Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & Saint George’s Bay

Symi is the star here. Its harbor curves between hills covered with pastel neoclassical houses, church domes, fishing boats, and steep lanes. The high-speed boat gets you there in about an hour, leaving roughly three hours to eat, shop, walk, and take in one of the prettiest ports in the Dodecanese. I especially like the short crossing and the chance to add a swim in Saint George’s Bay.

I also like the practical balance of the day: three hours in Symi is enough to see the harbor without turning the visit into a rushed photo stop. The catch is that the Saint George’s Bay swim lasts only about 30 minutes, and the ride can feel windy or rough when the Aegean is unsettled. Choose your departure carefully, since the 3:15 boat makes only a photo stop there.

Key points at a glance

• About one hour to Symi: The high-speed service saves considerable time compared with slower boats.
• Three hours on the island: Walk the harbor, climb into the narrow streets, shop, eat, and swim at your own pace.
• Saint George’s Bay swim: Morning departures include about 30 minutes in remarkably clear water.
• Best food tip: Try Symi mini shrimps with lunch, and consider local ouzo if you want a classic island taste.
• Departure choice matters: The 9:00 and 11:00 boats include swimming, while the 3:15 trip favors cooler temperatures and sunset views.
• Practical boat advice: Arrive early for better seats, especially if you need legroom or want an upstairs place.

Why the fast boat makes Symi practical from Rhodes

At $69 per person, this is priced as a full-day island outing rather than a simple boat transfer. You are paying for the high-speed crossing, free time in Symi, and the Saint George’s Bay stop. Meals, drinks, and hotel transfers are extra, but the price still works well if you want to see Symi without arranging separate ferries and local transport.

The main value is time. A slower boat can make the crossing feel like the main event. This service usually reaches Symi in about an hour, so more of your day belongs to the island itself. That matters in summer, when a long ride under the sun can leave you tired before you even reach the harbor.

The boat is not a silent luxury yacht. It is a working high-speed service, and seats can be slim. Some riders have found the rear seats marked by food or drink splashes, while others liked the upstairs seating and the lively atmosphere. If you want more legroom, arrive early. Upstairs fills quickly, and the better seats are worth claiming before departure.

The sea can also change the character of the ride. On calm days, the crossing feels quick and comfortable. In wind or larger waves, it can be rough, and motion sickness is possible. If you know you are sensitive, bring whatever remedy normally helps you. The crew may provide fleece jackets, a useful touch when the wind picks up, even on a warm day.

Leaving Mandraki Harbor for the Dodecanese

Your day begins at Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes, unless your chosen option uses another meeting point or pickup arrangement. Hotel transfers are not part of the basic package, though some booking options add them. If you come by car, allow at least an hour to find parking. Spaces around the harbor can be difficult to locate.

Boarding can involve a queue, so arriving early has two advantages: you have more time to find the correct boat, and you improve your chances of getting a seat with decent legroom. The crew helps people on and off, and announcements may be made in English, German, Greek, French, or Italian.

Once the boat clears Rhodes, the ride becomes part transport and part sightseeing cruise. You get open-water views, coastal scenery, and the simple pleasure of moving quickly across the Aegean. Some departures include music, and the captain may point out sights or pause briefly if something interesting appears at sea. Do not expect a guided history lesson, though. This is primarily an independent day trip.

Symi Harbor gives you three useful hours

The arrival is the visual payoff. Symi’s fishing harbor is framed by rows of colorful houses that climb the hillsides. Their shutters, balconies, and painted facades give the port a polished appearance, yet the fishing boats and small waterfront businesses keep it from feeling like a museum display.

You have about three hours on your own. That is a sensible amount of time for most people. I would begin with a slow walk along the harbor, stopping for photographs and a look at the boats. Then head into the narrow streets and climb partway up the hill for wider views over the water.

You do not need to reach the very top to enjoy the town. The climb can be hot, especially in July and August, and the stone lanes are not a good place to hurry. Wear shoes with a secure sole and carry water. If the heat is intense, stay near the waterfront and save your energy for lunch and the later swim.

Symi works best when you do not try to tick off every corner. Walk until the crowds thin, look back toward the harbor, and give yourself time to enjoy the colors and unusual architecture. There are shops, cafes, restaurants, and places to stop for a cold drink. One practical point: public toilets are limited, so use a cafe when you stop for food or drinks.

Lunch, ouzo, and the island’s small shrimp

Lunch is not included, so you choose how much time and money to spend. Waterfront tavernas make it easy to order a relaxed meal while watching the harbor, though the most scenic tables may be busy at peak times. You can also keep things simple with a snack and spend more time walking.

The dish to look for is Symi’s tiny fried shrimp, often served whole. They are a local specialty and a good reason to make lunch more than an ordinary beach stop. If you enjoy anise-flavored drinks, try a small glass of local ouzo with food. Neither the meal nor drinks are included in the tour price, so budget for them separately.

Three hours gives you room for a proper meal, but watch the clock. It is easy to lose track of time while browsing shops along the harbor. I would aim to be back at the boat with a few minutes to spare rather than turn the final part of your island visit into a sprint.

You may also find time for a quick swim near Symi, depending on how you divide the stop. The more you climb and shop, the less time remains for the water. That is not a flaw, but it is worth deciding early what matters most to you.

Saint George’s Bay is the day’s best swim

After leaving Symi, the boat heads toward Saint George’s Bay. The setting is striking: clear water below steep rocky sides, with a small church and goats sometimes visible on the shore. The boat stops for about 30 minutes on the 9:00 and 11:00 departures.

You swim straight from the boat, so bring swimwear and a towel where you can reach them quickly. Pool noodles may be available for anyone who wants extra support. The water is the main attraction, and even people who planned only to watch may be tempted to get in.

