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

Symi is the star here, but the one-hour swim at Saint George Bay gives this day a second memorable stop. You sail from Rhodes to a sheer-sided cove with clear water, then continue to Symi town, where colorful houses climb the hills around the harbor.

I like the three hours of free time in Symi, enough for lunch, a walk, and some shopping without a rushed dash back to the boat. I also like the practical setup: hotel pickup is available, the boat has a restroom, and the crew is generally friendly and helpful. The main catch is the long journey, and busy departures can mean an uncomfortable fight for seats.

Key points to know

• Saint George Bay comes first: Expect about two hours at sea before a one-hour swim stop.
• Symi gets three hours: That is enough for lunch and a walk through the harbor town, though not a full island tour.
• The day lasts about nine hours: The return ride to Rhodes takes roughly two hours.
• Seats may be limited: Arrive early at the meeting point if you want a better chance of sitting with your group.
• Bring your own snorkel: Floatation noodles are available, but snorkel equipment is not supplied.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: Select the correct pickup option and add your hotel name when booking.

Why Symi makes this long boat day worthwhile

Symi is one of the prettiest destinations you can reach from Rhodes in a single day. Its harbor is lined with small neoclassical houses in soft colors, and the town feels compact enough to explore on foot. You do not need a guide to see the main sights. Simply follow the waterfront, climb a few of the nearby streets, and pause often for the views across the harbor.

The arrival is part of the fun. After hours on the water, the boat enters Symi’s sheltered port, and the colorful buildings appear around you. It is a striking change from the open sea and gives you a clear reason to accept the long sailing time.

Your three hours are free rather than guided. That suits me here. Symi is small, and a fixed walking tour could make the visit feel hurried. You can choose a waterfront lunch, browse the little shops, or walk farther up the town for a broader view.

Do not expect to see every corner of the island. This is a visit to Symi town, not a full island tour. The three-hour stop works well for a first look, a meal, and a relaxed stroll, but it is not enough for extensive sightseeing beyond the port.

The Saint George Bay swimming stop

Saint George Bay is the first major stop after leaving Rhodes. The crossing to the bay takes about two hours, followed by roughly one hour in the water. The cove is known for its clear sea and dramatic rocky setting, and the swimming stop is one of the strongest parts of the day.

You can get in for a swim, float, or use your own snorkel. The boat provides woggles, which are useful if you want extra support in the water, but proper snorkel gear is not included. Pack your swimsuit under your clothes so you can enter the water without changing on board.

Bring a towel and something warm to put on afterward. The boat can feel windy after you leave the bay, especially if you remain on the upper deck in wet swimwear. One practical complaint about the order of the stops is that you swim first and then walk around Symi. If you dislike exploring town in damp clothes, carry a change of clothes in a small day bag.

The bay stop depends on weather. If conditions are poor, the swimming stop may be removed, sometimes with notice close to departure. The operator should offer a different date or a full refund if the entire trip is canceled because of bad weather, but you should be prepared for the possibility that the day becomes a Symi-only trip.

What the boat ride is really like

This is not a fast ferry crossing. The full schedule usually includes about two hours from Rhodes to Saint George Bay, around thirty minutes from the bay to Symi, and about two hours back to Rhodes. Add the swim stop and three hours in Symi, and you have a genuine full-day outing.

That timing matters. The boat ride is scenic, but it is also a large part of the experience. On calm days, the journey can be pleasant, with space to sit inside or outside and views across the Aegean. On rougher days, the ride can be bumpy. If you are prone to seasickness, take suitable tablets before departure rather than waiting until the water turns choppy.

The boat has a restroom, which is important on a day with several hours at sea. Drinks and snacks are available on board according to the trip arrangements, though you should not depend on the bar for a full meal. Bring water and any food you may need, especially if you prefer to avoid buying items at sea.

Boat condition and seating are the biggest points to weigh carefully. Some departures feel comfortable and well managed, while others can be crowded, with people standing or sitting apart from members of their group. The boat can carry up to 200 people, so this is not a small, intimate sailing trip.

If sitting together matters, reach the Half Price Tours office at Gallias 6 in Rhodes early. Hotel transfers are convenient, but arriving by transfer may mean the boat is already filling up. Early arrival gives you a better chance of finding seats together, especially in high season.

Getting to the boat from your Rhodes hotel

The standard meeting point is Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rhodes 851 00. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is offered from hotels across the island for an added charge. The cost depends on where your hotel is located, with separate arrangements for areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi. When booking, choose the pickup option that covers your hotel area and write the hotel name in the special requirements field.

The pickup service can make this a much easier day. You avoid arranging an early taxi or finding the office in the morning, and the return transfer takes you back toward your accommodation after a tiring day. Allow for some variation in pickup timing, though, as one reported delay was about forty minutes.

If you are staying near Rhodes Town, going directly to the meeting point may give you more control over your arrival time and your place on the boat. If you are staying well outside town, the added pickup fee may be worth paying for the convenience.

Three hours in Symi: how to use your time

Three hours sounds generous, and for Symi town it is usually enough. I would use the first few minutes to get oriented at the harbor, then walk along the waterfront before choosing lunch.

