Fast Boat To Symi & St George’s Bay Directly from Faliraki Beach

Symi rewards a fast start. This boat trip gives you three hours on Symi to wander, eat beside the harbor, and enjoy its pretty buildings, then adds a swim stop at St George’s Bay. I like the direct departure from Faliraki Beach and the way the trip combines a proper island visit with a quick plunge into clear water.

The price is $83.27 per person, which is fair for a roughly seven-hour outing that includes transport to Symi and back. The main catch is the ride itself: the boat can feel basic, and the open water can be rough and very windy, especially at the front.

Key points to know before you book

• Three hours in Symi: Enough time to explore the harbor town, stop for lunch by the sea, and enjoy the island without rushing every step.
• A 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay: You can jump from the boat into clear water, though the stop is short.
• Fast boat from Faliraki Beach: The direct start saves you from arranging a separate transfer to another port.
• Wind matters: The front of the boat can be especially exposed, and the ride may feel rough on the way to Symi.
• Small comfort compromises: The boat is described as fairly basic, and one toilet was reported out of order on one departure.
• Up to 118 people: This is a sizeable boat excursion, not a private cruise, though the speed keeps the day moving.

Why this Symi day trip makes sense from Faliraki

Symi is one of the easiest Greek island day trips to picture and one of the harder ones to arrange independently from Rhodes. You need a boat, a suitable departure time, and enough time on the island to make the crossing worthwhile. This experience handles the basic transport in one package, leaving you to focus on the scenery and the few hours ashore.

The direct departure from Faliraki Beach is the biggest practical advantage. Your meeting point is listed at Ammoudes, at the location marked 9679+VX Ammoudes, Greece. The boat leaves at 10:20 am and returns to the same meeting point after the day’s stops.

That timing suits a relaxed holiday morning. You do not need to leave at dawn, but you still have enough daylight for Symi and St George’s Bay. The full outing lasts about seven hours, so plan for a substantial half-day and not a quick coastal ride.

The boat carries up to 118 people. That tells you what kind of experience this is: an organized shared excursion with a clear schedule, not a quiet private boat charter. I see that as a reasonable tradeoff for a direct route and a fixed price, especially if you want to visit Symi without sorting out the details yourself.

The fast crossing to Symi

The speed is a real part of the appeal. You spend less of your day in transit and more of it on Symi, but speed on open water comes with a few tradeoffs.

The ride may be windy, particularly if you sit at the front. One account described a rough trip on the way to Symi, while the return was much smoother. That is useful advice because sea conditions can change during the day, and a fast boat makes wind more noticeable than a large, slow ferry.

If you are sensitive to motion, choose your seat with care. The front may offer a more dramatic view, but it also takes more spray and movement. You may prefer a more sheltered position toward the rear or middle. The supplied details do not promise a specific seating arrangement, so do not treat any particular place as guaranteed.

The boat has toilets, though comfort seems basic. One toilet was reported out of order during a departure. That is not a reason to reject the trip by itself, but it is a reminder to use facilities before boarding and not expect ferry-like amenities.

The ride is best viewed as transportation with scenery, not as a luxury cruise. You get fresh sea air, the excitement of a fast crossing, and a quick route to the island. You do not get the spacious calm of a large ship.

Three hours to explore Symi

The main event is the three-hour stop on Symi. This is a good amount of time for a first visit because you can see the harbor, eat lunch, and walk around without trying to cover the entire island.

The boat arrives at Gialos, Symi’s harbor, where the setting makes an immediate impression. The town is known for its attractive buildings and traditional feel, and the harbor gives you a natural place to begin. You can spend your time at a gentle pace instead of turning the visit into a race for every viewpoint.

I like the three-hour balance. A shorter stop would leave you watching the clock while you eat. A much longer stop might make the return journey feel less worthwhile for a day trip. Here, you have enough time to get your bearings, walk along the waterfront, choose a seaside lunch, and look at the buildings around the harbor.

Food is not stated as included, so budget separately for lunch and drinks. A meal beside the water can be part of the pleasure, but waterfront dining also means you should check prices before ordering if you are watching your spending.

Symi is not simply a place to tick off from a boat. Its appeal is visual and local in scale: a harbor town, traditional buildings, small streets, and a slower rhythm than a high-speed crossing suggests. The visit works best if you resist the urge to pack too much into three hours.

You might spend the first hour walking around Gialos, the second hour over lunch and a drink, and the final hour taking photos or browsing at your own speed. That plan is only a suggestion, but it keeps the day comfortable.

The limitation is obvious: three hours will not let you explore every corner of Symi. The details provided focus on the harbor and traditional village atmosphere rather than inland touring, so you should book this for a taste of Symi, not an in-depth island tour.

