A boat day makes Rhodes feel twice as big. This trip combines Symi Harbor time with a proper St Marina Bay swim stop that you can only reach by boat. I like that it’s well-paced for a single day out, and that the crew and onboard setup keep things comfortable; my only real caution is the swimming/snorkeling window is short, so don’t plan on a long session.

You’ll start from Rhodes Harbour in the morning, cruise over to the tiny island of Symi, and get a classic view of the Dodecanese from the water. The experience is built for people who want real photos, easy walking time in Symi, and some time in the sea without worrying about complex transfers.

The drawback to keep in mind: because the swim stop is around 30 minutes, you’ll want to arrive ready (gear in hand, sunscreen on) and be mindful with your phone/keys.

Key things that make this Rhodes to Symi boat trip worth your time

• St Marina Bay swim-and-snorkel stop (boat-only access) with floats provided
• 3 hours free time in Symi for harbor views, strolling, and shopping
• Comfort features onboard like open sundeck seating plus air-conditioned space, toilets, and WiFi
• Clear enough pacing for a day trip that doesn’t feel rushed in Symi
• Lots of Rhodes hotel drop-off options if you choose pickup/drop-off
• Good value pricing compared to higher-cost catamaran options, with tradeoffs in speed

Rhodes Harbour to Symi: what kind of day this really is

This isn’t a “spend all day lounging” cruise. It’s a structured day built around two memories: the sea time at St Marina Bay and the walk-around atmosphere of Symi.

You’re on the water for a big chunk of the day, and that’s the point. The cruise gives you that relaxed, slightly breezy view of Rhodes from outside the usual city streets, and then it drops you in Symi with a clear plan for how long you’ll have there.

At $47 per person for an 8-hour outing, it’s a solid value if you’re mainly paying for transport plus the unique boat-only swim stop and a meaningful slice of island time. If you’re the type who wants multiple long snorkeling breaks or lots of extra stops, you may feel the schedule is tight.

Morning departure: getting positioned for the best views

You’ll meet at the harbor and you’ll need to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry. Look for Rizos cruises DISCOVERY, and plan to arrive early so the check-in doesn’t turn into a stress sprint.

If you select pickup, it’s a straightforward coach/mini van system. You’ll wait at the pickup point, and the vehicle is identified with the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen. The driver won’t wait long after the scheduled pickup window, and traffic can add a little time, so build in a buffer.

On a boat day, your seat choice matters. Aim for shade if you’re heat-sensitive, or go for the open sundeck if you want direct sun. I’d rather you choose on purpose than drift around at the last second—because the ride to the first stop can be calm, and you’ll want to enjoy it.

St Marina Bay break: 30 minutes of sea time that changes the whole trip

The star of the schedule is the stop at St Marina Bay, where you get a 30-minute break for swimming and snorkeling. This is the kind of place that’s worth it specifically because it’s only reachable by boat, so you don’t waste time on long commutes or complicated logistics.

You’ll likely get a quick photo pause too, then it’s in the water. The boat includes floats, and the listing suggests bringing snorkeling gear, plus a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. The point isn’t to do an advanced reef expedition; it’s to get into clear water, cool off, and see enough underwater life to feel like you had a proper sea break.

A key consideration: the snorkeling time is brief. If you’re hoping to take your time, swim far from the boat, and do a full gear session, adjust expectations. Also bring a plan for your phone and keys—there’s no mention of lockers onboard, and a reader flagged that having secured storage would be helpful.

The cruise toward Symi: enjoying the ride without overthinking it

Between the swim stop and Symi, you’re back on the move. Think of this stretch as the transition: ocean time, camera time, and time to settle in.

One practical note from the experience: this option can be a bit slower than higher-cost catamaran-style trips. That doesn’t automatically make it worse. It can actually work in your favor if you prefer a calmer ride and you’re not trying to cram in maximum island time at all costs.

On deck, the ride is the reward. Between the harbor views and the passing boats, you’re already seeing the “why” behind Symi’s popularity. And if you’re prone to getting cold in shade, bring a light layer—especially if you go near the beginning or end of the season.

Symi arrival: 3 hours of free time in the classic harbor town

You’ll disembark at Symi Harbor and then get about 3 hours free time to explore. This is one of the best parts of the day because it’s enough time to do three things well: get lunch, walk the main streets, and still have time for browsing and photos.

Symi is known for its colorful buildings and the look of a traditional harbor town. The schedule is designed so you can wander without feeling trapped by a tour pace. You can stop often, take pictures, and treat this like a proper visit rather than a quick postcard stop.

A useful way to plan your 3 hours:

• Start with the harbor viewpoint for orientation
• Walk the street grid at an easy pace
• Save shopping and small detours for the middle or late part of your time

If you want a longer experience that includes more distant sights (like the monastery area), you might wish you had additional time. But for most first-timers, 3 hours hits the sweet spot: you leave Symi feeling like you actually saw it.

What to do in Symi (and what to skip if you’re short on time)

With only 3 hours, you should pick your priorities. Here’s a practical approach that fits this specific trip.

Focus on the harbor and the streets right around it. That’s where you’ll get the most immediate visual payoff—boats, views across the water, and the colorful neo-classical look that people travel for in the first place.

For food, plan on grabbing lunch in town rather than rushing back to the boat immediately. The timing on this trip is set so you can eat at a relaxed pace, and it’s usually the most enjoyable part of the day—because you’re still “in” the island, not just passing through.

If you’re thinking about renting a moped to cover more ground, keep in mind that the tour only gives you a short window. This isn’t a full island day where you can casually decide to go farther out without consequences.

Back to Rhodes: the return cruise feels like a reward, not a chore

After Symi, you sail back to Rhodes Harbour in the evening. The return trip is often calmer in your mind because you’ve already done the key moments: swim, explore, and photo stop time.

This is also when onboard comforts become more than nice-to-have. If you paid attention earlier and found good seating, you’ll enjoy the ride. If not, you still have alternatives: there’s an air-conditioned area onboard, plus WiFi, toilets, and an onboard setup that includes an open sundeck with sunbeds.

Food and drinks aren’t included, so if you want snacks or an adult beverage, plan to purchase them onboard. One reader noted that drinks were reasonably priced, but you should still treat it as an extra cost on top of the tour fare.

Boat and onboard comfort: what you can expect from Rizos Cruises

What stands out from the onboard setup is that it’s not a “bare bones” experience. You get toilets onboard, an air-conditioned area, and an open sundeck where you can actually enjoy the day instead of being stuck inside for hours.

The boat is also described as clean, and the crew is helpful and organized. That matters on a trip like this, because you’re moving through three phases—boarding, swimming, and island exploring—and you don’t want confusion between them.

There’s WiFi onboard too. It’s not the reason to do the trip, but it helps if you want to quickly coordinate meeting points, maps, or share photos before you wander off.

Price and value: why $47 can make sense (and when it might not)

At $47 per person for an 8-hour day, you’re paying mainly for:

• Round-trip transport by boat from Rhodes
• A boat-only St Marina Bay swimming/snorkeling stop
• 3 hours of Symi free time
• Basic onboard comforts (toilets, shade/sundeck options, air-con, floats, WiFi, insurance)

That’s good value if your goal is a classic day trip that’s easy to understand and doesn’t require private planning.

It might be less ideal if you’re the type who wants a longer swim stop, more snorkeling time, or extra stops beyond Symi and the one bay. Some people also prefer catamarans because they can feel faster; this option may not be as speedy as those alternatives.

Weather, what to pack, and the small things that save your day

This trip is water-based, so packing smart matters more than packing heavy.

Bring:

• A towel
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Cash (for onboard purchases and Symi spending)
• Suggested snorkeling gear
• A light jacket if you’re traveling at the beginning or end of the season

And do a quick “privacy check” before you step into the sea. You’ll want a secure way to manage your phone and keys. Since lockers aren’t mentioned, I’d plan to use a waterproof case or a small waterproof pouch so you can enjoy the swim without anxiety.

Who this trip is best for

This is a great fit if you:

• Want a simple day trip from Rhodes without complicated ferries
• Care about a swim stop that’s actually part of the schedule
• Prefer walking around Symi at your own pace rather than following a tight group itinerary
• Like boats, views, and a bit of sea air more than “maximum sightseeing per hour”

It’s less ideal if you’re chasing long snorkeling time, multiple swim breaks, or you want an all-day Symi exploration including sights farther out than the harbor area.

Should you book the Rhodes Town boat trip to Symi and St Marina Bay?

If you want the classic combo—Symi Harbor time + a real boat-access swim stop—this trip is easy to recommend. The biggest strength is how the day is balanced: a meaningful 3 hours on Symi, plus a sea break that makes the cruise feel like more than just transport.

Book it if you’re happy with a short swim/snorkel window and you’re okay purchasing food and drinks onboard. Skip it (or consider a different format) if you need long time in the water, expect to do extensive snorkeling farther from the boat, or want a very fast catamaran-style pace.

FAQ

How long is the trip from Rhodes to Symi and St Marina Bay?

The total duration is 8 hours.

Where do I meet for the activity?

You’ll meet at Rhodes Harbour. You should arrive 20 minutes before the activity starts, and you’ll exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry.

Is swimming and snorkeling included?

Yes. There’s a swimming and snorkeling stop at St Marina Bay, and floats are included onboard.

How much time do I have in Symi?

You have about 3 hours of free time in Symi.

What’s included on the boat?

Included are the cruise, open sundeck with sunbeds, the swimming stop at St Marina Bay, free time in Symi, toilets onboard, air-conditioned area onboard, floats, WiFi onboard, and insurance.

What should I bring, and what’s not allowed?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear. Weapons or sharp objects aren’t allowed, smoking indoors isn’t allowed, and you should not litter or bring explosive substances.