Fast boats make island time count. This day trip is built for people staying in Faliraki who want direct access to Symi without the usual Rhodes Port detour, plus you still get a proper sightseeing cruise. I like how the schedule gives you real time on Symi, not just a quick peek, and how the boat timing keeps the day moving.

The big win is about 3 hours of free time in Symi Town plus a 30-minute swim stop in St. George’s Bay. One thing to consider: it’s an 8-hour loop with a fast ride, so the sea can feel windy on deck, and the island time can be hot—bring a light layer you can keep on hand.

Quick hits before you book

• Direct pickup from Faliraki (4 boarding points) so you skip the long bus-to-port hassle
• ~3 hours in Symi Town for harbor wandering, photos, shopping, and lunch
• St. George’s Bay swim stop for a quick, refreshing break in crystal-clear water
• Multiple sightseeing segments by boat, not just a single transfer
• Mostly smooth, tight timing with an organized, English-speaking team

Why a high-speed Faliraki to Symi boat beats the usual Rhodes Port transfer

If you’re basing yourself around Faliraki, the most annoying part of visiting Symi is often getting out of your side of the island and into the right harbor in the first place. This tour is designed to solve that. You start from Faliraki Beach area pick-up points, then you’re on the water quickly for the Symi hop.

The other reason I like this format: the day is structured as a sequence of short, scenic boat periods plus actual free time in Symi Town. That matters. A lot of day trips are mostly travel. Here, a good chunk of the day is on the island where you can do things at your own pace.

Also, the boat isn’t just a taxi. You get multiple sightseeing segments as you sail along the coast, which is a big part of why this route feels like more than a checklist stop.

Getting to the boat: 4 Faliraki pickup stops and a short hop to the station

You don’t have to be near Rhodes Town early in the morning. Your day starts with pickup from four options in the Faliraki area:

• Faliraki Harbour (9:45 AM)
• Apollo Blue Hotel beach (9:50 AM)
• Beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel (9:55 AM)
• Amada Colossos Resort beach (10:00 AM)

Here’s the practical detail that can save you stress: you check in at the Faliraki Sea Lines desk on the beach. From there, you go by minibus to the Amada Colossos beach station, a short 5-minute ride, and then you board the boat.

This is also where you’ll see the team operating in an orderly way. The host/greeter speaks English, German, and Greek, and the setup is meant to move people efficiently across those pickup points. It’s especially handy if you’re staying at one of the hotels near the listed beach stops, since you can join from close to your room.

If you’re driving, there’s free parking available all day at the Amada Colossos boat station by the beach.

On the water: the sightseeing cruise rhythm (and how to enjoy it)

The sailing out isn’t one long slog. You get a sightseeing cruise that lasts about 80 minutes, giving you a chance to watch the coastline slide by and get oriented for what you’ll see on Symi.

Then you return to the scenic side again later. There’s another sightseeing segment around 20 minutes, followed by a longer sightseeing stretch on the way back (about 1.5 hours).

Two practical tips help you enjoy this part:

• Get deck time early. The fast boat makes it easy to miss views if you stay seated.
• Dress for wind. Reviews mention it can be windy, and the crew provides fleeces. Still, it’s smart to bring a light layer that you’re okay with getting a bit damp.

The boat is high-speed, so expect motion. That’s part of the fun for most people, but if you’re sensitive to rougher water, plan accordingly.

Symi Town in about 3 hours: what you can actually do with the time

The schedule gives you about 3 hours of free time in Symi Town. This is the heart of the day trip. And because it’s free time, you can move at your own pace instead of following a fixed walking route.

When you arrive, Symi Town’s waterfront is the first big impression: you’re looking at the turquoise water near the fishing harbor and the pastel-colored neoclassical buildings framing the bay, with colorful church domes scattered across the landscape. It’s very photo-friendly, and it’s also just enjoyable to wander slowly without a plan.

What to do with that time:

• Start with the harbor area and soak up the views for photos.
• Walk into the town to find your rhythm (you’ll see a lot of stairs and small lanes, but you’re not required to go far).
• Plan for lunch at a taverna at your expense. You’ll have plenty of options.
• If it’s warm, pick a shaded pause at some point. People often underestimate how quickly the hours pass in summer heat.

A common theme in strong feedback is that 3 hours feels like the right amount: enough time to explore the bay, have lunch, and still do a few extras like shopping or a swim if you’re out of the sun. It also means you’re not stuck in a rushed, forced souvenir sprint.

One seasonal note: the cruise timing can shift the order of the return swim. From the end of September into October, St. George’s Bay may come before Symi on the day’s route so the bay isn’t already shaded when you arrive. That’s a small detail, but it can directly affect how bright and blue the water looks.

