Fast Boat To Symi with a swimming stop at St George’s Bay! (Only 1hr journey)

The best part of this trip is the one-hour crossing to Symi, which gives you a full island visit without spending most of your day at sea. After three hours to wander, eat, or shop, the boat pauses at St George’s Bay for a swim in clear water. It is an efficient way to add a second Greek island to a Rhodes stay.

I like the freedom of having no forced sightseeing schedule, and I like the simple combination of colorful Symi harbor and a memorable swim stop. The main catch is the boat ride itself: it can be breezy, wet, and rough, and the departure details need careful checking.

Key points to know before you go

• The 9:00 and 11:00 sailings include swimming: Choose one of these if St George’s Bay matters to you. The 15:15 departure stops for photographs only.
• Symi time is independent: You get about three hours to explore at your own pace, with no included guide or entrance tickets.
• The fast boat takes roughly one hour: That is the trip’s biggest advantage over slower ferry options.
• Bring swimwear and a towel: The bay stop is short, but the water is the star of the return journey.
• Expect spray and motion: A jacket, spare clothes, and motion-sickness precautions can make the crossing much easier.
• Check the exact harbor and boarding time: Rhodes and Faliraki departures use different boats and piers, and missing the return boat can leave you arranging your own way back.

Why the fast crossing makes Symi possible in one day

Symi is close enough to Rhodes to visit, but the crossing can eat up a day if you choose a slower boat. This fast service gets you there in about an hour, sometimes closer to an hour and ten minutes depending on conditions. That leaves enough time for a proper look around before returning to Rhodes.

The boat carries up to 118 people, so this is a group excursion rather than a small private cruise. You get an onboard restroom and a straightforward ferry-style service, but not a personal guide or carefully staged sightseeing program. That is a good trade for many people. You pay for transport, free time, and the swim stop, then make the day your own.

The fare is listed at $71.35 per person. That can be fair if you value speed and the included stop at St George’s Bay, especially compared with a slower sailing that gives you less time on Symi. Still, check the price at the Rhodes waterfront before booking. Some passengers found direct same-day or near-date fares around €45, meaning an online intermediary could add a substantial markup.

I would compare the direct Rhodes Sea Lines price with the online fare before paying. The convenience of advance booking may be worth something, but a difference of roughly 30 percent is large enough to affect the value.

Arriving at Rhodes Sea Lines in Rhodes

The stated meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines at Pl. Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. Allow extra time. The port area can be confusing, and finding a parking space may take longer than expected. If you are driving, do not plan to arrive at the last minute.

The boarding process may involve exchanging your mobile voucher for a boarding pass. That means a barcode on your phone may not be the final step. Go to the kiosk early, especially if you want a better seat or need to sort out a departure question.

The most important practical check is the harbor printed on your ticket. Rhodes Harbour and Faliraki Harbour are not interchangeable. Different departures use different boats, and confusion over the meeting point has caused serious stress for some people. This matters even more if you are visiting from a cruise ship with a fixed return time.

If you are taking the 9:00 or 11:00 sailing, confirm that your booking includes the St George’s Bay swim. The 15:15 trip does not offer the swim, only a photo stop. Keep the return time visible on your phone. The boat will not wait for late arrivals.

What the fast boat ride is really like

The crossing is quick, but do not picture a calm, slow ferry ride. The boat can be choppy as it leaves the harbor and may bounce across open water. Seats are reported to be comfortable, with some described as soft, supportive chairs. The top deck offers the best views and fresh air, but it is also the place where you feel the wind and spray most clearly.

Sit near the top at the back or along the side if you want photographs and a wide view. Bring a light jacket even in warm weather. Fleeces or blankets may be handed out, and rain gear can be available, but I would still pack a waterproof layer and a spare shirt.

The spray is part of the fun for some people and an annoyance for others. Seats can become damp, so a small plastic bag to sit on is a practical touch. Keep phones and cameras protected. If you are prone to motion sickness, watch the horizon and avoid a heavy breakfast. The crew has helped sick passengers, but prevention is easier than recovery on a fast boat.

The boat is open enough to make the ride enjoyable, but the view from lower seats can be limited by the height of the sides. If you care about scenery, boarding early improves your chances of getting a top-deck place. The crew may control access to different areas while boarding, so do not assume every seat will be available at once.

Three hours to explore Symi harbor

Symi is the reason to take this trip. Its harbor is lined with tightly packed houses in soft colors, and the surrounding hills make the arrival especially photogenic. The waterfront is easy to reach from the boat, and three hours gives you time to enjoy the setting without trying to cover the whole island.

You can spend the time in several ways:

• Walk along the harbor and look at the colorful houses.
• Browse the small shops.
• Stop for a Greek meal, coffee, or a cold drink.
• Climb part of the Kali Strata for higher views if you are fit.
• Visit the Panormitis Sponge Shop for an introduction to local sponge varieties and textures.

The Kali Strata is worth considering if you want more than a waterfront stroll. You do not need to climb the entire route to gain a better view, but the steps can make a hot day feel harder. Wear shoes with a good grip and leave enough time to return to the port.