Thirty minutes passes quickly. Allow time to change, listen for the call to board, and move safely around the boat. If your ideal outing includes a long, slow swim, this stop may feel too brief. Several people would prefer closer to an hour. Still, it offers a welcome break after a hot walk around Symi and gives you a memorable view that is impossible to get from land.

The captain can alter the route or cancel a swim stop because of weather. That is an important condition, not a minor detail. The Aegean can look calm from shore but behave differently in open water.

From late September into October, the order may change. The boat may visit Saint George’s Bay first so sunlight still reaches the water. Later in the day, the bay can fall into shade, making the colors less impressive and the swim less appealing.

The 3:15 departure trades swimming for sunset

The afternoon departure is a different experience. The 3:15 boat does not include a swimming stop at Saint George’s Bay. Instead, it makes a short photo stop of about five minutes.

That option may suit you if you dislike early starts, want to see Symi when it is less hot, or prefer the possibility of sunset views on the way back to Rhodes. You still receive about three hours in Symi, but you should not book this departure expecting to swim at Saint George’s Bay.

There is also a 5:00 night cruise on Fridays. It does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photos and returns to Rhodes at about 10:00 p.m. Check the exact departure details before booking, since the timing changes the nature of the outing.

For most people who want both major features, the 9:00 departure is the safest choice. The 11:00 option also includes the swim, though it gives you less of a head start. The afternoon boat is better for atmosphere and cooler sightseeing than for swimming.

What the day feels like in different seasons

Summer brings bright water and long daylight, but Symi can be extremely hot. Three hours is enough for many people in July and August, especially if you plan to walk, eat, and shop rather than spend the whole time climbing. Bring sun protection and water, and do not underestimate the heat on the pale stone streets.

September is often a comfortable compromise, though the sea can still be windy. The swim at Saint George’s Bay remains a major reward after the island visit. By late September and October, the company may visit the bay earlier to make the most of the sun.

An October day can be changeable. Rain at Symi does not necessarily ruin the outing, but you should bring a light layer. The fleece jackets offered on board can be handy during the ride back, when wind and cooler air become more noticeable.

The boat can run late because of weather, sea conditions, or operational issues. Allow extra time if you have an evening commitment in Rhodes. The crew works to keep the schedule moving, but an island crossing is never as predictable as a bus ride.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing if you want a strong first look at Symi and prefer independent time over a tightly guided walk. You can decide how long to spend on photographs, food, shopping, hillside streets, or a quick swim.

It also suits anyone who values a faster crossing. The ride is short enough that Symi feels like the main destination, not an afterthought. Families and couples can set their own pace, while confident walkers will enjoy climbing above the harbor for views.

You should think twice if you need a fully narrated tour. No guide is provided to lead you through the town, so you will need to explore independently. It may also disappoint you if you want a long beach stay, a leisurely hour in the water, or a quiet luxury boat with generous seating.

Hotel pickup can make the day easier, especially if you are staying away from Rhodes Town. But confirm the meeting details carefully. Some pickup arrangements have been rushed, with more than one minibus serving a hotel. Be ready at the stated time and watch for the correct vehicle rather than waiting for someone to call your name.

Is the $69 price worth it?

For a high-speed return boat, three hours in Symi, and a Saint George’s Bay stop, $69 is a fair price. The value is strongest when you want to combine sightseeing and swimming in one day without planning the connections yourself.

The extra costs are easy to understand. You pay for lunch, drinks, and any optional hotel transfer. If you add a waterfront meal, ouzo, shopping, and a transfer, your final spend will be higher than the advertised fare.

I see the trip as good value for a first visit to Symi, especially when your Rhodes holiday is short. The main compromises are fixed timing, limited swim time, and the possibility of a rough crossing. Those are reasonable tradeoffs for reaching Symi quickly.

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and the option to reserve now and pay later add flexibility. Still, check the exact meeting point and departure time for your selected option before you commit.

Should you book the Symi speedboat?

Book it if you want a visually memorable island day with a fast crossing, free time in a beautiful harbor, and a short but excellent swim in clear water. Choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departure if Saint George’s Bay is important to you.

Choose the 3:15 departure if cooler sightseeing and sunset views matter more than swimming. I would arrive early, bring a towel and swimwear, carry motion sickness medication if needed, and keep lunch plans flexible.

For $69, this is a sensible way to add Symi to a Rhodes holiday. It is not a slow, deeply guided cultural tour. It is a brisk, scenic outing that gives you the island’s best visual moments and enough free time to make the day your own.

FAQ

How long does the Rhodes to Symi trip take?

The high-speed boat reaches Symi in about one hour. The full activity lasts approximately six to nine hours, depending on the departure and pickup option.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately three hours to explore independently. You can walk around the harbor, visit the narrow streets, shop, eat, and possibly swim near the town.

Is Saint George’s Bay included?

Yes, the 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a swimming stop of about 30 minutes at Saint George’s Bay. The 3:15 departure makes only a five-minute photo stop and does not include swimming.

Does the Friday 5:00 departure stop for swimming?

No. The 5:00 Friday night cruise does not stop at Saint George’s Bay for swimming or photos. It returns to Rhodes at about 10:00 p.m.

Are meals and drinks included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included. You can buy food and drinks at Symi’s tavernas and cafes, including local ouzo and Symi mini shrimp.

Is hotel transportation included?

Hotel transfers are not included in the basic activity. Some booking options may offer a transfer, so check the option you select. Meeting points can vary.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear and a towel if you are taking a departure with the Saint George’s Bay swim. Arrive early if you want a better seat or need more legroom.

Can the route change because of weather?

Yes. The captain can change the route or swimming stops according to sea and weather conditions. Late September and October departures may visit Saint George’s Bay first to make better use of the sunlight.