Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Symi rewards the early start. This high-speed boat trip gives you a scenic ride, three hours to explore Symi town, and a swim in St George’s Bay. I especially like boarding at Kolymbia Harbor instead of taking a bus to Rhodes, and I like the well-kept schedule. The main drawback is simple: the ride can be wet and there is no water supplied on board.

You pay $106 per person for an eight-hour outing. That is fair value if you want Symi without losing a full day to road transfers. You should bring drinks, sun protection, swimwear, and a towel, then be ready to leave on time. This is a shared boat trip, not a slow, quiet cruise.

The best parts of the day

• A direct start from Kolymbia Harbor: You can walk to the departure point from nearby hotels instead of taking an early bus to Rhodes.
• A fast ride to Symi: The boat reaches the island in about two hours, with some departures stopping briefly at Rhodes Harbor to collect passengers.
• Three hours in Symi town: You have enough time for the harbor, shops, lunch, photos, and a relaxed look around.
• A swim at St George’s Bay: The 30-minute stop in clear turquoise water is one of the day’s strongest moments.
• Strict departure times: The boat keeps to its timetable, so you must return when instructed.
• Good value for an island day: Transport, free time in Symi, and the swim stop are included in the $106 price.

Why starting at Kolymbia makes such a difference

The great practical advantage is the meeting point. You board at Kolymbia Harbor, rather than riding a bus to Rhodes town before the sea journey even begins.

Several departures have run on a clear schedule, with the boat arriving around 10:15 and returning around 18:00. A few people have reached the harbor after only a five-minute walk from their hotel. That changes the mood of the day. You can avoid a crack-of-dawn breakfast, a long coach transfer, and the extra wait at Rhodes’ main port.

You still need to arrive early. The crew keeps the timetable closely, and the boat may leave without late passengers. That strictness is useful for everyone on board, but it leaves no room for a relaxed stroll down to the harbor.

Some sailings make a short stop at Rhodes Harbor to pick up or drop off passengers. The boats may sit side by side, making the change straightforward, but it adds a little time. It can also give you a quick view toward Rhodes Old Town and its harbor walls. Think of this as a brief operational stop, not part of your sightseeing time.

The high-speed ride across the Dodecanese

The boat ride is fast, direct, and more exciting than a standard ferry. The open sea and strong speed make the crossing feel like part of the attraction rather than a necessary transfer.

You should prepare for spray. One summer sailing was described as a lot of fun, but also very wet. Keep phones, cameras, and other valuables protected. If you want to stay dry, choose your seat carefully and bring a light cover-up.

The crossing to Symi takes about two hours when departing from Kolymbia, though the exact time can vary with the Rhodes stop and sea conditions. The ride has a practical benefit: you reach Symi with several useful hours left in the day instead of spending much of your time on transport.

There is no water available on the boat, so pack your own drinks. This is the most repeated practical warning, and it matters in the Greek sun. You can buy food and drinks in Symi, but you should not count on waiting until arrival if you are thirsty.

First sight of Symi Harbor

Symi makes a strong first impression from the water. The harbor is framed by pastel-colored neoclassical houses, with church domes and steep hills rising behind the fishing port.

This is a place where arriving by boat is part of the pleasure. The view builds slowly as you enter the bay, and you get a useful first look at the town before stepping ashore. Have your camera ready, but do not spend the whole arrival looking through a screen. The color and shape of the harbor are easy to appreciate without a guidebook.

Symi is known for its traditional architecture and handsome waterfront. The buildings give the harbor a polished appearance, while fishing boats and small cafés keep it connected to everyday island life. You do not need an organized walking tour to enjoy the setting. The free time is deliberately open, which suits people who prefer to set their own pace.

Three hours to explore Symi town

You have about three hours on Symi, sometimes a little more depending on the sailing schedule. That is enough for a first visit, but not enough to see every corner of the island.

I would begin with a slow walk along the harbor. Stop for the famous views, look into the small shops, and note the changing colors of the houses as you move away from the water. The town is compact enough for a casual visit, but the heat can make even a short walk feel demanding in midsummer.

Lunch is not included. You can choose one of the traditional tavernas, order a drink at a harbor café, or keep the meal light and use your time for exploring. Symi is also known for its small local shrimp, often called Symi mini shrimps. If you want to try a local specialty, this is the place to look for it, along with a glass of ouzo.

Budget-conscious visitors can simply enjoy a snack and a drink rather than committing to a full meal. That may leave more time for photos and a swim near the town. One useful suggestion is to look for a swimming spot near the clock tower, where you can cool off after walking through the shops.

The three-hour stop suits people who want a taste of Symi rather than a detailed island tour. You can see the harbor, eat, shop, take photos, and pause beside the water without feeling rushed. If your priority is hiking inland or reaching distant villages, this trip will feel too short.

St George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

The return route includes a stop at St George’s Bay, one of the day’s main rewards. The bay is surrounded by high rocky sides and filled with clear turquoise water. From the boat, the setting feels remote and dramatic.

The planned swim lasts about 30 minutes. You can jump into the water, enjoy a short snorkel-style swim, or stay on deck and sunbathe. The stop comes after several hours in the heat, so the cool water can be exactly what you need.

You should not expect a long beach visit. The boat may anchor offshore rather than close enough to let you swim to the beach. That means you can enjoy the water, but you may not have time to explore the shore itself. If reaching the beach is important to you, check the crew’s instructions and accept that the stop is primarily for swimming.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and a dry bag if you have one. There is no reason to carry all your belongings into the water, and spray from the fast boat can be just as troublesome as the swim. The bay is also a good reason to keep your camera protected until you are back on deck.

What the $106 price really covers

At $106 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day at sea. The price makes more sense when you count the time saved and the convenience of leaving directly from Kolymbia.

You are paying for the high-speed boat, the return journey, three hours of free time in Symi, and the St George’s Bay swim stop. Lunch, drinks, and personal purchases in Symi are extra.

The value is strongest for people staying in Kolymbia who would otherwise need a bus transfer to Rhodes Harbor. Avoiding that early road journey can make the day feel much less tiring. It is also useful for anyone who wants a fixed plan without joining a guided walking group.

The value is weaker if you dislike fast boats, want a long beach stop, or prefer a slow ferry with more room to move around. You are also giving up some freedom because the boat leaves at set times. Still, the near-perfect overall rating and the many strong scores for timing, service, and scenery make the price reasonable for a full island day.

Timing, crew, and the need to watch the clock

The crew is described as friendly and helpful, but the most important service feature is punctuality. You will receive a departure time in Symi, and you need to be back at the boat before it leaves.

This is not a flexible hop-on, hop-off service. The boat cannot wait for late arrivals without inconveniencing everyone else on board. Set an alarm on your phone, keep the meeting point clear in your mind, and return early rather than cutting it close.

The day usually runs for about eight hours. A typical schedule has a morning departure from Kolymbia, arrival in Symi around midday, several hours ashore, a return sailing with the St George’s Bay stop, and arrival back in Kolymbia around 18:00.

The schedule gives you a full day without making you wake before sunrise. That is one reason the trip works so well for people staying in Kolymbia. It also explains why the day can feel long: you have transport, walking, heat, lunch, and swimming packed into one outing.

Who should book this boat trip

I would choose this experience if you are staying in Kolymbia and want to see Symi with minimal land transport. Families with older children, couples, and active adults should find the format easy to understand and simple to follow.

It is also a strong choice if you like scenic arrivals, colorful harbor towns, and swimming from a boat. The high-speed ride adds energy, while the free time gives you control over lunch and sightseeing.

You might want another option if you need a very quiet crossing, dislike sea spray, or require a long period on a sandy beach. The trip is wheelchair accessible, but you should still confirm the exact boarding arrangements and boat facilities before booking, since the supplied details do not describe the onboard layout.

English is the stated operating language, and the host or greeter is listed as English-speaking. The experience is not presented as a guided history tour, so you should expect independent time in Symi rather than continuous commentary.

What to pack for a smoother day

Keep your day bag small and useful. I would bring:

• Plenty of drinking water
• Swimsuit and towel
• Sun cream, hat, and sunglasses
• A waterproof pouch for your phone
• Cash or a payment method for lunch and drinks
• A light cover-up for the boat ride
• Comfortable shoes for walking around Symi

Do not forget that lunch is at your own expense. If you plan to try Symi mini shrimps or order ouzo, allow room in your budget. If you prefer a cheaper day, buy a snack and use the remaining time for the waterfront and swimming.

Book it or skip it?

Book this trip if you want a convenient Kolymbia departure, a fast crossing, and a proper first look at Symi. The direct harbor pickup saves effort, the three-hour stop is long enough for a satisfying visit, and the St George’s Bay swim gives the return journey a memorable finish.

Skip it if you want a slow ferry, extensive time on Symi, or a guaranteed chance to walk onto the beach at St George’s Bay. For most people staying in Kolymbia, though, the combination of time saved, scenery, and reliable scheduling makes $106 a reasonable price for a very full day.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs from Kolymbia Harbor.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time in Symi.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you pay for food and drinks in Symi yourself.

Is the swim stop included?

Yes. A 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay is included.

Can I swim at St George’s Bay?

Yes. You can swim in the clear water or stay on deck and enjoy the sunshine.

Is drinking water provided on the boat?

No. Bring your own drinks, as water is not available on the boat.

What language is offered?

The host or greeter speaks English, and English is the listed activity language.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.