Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George’s Bay

Rhodes to Symi by high-speed boat is a smart day plan, because you get real time on the island without spending half your day on slow ferries. It turns a simple harbor-to-island hop into a full mix of walking, photos, and sea time.

I love the fast crossing that gets you to Symi quickly, and I love the 3 hours on Symi to actually wander and eat at a normal pace.

One possible drawback: the boat ride can feel a bit rough for some people, and the seats are not exactly made for long-legged comfort, so arrive with realistic expectations about onboard lounging.

Key things that make this trip work

• High-speed Rhodes to Symi gets you more time ashore than most slower options
• About 3 hours in Symi for harbor strolling, photos, and a relaxed meal stop
• Saint George’s Bay swim stop in clear water, plus pool noodles for less confident swimmers
• Departure time changes the water stop, from a real swim to a short photo pause
• Captain-led vibe (announcements and music) that makes the sea crossing feel more fun
• Seasonal route tweaks so the bay’s colors can look their best in late September and October

Why This Rhodes Day Trip Feels Like Two Vacations

This is the kind of outing that makes sense if you want to see Symi without turning your day into a commute. One part is pure sea action, fast and breezy. The other part is Symi itself, where the pastel buildings and harbor views give you plenty to look at while you walk, snack, and take photos.

I also like that the pacing is practical. The trip gives you enough time in Symi to do the fun basics, then it adds a water break on the way back. That means you are not stuck doing sightseeing only, and you still get to cool off in the Aegean.

The tradeoff is simple: this is a boat-forward schedule. If you are sensitive to choppy water, or you hate tight seating, you will want to plan accordingly.

Mandraki Harbor to Symi, the Fast Part That Buys You Time

Your day starts at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes. The boat is a high-speed service, and the whole point is to shrink the travel time so Symi gets the stage.

The ride is generally described as quick and efficient, but keep in mind that it is still a speedboat, so motion happens. A few people noted it can feel rough. If you get seasick easily, it is worth taking precautions before you board.

If the sea conditions are calm, the crossing feels like a moving viewpoint. You get coastal views as you head out, and the crew tends to run the boarding and disembarking smoothly so you are not standing around forever.

One small but helpful detail: if you are going in cooler months, or even in shoulder season, people reported warm fleece-type jackets handed out on board. That is not listed as a standard packing item, but it matches the real-world experience of a sea breeze at speed.

Arriving in Symi: Pastel Harbor Views and Real-Walker Time

Once you reach Symi, you get about 3 hours to explore on your own. That self-guided chunk is a big part of why this tour works. It lets you choose your level of walking. You can do a quick scenic circuit around the harbor, browse shops, and still be back in time for lunch or a swim around the area.

Symi is the classic kind of Greek island town where the best moments are low-tech: look up at the hillside buildings, wander narrow lanes, then pop back toward the waterfront for photos. The harbor itself tends to take your attention first. People describe the water as turquoise and the buildings as pastel, with colorful church domes dotting the view.

You will also notice the pace is island pace. Cafes and tavernas are easy to find, and lunch options are plentiful around the waterfront. If you want a simple plan, aim to:

• Spend your first 45 to 60 minutes getting oriented around the harbor area
• Save one walk toward viewpoints for photos
• Add lunch whenever you hit your food mood, then head back toward the meeting spot with time to spare

Toilets, shade, and heat

A practical warning based on on-the-ground experiences: public toilets can be hard to find on Symi. Cafes are common, so it helps if you plan to use a cafe restroom while you eat or grab a drink.

Also, the island can be hot. If your day trip is in summer, wear sun protection and bring water. This is not a “just wing it in flip-flops” kind of walk.

Symi to Saint George’s Bay: The Swim Stop That People Remember

The return plan includes a stop at Saint George’s Bay, with a swimming opportunity for certain departures. This is the part that most people mark as their favorite, because the water looks and feels special.

When you get there, you can jump in from the boat and swim for about 30 minutes. The water is described as crystal clear, and there is also a scenic element on the beach area, including goats seen perched up on the cliffs while people swim.

This stop is short enough that you do not feel rushed, but long enough that you can actually enjoy yourself. It is a good reset after wandering Symi in the heat, and it gives you that “postcard blue water” experience without having to schedule an extra boat.

If you do not swim much

No problem. People mentioned pool noodles being available for less confident swimmers, and some passengers just used the time to relax, float, and soak up sun on deck or on the beach area. Even if you skip swimming, it still counts as a scenic break.

How Departure Time Changes Your Swimming and Photos

This trip is not one single formula. The schedule depends on which sailing you book, and the Saint George’s Bay stop changes.

