Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

Symi is the main event here: a harbor of brightly painted neo-classical houses climbing the hills above the water. The boat adds a worthwhile bonus, stopping at St Marina Bay, a sea-access-only cove where you can swim before lunch and wandering in Symi.

I like the simple two-part plan: a short swim in clear water, followed by three hours to eat, shop, and explore at your own speed. I also like the price, about $47, which undercuts more expensive catamaran trips while still giving you an open sundeck, sunbeds, toilets, WiFi, and an air-conditioned cabin.

The tradeoff is time on the water. This is a practical ferry-style cruise rather than a fast sailing adventure, and the journey can take roughly two hours each way. If you want several swim stops or a visit to Panormitis Monastery, this schedule may feel tight.

Key points at a glance

• St Marina Bay swim stop: Spend about 30 minutes swimming or snorkeling in a bay reachable only by boat.
• Three hours in Symi: Enough time for a harbor lunch, shopping, photographs, and a first walk around town.
• A slower, good-value boat: The cruise costs about $47 and may be slower than premium catamarans.
• Rhodes Harbour departure: The trip begins and ends in Rhodes, with optional hotel pickup from many resort areas.
• Useful onboard comforts: Expect sunbeds, floats, toilets, WiFi, an air-conditioned area, and drinks and snacks for sale.
• Bring your own beach kit: Pack a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, swimwear, cash, and snorkeling equipment.

Why Symi makes this day trip worthwhile

Symi has the kind of harbor that rewards an unhurried arrival. As the boat approaches, the water opens onto rows of pale, colorful houses with shutters and balconies, arranged up the hills behind the port. The view is especially effective from the boat because you see the whole amphitheater at once, rather than only the next street ahead.

Once ashore, you have three hours of free time. That is enough for the essentials, but not enough to treat Symi as a full island tour. I would use the time for a relaxed meal by the water, a walk through the harbor streets, a little shopping, and plenty of photographs.

The port area is the easiest place to get your bearings. You can watch the small fishermen’s boats, browse shops, and enjoy the colorful buildings without needing a complicated plan. If you want to wander farther or spend time at Panormitis Monastery, you will need to manage your time very carefully. The cruise does not include a separate monastery visit.

Three hours works well for a first taste of Symi. It gives you more than a quick photo stop, while keeping the day focused and manageable. If your main goal is to explore the entire island, this is not the right format.

Leaving Rhodes by boat

The day begins at Rhodes Harbour, with check-in between 8:00 and 8:30. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY, so do not walk straight onto the vessel and assume your phone voucher is enough.

Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure. Early arrival matters for two reasons: the boat can be busy, and the best outdoor seats tend to go first. One useful choice is to sit outside for the departure and the approach to Symi, then move into the air-conditioned area if the sun or wind becomes too strong.

The boat has an open sundeck with sunbeds, along with indoor seating and toilets. A bar sells drinks, snacks, and ice cream, but food and drinks are not included in the price. You should budget for anything you want during the day, especially lunch in Symi.

The first stretch offers a different view of Rhodes. From the water, you can watch the island recede while the boat settles into its route toward St Marina Bay. The ride is part of the experience, but it is not fast. Compared with catamarans, this vessel takes longer, so bring a book if you do not enjoy sitting and watching the sea.

The 30-minute stop at St Marina Bay

St Marina Bay is the day’s most active stop. The boat anchors for around 30 minutes, giving you a chance to get into the water, swim, or snorkel close to the vessel. The bay is reachable only by boat, which gives this pause a special sense of distance from Rhodes and the main ports.

The water is described as clear and inviting, and the swimming stop is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip over a straightforward ferry ride. You can stay on the boat if you prefer not to swim, sit in the sun, or use the time for photographs.

Keep your expectations sensible. This is a short swim break, not a full snorkeling outing. You are expected to stay near the boat, and there is no promise of coral reefs or extensive marine life. Bring your own snorkeling gear because it is not included, though floats are provided onboard.

The 30-minute limit also means you need to prepare before the boat stops. Have your swimsuit on, keep your towel easy to reach, and avoid putting your phone or room keys somewhere difficult to retrieve. There are no lockers mentioned, so think carefully about what you take into the water. A small waterproof pouch is a practical addition, though you should not assume the boat provides secure storage.

A towel is not included. Biodegradable sunscreen is requested, and it is best applied before boarding so you are ready for the swim without wasting precious minutes. At the beginning and end of the season, pack a light jacket. Even a warm Greek morning can feel cool when you are sitting in the shade or moving across open water.

Three hours to explore Symi

After the swimming stop, the boat makes the shorter run to Symi Harbour. Disembarkation puts you right near the island’s most photogenic area, with the harbor and colorful houses immediately in front of you.

I would begin with a slow walk along the waterfront before choosing a restaurant. This lets you compare views and menus rather than taking the first available table. A meal by the water can use a good portion of your three hours, but you should still have time for ice cream, souvenirs, and a little wandering.

Symi is well suited to independent exploring because the schedule gives you free time rather than a tightly managed walking tour. You are not tied to a guide or a set route. That freedom is valuable if you want to linger over photographs, stop for coffee, or browse without being hurried from one sight to the next.

The limitation is that the port area is the practical focus. Three hours sounds generous, but lunch, shopping, photographs, and walking quickly fill it. If you plan to reach a distant beach or monastery, check the timing carefully and keep an eye on the departure hour. Missing the boat is not a minor inconvenience when the next planned return is not part of this excursion.

