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

Symi gives you the postcard moment: steep hills lined with colorful houses, a pretty harbor, and enough free time to wander without being tied to a guide. The St George Bay swim stop adds a fine splash of sea time to what would otherwise be a long ferry ride.

I like the clear, simple plan and the low price of $48.37, especially since the trip includes the boat, a full hour in a striking swimming cove, and three hours in Symi. The drawback is the boat itself: it can be crowded, noisy, and rough on choppy water, so arrive early and consider motion-sickness tablets.

Key points at a glance

• Two-hour crossing to St George Bay: The first leg is scenic but can be bumpy, and it may be uncomfortable if you cannot find a seat.
• One hour in clear water: Saint George Bay is the main swimming reward, with floats available but no snorkels supplied.
• Three hours in Symi Town: You have time for lunch, a harbor walk, shops, and the colorful waterfront streets.
• Hotel pickup costs extra: Pickup is available across Rhodes, but the fee depends on your hotel’s location.
• A large group boat: Up to 200 people may be carried, which helps keep the fare low but can make seating tight.
• A long nine-hour outing: The day often includes about two hours to the bay, thirty minutes to Symi, three hours ashore, and two hours back.

The real appeal: a swim and a picture-perfect island

This excursion works because it combines two very different pleasures. Saint George Bay gives you a short, refreshing break in a dramatic coastal setting. Symi then supplies the slower part of the day, with time to walk, eat, browse, and take in the harbor.

If you simply want to reach Symi as quickly as possible, this is not the best format. The boat can take about two hours from Rhodes to the swimming stop, followed by roughly thirty minutes to Symi. The return crossing takes about two hours, so you may spend close to six hours aboard the boat in total.

Still, the swimming stop changes the feel of the day. Instead of sitting on a ferry both ways, you get an hour to jump into clear water and cool off. I like that the stop is long enough to feel worthwhile rather than being a quick photo pause.

The outing is offered in English, and the crew handles the basic schedule, boarding, and return. There is no guided walking tour of Symi, which is a benefit if you prefer to set your own pace. You can eat lunch where you choose, stop for seafood, browse little shops, or simply sit near the harbor.

Leaving Rhodes for Saint George Bay

The listed starting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6 in Rhodes Town. Hotel pickup is also offered for an extra charge. The price depends on where you stay, with southern areas such as Lindos, Pefkos, and Gennadi costing differently from hotels closer to Rhodes Town.

If you use pickup, write your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking. The operator sends the pickup time afterward. Pickup is useful if you are staying away from Rhodes Town, though allow for the possibility that the transfer may not place you first in line for the boat.

That matters because seating can be an issue. The boat may already be close to full when some hotel transfers arrive. If you are meeting at the office instead, arriving early gives you a better chance of finding seats together, particularly during high season.

The first crossing takes about two hours. On calm days, you can sit outside and watch Rhodes fade behind you. On windy days, the ride may be rocky, and the open upper deck can be uncomfortable if the weather turns. The boat has an indoor area, which gives you shelter from rain and wind, but space can still feel limited when the boat is full.

If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual motion-sickness medicine before departure. This is not a place to test your sea legs for the first time. The ride can be smooth, but several parts of the route may feel rough, and the long crossing magnifies even a mild stomach problem.

Saint George Bay: one hour in clear water

Saint George Bay is the first major stop. You get around one hour for swimming, and the cove is the visual highlight of the morning. The water is described as exceptionally clear, making this a good place to cool down and look below the surface.

Bring your swimsuit under your clothes. You will be able to get into the water quickly rather than searching for a changing space. Bring your own snorkel if you want to look for fish, since the boat provides floating noodles, or woggles, but not snorkel equipment.

The hour is long enough for a relaxed swim, though it passes quickly if you want to float, take photographs, and explore the water. The stop is not a beach day with several hours ashore. It is a planned swim from the boat, so expect to return aboard when the crew calls everyone back.

One practical point is the order of the stops. The swim comes before Symi. That means you may still be damp while walking around town unless you pack a towel and spare clothes. Bring something warm to wrap around yourself after swimming, especially if the return to the boat is windy.

The bay is also weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the swimming stop may be removed from the schedule. In that case, you could receive a new date or a full refund if the operator cancels the experience because of weather. One important booking detail is that this change may be announced close to the departure date.

Symi Town in three unhurried hours

After the swim, the boat takes about thirty minutes to Symi. The arrival is part of the pleasure. Symi’s harbor is framed by hills and rows of brightly painted houses, giving the town a distinct look that feels very different from Rhodes Town.

You have about three hours of free time. No admission ticket is needed, and the central area is small enough to explore on foot. You can walk along the waterfront, look into the shops, find lunch, and pause for photographs without trying to cover a huge area.

Three hours is enough for a good introduction. I would use the first part of the stop to walk along the harbor and take in the houses from the water. Then find lunch, followed by time for a slower wander through the streets and shops.

Food is not included, so plan to pay separately. Symi shrimp is a local specialty worth looking for, and seafood is a natural choice in a harbor town. You will also find a range of food options, but the available time is fixed, so do not let lunch consume the whole visit.

