Symi looks made for postcards. This Rhodes boat day adds a real swimming stop at St George Bay, so you get both sea time and town time.

I like that it’s simple: you’re on the water for the journey, then you’re off to explore Symi on foot. With English available, it’s also easy to follow what’s happening.

I especially like the swim stop. You get about an hour at St George Bay, with time to cool off and float in very clear water. I also like the 3 hours in Symi—enough time to wander the main streets, find a snack or lunch, and still have a relaxed pace.

One thing to plan for: the boat ride can feel crowded and the sea can make it bumpy. If you’re sensitive to motion, bring seasickness tablets, and don’t count on getting the best seat unless you manage boarding well.

Key highlights worth clocking

• St George Bay swim break: about 1 hour in the water, with goggles available (and bring your own snorkel if you want one).
• Real walking time in tiny Symi: roughly 3 hours to explore town on foot.
• Long day, but paced: travel time plus two big activities, then a return to Rhodes.
• Restroom on board: included, which matters on a long boat day.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: included only if you choose the pickup option for your area.
• Small-ish group size: a max of 200 travelers keeps it more manageable than some larger boats.

Why Symi by boat is such an easy win from Rhodes

Rhodes is packed with history, beaches, and day trips. This one is different because it mixes a classic island-town wandering day with a swim stop that actually breaks up the long travel time.

The best part is that Symi doesn’t require planning. Once you arrive, you can just walk. The town is small enough that 3 hours feels like a sweet spot: you can look around the colorful streets, stop for a drink, and still have time to wander without rushing.

You’re also not stuck with only one “type” of fun. You get sea time at St George Bay and then land time in Symi town. It’s a day that works even if you don’t want to spend the whole trip chained to a tour bus schedule.

The Rhodes-to-St George Bay boat ride: what to expect

The day starts around the morning, and the boat journey to St George Bay can take about 2 hours in typical timing. During that stretch, expect the ride to feel a bit rough at times. It’s not a calm, glassy ferry vibe—think waves and motion.

Comfort is the wildcard here. The boat can run full. Some people end up separated on the outbound leg, and seating can be tight. If sitting together matters, arrive early and be ready at boarding so you can claim seats before the boat fills.

Practical comfort notes:

• If you get seasick easily, bring motion sickness tablets.
• The boat has areas where you can get out of wind or rain by staying below if it’s unpleasant on top.
• If you’re sensitive to smells, sit where you find better ventilation on the return trip.

Also, keep your expectations realistic: it’s a shared day on a working boat. The goal is a fun day, not luxury.

St George Bay swim stop: your hour of sea time

St George Bay is the payoff stop. You get around 1 hour to swim, and it’s the kind of place where the water looks clear enough to make snorkeling feel worth it.

A couple of practical things help a lot:

• Wear your swimsuit under your clothes. That way you can jump in right away.
• Bring something to cover up afterward. Even in warm months, you can get cool once you’re out of the water.
• If you care about snorkeling, bring your own snorkel. The boat provides goggles, but you’ll want more flexibility if you like extended snorkeling.

This swim stop also changes the whole mood of the day. It turns the long boat ride into a real excursion, not just a transfer.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, don’t panic. You can still enjoy the bay by floating and taking photos. Just be sensible about depth and currents like you would anywhere.

Symi town in about 3 hours: how to use your time

Once you reach Symi, you get about 3 hours to explore. The key is that Symi is walkable, so you’re not trying to solve transportation once you’re there. You can simply stroll, look, pause, and pick your own rhythm.

What that time is best for:

• Wandering the main streets and side lanes without a deadline.
• Checking out colorful houses and the harbor view atmosphere.
• Finding a place to grab lunch or dinner. Lunch is not included, but you have time to choose something casual.

A common mistake is treating those 3 hours like a full day. Don’t. Think of it as a highlight loop: see what you can, eat when you get hungry, then save the energy for the return ride.

Also note that Symi can feel busy since it’s a popular spot. That’s part of the charm—people are out and about—but it can mean slower walking in the busiest areas.

The return trip to Rhodes: timing, boarding, and comfort tips

After Symi, you’re back on the boat for a return to Rhodes. Typical timing puts you around 2 hours back, and the total day runs about 9 hours.

This is where boarding strategy matters more than you’d think. Since the boat can fill quickly, some people spend time waiting to make sure they have a seat for the ride back. If you want to sit together or avoid standing, keep an eye on the boarding process and don’t drift too far when it’s time to leave town.

