Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George’s Bay

Symi is the star here. The fast boat gets you from Rhodes to its postcard harbor in roughly an hour, leaving you with time to admire pastel neoclassical houses, climb through narrow lanes, eat lunch, and still swim from the boat in Saint George’s Bay. I like the efficient crossing and the freedom to explore without being shepherded through town.

I also like the three-hour stop in Symi, which feels long enough for a proper look without turning the day into a tiring marathon. The main caution is that the sea crossing can be windy and rough, the seats are slim, and the 30-minute swim stop goes quickly. Choose your departure carefully, since the 15:15 boat does not offer a swimming stop.

Key points to know before booking

• Fast crossing: Reach Symi in about an hour instead of spending roughly two and a half hours on a slower boat.
• Three hours in Symi: Walk the harbor, climb into the town, shop, eat, and possibly swim at the local beach.
• Saint George’s Bay: The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim from the boat.
• Late departure trade-off: The 15:15 sailing has no swim stop, but offers a cooler visit and a sunset ride back.
• Bring a jacket: Sea wind can make the ride chilly, even on a hot Rhodes day.
• Plan your arrival: Parking near Mandraki Harbor is difficult, so arrive at least an hour early if driving.

Why the fast boat makes Symi a better day trip

At $69 per person, this is a sensible price for a full day that combines transport, free time, and a swimming stop. You are paying mainly for speed. A slower boat can take around two and a half hours to reach Symi, while this service usually makes the crossing in about an hour.

That saved time matters. You get a good look at the harbor town rather than spending most of the day sitting on a boat. The trip lasts six to nine hours depending on your departure and pickup arrangement, so it fits neatly into a Rhodes holiday without swallowing your entire day.

The boat ride is part of the fun, but it is not always calm. Wind and waves can make the crossing lively, and anyone prone to seasickness should consider bringing travel medication or gum. The crew sometimes provides fleece jackets, which are useful when the boat is moving quickly across open water.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor for Symi

Your day begins at Mandraki Harbor or another designated pickup point, depending on the option you book. If you are driving into Rhodes Town, allow plenty of time. Parking near the harbor is hard to find, and the practical advice is to arrive at least an hour before departure.

Board early if you want the best choice of seats. Some seats have limited legroom, and people with long legs may find the space under the seat in front tight. There are a few sofa-style seats, but these can fill quickly.

The high-speed boat gives you wide sea views on the way to Symi. The trip can be smooth when the sea is calm, but do not assume that a sunny day means a gentle ride. The wind may be strong, so pack a light layer even in summer. The crew helps people on and off the boat, and the ride is handled in a friendly, practical manner.

This is not a guided sightseeing cruise in the usual sense. You may get announcements or comments from the captain, but you should not expect a detailed lecture about Symi. The main idea is simple: get there fast, receive your free time, and make the day your own.

First sight of Symi Harbor

Symi makes a strong first impression. The harbor curves around clear turquoise water, with rows of pastel-colored houses climbing the hills behind it. Neoclassical buildings, small church domes, fishing boats, and waterfront tavernas give the town a look that feels carefully arranged, though this is a real working port rather than a film set.

The arrival is worth taking slowly. Before rushing ashore, look back across the water and up at the houses. The best photographs often come from the harborfront, where the full sweep of the bay is easiest to see.

You have around three hours here, and that is a useful amount of time. You can stroll the waterfront, wander into the narrow streets, climb for higher views, browse shops, sit down for lunch, and still leave room for a short swim near town if conditions suit.

Symi is not just a place for a quick photograph. The appeal is in the details: painted shutters, small balconies, stairways, church domes, and boats bobbing in the harbor. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb. The upper streets reward the effort, but the heat can make steep walking tiring in July and August.

Making the most of three hours ashore

I would begin with a walk along the waterfront, then turn uphill before the hottest part of the day. This gives you a better sense of the town and helps you find the higher viewpoints before settling down for food.

You can spend part of the stop browsing local shops and souvenir stalls. The harbor area is convenient for a meal, with plenty of traditional tavernas and cafes. Food and drinks are not included, so keep some money available for lunch.

If you want to try local specialties, look for the small fried Symi shrimp. They are one of the island’s best-known food experiences and are often served whole. You can also order local ouzo, though it is wise to remember that you still have a boat ride afterward.

Three hours is enough for many people, especially in hot weather. You can see the main harbor area, walk into the town, eat, shop, and stop for photos. If you prefer a long, slow meal or want to explore well beyond the port, the time may feel short.

There are no public toilets in the town according to the practical information available for this trip, so plan to use the facilities at a cafe or restaurant. This is a small detail, but it can matter on a warm day with a family.

Saint George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

The swim stop is the emotional high point for many people. Saint George’s Bay is framed by steep cliffs and clear water, with a small church and goats visible around the shore. The boat stops offshore, giving you the chance to jump straight into the water rather than walk onto a crowded beach.

