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

The best part of this day is the contrast: first, you swim from the boat in a quiet cove near Symi, then you wander through Symi town with its pastel houses and flower-filled balconies. I especially like the 1.5-hour swim stop and the clean, modern boat, which gives you room to sit in the sun or escape indoors.

I also like that the package includes hotel transfer, snorkeling equipment, WiFi, lunch, and a restroom. That makes the $82.90 price reasonable for a long day on the water. The main caution is that pickup details can be unclear, and the exact swim cove and order of stops may change.

Key points at a glance

• St George Bay by boat: Swim from the vessel in a remote cove that has no normal road access.
• Three hours in Symi: Stroll the harbor, browse shops, admire colorful houses, and find a Greek meal.
• Modern boat called the Doll: Seating includes an open upper deck and a covered indoor area.
• Snorkeling included: Equipment and pool noodles are available for the swim stops.
• Hotel transfers offered: Exact pickup points arrive by email or WhatsApp, often the night before.
• Busy in midsummer: The boat can carry up to 220 people, so early arrival matters if you want prime deck seating.

Why this Rhodes to Symi cruise works

Symi is one of those Greek islands best appreciated from the water first. As the boat approaches, the harbor comes into view with steep hills, pastel-colored houses, small fishing boats, and yachts. You get the grand first impression before setting foot ashore.

This tour combines that scenic arrival with a proper swim stop. You are not simply ferried from Rhodes to Symi, given a short walk, and sent back. The boat spends about 1.5 hours in a beautiful bay where you can swim, use the included snorkel gear, or stay aboard with a drink.

The full day lasts roughly eight to nine hours. That is a long outing, but it gives the trip a relaxed rhythm. You have time to enjoy the sea without rushing, then about three hours in Symi town. For $82.90, the value is strongest if you want transportation, a swim stop, lunch, and island time in one booking.

The tradeoff is scale. This is not a small private boat. The maximum group size is 220, and July departures can feel crowded. On quieter early-season trips, the open upper deck may feel spacious. In peak summer, arrive early if you want a good seat near the front or on the top deck.

Leaving Rhodes aboard the Doll

The advertised starting point is Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town, with departure at 10:00 a.m. Hotel pickup is also offered, but do not treat the pickup box as proof that the bus will stop at your hotel door. Some areas use a nearby collection point, and one pickup location required an additional taxi ride to reach the actual bus.

You should receive the final pickup place and time by email or WhatsApp. The important message may arrive around 9:00 p.m. the evening before, particularly for bookings made close to departure. Transfers are only guaranteed for bookings made at least 14 hours before the activity.

Be ready early. Missing the assigned pickup time is your responsibility, and the operator does not accept responsibility if you are not at the stated meeting point. This is one part of the trip where a little care saves a lot of stress.

The transfer vehicles are air-conditioned. Several drivers have been praised for being friendly and entertaining, especially Apostolos, whose cheerful personality helped make the drive enjoyable. The bus ride is simply a way to reach the port, but a good driver can make the early start easier.

The boat itself, called the Doll, is clean and modern. You will find open seating upstairs, more protected seating below, toilets, WiFi, and a small food and drink counter. The vessel has enough room to spread out, though indoor air conditioning has not always been strong enough for hot-weather comfort.

If sitting outside is important to you, arrive early. One useful tip is to reach the boat before the transfer groups arrive. That gives you a better chance of claiming a forward-facing seat or a sunny spot on the upper deck.

St George Bay: the day’s best swim

The first major stop is usually St George Bay on the east side of Symi. It is known for its dramatic cliffs and clear water, and because it is accessible only by boat, the setting feels far removed from the roads and town.

The boat anchors offshore rather than pulling onto a normal sandy beach. You climb down for a swim, so bring a swimsuit under your clothes and wear something easy to remove. The shore may be rocky, and the stop is not a classic beach day with a broad strip of sand.

The water is the main attraction. You can swim in the clear sea, use the complimentary snorkeling equipment, or take a pool noodle if you are not a strong swimmer. The snorkeling is a pleasant extra rather than a guided marine-life tour. The crew does not provide a detailed explanation of fish, rocks, or underwater sites, so this suits people who want freedom more than instruction.

You can also stay on deck with a cocktail or soft drink. The onboard bar is useful, but keep expectations modest. It is a small counter rather than a full cocktail lounge. Drinks and snacks are available, alcoholic drinks are served only to adults, and cash may be required. The menu can be limited, with mojitos and Aperol spritzes among the cocktail choices.

The advertised stop is St George Bay, but the captain may use a nearby cove. Sea conditions, safety, and the day’s route can affect the decision. On some departures, the boat has stopped at another small bay instead, with rocks rather than white sand. In rougher conditions, a second swim on the return journey may be shortened or canceled.

That flexibility matters. If seeing the exact St George location is the main reason you are booking, ask about current plans before departure. The bay is often the emotional highlight of the day, but its precise location is not guaranteed.

Symi town, pastel houses, and three hours ashore

After the swim, the boat heads to Symi. The approach is worth watching from the deck. The harbor rises in tiers, with ochre, cream, pink, and blue houses climbing the hillsides. Balconies, shutters, churches, and small boats give the town its distinctive Dodecanese character.

Three hours is enough for a good first look. You can walk along the harbor, take photographs, browse small shops, and stop for lunch. The streets away from the waterfront are quieter and more atmospheric, though the hills mean you should expect some walking in heat.