A sensible plan is:

• Walk the harbor and take in the colorful houses.
• Choose lunch near the port.
• Browse the small shops and side streets.
• Leave time to return to the boat without rushing.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You pay for it yourself during the free time in Symi. Local seafood, including Symi shrimp, is a popular choice, but you can also find other food suited to different tastes.

The town is compact, but it is not completely flat. If you want to see more than the waterfront, expect some uphill walking and stairs. Comfortable shoes will help, especially after the morning swim.

The free-time format also lets you set your own pace. You can make the stop about food and photographs, or walk farther from the main harbor. The tradeoff is that nobody is providing historical commentary or organizing your route. For a small town, that is not a major problem, but anyone looking for a guided cultural tour should choose a different excursion.

The real value of the $48.37 price

At $48.37 per person, this is an inexpensive way to combine a boat trip, a swim stop, and a visit to Symi. The price includes the boat ride and the onboard restroom, but not lunch, drinks, or hotel pickup.

The value is strongest if you already want to visit Symi and would otherwise need to arrange transport separately. You get a full day at sea, a swim in Saint George Bay, and three hours on the island for one relatively low fare. The swimming stop adds something more than a simple ferry ride.

The price also explains some of the compromises. This is a large-group boat, not a premium fast ferry or a private cruise. You may have a more comfortable ride on a faster boat, but you could pay more and lose the swim stop. If comfort, guaranteed seating, and speed matter more than price, look closely at alternative Symi crossings before booking.

For most people, the question is not simply whether $48.37 is cheap. It is whether you are happy spending up to six hours on the boat for about four hours of stops. If that ratio sounds reasonable, the fare is strong value. If you want maximum time on land, choose a faster direct boat instead.

How to make the day more comfortable

A few small choices can improve the experience considerably:

• Take seasickness medication if needed. The crossing can be rough, and the journey is long.
• Arrive early. This is especially important if you want seats together.
• Pack a towel and dry clothes. You will swim before visiting Symi.
• Bring a snorkel. The boat supplies woggles, not standard snorkel gear.
• Carry sun protection. You may spend much of the crossing outside, and the bay stop is fully exposed.
• Bring some cash. Onboard payment arrangements can vary, and some purchases may require cash.
• Keep valuables in a small day bag. You will move between boat, water, and town during the day.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Symi is easy to walk around, but some streets rise above the waterfront.

Try not to leave your return to the boat until the last moment. The harbor can feel confusing when several groups are moving at once, and you do not want a relaxed lunch to become a sprint.

Who should book this Symi excursion?

This trip suits you if you want a low-cost introduction to Symi and like the idea of adding a swim to the journey. It works well for couples, families, and groups who are happy to organize their own three hours in town.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a full schedule. You leave Rhodes, swim in a beautiful bay, eat and walk in Symi, then return in the evening. Some trips may reach Rhodes around sunset, which can make the ride home especially scenic.

You should think twice if you dislike crowded boats, long crossings, or uncertain sea conditions. The day can feel tiring, and the seating situation is not always ideal. People who need a quiet, spacious ride may prefer a faster or smaller boat, even if it costs more.

The large capacity is worth keeping in mind for families with small children, older passengers, or anyone who struggles to stand for long periods. Hotel pickup helps with logistics, but it does not change the boat’s size or seating limits.

Booking, weather, and cancellation details

Confirmation is provided when you book. The experience is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can take part, and the activity operates with a maximum of 200 participants.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. If bad weather cancels the trip, you should be offered another date or a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

The trip is often booked about two weeks ahead, so reserving early is sensible during busy periods. Add your hotel name at booking if you want pickup, and check that you selected the correct regional option.

Should you book the Saint George Bay and Symi boat trip?

I would book this tour if Symi is a priority and you want Saint George Bay included without paying for a private or premium cruise. The island is beautiful, the swim stop gives the day variety, and three hours in town is a useful amount of time.

I would not book it if you want a quick crossing, guaranteed seats, or a quiet boat with plenty of room. In that case, spend more on a faster service and keep the day focused on Symi.

For the best chance of a good experience, arrive early, take seasickness tablets if you need them, bring a snorkel and dry clothes, and accept that this is a long day at sea. At $48.37, it is a practical, good-value outing for anyone willing to trade comfort and speed for two attractive stops.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Symi last?

The whole experience lasts about nine hours. The schedule includes roughly two hours from Rhodes to Saint George Bay, one hour swimming, about thirty minutes to Symi, three hours on the island, and around two hours back to Rhodes.

How much time do I get in Symi?

You get about three hours of free time in Symi. You can use it for lunch, a walk through the town, and shopping.

How long is the swimming stop at Saint George Bay?

The swimming stop lasts about one hour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can buy lunch during your free time in Symi.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is included on board.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rhodes 851 00, Greece, and ends back at the same meeting point.

Can I get picked up from my hotel?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an extra charge based on your hotel’s location. You should select the option covering your area and provide your hotel name when booking.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the experience to be canceled, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.