Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island and St George’s Bay

The best part of this trip is the combination of Symi’s picture-perfect harbor and a swim at St George’s Bay. You get an island visit, a fast crossing, and time in one of the Dodecanese’s most striking coves without spending the day on a slow ferry.

I like the efficient one-hour boat ride and the generous three hours in Symi. I also like that the crew has handed out fleeces when the crossing felt cold, and that the boats offer individual seats plus bench seating farther back. The main catch is simple: the swim stop depends on your departure time, and the narrow sports seats may not suit everyone.

Key points to know before you book

• The 9:00 and 11:00 boats include the 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay, weather and operating conditions permitting.
• The 15:15 departure skips the swim, stopping for only five minutes of photographs, but gives you cooler temperatures and a sunset return.
• Symi gets about three hours, enough for the harbor, lunch, a short walk, and perhaps a swim, but not a slow island ramble.
• The crossing takes roughly one hour, making this a quicker option than standard boat services.
• St George’s Bay is the emotional high point, with clear water, dramatic cliffs, and a short but memorable swim.
• Bring a towel and a jacket, since the fast boat can feel chilly even on a warm Rhodes day.

Why the fast boat makes Symi possible in one day

Symi sits across the water from Rhodes, and the high-speed service changes the feel of the outing. Instead of losing much of the day to transport, you reach the island in about an hour and still have a full afternoon of sightseeing and swimming.

The advertised duration is six to nine hours, depending on your departure and pickup choice. The day begins at a meeting point linked to the option you book, with several possible drop-off points around Rhodes. Hotel transfers are not included, so you need to check the exact starting place and allow time to reach it.

At $55 per person, this is not the cheapest way to cross to Symi. It offers good value if you care about time and want the St George’s Bay stop. A slower service may cost less, but the extra time on the water can reduce your time on the island or make the day feel more tiring.

The boat is built for speed rather than lounge-room comfort. Some seats are individual sports-style seats, which can feel narrow. Bench seats toward the rear offer a better choice if you prefer more room. Bring a light jacket even in summer. Fast boats create a cool breeze, and the crossing can feel cold after several hours in the sun.

The one-hour crossing from Mandraki Harbor

From the Rhodes side, the boat leaves from the Mandraki Harbor area or another stated meeting point, depending on your booking. The first hour is mainly a sightseeing cruise and open-water crossing.

This is not a guided walking tour with constant commentary. The boat crew handles the practical side of the trip, and the available host languages include English, German, Greek, French, and Italian. Some passengers have found the spoken guidance fairly limited, but the route is easy to follow once the crew explains the timing.

The payoff for the fast ride is speed. You may pass slower boats and arrive in Symi in about an hour. The sea crossing can be smooth, though conditions are never fully predictable, so anyone prone to motion sickness should plan accordingly.

Keep your jacket close rather than packed away. The crew has provided fleeces to people who felt cold, a thoughtful touch, but your own extra layer is still the safer plan. I would also keep your towel and swimwear accessible, since you may want them soon after leaving Symi.

First look at Symi’s harbor

Symi’s port is the kind of place that makes the trip worthwhile before you even step ashore. The harbor is framed by pastel-colored neoclassical buildings, and the hills rise behind the water in a sweep of warm colors. Turquoise water fills the bay, while church domes add small flashes of color above the town.

You arrive by boat, so your first view is from the water. That matters. Symi’s famous buildings are easiest to appreciate as a whole from the harbor, where the rows of houses form a natural amphitheater.

The port is also practical. You can begin with a short walk along the waterfront, look at the shops, choose a taverna, or find a place for a swim. The town is compact enough to explore without a guide, though three hours goes quickly if you want to walk uphill for views.

How to use your three hours in Symi

Three hours is a sensible amount of time for a first visit, but you need to make choices. I would not try to see every corner. Start with the harbor, then walk inland and uphill for a broader view before returning to the waterfront for lunch.

A simple plan might look like this:

• Spend the first 30 to 45 minutes getting your bearings around the port.
• Use the next hour for the uphill streets and church views.
• Keep the final hour for lunch, shopping, or a quick swim near the harbor.

One especially worthwhile walk leads toward a church and gives you a higher view over the colorful town. It takes effort in the heat, but the view helps you understand how Symi is arranged around the port. Wear practical shoes if you plan to climb.

You can also use the time at a traditional taverna. The local specialty most closely tied to the island is Symi mini shrimp, and ouzo makes a classic Greek aperitif. Meals and drinks are not included, so budget separately. If you want a relaxed lunch rather than a quick bite, sit down early. Waiting until the final part of your stop risks a rushed meal before boarding.

There is a small beach along the harbor, making it possible to divide the stop between sightseeing, swimming, and lunch. That sounds generous, but it is not enough time for all three at a leisurely pace. If the old streets and hill views matter most, skip a long meal. If you want a slow lunch and a swim, keep your walking close to the port.

