Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

The best part of this trip is the mix of beautiful Symi Town and proper swimming time. You are not simply ferried to the island and left to find your own way around. The yacht gives you two hours in the port, then heads for St. George Bay and Seskli Island, where you can swim, snorkel, eat lunch, and relax.

I like the small maximum of 25 passengers, the attentive crew, and the fact that drinks keep coming without a running bill. I also like the practical touches: snorkels, noodles, life jackets, a changing room, and a ramp or low platform for getting into the water.

The main thing to consider is the crossing. It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to reach Symi and can be windy, wet, or bumpy, especially at the front of the boat. If you get seasick, bring medication, and pack a light jacket even in warm weather.

Key points at a glance

• About two hours in Symi Town: Walk the harbor, browse small shops, climb into the old town, or settle in for breakfast and coffee.
• St. George Bay is the main swimming stop: Expect clear water, a steep rocky setting, and lunch served aboard while you swim or sunbathe.
• Seskli adds a wilder final stop: This small island offers another swim and a quieter setting, with little development.
• A genuinely small yacht group: The boat carries no more than 25 people, giving you more room than the large excursion boats.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Greek food, water, beer, wine, soft drinks, tea, and coffee are part of the day.
• Plan for a lively sea crossing: The ride can spray the front cushions, so choose your seat with the weather and your stomach in mind.

What this Rhodes to Symi yacht trip is really like

This is a full-day sea outing built around three different moods. Symi gives you a handsome harbor and time on land. St. George Bay gives you the classic Greek swimming scene. Seskli gives you a quieter final stop before the ride back to Rhodes.

The yacht holds up to 25 passengers, which matters more than it may sound. Large boats can turn a swim stop into a queue for the ladder, while a smaller group gives you more space to sit, move around, and get served. Several aspects of the day, including the food and crew service, are designed to feel more like a relaxed private charter than basic transport.

The price is about $141 per person. That is more than some larger Symi boat trips, but the comparison is not simply boat against boat. You are paying for the faster yacht, small group, lunch, unlimited drinks, two swim stops, and crew attention. If your priority is the lowest fare, cheaper options may suit you. If you want a more comfortable day with fewer people and less extra spending, this package makes a stronger case.

Leaving Rhodes for the long open-water crossing

The trip begins at Mandraki Port in Rhodes. You can settle in with coffee, tea, or water before the yacht gets moving. The early part of the ride is also when you will notice the boat’s speed and the open sea conditions.

The crossing to Symi takes roughly an hour and 20 minutes. On a calm day, it is a pleasant stretch of sea with wide views along the east coast of Rhodes and the Dodecanese. On a breezier day, the front seating area can be rough and wet. One useful warning from the crew is to avoid the forward cushions if you do not want spray and a lively ride.

Bring a hoodie or light coat, even if Rhodes feels hot at the port. October departures can feel chilly in the morning, and wind on the water makes the temperature drop quickly. If you are prone to seasickness, take your usual tablet before departure rather than waiting until the boat starts rolling.

The crossing is not dead time. You can sit back with a drink, watch the coves pass, and get your first broad view of Symi’s dry, steep hills. But it is still a long ride, so anyone who wants a short transfer and maximum time ashore may prefer a faster ferry schedule or a different day trip.

First stop: two hours in Symi Town

The yacht enters Symi’s main harbor, known as Yalos, with rows of colorful neoclassical buildings rising around the water. This arrival is one of the strongest parts of the day. From the boat, the port looks like a painted Greek postcard, but the real pleasure is getting off and walking at your own pace.

You have about two hours to explore. That is enough time for a harbor stroll, a look through the small shops, breakfast or coffee, and a short walk into the narrow lanes. If you are energetic, you can head uphill toward the old town for broader views over the harbor. If you prefer an easy stop, stay near the waterfront and enjoy the fishing port.

Do not expect a full island tour in two hours. Symi is more than its main quay, and you will not have time to see every village or reach all of its historic corners. The value here is a focused taste of the town before returning to the yacht.

A little planning helps. Decide in advance if you want photos, shopping, a harbor meal, or an uphill walk. Trying to do all four can make the stop feel rushed. I would use the first part for the waterfront and lanes, then leave time to return to the boat without hurrying.

St. George Bay, the day’s best swim

After Symi Town, the yacht heads to St. George Bay, a sheltered cove framed by steep rock and a golden strip of sand. The setting is dramatic because the cliffs rise sharply behind the water, leaving the bay feeling separate from the busy ports.

This is usually the main swimming highlight. You can jump or step into the clear water from the yacht, swim toward the beach, snorkel near the boat, or stay aboard with a cold drink. The crew provides snorkels and goggles, foam noodles, floats, and life jackets. A ramp and a water-level platform make getting back aboard easier, though stepping from a yacht into open water can still be difficult for anyone with limited mobility.

Lunch is served here while the boat is stopped. The meal includes Greek salad and moussaka, with dietary needs accommodated when possible within the limits of boat catering. It is a sensible arrangement: you get a proper meal without giving up the best scenery of the day.