St George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

On the return route, the boat makes a 30-minute stop at St George’s Bay. This is a simple but memorable addition. You get magnificent views and the chance to swim in clear water directly from the boat.

For many people, this will be the most playful part of the day. You do not need a separate beach transfer or a long walk to the shore. The boat stops in the bay, and you can take a refreshing swim before heading back to Faliraki.

Thirty minutes is enough for a dip, a few photos, and a little time to enjoy the setting. It is not enough for a leisurely beach afternoon. Treat it as a swim break rather than a full beach visit.

You should also keep the timing in mind. If you would rather spend every possible minute on Symi, the swim stop may feel like time taken away from the island. One passenger specifically preferred a longer stay in Symi instead of the 30-minute stop. That is a fair criticism, especially if you are visiting Symi for its town and food rather than for swimming.

Still, the stop gives the day some variety. After walking around Symi, a swim in St George’s Bay changes the pace and makes the return trip feel less like a straight ride back. I see it as a strong feature for warm-weather visitors who enjoy getting into the sea.

Bring or wear suitable swimwear and keep your belongings organized. The supplied details do not specify changing facilities or equipment, so you should not assume that towels, lockers, or snorkel gear are provided.

What the $83.27 price buys you

At $83.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day around Rhodes. It is also not an unreasonable price for a roughly seven-hour boat trip with a direct departure, a Symi visit, and a swim stop.

The value depends on what you would otherwise have to arrange. If you want to see Symi but do not want to organize transport to a different port, compare ferry schedules, and plan the return yourself, the convenience has real value. You pay for a fixed route and a simple day plan.

The price does not appear to include lunch, drinks, or any extras in Symi. Admission to both listed stops is free, but that means there is no separate entrance charge, not that all spending during the day is covered.

I would consider this good value for three types of people:

• You want a straightforward first look at Symi.
• You are staying near Faliraki and value leaving directly from the beach area.
• You enjoy a fast boat and like combining sightseeing with a swim.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, polished cruise, dislike wind, or need lots of space and onboard comfort. The boat can feel basic, and the maximum group size is 118.

Weather, comfort, and practical planning

The trip requires good weather. If poor conditions cancel it, you are offered a different date or a full refund. That policy matters for a sea outing because rough conditions can affect both comfort and safety.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, so keep the local cut-off time in mind.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the ticket is available on a mobile device. The activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Most people can participate, according to the supplied accessibility information. That is broad guidance rather than a promise that every part of the boat and swim stop will suit every mobility need. If you have specific access requirements, you should confirm the details before paying.

Arrive with enough time to find the Ammoudes meeting point. The start time is 10:20 am, and the boat returns to that same meeting point at the end of the experience.

A few small choices can improve your day:

• If you dislike wind, avoid the front of the boat if seating allows.
• Use the toilet before departure, since onboard facilities are basic.
• Carry swimwear and anything you need for a 30-minute water stop.
• Keep lunch spending in mind during your three hours in Symi.
• Check the weather forecast before you go, since the trip depends on suitable conditions.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most

I would recommend this experience to couples, families, and independent-minded holidaymakers who want an easy day trip without spending time arranging every connection. The three-hour island stop gives you room to explore at your own pace, while the swim stop adds a bit of fun for anyone who enjoys the sea.

It also suits people who like transport to be part of the experience. The fast crossing, fresh air, and open-water views are not just a way to reach Symi. They are part of the day, though you should accept that the ride can be rough.

It may be less suitable for anyone seeking luxury or a slow, quiet boat journey. The group can be large, the boat is not described as highly polished, and the front seats may be windy. If your priority is maximum time on Symi, you may also wish the swim stop were shorter or optional.

The excursion works particularly well as a single highlight during a Rhodes holiday. You get a different island, a pretty harbor, a seaside meal, and a swim in a striking bay, all without giving up several days to travel.

Should you book the Symi and St George’s Bay trip?

Book it if you want a well-organized day from Faliraki, value three hours in Symi, and like the idea of jumping into clear water on the way home. The direct beach departure and sensible island time are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Think twice if rough boat rides bother you, if you need generous onboard facilities, or if you would rather spend every minute ashore. For most visitors who want a practical Symi sampler with a lively boat ride, $83.27 is a fair price, provided the weather cooperates.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

It starts at 9679+VX Ammoudes, Greece, in the Ammoudes area near Faliraki Beach.

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled start time is 10:20 am.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately seven hours.

How much time do I get on Symi?

You get three hours of free time to explore Symi.

How long is the stop at St George’s Bay?

The boat stops at St George’s Bay for 30 minutes for views and swimming.

Does the trip return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $83.27 per person.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes cancellation.