The limit is that three hours does not allow a thorough exploration of every corner of the island. This is mainly a visit to Symi Town, not an island-wide tour. You will not have time to roam far inland or see every settlement. If you want a longer stay in Symi, a faster boat or an overnight visit would suit you better.

The town can also feel busy during the main season. Its small size makes it easy to walk, but it also means the waterfront and narrow streets may feel crowded when several boats arrive. The reward is that you can see the prettiest central area without needing a car or a guide.

The return crossing and the boat question

The return trip to Rhodes takes roughly two hours. Depending on the season and weather, you may see the light soften toward evening, and some departures return around sunset. It is a pleasant way to end the day, but it is still a long ride after a full morning and afternoon.

The boat has toilets, which is important on a nine-hour outing. There is also a bar or snack service, with water and soft drinks available. Prices have been described as reasonable, but take some cash because card payments may not always work reliably near the Turkish border or when the signal is weak.

The main concern is capacity. The activity may carry up to 200 people, and reports of the boat being very full are frequent enough to take seriously. Some passengers have had to sit separately, stand for parts of the crossing, or wait early for the return boarding to secure seats.

This issue seems to vary by departure. Some departures have plenty of room, while others feel packed. The boat has also been described as older, rusty, messy, or less comfortable than expected. At the same time, the toilets are generally kept clean and the crew is often described as friendly and helpful.

You can improve your odds by arriving early at the meeting point, especially if sitting with your companion matters. If you use hotel pickup, ask the operator about the pickup timing and recognize that convenience may come at the cost of arriving later than people who meet at the office.

Avoid sitting at the back if you are sensitive to fumes. The engine smell can be strong there. An indoor seat may help in poor weather, while an outdoor seat gives you better views. There is no perfect place on a busy boat, so think about your priorities before boarding.

What the $48.37 price really buys

At $48.37 per person, this is an affordable way to combine a Symi visit with a swim. The value is strongest if you want transport, a set schedule, and a simple day without arranging ferries yourself.

The price includes the boat trip and use of the restroom. It does not include lunch, drinks, snacks, or hotel transfers. Pickup can add a separate fee, especially from southern resorts. Add those costs before comparing this trip with a faster ferry or a private boat.

A private or smaller boat would likely offer more comfort and easier seating, but it would cost more. This trip makes the most sense for someone who values the destinations over the ride and accepts that a low-cost group excursion may feel basic.

The high overall rating of 4.6 from 1,753 reviews and recommendation by 93 percent of customers suggest that the combination of Symi and Saint George Bay works very well for most people. I would not read those figures as a promise of a comfortable boat. They show that the scenery and schedule usually make the rough edges worthwhile.

What to pack for a smoother day

A few small choices can make a major difference:

• Motion-sickness tablets: Take them if you are sensitive to choppy water.
• Swimsuit and towel: Wear the swimsuit before departure and bring a towel for the bay.
• Warm layer: You may feel cold after swimming or during the windy return ride.
• Snorkel: Bring your own if seeing fish is important to you.
• Cash: It is useful for food, drinks, and snacks if card service is affected by weak signal.
• Spare clothes: You may still be damp when you begin walking around Symi.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Symi is explored on foot, and you will want shoes that handle streets and steps comfortably.
• Early arrival: Get to the departure point early if you want the best chance of finding seats together.

The boat has a restroom, so you do not need to plan the whole day around shore facilities. Still, facilities on a basic excursion boat are limited, and Symi is the best place to enjoy a proper meal.

Who should book this Symi excursion?

I would recommend this trip to you if you want to see Symi in one day, enjoy a swim, and keep the price moderate. It suits couples, families, and independent visitors who are happy to explore without a guide. The free time in Symi is flexible, and the crew does not appear to force you into shops or extra activities.

It also works well if hotel pickup matters. A transfer can make the morning much easier, particularly from Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, and other areas away from Rhodes Town.

I would think twice if you dislike long boat rides, need guaranteed seating, or want a quiet small-group experience. The route is long, the sea can be rough, and the boat may be crowded. A faster boat without the swim stop may be better if Symi is your only priority.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion if Saint George Bay and Symi are equally important to you. The swim adds real value, and three hours in Symi gives you enough time for a good walk and lunch. At this price, it is a strong day out if you accept a basic boat and a long schedule.

Choose another option if comfort matters more than cost. The most important decision is not the beauty of the destinations, which is easy to recommend. It is your tolerance for two-hour crossings, uncertain seating, and a boat that may feel crowded. Arrive early, pack for swimming and wind, and you will give this affordable island day its best chance.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip to Symi?

The full experience lasts about nine hours. The outward journey takes about two hours to Saint George Bay, followed by about thirty minutes to Symi. The return journey to Rhodes takes roughly two hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get around three hours of free time in Symi. You can explore the town on foot, have lunch, and visit shops along the harbor and nearby streets.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, but you have free time in Symi to choose and pay for your own meal.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an additional charge. The fee depends on the location of your hotel, and you should provide your hotel name when booking so the operator can give you a pickup time.

Are swimming and snorkeling equipment provided?

The tour includes the swimming stop at Saint George Bay. Floating noodles, or woggles, are available, but snorkels are not provided, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

This experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.