Symi and St. George Bay make this Rhodes day trip feel like two adventures in one: Symi for old-town wandering and St. George Bay for a proper swim in clear water. I like the clean rhythm of the schedule, with a set time to explore and a set time to cool off at sea. I also like that snorkeling equipment is included, so you can focus on enjoying the water rather than hunting gear. The only thing to weigh is that the boat ride can feel a bit bouncy, so if you’re prone to sea-sickness, plan ahead.

You start in Rhodes Town and return to Mandraki Harbor around 18:00, which makes it an easy plan for a full day without worrying about changing plans. Pickup is available for an extra charge, and it depends on where your hotel is located (south like Lindos/Pefkos/Gennadi versus other areas). If you’re staying off the main route, that pickup option can be worth it for a smoother morning.

Key highlights at a glance

• Symi time is scheduled: you get about 3 hours on the island to explore at your own pace
• St. George Bay is boat-only access: anchor time is built around swimming and snorkeling
• Snorkeling equipment included: you don’t need to pack or rent gear
• Daily 10:00 departure: straightforward timing from Rhodes Town Harbor
• Max group size up to 220: it’s organized, but don’t expect a private-feeling boat

Luxury Cruise to Symi: What You’re Actually Paying For

This trip isn’t only about getting from Rhodes to Symi. You’re paying for a full day that handles the big parts—transport by boat, access to St. George Bay, and a planned window in Symi—so you can spend your energy on the fun bits.

At $88.67 per person for an ~8-hour day, the value comes from three things working together: the boat logistics, the swim stop, and the fact that lunch isn’t included so you’re not locked into one meal plan. You’ll have free time in Symi to choose what fits your tastes and budget. That flexibility matters, especially in a place like Symi where food options can vary a lot street to street.

The “luxury” in the title mostly shows up as comfort and presentation rather than a fancy onboard dining package. From the on-water experience, what stands out is how smoothly it runs: you check in, get on a clean boat, and everything is coordinated so you’re not guessing what comes next.

Rhodes Morning: Pickup, Check-In, and Getting Onto the Boat

The departure is every day at 10:00 from the Harbor in Rhodes Town. If you choose pickup, it’s arranged from hotels on the island for an extra charge based on distance—so you’ll want to pick the variation that matches your area (especially if you’re in South Rhodes like Lindos, Pefkos, or Gennadi).

Here’s the practical way to plan your morning:

• Get ready for a calm buffer before pickup or port check-in.
• Have a little sea-prep ready (more on that later), because the journey to the swim stop can feel bouncy.
• Bring swim essentials even if you think you’ll remember later. You’re heading to a bay swim pretty early in the day, and it’s best not to scramble.

At the port, the flow is designed to be quick: collect any information, find your boat, and get underway on schedule. One helpful detail from real-world experiences is that communication is timely—confirmation comes after booking, and you may also get a message close to pickup time—so you’re less likely to feel lost in the morning.

Stop 1: Symi Island and 3 Hours to Explore

Symi is the reason most people sign up. You’re getting about 3 hours on the island, which is long enough to enjoy the town’s look and feel without feeling trapped in a guided script. It’s also short enough that the day doesn’t drag if you’re traveling with a group that wants variety.

What you should expect from Symi time:

• You’ll be walking through an old-world style town where buildings and street views do a lot of the work.
• The pace is yours. You can slow down for photos, find a viewpoint, or just wander and let the hours pass.
• You’ll have room to plan lunch on your own terms. Since food and drinks aren’t included, you can pick something simple and local rather than paying for a pre-set meal.

A good strategy with only 3 hours: set a “first stop” goal when you arrive. For example, decide you’ll spend your first hour orienting yourself and exploring nearby streets, then reserve your final time for either a snack or a viewpoint. That keeps you from covering too much ground and feeling rushed.

One note: Symi time is timed within the larger day cruise, so even if you love it, don’t treat it like a full-day independent trip. This is a taste—an excellent one—rather than a long stay.

Stop 2: St. George Bay Swim and Snorkeling Time

The highlight for your swim break is St. George’s Bay on the east coast of Symi, and the key word is access: it’s only reachable by boat. That matters because it usually means fewer crowds on shore and a more natural, swim-focused setting.

Time on the water is around 1.5 hours, which is enough for:

• A relaxed swim
• Snorkeling with included equipment
• A slow rinse-off moment after, before you board again

The water is described as crystal clear, with turquoise tones, and the bay is framed by wild, natural scenery. In other words, this is the stop where you trade shoes-for-streets for time in the water.

What I recommend you do at St. George Bay:

• Start with snorkeling early if you want your best visibility while you’re fresh.
• If you’re not a confident swimmer, take a slower first lap and test the water before committing.
• Keep your phone secure. With water clarity this good, you’ll want photos, but you’ll also regret it if you’re not careful.

This stop is also where the boat’s movement matters most. Even if the ride feels slightly bouncy on the way in and out, the bay time gives you a chance to reset. The ride is part of the experience; just don’t ignore the possibility of seasickness if you’re sensitive.

The Boat Ride: Comfort, Timing, and How the Day Moves

Your day runs for roughly 8 hours total, with a return to Rhodes to Mandraki Harbor around 18:00. The return journey is similar in feel to the outbound ride—slightly bouncy is normal, and the boat handles it well.

This matters because it affects comfort more than you’d expect. If you’ve ever had a rough day at sea, you know the difference between calm water and choppy water can make or break the whole trip. Here, the practical takeaway is: plan for motion even if you’re not expecting it to be bad.

Once you’re back in Rhodes, the tour ends back at the meeting point, and pickup also appears to be handled smoothly if you chose hotel transport. In practice, people have found the transfer back is prompt and organized, which is exactly what you want after a long day on the water.

Price and Value: Is $88.67 a Good Deal?

For many Rhodes trips, the temptation is to focus only on the price tag. Here, I think the smarter question is what you’re buying with that money.

You’re paying for:

• A direct day cruise to Symi plus access to a boat-only swim bay
• Snorkeling equipment included
• A structured schedule (depart 10:00, return ~18:00)
• Optional hotel pickup at extra cost depending on distance

Lunch is not included, but that’s not automatically a negative. In Symi, you’re better off choosing your own meal at your own pace. It’s also one of those “hidden value” points: if you don’t eat much or you find something you love, the lack of included lunch can actually lower your total cost.

If you compare this to DIY plans (ferry + finding swim access + timing yourself), the money starts to look more reasonable. The tour removes the coordination stress, and the swim stop is the kind of place that’s hard to recreate on your own without planning.

What to Pack for Symi + St. George Bay

This is a boat day with a real swim block, so pack like you mean it.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and a quick-dry layer (you may want to change after the bay)
• Water-friendly shoes or something you can wear near the water
• Towel if you have one you trust (the trip doesn’t mention one being provided)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A waterproof phone pouch if you like taking pictures
• A light cover-up for the boat ride back

If you’re worried about motion, consider bringing your own remedy. The data points you have suggest the boat ride can be slightly bouncy, so if you’re prone to nausea, don’t wait for it to hit.

Who This Cruise Suits Best (and Who Might Not)

This is best for you if:

• You want a simple, well-timed day from Rhodes with minimal planning
• You like a mix of walking around a town and having a swim stop
• You care about having snorkeling gear ready without extra hassle
• You’d enjoy about 3 hours of Symi exploration rather than a full-day independent stay

You might reconsider if:

• You hate boat rides and are extremely motion-sensitive
• You want lots of time on Symi (this is a taste, not a long visit)
• You expect a small, private-group feel. The maximum group size can reach 220, which changes the vibe, even if organization is strong.

Still, the schedule is built to keep the day moving without feeling frantic, and that balance is part of the appeal.

Should You Book This Symi and St. George Bay Cruise?

If you want an efficient, enjoyable day that covers Symi’s charm and gives you water time with snorkeling gear, I’d say this one is a strong pick. The structure is clear: Rhodes to St. George Bay for swimming, then Symi for about 3 hours, then back by around 18:00.

Book it if your travel style is hands-off logistics and hands-on experiences—walk, swim, repeat. Skip it or look for another option if motion discomfort is a big issue for you or if you’re the type who needs many hours alone in Symi before you feel satisfied.

Either way, read the pickup variation that matches your hotel area, plan for some bouncing on the boat, and you’ll be set up for a very memorable day in the Dodecanese.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart from Rhodes Town?

The cruise departs every day at 10:00 from the Harbor in Rhodes Town.

How long is the trip?

The duration is listed as approximately 8 hours.

Where does the tour end?

The activity returns to Rhodes to Mandraki Harbor at about 18:00, and it ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup from hotels available?

Yes. Pickup from all hotels is available for an extra charge, which depends on how far your hotel is located (south areas like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, or other areas).

What is included on the cruise?

Snorkeling equipment is included (use of snorkeling equipment).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included. You’ll have free time in Symi, so you can have lunch there.

How long do you get at each stop?

You get about 3 hours on Symi and about 1.5 hours at St. George Bay for swimming.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 220 travelers.