The water is usually the kind of clear blue that makes even a short swim worthwhile. Pool noodles are available for people who want extra support, and you can also stay on deck to enjoy the view if swimming is not your thing.

Thirty minutes sounds reasonable on paper, but it passes quickly. You need time to get ready, climb down, swim, and get back aboard before departure. Several people would prefer a longer stop, especially because the bay is so inviting. Treat it as a refreshing break rather than a full beach afternoon.

The captain can change the route or cancel the swim stop if weather conditions require it. That flexibility is sensible on the Aegean, where wind can change the feel of the sea quickly. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures are the ones that include the 30-minute swim.

Choosing the right departure time

Your choice of sailing time changes the character of the day.

The 9:00 departure gives you an early start and includes the Saint George’s Bay swim. It is a good choice if you want the longest possible feeling of daylight and prefer to reach Symi before the strongest afternoon heat.

The 11:00 departure also includes the 30-minute swimming stop. It may suit you better if you do not want an early morning start, though the town can feel hotter during your three hours ashore.

The 15:15 departure does not include a swimming stop. You get a five-minute photo stop at Saint George’s Bay instead. Its advantages are a cooler visit to Symi, less intense heat, a quieter feel, and a sunset view on the return to Rhodes. Pick this option only if swimming is not central to your plans.

From late September into October, the route may visit Saint George’s Bay before Symi. This helps preserve the sunlight and bright water colors, since the bay can be shaded later in the day. On Fridays, the 17:00 night cruise returns around 22:00 and does not stop at the bay for swimming or photographs.

Comfort, transfers, and small practical issues

Hotel transfers are not included in the basic activity, but some booking choices offer a transfer add-on. This can be useful if you are staying outside Rhodes Town and do not want to arrange transport yourself.

Do check the pickup details closely. A hotel transfer may involve more than one minibus, and a rushed loading process can cause confusion. Be visible, listen for your pickup instructions, and allow extra time. If you are staying close enough to reach Mandraki Harbor easily, going there under your own steam may be simpler.

The boat itself is functional rather than luxurious. Some seats are narrow, and the ride can feel cramped when the boat is full. Arrive early for a better seat, especially if you need more legroom. A few reports also point to occasional untidiness around seats, although other departures have found the boat clean.

The strong points are the speed, helpful crew, and simple schedule. Staff assist with boarding, hand out fleece jackets when needed, and keep the journey moving. Food and drinks are not included, so bring water and budget for your own meal in Symi.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this excursion if you want to see Symi without committing to a long slow crossing. It works well for couples, families, and independent-minded visitors who prefer free time to a fixed walking tour.

It is especially good for you if:

• You want striking harbor views and an attractive Greek island town.
• You would rather explore on your own than follow a guide.
• You want a fast boat and a short, memorable swim stop.
• You are happy with a busy day and a set return schedule.
• You can manage uneven streets, steps, wind, and a potentially rough crossing.

It may be less suitable if you get seasick easily, need generous seating space, or want a long, relaxed beach visit. The three hours in Symi are flexible, but the overall day is still governed by the boat timetable.

Is the $69 price good value?

For $69, the value is strong if you use both parts of the experience: Symi and Saint George’s Bay. The boat gets you there quickly, and the day includes free time in one of the Dodecanese’s most photogenic ports plus a separate swim in clear water.

The price does not cover lunch, drinks, hotel transfers, or personal purchases. That is normal for this kind of excursion, but your real budget should include a taverna meal, refreshments, and possibly a transfer fee.

The speed is the key reason to choose this trip over a cheaper or slower sailing. If you value time, the extra efficiency is worth paying for. If you care more about a long swim or a guided introduction to Symi, you may want a different boat trip.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi speedboat?

Yes, if you want a well-packed day with beautiful scenery, a quick crossing, three hours to roam, and a short swim in Saint George’s Bay. The 9:00 or 11:00 departure is the best all-around choice because it includes the swimming stop.

Choose 15:15 if you prefer cooler temperatures and a sunset ride and can happily skip swimming. Bring swimwear, a towel, a light jacket, comfortable shoes, and seasickness protection if you need it. For most people, this is a practical way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday without losing half the day at sea.

FAQ

How much does the Rhodes to Symi speedboat trip cost?

The listed price is $69 per person. Meals, drinks, and hotel transfers are not included in the basic price.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is listed as six to nine hours, depending on the departure time and pickup option.

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?

The high-speed crossing usually takes about one hour each way, though the exact time can vary with sea and weather conditions.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore Symi independently.

Does every departure include swimming at Saint George’s Bay?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. The 15:15 departure offers only a five-minute photo stop.

What happens on the Friday 17:00 night cruise?

The Friday 17:00 night cruise does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photographs. It returns to Rhodes at about 22:00.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A light jacket is also useful because the boat can feel windy and chilly, even during warm weather.

Is lunch included?

No. You have free time to eat at a traditional taverna or cafe in Symi, but food and drinks are at your own expense.

Can the route or swimming stop change?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stop when weather conditions make it necessary.