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

Symi is one of those places that feels like it was drawn by hand, all pastel buildings, colorful church domes, and a harbor packed with boats. What makes this day trip especially interesting is how fast you get there by high-speed boat, so you spend more of your time walking Symi’s waterfront instead of sitting on a bus.

I especially love the simple rhythm of the day: 3 hours free in Symi and then a proper cooling stop in St George’s Bay. The main thing to consider is that the speedboat can be seriously wet, so plan for getting splashed and bring what you need to stay comfortable.

Key Points at a Glance

• High-speed ride from Kolymbia Harbor saves time versus long overland routes
• 3 hours in Symi is enough for a real town walk and a meal without feeling rushed
• St George’s Bay swim stop turns the return journey into the day’s reset button
• Mini shrimps and local ouzo are the kind of food moments Symi does well
• Strict, on-time departure keeps the schedule smooth and predictable

The Speedboat Advantage: More Symi Time, Less Waiting

This is a day trip built around one big idea, get you to Symi quickly, then give you free time to enjoy the island at your own pace. Starting from Kolymbia Harbor matters, because it means you can walk down to the boats instead of lining up for a long road transfer from deeper in the resort area.

You also get a cruise experience, not just transportation. The ride has that fast, jumpy feeling that makes the sea part of the fun. And since your time in Symi is measured in hours, not minutes, you can actually stroll, pause for photos, and eat lunch without treating Symi like a checklist.

For me, the sweet spot is that built-in structure:

• go ashore for a focused visit
• then return with a swim stop that breaks up the heat

That mix makes the day feel efficient, not exhausting.

Kolymbia Harbor Departure and the Rhodes Connection You Might See

The boat picks you up at Kolymbia Harbor. The schedule is also handled with real discipline, with departures happening at the stated time rather than drifting later. One reason people keep mentioning this trip is the smooth timetable, the kind where you can set your plans around it.

One detail you should be ready for: there can be a change of boats at Rhodes Harbour on the way there and back. In practice, it tends to be straightforward, with boats side by side, but it is still an extra step you should mentally budget for.

What this means for you on the day:

• arrive a bit early so boarding is stress-free
• stay close when crew calls timing, because the schedule is tight
• if you get sea spray easily, dress like you’re going to a water fight

And yes, plan for being out in the sun. This is a high-speed route in open air for parts of the day, so bring sun protection even if the morning starts comfortable.

Symi in 3 Hours: What You Can Actually Do with a Real Block of Time

You get about 3 hours free in Symi, and that’s the part that makes the trip feel worth it. Symi’s harbor area looks like a postcard, turquoise water in the fishing harbor, pastel-colored neoclassical buildings, and colorful church domes dotting the view. Even if you only wander the waterfront, you’ll get plenty of those classic Symi scenes.

Here’s how to use your time well.

Start with the harbor walk, then decide how far you go

Begin near the water and let your eyes do the first work. The architecture is the draw, especially the way buildings frame the bay. Then choose your path:

• keep it simple with a loop around the harbor and nearby streets
• or go a little farther if you want more of the uphill town feel

You’re not aiming for everything. You’re aiming for a Symi version of slow tourism inside a time box.

Lunch is on you, and Symi rewards a meal break

Lunch is not included, so plan to grab it in town. This is one of those days where sitting down is part of the experience, because Symi’s best moments often happen when you pause, not when you keep moving.

A smart move is to treat lunch as both food and people-watching. You’ll find plenty of spots along the harbor area to cool down and recharge before you head back.

Try the Symi mini shrimps and local ouzo

One of the most useful “what to eat” hints for Symi is right in the highlight list: Symi mini shrimps and local ouzo. Even if you’re not planning a big meal, this is a great place to look for a quick plate and a small pour so you can say you tasted Symi, not just visited it.

If you need a reset, look for shady spots and easy cooling

Symi town can get warm fast, especially if you’re walking after a boat ride. A good strategy is to plan one cooling stop near a landmark area, then resume your walk. One helpful tip from the day is that near the clock tower area you can find spots to cool down and then continue at your own pace.

The Return Ride Through St George’s Bay: Why the Swim Stop Is the Point

The best anti-climax proof is that the return journey includes a swim stop in St George’s Bay. The stop is about 30 minutes, and it’s timed so you still feel like you had a full day, not just a ferry ride with errands.

St George’s Bay is known for crystal-clear water with that intense turquoise look that makes you want to jump in even if you’re not a swim person. The water is clear enough that you quickly stop thinking and just start enjoying the float, the splash, and the quick refuel it gives you after hours in the sun.

A few practical notes so the swim stop actually works for you:

• keep your towel or cover-up handy
• bring swimwear you can dry quickly
• if you want a comfortable transition back to the boat, have a dry layer ready

Also, if you’re sensitive to sun, this is one of the moments to get shade when you’re back on board, then settle in for the ride home.

What to Bring for a Wet, Hot, High-Speed Day

This trip is fun, but it has one big requirement: you should show up ready to get wet. People talk about it directly, and it makes sense, you’re on a speedboat where sea spray is part of the experience.

Here’s what I’d pack based on how the day feels:

• a bottle of water or drinks, because there’s no mention of water being available on the boat
• a change of clothes or a dry bag plan for later
• sun protection, hat or cap and sunscreen
• something quick to cover up after the swim stop

If you want to eat lunch without rushing, consider bringing light snacks too. Lunch is on your own, and you’ll likely want something to tide you over between Symi walking time and meal time.

Finally, keep your phone and camera protected. You’ll be taking pictures in full sun and bright water, but you don’t want one accidental splash ruining your day.

Price and Value: Does $106 for 8 Hours Make Sense?

At about $106 per person for an 8-hour day, the value depends on what you want from the day.

Here’s what you’re paying for that matters:

• high-speed boat cruise for the main transport
• 3 hours in Symi, which is enough time to enjoy the town rather than sprint through it
• a 30-minute swim stop in St George’s Bay, which many day trips skip or shorten

It’s not just transportation, it’s a structured day that includes the island time plus a highlight water moment. For people staying around Kolymbia, it also feels like a good match because the day starts right at the harbor, avoiding the hassle of a longer road commute to a bigger port.

If you care about schedule predictability, that helps too. The experience has very high satisfaction, with a large share of perfect scores, and the pattern you see in real-world days is that the crew keeps timing tight.

One more value point: because you’re not spending the whole day on a bus, you avoid the “stuck in heat” feeling that can drain energy. Instead, you spend your limited vacation hours in Symi and in the water.

Who This Trip Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is best for you if:

• you want a one-day Symi hit without dedicating a full overnight trip
• you like boats and don’t mind a wet ride
• you’d enjoy a combination of town walking and a swim stop

It may be less ideal if:

• you’re very sensitive to getting splashed, or you hate the feeling of speed and spray
• you want a long, slow day in Symi with no fixed return time
• you prefer a tour where everything is fully included, especially for meals

For couples, solo travelers, and anyone staying near Kolymbia who wants a memorable island day without extra logistics, this trip has a lot going for it.

Should You Book This Kolymbia to Symi High-Speed Boat Day Trip?

Book it if you want the smart version of Symi: fast arrival, a real block of time to wander, and a swim stop that genuinely changes how the day feels. The 3 hours in Symi is the right size for seeing the harbor and getting a meal without feeling trapped. And St George’s Bay is the kind of break that makes you forget the long sun hours.

Skip it only if you know you hate getting wet on boats, or you need lots of flexibility with timing. The day runs with clear departures, and the crew keeps the schedule moving.

If that sounds like your kind of day, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

Where does the boat pick up passengers?

The boat picks you up from Kolymbia Harbor.

How long is the trip?

The total duration is 8 hours.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about 3 hours free time in Symi.

Is there a swim stop included?

Yes. There is a 30 minute swimming stop in St George’s Bay.

What is included in the price?

Included are the high-speed boat cruise, 3 hours free time in Symi, and the 30 minute swimming stop.

How much does it cost?

The price listed is $106 per person.

What language will the crew use?

The host or greeter is English.

Do I need to bring my own food or drinks?

Lunch in Symi is not mentioned as included, and one practical note is that you should bring your own water or drinks since none is available on the boat.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. There is free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.