Fast Boat To Symi & St George’s Bay Directly from Faliraki Beach

The main draw is simple: you get from Faliraki to Symi by fast boat, spend three useful hours on the island, then stop at St George’s Bay for a swim. That packs two of the Dodecanese’s best sea experiences into a seven-hour day without a long land transfer.

I like the direct departure from the Ammoudes area near Faliraki, and I like the generous free time in Symi. You can stroll the harbor, admire the colorful houses, and sit down for lunch by the water rather than rushing from one photo stop to the next.

The catch is the sea. The ride can be windy and rough, especially near the front of the boat, and the boat is fairly basic. On one departure, a toilet was out of order, so this is best approached as a practical speedboat excursion, not a luxury cruise.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours in Symi: Enough time for a harbor walk, photographs, a meal, and a relaxed look around Gialos.
• A 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay: The clear water and dramatic setting make this the trip’s refreshing finale.
• Direct from Faliraki: Meet at Ammoudes at 10:20 am and return to the same place.
• Fast but exposed boat ride: The crossing saves time, but wind and waves can make it rough.
• Up to 118 people: This is a sizeable shared excursion rather than a small private outing.
• Free cancellation until 24 hours before departure: Bad-weather cancellations offer a new date or full refund.

Why this Faliraki boat trip works

Rhodes has plenty of organized excursions, but many eat up time with hotel pickups and road transfers. This one starts near Faliraki Beach, so the day gets to the point quickly: board the boat, cross the sea, explore Symi, and swim on the way home.

The timing is also sensible. Leaving at 10:20 am gives you a full morning without forcing an especially early start. You return to the same meeting point after about seven hours, which leaves the evening open for dinner in Faliraki or a quieter night at your accommodation.

I see the biggest value in the combination of stops. Symi gives you a proper destination, with enough time to walk and eat. St George’s Bay gives you a short burst of sea time that breaks up the return crossing. Neither stop feels like a token few minutes for a photograph.

At $83.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on the water. Still, the price covers a direct boat trip to another island, three hours on Symi, and the return swim stop. If you would otherwise arrange separate transport to Rhodes Town, find a boat from there, and pay for meals and local connections, the price becomes easier to justify.

The value is strongest for people staying around Faliraki who want convenience. If you are already based in Rhodes Town and can find a cheaper boat from there, compare the full cost and timing before booking.

Leaving from Ammoudes near Faliraki

The meeting point is listed at 9679+VX Ammoudes, Greece, near Faliraki Beach. The boat returns to that same meeting point, which keeps the day straightforward. You do not have to work out a one-way return after the excursion.

The start time is 10:20 am. Confirm the exact meeting details when you book, arrive with enough time to find the boarding point, and keep your mobile ticket ready. The ticket is mobile, and confirmation is provided at booking.

A useful detail is the nearby parking reported at the pickup area. One person managed to park right on the beach next to the boarding point. Parking can vary by day and is not promised, but this suggests the location may be handy if you have a rental car.

The departure area is also near public transportation. The available information does not specify routes or frequencies, so check your own connection carefully rather than assuming a bus will match the boat schedule.

The fast crossing to Symi

The speedboat is the practical heart of the excursion. It gets you to Symi faster than a slower ferry, leaving more of the day for the island itself. You will also get plenty of open-sea air and views along the route.

That speed comes with a tradeoff. The boat is exposed to wind, and the ride can feel rough when the sea is up. A review describes a rough crossing to Symi, with a smoother return. Another specifically warns that the front is very windy.

I would choose a seat with comfort in mind rather than chasing the very front. If you are sensitive to motion, sit where the ride feels steadier, keep water nearby, and remember that conditions change from day to day. The operator requires good weather, but that does not mean every calm-looking morning will produce a glassy sea.

The boat is described as somewhat primitive, though it is fast and functional. Toilet facilities are available, but one toilet was reported out of order on one trip. That is worth knowing before you board, especially since the crossing and island stay make this a full half-day outing.

There is no guide name supplied for this activity, and the trip is offered in English. The crew and captain received strong praise for being organized and keeping the excursion on time, but you should expect transport and free time rather than a heavily guided cultural tour.

Three hours in Symi and the harbor of Gialos

Symi is the reason to book this excursion. The boat brings you to Gialos, the island’s harbor, where the setting does much of the work. The colorful buildings rise around the curve of the port, creating a compact, photogenic place to explore on foot.

Three hours is a useful amount of time. You can wander along the waterfront, look at the traditional buildings, stop for lunch beside the sea, and take photographs without spending the entire visit checking your watch. One person felt that three hours was exactly right, while another would have preferred to give Symi even more time instead of stopping for the swim.

That difference tells you how to think about the schedule. If your main goal is Symi, three hours may feel short because the island invites a slower look. If you mainly want a taste of Symi combined with swimming, the balance works well.

You should plan your priorities before stepping ashore. A practical three-hour visit might look like this:

• Walk the harbor first while the light is good and you know where you are.
• Set aside time for a waterfront meal if that matters to you.
• Leave room for a final stroll and return to the boat without a last-minute rush.