St George’s Bay is the day’s big reward

On the morning departures, the boat leaves Symi and heads toward St George’s Bay. The cruise through the coastal water takes about 20 minutes before the swimming stop, followed by roughly 30 minutes in the bay and a longer return cruise toward Rhodes.

St George’s Bay is striking because of its clear water and steep, bare rock walls. There is little to do here except look, swim, and enjoy the setting. That simplicity is the point. After the noise and movement of Symi harbor, half an hour in the water feels like a clean reset.

You should treat the 30 minutes as a swim stop, not a beach afternoon. Get ready before arrival, keep your towel handy, and do not expect time for a long shore walk. The water can be refreshing, which some people will call cold. If you prefer staying dry, you can remain on deck and enjoy the views.

The bay has become the most praised part of the trip for good reason. It is visually dramatic, and the clear water makes the short stop feel special. On the way back, you might also spot dolphins, though that is luck rather than a promised part of the outing.

A seasonal detail matters here. From late September into October, the boat may visit St George’s Bay before Symi rather than after it. The reason is light: later in the day, the bay can be shaded and the water may not have the same color. Check the route for your sailing rather than assuming the order is fixed.

Choosing between the 9:00, 11:00, and 15:15 departures

The departure time changes the experience more than the price does.

The 9:00 sailing gives you an early start and includes the 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay. It suits you if swimming is a top priority and you want the longest useful day. The 11:00 sailing also includes the swim and may work better if you do not want an early morning start.

The 15:15 service is a different product in practical terms. It does not include the 30-minute swim. Instead, it makes a five-minute photo stop at St George’s Bay, then returns toward Rhodes in time for sunset views.

That later sailing has real advantages. Symi is less busy and less hot, and the ride back can be especially attractive as the light changes. Choose it if you care more about a quieter island visit and evening scenery than swimming.

Do not book the late departure by accident if St George’s Bay is the reason you are going. The five-minute photo stop is not a substitute for getting into the water.

Comfort, crew, and the practical details

The boats are new and clean according to the information provided, and the crew has been described as friendly, attentive, and efficient. Boarding is straightforward: check in at the stated harbor meeting point, receive your boarding pass, and wait for the boat.

The seating deserves honest attention. Individual seats make the boat feel organized, but some are not especially wide. If you want more space, look for the bench seats toward the back. The fast ride is part of the attraction, but it also means wind and spray can be more noticeable than on a large ferry.

Pack only what you need for the day:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Light jacket or fleece
• Sun protection
• Money or a card for lunch and drinks

Hotel transfers are not included, and the meeting point can vary by selected option. Drop-off locations include places around Rhodes such as Lardos, Kiotari, Kolymbia Harbor, and central Rhodes. Confirm your own departure and return point before booking, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town.

The activity can be canceled for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility. Those policies are useful if your Rhodes plans depend on weather or port operations, but they do not remove the need to check the day’s meeting details.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this outing to anyone staying in Rhodes who wants a strong first taste of Symi without arranging several transport connections. It works especially well for people who value a fast crossing, colorful waterfront scenery, and a swim in a dramatic bay.

Families can enjoy it, though the long day and narrow seats may be less comfortable for very young children. Swimmers will likely rate the morning departures highest. Photographers and people who dislike the midday heat may prefer 15:15, with its cooler timing and sunset return.

This is less suitable if you want a slow, detailed exploration of Symi. Three hours is enough to see the port, climb for a view, eat, and perhaps swim, but not enough to linger everywhere. It is also not the right pick if a full beach day is your main goal.

The high rating attached to this experience fits its strongest features: reliable timing, a quick crossing, helpful crew, and an excellent swim stop. Still, the value depends on choosing the right departure. Pay for the fast boat if you want more island time and St George’s Bay. Choose a slower option if low cost and a leisurely boat ride matter more.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi speedboat?

Book it if you want two distinct highlights in one day: Symi’s pastel harbor town and a swim in St George’s Bay. The $55 price is reasonable for the speed, the three-hour island stop, and the included bay visit on the 9:00 and 11:00 departures.

Pick the 15:15 sailing only if you are happy to give up the swim for cooler temperatures, fewer crowds, and a sunset ride. Before paying, check the exact meeting point, return location, seating option, and departure time.

For a first visit to Symi from Rhodes, this is an efficient and memorable choice. Just keep your expectations practical: three hours is a good introduction, not a full island tour, and the boat is fast, useful, and occasionally chilly rather than luxurious.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi activity last?

The full activity lasts about six to nine hours, depending on the selected departure and meeting point. Check availability for the exact starting time.

Does every departure include swimming at St George’s Bay?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swimming stop. The 15:15 departure does not include swimming and makes a five-minute photo stop instead.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours in Symi. You can use the time for the harbor, uphill views, lunch, shopping, or a short swim.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Meals and drinks are not included. You can buy lunch and drinks at Symi’s traditional tavernas, including local specialties such as mini shrimp and ouzo.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel. A jacket or warm layer is also sensible because the high-speed boat can feel cold during the crossing.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included. The meeting point varies by the option booked, and the activity ends back at the stated meeting point or return location.