The sponge shop offers an interesting local connection. Sponges are not just souvenirs here. You can learn how different types feel and look, and some purchases come with small complimentary items. It is a quick stop that adds more character than simply walking from one shop to the next.

Three hours is a useful amount of time, but Symi can feel crowded when several boats arrive together. The restaurants closest to the landing area may fill quickly. I would walk first, get your bearings, and choose a place farther along the waterfront if you want a quieter meal. A fish restaurant with about an hour and a half left before departure can be more relaxed than eating immediately after arrival.

The heat is another factor. Symi’s harbor can feel sheltered, with little breeze, and summer temperatures can make extended walking tiring. If you prefer a slow lunch and photographs rather than a long climb, the allotted time is comfortable. If you want to explore farther inland, it may feel short.

St George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

The return journey’s best feature is the stop at St George’s Bay. The boat pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to jump into clear water surrounded by steep, dramatic rock walls. The setting is striking because the bay feels enclosed and wild, even though you arrive with a large boatload of people.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, and dry clothing in a small day bag. You may be able to swim toward the shore, but do not count on a long beach visit. Thirty minutes goes quickly once passengers are allowed into the water, so change before the stop if possible and listen carefully for the boarding signal.

The bay is also home to goats, which can add a memorable touch to the stop. There are no admission fees or special equipment included, so you are responsible for your own towel and swimming gear. The water may be the most refreshing part of the day, particularly after a hot walk around Symi.

Some people would prefer a longer stop, perhaps an hour. That would allow more relaxed swimming, but it would also reduce time on Symi or lengthen the day. I think 30 minutes works well for a quick swim, provided you treat it as a brisk stop rather than a full beach afternoon.

The order matters. This trip places the swim on the return journey, which is useful because you do not have to walk around Symi in wet clothes. Bring a dry shirt anyway. You may get sprayed again on the ride back.

The 15:15 departure is a different product

Do not book the late departure assuming every sailing has the same program. The 9:00 and 11:00 boats stop at St George’s Bay for 30 minutes. The 15:15 departure goes to Symi but stops at the bay only for photographs.

That late option may suit you if swimming is not important or if the departure time fits your plans better. It does not suit you if the bay is one of the main reasons you are booking. Read the departure information carefully and confirm it at the port.

This distinction is also important for families and cruise passengers. A late return can leave less flexibility for unexpected delays, and the tour requires you to be back at the boat on time. The operator has no obligation to hold the vessel for late arrivals.

Who will get the most from this day trip

I would choose this trip if you want to see Symi but do not want a private boat or a long, slow ferry. It works especially well for first-time visitors to Rhodes who want one clear day of island scenery, free exploration, and a quick swim.

It is also a good fit if you prefer making your own choices. There is no fixed walking tour, no required restaurant, and no admission schedule. You decide how much time goes to shops, food, photographs, or the Kali Strata.

I would think twice if you dislike rough water, need a quiet small boat, or want a long beach stop. The group can be large, the top deck may fill early, and the crossing can be noisy and wet. People with limited mobility should also consider the boat boarding process and the practical difficulty of moving around a busy port, since detailed accessibility information is not provided.

The excursion is suitable for most people, and service animals are allowed. It is close to public transportation, but the exact approach depends on your starting point. If you are driving, allow a generous parking and walking margin.

Practical packing and timing advice

Bring these items:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Light jacket or fleece
• Spare shirt and dry clothes
• Waterproof phone protection
• Sunscreen and water
• Motion-sickness medication if you normally need it
• A small plastic bag for damp seating or clothing

Arrive early enough to exchange your voucher, ask about the boarding gate, and find a seat. If you want the top deck, early arrival matters. Keep your return time in mind while exploring Symi. Do not rely on memory or an approximate time, especially after lunch.

The advertised experience lasts about six hours. A typical day includes the fast crossing, three hours on Symi, the 30-minute bay stop, and the return trip. Weather can affect the schedule and the comfort of the ride. If poor weather cancels the excursion, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi fast boat?

Yes, if you want a quick, flexible day trip and the chance to swim at St George’s Bay. Symi is the main attraction, while the fast crossing keeps the day practical. Three hours is enough for the harbor, a meal, shopping, and a short walk, though not enough for an exhaustive island tour.

Before booking, compare the online price with the direct Rhodes Sea Lines fare. Confirm the harbor, departure time, and whether swimming is included. If you do those checks, pack for spray, and return to the boat early, this is a strong choice for seeing Symi without giving up an entire day to transport.

FAQ

How long does the boat take from Rhodes to Symi?

The fast boat takes about one hour each way, though some crossings can take around one hour and ten minutes depending on sea conditions.

Which departures include the St George’s Bay swim?

The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay. The 15:15 departure stops there for photographs only.

How much free time do I get on Symi?

You get about three hours of free time on Symi. You can explore independently, eat, shop, walk along the harbor, or climb part of the Kali Strata.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available onboard.

Where does the activity start and end?

The stated meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines at Pl. Eleftherias, Rhodes Town. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can be offered another date or receive a full refund. For a regular cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.