A day trip that smells like saltwater beats many plans. This Rhodes to Symi cruise mixes a real swim stop with plenty of walking time in town, all for a price that feels made for value-seekers.

I like that the schedule is simple: 3 hours free in Symi on foot, plus about an hour in St George Bay for swimming. I also like the practical setup—restrooms on board, pickup offered (for an extra charge), and an English-speaking operation that keeps things moving.

The main thing to watch is comfort: the boat can be crowded and the ride can be bumpy, so if you get motion sick or hate standing, plan for that.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Swimming at St George Bay for about an hour with clear water and a quick way to cool off mid-journey
• 3 hours in Symi town to wander on foot at your own pace (and handle lunch yourself)
• Pickup from hotels costs extra, depending on where you’re staying, but it can save real time and stress
• Boat ride can be rocky and crowded, so bring sea-sickness help and arrive early if you want seats
• You’ll have toilets on board, plus an onboard bar/snacks for purchase (not included)
• Lunch is not included, so treat Symi town time as your meal window

A Rhodes-to-Symi Day Built Around a Swim

This is the kind of day trip that works because it isn’t trying to cram five islands into one afternoon. You take a boat from Rhodes, spend real time in Symi, and get a genuine swimming break at St George Bay along the way.

It’s also a smart way to see Symi without booking your own ferry schedules. With pickup options and a set return to the meeting point, you can focus on the town and the water instead of route math.

That said, this is still a long-ish day at sea, so you should go in with the right expectations: it’s not a quiet, private cruise.

Getting to Half Price Tours: Meeting Point and Pickup Options

Your start point is the Half Price Tours office at Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the meeting point, so you’re not juggling separate drop-off arrangements at the end.

Pickup is offered from hotels on the island for an extra charge. The cost depends on how far your hotel is, and it’s split roughly by area (for example, South areas like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, etc.). When booking, you can put your hotel name in the special requirements field, and they send you the pickup time.

Practical tip: if you didn’t book pickup, you’ll want to reach the meeting area early in high season. Some people mention seating getting tight once everyone filters onto the boat.

Timing That Adds Up: From Rhodes to the Swim Stop to Symi

The full trip runs about 9 hours. The flow is straightforward:

1) Boat ride from Rhodes to St George Bay (the travel time is commonly around 2 hours)

2) About 1 hour swimming at the bay

3) Short transfer to Symi (often around 30 minutes)

4) Around 3 hours free time to explore Symi town on foot

5) Return boat ride to Rhodes (often around 2 hours)

One reason this timing works is that it gives you a clean structure: you’re not just stuck on a boat the whole day. You get a water break, then a walking break, then a return before you’re completely worn out.

Rhodes Boat Ride: Expect Waves and Give Yourself Options

The boat ride can be very “real sea” rather than postcard-smooth. People describe it as bumpy on the outward trip, and motion sickness pills come up again and again as a good idea.

If you’re sensitive, bring your own remedy and take it early. Also, dress for temperature swings: the deck can be hot in sun, and you may want layers for when wind hits.

Seat reality matters too. Several people report the boat being crowded on departure, sometimes with not enough seats for everyone. If you’re traveling as a pair, consider aiming for early boarding when you can, since some days are tighter than others.

St George Bay Swim Stop: One Hour in Clear Water

St George Bay is the cooling-off moment, and you get about an hour in the water. This is where the trip earns its keep: people call the water crystal clear and genuinely breathtaking.

If you want to look for fish and details, you’ll appreciate going in prepared. Some people say snorkeling gear isn’t complete for everyone—woggles (snorkel masks) are provided, but you may prefer bringing your own snorkel if you have one.

What to do during your swim hour:

• Go straight to the water so you don’t waste time changing after the boat arrives
• Use that hour intentionally: swim, float, and explore, because Symi is next
• When you get out, be ready for a walk phase—bring something to wrap up in afterward

Also, a small logistics note: there’s a common wish that the swim stop happened after Symi. That’s not how this itinerary runs, so plan to dry and re-comfort yourself before you start exploring town.

Symi Town for Three Hours: Walkable, Colorful, and Self-Led

Once you arrive in Symi, you get around 3 hours free to explore. Symi is small enough to do on foot, and the walking time is long enough for browsing shops, grabbing food, and catching the most photogenic streets without rushing.

This is not a guided march. It’s self-paced time, which is exactly why it feels good: you can slow down, stop for a drink, or just wander and get your bearings fast.

Lunch is on you here. Lunch is explicitly not included, and your Symi free time is set up to handle it. If you’re picky about meals, this is an advantage—you choose what works instead of being locked into a group menu.

Practical tip: Symi time can feel busy because it’s a popular place. If you like quiet corners, start your walking earlier in the Symi window, not right at the end.

Boat Comfort, Crowds, and Onboard Sanity Checks

Let’s talk about the ride you’re buying into. The boat can be:

• crowded, sometimes forcing people to sit separately
• described as older or messy in a few accounts
• windy or choppy depending on the day

The upside: crew and staff are often praised as friendly and helpful, and the general feeling is that the operation runs on schedule. People also mention clean restrooms on board, which matters more than it sounds on a long day.

Food and drinks aren’t included in the ticket price. There’s a bar and snacks onboard for purchase. Some people mention water being inexpensive compared to typical tourist pricing, and snacks/drinks being reasonably priced, but you should still assume you’ll pay for what you drink/eat at sea.

If you’re sensitive to smells, consider where you sit. Some people report fumes being stronger toward the back of the boat, so choose a spot that feels comfortable to you.

Price and Value: Is $48.37 Worth It?

At $48.37 per person for a roughly 9-hour sea day with:

• the boat trip included
• a restroom on board
• a swimming stop at St George Bay
• free admission for the stops (no additional ticket cost noted)
• pickup available for extra charge

…this is usually strong value compared with pricier “boat plus lunch” cruises elsewhere. The trade-off is that you’re not getting lunch included, and boat comfort can vary by day and occupancy.

So the real question isn’t the price alone. It’s this: do you want Symi time plus a swim stop enough to tolerate a busier boat ride? If yes, it’s a good deal.

Who Should Book This Tour (and Who Should Rethink It)

This trip fits best if you:

• want a one-day taste of Symi without planning ferries
• like swimming stops on excursions
• don’t mind a longer day in exchange for two very different highlights
• enjoy self-led wandering once you’re in town

It might not be ideal if you:

• strongly dislike choppy water or standing-room scenarios
• need guaranteed seated comfort for the entire return
• are counting on snorkeling and don’t want to bring gear

If you’re unsure, I’d treat it like this: book it if you’re flexible about the boat ride and excited about Symi’s walking time and St George’s swim. Skip it if you’re miserable on boats even with medication.

Weather and Last-Minute Changes: What to Expect

This experience requires good weather. If it gets canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Some people also report days when the itinerary changes and the St George Bay stop doesn’t happen because of bad conditions. You can’t count on that being universal, but it’s a real possibility. If St George Bay is the entire reason you booked, keep that risk in mind when picking your travel dates.

Should You Book the Symi + St George Bay Swim Day Trip?

If you want a full day that balances water time and town time, I think this is a very sensible booking in Rhodes. Symi is the payoff, and St George Bay gives you a legit swim break rather than a token photo stop.

Book it if you’re the type who:

• packs a swimsuit and a small layer
• takes motion sickness precautions and doesn’t expect luxury on the boat
• enjoys exploring a small town on your own schedule

Skip it if you’re extremely seat-sensitive or sea-sick-prone and you know you’ll be miserable unless you have a smoother, less crowded ride.

If you do book: arrive early when possible, bring sea-sickness help, and consider packing your own snorkel if you want more than basic gear.

FAQ

How long is the Symi boat trip with the St George Bay swim stop?

The duration is about 9 hours (approx.).

What is included in the tour price?

The tour includes the boat trip and a restroom on board.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You’ll have free time in Symi where you can get food on your own.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You’ll have around 3 hours free time in Symi to explore by walking.

How long is the swimming stop at Saint George Bay?

You’ll have around 1 hour for swimming.

Do I need admission tickets for Symi or the swim stop?

Admission is listed as free for the included stops.

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup is offered from hotels on the island for an extra charge, depending on where your hotel is located. You should enter your hotel name at booking so they can confirm the pickup time.

Is the tour in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time for a full refund.