Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

Symi is the star here: a graceful harbor lined with colorful neo-classical houses, reached by a relaxed boat ride from Rhodes. Before you arrive, the cruise stops at St Marina Bay for a 30-minute swim and snorkeling break, giving the day a welcome splash of sea time.

I like the combination of a genuine swimming stop and three hours in Symi, which is enough for lunch, a walk, shopping, and a good look around the harbor. I also like the sensible $47 price, especially compared with faster catamaran trips. The catch is the long ride, up to about two hours each way, and the swimming break may feel too short if you want serious snorkeling.

Key points to know

• St Marina Bay is reachable only by boat, with 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.
• Symi Harbour gives you three hours ashore, enough for lunch, photos, shopping, and a short walk.
• The DISCOVERY is slower than some catamarans, but it includes an open sun deck, indoor air conditioning, toilets, WiFi, floats, and a bar area.
• The $47 fare is strong value if you want both a swim and Symi without paying for a high-speed boat.
• Arrive at least 20 minutes early to exchange your voucher at the desk beside the boat.
• Bring a towel, cash, beachwear, biodegradable sunscreen, and snorkeling gear if you have your own.

Why This Rhodes to Symi Cruise Works

This is a full-day change of scene from Rhodes. You leave the island’s resort coast behind, spend time on clear Greek water, stop in a secluded bay, then arrive in one of the Dodecanese’ most photogenic ports.

The plan is simple: morning departure from Rhodes, a 30-minute swim at St Marina Bay, a short sail to Symi, three hours of free time, and a return to Rhodes in the evening. There is no tightly managed walking tour on Symi. You are given a place and a block of time, then left to explore at your own pace.

That format suits you if you prefer freedom over a guide holding up a flag. It also means you need to keep an eye on the meeting time. The boat will not wait for a late return.

The activity has a rating of 4.4 from 387 bookings, and the pattern is easy to understand. The crew, clean boat, swimming stop, and Symi visit receive the strongest praise. The main reservations concern the length of the return trip, the short snorkeling stop, and the lack of included food and drinks.

Finding the Rizos Cruises DISCOVERY Boat

Your exact starting point depends on the option you book, but the central cruise begins at Rhodes Harbour. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat before boarding. Look for the Rizos Cruises DISCOVERY vessel.

Arrive 20 minutes before departure. The stated check-in window is between 8:00 and 8:30, so this is not a time to wander into the harbor at the last minute. Early arrival also gives you a better chance of choosing an outdoor seat.

Optional hotel pickup is available for selected areas and properties. If you add it, wait at the pickup point 10 minutes before the stated time. The vehicle carries a RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen, and drivers wait only two minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Traffic can cause a delay of up to 15 minutes, so stay at the pickup point and keep your phone available.

The supplied information is not completely consistent about transport being included, so check your selected booking option carefully. The cruise itself is included, but hotel transfer is an optional arrangement rather than something to assume.

The Boat Ride Across the Dodecanese Water

The boat is designed for a long day at sea rather than a quick ferry crossing. You can sit on the open sundeck with sunbeds, or move inside to an air-conditioned area with seating. Toilets are onboard, and WiFi and floats are listed as included amenities.

The boat has a bar selling drinks, snacks, ice creams, and lollies. These are not included in the fare, so carry cash for purchases. Food and drinks are also not included at Symi, where you will want money for lunch, coffee, ice cream, or shopping.

The trip to Symi can take roughly one and a half to two hours, while the return has been described as about two and a half hours in some conditions. That makes the journey itself a major part of the day. Bring a book, download something to listen to, or simply use the time for sea views.

I would choose your seat with the whole day in mind. The sun deck gives you the best views and fresh air, but shaded seating can feel cool during long stretches, especially early or late in the season. One useful tip is to bring a light jacket in spring and autumn, even if Rhodes feels warm when you leave.

The boat has plenty of seating, but arriving early still makes sense if outdoor space matters to you. A July booking noted that early arrival helped secure the best seats outside. On a busy departure, that small advantage can make the long return more comfortable.

St Marina Bay: A Short Swim in Clear Water

The first major stop is St Marina Bay, a small coastal inlet accessible only by boat. The cruise pauses for about 30 minutes, giving you time to swim, snorkel, take photographs, or remain onboard and enjoy the view.

This is the feature that separates the trip from a basic Rhodes to Symi transfer. You are not simply transported to the island and back. You get a proper break in the water before the main sightseeing stop.

The bay is described as clear and attractive, and the swim is a strong part of the day for anyone who likes a quick dip. Floats are available, but bring your own snorkeling gear if you have it. The activity does not promise a reef or extensive marine life, and you are expected to stay close to the boat. If you are hoping for a major snorkeling session, 30 minutes will feel limited.

You also need to plan for your belongings. There is no stated locker service, so keep valuables to a minimum and follow the crew’s instructions about where to leave items. A waterproof pouch may help with a phone, but it will not solve every problem. Bring only what you need onto the boat.

The stop is better understood as a refreshing swim with some snorkeling, not as a dedicated underwater excursion. That is still valuable on a hot Rhodes day. It breaks up the long ride and gives you a chance to experience a quiet bay that you could not reach by road.

Arriving in Symi Harbour

After the swim, the boat continues to Symi Harbour. The approach is one of the most memorable parts of the outing, with fishing boats, steep hills, and rows of brightly painted houses gathering around the water.

Symi is known for its elegant neo-classical buildings. Their pastel colors and orderly facades give the waterfront a very different feel from the larger resort areas of Rhodes. This is a place for looking upward, pausing for photographs, and enjoying the harbor from several angles.

The boat drops you off in the port, where you have about three hours of free time. The exact time may vary slightly, with one schedule giving roughly three and a half hours, but plan around the stated three-hour visit and return time given by your crew.

You are free to choose your own pace. A good plan is to begin with a slow waterfront walk, then stop for lunch, followed by time for shops, photos, and a little wandering through the nearby streets. The harbor itself can fill most of your time if you prefer a relaxed visit.

Three hours is enough for a first look at Symi. You can eat without rushing, buy a few souvenirs, enjoy an ice cream, and get a sense of the town. It is not enough for an exhaustive island tour or a long excursion inland.

What You Can Do With Three Hours

The most practical use of your time is to stay near the harbor. Restaurants look across the water, and the port offers the easiest access to food, shopping, and classic views. You can settle into a leisurely lunch and still have time to walk around.

If you want to explore beyond the waterfront, watch the clock carefully. One earlier schedule noted that visiting the Monastery of Panormitis requires more time, and this boat trip does not appear to include that visit. You should not count on fitting the monastery into the standard three-hour stop.

A short walk through the streets is more realistic. Look for changing views of the harbor, colorful house fronts, small boats, and details around the town rather than trying to cover the whole island. Symi rewards a slow eye more than a rushed checklist.

Shopping is another easy option. You can browse local shops, buy a keepsake, and return to the port without needing transport. Cash is worth carrying because it is specifically recommended for the day, and you will need it for purchases and any food or drinks not included in the cruise.

The free-time format is also useful for mixed groups. One person can eat, another can shop, and another can simply sit beside the water. You are not forced into the same activity.

Returning to Rhodes After a Long Day

The return sailing begins in the afternoon and reaches Rhodes in the evening. This is where the trip’s value depends on your expectations.

If you enjoy being on a boat, the return can be pleasant. You have time to sit on the open deck, watch the islands recede, and rest after walking around Symi. The indoor air-conditioned area is useful if the sun becomes tiring.

If you want constant activity, the return may feel long. One practical suggestion is to bring reading material. Another is to choose a comfortable seat early rather than waiting until the boat is already full.

Some people would prefer another swimming stop instead of extra time in Symi or a shorter return. This cruise does not promise that. Its design gives you one swim, one substantial island stop, and a long ride in each direction.

