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

Symi is the postcard you can actually walk. I like the combo of St George Bay swimming and the free roaming time in 3 hours in Symi, both kept simple by a well-run boat schedule. The main catch is that the boat ride can be choppy and crowded, so bring a plan if you get motion sick.

This is one of those days where the value is in the mix. For about $48.37 you pay for the boat, the round trip, and a swimming stop, then you handle lunch and wandering on Symi at your own pace.

If you want a calm, uncrowded sea day, set expectations now. Even with a maximum of 200 people, boats like this can feel tight, and seating is not something I’d count on if you want to sit together the whole time.

Key points before you go

• St George Bay swim time: about 1 hour to swim, cool off, and (if you want) snorkel.
• 3 hours in Symi: enough for the harbor area, main lanes, shops, and lunch.
• Boat comfort reality: expect bumpy water and limited space on busier days.
• Pack for swimming: bring your own snorkel if you have one, suits help for quick entry.
• Pickup is optional: hotel pickup costs extra and depends on where you stay in Rhodes area.

Rhodes to Symi, with a swim stop that actually delivers

This trip works because it gives you two different kinds of time. You get the sea time at St George Bay first, then you switch to land time in Symi town. That order matters if you like to swim before you start walking around.

Symi is small and walkable. You are not trying to conquer an island in a rush. With around 3 hours free in town, you can enjoy the colors, the harbor views, and the simple rhythm of a place built around pedestrians and waterfront meals.

Price and what you really get for $48.37

At about $48.37 per person, the price feels fair for what is included. You get the boat trip, the restroom on board, and the scheduled stops. Lunch is not included, so you should treat this as a half-day on the water plus a town outing you pay for yourself once you arrive.

The smartest way to think about value here is time. You are buying access to St George Bay and Symi on one ticket, rather than stitching together ferries and local transport. The tradeoff is that it is a long day from Rhodes, and you are at the mercy of sea conditions.

Pickup vs meeting at Half Price Tours: your best move

The tour starts at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and it returns you there at the end. Pickup is offered from hotels on the island for an extra charge, with the cost depending on how far your hotel is (South areas like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, and more).

If you are staying farther out, pickup is a big stress reducer. It also helps you get onto the boat more smoothly, since you are not spending time finding the harbor and line-ups.

If you meet at the office instead, your priority should be seat comfort. Several experiences point to crowding on board, so arriving early to check in and get settled can matter.

The boat ride: choppy water, crowded decks, and comfort tactics

The biggest practical variable is the sea. Even when the day looks fine in Rhodes, the ride itself can be bumpy. If you tend to get motion sick, pack sea sickness pills. I consider it basic gear for this kind of route, not an emergency fix.

Crowding shows up too. Depending on how full the boat is, you may find yourself separated from your travel partner or sharing whatever seating is available. That is especially true if you arrive after everyone else has already boarded.

A few comfort tips that help:

• Dress for the deck. You may be under wind and sun depending on where you sit.
• If it is windy or rainy, you can often choose where to stay on board, including below deck if you want a break from the weather.
• Avoid planning anything requiring perfect calm. This is a ride with motion.

Stop at Saint George Bay: crystal-clear water and one hour to enjoy it

St George Bay is the payoff stop. You get around 1 hour swimming, and the water quality is a big part of why this tour works. I love that the swim window is long enough to cool off, rinse off a bit, and still feel like you made the most of the sea.

Snorkeling gear is the one thing to think about. You can use provided woggles/goggles, but if you want a proper snorkel setup, bring your own. That way you can actually swim with the gear style you are used to.

Practical packing notes:

• Wear your swimsuit under your clothes if you want to jump in quickly.
• Bring something to cover up after swimming, since you can get cold or uncomfortable once you are out of the water.
• If you are sensitive to odors or fumes on board, choose your seat location with care on the return trip.

Also note the order. Swimming happens before Symi, which means you may walk around town damp if you do not towel off well. If that bugs you, plan a quick towel moment before you head into town.

Arrival in Symi: what you can realistically see in 3 hours

You get about 3 hours free time in Symi, and that is a sweet spot. Symi is small, so you are not looking at a sprint between attractions. Instead, you can enjoy the main harbor lanes, stop for lunch, and browse shops at an easy pace.

Here is how I would spend those 3 hours:

• Start near the waterfront for the best first impressions and photo angles.
• Walk the main lanes slowly. You will naturally find viewpoints and tiny side streets.
• Budget time for lunch. Since lunch is on you, this is where you can make the day feel like yours.

Food is part of the fun. If you spot Symi shrimp on a menu, try it. It is one of those simple local things that makes the town feel more specific than just a pretty harbor.

If you want souvenirs, this is the time. Symi is not the kind of place where you need to buy everything, but you will find enough small shops and casual dining to make spending worth it.

On board extras: bar, snacks, and the small things that affect your day

Most people remember the scenery. I also remember what happens between the stops. This boat has a bar on board and you can buy drinks and snacks, and that helps if you get hungry during the long stretches at sea.

A few practical details worth planning for:

• Snacks and drinks may be cash only, so bring some small bills just in case.
• Water and soft drinks are typically priced reasonably, but the exact cost will vary by what is offered that day.

You cannot count on free food. Since lunch is not included, your day needs energy management. Bring a light snack if you like, and then use Symi for your main meal.

Timing: why the day feels long and how to make it feel shorter

The total duration is listed as about 9 hours. That is not a quick hit. It is a full-day plan with long boat legs that feel even longer if the boat is crowded and seating is limited.

A common rhythm looks like this:

• A boat ride to St George Bay of roughly 2 hours
• About 1 hour swimming
• A shorter transfer period to Symi, then 3 hours in town
• Around 2 hours back to Rhodes

What helps is mindset. You are not just traveling, you are doing two experiences. When you treat it like a day with sea time plus town time, it feels more balanced.

Who this tour suits best, and who should reconsider

This is a great match if:

• You want Symi without doing complicated logistics.
• You like having swim time built in, not just a viewpoint stop.
• You are okay with a long day and a boat ride that can be bumpy.

I would reconsider if:

• You need a guaranteed seat arrangement, especially sitting together.
• You get motion sick easily and do not want to take precautions.
• You want a more relaxed, uncrowded boat experience.

That said, the overall rating is strong, with 93% of travelers recommending it and an average rating of 4.6. The frequent praise is consistent: the beauty of Symi, the swimming quality at St George Bay, and the way the day runs without much chaos.

Should you book this Symi and St George Bay boat trip?

Yes, if you want a classic Rhodes island day that mixes town beauty with proper water time. The best reasons to book are simple: Symi’s charm and the swim stop are the real attractions, and the plan is straightforward.

Book with caution if you are seat-sensitive or motion-sick sensitive. For this route, the right preparation makes a bigger difference than you think. If you pack seasickness pills, plan for a long ride, and treat Symi as your main downtime, you’ll get a day that feels worth the effort.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

It runs for about 9 hours (approx.). The day includes time on the boat plus about 3 hours in Symi and about 1 hour swimming at Saint George Bay.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the boat trip and a restroom on board. Admission tickets for the stops are free, but lunch is not included.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you’ll have free time in Symi where you can eat on your own.

Do they pick you up from hotels?

Pickup is offered from hotels for an extra charge. The pickup cost depends on where your hotel is located, and you should enter your hotel name in the special requirements field so they can confirm pickup time.

How much time do I get at Saint George Bay and Symi?

You get about 1 hour at Saint George Bay for swimming and about 3 hours free time in Symi.

Is there anything you should bring for the swimming stop?

You’ll swim for about an hour, so bring swimwear. It can also help to bring your own snorkel if you want one, since you may only find goggles provided. Also plan a warm layer or something to wrap in after swimming.

Is this tour in English, and can I cancel if weather is bad?

The tour is offered in English. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.