Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Symi is the star here, but the real trick is leaving from Kolymbia Harbor instead of taking a long bus ride to Rhodes Town. You get a fast boat, around three hours to wander Symi, and a swim in St George’s Bay for $90.

I like the easy start and the useful timing. Some departures leave around 10:15, so you avoid the painful pre-dawn rush, and the boat can get you to Symi at about noon. I also like the 30-minute swim stop, which breaks up the return ride with a fine splash in clear water.

The main thing to consider is the firm schedule. The crew does not wait for late passengers, even when they are only a few minutes behind. With a boat that may carry around 100 people, this is a practical day trip rather than a quiet private cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• Direct departure from Kolymbia Harbor: You avoid the bus transfer to Rhodes Town used by many other Symi trips.
• About three hours in Symi: Enough for the harbor, lunch, shopping, and a walk, but not a full island tour.
• St George’s Bay swim stop: Plan on roughly 30 minutes in the water or relaxing on deck.
• Fast boat service: The crossing gives you more time ashore than slower ferry options.
• Strict departure times: Be at the boat early. Late passengers may be left behind.
• $90 value: The price covers the boat, Symi free time, and swim stop, but lunch and drinks cost extra.

Why this Kolymbia to Symi trip makes sense

If you are staying in Kolymbia, the biggest advantage is simple: you can walk to the harbor and start your island day there. Some people have found the harbor only about five minutes from their hotel, though your exact walk depends on where you stay.

Other Symi excursions begin with a bus ride to Rhodes Town, sometimes at an unpleasantly early hour. That adds road time before the sea journey even starts. This service cuts out that extra transfer and lets you keep a more human holiday schedule.

The price is $90 per person. That is not a bargain-basement boat ride, but it covers a full eight-hour outing, the high-speed crossing, about three hours on Symi, and the St George’s Bay stop. You still pay for lunch, drinks, and anything you buy on the island.

For me, the value comes from the time saved. A slower boat or a trip with a long bus transfer may cost less or more, but the direct Kolymbia departure gives you a cleaner day. You spend your time on the water and in Symi, not waiting for transport.

The boat is operated by Faliraki Fun Club, with an English-speaking host or greeter. No individual guide names are provided, and this is not a guided walking tour. Once you arrive in Symi, you are on your own for roughly three hours.

Leaving from Kolymbia Harbor

The meeting point is Kolymbia Harbor, and the boat returns there at the end of the day. Check the current departure time when you book, because the activity is listed as an eight-hour trip rather than a single fixed schedule.

Several departures described in the supplied details left at about 10:15. One reached Symi around noon. That timing gives you a relaxed morning, but you should still arrive early enough to board without a scramble.

The crew takes its departure time seriously. On one sailing, the boat left exactly at the stated time and did not wait for two late passengers. That may sound harsh, but it matters when a large group is sitting in the sun. If you want a stress-free start, reach the harbor before the stated boarding time, not at it.

A short stop in Rhodes Town has occurred on at least one sailing to drop off and collect passengers. The pause was only about five minutes and gave people a quick view of the old town castle beside the harbor. Do not treat that as a guaranteed sightseeing stop, but it can add a pleasant glimpse of Rhodes on the way.

The high-speed crossing to Symi

The boat ride is one of the strongest parts of the day. You get the fun of a fast sea crossing without giving up the main reward, time on Symi.

The speed also changes the feel of the trip. You are not spending most of the day on a slow ferry. You can sit back, watch the Dodecanese coast pass by, and reach the island with enough time left for lunch and a walk.

Conditions at sea can affect comfort, of course, and the supplied details do not specify the boat layout or seating arrangements. If you are sensitive to sun or spray, bring protection and choose a place that suits you once aboard. The boat has a deck where you can enjoy the views, especially on the return journey.

Expect a shared group excursion rather than a small private charter. One departure had roughly 100 passengers, so the boat may feel busy. That is the tradeoff for a convenient direct service and a $90 price point.

Arriving in Symi’s colorful harbor

Your first view of Symi is the payoff for the crossing. The boat enters a fishing harbor ringed by pastel-colored neoclassical buildings. Church domes add bright points above the houses, and the water has the turquoise color that makes this island so popular.

Symi is especially good for a short, self-guided visit because the harbor itself gives you plenty to see. You can stroll along the waterfront, look at the boats, stop for photos, and settle into the town’s rhythm without needing a formal guide.

The three-hour stop is a useful amount of time, but it is not endless. I would not try to cover every corner of Symi during this outing. Use the first few minutes to get your bearings, then choose one or two priorities.

You might spend the time in one of three ways:

• Walk along the harbor and photograph the pastel buildings.
• Sit down for a meal at a traditional taverna.
• Wander the town, browse local shops, and return to the waterfront for a swim or a drink.

The activity information also points to Symi’s small shrimp as a local specialty, often served with ouzo. If that appeals to you, this is a good chance to try a dish associated with the island rather than ordering something familiar from home. Lunch is not included, so budget separately for food and drinks.