You can swim before lunch and again afterward. That flexibility matters because not everyone wants to eat immediately after getting out of the water. Non-swimmers can sunbathe on deck, enjoy the view, and use the unlimited water, soft drinks, wine, or beer.

The swimming conditions are not guaranteed to be gentle. A ladder or platform helps, but the movement of the yacht can make reboarding awkward. If you are not a confident swimmer, use the life jacket or noodle and listen closely to the crew’s instructions.

Seskli Island and a quieter final stop

The third stop is Seskli, a small island described as a more natural and lightly inhabited place. It gives the day a useful change of pace after the architecture of Symi and the steep walls of St. George Bay.

You can swim again, snorkel, and look at the island’s wild setting. The water may contain shells, and the quiet surroundings make this a good place to float and cool off rather than search for shops or landmarks. There is not the same sandy-beach drama as St. George Bay, so keep your expectations focused on nature and swimming.

This second stop also helps break up the return journey. You are not asked to sit on the yacht for hours after leaving Symi. Instead, you get another chance to get in the water before the final run to Rhodes.

Bring swimwear under your clothes if that is comfortable, though the yacht has a changing room. A towel is not included, so pack one. A small dry bag or waterproof pouch would also be useful for phones and sunglasses, though the supplied information does not promise one.

Food, drinks, and the small-group advantage

Unlimited drinks are one of the clearest reasons this trip costs more than a basic boat transfer. Water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included throughout the day. You can order another drink without keeping track of prices, which makes the long crossing and swimming stops feel easier.

The lunch is Greek salad and moussaka, with reports of good quality and generous service. It is not a restaurant tasting menu, and you should not book this as a food tour. But a hot, filling Greek meal served in St. George Bay is far more memorable than buying a sandwich at a port.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Anna and Antonio are specifically praised for warm, personal service, while Emily is noted for keeping drinks flowing and handling hosting duties with care. The exact crew may vary, but the service style is clearly attentive. Birthday cakes, pastries, and small celebrations have also been arranged on some departures, though you should not assume a special occasion treat is included.

The smaller boat gives you room to sit and move around, but it is not always perfect. One departure had a broken sofa area, and another person felt the boat was still a little crowded. A full group of 25 will feel very different from a half-full departure, so the small-group promise means fewer people than the big boats, not a private yacht.

Comfort, accessibility, and getting around

The yacht is described as wheelchair accessible, but the swimming stops deserve a practical note. Getting from the boat into the sea requires using a ramp, platform, ladder, or crew assistance, and one part of the trip involves stepping down into open water. Ask the operator about your exact needs before booking.

Hotel arrangements need checking as well. The information indicates pickup, with passengers asked to wait outside the main entrance of their hotel reception at least five minutes before the scheduled time. At the same time, hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included, and one person staying in Faliraki reported having no transport to the port.

That conflict is important. Confirm your meeting point and transport before paying, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town. You may need to arrange your own way to Mandraki Port.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a pay-later option make booking less risky. If weather cancels the cruise, the trip is fully refundable. Sea conditions can affect the route, swim stops, or comfort, so keep a little flexibility in your plans.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would choose this trip if you want Symi plus swimming, rather than Symi alone. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy social outings, and anyone who prefers a smaller boat to a large ferry-style excursion.

It is especially good for people who value convenience. Lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and crew service are already arranged. You can swim without hiring gear, eat without finding a restaurant, and spend your free time in Symi without worrying about the return boat.

You may want another option if you dislike open-water crossings, have serious seasickness, or want several hours to explore Symi’s inland streets. It is also not ideal if you want a quiet luxury cruise with no splashing, noise, or movement. The yacht can be fast, wet, and lively at the front.

Should you book the Symi yacht tour?

I would book it if the price fits your budget and you want a full day that combines Symi’s colorful harbor with two real swim stops. The small group, included lunch, unlimited drinks, and friendly crew service give it a clear advantage over bare-bones boat trips.

Before booking, confirm your pickup arrangement, pack a towel and light jacket, and bring seasickness medication if needed. Choose a seat away from the front if you want a smoother, drier ride. For a relaxed mix of sightseeing, swimming, Greek food, and open sea views, this is a strong Rhodes day trip and a fair use of a full vacation day.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour last?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the boat ride from Rhodes, about two hours of free time in Symi Town, two swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Mandraki Port.

How much time do I get in Symi Town?

You get approximately two hours in Symi Town. You can walk around the harbor, visit small shops, explore narrow lanes, or walk uphill toward the old town.

What food is served for lunch?

Lunch includes Greek salad and moussaka. Dietary requirements can be accommodated when possible within the limits of catering on a yacht.

Which drinks are included?

Unlimited water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included during the trip.

Where are the swimming stops?

The swimming stops are at St. George Bay and Seskli Island. St. George Bay has a golden beach, clear water, and steep rocky surroundings.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkels and goggles are available, along with life jackets, foam noodles, and floats.

Should I bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, although there is a changing room on the yacht.

What happens if the weather cancels the cruise?

If weather conditions cause cancellation, the cruise is fully refundable. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund.