A fast boat ride to Symi makes the day feel efficient. I love the Symi waterfront town time and the St. George’s Bay swim stop, both of which deliver big beauty-per-hour. The main catch is timing: some departures skip the swim, and the boat ride can feel a bit choppy if the sea’s active.

If you want a classic Dodecanese day, this one is built for it: quick transit, real free time on an island, then a short chance to cool off in postcard water. Symi isn’t a museum stop. It’s a working fishing town with pastel houses, little lanes, and enough hours to eat, shop, and walk up for views.

One possible drawback to plan around: Symi isn’t set up like a big city with easy public bathrooms, so you’ll want to handle that before you start wandering.

Key moments at a glance

• High-speed Mandraki to Symi: you spend more time sightseeing and less time stuck on the water.
• About 3 hours in Symi: long enough for the harbor area, shops, and a climb for photos.
• St George’s Bay swim stop: crystal-clear water with a short, fun boat-to-sea moment.
• Seasonal route timing: from late September into October, the order may shift so the colors look best.
• Multiple departure styles: morning swim options vs the 15:15 photo-only, less-crowded, sunset return.
• Bring swim basics: swimwear and a towel matter, because you’ll be getting wet.

Rhodes to Symi on a high-speed boat: why this day trip works

This is one of those routes where speed is actually the point. Rhodes to Symi is far enough that slow boats can swallow your day, but a high-speed crossing flips the math: you get an island day without living in transit.

The best part is that it’s not just “arrive, look, leave.” You’re given free time in Symi, so you can choose your pace—harbor stroll, souvenir browsing, or a longer walk uphill to earn the view. Then, instead of ending the day with another long ride, you get the swim stop at St George’s Bay, which makes the trip feel like a complete loop: sightseeing, then a reset in the water.

The value also comes from how the day is structured. At this price point, you’re paying for the boat and the timed island window. Meals and drinks are on you, but the major costs are already handled: fast transport plus the most iconic swimming moment.

Mandraki Harbor departure: the part that sets your day

Most options start around Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes, which is convenient if you’re already in Rhodes Town. The key practical point is that parking there can be hard to find. If you’re driving, give yourself at least an hour buffer.

Once you’re at the harbor, the vibe is simple: you check in, board, and settle in. If you’ve got a sensitive stomach, know that a few people report the crossing can feel rough depending on conditions. That doesn’t mean it’s constant chaos—just that this is a speedboat, on open water, and the captain will be working around weather.

One comfort detail that can make a difference: the staff may provide warm layers (fleeces/jackets) because sea breeze can chill you even when Rhodes is hot. If you’re the kind of person who gets cold on boats, don’t skip this.

The cruise to Symi: fast enough to feel like you’re cheating time

The ride is designed to be about an hour each way (timing can vary by departure and pickup option). During that crossing, you’re not trapped on a long slow ferry. You’re moving, getting scenery, and then arriving while Symi still feels lively.

In other words: you’re not spending your best beach-and-photo hours on the water. People consistently like the fact that Symi time starts sooner compared with longer cruise options.

Still, keep expectations real. High speed means you may feel the boat bounce a bit. If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared—simple remedies can help, and it’s smart to choose a seat where you’ll feel the least rocking. Also, plan to arrive early so you can pick your spot.

Symi: what you can actually do with 3 hours

Symi is all about color, texture, and walking. When you arrive, you’ll see the fishing harbor, the pastel-colored buildings hugging the bay, and church domes that punctuate the view. The island has a postcard look, but it’s also a lived-in place—boats tied up, tavernas busy, and lanes that pull you onward.

You get around 3 hours on your own. That’s a sweet spot. It’s long enough to:

• walk the harbor area and browse shops without rushing
• stop for lunch (on your own budget)
• take a short “up and out” climb for photos
• fit in a swim if you decide you want it

Food here is part of the experience. You’ll want to try Symi mini shrimps—often served fried—and pair it with local ouzo if your day includes a proper lunch. When you’re choosing a taverna, pick one with a view of the water. You’re paying for the island setting as much as the meal.

The one practical downside: plan for bathrooms

A real-world issue is that there aren’t easy public toilets around. Cafes are an option, so build your day around stops where you can grab a drink or snack. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s the kind of detail that makes your wandering smoother if you think about it early.

St George’s Bay: the swim stop that turns the day into a memory

After Symi, you head toward the water again and work in a timed stop at St George’s Bay. On the departures that include it, you’ll have about 30 minutes to swim.

This is why people book: the water is described as clear and bright, and the setting is scenic. You can jump off the boat, float, and let the short window do what it’s supposed to do—cool you down and give you that “wow, I’m really here” feeling.

A fun detail from the experience: you can often see goats on the cliff top while you’re in the water. That little surreal moment is exactly what makes the bay special. You also might find gear for comfort—some boats provide pool noodles for less confident swimmers or anyone who just wants to relax.

If you want more than a quick splash

Thirty minutes goes fast. If swimming is your main goal, treat this as a “get in, enjoy, reset” moment—not a long beach session. For more swim time, you’d need a different kind of plan than this speedboat structure.

Departure times matter: swim vs photo stop vs sunset return

This trip is basically four different days depending on when you go. Check the time carefully, because the St George’s Bay plan changes.

• 9:00 and 11:00 departures: they include a 30-minute swim stop at St George’s Bay.
• 15:15 departure: no swim stop—only about a 5-minute photo stop. The upside is that Symi can feel less hot and less busy, and you can catch a great sunset on the return.
• 3:15 departure note: it also doesn’t include the swim stop, only a photo pause.
• Friday 17:00 night cruise: no swim or photos at St George’s Bay, and you return around 22:00.

One more thing that affects results: the captain may change the route or swim stops based on weather. So even if you plan around a specific bay moment, build in flexibility.

Seasonal note: from the end of September and into October, the order can shift so you visit St George’s Bay first (because later shading can dull the color). It’s not a bad swap—it’s a smart one.

Getting value from $69: what you’re paying for and what you control

At around $69 per person, you’re paying for the hardest part to replicate on your own: fast, scheduled transport with a timed island window and an included swim stop (on the right departures). Meals are not included, but the boat day itself is priced to keep the overall outing reasonable.

Here’s how I think about value on this trip:

• If you want more time on Symi and less time stuck on transit, the speedboat is the value engine.
• If your goal is a clear-water swim without planning your own day on a small boat, the included St George’s Bay stop is worth it.
• If you only care about walking a bit and snapping photos, the 15:15 option can still be a good deal because it shifts effort from swimming to a calmer, warmer-feeling sightseeing rhythm (plus sunset).

Your biggest “value choice” is timing. A swim-included departure costs the same as a photo-only day, but it delivers a different experience. If you’re unsure, decide what you want most: swimming time or a smoother-feeling Symi + sunset vibe.

Practical tips: seats, queues, and staying comfortable

A few small realities can make or break comfort on a speedboat day.

Seats fill quickly

Upstairs seats can go fast. If you want the best feel, arrive early enough to choose. People note that seats can be slim and some rows don’t offer much legroom. If you’re tall or you hate cramped rides, prioritize earlier boarding.

The boat can be bouncy

Some people find the crossing perfectly fine; others mention it can feel rough. That’s especially true if conditions are windy. If you’re sensitive, take motion sickness precautions and aim for stable seating.

Queue and check-in time

There can be a queue at the check-in desk before boarding, which means you don’t want to show up at the last second. Build in time so you can breathe, not rush.

Bring the right basics

Bring swimwear and a towel. It sounds obvious, but it’s the difference between “this was great” and “I’m stuck sitting there wet while everyone else is swimming.”

Who this Rhodes Sea Lines Symi trip fits best

This is a great fit if you want:

• a short, efficient day trip from Rhodes
• a real island wander with free time
• an included swim moment in a standout bay
• a balanced day that doesn’t require you to plan ferries, schedules, or logistics

It’s less ideal if you:

• need long beach time (the swim window is short)
• hate boats or get sick easily (though you can mitigate this)
• want an easy bathroom experience on the island (Symi isn’t set up that way)

Should you book this Rhodes to Symi and St George’s Bay trip?

I’d book it if your top priority is a classic Dodecanese highlight with maximum scenery per hour. The combo—Symi’s pastel harbor streets plus a quick swim in St George’s Bay—is exactly the kind of day-trip payoff that makes the price feel fair.

If you’re deciding between departures, be decisive:

• Choose 9:00 or 11:00 if swimming is part of your must-do list.
• Choose 15:15 if you care more about a calmer Symi feel and a sunset return than about getting in the water.
• Consider the Friday night option only if you’re happy to skip the St George’s Bay moment and prefer a later return.

Book this when you want an easy day that feels special without turning your vacation into an extra project.

FAQ

What’s included in the Rhodes to Symi and St George’s Bay trip?

The trip includes the high-speed boat cruise, free time in Symi, and a swimming stop in Saint George’s Bay (for the departures that include it). Meals and drinks are not included.

How long is the trip from Rhodes?

The duration is listed as 6 to 9 hours, depending on the selected option and starting time.

How much time do I get to explore Symi?

You’ll have approximately 3 hours in Symi to explore on your own.

Does the trip stop for swimming at St George’s Bay for every departure time?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. The 15:15 departure does not include swimming, only a 5-minute photo stop. The 17:00 Friday night cruise also does not stop for swimming or photos.

What should I bring for the swim stop?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point may vary depending on the option booked.

How early should I arrive if I’m driving to Mandraki Harbour?

Parking at Mandraki Harbour is hard to find, so it’s recommended that you arrive at least an hour before.

Can the route or swim stops change?

Yes. The captain reserves the right to change the route and swim stops according to weather conditions.

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