From Rhodes: Cruise to Symi Island and Saint George’s Bay

This trip is interesting because it changes gears all day. You start with a scenic sail out of Mandraki Harbour, then you get a clear-water swim stop, and finally you land on Symi island to wander its colorful waterfront streets. I especially like the simple flow of the day, and I like that the schedule builds in real time on the island, not just a quick look. The one thing to watch is that weather and boarding flow can affect how long you actually spend in the water at St Georges Bay.

I also like that this is not a complicated tour. You meet at the SP Cruises kiosk in Mandraki Harbour, you sail, you swim, and then you have time to make your own lunch and strolling plans in Gialos. One important note: the upper deck is first-come, first-served, so if you want the best views, do not treat the morning like a slow walk.

Key Things I Would Not Skip

• Mandraki Harbour departure at 10:00, with a full day rhythm that feels easy to follow
• St Georges Bay swim time in crystal-clear water, with floats and crew on hand
• Symi town time in Gialos for lunch and wandering around the main port area
• Freshwater showers plus an on-board lifeguard for a safer swim stop
• Weather can change the day, so pack for wind and cooler moments on the return
• Staff details matter, like Oksana at the bar and a captain named Yannis who keeps things light

Rhodes to Symi by Boat, Not by Rush

Starting from Pl. Eleftherias near Mandraki Harbour, this feels like the classic Dodecanese day out done the practical way. You are not hopping between buses and tickets all morning. You are going straight to the water, and that is the whole point.

You sail out from Mandraki Harbour, and you get time to watch the coastline roll by. It is the kind of trip where you can just sit, scan the horizon, and enjoy the sea air without thinking too hard. In the reviews, the calm competence of the crew shows up again and again, including moments when staff helped someone with mobility needs to get on and off the boat smoothly.

What makes this itinerary work for you is that it has built-in variety. The morning is travel and scenery. The middle is water time. The afternoon shifts into exploring. If you are trying to see more than Rhodes city in one day, this is a clean way to do it.

The 10:00 Departure and What That Means for Your Day

SP Cruises runs daily, leaving Mandraki Harbour at 10:00. The travel time to the first swim stop is about two hours, then you get about an hour at the beach area at Agios Georgios.

That timing matters because you are not waiting around on the shore all day. You also need to plan for the fact that the return boat ride is on your schedule, not the sea’s. On breezy days, the sea can feel cool, especially when you are sitting in the shade on the way back.

A small but real tip from multiple experiences: if you care about upper-deck seating, you should arrive early enough to snag it. Reviews mention the upper level filling quickly, even when people think they have plenty of time.

St Georges Bay: Crystal Water, Real Cold, Real Enjoyment

Your first big reason to book is the swim stop at St Georges Bay. This is the moment most people talk about. The water is described as crystal clear, with people seeing fish and enjoying the visibility. You also have flotation aids on board, like floaties and vests, so you are not stuck if you are not the strongest swimmer.

Now for the part you should take seriously: the water and the boat ride back can feel cold. More than one traveler notes that it is not just a warm Mediterranean day feeling. Even when the air is pleasant, the wind on the boat can make you feel chilly, and the swim stop can end up feeling brisk rather than leisurely.

Also, pay attention to how long you actually get. While the plan gives you about an hour, there are real-life factors that can shorten the time, including late arrivals, crowded boarding, or disruptions onboard. One reviewer reported a swim time closer to 45 minutes, and another said seasafety events reduced the time there.

If you want to enjoy the stop, plan like this:

• Bring beachwear and also a warm layer for the wind.
• Keep a towel handy, and consider a waterproof watch if you want to time your swim calmly.
• Expect a one-at-a-time exit flow from the gangplank area, which can feel slow when the boat is busy.

The upside is that even shorter swim windows still seem to land as a highlight for most people. The bay itself has the postcard look, quiet enough for a real break, and clear enough to make you feel like you are swimming in a different world.

Riding the Waves Back to Symi Without Getting Wrecked

Between the swim stop and Symi, you have sea time. On calm days, this can be relaxing. On choppier days, it can feel rougher, especially on the return leg. Several reviews mention that the boat rocks, and if you are motion sensitive, you should come prepared.

I like that there is a practical solution onboard. One review notes a crew member gives passengers a lemon to help with seasickness. You might not need it, but it is a thoughtful touch, and it signals that the staff is watching for comfort.

Also, the boat has both indoor seating and outdoor deck space. The main deck saloon has air conditioning. Upper deck seating is available on a first-come basis and cannot be guaranteed, so do not plan your whole day around being up top.

If you like photos with a view, time your deck visits for when you see the best coastline angles. If you feel motion discomfort, retreat to the air-conditioned interior. You will get your best experience by matching your location on the boat to your comfort level.

Gialos, Symi Town: 3 Hours to Wander Like You Mean It

After you leave the bay at 13:00, you arrive at Gialos, Symi’s main port. This is where the day turns from water activity into real exploration.

You have around three hours on Symi island, which is enough to do three good things:

1. Walk the waterfront and side streets near the harbor
2. Grab lunch at your own pace
3. Pause for small photos, shop browsing, and people watching

Symi is widely loved for its character, and this tour gives you the portion that matters most for first-timers: the main port area with its restaurants, shops, and that tightly packed waterfront feel. Reviews call it pretty and charming, with plenty of places to stop for food and ice cream.

Lunch is not included, but you can build the meal you actually want. If you are traveling on a budget, this is also where value shows up. You are not paying tour prices for a pre-set lunch. You are using Symi’s own food scene as your destination.

A helpful reality check: three hours goes fast when it is hot. One review notes the heat and that it was plenty of time for lunch and walking. So bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and plan your route by staying close to the main harbor area.

And if you want photo moments, keep your eyes up and also keep them moving. Symi rewards quick visual shifts, from boats and doorways to the shapes of buildings right along the water.

On-Board Comfort: Seating, Bar Stops, and Small Practicalities

This boat experience feels comfortable enough for a day, but it can get crowded. Upper deck seating, in particular, becomes a game of timing. If you get stuck below with wind blocked, you can still see plenty, but you might feel less connected to the scenery.

There is also a bar onboard. In reviews, Oksana at the bar is singled out for being friendly and making the atmosphere better, including with well-liked cocktails. Snacks and drinks are available, but expect them to cost more than you would pay on land. If you are budget-focused, you may want to treat bar purchases as occasional treats, not a meal replacement.

Freshwater showers are included. That matters because saltwater skin can linger, and a quick rinse makes the rest of your Symi wandering feel more pleasant.

Toilets are available too, but at least one review says they could use a bit more care. So if you are the type who expects everything to feel spotless, go in with reasonable expectations for a day cruise.

Weather and Timing: How to Pack So the Day Stays Fun

This tour is outdoors for long stretches. Wind is the main thing to prepare for. More than one review warns that if you are on the non-sunny side, it can get very cold and windy on the boat. Another says it is best to bring something warm for windier conditions.

Pack smart like this:

• Beachwear plus a light-to-warm layer for the return
• Sunscreen and a towel
• Comfortable shoes for Symi walking
• If you get motion sick, bring your usual remedy ahead of time

Also keep your brain flexible about timing. Weather and safety instructions from the captain can change the program. That can shorten the swim time, or shift the flow of boarding. If you treat St Georges Bay as a bonus swim rather than a guaranteed 60-minute exact clock moment, you will enjoy the day more.

Price and Value: Why This Feels Like a Deal

At around $41 per person, the value is strong if you want a day that includes:

• A boat cruise from Rhodes
• A dedicated swim stop at St Georges Bay
• Time to explore Symi town in Gialos
• Included practical basics like showers and a lifeguard

You are paying for transport plus activities, and the schedule keeps you moving. You are not stuck in one place all day. The biggest value is that you get the sea views and the island experience without needing to plan ferries or transfers on your own.

The only way the value drops is if you are very disappointed by limited swim time due to weather, crowds, or timing. If you can accept that the sea controls the day, then the price makes a lot of sense.

Who Should Book This (and Who Might Skip)

This cruise fits best if you:

• Want one easy day trip from Rhodes
• Love a mix of sea views plus a real town walk
• Enjoy swimming in clear water and want flotation support
• Like structured timing, meaning you do not have to organize transport

You might think twice if you:

• Are very sensitive to motion sickness and do not plan for it
• Expect a guaranteed, perfectly timed full hour in the water every single day
• Strongly prefer private or uncrowded experiences, since the boat can fill up

That said, the overall tone in experiences is positive. The crew appears professional, and safety response onboard is noted as quick when needed.

Should You Book This Symi and St Georges Bay Cruise?

If your priority is Symi island with minimal planning, I think this is an easy yes. The combination of Rhodes departure, the clear-water swim stop, and meaningful time in Gialos is a great match for a one-day visit.

Book it if:

• You want a classic Dodecanese day with scenery and swimming
• You like guided structure but still want to choose your lunch in town
• You can dress for wind and you are okay with the sea shaping the final details

Skip or choose another option if:

• Swimming time is your sole goal and you need it to be long and perfectly predictable
• You hate crowds, or you need a very stable ride with minimal rocking

Overall, this is one of those trips where the selling point is simple, clear, and repeatable: a great sea day plus Symi town time that feels worth leaving Rhodes for.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for SP Cruises?

You meet at the SP Cruises kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the building of the Bank of Greece.

What time does the cruise leave Rhodes?

The excursion departs daily at 10:00 from Mandraki Harbour of Rhodes.

How long is the first stop at St Georges Bay?

The schedule includes about one hour for swimming in the water at the Agios Georgios beach area near St Georges Bay.

How much time do I get in Symi town?

You arrive in Gialos, the main port of Symi, at 13:00 and depart at 16:20, giving you about three hours to explore and eat lunch on your own.

What is included in the cruise fare?

Included: boat cruise, a swimming stop at Saint George Bay, time to explore Gialos, freshwater showers, an experienced crew, and a lifeguard.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and you buy lunch in Symi at your own expense.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes.

Can the schedule change?

Yes. For weather and safety reasons, the program can be changed according to the captain instructions.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible.