Fast Boat To Symi with a swimming stop at St George’s Bay! (Only 1hr journey)

The best part of this Rhodes day trip is the one-hour fast-boat ride to Symi, followed by three free hours to explore at your own pace. On the return, the boat stops at St George’s Bay, where you can jump into exceptionally clear water from the boat.

I like the simple plan: beautiful Symi without a long ferry crossing, plus a swim in a dramatic bay. I also like having free time rather than being tied to a guide or group lunch. The main drawback is the rough, windy ride and the sometimes-fussy boarding process, so arrive early and keep your schedule sharp.

Key points to know

• One-hour crossing: The fast boat cuts the journey to about an hour, though rough seas can make the ride feel longer.
• Three hours in Symi: You have enough time for a walk, lunch, shopping, and a look around the harbor.
• St George’s Bay swim: The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop on the way back.
• Pack for spray: Bring swimwear, a towel, a jacket, and spare clothes. Rain gear or fleeces may be handed out, but seats can still get damp.
• Arrive early: You may need to exchange your mobile voucher for a boarding pass, and early arrival improves your chance of finding a top-deck seat.
• Check the departure carefully: The 15:15 boat does not include a swim, and Rhodes has more than one harbor used by different departures.

Why this fast boat works well from Rhodes

Symi is a natural choice for a day away from Rhodes. Its harbor is lined with colorful houses, small shops, restaurants, and steep hillsides, and the fast boat makes a visit possible without giving up an entire day to transport.

The advertised journey is about one hour, though actual crossing times can run closer to one hour and ten minutes. That is still considerably more convenient than a slower ferry. You get a proper taste of Symi, then return to Rhodes the same afternoon.

This is a group boat, not a private cruise. Capacity can reach 118 people, so you should expect a shared excursion with a fixed schedule. That keeps the price reasonable, but it also means the boat will not wait if you are late and you will not get a quiet, tailor-made experience.

The usual price is $71.35 per person. That is fair if you value the shorter crossing and the included swim stop, though the price deserves a close look. One direct-booking option at the quay has been reported at about €45, so it is worth checking Rhodes Sea Lines directly before paying. The convenience of advance mobile booking may be worth the difference, but a 30 percent markup can feel steep.

Leaving Rhodes and finding the right boat

The stated meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines at Plateia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. This is an important detail to check carefully. Different departures can use different harbors, including Rhodes Harbour and Faliraki Harbour, and showing up at the wrong one can turn a relaxed morning into a scramble.

Arrive early. Several people have found that a mobile barcode is not always the final boarding document. You may need to visit a kiosk or company desk and exchange it for a printed boarding pass. Give yourself enough time for that step, especially if you are driving.

Parking near the harbor can be difficult. If you have a rental car, allow extra time to find a space and walk to the meeting point. The boarding process itself may involve a queue, so arriving shortly before departure is a poor gamble.

The 9:00 departure is generally the best choice if you want the full island day and the swim stop. The 11:00 departure also includes the swim, while the 15:15 departure is different: it does not stop for swimming and only pauses at St George’s Bay for photographs.

Check the return time printed on your ticket and listen carefully to the crew. Three hours in Symi does not mean you should stroll back to the boat at the three-hour mark. Allow time to reach the boarding area. The boat can leave without late passengers.

What the fast boat ride is really like

The boat is clean and has comfortable seats, including supportive seats on the lower deck. Toilets are available onboard, which matters on a six-hour outing.

The ride is not always calm. The sea can be rough when leaving the harbor, and some crossings are choppy for much of the route. If you suffer from motion sickness, sit where you can watch the horizon and avoid a heavy breakfast. The side seats and rear areas may offer better views, but spray is more likely there.

The upper deck usually gives you the best views and fresh air. It can also be cold, even in summer, because of the wind created by the boat’s speed. Bring a light jacket. Fleeces or blankets may be offered, and rain gear may be available, but I would still pack a waterproof layer.

A plastic bag or spare cover for your seat is a useful little trick. The padded seats can collect spray or rain, leaving you with a damp seat or a soggy backside. Spare clothes are sensible if you plan to sit outside or swim.

Some passengers find the journey fun and fast, while others find the combination of spray, wind, and motion tiring. If you want a gentle cruise with a long lunch, this is not that. It is transport with a view, delivered at speed.

Three hours in Symi harbor

You get about three hours of unstructured time in Symi. That is enough for a pleasant first visit, but it is not enough to see every corner of the island.

Start by walking along the harbor and looking up at the houses. Symi is known for its picturesque architecture and colorful waterfront, and the best pleasure here is simply taking in the view. You can browse small shops, stop for a drink, or choose a restaurant with a view over the water.

The first wave of arrivals can make the harbor feel crowded, especially when several boats unload close together. I suggest walking a little before choosing a table. The first restaurant you see is rarely your only option, and the waterfront becomes calmer once the initial rush spreads through the town.

Three hours is a useful amount of time for this kind of visit. You can have lunch without rushing, wander the harbor, and still pause for photographs. It is also short enough that you are unlikely to run out of things to do.

You might choose a small food stop or visit a sponge shop. Symi has a long connection with sponge fishing, and a shop visit can add a bit of local context to a day otherwise centered on scenery and restaurants. A climb up the Kali Strata is another option if you are fit and want wider views. The climb takes energy and time, so do not start it unless you are comfortable returning to the boat promptly.

Heat is another factor. Symi’s harbor can feel sheltered and surprisingly still, with little breeze once you are off the boat. On a hot day, three hours walking on exposed streets may feel long. Carry water, use shade when you find it, and leave time to return to the meeting point.

St George’s Bay and the 30-minute swim

The swim stop is the feature that turns this from simple island transport into a fuller day out. On the 9:00 and 11:00 departures, the boat stops at St George’s Bay for about 30 minutes on the return journey.

The bay is known for its clear water and steep, dramatic surroundings. You swim directly from the boat, so wear your swimsuit under your clothes and keep your towel easy to reach. You may swim toward the shore, but remember that the boat leaves on schedule.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. It is enough for a refreshing swim and a few photographs, but not enough for a long beach afternoon. Some people would prefer an hour here, while others think the short stop is just right after walking around Symi.

The order also makes sense. You see Symi first, then swim on the way back, so you are not walking around the island in wet clothes. If you are tempted to swim to shore, watch the time and stay aware of the distance back to the boat.

The swim is not guaranteed in every departure or every weather condition. The 15:15 boat only stops for photographs, and the whole trip depends on good weather. If poor conditions cancel the experience, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Timing, comfort, and the small annoyances

The schedule is efficient, but it leaves little room for mistakes. The day lasts about six hours, with roughly one hour each way, three hours in Symi, and a 30-minute swim stop. Delays or confusion at the harbor can eat into your free time.

The boarding arrangements are the weakest part of the experience. Mobile vouchers may need to be exchanged for paper tickets, and some people have been directed to the wrong meeting point or departure location. This appears especially important when comparing Rhodes Harbour and Faliraki Harbour services.

The practical answer is simple: check the exact departure time, harbor, and meeting point directly with Rhodes Sea Lines. Do not rely only on a map pin or a general description in a booking app. If you are staying on a cruise ship, allow generous time for both the outbound and return legs.

Onboard staff may be helpful, particularly when passengers feel seasick, but service can be uneven. Some passengers have found crew members less friendly than expected. That does not change the scenery, but it is worth keeping expectations realistic.

The boat is a shared public service with a tourist schedule. You are paying for speed, access, and the swim stop, not personal attention.

Who will enjoy this Symi trip most

This outing suits you if you want a straightforward island visit from Rhodes and prefer free time to a guided walking tour. Couples, families with older children, and independent sightseers can all make good use of the three hours in Symi.

It is also a strong choice if you want to combine sightseeing with swimming. The bay stop gives the day a welcome change of pace, and the water can be wonderfully clear.

You may want another option if you are very prone to seasickness, need a quiet boat, or dislike fixed schedules. The crossing can be rough, and there is no guarantee of a calm ride. The top deck may be breezy, while the lower deck can offer less satisfying views.

It is not ideal for a tight cruise-ship timetable unless you confirm the exact schedule and allow a large buffer. Missing the return boat can leave you arranging your own ferry back to Rhodes at extra cost.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transport, includes an onboard restroom, and accepts mobile tickets, though the boarding process may still require a paper pass.

How to get the best value

At $71.35, I would book this for the speed and convenience, not simply because it is the cheapest way to reach Symi. The fast crossing gives you more useful time on the island and avoids spending most of the day at sea.

Before booking, compare the direct Rhodes Sea Lines price with the online price. A direct fare of around €45 has been reported at the quay, though prices and availability can change. If you book online, you gain advance confirmation and a mobile ticket, but you should decide if that convenience is worth the extra cost.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Light jacket or fleece
• Spare clothes
• Waterproof layer
• Water and snacks
• Motion-sickness medication if needed
• A plastic bag for damp clothing or a wet seat

Food and drinks are not listed as included, and there may be no useful onboard food service. Buy supplies before boarding.

Canceling is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and the cut-off uses local time. Weather cancellations are handled with a new date or a full refund.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi fast boat?

Book it if you want a picture-friendly Greek island, three hours of independent exploring, and a memorable swim in St George’s Bay without spending several hours on a slow ferry. The 90 percent recommendation rate and 4.5 rating reflect a trip that usually delivers what it promises.

I would choose the 9:00 departure for the fullest day, or the 11:00 departure if you prefer a later start. Avoid the 15:15 departure if swimming is important to you.

Check the harbor twice, arrive early for your boarding pass, and do not cut the return time close. If you can handle a choppy crossing and accept a busy group boat, this is a well-priced, efficient way to see Symi from Rhodes.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?

The fast boat takes about one hour each way, though some crossings take around one hour and ten minutes.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours of free time on Symi to walk around, eat, shop, and explore independently.

Does every departure include the St George’s Bay swim?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop. The 15:15 departure stops at St George’s Bay for photographs only.

Can I swim from the boat at St George’s Bay?

Yes. The stop is designed for swimming in the clear water of the bay. Bring a swimsuit and towel.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available onboard.

Should I bring a jacket?

Yes. The boat can be cold and breezy, especially on the upper deck. Spray and rain are also possible.

Where does the tour start and finish?

It starts at Rhodes Sea Lines, Plateia Eleftherias, Rhodes Town, and returns to the same meeting point.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, while weather cancellations offer a different date or a full refund.