Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George’s Bay

Symi looks made for a postcard. This fast boat trip gives you the island’s famous harbor, pastel houses, and three hours to explore, then adds a swim at Saint George’s Bay. I like the quick crossing from Rhodes and the useful mix of sightseeing, free time, and sea swimming.

I also like that the trip keeps things simple. You are not tied to a guide or a large group once you reach Symi, and the crew may provide fleece jackets when the ride gets chilly. The main drawback is that the 30-minute swim stop feels short, while the boat ride can be rough and the seats are not ideal for long legs.

Key points to know before booking

• The fast crossing takes about one hour, much shorter than slower boats that can take around two and a half hours.
• You get about three hours in Symi, enough for the harbor, shops, food, photos, and a little walking.
• Saint George’s Bay is the visual highlight, with clear water, high cliffs, and goats near the shore.
• Only the 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop.
• The 15:15 sailing has a five-minute photo stop only, but returns later and can offer cooler temperatures and sunset views.
• Driving to Mandraki Harbor requires planning, since parking is difficult and you should arrive at least an hour early.

Why the fast boat makes sense from Rhodes

Symi is close to Rhodes by sea, but the choice of boat makes a big difference. A slower ferry can spend about two and a half hours reaching the island. This high-speed service usually gets there in roughly one hour, leaving more of your day for the destination itself.

That saved time matters. The full outing lasts about six to nine hours depending on your departure and pickup arrangement, but the day does not feel dominated by transport. I like the balance: you get a proper visit to Symi without giving up the chance to swim in one of the Dodecanese’s most striking bays.

The ride is not always calm. Several departures have been smooth and comfortable, while others have been rough enough to make seasickness a concern. If you know you are sensitive to motion, bring travel sickness medicine or gum, and keep in mind that speed does not eliminate waves.

The boat has indoor and outdoor seating. Arrive early if you want the best choice, especially if you need extra legroom. Some seats are slim, and there is limited space beneath the seat in front. The upper area fills quickly, while sofa-style seats may be more comfortable if you can get one.

Sea air can feel surprisingly cold, even in warm weather. Fleece jackets have been offered on some trips, a thoughtful touch, but bring a light layer anyway. You should also pack swimwear and a towel.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor and crossing to Symi

The trip begins at Mandraki Harbor, unless you choose an option with a different pickup point. Some packages include hotel transfer, while the basic fare does not. Pickup locations may include Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kolymbia, Kiotari, Lardos, and other points around the island.

The transfer add-on can be useful if you are staying away from Rhodes Town. It removes the problem of reaching the harbor and finding parking. Still, allow extra time and pay attention at the pickup point. One reported transfer mix-up involved two minibuses, unclear boarding, and passengers being left behind briefly before the first vehicle returned.

If you drive to Mandraki Harbor, do not cut it close. Parking is hard to find, and arriving at least an hour before departure is sensible. You also want time to locate the correct check-in point and board without a last-minute dash.

Once underway, the crossing is part of the pleasure. The boat moves quickly across open water, with views of the Rhodes coast and the Dodecanese sea. On calm days, it can feel smooth and relaxed. On windy days, expect spray, movement, and a more physical ride.

The crew has earned praise for helping people on and off the boat and for keeping the operation moving. The style is not a guided sightseeing lecture, so do not book this expecting a detailed history talk. This is mainly transport, scenery, and free time.

Symi Harbor gives you three useful hours

The arrival at Symi is the moment the trip earns its keep. The harbor curves around turquoise water, with fishing boats close to shore and rows of pastel neoclassical buildings climbing the hills. Church domes add bright spots above the houses, and the whole scene feels unusually tidy and theatrical without being artificial.

You have about three hours on your own. That is enough for a good first visit, but you should decide how to spend it before stepping off the boat. Symi rewards a little planning because the time passes quickly once you begin taking photos, browsing shops, and stopping for food.

A sensible visit might look like this:

• Walk along the harbor and take in the colorful buildings.
• Follow the narrow streets and climb toward higher viewpoints.
• Browse small shops for souvenirs.
• Stop at a waterfront taverna.
• Leave time for a swim near the town if you want a quick cool-down.

The climb through the town is worthwhile for photographs, but it can feel hot in the middle of summer. July and August departures can be especially warm, and shade is not guaranteed on every street. Wear shoes that work for uneven uphill walking and save some energy for the return to the boat.

Three hours is a useful compromise. You can see the main harbor area, eat, shop, and walk without needing to rush every minute. Some people would prefer a little less time in town and a longer swim stop, while others appreciate having enough time to explore at an easy pace.

Eating in Symi: shrimp, ouzo, and waterfront tables

Lunch is not included, so budget separately for food and drinks. Symi has many traditional tavernas around the harbor, making it easy to sit down without leaving the main area.

The local specialty to look for is Symi’s tiny fried shrimp, often served whole. They are a classic island snack and an easy choice if you want something closely tied to the place. You can also try local ouzo, but keep the boat ride back in mind before ordering too generously.

The waterfront setting is part of the meal. You get colorful buildings, small boats, and water close enough to watch fish near the edge in some spots. Prices and service can vary, so check the menu before sitting down if keeping costs under control matters.

There is one practical nuisance: public toilets are limited. Cafes and restaurants provide the most reliable option, so plan ahead before wandering uphill or boarding the boat.

