Two islands in one day. This Rhodes-to-Symi cruise pairs an easy boat ride with St. George’s bay swimming and snorkeling, then delivers you to Symi’s colorful harbor streets. I like how the schedule is simple: swim first, explore Symi after. I also like that Symi gives you scenery fast, without needing to plan every turn.

What I especially enjoy is the combo of photo time and breathing space. You get 3+ hours in Symi for wandering and shopping, plus a separate swim stop that’s built for water-time, not just passing by. One thing to consider: it’s a full day at sea plus transport stops on Rhodes, so if you’re picky about long outings, plan for a lot of moving around.

Key highlights you’ll feel right away

• St. George’s Bay swim stop with snorkeling time and clear, deep water (bring your towel and sunscreen)
• Symi’s tiny Gialos harbor with cafes, seafood, and sponge-and-spice shopping right by the water
• Photo-friendly layout: the way Symi steps up the hillside makes easy Instagram and Facebook shots
• Local lunch option: try Simiako Garidaki, baby shrimps cooked in olive oil
• Good value for a day out: round-trip boat tickets + swimming time are included

A day that hits two destinations: Rhodes to Symi, then back

This is a straightforward full-day cruise designed for people who want a real island day without the hassle of coordinating ferries, schedules, and baggage. You’ll start around the Rhodes area, travel by coach for a short stretch, then switch to the boat. Expect the whole experience to run about 8.5 hours.

A smart part of the day is how it’s sequenced. You’re not stuck on the boat all day with nothing to do. You get a dedicated break for swimming at Saint George’s bay, then you land in Symi with enough time to actually walk, eat, and browse rather than just take a quick look.

Getting to the boat: pickups, check-in, and why timing matters

You have two ways to start: either go to the meeting point yourself, or book an optional hotel transfer. If you’re going on your own, check-in runs 09:15–09:40 at Gallias str. 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. You’ll pick up your boarding pass there.

If you choose pickup, you’ll get a message with your pickup time and place after booking. Some pick-up timing is described as very prompt, which matters because the day is timed tight enough that being late can turn into stress.

On the way to the pier, plan for a short bus/coach ride of about 30 minutes before the boat portion starts. It’s not long, but it’s part of the day’s rhythm—especially if you’re aiming to keep the whole outing low-effort.

Saint George’s Bay swimming: what you get for your water time

The highlight for many people is the swim and snorkel stop at St. George’s bay. This is timed for about 45 minutes on the schedule. In real life, it often feels close to an hour—either way, it’s enough to get in the water, take a few swims, and not just bob around.

Here’s what to know so you’re comfortable fast:

• Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat.
• Pack a change of clothes if you don’t want to dry off in the heat and then sit uncomfortably on the boat.
• Water can be clear enough that you can see the bottom, and it can be deep, so it’s worth being confident in the water before you fully commit.

The bay is described as breathtaking, with emerald-clear water and a wild-feeling setting. That combo is exactly why this stop is worth it: you’re getting a postcard swimming moment without needing to research beaches on your own.

The cruise into Symi: why the approach is half the fun

Once you set sail for Symi, the boat turns the day into a sightseeing drive-by. You’ll pass the sea views en route, and as you get closer, Symi’s shape becomes obvious—colorful buildings clustered along the harbor, with big church silhouettes rising from town.

One of the easiest wins is that Symi is compact in the harbor area. The walk from boat to first streets is naturally short, which is a big deal when you only have a few hours. You arrive in Gialos, Symi’s lively harbor zone. It’s a small area lined with little cafes, fish and seafood restaurants, and stalls for sponges and spices. That means you don’t have to hunt for a place to sit and recharge; it’s right there.

And yes, this is a town built for photos. The stepped, hillside look gives you angles without planning a route like you would in a bigger city.

3+ hours in Symi town: how to use your time without rushing

Your Symi time is about 3 hours (some days feel closer to 3 hours plus with the way people pace the stroll). It’s self-guided, with a photo stop and free time built in. That’s the best kind of freedom: you can follow your curiosity, then still make it back without a strict checklist.

Here’s a practical way to spend the time:

1. Start with the harbor views and take 10 minutes for photos. Symi’s color and church shapes show up quickly.
2. Walk a bit inland and up. The fun is in the streets that climb, where buildings change character every few turns.
3. Decide early where you’ll eat, or at least where you’ll start looking. If lunch becomes an afterthought, your time shrinks fast.

