Faliraki: Direct Cruise to Symi & Saint George’s Bay

This is a fun, time-smart Symi day trip from Faliraki that gets you out on the water fast, then gives you real time to wander Symi Town. I especially like that you avoid the usual bus-to-Rhodes-Port shuffle by boarding right on the Faliraki shoreline.

The second thing I like is the balance of stops, 3 hours in Symi Town plus a 30-minute swim stop at St George’s Bay. The main drawback to plan around is that this is a high-speed ride, so wind can feel sharper than you expect, especially if the sea is a bit rough.

Key highlights worth getting excited about

• Four Faliraki boarding points, so you can usually pick the closest beach stop to your hotel.
• No need to go to Rhodes Port by bus just to catch the boat to Symi.
• 3 hours in Symi Town, enough to walk the harbor area, browse, and settle into one proper meal.
• 30 minutes at St George’s Bay for a refreshing dip with big sea views from the boat.
• Free parking at the Amada Colossos station (then a short minibus ride if needed).

Why the Faliraki to Symi boat day works so well

The big appeal here is simple: you get a direct route from Faliraki, not a half-day project. Instead of spending your morning commuting, you’re already on a high-speed boat heading toward Symi, with the sea doing the sightseeing for you.

I also like the rhythm of the day. Symi gets its own chunk of time for wandering, and then you get that water break in St George’s Bay on the way back, so you’re not stuck only sightseeing from a seat.

One practical consideration, though, is that fast boats feel different from ferries. Even when conditions are manageable, you’ll feel the wind. If you run cold easily, bring a light layer you can actually use on deck.

Getting on board: Faliraki pickup points and the Amada Colossos station

The tour is built around convenience from the Faliraki area. Your pick-up options include Faliraki Harbour, Amada Colossos Resort, Calypso Beach, and Apollo Blue Hotel, which means you’re not locked into one departure corner of the island.

Here’s how check-in tends to work in real life: you check in at the Faliraki Sea Lines desk on the beach, and the team takes you by minibus to the Amada Colossos beach station, about a 5-minute ride. If you’re coming by car, you’ll find free parking right by the beach at the Amada Colossos Boat Station all day.

Timing detail that matters: check-in can be around 9:50 from Faliraki Harbour or the Apollo Blue area, and the boat’s red-step departures are listed at 10:00 under Calypso Hotel, 10:05 under Esperides Beach Hotel, and 10:15 under Amada Colossos Hotel. That slight variation is normal, since they coordinate multiple stops and then run the transfer to the station.

Once you’re on board, you’ll notice one more “quality-of-day” detail: the staff are active about making sure everyone is accounted for and comfortable. People report the crew checking in and helping out when it’s chilly, including offering warmer items if needed.

The ride to Symi: fast, scenic, and managed with quick stops

The trip has a built-in sightseeing feel, not just transportation. After leaving Faliraki, you’ll spend about 80 minutes on a sightseeing cruise before you reach Symi.

There’s also a short stop in Mandraki Harbour, about 10 minutes, for disembarking and embarking passengers. It’s quick, but it’s part of why the boat can keep the day moving without a long waiting period.

Now for the ride itself. A high-speed boat is exactly what it sounds like, so plan for engine noise and wind. If you’re sensitive to sound or motion, earplugs or headphones can make the experience more comfortable, and it’s smart to choose your spot with the breeze in mind. Some people prefer the front seating area for the best views, but keep an eye on how exposed you feel.

Even with choppier water, many passengers describe the boat as smooth and the crew as calm and patient. If you’ve got a history of feeling seasick, this isn’t the slowest option in the Dodecanese, but you can reduce the odds by focusing forward, avoiding sudden head movement, and dressing for wind.

Symi Town for about 3 hours: what you can actually do

When you arrive at Symi, you get about 3 hours free time in Symi Town. This is the heart of the day, because Symi isn’t a “see it from the boat” island. You’re meant to walk, look, and pick a spot to eat, even if you keep it simple.

The town’s look is a big reason people fall for it. You’ll see the fishing harbor first, then the pastel-colored neoclassical buildings around the bay, plus colorful church domes that dot the skyline. If you like photography, this is one of those places where every turn seems to frame something pretty.

How I’d spend your 3 hours (so you don’t rush yourself)

• Start near the harbor and slowly work your way along the bay area so you don’t miss the best views.
• Use part of the time to wander without a plan. Symi rewards casual walking more than checklist behavior.
• Save your lunch for when you feel hungry, but pick a restaurant early enough that you’re not eating too late in the day.

Lunch is not included, so you’ll pay on your own at a taverna. The good news is that 3 hours is usually enough for one solid meal plus time for photos and light shopping, without turning the day into a sprint.

The main drawback is time. People often say 3 hours is either perfect or just slightly short. If you’re the type who wants museums, long beach breaks, or a two-course lunch, you might wish you had another hour.

