Cruise to Symi island & St George bay + Transfer & Greek Lunch

A day cruise like this is interesting because you get one rare, boat-only swimming stop, then a proper stretch of time in Symi town. I especially like the chance to swim at St George Bay with complimentary snorkelling equipment, right when the water looks its clearest. It is one of those plans that feels relaxing, not rushed.

The other big reason I like this trip is the time you get on Symi town itself, enough to wander the waterfront, snack, and poke into shops at your own pace. One consideration: the day can shift depending on sea conditions and the captain, so the exact swim order or bay spot may not always match the printed plan perfectly.

Key Highlights to Expect

• Boat-only St George Bay with about 1.5 hours anchored for swimming and photos
• Snorkelling equipment included, plus extra support like pool noodles for less confident swimmers
• Symi town time for exploring, with enough hours to walk, browse, and eat lunch
• WiFi, restroom, and onboard comfort, with an air-conditioned vehicle for the transfers
• Onboard bar, adult alcohol only, but it can be more of a service counter than a full bar

A Boat Day That Starts With a Quiet Swim Spot

This cruise works because it separates your day into two very different modes. First comes water time, the part most people remember later. St George Bay is described as a spectacular natural bay on Symi’s east coast that’s only accessible by boat. That detail matters. You are not squeezing in with shore crowds. You drop anchor, the sea does its thing, and you either swim, snorkel, or simply watch the cliffs and coastline slide by.

Then you switch to land. Symi is often called the jewel of the Dodecanese, and it lives up to the nickname in a very practical way. You get time to walk around without feeling like you need to speed-run a checklist. You can take photos, drift toward the harbour, and stop when you spot something interesting.

Rhodes Pickup and the Part You Should Not Stress Too Much

The trip runs from Rhodes, starting and ending at Platia Eleftherias in the city of Rodos. The start time is 10:00 am, and the experience ends back at that meeting point.

Pickup is offered, but it is handled with real-world timing rules:

• You get an email 24 hours before the trip with pickup time and place.
• Around 9:00 pm the previous evening, you receive an extra message through WhatsApp or email with the exact pickup location.
• Transfers are only provided if you booked at least 14 hours before the activity.

If you are staying somewhere slightly off the main roads, read that message carefully. One person had to pay for a taxi to a near pickup point because the pickup area differed from what they initially expected. That is not the same as having no pickup, it is just a reminder to confirm the final pickup details when the company sends them.

Also, keep in mind the pace of the day depends on getting to the boat on time. The company notes that the responsibility is on you to be at the pickup point.

Saint George Bay: 1.5 Hours to Swim, Snorkel, and Breathe

This is the star stop on paper, and it usually delivers in real life. St George Bay is where you get around 1.5 hours anchored. The water is described as turquoise and clear, and that matches how people talk about the swim experience after the fact.

Here is what you can do during that window:

• Swim directly from the boat. There is no requirement to walk down a long set of steps. You step in from the anchored vessel.
• Use the complimentary snorkelling equipment. The gear is included, not a paid add-on.
• If you are less confident in the water, you might find support items like pool noodles mentioned in feedback from past departures.
• Or just relax. The bay’s scenery is a big part of the appeal, and you can sit back with a drink from the onboard bar.

Timing matters more than you might think. In hot Greek summer sun, 1.5 hours goes fast if you want both swimming and photos. I would plan to arrive prepared, swimsuit on underneath your clothes, towel and sunscreen ready, so you do not waste the first 20 minutes sorting yourself out.

One more heads-up: some days the day’s order can swap, and occasionally the exact bay spot can differ based on the captain and conditions. The consistent part is that you are getting a real swim stop.

What the Cruise Feels Like En Route, Plus the Onboard Bar

Between Rhodes and Symi, and around the stops, the boat time is not just travel. It is part of the experience.

A few comforts are included:

• WiFi on board
• Restroom on board
• Space to sit and enjoy views, with both covered areas and an open top deck option

People also note that the boat is clean and that the vessel used for recent departures (often referenced as DOLL) has a comfortable setup for a long day. If you want prime views, go early and claim a good spot on the deck. One tip that keeps showing up: arrive with extra time before the transfers roll in, because seating at the front can go quickly in busy months.

About the onboard bar: expect something simpler than a big nightclub-style bar. The setup is more like a small counter with fridge drinks and limited cocktail options. Alcohol is served only to adults, and the bar can be cash-only based on what people reported. One person even mentioned confusion around what the bar staff could make, despite alcohol being stocked behind the counter. If you care about a specific drink, it is smart to keep expectations flexible and treat it as a small bonus, not the main event.

Symi Town for Walking, Looking, and Eating Lunch

Then you reach Symi, and the day shifts into strolling mode. The time in Symi is about 3 hours, and for most people that is the sweet spot. It is long enough to walk the harbour area, wander the streets, and still feel like you are not trapped in a rushed bus loop.

Symi is known for that old-world look. You will see colourful harbour buildings, narrow streets, and lots of photo angles. People also point out the island’s religious architecture in the broader landscape, with churches and monasteries dotting the area. You do not need a guide to appreciate it, but you will feel the charm if you slow down.

The best use of your 3 hours depends on your mood:

• If you want simple and scenic, start near the harbour, then drift uphill or into the side streets when you feel like it.
• If you want food, plan lunch around the included meal window and keep an eye out for seafood tavernas and local dishes.
• If you want shopping, go early in your Symi block rather than late.

One practical reality is siesta time. In the hot season, some shop owners can take breaks, and that can cut down how many stores you get to enter. That does not ruin the trip, but it changes how you should spend your time. If shopping matters, build your browsing earlier rather than assuming everything will be open.

Also, do not expect Symi to feel like a beach resort with a single strip of bars. It is more of a town day, with atmosphere in the streets and the waterfront.

Time on the Water vs Time on Shore: What You Actually Get

This is advertised as an 8 to 9 hour day. That spread is important because it affects how tiring the trip feels. Boat days can drag in the sun, but the schedule here balances swimming time with enough time on Symi to reset your legs and sit down for lunch.

You also get a mix of indoor and outdoor comfort, depending on where you sit on the boat. One person noted comfortable seating inside, which helped on a hot day. Another person mentioned a minor drawback of limited indoor A/C. So if you are heat sensitive, you can treat the covered or interior areas as your relief zones, not just the deck.

Crowds can swing too. The group size has a maximum of 220 travelers, and that matters more in high season. One person described a crowded July trip and less roomy conditions than they expected, while others who went earlier in the season said the boat was not full and seating choices felt much better. If you are flexible, shoulder season usually feels calmer.

What to Bring for a Smooth Day

Even with transfers, you are mostly on your own once you step onto the boat and arrive on Symi.

Here is what I would bring:

• A swimsuit under your clothes for the bay swim
• Sunscreen and a hat for the top deck time
• Water shoes or sturdy footwear you trust, because you will be entering and stepping around boat areas
• A light layer for wind on the return
• A small amount of cash if you want snacks or drinks at the onboard bar, since cash-only has been reported

Also, protect your day from small annoyances. Charge your phone before you go, because the day includes a lot of scenic moments. WiFi is included on board, but you should not rely on it as if it were a fast home connection.

Price and Value at Around $82.90 With Lunch and Transfers

At about $82.90 per person, the value here comes from what you do not have to arrange yourself.

You are paying for:

• Round-trip transfer from your pickup area to the departure point and back
• A full-day boat experience
• Snorkelling equipment
• A lunch included in the package
• WiFi and onboard restroom

For many people, those included items make this feel like an easy day: you show up, get on the boat, and spend the day seeing Symi from the water while also getting time on land.

The main reason this price can feel like a bargain is that you are not just buying transportation. You are buying two things at once: a boat-only swimming stop and a meaningful block of town time. If either of those does not matter to you, then any cruise can feel overpriced. But if water time and a few hours in a real town are your priorities, the structure fits the cost.

If you are very budget-driven, note that one person later learned the same boat trip could sometimes be found cheaper through ticket offices near the marina. That is not a guarantee, but it is a fair reminder to shop smart if you have time.

Who This Tour Fits Best, and Who Should Rethink It

This cruise is a strong match for:

• People who want a relaxing day with swimming and photo time, not a tight guided tour
• Travelers who want snorkel gear included
• Families, since feedback included help getting strollers or child gear on and off the boat
• Anyone who prefers taking in Symi by boat rather than just arriving by ferry and immediately trekking around

It might be less ideal if:

• You need a perfectly fixed itinerary down to the order of stops, because conditions can change how the swim plan plays out
• You expect a full bar experience, because the bar is more of a counter setup and may have cash-only rules
• You dislike crowded boats in peak summer, since July departures can feel busier

Should You Book This Symi Cruise?

If you want a day where swimming happens early enough to refresh you, and then you still get real town time to enjoy Symi at your own pace, I think this is worth considering. The combination of St George Bay swim time, included snorkelling gear, and included lunch plus transfers is a good package for an 8 to 9 hour outing from Rhodes.

Book it if you can be flexible about the exact swim order and you are happy treating the onboard bar as a small add-on. Consider another option if you are planning around a strict schedule or you want lots of guided storytelling.

If you do book, do two things that make a difference: confirm the final pickup point the night before, and arrive a bit early on the day so you can get a better deck spot.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The tour starts at 10:00 am.

How long is the day trip?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered. You will get an email 24 hours before the trip with pickup details, and an additional message around 9:00 pm the previous evening with the exact pickup place. Transfers are only provided for bookings made 14 hours before the activity.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes transfers, lunch, use of snorkelling equipment, WiFi on board, a restroom on board, and air-conditioned vehicle service for the transfer.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is included.

Is alcohol included?

Alcoholic beverages are served only to adults. A bar is available onboard, and it is used for drinks during the cruise.

What happens if the weather is bad?

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

Is the tour in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.