Shopping is part of the experience. You’ll find handmade jewelry, clothing, and small gift shops around Gialos. If you like taking home something that feels local, Symi is a strong place for that.

A food moment worth planning for: Simiako Garidaki

If you want a local bite that feels specific to Symi, look for Simiako Garidaki: baby shrimps cooked in olive oil. It’s the kind of dish that turns a simple lunch into a story you’ll remember.

Since food isn’t included, you have control over your budget. If you go for this, treat it as your main splurge and keep the rest simple—water, maybe a side, then dessert only if you still have energy.

Boat ride back to Rhodes: enjoy the views, but plan for stops

The return is another boat segment that many people describe as smooth and scenic. One practical detail: your drop-off on Rhodes can take time because there are multiple stops.

The schedule includes drop-offs across many areas such as Theologos, Ialysos, Ixia, Faliraki, Lindos, Lachania, Kallithea, Kolympia, Gennadi, Fanes, Kalathos, Kiotari, Kremasti, Pefki, Lartos, Plimmiri, and Afantou. If your hotel is on one end of that list, you might feel the time more during the drive back.

The upside is coverage. You’re less likely to be stuck needing a long taxi ride from a random pier.

Comfort and group pace: what to expect on a day like this

This is a small-day-trip style outing rather than a long, multi-stop tour. The day is structured around three anchors: the boat ride out, the swimming stop, and the time on Symi. That makes the pacing easier to handle.

On the comfort side, one person notes the boat was comfortable, and that hot/cold drinks, alcohol, and snacks were available onboard. That’s not listed as a guaranteed inclusion in the core price info, but it’s still a useful indicator that you’re not trapped on a bare-bones ferry.

What I’d plan for: the sun. Even if you’re not sunbathing, you’ll be on deck long enough for exposure. Bring the stuff you need before you start the day so you’re not hunting for it later.

Price and value: is $51 a fair deal?

At around $51 per person, the value comes from what’s included: round-trip boat tickets to Symi and back, plus the swimming stop at St. George’s bay. That’s the big cost driver for a Rhodes-area day like this.

The parts you pay extra for are straightforward:

• Hotel pickup/drop-off if you choose the transfer option
• Food and drinks, since Symi free time is meant for lunch on your own
• Anything beyond the included swimming time

So the deal is strong if you want the logistics handled—boat + beach stop + island time—without negotiating independently. It’s less of a deal if you already know you’ll hate boat time or you’re the type who wants to stay in one place all day.

Who this cruise fits best

This trip is a great match if you want:

• a first-time taste of Symi without planning ferries
• a beach moment in the middle of the day, not at the end
• a schedule that gives you both water time and walking time

It may be less ideal if:

• you strongly prefer slow travel with no transport shuffling
• you’re traveling with very small kids who can’t handle longer boat and coach segments
• you’re looking for a long, deep dive into Symi’s details (3 hours is enough for highlights, not full exploration)

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Symi boat trip from Rhodes?

The total duration is about 8.5 hours.

Is the swim stop at St. George’s Bay included?

Yes. The swimming stop at St. George Bay is included.

Do I need a hotel transfer?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are optional. If you don’t want transfer, you check in at Gallias str. 6 (next to Benetton shop) at Mandraki Harbor between 09:15 and 09:40.

What time does the swim at St. George’s Bay start?

One schedule example has the boat set sail around 10:00, reaching St. George’s Bay just after 11:00, with about 45 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

How much free time will I have in Symi?

You’ll have about 3 hours in Symi for photo stops, shopping, sightseeing, and self-guided exploring.

What should I bring for the beach and swimming?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks aren’t included, but you have free time in Symi to get lunch.

What’s the cancellation window?

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Should you book this Symi cruise with the St. George’s Bay swim?

If you want the best use of a Rhodes day, I’d book it. You’re paying for the boat connection and getting a proper swim break plus real time in Symi, not just a quick stop. It’s especially worth it if your priority is a memorable water moment and a quick, scenic Symi walk in one day.

I’d only hesitate if you know you’ll feel cramped by a full-day schedule or if you’re mainly interested in staying on land. For most people, this is a strong value way to see two places without spending your trip days on logistics.