The town is attractive without feeling like a museum. Its maritime character shows in the harbor, traditional boats, and old houses. Restaurants serve seafood, salads, and local dishes, while shops focus on the usual island clothing, souvenirs, and gifts.

The timing can be a little awkward. If you arrive during the afternoon siesta, some shops may be closed. That is not a serious problem if your goal is walking, photography, and lunch, but it can disappoint you if shopping is your priority.

The package includes lunch, though the details of where and how it is served are not fully clear from the tour information. Some people choose a taverna in Symi and enjoy a leisurely meal with seafood or local specialties. I would confirm the lunch arrangement before boarding, especially if you have dietary needs or want to budget for drinks.

The three-hour stay is one of the strongest parts of the schedule. It is long enough to avoid the frantic feel of a short port call. You can eat slowly, wander without a checklist, and still have time to return to the boat comfortably.

The return journey and possible second swim

The cruise back to Rhodes gives you more time on deck and another chance to see Symi from the sea. Some departures include a second short swim in a different bay. This can be a lovely bonus, especially after walking around town in the heat.

Do not count on the second swim as a guaranteed part of the day. Sea conditions can change, and the captain may skip it or make it brief. The main swim stop is the 1.5-hour visit near St George, while the return stop depends more heavily on weather and timing.

The return ride can feel long if the boat is full and the sun is strong. The Doll does have indoor seating, which helps. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and a light cover-up. You will be happier with a dry shirt for the return and a small bag that keeps your phone safe near the water.

The boat’s small bar is handy, but it is not a replacement for bringing personal essentials. Snacks are not included, and the selection onboard may be limited. Lunch is part of the package, but an extra snack is sensible for a full day.

What the $82.90 price really covers

At $82.90 per person, this is a fair package if you use most of its inclusions. You are paying for the boat crossing, a long swim stop, about three hours in Symi, hotel transfer where available, snorkeling equipment, lunch, WiFi, and onboard facilities.

The value improves if you are staying outside Rhodes Town and would otherwise need to arrange transport to the port. A comfortable minibus pickup removes a layer of planning, though you must verify the actual collection point.

The price is less compelling if you only want a ferry crossing and independent time in Symi. A separate ferry or a ticket bought locally may cost less. One useful warning: the same boat trip may sometimes be available at the marina ticket office for around 20 euros less than an online price. That local price is not guaranteed, and buying in person may offer less certainty, but it is worth checking if budget is your main concern.

The package also provides the convenience of a planned swim stop. A regular ferry will not give you that. For many people, the swim in a remote cove is what turns a transport day into a proper excursion.

Who should book this day out

I would recommend this cruise if you want an easy way to see Symi without arranging ferries, taxis, lunch, and a separate boat trip. It suits couples, families, and groups who like a mix of scenery, swimming, and gentle exploring.

Families benefit from the transfer service, restroom, indoor seating, and helpful crew. Staff have assisted with buggies, though moving one onto and off a boat still requires care. Children should be comfortable swimming from a vessel rather than walking straight onto a shallow beach.

This trip also works well for independent-minded visitors. You are not tied to a constant guided commentary. After the basic boat arrangements, you can swim, sit, eat, shop, and walk at your own pace.

It is less suitable if you dislike large boats, need a quiet private setting, or want a detailed history lesson about Symi. The staff are polite and helpful, but the excursion is mainly about the scenery and free time rather than formal guiding.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a white-sand beach. The swim stops are from the boat, and the shore can be rocky. If you want guaranteed time at the exact St George Bay, ask before booking because the captain may select a nearby cove.

Practical details before you reserve

The tour is offered in English and confirmation arrives at booking. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat and swimming from the anchored vessel if you want the full experience.

The starting point is Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town, and the trip ends back at the same meeting point. Pickup availability depends on your area and booking time. Check the final message carefully, especially if you are staying in Lardos, Stegna, Kolymbia, or another resort outside central Rhodes.

The tour needs good weather. If conditions force cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

I would bring:

• Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, and a dry change of clothes
• Cash for the bar and possible extras
• Water and a small snack
• Comfortable shoes for walking around Symi
• A waterproof pouch for your phone
• A light cover-up for the boat ride home

Should you book the Symi cruise?

Book it if you want a full day with swimming and island time, and you value having transport, lunch, equipment, and the boat crossing arranged together. The modern Doll, friendly crew, clear water, and photogenic harbor make this a strong all-around outing from Rhodes.

Think twice if exact timing, a specific beach, or a small-group atmosphere matters most. The route can change, the boat can be crowded in July, and the bar is basic. Confirm your pickup point, ask how lunch works, and arrive early for a better seat. With those details understood, this is a good-value way to see Symi and enjoy the sea around it.

FAQ

How long does the cruise to Symi last?

The complete experience lasts about eight to nine hours. It includes the boat journey, around 1.5 hours at a swim stop, and about three hours in Symi.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 10:00 a.m. from Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. Hotel pickup times vary and are sent before departure.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup and return transfer are offered for eligible locations. You will receive the exact pickup point and time by email or WhatsApp, and some hotels may use a nearby meeting point instead.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided for the swim stop. Pool noodles may also be available for less confident swimmers.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included in the package. The tour information does not specify the exact serving arrangement, so confirm the details before departure if this is important to you.

Does the boat stop directly at St George Bay?

The planned stop is St George Bay, but the captain may choose a nearby cove because of sea conditions or operational decisions. The swim is from the boat, not necessarily from a sandy beach.

Can I cancel the tour?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.