Bring cash for small purchases and personal expenses. Food, drinks, and towels are not included. The cruise price covers the boat, the swim stop, free time in Symi, onboard facilities, floats, WiFi, and insurance, not your island spending.

The ride back to Rhodes

The return journey is the quietest part of the day. After several hours in the sun, you may appreciate the indoor air-conditioned seating, but the trip can feel long. Depending on conditions and the day’s operation, the ride from Symi to Rhodes may run around two to two and a half hours.

This is where the boat type matters. A faster catamaran can reduce time at sea, but the lower-priced Rizos Cruises option includes the St Marina Bay stop that some catamaran trips do not. If you view swimming as an important part of the day, the slower boat is a fair compromise.

Choose your return seat with the weather in mind. Outdoor seats are pleasant when the sun is mild, while the shaded side can become cool during a long ride. A light layer is useful even in summer if you plan to sit away from direct sun.

The vessel is designed for a full-day outing rather than luxury sailing. You get practical comforts, a clean boat, a bar, toilets, and room to sit, but do not expect a private cabin or a high-speed cruise. That distinction helps set the right expectations.

Is $47 good value?

At about $47 per person, this is a strong value for a full-day Rhodes excursion. The price includes transportation to Symi, a dedicated swimming stop, three hours on the island, insurance, and basic onboard facilities. Booking a separate boat transfer and arranging a swim stop yourself would be difficult, so the convenience has real value.

The price looks even better for visitors who want both sea time and an island visit in one day. You avoid the hassle of finding your own boat connection, and the pickup option covers many hotels around Rhodes, Faliraki, Ialysos, Kallithea, and other resort areas.

The value is less clear if you mainly want maximum time in Symi. A slower vessel means more of the eight-hour day is spent getting there and back. You also pay separately for lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and any beach or transport costs on the island.

I see this as a good middle ground. It is more interesting than a basic transfer because of the swim stop, but less polished and faster than a premium catamaran excursion. The 4.4 rating from 387 reviews fits that balance: the boat, staff, views, and organization receive strong marks, while the short swim and long return ride are the main limits.

Pickup, check-in, and practical details

Hotel pickup is optional rather than automatic. If you select a transfer, wait at the stated pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The bus has the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen, and the company may contact you by WhatsApp or phone with the exact pickup point, time, and vehicle details.

Drivers wait no longer than two minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Traffic can cause delays of up to 15 minutes, so stay at the pickup point rather than assuming the vehicle has been missed.

If you make your own way to the harbor, arrive 20 minutes early and complete the voucher exchange at the desk. Greek and English are used for hosting and instructions. The crew gives information over the loudspeaker, which helps keep the day organized.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those terms are useful if your Rhodes plans depend on weather, but always check the available starting time for your chosen date.

Who should book this cruise?

I would recommend it to you if you want a straightforward day away from Rhodes with three clear highlights: a boat ride, a swim, and a first look at Symi. It suits couples, families, and independent sightseers who like having free time rather than following a guide around every corner.

It is also a good choice if you are watching your budget. The onboard facilities are practical, and the price includes more than a simple ride between ports. The crew is described as friendly and helpful, and the boat is kept clean, including the toilets, which matters during a long day at sea.

You may want another option if you dislike long boat journeys, need extensive snorkeling time, or want to visit Panormitis Monastery without rushing. A faster catamaran may suit you better if speed is your priority, though you should check whether it includes a comparable swimming stop.

What to pack for the day

Keep your packing simple, but make it useful:

• Towel and swimwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear
• Cash for food, drinks, and shopping
• Light jacket in early or late season
• Phone protection for the swim stop
• A book for the longer boat rides

Weapons, sharp objects, explosive substances, indoor smoking, and littering are not allowed. Food and drinks are not included, though the boat bar sells refreshments and snacks.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise?

Book this trip if you want good value, a real swimming stop, and enough time for a first taste of Symi. The colorful harbor, relaxed free time, and clear-water pause make a satisfying day from Rhodes, especially at $47.

Skip it if you want a fast crossing, serious snorkeling, or a full island tour. The boat is slower than premium catamarans, the swim lasts only 30 minutes, and three hours in Symi requires sensible planning. For most visitors who want an easy combination of sea and sightseeing, though, this is a well-balanced day out.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi boat trip last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, including the boat rides, the 30-minute stop at St Marina Bay, and three hours of free time in Symi.

Where does the cruise depart and return?

The cruise starts and ends at Rhodes Harbour. Optional hotel pickup is available from many locations around Rhodes, depending on the selected option.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive at the meeting point 20 minutes before departure. Check-in is scheduled between 8:00 and 8:30, and you must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the Rizos Cruises boat named DISCOVERY.

How long is the swimming stop?

The stop at St Marina Bay lasts about 30 minutes. You can swim or snorkel, or remain on the boat and enjoy the views.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Snorkeling gear is not included. You should bring your own equipment, along with a towel and biodegradable sunscreen. Floats are available onboard.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about three hours in Symi. You can use this time for lunch, shopping, photographs, and independent sightseeing.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the cruise price, but snacks, drinks, and ice cream are available for purchase onboard. You should also budget for lunch in Symi.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the standard cruise price, but pickup is available as an optional selection. If you choose it, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes before the scheduled time.