Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore

Symi makes a fine escape from Rhodes because the journey is part of the pleasure. From the boat, you get a fresh view of Rhodes Old Town, medieval walls, windmills, towers, and the harbor before arriving beneath Symi’s colorful hillside houses. I like the fast, comfortable crossing and the freedom to spend your time exactly as you wish.

I also like the value: at $35 per person, round-trip boat transport to one of the Dodecanese’ prettiest ports costs less than many organized day tours. The catch is that this is transport, not a guided excursion. Boarding can feel rushed, top-deck seats go quickly, and your time in Symi may be closer to three or four hours depending on the departure.

Key points to know before booking

• Rhodes Old Town from the water: See the castle walls, Marine Gate, minarets, medieval clock, Naillac Tower, windmills, and Saint Nicholas Fortress from a different angle.
• Around 80 minutes each way: The modern boat is quick, with enclosed air-conditioned seating and outdoor areas.
• Independent time in Symi: Eat, shop, walk uphill, visit a beach, or simply sit beside the harbor without following a guide.
• Top-deck seats fill first: Arrive early if you want open-air views, and expect some spray on the outer seats.
• Symi is more than a harbor photo stop: With several hours, you can climb the Kali Strata, find a swimming spot, and try local specialties such as fried Symi shrimp.
• Good value, with a few rough edges: The price is appealing, but boarding organization and occasional delays can affect the day.

Why the Rhodes to Symi crossing is worth your day

The main reason to choose this trip is simple: Symi is striking from the sea. As the speedboat approaches, the town rises in an amphitheater of neoclassical houses, painted in soft colors and stacked above the harbor. On a calm day, those houses reflect in the water, giving you the postcard view that draws people from Rhodes in the first place.

The boat leaves from Kolona Harbor, close to Rhodes Old Town. The crossing takes about 80 minutes each way, though some departures and return journeys can run a little longer. That is a fair amount of time on the water, but the ride feels more useful than a plain transfer because the route gives you changing views along the Rhodes coast.

I especially like this trip for people who want a taste of Symi without committing to an overnight stay. You get the island’s famous harbor, steep lanes, restaurants, shops, and sea views in one day. You do not need to plan a complicated ferry connection or pay for a private boat.

At $35 per person, the price is strong for a round-trip crossing. Food, drinks, and a guided tour are not included, so your total cost depends on how long you sit in a taverna, whether you take local transport, and what you buy. Still, the basic fare gives you access to a beautiful Greek island for less than many full-service excursions.

What you see leaving Rhodes

Try to look back toward Rhodes as soon as the boat clears the harbor. The Old Town’s fortified walls and towers form an impressive line from the water, while the minarets and medieval clock give the skyline a distinctly Rhodes character.

The route also passes several landmarks that are easy to miss from land. On the left, you may see the 46-meter Naillac Tower, the windmills of Rhodes, Saint Nicholas Fortress, and the Aquarium of Rhodes. These sights make the outward trip more interesting, especially if you have already walked through the Old Town and want to understand how its harbor defenses fit together.

The upper deck gives you the best photographs, but it has limited seating and fills quickly. Arrive early if open-air views matter to you. The outer seats can catch seawater spray, especially toward the front, so keep phones and cameras protected. On a hot day, the spray can be welcome. If you prefer a dry, cooler ride, choose the enclosed deck.

The boat has air conditioning indoors and a sundeck outside. There is also a small bar with refreshments, and the onboard prices have been described as reasonable, including beer at around €4. Seating can become less tidy on the return because people spread out, so keeping your group together may take a little planning.

The speedboat ride and what it feels like

This is a proper fast boat, not a slow sightseeing ferry. On calm water, the ride is smooth and efficient. When the sea picks up, expect some bouncing, engine noise, and spray. The enclosed lower deck is the sensible choice if you are prone to motion sickness or want shade.

One useful trick is to use both seating areas. Sit outside on the way to Symi for the views, then move indoors on the return if the sun is strong. Several people find the boat comfortable enough for the crossing, but comfort depends on your seat and the weather.

Boarding is the least polished part of the experience. A line can turn into a push toward the entrance, particularly when people are trying to claim the limited top-deck places. You cannot control other people, but arriving with time to spare gives you a better chance of choosing your seat without a last-second scramble.

The boat generally runs on time, which matters because your free time in Symi is limited. On some departures, the boat has left 15 to 20 minutes late without adding that time to the island stay. Do not plan a tight restaurant reservation or a separate evening commitment in Rhodes.

Arriving in Symi Harbor

The arrival into Symi is the visual high point. The town climbs sharply from the waterfront, with rows of colorful houses, balconies, narrow lanes, and stairways catching the light. Have your camera ready before the boat reaches the harbor because the best wide view comes as you approach.

The boat drops you near the main waterfront, where you can begin exploring on foot. This area is convenient and easy to enjoy without a plan. You will find places for coffee, lunch, drinks, pastries, shopping, and a view across the water.

Symi is not presented here as a guided tour. No guide leads you through the town, and no meal is included. That is a strength if you prefer independence, but a weakness if you want background about the island or someone to organize your route.

The waterfront is also the practical center of your visit. If you have only three hours, you can stay nearby, eat lunch, browse shops, and take photographs without worrying about getting back to the boat. If you have four or five hours, you can walk farther uphill or look for a swimming spot.

How to spend three to five hours on Symi

Your available time varies by departure. The planned schedule describes about five hours in Symi, while some departures provide closer to three or three and a half hours. Both can work, but you should choose your priorities before stepping off the boat.

For a short visit, stay around the harbor. Walk along the waterfront, browse the small shops, and choose a taverna with a view. This gives you the classic Symi experience without turning the day into a race.

With more time, climb the Kali Strata, the steep stairway route above the harbor. It is often described as roughly 500 steps, and the effort rewards you with wider views over the town and water. Wear shoes with a good grip, carry water, and allow time to get back down. The climb is not a sensible choice if you want a slow lunch, a swim, and extensive shopping all in the same short visit.

Food is part of the fun. Look for fried red Symi shrimp, a local specialty, along with Greek dishes and fresh seafood. One especially good use of time is a relaxed meal followed by coffee or a pastry. Some pastry shops also serve generous cakes and milkshakes.

You may find a place to swim, but the main harbor area is not the island’s best beach zone. If swimming is your main reason for visiting, ask locally about access and allow enough time for the journey. One visitor reached St. George’s Beach with help from the boat captain, while another found a small beach nearby. The practical point is that beaches are not right beside the main drop-off, so do not spend your entire visit shopping if you want a swim.

Cats are common around Symi’s lanes and waterfront. If you enjoy them, you will notice plenty during an ordinary walk. They are part of the island’s everyday character, not a planned feature of the trip.

The return journey to Rhodes

Be back at the boat early. The return departure is not the moment to squeeze in one final drink or shop. The boat leaves promptly on many days, and missing it would create a serious problem because this is a fixed round trip.

The return crossing gives you one more chance to use the outdoor deck, although the boat may be noisier than expected. If you sit at the front or along the outer edge, you may get spray. The enclosed deck offers shade and air conditioning, which can feel much better after several hot hours on Symi.

On a clear evening, the ride back can include a fine sunset over the water. You also get a different view of Rhodes as the town comes back into sight. Keep your ticket and any boarding details accessible, since you may need to confirm the return arrangements at the harbor kiosk before departure.

Practical details that make the day easier

Find Kolona Harbor and look for the Sebeco Lines boat. The meeting information can be confusing because harbor directions and the actual dock have not always matched perfectly. Check the exact departure point carefully on the day, and allow extra time to collect or confirm your ticket.

Some hotel transfer options may be offered by email before departure. These transfers can be useful if your accommodation is outside easy walking distance, but they are an extra arrangement rather than part of the basic round-trip fare. One reported price was €6 per person for a hotel transfer, though you should confirm the current cost before agreeing.

Bring sun protection, water, and a light cover-up. Symi has limited shade in places, and summer heat can be intense. If you plan to climb uphill, shoes are more useful than flip-flops.

For the boat, pack a small waterproof bag or phone case. The top deck is the best place for photographs, but the outer seats can get wet. If you are prone to seasickness, choose the air-conditioned enclosed deck and consider your usual precautions.

The boat is suitable for families who can manage a long day and some time at sea. It is also a good fit for couples, solo visitors, and anyone staying in Rhodes who wants one memorable island outing without an organized group walk. It is less suitable if you need a fully guided cultural tour, a guaranteed beach visit, or a very relaxed timetable.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check the available departure when choosing your date.

Should you book the Sebeco Lines trip to Symi?

I would book this trip if you want the best-known views of Symi, a straightforward boat ride, and freedom once you arrive. The combination of low price, comfortable seating, and beautiful harbor scenery is hard to beat for a day trip from Rhodes.

I would not book it expecting a guided tour, extensive beach time, or a perfectly calm boarding process. Choose an early departure if you want the longest time on the island, arrive early for top-deck seats, and decide in advance whether your priority is the Kali Strata, lunch, shopping, or swimming.

For most people staying in Rhodes, Symi is worth the day. The crossing is long enough to require planning, but the colorful harbor, hillside views, local food, and independent pace make the trip feel worthwhile.

FAQ

Where does the boat to Symi leave from?

The boat leaves from Kolona Harbor in Rhodes. Look for the Sebeco Lines boat and check the precise dock details before departure.

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?

The crossing is scheduled to take about 80 minutes each way. Actual travel time can vary slightly with conditions and operations.

How long do you have in Symi?

The planned schedule allows up to about five hours, but some departures provide around three to four and a half hours. Check the exact departure time and return schedule when booking.

Is a guided tour included?

No. The trip includes round-trip speedboat transport and free time in Symi. You explore independently.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included in the fare. The boat has a small bar, and Symi has restaurants, cafes, and pastry shops.

Does the boat have air conditioning?

Yes. The boat has an enclosed air-conditioned area, along with outdoor seating and a sundeck.

Can I sit outside on the boat?

Yes. Outdoor seating is available, but top-deck seats fill quickly. The outer seats can also receive seawater spray.

Is there a beach beside the Symi arrival point?

There are no proper beaches directly beside the main drop-off area. You may find swimming spots, but reaching a beach can require extra time and local transport.

What local food can I try in Symi?

Fried red Symi shrimp is a noted local specialty. You can also find Greek meals, seafood, drinks, cakes, and milkshakes around the harbor.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option may also help keep your plans flexible.