On the return, the sea can still feel bumpy. Seasickness tabs remain useful on the way back if they helped you earlier. Also, if you’re at the back of the boat, some people report stronger smells from the engine area—so choose your position wisely if that bothers you.

The upside: the ride back can be scenic, and there’s a chance you’ll catch a sunset vibe as you head toward Rhodes. Even without perfect sky conditions, the harbor approach can feel special.

Pickup, meeting point, and how to keep logistics painless

The meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The tour ends back there.

You can also choose hotel pickup for an extra charge. Pickup depends on where your hotel is located—South (like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, etc.) or another area—so you’ll want to select the correct variation when booking.

If you book pickup, you generally reduce stress. You’re not trying to find the office location on a tight timeline, and it cuts down on the pre-departure scramble. If you don’t choose pickup, you’ll need to get to the meeting point and boat early enough to secure seats.

One small detail that can save time: when booking, put your hotel name in the special requirements field. The provider uses that to confirm pickup time from your hotel.

Price and value: does $48.37 make sense for this day?

At $48.37 per person, the value is mainly about what’s included versus what you’d otherwise have to piece together.

You’re paying for:

• A full boat trip
• A restroom on board
• The St George Bay swim stop (admission-free as part of the day)
• 3 hours in Symi (also admission-free)
• English-speaking operation

Lunch isn’t included, so you will spend money on food once you’re in Symi. And if you want hotel pickup, that adds cost depending on distance.

Still, for under $50, this is a straightforward way to get:

1) a swim break that makes the sea part of the day feel real, and

2) a proper chunk of time in a photogenic island town.

If you’re trying to build your own day from scratch, you’ll likely lose the “everything is scheduled” convenience—and convenience is usually what you’re really buying at this price level.

Who this trip suits best (and who should think twice)

This works best if you:

• Want a one-day island hit from Rhodes without renting a vehicle.
• Like walking around towns rather than only doing beach time.
• Don’t mind a long day with travel time and want a swim stop to break it up.
• Are comfortable on a boat and can handle some motion.

It might be less ideal if you:

• Need a very calm, comfortable boat ride. The sea can be bumpy, and the ride can feel crowded.
• Are very seat-sensitive. The boat can fill, and seats aren’t guaranteed to be ideal for everyone.
• Expect lunch to be included. It isn’t—you’ll choose your own meal in Symi.

Practical tips to make this day smoother

A little preparation makes this trip feel easy instead of long.

Bring:

• Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes if possible)
• Motion sickness tablets if you tend to get sick on boats
• A light layer or wrap for after swimming
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen)
• A small bag for goggles/snorkel gear and phone

If you care about snorkeling:

• Bring your own snorkel. The boat provides goggles, which is helpful, but a snorkel is more flexible for real time in the water.

For seating:

• If you’re using hotel pickup, plan to still be alert at the boat once you arrive.
• If you’re prone to heat discomfort, pick a spot where you can tolerate sun exposure better. Some parts of the boat can feel intense when it’s full.

Also, the bar on board can be a useful add-on for a cold drink or small snack. Having a bit of cash can help in case you want to buy small extras, since onboard purchasing can vary.

Should you book this Symi + St George Bay boat trip?

I think this is a strong choice if you want a classic day trip that delivers on both water and town time. St George Bay’s swim stop is the big selling point, and 3 hours in Symi is long enough to feel like you actually got to know the place instead of just passing through.

Book it if:

• You’re excited by the mix of swimming + walking
• You don’t need luxury seating
• You can handle a longer day and possible motion on the water

Skip it (or consider another option) if:

• You’re very sensitive to sea motion
• You get stressed by crowded spaces and want guaranteed comfort

If you do book it, pack for waves, plan to eat in Symi, and treat the boat ride as part of the story. The payoff is the Symi harbor arrival and that hour of swimming with truly clear water.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip to Symi with the swimming stop?

The full experience runs about 9 hours (approx.).

Is lunch included during the trip?

No. Lunch is not included. You’ll have free time in Symi to get your own lunch.

Do I get admission tickets for Symi and St George Bay?

Admission tickets are free for both Symi and the St George Bay stop, based on the tour details.

Is hotel pickup available, and does it cost extra?

Pickup is offered for an extra charge. The cost depends on how far your hotel is located (South areas like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, etc., or other areas). Choose the variation that matches your hotel, and add your hotel name to the special requirements field.

What’s included on the boat?

The tour includes the boat trip and a restroom on board.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.