The supplied details do not promise a guided walk, entrance tickets, or transport beyond the harbor. That is part of the appeal for some people. You control your time, but you also need to manage it yourself.

Do not expect the boat fare to turn Symi into a full island tour. This is a harbor visit with free time. You get a strong first impression of Gialos, not an escorted exploration of every corner of Symi.

St George’s Bay on the way back

The return journey includes a 30-minute stop at St George’s Bay. The bay is known here for its clear water and striking views, and the stop is designed for swimming rather than sightseeing on land.

This is the moment that gives the day a holiday feel. After walking around Symi and perhaps eating lunch, you can jump from the boat into the water, cool off, and enjoy the setting before heading back to Rhodes. The stop was a clear highlight for people who enjoyed jumping off the boat.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, but it is not a long beach visit. You will need to get in, enjoy the water, and return to the boat on time. If you prefer a long, lazy swim or want to sit on shore, this short stop may feel rushed.

There is also a scheduling choice here. One person would have preferred more time in Symi instead of the swim stop. I would book this trip only if both parts appeal to you. If you care almost entirely about exploring Symi, look for an option with a longer island stay. If you want a swim in a beautiful bay as part of the day, the 30 minutes is well placed.

The information provided does not list swim equipment, changing facilities, or a beach landing. Bring what you need for a boat swim, and assume you may return aboard wet. Keep valuables secure and follow the crew’s instructions around the water.

Group size, comfort, and the overall feel

The maximum group size is 118 people. That is a sizable boat excursion, so the atmosphere will be shared and lively rather than quiet and personal.

A larger group can make boarding and reboarding take longer, especially at the swim stop. It can also mean less personal attention than you would get on a small charter. On the other hand, a large capacity helps make a direct route to Symi possible at a price below a private boat.

The strongest operational point is organization. The captain and crew were praised for keeping the day running properly and on time. That matters on a route with a fixed boat schedule, since a late return from Symi could affect everyone aboard.

Comfort is more basic than polished. The boat is fast, the route is efficient, and the setting is excellent, but do not book it expecting a quiet yacht, spacious private seating, or hotel-style facilities. Wind, spray, and engine noise are all reasonable possibilities on a speedboat crossing.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The data does not give detailed information about wheelchair access, step-free boarding, or storage for large equipment, so ask the provider directly if you have specific mobility needs.

What to bring and how to plan your day

You do not need a complicated packing list, but a few choices will make the trip easier.

• Bring a swimsuit and a towel for St George’s Bay.
• Wear secure footwear for boarding and walking around Symi.
• Pack sun protection, since much of the day takes place outdoors.
• Carry a little water and keep your phone protected from spray.
• Bring your mobile ticket and allow time to find the Ammoudes meeting point.
• If you want lunch in Symi, include it in your three-hour plan.

The boat ride may be windy even on a warm Rhodes day. A light extra layer can help, especially if you sit in an exposed area. If you are prone to seasickness, the rough crossing reports are worth taking seriously and you may want to prepare accordingly.

You should also watch the clock on Symi. Three hours sounds generous until you include the walk from the boat, a meal, photographs, and the return to the boarding area. Aim to be back early rather than squeezing in one last harbor stop.

Who should book this excursion

I would recommend this trip to you if you are staying near Faliraki, want to see Symi without arranging several separate connections, and enjoy being on the water. It suits a mixed group particularly well because one person can focus on the harbor and food while another looks forward to the swim stop.

It also works for a first visit to Symi. You get the island’s most immediately appealing setting, Gialos, without committing to a longer or more complex island stay. The three-hour window gives you a real taste rather than a quick photograph from the boat.

Families and groups should consider the boat conditions before booking. Most people can participate, but the ride can be rough and the boat facilities are basic. Anyone who needs a smooth, quiet crossing or more personal space may prefer a slower ferry or private charter.

This is less suitable if you want a full guided tour of Symi, a long beach day, or a luxury vessel. It is also not ideal if the idea of sitting on a windy speedboat for the crossing sounds unpleasant.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 10:20 am start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund, and the cutoff follows local time.

The trip requires good weather. If the operator cancels because conditions are poor, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That policy matters for a sea excursion, so avoid building an unmovable dinner, flight, or other major plan around the return time.

Should you book the Symi speedboat from Faliraki?

Book it if you want an efficient day with two clear highlights: three hours in pretty Gialos and a swim at St George’s Bay. The direct Faliraki departure, reliable timing, and useful free time make the $83.27 price reasonable for many people.

Skip it if you dislike rough boat rides, need polished facilities, or want to spend most of the day exploring Symi on land. For the right kind of day, though, this is a well-focused Rhodes outing: fast transport, a memorable island harbor, and a refreshing swim before you return to Faliraki.

FAQ

Where does the boat trip start?

The meeting point is at 9679+VX Ammoudes, Greece, near Faliraki Beach.

What time does the excursion start?

The scheduled start time is 10:20 am.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the original meeting point.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get three hours of free time to explore Symi.

How long is the stop at St George’s Bay?

The boat stops for 30 minutes so you can enjoy the views and swim in the clear water.

Is the activity offered in English?

Yes. The experience is offered in English, and your ticket is available on mobile.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.