Making the most of three hours

Three hours sounds generous, and for a harbor visit it usually is. Still, you should keep an eye on the clock. The boat will not wait for a last-minute coffee, photograph, or shopping stop.

I would begin with a short walk before choosing lunch. That lets you see the shape of the harbor and decide where you want to eat. If you sit down immediately, you may lose time without getting a feel for Symi.

A waterfront taverna is the natural choice for lunch, especially if you want to try the small Symi shrimp and ouzo. The supplied information does not name a particular restaurant, so you are free to compare menus and prices when you arrive.

If food is not your priority, use the time for a slower walk and a look at the colorful houses. Symi rewards simple wandering. You do not need a packed schedule to enjoy the setting.

Swimming from Symi itself is possible in principle, but the planned swim stop is at St George’s Bay later in the day. That means you can save your main swim for the organized stop and use your time on Symi for the town.

St George’s Bay is the memorable stop

After leaving Symi, the boat passes St George’s Bay for a swimming break. The stop lasts about 30 minutes, though one departure stayed a little longer. Treat 30 minutes as the reliable expectation.

The bay is known here for clear water and dramatic coastal views. The stop gives you a chance to swim, cool off, or stay on deck in the sun. It is a simple addition, but it keeps the trip from becoming only a transport service and town visit.

Bring a swimsuit under your clothes if you want to get into the water quickly. You may also want a towel, sunscreen, and a dry change of clothes. These are practical preparations rather than special equipment requirements.

The swim stop will suit you best if you like a quick, scenic dip. It is not a full beach afternoon. You will have limited time, and the boat remains the base for the stop. If you prefer to stay dry, you can enjoy the view from deck instead.

For many people, this is the emotional high point of the day. Symi is beautiful, but the chance to swim in a remote-looking bay adds a sense of escape that a simple harbor visit would not provide.

Timing, comfort, and the group atmosphere

The trip lasts about eight hours from Kolymbia and back. That is a full day, but the pace is straightforward: boat ride, three hours in Symi, swim stop, and return.

The schedule is one of the reasons this trip works well. The morning start is later than the early departures associated with bus connections to Rhodes Town. You can have a less frantic start and still reach Symi around midday on some departures.

The same schedule requires discipline. The crew is reported to keep exact departure times, and that is fair when many people are aboard. Set a personal return alarm before you leave the boat in Symi. It is an easy way to avoid a holiday mistake.

An English-speaking host or greeter is available, and the activity is described as wheelchair accessible. The supplied details do not explain the exact boarding arrangements or facilities on the boat, so anyone needing specific assistance should confirm those points before booking.

The boat is shared, and the atmosphere may be social and busy. If you are looking for a quiet sailing with personal service, this is probably not the right product. If you want efficient transport and a chance to see Symi without arranging several connections, it fits much better.

Who will enjoy this experience most

I would recommend this trip to people staying in Kolymbia who want an easy day on another island. It is also a good match for families and mixed-age groups because the plan is clear, the stop in Symi is long enough for several choices, and the swim is optional.

It works particularly well for you if:

• You dislike early starts and long bus transfers.
• You want free time rather than a guided town tour.
• You enjoy fast boat rides and a short swim in clear water.
• You are happy to organize your own lunch.
• You can follow a firm return schedule.

I would think twice if you need a slow, quiet boat ride, a fully guided experience, or several hours at a beach. The trip is designed around convenience and coverage, not deep exploration of Symi.

The three hours in town also mean you will not see every part of the island. This is a first look at Symi, with enough time for the harbor and a meal, not a complete island tour.

Booking details that matter

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying at once, which is useful when your schedule or weather plans are still moving.

The activity is offered in English, and the meeting and return point is Kolymbia Harbor. The price does not include lunch, drinks, or personal purchases in Symi.

Before booking, check the available starting time. The eight-hour duration is clear, but the exact departure can vary. Also plan to arrive early, since the crew keeps the timetable firmly.

Should you book the Kolymbia to Symi boat?

Book it if you want the simplest route from Kolymbia to one of the Dodecanese’ most attractive islands. The direct harbor departure, fast crossing, three hours in Symi, and St George’s Bay swim make a strong full-day package for $90.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a guided cultural tour, or a long beach stop. For everyone else, this is a practical and enjoyable way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday without sacrificing a morning to a bus transfer.

FAQ

Where does the boat depart?

The boat departs from Kolymbia Harbor and returns to the same meeting point at the end of the activity.

How long does the experience last?

The trip lasts about eight hours. Check availability for the exact starting time.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore Symi on your own.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is at your own expense, and you can choose from the traditional tavernas in Symi.

How long is the swim stop at St George’s Bay?

The planned swim stop lasts 30 minutes. You can swim in the clear water or relax on deck.

Is the activity available in English and wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The activity lists an English-speaking host or greeter and is described as wheelchair accessible.