Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay

Symi is the real prize here: a small Greek island with colorful harbor houses, seafood, shops, and enough time for a relaxed walk. I like the one-hour swim at St George Bay, where the water is clear enough for snorkeling, and the three hours in Symi, enough for lunch and a good look around town.

The catch is the boat ride. You may spend about six hours at sea, and the boat can feel crowded, especially in high season. If you get seasick, bring tablets. If you want a fast, quiet crossing, this is not that trip.

Key points to know before you book

• Two very different stops: Swim in the quiet, cliff-lined waters of St George Bay, then walk through Symi’s colorful harbor town.
• About nine hours in all: Plan on roughly two hours from Rhodes to the bay, 30 minutes to Symi, three hours ashore, and two hours back.
• Seating can be an issue: Arrive early at the meeting point if you want the best chance of sitting with your party.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: Pickup is available island-wide, but the fee depends on your location, especially if you are staying near Lindos, Pefkos, or Gennadi.
• Lunch is your choice: Food is not included, so use your free time in Symi for a meal.
• Weather matters: St George Bay may be removed from the route in poor weather, and the sea can become rough.

Why this Rhodes day trip works

At about $48.37 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to see two of the most appealing sights near Rhodes in one day. You get the boat crossing, a swim stop, time in Symi, a restroom onboard, and the chance to use hotel transport if you pay the added fee.

The value comes from the combination. A simple boat ride to Symi gives you more time on the island, but this trip adds a memorable swim in St George Bay. You trade comfort and speed for a fuller day out.

That trade is important. The boat is large and can carry up to 200 people. On quieter days, the ride may feel perfectly pleasant, with room to sit upstairs or below. At busy times, some people have had trouble finding seats, and couples have occasionally been separated.

I would book this for the places it visits, not for luxury at sea. Symi and St George Bay are beautiful enough to make the long ride worthwhile, but you should go in expecting a basic excursion boat rather than a polished yacht.

Leaving Rhodes for St George Bay

The day begins at Half Price Tours, at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town, unless you arrange hotel pickup. Pickup is available from hotels around the island for an extra fee. The price depends on distance, with southern resorts such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi usually requiring a different pickup option than hotels closer to Rhodes Town.

If you use the transfer, put your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking. The company then provides the pickup time. Transfers have generally been described as well organized, though one reported delay was about 40 minutes, so leave some patience in your morning plans.

Without pickup, arrive early at the meeting point. This is more than a minor tip. Boarding order can affect your whole day, since the crossing to St George Bay takes around two hours. Early arrival gives you a better chance of finding seats together and choosing between the upper deck and the covered lower area.

The crossing is part of the experience, but it is also the part most likely to test you. The sea can be choppy, especially on the open route toward Symi. Bring motion sickness tablets if you need them, and consider sitting somewhere with fresh air and a clear view.

The boat has restrooms and a bar or snack service. Drinks have been described as reasonably priced, though some onboard purchases may require cash. Bring a little cash for water, soft drinks, or snacks rather than depending entirely on card payment.

St George Bay: one hour in clear water

After roughly two hours, the boat reaches St George Bay. The stop lasts about one hour, giving you time to swim from the boat in a strikingly clear stretch of water surrounded by steep rocky slopes.

This is not a beach stop in the usual sense. You swim from the boat, so wear your swimsuit under your clothes and have a towel ready. That saves you from changing in a small restroom or losing precious time once the boat anchors.

The water is the highlight for many people. You can use a provided woggle, which is a simple flotation aid, but snorkels are not supplied. If you want to look below the surface, bring your own snorkel. Some people have reported seeing plenty of fish in the area.

You will want a dry layer for the ride afterward. Even in warm weather, the wind on deck can feel cool when you are wet. A light jacket, shirt, or wrap takes up little space and makes the next part of the trip much more comfortable.

The order of the day has one small drawback. You swim before visiting Symi, so you may still be damp when you begin your walk and lunch stop. Some people would prefer to explore first and swim later. Still, the early swim gives you a refreshing start and leaves the rest of your time for the island.

Poor weather can change this part of the tour. St George Bay has been left out when conditions were considered unsuitable, sometimes with notice only the day before. If the trip is canceled because of bad weather, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. If only the swim stop changes, the boat may still continue to Symi.

Arriving in Symi after the swim

From St George Bay, it is about 30 minutes to Symi. The approach is one of the strongest parts of the day. The harbor is lined with closely packed houses in soft colors, climbing the hills around the water. The setting feels different from Rhodes, more compact and quiet, even when many boats are in port.

You get around three hours of free time. No guided walking tour is included, so you can set your own pace. That suits Symi well. The main harbor area is small enough to explore on foot, and the best use of your time is simply to walk, stop for lunch, browse the small shops, and enjoy the view.

Three hours is enough for the central town, a meal, and a relaxed wander. It is not enough for a thorough visit to every part of the island. If you want to go far beyond the harbor, you may find the schedule tight.

Lunch is not included in the price. This is actually useful for people who want to choose their own meal, but budget for it separately. Seafood is a popular choice, and Symi shrimp is a local specialty worth looking for. Restaurants and food choices are available during your free time, but the excursion does not reserve a table or include a set menu.