St. George’s Bay swim stop: the cooldown you’ll remember

After Symi, the day includes a 30-minute swim stop in Saint George’s Bay. This is one of the best uses of time on the whole trip because it breaks up the day with a swim, not just more sightseeing.

The bay is described as a clear, bright-water swimming spot, and it’s exactly the kind of pause that makes the trip feel complete. You get time to step in, rinse off, and reset, without turning it into a half-day water program.

How to think about it:

• Treat it as your main water moment. You have enough time for a quick dip, not a full long beach day.
• If you’re sensitive to sun, plan to use the first minutes wisely. The morning may feel breezy, but midday sun on the water can add up fast.
• Bring swim essentials if you have them. The tour includes the time, but it doesn’t mention providing swim gear.

The swim stop also helps you feel like the day includes more than a land visit. Symi is pretty, but St. George’s Bay is what gives you that last burst of wow before you head back toward Rhodes.

Timing, weather, and what to pack for an 8-hour loop

This trip runs about 8 hours total, from pickup through return drop-off in the Faliraki area. That makes it a full day, but the pacing is designed to keep you from feeling stuck in transit.

Still, weather matters on a fast boat day. If it’s breezy, deck time can feel chilly even in warm seasons. If it’s hot, Symi Town’s streets and harbor area can heat up quickly, and the 3-hour window can feel short once you’re walking and looking around.

Here’s what I’d pack with this day trip in mind:

• Light layer for wind on the boat (fleeces are mentioned, but having your own is comforting)
• Swimsuit and towel for St. George’s Bay
• Sunglasses and sunscreen since you’ll be outside for multiple segments
• Water if you tend to get thirsty easily (lunch isn’t included, so you’ll be fueling yourself on Symi)

One more timing detail that’s worth noting: there’s a short stop around 10 minutes in Mandraki Harbour during the route. It’s not long, but it’s part of how people get on and off, so don’t assume the boat is nonstop the entire way.

Price and value: is $73 a smart Symi day trip from Faliraki?

At $73 per person, the key question isn’t whether you’re paying for a boat. You are. It’s whether you’re paying for convenience and a better use of time.

This is where the value comes in:

• Pickup is from Faliraki Beach area points, so you avoid the long bus to Rhodes Port that many other Symi routes require.
• You get 3 hours in Symi Town, which is enough time to feel like you did something meaningful there.
• You get a 30-minute swim stop in St. George’s Bay, which many day trips don’t include.
• The day also contains multiple sightseeing stretches by boat, so the travel time isn’t wasted.

You’re not paying for lunch. Plan a meal budget for Symi tavernas. But if you add up what you’d likely spend on transport to the port plus the ferry or boat ticket, this route’s direct pickup format often makes sense—especially if you hate early morning transfers and you want to stay close to your hotel area.

Also, this operator scores well, with a 4.6 rating from 356 reviews, and the repeated praise focuses on smooth timing, organized check-in, and the fact that the Symi access is unusually convenient from Faliraki.

Who this trip fits best (and who might want a backup plan)

This is a great match if:

• You’re staying in Faliraki and don’t want a bus ride into Rhodes Town just to reach the port.
• You want big scenery without planning a complicated schedule.
• You’re comfortable with a fast boat and want a swim stop built into the day.

It might be less ideal if:

• You dislike boat motion and prefer slow, land-based travel.
• You want a long, relaxed beach day. This includes swimming time, but it’s short by design.

If you’re the type who likes to photograph harbors, wander streets at your own pace, and then cool off with a quick swim, this one hits the sweet spot.

Should you book the Faliraki to Symi high-speed boat day trip?

I’d book it if your main goal is to visit Symi with minimal fuss from the Faliraki area. The combination of direct pickup, a real chunk of time in Symi Town, and the St. George’s Bay swim stop makes this feel like a full day out, not a rushed hop.

Before you go, just be honest about two things: the fast boat means wind and motion can be part of the experience, and the island time is in warm weather at many times of the season, so you’ll want sun protection. If you plan for that, you’ll get a day that’s scenic, practical, and fun.

FAQ

How long is the trip from Faliraki to Symi?

The experience runs for about 8 hours total.

Where is pickup in Faliraki?

There are four boarding options in the Faliraki area: Faliraki Harbour, the beach of Apollo Blue Hotel, the beach between Calypso Beach Hotel and Blue Sea Beach Hotel, and the beach of Amada Colossos Resort.

How much free time do I get in Symi Town?

You get approximately 3 hours of free time in Symi Town to explore on your own.

Is there a swimming stop?

Yes. There is a stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming for about 30 minutes.

What does the price include?

Pickup from Faliraki is included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You’ll need to pay for food on Symi.

What languages does the host or greeter speak?

The host or greeter speaks English, German, and Greek.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.