cannot reach by road. For many people, that is the feature that makes the slower crossing worthwhile.

Entering Symi Harbour is the visual highlight

After St Marina Bay, the boat continues to Symi Harbour. The arrival is the most photogenic part of the journey, as the harbor opens around you and the island’s painted houses rise above the water.

Symi is known for its orderly rows of colorful neoclassical buildings. Their balconies, shutters, and pastel tones give the waterfront a look unlike Rhodes Town. From the boat, you see the architecture in one broad sweep before stepping ashore.

The harbor itself is the center of your visit. You can walk along the waterfront, stop for lunch, browse shops, buy an ice cream, and take photographs without needing to follow a fixed route. The town is compact enough for a short visit, but three hours goes quickly if you want both a meal and some shopping.

I would begin by walking the harbor to get your bearings. Then choose a restaurant with a view, allowing time afterward for the colorful streets and small shops. If you spend too long over lunch, you may have little time left for exploring. On the other hand, racing through the meal defeats the point of coming to Symi.

The three-hour stop suits people who want a taste of the island rather than a thorough tour. You can enjoy the port at an easy pace, but you should not expect time for every corner of Symi. If you want to visit the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis, the schedule is a limitation. That landmark is not part of this harbor visit, and reaching it would require more time than the standard stop allows.

How to use three hours in Symi

You have several good ways to spend your time:

• Walk the harbor and photograph the houses from different angles.
• Have a long lunch overlooking the water.
• Browse local shops for souvenirs.
• Buy an ice cream and continue along the waterfront.
• Explore a few uphill streets for a closer look at the painted homes.

The harbor is the easiest place to enjoy without a plan. The houses are the main attraction, and you do not need an expensive add-on to appreciate them. If you want to climb farther into town, keep an eye on the time and remember that the boat will not wait for late arrivals.

This free-time format is also useful for mixed groups. One person can shop, another can eat, and someone else can focus on photographs. Families and couples can set their own pace instead of staying with a guide.

The limitation is depth. You will see the prettiest central area, but you will not have the hours needed for a broad island tour. That is fine if you want a change of scene and a pleasant port visit. It is less suitable if Symi is the main reason you came to Greece and you want to explore the island beyond the harbor.

The return cruise is comfortable but long

Back on the boat, you sail to Rhodes Harbour in the evening. The return is a good time to move between the sun deck and the air-conditioned cabin, buy a drink, and settle in for the final crossing.

The boat has plenty of seating, but some seats in the shade can become chilly. In cooler months, bring that light jacket. If you spent the afternoon in the sun, you may prefer the indoor seating for part of the journey.

A few practical habits make the return easier. Refill your water before leaving Symi, keep your phone charged, and do not pack your towel away until you are sure you will not use it again. The onboard bar provides refreshments, but you should not expect a full meal or complimentary drinks.

The return journey is also where the slower boat becomes most noticeable. One afternoon stop in Symi and one swim at St Marina Bay make the schedule worthwhile, but you still spend several hours aboard. I would choose a high-speed catamaran instead if your priority is maximizing time on the island. Choose this cruise if you value the swim stop, open-deck seating, and lower price more than speed.

What the $47 price really gets you

At $47 per person, this excursion offers strong value for a full day. The fare includes the cruise, the St Marina Bay swimming stop, free time in Symi, sunbeds, toilets, floats, WiFi, air-conditioning, and insurance. You are paying for transport between two islands plus a useful stop along the way, not just a basic ferry ticket.

The price does not include towels, food, drinks, or snorkeling gear. Those extras are easy to plan for, but they change your total cost if you buy everything onboard. Bring a towel, beachwear, cash, and your own mask and snorkel.

Hotel pickup is not automatically included. Some options offer a transfer, while others require you to make your own way to the Rhodes Harbour meeting point. Check the selected option carefully before paying, since the convenience of a hotel transfer can affect the overall value.

The biggest value question is your tolerance for boat time. If you want a cheap, pleasant day with two different settings, the price is attractive. If you dislike long crossings, the saving may not compensate for the hours at sea.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend it to you if you want:

• A straightforward day trip from Rhodes to another Greek island.
• A colorful harbor with time to explore independently.
• A swim and snorkeling stop built into the route.
• A lower-cost alternative to faster catamarans.
• A clean boat with both outdoor and air-conditioned seating.
• A flexible day for couples, families, or small groups with different interests.

You may want another option if you need a long snorkeling session, prefer a guided walking tour, or want to visit Panormitis Monastery. The short swim stop and limited time beyond Symi Harbour are the main constraints.

The trip also suits first-time visitors who want a taste of the Dodecanese without arranging ferries, restaurants, and return transport on their own. You get the pleasure of arriving by sea, a clear plan for the day, and enough free time to make Symi your own.

Simple ways to make the day better

Arrive early, especially if you want an outside seat. Bring a jumper for the shaded deck, even in warm weather, and pack biodegradable sunscreen, a hat, water, beachwear, a towel, cash, and snorkeling gear.

Keep your belongings together during the swim stop. There is no stated locker service, and you will need your phone, keys, and valuables when you return to your hotel. A waterproof case can help protect small items.

Do not plan too much for Symi. Three hours is enough for lunch, a harbor walk, shopping, and photographs, but not for a full island tour. If you want a relaxed meal, choose the restaurant early and leave time to get back to the boat.

For transfers, enter your correct phone number and monitor WhatsApp or calls. Wait at the pickup point 10 minutes early, and allow for a possible delay of up to 15 minutes. The driver will not wait beyond two minutes after the scheduled pickup time.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book this trip if you want the best mix of price, a swim stop, and free time in Symi. The boat is clean, the crew keeps the day organized, and the schedule gives you enough time for lunch and a first look at the island. The colorful harbor and clear bay provide two very different highlights.

Skip it if you want the fastest possible crossing or a serious snorkeling outing. The boat takes its time, the swim lasts only 30 minutes, and the excursion focuses on Symi Harbour rather than the whole island.

For $47, I think the balance is good. Bring a book for the crossing, arrive early for a sunny seat, and treat Symi as a beautiful introduction rather than a complete island tour.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi boat trip last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, beginning in the morning and returning to Rhodes Harbour in the evening.

How much time do I get in Symi?

You get about three hours of free time in Symi for sightseeing, lunch, shopping, and walking around the harbor.

How long is the swimming stop at St Marina Bay?

The swimming and snorkeling stop lasts about 30 minutes.

Is St Marina Bay reachable by land?

St Marina Bay is described as reachable only by boat, so this cruise provides access to the stop.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup is not included in every option. Optional transfers are available for selected bookings, so check your chosen option carefully.

Where do I meet the boat?

You meet at Rhodes Harbour and should look for the Rizos Cruises Discovery boat. Exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat before boarding.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear. A light jacket is useful at the beginning and end of the season.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although snacks, ice creams, and drinks are available for purchase at the onboard bar.

Does the boat have toilets and air-conditioning?

Yes. The boat has toilets, an air-conditioned indoor area, an open sundeck with sunbeds, floats, and WiFi.