Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Symi is the star here: a pretty harbor backed by pastel houses, church domes, and steep hills rising from the blue Aegean. I like that you leave from Kolymbia Harbor, so you avoid the early bus ride to Rhodes Town used by many other Symi trips. I also like the return swim at St George’s Bay, which breaks up the ride home with a welcome shot of cool water.

The main thing to consider is the long day and limited independence on the boat. The ride can take about two hours each way, there is no water supplied onboard, and the fast boat can get wet, especially in rougher conditions. Still, with a 4.9 rating from 123 bookings and 93 percent perfect transport scores, this is a strong-value way to see Symi.

Key points at a glance

• Direct start from Kolymbia Harbor: Walk to the departure point instead of taking a dawn coach to Rhodes Town.
• About three hours in Symi: Enough time for the harbor, shops, lunch, photos, and a swim.
• A memorable St George’s Bay stop: Spend 30 minutes in clear water on the return journey.
• Fast but wet boat ride: The speed saves time, but keep a towel and cover handy.
• Strict departure times: The crew keeps the timetable closely, so return to the boat early.
• Bring your own drinks: No water is available onboard, and the journey is a long one.

Why this Kolymbia to Symi trip works so well

The best feature is the starting point. You board at Kolymbia Harbor, rather than first traveling by coach to Rhodes Town. That matters more than it may sound. A Symi outing already takes about eight hours, so avoiding an early road transfer gives you a calmer start and lets you stay near your hotel for breakfast.

The usual day runs from roughly 10:15 until 18:00, though you should check the current departure time when booking. The crew is known for sticking to the clock. That is good news if you want to make the most of Symi, but it means you cannot wander back casually at the end of your free time.

The route may include a short stop at Rhodes Harbor to pick up or drop off other passengers. This can add a little time, but it may also give you a quick look toward Rhodes Old Town and its harbor fortress. One useful detail: the boat change at Rhodes, when required, is made between boats beside each other, so it is more of a simple transfer than a major interruption.

The fast ride across the Aegean

The trip from Kolymbia to Symi takes about two hours, including any Rhodes Harbor stop. The high-speed boat is the reason this excursion offers about three hours on Symi instead of spending much of the day simply getting there and back.

I would choose a seat based on how you handle speed and spray. The ride is described as smooth and exciting, but several practical details matter. Fast boats can throw up spray, and one account advises you to be ready to get very wet. Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch, bring a light cover, and pack a towel even if the sea looks calm from shore.

There is no water provided on the boat. Bring enough drinks for the journey, especially in the hot months. You can buy lunch and drinks once you reach Symi, but you should not count on onboard refreshments during the crossing.

The ride itself is part of the appeal. You get open views of the Aegean and the coast, and the speed gives the day a lively feel. It is less leisurely than a traditional ferry, so anyone who prefers a quiet, slow crossing may find the pace a little much. For most people making a day trip, though, the saved time is worth it.

Arriving in Symi Harbor

Symi’s harbor is the visual reward for the crossing. The water is turquoise, fishing boats sit along the shore, and pastel-colored neoclassical houses climb the hills around the bay. Colorful church domes add another splash of detail above the rooftops.

Give yourself a few minutes simply to look around after getting off the boat. The harbor is compact enough to make exploring easy, but the steep slopes and bright heat can make walking tiring. Your first hour is best spent getting your bearings along the waterfront before deciding how far uphill you want to go.

The harbor town has traditional tavernas, cafes, small shops, and places to stop for a drink. If you want to try a local specialty, look for Symi mini shrimp, a small shrimp dish associated with the island. Ouzo is another local choice, though it is better saved for a relaxed lunch or late drink rather than before the return boat.

The free time is self-guided. No sightseeing program or named guide is supplied, so you set your own pace. That suits you if you like to browse, photograph buildings, stop for food, and change plans as you go. It is less suitable if you want a detailed guided tour of the island.

Making the most of three hours on Symi

Three hours sounds short on paper, but it is a useful amount of time for Symi Town. You can walk the harbor, browse the shops, stop for lunch, and still find time for photos. Several departures have allowed around three and a half hours, but the advertised free time is approximately three hours, so plan around that figure.

I would divide the visit into three simple parts:

• Spend the first 30 to 45 minutes walking beside the harbor and taking in the buildings.
• Use the middle of your visit for lunch, a drink, or shopping.
• Keep the final 30 minutes flexible so you can return to the meeting point without rushing.

You might find a swimming spot near the clock tower, which can be useful if the heat gets to you. The main bay is also pleasant for a cafe stop. One good approach is to walk farther along the waterfront before choosing a table, since the end of the harbor can offer attractive views back toward the colorful buildings.

Do not try to see every corner of Symi in this time. The steep streets, hot sun, and fixed boat departure make that unrealistic. I would focus on the harbor town itself rather than spending your whole visit pushing uphill. The value of this trip comes from seeing Symi at a comfortable pace, not from checking off every viewpoint.

St George’s Bay on the way home

The 30-minute stop at St George’s Bay is one of the strongest parts of the day. The bay is surrounded by high rocky sides and has clear, bright water that looks especially inviting after several hours in the heat.

The boat stops for swimming rather than taking you ashore for a full visit. You can jump into the water, cool off, or stay on deck and enjoy the sun. Bring swimwear under your clothes, since changing space may be limited, and keep a towel close by.

Do not expect a long beach visit. The stop is short, and the boat may anchor away from the shore. That means you may not be able to swim to the beach or explore the bay on foot. If your ideal outing includes time on land at a quiet cove, this stop may feel too brief. If you simply want a clear-water swim before the return crossing, it is an excellent fit.

The timing also makes sense. You see Symi first, then get a refreshing break before the final ride. After walking through the town and sitting in the sun, the swim can feel like the best possible reset.

Timing, boat changes, and the strict schedule

The operator’s punctuality is a real strength, but it places responsibility on you. The boat has to collect passengers from more than one harbor on some departures, and the crew cannot hold the boat for late arrivals. Return to the agreed meeting point early, not at the exact departure minute.

A typical schedule has the boat arriving at Kolymbia around 10:15, reaching Symi close to midday, leaving Symi in the afternoon, and returning to Kolymbia around 18:00. Exact times can change, so use the confirmed schedule for your date.

The Rhodes Harbor stop can surprise people who expect a nonstop journey. In some cases, passengers change boats there, with the vessels positioned side by side. It is not necessarily a problem, but you should know about it before setting off. The stop may also provide a quick photo opportunity toward Rhodes Old Town and its castle.

Because the boat service is shared, you are not choosing a private charter. The benefit is a lower price and a fixed, efficient route. The tradeoff is less control over stops and departure times.

Is the $106 price good value?

At $106 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day at sea. It is a fair price if you value the direct Kolymbia departure, the speed of the boat, and the included St George’s Bay swim.

The main comparison is with trips that require a bus transfer to Rhodes Town before the boat ride. Those options may cost less or offer a different boat, but the early start and extra road leg reduce your time and energy. Here, you pay for convenience as much as transport.

The price includes the high-speed cruise, about three hours of free time in Symi, and the 30-minute swim stop. It does not include lunch, drinks, or other spending on the island. Budget extra for a taverna meal, coffee, or local treats, and bring water from Kolymbia for the crossing.

I see the best value for people staying near the harbor. If your hotel is only a short walk away, the trip becomes very simple. You avoid a transfer, see one of the Dodecanese islands, and get a memorable swim stop in one long day.

Who should book this boat trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and anyone staying in Kolymbia who wants to see Symi without arranging separate transport. The clear timetable and English-speaking host make the day straightforward, while the free time leaves room for your own plans.

It also suits people who prefer independent exploring. You are not tied to a guide’s walking route or a group lunch. You can eat, shop, swim, or photograph the harbor as you please.

Think twice if you dislike fast boats, get uncomfortable in sea spray, or want a long beach stop. The day is also demanding for anyone who needs a slow pace. Symi has hills, the boat ride is long, and the schedule is fixed.

Wheelchair access is listed for the activity, though the practical ease of getting around Symi’s sloping harbor streets may still depend on your personal needs. Ask for current boarding details before booking if access is important to you.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms help if your plans are still shifting, but the most important booking decision is simpler: do you want a fast, structured day trip or a slower island visit with more control?

What to pack for the eight-hour outing

Keep your day bag light, but bring the items that make the boat portions easier:

• Water and any snacks you want during the crossing
• Swimwear, towel, and sun protection
• A waterproof phone pouch or sealed bag
• Comfortable shoes for Symi’s sloping streets
• Some cash or a payment card for lunch, drinks, and shops
• A light cover in case spray makes the ride cool

Wear swimwear beneath your clothes so you can use the St George’s Bay stop without wasting time. Pack valuables carefully, since a fast ride and sea spray are a poor mix for loose phones or cameras.

My verdict on the Kolymbia to Symi experience

Book this trip if you want the easiest way to combine Symi’s beautiful harbor with a clear-water swim and you are happy with a full, tightly timed day. The direct start at Kolymbia is its biggest practical advantage, while the St George’s Bay stop gives the outing more than a simple sightseeing transfer.

I would not book it expecting a guided tour, a quiet ferry ride, or enough time to explore all of Symi. I would book it for the colorful harbor, the efficient high-speed crossing, and the chance to cool off in one of the Dodecanese coast’s most striking bays. Bring water, watch the clock, and protect your phone from spray, and the $106 price is reasonable for a well-packed day.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart from?

The boat departs from Kolymbia Harbor in Kolymbia, Rhodes.

How long does the activity last?

The full experience lasts about eight hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time to explore Symi on your own.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at a traditional taverna is at your own expense.

Is the St George’s Bay stop included?

Yes. The trip includes a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay.

Can I swim at St George’s Bay?

Yes. You can swim in the clear water, or remain on deck and enjoy the sun.

Is water available on the boat?

No water is provided onboard, so bring your own drinks.

Is the boat ride direct from Kolymbia to Symi?

The boat leaves from Kolymbia, but it may stop at Rhodes Harbor to pick up or drop off passengers. A boat change may also be required there.

Does the activity have an English-speaking host?

Yes. The host or greeter speaks English, and English is the listed activity language.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.