Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay

A day boat ride from Rhodes to Symi is interesting on its own, but the real hook is doing it with a mid-trip water break. You get time in Symi plus that promised swim moment at St George Bay, which is exactly the kind of change of pace that makes the day feel special.

I especially like the simple rhythm of the plan: a swimming stop to cool off, then a full walking chunk in Symi where you can set your own pace. One consideration is that the ride can be choppy and crowded, so plan for motion sickness and get to the boat early if you care about where you sit.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• 3 hours in Symi town for wandering, photos, and lunch on your own
• About 1 hour at Saint George Bay for a proper swim stop
• Hotel pickup is available for an extra fee, with pickup time confirmed by your hotel name
• Bring motion sickness tablets since the crossing can feel bumpy
• Don’t rely on snorkeling gear since you may only get woggles, so pack your own snorkel if you want
• It is a long day on the water, roughly nine hours total, with significant boat time

Price and What Makes This Symi Day Trip Feel Like Value

At about $48 per person for a roughly nine-hour outing, this is a budget-friendly way to see two highlights without needing to hire a boat yourself. You are paying for transportation, access to the boat trip schedule, and the two-step visit, then you use your own time for food in Symi.

The value part is that you do not just arrive, take a photo, and leave. You get a real window to walk Symi on foot, and the swim stop at Saint George Bay gives you the kind of moment you cannot recreate in town.

Still, it is not a short hop. If you hate boat travel or you want a more comfortable, less crowded experience, you might feel the squeeze with a larger day-tour boat.

Rhodes Hotel Pickup, Meeting Point, and Seat Reality

This tour starts at Half Price Tours Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00. If you choose pickup, it is offered from hotels for an extra charge, and the price depends on where your hotel sits, especially if you are in the south area like Lindos, Pefkos, or Gennadi.

Here is the practical truth: seating can be tight. Some people reported not finding nearby seats on the outward trip and needing to board early on the way back to secure spots. The boat can run full, so if you want to sit together, arrive with extra buffer and pay attention during check-in.

On the plus side, many accounts describe pickup and the transfer to the boat as straightforward and on time. One person did mention a late pickup bus, so I would still build in a small margin if you are working from exact timing.

The Boat Ride From Rhodes to St George Bay (Expect Bumpy Water)

The early part of your day is boat time, and a chunk of it can feel rough. Multiple experiences described a very bumpy crossing, and the simple advice is clear: take motion sickness tablets if you are even a little sensitive.

The boat itself is basic. You can usually find places to stay below the deck if the weather turns windy or rainy, which helps you avoid the worst of spray and sun.

One small comfort note that matters: the toilets are described as kept clean, which is not glamorous, but it makes the long day feel less stressful.

Stop 1, Saint George Bay Swim Stop for About One Hour

This is the first big payoff. You get around one hour in the water at Saint George Bay, which gives you enough time to swim, rinse off, and still get back on board without the day feeling rushed.

The water gets described as crystal clear, and people call it breathtaking. If you are into snorkeling, pack accordingly. In at least one account, woggles were available but a full snorkel setup was not, so bringing your own snorkel can make the experience better if you care about what you see under the surface.

Also, plan your timing. If you swim right away, you will enjoy the clearest light and fewer people in the water. If you wait, you might still have time, but the vibe can shift as the hour goes by.

What Happens Next, the Symi Transfer and Arrival Rhythm

After the swim stop, the day moves into Symi town time. The transfer portion can be part boat travel, part timing shuffle, and the pattern people experienced looked like this: around two hours from Rhodes to the swim area, then a shorter ride toward Symi, followed by that main walking block.

You should also know that timing can shift with weather. One account described a last-minute change where the St George Bay stop was not included due to bad weather. So if St George Bay swimming is your top reason for booking, do not book this day as your only option, if you can help it.

Stop 2, Symi Town With About Three Hours to Walk and Eat

Once you reach Symi, you get about three hours free time to explore. Symi is small, so you can cover a lot at walking pace, even if you pause for photos, snacks, and just watching boats come and go.

Three hours is enough to get the main streets, check out the colorful waterfront vibe, and eat without stress. Lunch is not included, so you are free to choose what you want when you arrive. Some people used the free time to grab dinner too, which makes the total day feel more flexible than tours that force you into a set meal.

If you like wandering, this is where the day becomes your own. You can move slowly, drift toward the harbor views, and stop when something catches your eye.

Boat Comfort, Snacks, Toilets, and What to Pack

Boat comfort is the swing factor on this trip. Many people said the experience is well organized and friendly, but the boat can still be crowded. If you hate tight spaces, aim for an early arrival and bring your own patience.

Pack smart for the swim plus the boat ride:

• Swim suit so you can jump in quickly and avoid awkward changing later
• A warm layer for afterward, since you can feel chilly once you get out
• Your own snorkel if you want more than woggles
• Sunscreen and something for sun protection, because you spend time exposed
• A small bag for wet items so your clothes do not soak everything

On board, there are snack and drink options. One person described water sold for 50 cents and said snacks were reasonably priced, while another mentioned cash-only for some onboard purchases. So I would bring a small amount of cash just in case.

The bar is mentioned upstairs, so you might find it easier to relax there when the sea feels calmer.

Weather Rules and When the Itinerary Can Change

This tour requires good weather. If the whole experience has to cancel due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Even when the trip runs, the plan can change at sea if conditions are rough. One account described St George Bay being skipped due to bad weather, with the boat going only to Symi. That does not happen in every case, but it is a real risk you should understand before you plan your schedule around the swim stop.

If you are booking multiple days in Rhodes, this kind of flexible plan is easier to absorb. If you are traveling on a tight itinerary with no backup day, keep that weather factor in mind.

Who This Trip Fits Best (And Who Might Want Another Option)

This tour fits well if you want an affordable day out that combines a real swim with Symi walking time. It is also a good choice if you like structured travel but you still want freedom once you are on the island.

It may be less ideal if you:

• Get motion sick easily and do not take precautions
• Need guaranteed seating comfort or quiet time
• Want a more spacious boat experience
• Are booking this as your only possible chance to swim at Saint George Bay, with no flexibility if the weather changes

If you are traveling as a couple or a group who can handle a longer boat day, this can be a highlight. Many accounts describe the vibe as relaxed and friendly, with a good mix of crew help and shore-side organization.

Should You Book This Symi Boat Trip?

I would book it if you want maximum island time per dollar and you are excited about the swim stop in clear water. The Symi portion is the payoff, and the swimming break makes the travel day feel worth it.

I would think twice if you are very sensitive to bumpy rides or you absolutely need a roomy, quiet boat. If that is you, consider a different style of boat day or choose a smaller-capacity option.

If you do book: take motion sickness seriously, bring a warm layer for after swimming, and pack a snorkel if you want to make the most of the water. With those basics covered, this trip has a way of turning into the kind of Rhodes day you remember for the water and the walk back into the colorful harbor streets.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

The duration is listed as about 9 hours.

How much time do I get in Symi?

You will have around 3 hours free time in Symi to explore on foot.

Is there a swimming stop, and how long is it?

Yes. There is a swimming stop at Saint George Bay for around 1 hour.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included. You can eat during your free time in Symi.

Do they offer hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered for an extra charge. The cost depends on how far your hotel is located, and you should enter your hotel name in the special requirements field so they can contact you with your pickup time.

Where is the meeting point?

The start point is Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Are there restrooms on board?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?

You might want to bring your own snorkel. One account notes that you may only be given woggles, not a full snorkel setup.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to bad weather?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.