Here is the practical breakdown:

• 9:00 and 11:00 departures to Symi include a 30-minute swim stop at Saint George’s Bay
• The 15:15 departure does not include a swim stop, it is a short photo stop only (about 5 minutes)
• The 3:15 departure is noted the same way, no swim, just photos
• The 17:00 night cruise on Fridays to Symi does not stop for swimming or photos, and returns back at 22:00
• Weather can change routes or swim stops, because the captain makes the call based on conditions

Late September and October color tip

There is also a seasonal note you should know. From the end of September and into October, the tour may go to Saint George’s Bay first. The reason is pretty simple: if the boat goes after Symi later in the schedule, the bay can already be shaded, and the water colors do not look as dramatic.

If you care most about the look of the water, ask which bay order applies for your specific date, or simply choose a departure that aligns with better light.

Boat Comfort, Seats, and Realistic Expectations for the Sea

The high-speed boat is efficient, but it is not a luxury cruiser. Several people described the boat ride as fun, and many said the ride can be smooth. Others noted roughness and strong movement.

Two comfort points keep coming up:

1. Seating is fairly slim. If you are tall, or you need leg room, you may feel cramped.
2. Upstairs seats fill quickly. If you want the best chance at more comfortable spots, get there early.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan for it. One person specifically recommended travel gum, and you can apply the same idea: treat motion as something to manage, not something to gamble on.

Also remember the captain can change the route or swim stops depending on weather. That is not a problem if your expectations are flexible. It is just reality at sea.

Price and Value: Is $69 Per Person Worth It?

At around $69 per person for a 6 to 9 hour outing, the value mostly comes from what you are buying: time. You are paying for speed, and the speed creates flexibility on your day.

You get:

• A high-speed crossing from Rhodes to Symi
• Free time in Symi (about 3 hours), not a rushed tour script
• A water moment at Saint George’s Bay, either as a swim stop or, on some departures, a photo stop

If you compared this against options that take longer at sea, you would quickly see why people call this a good bargain. The trip feels balanced because it is not only “see Symi, then leave.” You also get the water experience on the back half.

The key value question for you is your preferred mix of priorities:

• If you want walking, photos, and lunch in Symi, this pacing is strong.
• If you want the clearest and longest swim time, choose a departure that includes the 30-minute swim at Saint George’s Bay.
• If you only care about a quick look, a no-swim photo stop might feel too short.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Rhodes Day Trip

A little prep makes a big difference with any harbor-based outing.

Where to go and when

Your meeting point can vary depending on the option you book. If you are driving to Mandraki Harbor, note that parking is hard to find. Plan to arrive at least one hour before so you are not stressed while trying to park and reach check-in.

Hotel transfers

Hotel transfers are not included by default. Some passengers added transfer options and said it removed stress. One person did report a stressful transfer issue where they were left behind when two minibuses arrived, and it took extra effort to sort it out. My advice is simple: if you add transfers, confirm your pickup details clearly and give yourself a wider time buffer at the start of the day.

What to bring

Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel

Also think about:

• Sun protection for Symi walks
• Water, especially in hotter months
• Motion help if you get seasick
• Shoes that work on uneven stone lanes

Plan around the schedule

You have limited control over timing once the boat departs. So keep your plan loose in Symi, then head back early enough that boarding is stress-free.

Who This Excursion Fits Best

This trip is ideal if you want a straightforward day that mixes island charm with sea time. I especially think it fits you if:

• You want more time in Symi and less time traveling
• You like the idea of a swim stop with clear water
• You would rather self-explore than follow a rushed guide timeline

It might be less ideal if:

• You strongly dislike speedboats or you are very sensitive to motion
• You need extra comfort and leg room on long rides
• You plan to spend a lot of time lounging at Saint George’s Bay, because the swim window is limited to about 30 minutes on the swim departures

Should You Book Rhodes to Symi and Saint George’s Bay?

I would book this if you are aiming for a balanced Rhodes day trip and you want your day to include both Symi wandering and a real water moment. The combo of high-speed transit plus about 3 hours on Symi feels like the right trade.

Be more careful about choosing the exact departure if swimming is your priority. If you book the 15:15 or the 3:15 option, plan on a short photo stop, not a swim. And if you travel in late September or October, pay attention to whether Saint George’s Bay is scheduled first, because it can matter for the look of the water.

Overall, for value at around $69, and for the chance to see Symi without losing your whole day to the water, this is one of the cleanest day plans out of Rhodes.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi and Saint George’s Bay trip?

The duration is listed as 6 to 9 hours. The exact timing depends on the selected option and departure.

What is included in the ticket price?

The included items are the high-speed boat cruise, free time in Symi, and a swimming stop in Saint George’s Bay (depending on the departure time).

Are hotel transfers included?

No. Hotel transfers are not included. You can choose a transfer option depending on what is offered at booking.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately 3 hours to explore Symi on your own.

Do all departures include swimming at Saint George’s Bay?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. The 15:15 departure does not include swimming and is only a 5-minute photo stop. The 17:00 Friday night cruise does not stop for swimming or photos.

Where does the boat start from in Rhodes?

The high-speed cruise begins at Mandraki Harbor. Meeting point details can vary based on the option you select.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear and a towel.

Is there free cancellation?

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