A fast crossing to Symi is the whole point of this outing. You get 3 hours on Symi to wander at your own pace, then finish with a swim stop at St. George’s Bay, famous for its clear, bright water.

I also like that the schedule is built around time quality, not just check-the-box stops. You’re not stuck on the water all day, and the crew keeps the pace moving so you can enjoy the places instead of just passing them.

One thing to consider: the boat can feel cool, and the swim timing depends on your departure time. If you’re coming for the water-only experience, pick your sailing carefully.

Key things that make this Symi boat trip worth it

• High-speed Rhodes to Symi crossing so you gain more time onshore
• About 3 hours in Symi to explore the waterfront and hilltop viewpoints
• St. George’s Bay swim stop for up to 30 minutes (on select departures)
• Departure-time choice matters for shade, colors, and whether you swim
• Flexible drop-offs across the Rhodes area (varies by option)

Why Symi + St. George’s Bay is a winning combo from Rhodes

Symi is one of those Dodecanese islands where you feel the difference the moment you arrive. The harbor has that postcard mix of pastel buildings and bright church domes, and the town is compact enough that you can explore without a guide and still feel like you found plenty.

What makes this day trip work is that it pairs the town time with a natural highlight. Symi is for walking, snacking, and browsing. St. George’s Bay is for doing the thing you came for—getting into the water. The swim stop isn’t a random pause. It’s timed and placed to let you enjoy the bay when conditions are right, and that’s a big reason this trip gets such strong ratings.

Price-wise, $55 isn’t the cheapest way to go to Symi. But you’re paying for speed and a structured day: you’re getting a high-speed ride, time ashore, and a dedicated swim window. In plain terms, you buy back hours that you’d lose on slower connections.

Rhodes departure: the high-speed start from Mandraki Harbor (and beyond)

Most departures run from Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes. From there, you shoot across the water fast enough that you don’t feel like you’re “spending your day traveling.” The crossing is typically close to an hour, and that speed changes the vibe. Instead of arriving tired, you arrive ready to roam.

Meeting points can vary by option, and you might see departures linked to areas like Vlycha Beach as well as Mandraki Harbor. The good news: once you’re at the correct check-in spot, the process is straightforward and the staff are used to moving groups efficiently.

One practical note: seating is individual in parts of the boat, and some seats aren’t the widest. If you’re particular about comfort, choose your spot with care when you board—there are bench seats farther back that can feel better for longer rides.

On the way: cruise time that sets up the day

Between Rhodes and Symi, the day is paced with sightseeing cruise segments. That matters more than it sounds. You’re not just being transported—you’re getting a view from the water while the clock is still on your side.

Expect turquoise tones around the approach to Symi’s harbor. This is the part where the island stops looking like a dot on a map and starts looking like a real place you’ll want to photograph and walk through. If the sea is lively, the ride may feel energetic—that’s normal for a high-speed boat.

If you get motion-sensitive, it’s smart to plan ahead: bring sunglasses, a hat, and whatever helps you stay comfortable on faster rides. And if you run cold easily, grab a light jacket even in warmer months.

Symi town: 3 hours to wander the harbor and hilltop views

When you arrive in Symi, you get roughly three hours to explore on your own. No pressure to stick to a strict group rhythm. That’s ideal for a place like Symi, because the town is compact and easy to navigate once you’re oriented.

Here’s what you should aim to do with your time:

• Start at the waterfront and work your way inward. The harbor area is where you can get bearings fast, spot the best photo angles, and find where the streets start climbing.
• Plan a short climb for a viewpoint. Several people mention walking up toward a church for a great overlook. You don’t need to go far—just enough to rise above the harbor.
• Build in one hour for food. Lunch isn’t included, but Symi’s tavernas give you plenty of choices. Try to find something local and slow down a bit.

What about the food ideas mentioned in the highlights? Look for Symi mini shrimps and local Ouzo when you’re ashore. Since meals and drinks aren’t included, you’ll pay for them directly at the tavernas—but the point is that you’ll have time to actually try something specific to the island rather than just buying a snack and moving on.

A small downside: for many people, three hours feels about right, but it can still feel short if you love wandering every side street. If you want extra time in deeper corners, you might feel a little rushed. Still, the trade-off is you’re not losing the most famous bay moment later.

The St. George’s Bay swim stop: how to choose your departure

This is the star of the show. St. George’s Bay is known for clear water that makes swimming feel like part of the scenery, not just a break in the schedule.

Timing depends on when you depart Rhodes:

• 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop at St. George’s Bay.
• 15:15 departure does not include the swim. You get only a 5-minute photo stop, and the return ride is timed for a less busy, cooler feel—plus a sunset-style payoff on the way back to Rhodes.