Saint George’s Bay is the day’s best swim

After leaving Symi, the boat heads toward Saint George’s Bay. The approach is beautiful, with steep rocky cliffs dropping into clear water. Goats may be visible high on the slopes, adding a slightly comic touch to an otherwise grand setting.

The boat stops for about 30 minutes on the 9:00 and 11:00 departures. You can swim directly from the boat, enjoy the water from a pool noodle, or stay on deck and take photos. The bay is not a developed beach stop with a long list of facilities. Its appeal is the clean water, quiet setting, and dramatic cliffs.

Thirty minutes goes fast. You need to get ready, enter the water, enjoy the swim, and return when called. If swimming is the main reason you are booking, this may feel too brief. Several people would gladly trade some Symi time for an extra half-hour here.

Still, the stop works well after a hot morning in town. The water is described as exceptionally clear, and even people who had not planned to swim may find the setting hard to resist. Bring a towel, and do not assume you can spend the whole stop wandering ashore.

The captain can change the route or cancel the swim stop because of weather. That matters in the Aegean, where wind and waves can shift quickly. Treat Saint George’s Bay as a strong possibility, not an absolute promise.

Choosing the right departure time

The departure time changes the character of the outing.

The 9:00 departure gives you an early start and includes the Saint George’s Bay swim. It is a good choice if you want the full program and prefer to get back to Rhodes with the evening still available.

The 11:00 departure also includes the 30-minute swim stop. It may suit you better if you do not want a very early morning, though the hottest part of the day can fall during your time in Symi.

The 15:15 departure does not include swimming. Instead, it makes a five-minute photo stop at Saint George’s Bay. The advantages are a less crowded and less hot visit to Symi, plus the chance to see sunset on the return to Rhodes. Choose this sailing only if you are happy to give up the swim.

The 17:00 Friday night cruise does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photos. It returns to Rhodes around 22:00. This is a different experience, aimed more at an evening visit than a beach-and-swim day.

From late September into October, the route may be reversed so Saint George’s Bay comes first. The reason is practical: if the boat visits after Symi, the bay can already be shaded and the water may not have the same bright color. Check the exact plan for your date.

How much value do you get for $69?

At $69 per person, the price is fair if you value time. You are paying for a fast round trip, three hours on Symi, and a swim stop that would be difficult to arrange independently in one day.

The best comparison is not simply the cost of a ferry ticket. Compare the time saved. A slower boat may cost less or offer a different onboard experience, but the high-speed service gets you to Symi quickly and gives you more useful hours on land.

Meals, drinks, and hotel transfers are extra. If you need a pickup from your resort, the transfer option may be worth paying for because getting to Mandraki Harbor can be awkward. If you are already staying near Rhodes Town, arranging your own way to the harbor may be simpler.

The value is strongest for a first visit to Symi, especially if you want both the town and the bay in one day. It is less convincing if you want a relaxed, long swim or a slow island meal. In that case, the fixed schedule may feel tight.

What kind of day should you expect?

This is an active sightseeing day, but not a guided cultural tour. You will spend time boarding, crossing, walking uphill in Symi, eating on your own, and moving quickly through the swim stop.

It suits couples, families with older children, and anyone staying in Rhodes who wants a memorable island outing without arranging several separate boats. The free time also works well for independent people who prefer to choose their own lunch and walking route.

It may not suit you if you dislike fast boats, have serious motion sensitivity, need lots of legroom, or want a quiet beach day. The crossing can be rough, seats can be narrow, and the schedule leaves little room for lingering.

The crew is generally friendly and helpful, and the operation is usually punctual. One minor complaint has involved a busy check-in queue, while another involved a dirty seat at the back of the boat. These are small issues, but arriving early and choosing your seat carefully can improve the ride.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi trip?

I would book this trip if you want the quickest practical route to Symi and like the idea of combining a beautiful harbor town with a dramatic sea swim. The island itself is the main reason to go, and three hours gives you enough time for the essential sights, food, and shopping.

Choose the 9:00 or 11:00 sailing for the full swim experience. Pick 15:15 if cooler temperatures, fewer people, and sunset matter more than getting into the water. Bring swimwear, a towel, a light jacket, motion sickness protection if needed, and comfortable shoes for Symi’s hills.

The key question is simple: do you prefer more time moving between highlights, or more time relaxing in one place? If a fast, scenic day with two memorable stops sounds right, $69 is good value. If you want long swims and slow lunches, find a slower boat or a dedicated beach trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi trip last?

The total activity lasts about six to nine hours, depending on the departure time and pickup arrangement.

How long is the boat ride to Symi?

The high-speed crossing takes approximately one hour.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore the town, shop, eat, walk, or swim.

Does every departure stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. The 15:15 departure has a five-minute photo stop only.

Does the Friday night departure include a swim stop?

No. The 17:00 Friday departure does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photos and returns to Rhodes around 22:00.

Is lunch included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, so you pay separately at a Symi taverna or cafe.

Is hotel transfer included?

Hotel transfer is not included in the basic activity. Some booking options may offer a transfer, and the meeting point depends on the option selected.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A light layer is also sensible because the boat can feel windy and cool, even on a warm day.

Can the swim stop be changed or canceled?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stop according to weather conditions.