That balance works best for you if Symi is the main goal. The swimming stop adds value, but the day is ultimately about reaching Symi and seeing the harbor town.

What the $47 Price Really Buys You

At $47 per person, this is a reasonably priced way to combine boat transport, a swimming stop, and several hours on Symi. The price includes the cruise, open sun deck, toilets, air-conditioned seating, WiFi, floats, insurance, and free time on the island.

The fare does not include towels, food, drinks, or snorkeling equipment. Add those costs before comparing it with other excursions. You can keep the day affordable by bringing your own towel and gear, then buying only lunch or a drink in Symi.

The cheaper price also reflects the slower boat. More expensive catamarans can reach Symi faster, but they may not offer the same swimming stop. If saving travel time is your top priority, a fast boat could suit you better. If you want a swim and do not mind a relaxed crossing, this option offers more for the money.

I see the best value for visitors who want a full-day outing without arranging separate ferry tickets, island transport, and a swim stop. The boat handles the basic structure, while Symi remains your own to explore.

Who Will Enjoy This Day Most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want:

• A straightforward day trip from Rhodes
• A first visit to Symi with free time rather than a guided walking tour
• A chance to swim from the boat
• A lower-cost alternative to faster catamaran trips
• A family-friendly outing with toilets, indoor seating, floats, and a snack bar
• A relaxed day where the boat ride is part of the experience

It may not suit you if you dislike long crossings, need extensive snorkeling time, or want to visit Panormitis Monastery and more remote parts of Symi. It is also not ideal if you want all meals and refreshments included.

For families, the swimming stop and ice cream bar are useful touches, but young children may find the long sailing time tiring. Couples can make good use of the harbor restaurants and scenic seating. Independent sightseers will appreciate the three hours without a guide directing every step.

The crew speaks Greek and English. Clear announcements and polite, helpful service are important on a day with a fixed return time, and the boat is reported to be clean, including its toilets.

Small Details That Make the Day Easier

Bring a towel. This is easy to forget because the activity is sold as a cruise, but you will want one after the swim.

Use biodegradable sunscreen and pack beachwear under your clothes. The open deck can be sunny, while shaded seating may feel chilly, particularly in October or at the beginning and end of the season.

Bring cash for snacks, drinks, lunch, and shopping. The bar is available, but nothing from it is included.

Do not smoke indoors, litter, or bring weapons, sharp objects, or explosive substances. Keep your phone number correct if you arrange pickup, since the operator may contact you by WhatsApp or phone with the transfer details.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start time and your selected pickup option before finalizing the booking.

Should You Book the Rhodes to Symi Boat Trip?

Book it if you want the classic Symi experience with a useful extra: a swim in St Marina Bay. The combination is hard to beat at $47, especially when you value free time, simple logistics, and a clean boat with indoor and outdoor seating.

Skip it if you want a fast crossing, serious snorkeling, or a wider tour of Symi. The journey is long, the swim is brief, and the day stays focused on the harbor rather than the whole island.

For most visitors staying in Rhodes, I think the plan is well judged. Arrive early, claim an outdoor seat, carry a jacket and towel, keep your spending money handy, and treat the sailing time as part of the outing rather than dead time.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi cruise last?

The activity lasts about eight hours, beginning in the morning and returning to Rhodes Harbour in the evening.

How long is the swimming stop at St Marina Bay?

The swimming and snorkeling break lasts about 30 minutes.

Can I swim at St Marina Bay?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop at St Marina Bay, which is reachable only by boat.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You receive about three hours of free time in Symi. Some schedules may provide slightly more, so follow the return instructions from the crew.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. You should bring your own snorkeling gear if you want to snorkel. Floats are included.

Is food included in the price?

No. Food and drinks are not included, although the boat has a bar selling snacks, drinks, ice creams, and lollies.

Are towels provided?

No. Bring your own towel.

Where do I check in?

Exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the Rizos Cruises DISCOVERY boat. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional for selected locations and properties. If you book pickup, wait at the stated point 10 minutes before the scheduled time and look for the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the vehicle.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.