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

Rhodes to Symi is one of those day trips that feels like you changed islands even if you only left for a few hours. What makes this one especially interesting is the pairing of a boat-only swim stop at St Marina Bay with 3 hours of free time in Symi’s harbor town.

I especially love the way the schedule gives you time to actually enjoy water time, not just pose for a quick photo. I also like the practical onboard setup, including an open sundeck for views and an air-conditioned indoor area if you need a break.

One drawback to plan for: the swimming/snorkeling window is only about 30 minutes, so if you want a long session in the water, you’ll need to prioritize what you do in that short break (and bring the right swim essentials).

Key Things That Make This Trip Worth It

• A real swim stop at St Marina Bay that you cannot reach easily any other way
• 3 hours in Symi to wander the harbor streets and browse shops at an unhurried pace
• Good onboard comfort with open sunbeds, toilets, WiFi, and air conditioning inside
• Floats included to make the swim break easier for a wider range of swimmers
• Value for the day at around $47 per person for a full 8-hour outing
• Rhodes pickup and return options that keep the day simple

Why Symi and St Marina Bay Fit Into One Great Day

This itinerary works because it hits two different moods. First you get the water time, then you get the island town. St Marina Bay is the reason you’re doing this by cruise instead of just taking a ferry, because the best swim spots are essentially part of the day’s magic.

Then Symi delivers the classic Dodecanese day-trip payoff. You’re walking around a harbor town where the charm comes from how the buildings sit close to the sea, plus the colorful neo-classical houses and the small working boats you’ll see along the water.

If you want a day that mixes scenery, a swim break, and actual exploring time on land, this is a strong match.

Getting to the Rizos Cruises Boat in Rhodes Town

Plan to keep logistics boring. The meeting point is Rhodes Harbour, and you should arrive 20 minutes before the activity starts. You’ll need to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry, so don’t roll up right on the minute.

You can also choose optional pickup from many hotels in the Rhodes area. The big practical detail here is timing. If you booked pickup, you wait at the pick-up point about 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The driver waits no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, and delays of up to 15 minutes can happen due to traffic.

When you identify the right vehicle, look for the Rizos Cruises logo on the windscreen. It’s a “get it done fast” kind of system, which helps the day keep moving.

Morning Sail: Rhodes From the Water, Then a 30-Minute Swim Break

Once you set sail in the morning, the vibe is easy: sun on your face, sea views, and a relaxed rhythm on the water. You also start catching glimpses of the coastline and harbor areas from a perspective you do not get when you stay on land.

The main event here is St Marina Bay. The ship stops for around 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling. This is not long, but it’s timed well. You’ll feel like you’re really getting into the day, not just passing by a scenic spot.

A few practical notes to make the swim stop work for you:

• Floats are provided, which is helpful if you’re not a confident swimmer.
• Snorkeling gear is on you. Bring it if you have it, because the activity encourages snorkeling.
• Bring a towel and beachwear, since you will get wet and you’ll want to dry off quickly.
• If you’re carrying a phone and keys, plan for water safety. There’s no mention of lockers, so use a waterproof phone pouch or a sealed dry bag.

Also, keep an eye on shade. One review experience mentioned that sitting in shade for a stretch can feel cold at times, so if you tend to get chilled, bring a light layer. The trip guidance specifically says that at the beginning and end of the season, a light jacket helps.

St Marina Bay Snorkeling: How to Make the Most of a Short Stop

In St Marina Bay, your time is brief on purpose. The goal is to let everyone enjoy the water without turning the day into a long, one-spot-only trip.

If you want to snorkel, don’t treat this like a training session. Keep it simple: gear on, swim out a bit, and spend your minutes where you feel comfortable. You’ll want to stay close enough to the boat for easy re-entry, especially if you’re snorkeling for the first time with a group.

For most people, the “win” here is more about the feeling of swimming in a boat-reachable bay than about finding a huge coral showcase. The stop is designed to be friendly and accessible, not a deep expedition.

Symi Harbor With 3 Hours of Free Time to Explore

After the swim stop, you sail toward Symi and then you get the big land portion: about 3 hours of free time on the island. This is the heart of the day because Symi is where you actually walk, browse, and choose your own pace.

Symi’s harbor is the first thing to hit you. Look around and you’ll see fishing boats, harbor views, and the town’s classic architecture lining the streets. Even if you only do a short wander, you’ll get that postcard feeling fast.

Here’s how to use your 3 hours smartly:

• Spend the first part getting oriented in and around the harbor streets. Figure out where the best viewpoints are before you stop for food.
• Leave enough time for a slow wander and shopping. There’s typically a good rhythm of small streets and storefronts that you can enjoy without rushing.
• If you want lunch, aim for a spot with a view. It’s a great time to eat because the harbor atmosphere stays relaxed even when the day feels busy.

How much time is enough? For most people, yes. You’ll have time for a meal, a walk, and souvenirs. If you’re determined to reach farther sights like the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis, then 3 hours may feel short. In that case, plan extra time another day, or make separate transport arrangements.