You should keep an eye on the departure time. The boat will not wait for a late lunch or a long shopping stop. A good plan is to walk first, choose a restaurant early, and keep enough time to return to the port without rushing.

The long ride back to Rhodes

After Symi, the return crossing takes about two hours. By this point, you may be pleasantly tired, but the length of the day becomes clear. The outbound crossing, swim, short ride to Symi, three hours ashore, and return trip add up to about nine hours.

Some people enjoy the ride back as a chance to rest and watch the sea. Others find the total time onboard too long. Strong fumes have been noticed toward the rear of the boat, so you might prefer a forward or more open seating area if smells bother you.

A sunset may be visible on the return route, depending on the season and timing. That can give the final leg a pleasant finish, but it is not a guaranteed feature of every departure.

The boat has a covered lower area if the upper deck becomes windy or rainy. The upper deck gives you better views, but the lower level may be more comfortable in poor weather. Bring sun protection, and remember that seats may be limited during busy departures.

Crowding, comfort, and the seating question

The biggest practical concern is capacity. The boat can take up to 200 people, and high-season departures may feel packed. Some passengers have found only one seat for two people, while others have had to stand for part of the ride.

This is why arriving early matters. If you arrange hotel pickup, your transfer may bring you to the boat after independent passengers have already checked in. That does not mean you will be left behind, but it may reduce your choice of seats.

The boat itself is functional rather than modern. Some descriptions call it old, rusty, messy, or in need of an update. Others found it clean enough, with a pleasant ride, friendly crew, and a well-kept restroom. Expect a basic public excursion boat, not a refined vessel.

The crew is a strong point. Service onboard has been described as friendly and helpful, with reasonably priced drinks and snacks. Staff have also handled card-payment problems near the Turkish border, where phone signals can be unreliable. Still, carrying cash is sensible.

If you value comfort above price, a faster boat or a smaller excursion may suit you better. One alternative approach is to visit Symi without the swim stop, which cuts out some of the day at sea. But you would miss the clearest part of this particular outing, the swim at St George Bay.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to you if:

• You want to see Symi without arranging a private boat.
• You enjoy swimming in open water.
• You are comfortable with a full day and a long sea crossing.
• You want free time rather than a tightly guided island tour.
• You are staying in Rhodes and want one major day trip with transport handled for you.
• You are traveling on a budget and care more about the destinations than the boat’s finish.

It may not suit you if:

• You are prone to seasickness and dislike rough water.
• You need guaranteed seats together.
• You prefer a quiet, small-group setting.
• You want several hours on a beach rather than swimming from a boat.
• You expect lunch, snorkeling equipment, or hotel pickup to be included.
• You have only limited energy for a nine-hour outing.

The activity is open to most people, and service animals are allowed. It is also near public transportation. The information provided does not specify an accessible boarding setup, so you should ask the operator directly if you have mobility needs.

How to prepare for the day

Pack lightly, but bring the right things. I would take:

• Swimsuit worn under your clothes
• Towel and dry top
• Motion sickness tablets if needed
• Your own snorkel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water and some cash
• Comfortable walking shoes
• A phone or watch to track the return time

Do not count on snorkeling gear beyond the flotation woggles. Do not assume lunch is included. If you are using hotel pickup, confirm the correct variation for your hotel area and enter the hotel name when booking.

The experience is recommended by 93 percent of customers and has a 4.6 rating from 1,753 reviews, which fits the overall picture: the destinations and staff earn strong marks, while comfort and crowding create most of the complaints.

Free cancellation is available until 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and the operator may change or cancel the trip if weather or minimum numbers make the outing impractical.

Should you book the Symi and St George Bay boat trip?

Book it if your priority is seeing Symi and St George Bay in one affordable day. The swim is beautiful, Symi is easy to explore on foot, and three hours gives you enough time for lunch and the main harbor area.

Skip it if you want a fast crossing, a guaranteed seat, or a quiet premium boat. In that case, spend more on a faster service or choose a Symi trip without the swimming stop.

For most people, the decision comes down to stamina. This is a long, basic, sometimes crowded boat day with two excellent stops. If you accept that bargain, the price is strong and the route gives you a memorable look at one of the prettiest islands near Rhodes.

FAQ

How long does the boat trip to Symi take?

The full experience lasts about nine hours. The trip takes roughly two hours from Rhodes to St George Bay, about 30 minutes from the bay to Symi, and around two hours to return to Rhodes after the island visit.

How long do you stay in Symi?

You have about three hours of free time in Symi. This is enough for lunch, a walk through the harbor area, and time to browse the small shops.

How long is the swimming stop at St George Bay?

The swimming stop lasts about one hour. You swim from the boat in the bay.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you can eat during your free time in Symi.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Snorkels are not provided. Woggles are available as flotation aids, so bring your own snorkel if you want to look underwater.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an extra charge. The price depends on how far your hotel is from the departure area, and you should enter your hotel name when booking.

Where does the tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rhodes Town. It ends back at the same meeting point unless your selected option includes hotel transport.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available onboard.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.