That difference is huge. If you want the water highlight, choose 9:00 or 11:00. If you’re more into the atmosphere and photos than the swim, the later departure can be a smart pick.

One more seasonal detail: in late September and October, the order can change so St. George’s Bay is visited in better light. If the bay is reached after Symi later in the season, it may be shaded and the colors won’t look as dramatic. So if you’re traveling around that time, it’s worth asking (or checking what’s planned for your specific departure) whether St. George’s Bay comes first.

What the cruise feels like on the water (and what to pack)

High-speed boats are fun, but they come with a few practical realities. People often mention that the boat can get cold, especially once the wind hits you mid-journey. Even if the day is sunny, pack for the crossing.

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

And I strongly suggest:

• A light jacket or warm layer. Some crews even offer extras like fleeces, but you shouldn’t rely on it.
• Sun protection. You’ll be outside a lot—Symi walking time plus open-deck bay views.

During the swim stop, you’ll want to move quickly once you’re out. Thirty minutes is plenty to swim and cool off, but it’s not a long beach day. If you’re also planning to take photos, do that early, then enjoy the water before time runs out.

Getting back to Rhodes: coastal views and flexible drop-offs

On the return, you’ll cruise past the coastline with additional sightseeing segments. This is your second chance for views—especially useful if you rushed Symi a bit and didn’t get all the photos you wanted.

Dropping back off is also flexible. Depending on the option you book, your trip can end at different points around Rhodes, including areas such as Lardos, Kiotari, and Kolymbia Harbor, plus other local locations. So you’re not stuck with a long taxi hop afterward.

One extra note from real trip stories: on the way back, you might even spot dolphins when conditions are right. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s the kind of pleasant surprise this route can deliver.

Price and value: is $55 a good deal for Symi + St. George’s Bay?

At $55 per person, this isn’t a bargain-basement option. It’s priced like a premium convenience: a high-speed boat that gets you there faster and a scheduled swim stop at a highlight bay.

Here’s where the value clicks:

• Speed saves time. You arrive with enough energy to explore rather than feeling like you only got a “look.”
• The swim stop has structure. You’re not trying to coordinate your own transport to a bay and then guessing if you’ll make it in time.
• You get a full Symi window. About three hours is enough to enjoy the island rhythm and still be ready for the return.

Where you should be honest about trade-offs:

• Drinks and meals are at your expense.
• Three hours in Symi is satisfying, but if you’re a slow walker or want a long lunch plus deep wandering, you may want to add an extra night on the island someday.

If your goal is one memorable day with top scenery and a real water moment, the pricing makes sense.

Who should book this Symi speedboat day trip (and who might not)

This trip is a great fit if you:

• Want a time-efficient day from Rhodes
• Care more about Symi’s town vibe than long museum-style touring
• Plan to swim in St. George’s Bay (choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departures)
• Like the idea of flexible drop-offs so you’re not stuck far from where you’re staying

You might reconsider if:

• You hate the idea of being on a fast boat and getting wind-cold
• You strongly prefer a long, unhurried beach day (the swim stop is short by design)
• You want meals fully included and all planning handled for you (meals and drinks are not included)

Should you book this Rhodes to Symi high-speed boat trip?

Yes, you should book it if you want the best kind of day trip: fast transport, meaningful time on Symi, and a swim stop at St. George’s Bay that people talk about for a reason. Pick your departure based on what you care about most. If swimming is your priority, go 9:00 or 11:00. If you’re chasing cooler conditions and a sunset-style return, consider 15:15 even though you’ll skip the swim.

Also, plan to pack smart. Bring swimwear, a towel, and a jacket. That small prep turns a breezy, choppy minute of discomfort into a smoother, more comfortable ride.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

It runs about 6 to 9 hours, depending on the departure time you choose.

What does the tour include?

You get a high-speed boat cruise, free time to explore Symi, and a swimming stop in St. George’s Bay.

Are meals and drinks included in the price?

No. Meals and drinks are not included, so you’ll pay for lunch and snacks in Symi.

Which departures include the swim stop at St. George’s Bay?

The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop at St. George’s Bay.

Does the 15:15 departure stop for swimming in St. George’s Bay?

No. The 15:15 departure does not include swimming there. It includes only a 5-minute photo stop.

What time do you have in Symi?

You’ll have about 3 hours in Symi to explore on your own.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A light jacket can help since the boat can get cold.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts from a meeting point that may vary by option booked, and it ends back at the meeting point (with drop-offs around the Rhodes area depending on the option).

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.