Saint George’s Bay swim stop: the most memorable 30 minutes

St George’s Bay is where the day gets a “cool off” ending. After Symi, there’s a short sightseeing cruise stretch, and then you’ll stop for swimming in St George’s Bay for about 30 minutes.

From the boat, the coastal views can be spectacular, and the bay is known for clear, bright water. That said, you should take swimming seriously, not heroically. Some passengers note currents and wind can be strong, which makes a casual swim harder than it looks.

What I suggest you bring or plan

• Water-friendly shoes if you don’t love scrambling on uneven surfaces.
• A towel you can dry with quickly, since 30 minutes isn’t long enough to mess around.
• A mindset that you can choose shallow water and still call it a win.

Season detail that changes your expectations: from the end of September and through October, the order can shift so that the boat visits St George’s Bay first. The reason is simple. If they go after Symi in that season, the bay may already be shaded, and the ocean colors may not look as vivid as you’re hoping for.

Either way, it’s a great reset. Even passengers who are not “beach people” tend to come away talking about the swim stop because it turns the day from walking into a real break.

Timing, weather, and staying comfortable on a high-speed day

This is an all-day outing in the practical sense, about 8 hours total. That includes the boat ride out, time at Symi, the sea segments between stops, and the swim break, plus the return cruise.

In good weather, the day feels energetic but smooth. In wind or rougher sea conditions, the experience can change. People report the crew communicating clearly and sometimes adjusting the departure or leaving earlier when conditions are high winds. If you’re traveling at the edge of shoulder season, it’s smart to assume weather may tweak the schedule.

Comfort tips that actually help

• Bring a layer for the wind. Even in warm months, deck wind can chill you fast.
• Consider earplugs or headphones due to engine noise.
• If you rent a sun umbrella, plan a small deposit. Some passengers mention this as an available option.
• If you get cold easily, keep an extra layer handy. Crew-provided warm items have been mentioned in feedback.

Also, remember that Symi Town heat can be real. Some days run hot, so schedule your walking pace, find shade when you can, and drink water when it’s offered.

Price and value: is $81 per person worth it?

At about $81 per person, this trip sits in the “paid convenience” category. You’re paying for direct access from Faliraki and for time savings versus routes that start from Rhodes Port.

So where’s the value?

• You avoid the bus trip to Rhodes Port just to reach a Symi connection. That’s time you can spend on Symi, not in traffic.
• You get two meaningful experiences: a full-ish walkabout in Symi Town and a dedicated swim stop in St George’s Bay.
• You also get operational convenience, multiple Faliraki pickup choices, and free parking at the Amada Colossos station.

Where the price can feel less satisfying?

• Lunch isn’t included, so your final day cost depends on what you eat.
• Three hours in Symi is fixed. If you want a slow day with long meals and zero rushing, you may feel it’s a bit tight for what you want.

One smart move: compare prices if you see this offered through different platforms. Some people note it may be cheaper when booked directly with the operator, so it’s worth a quick comparison before you hit pay.

Who should book this cruise, and who might prefer another option

This is a strong match if you:

• Stay in Faliraki and want a direct Symi connection without a Rhodes Port bus.
• Prefer a day plan with clear time blocks instead of open-ended ferry schedules.
• Want the pairing of sightseeing in Symi Town and a swim break in St George’s Bay.

It might not be ideal if you:

• Hate fast boats or you’re sensitive to wind and noise.
• Want more time in Symi than 3 hours.
• Plan to spend most of your day on a beach, because the main beach time here is a short swim stop, not a long shoreline hangout.

Accessibility is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the crew setup is designed around organized pickup and drop-off at multiple Faliraki locations.

Final call: book it if you want efficiency and sea time

If you’re based in Faliraki and you want Symi without the extra logistics, I’d lean yes. This tour is built around a simple promise: you spend your day on the water and in Symi, not commuting.

Book this cruise when you want:

• Direct departure from the Faliraki area
• A balanced day with Symi Town plus a swim stop
• A structured plan that still leaves you free to wander on your own

Skip it or consider alternatives if:

• You feel uncomfortable on high-speed rides
• You want a longer, more relaxed Symi stay than 3 hours
• Your dream day is mostly swimming for hours rather than 30 minutes

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the whole trip?

The duration is listed as 8 hours total.

How much free time do I get in Symi Town?

You get approximately 3 hours of free time on Symi.

Where do the pickups happen in Faliraki?

Pickup options include Faliraki Harbour, Amada Colossos Resort, Calypso Beach, and Apollo Blue Hotel.

How long is the swimming stop at St George’s Bay?

The swimming stop is listed as 30 minutes.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included, so you’ll pay for it on your own at a taverna.

Is there free parking near the departure point?

Yes. Free parking is available at the Amada Colossos Boat Station by the beach all day.