What You See While Wandering Symi Streets

The town is known for colorful houses and charming waterfront corners, and you’ll notice the details up close once you’re walking around. The neo-classical houses are the obvious visual, but what makes Symi feel different is how the streets connect back to the harbor again and again.

You’ll likely pass small clusters of shops and cafes, and you’ll get constant changes in view as you move through the town. Even a “just wander” pace works here because you’re never far from the water.

If you like photographing buildings, boats, and harbor edges, this is one of the easiest places in the region to do it. The streets are built for strolling, and the contrast between sea light and painted façades makes photos come out well.

Onboard Comfort: Open Deck Views Plus an Air-Conditioned Escape

A big reason day cruises can become tiring is heat and exposure. This one gives you options. There’s an open sundeck with sunbeds, perfect for getting your Rhodes-from-the-water photos and sun time on the ride out.

When you need to cool down, there’s an air-conditioned area onboard. It’s a nice switch if you’re traveling in warmer months or if you just want a break from wind and sun.

You also get practical add-ons that make a difference on an 8-hour day:

• Toilets onboard
• WiFi onboard (use it for quick messages, not guaranteed high-speed streaming)
• Insurance included
• A crew that runs the day in a structured way so you can find each stop without confusion

There’s also a bar onboard that sells drinks and snacks, with ice cream mentioned as available during the day. Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, but having purchases on board gives you flexibility if you don’t want to spend Symi time hunting for something immediately.

Packing List That Actually Helps (Not Just a Generic One)

This trip is straightforward, but a good packing strategy makes it feel smoother.

Bring:

• A towel
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Cash for on-island spending and onboard purchases
• Snorkeling gear if you want to get the most from the swim stop

Consider also:

• A light jacket for early morning or cooler shoulder seasons
• A waterproof phone case or dry bag for your swim break
• A small bag for wet items so you’re not dealing with dripping stuff on the return

Don’t bring:

• Weapons or sharp objects
• Anything explosive
• And avoid smoking indoors

If you’re the type who likes to have everything ready, keep your swim kit easy to reach so you’re not hunting for it during the stop.

Price and Value: Is $47 Worth It for an 8-Hour Day?

At about $47 per person for an 8-hour outing, the value is in the mix. You are paying for three distinct parts of the day:

1) transportation by cruise from Rhodes,

2) a dedicated water break at a specific bay,

3) enough free time in Symi to actually enjoy the town.

This is the key comparison point: some faster boats focus on reaching islands quickly, but they may not include a swim stop like this. If swimming at St Marina Bay is a priority, this format gives you a reason to choose a cruise over a simple transfer.

You should also consider expectations. The boat is not described as an all-day floating resort. The magic is in the pacing, not in endless onboard activities. If you want hours of continuous snorkeling, you’re likely to feel limited. If you want one great swim break plus Symi exploration, this schedule is well balanced.

Also, a short reminder about time: you get roughly 3 hours in Symi and about 30 minutes in the bay. That’s the math of the day. If you plan your priorities around that reality, you’ll feel satisfied rather than rushed.

Who This Trip Suits Best

This cruise is a great fit if you:

• Want a classic Rhodes to Symi day with a swimming stop included
• Prefer a structured day with clear timing and an easy back-and-forth to Rhodes
• Enjoy harbor towns and walking around neighborhoods for shopping and views
• Like having both sun deck time and an air-conditioned option onboard

It’s less ideal if you:

• Want a long snorkeling session or extended time in the water
• Need guaranteed storage onboard for valuables during swimming, since lockers are not mentioned
• Want to do major hikes or far-off sights in Symi within a short visit

For couples and small groups, it’s also a nice match because the day naturally creates shared moments: the swim break, the harbor wandering, and the return sail when the light cools down.

Should You Book This Rhodes to Symi Boat Trip?

I’d book it if your perfect day includes one real swim stop plus time to wander Symi without doing planning gymnastics. The 30-minute break at St Marina Bay is the kind of detail that turns a ferry day into a real outing. Then Symi gives you the walking and shopping window you actually came for.

Skip it or choose a different option if your main goal is extended water time or if you need a lot more time to reach farther sites beyond the harbor area. Also, if you get cold easily in shade on rides, pack a light layer and try to position yourself to enjoy sun when possible.

If you’re deciding between “fast transfer only” versus “full day with a swim stop,” this cruise is the more balanced choice for most people staying in Rhodes who want Symi as the highlight.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The activity lasts about 8 hours.

Where does it start and where does it end?

It starts and ends at Rhodes Harbour, with the day’s stops at St Marina Bay and Symi.

Do I need to exchange my voucher at the boat?

Yes. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but pickup may be available as an optional service. If you choose pickup, you wait at your pick-up point and identify the vehicle by the Rizos Cruises logo.

What is included in the price?

The cruise, open sundeck with sunbeds, a swimming stop at St Marina Bay, free time in Symi, onboard toilets, an air-conditioned area, floats, WiFi onboard, and insurance are included.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You’ll want cash for onboard bar purchases and for meals and snacks in Symi.

What should I bring for the swim stop?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear.