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

Crystal water, one quiet cove at a time. This full-day cruise out of Rhodes gives you St George Bay, a boat-only natural bay on Symi, plus time in Symi town with a proper dose of seaside walking. I like that snorkeling gear is included, so your swim stop is more than just floating and taking photos, and you also have the option to relax with a cocktail onboard. One thing to keep in mind, the day’s exact sequence can shift, so check your day-of message and don’t assume you’ll swim first every time.

The cruise runs about 8 to 9 hours, starting at 10:00 am, with hotel pickup and drop-off available for eligible bookings. You’ll get lunch as part of the package, along with WiFi and restroom access onboard, which helps when you are spending most of the day at sea. If you’re heat-sensitive, plan for strong sun on the water, since indoor cooling is not the main feature of these boats even though the transfer vehicle is air-conditioned.

Key Things You’ll Notice on This Symi Day Cruise

• A boat-only swim stop at St George Bay that you cannot reach on foot
• Complimentary snorkeling equipment so you can use the clear water for more than swimming
• 3 hours in Symi town for harbor views, side streets, and lunch time
• Onboard WiFi and a restroom, plus practical comfort for a long day
• A simple onboard bar setup, with alcohol served only to adults

From Rhodes Pickup to Symi Sightlines: How the Day Flows

Most people do this day trip because Symi looks great from Rhodes, but doing the logistics yourself can be a hassle. This one takes the heavy lifting off your plate with pickup from a set meeting area at Platia Eleftherias and hotel transfer on eligible bookings. You’ll also get updates by email about pickup details, and for the timing, you need to be ready to follow their message closely.

Once you’re on the boat, the pace shifts fast from “getting there” to “enjoying.” The cruise is built around sea time plus two structured stops, so you’re not spending the day stuck waiting around. Also, the group size can be up to 220 travelers, so you will want to show up with a plan for the deck if you care about the best seating.

St George Bay: The Swim Stop That Makes This Cruise Worth It

The best part is usually the first water stop. Saint George Bay is on Symi’s east coast and is described as only accessible by boat, which is exactly why it feels calmer than the typical shore scene. You get about 1 hour 30 minutes there, which is long enough to swim, snorkel, and still have time to sit and just watch the water color change.

Snorkeling gear is included, and I love this detail because it gives you a clear activity path even if you are not a hardcore swimmer. On the water, it’s typically more of a casual “watch what’s around you” experience than a guided deep-water thing, but that is often what makes it fun for regular vacationers. If you need extra confidence, you may also find helpful float options onboard such as pool noodles, based on how the trip has been run.

One practical note: these stops are often more “anchored cove swimming” than “beach landing.” That means you’ll likely swim off the boat rather than walking onto sand, and some coves can feel rocky depending on conditions. Bring water shoes if you’re the type who hates surprises on entry, and keep an eye on how the crew manages stepping into the water.

Timing Tip for a Better Swim

Start with the water early in the stop if you can. The sea can get busy as the minutes tick by, and if you want photos plus a calm first swim, being one of the first in makes a difference. If you’re snorkeling, give yourself the first few minutes to get comfortable with the equipment before you start moving around.

Symi Town in a 3-Hour Window: Pastel Streets, Harbor Views, Lunch

After the bay swim time, you get about 3 hours in Symi. That is just enough for a relaxed walk without feeling like you have to power through everything. Symi is known for its character and architecture, and in the hour after you disembark you’ll usually feel why people call it a standout island in the Dodecanese.

This town-time block is best for wandering, not “checking off a list.” Think harbor views, side streets, and looking into small spots along the waterfront. Shops can be hit-and-miss based on the hour, and it can get hot, so I recommend you plan your exploration with shade and water breaks rather than racing from store to store.

Lunch is included, and that matters because it keeps your budget predictable. What you should expect is a typical Greek lunch setup tied to the day’s schedule, with the real win being that you’re eating without the headache of finding a place at the exact moment you arrive.

Watch for a Possible Day-of Order Change

The trip is described as stopping at St George Bay first and Symi next, but some people have reported the order can shift. So do not assume you’ll always swim before town time. When you receive the day-of message, confirm the order and plan your sun and swim timing accordingly, especially if you prefer to explore town first.

Onboard Comfort, WiFi, Restroom, and the Bar Reality Check

This cruise is not a bare-bones ferry day. You’ll have WiFi onboard, a restroom, and seating options that help you stay comfortable during the crossings. People also tend to comment on the boat being clean and in good condition, and some say it feels newer than what they expected.

If you care about comfort, I suggest prioritizing your position early. Deck space can matter when the boat is busy, and getting a good spot near the front can help you feel less cramped while still enjoying the views. The boat experience can be very sun-focused, so bring a hat and sunscreen and plan your breaks rather than trying to stay outside nonstop.

About the onboard bar: you can typically grab drinks from a simple bar setup on the vessel, and alcohol is served only to adults. A couple of practical warnings from real-world experience are worth repeating here. Don’t count on a full-service cocktail menu, and it’s smart to have cash if you want to buy drinks, since some setups operate on cash for bar purchases.

Transfers, Pickup Points, and What You Need to Get Right

This is where day trips sometimes go wrong, and it’s also where you can protect your trip with simple prep. Transfers are provided only for bookings made at least 14 hours before the activity starts, and they send the exact pickup point details around 9:00 pm the previous afternoon via WhatsApp or email. You also get an email 24 hours before the trip with pickup information, but the day-before message is the one that pins down the exact place.

The tour starts at 10:00 am, and it ends back at the meeting point, so you can treat it as a true round trip from Rhodes. If you’re staying outside the easy pickup radius, you might be asked to move to a nearby pickup point rather than having the vehicle pull up exactly at your door. To avoid stress, I recommend you take screenshots of the pickup instructions and confirm the neighborhood you’re supposed to meet in.

Also, transfers are not something you can wing. If you are late, the company notes that it can become your responsibility, so be early rather than right on time.

Price and Value: Is $82.90 Good for What You Get?

At $82.90 per person, this cruise can feel like a fair deal once you see what’s included. You are paying for the boat day out, plus key add-ons that would cost extra if you booked independently: hotel transfer (when eligible), snorkeling equipment, WiFi onboard, restroom access, and lunch.

If your main goal is Symi plus a high-quality swim stop, this price makes sense because the St George Bay segment is built around a boat-only location. You’re not paying just for a scenic ride, you’re paying for a structured day where the important parts are scheduled: anchored swim time and timed exploration in town.

Where the value can feel less strong is if you end up disappointed by the bar options or if the day’s order doesn’t match your expectations. A simple fix is to adjust your plan: treat the day as a flexible cruise itinerary and focus on the big wins, the bay swim and Symi walking.

Who This Symi Cruise Fits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This works best if you want a one-day taste of Symi without spending time on ferries and ticket juggling. It’s also a good fit if you like water-based downtime, because the itinerary gives you real time in St George Bay and not just a quick photo stop.

You’ll likely enjoy this more if you:

• like to mix strolling with a swim break
• want snorkeling gear without renting anything
• prefer hotel pickup and a guided schedule over self-planning

You might want to skip or choose a different option if you:

• need a guaranteed sequence of swim first then town, every time
• dislike rocky or cove-style swimming off the boat
• expect a fully stocked bar experience with lots of drink choices

It’s also a solid option for families or mixed ages in general, since the day includes amenities onboard and the pacing is straightforward. Just remember summer heat is real, and shade is not guaranteed on the deck.

Practical Tips That Make This Cruise Smoother

A few small choices can make a big difference on a summer boat day. Here’s what I’d do to keep things easy.

• Arrive early for pickup and for boarding, so you can claim a comfortable seating spot on the top deck or covered areas.
• Bring swim shoes if you’re sensitive to rocks or uneven entry points.
• Pack sunscreen, a hat, and water. The itinerary gives you long sun exposure, especially around the swim cove and on arrival in town.
• Plan Symi town time like a heat-aware walk. Start with waterfront views, then move into side streets for shade when you can.
• If you care about shops, consider going to town early within your 3-hour window, since some shop hours can shift during the day.

And a last piece of sanity advice: set expectations for the swim stop. This isn’t a beach club with loungers on sand. It’s a boat anchored in a natural bay, and the payoff is the clarity of the water plus the views from the sea.

Should You Book This Symi Cruise?

If you want a hassle-free day from Rhodes that includes a true boat-only swim at St George Bay, plus Symi town time and lunch, then yes, I think it’s a strong booking. The included snorkeling equipment and the way the schedule focuses on the water are the main reasons it delivers value at the price.

I’d book it if your ideal day looks like this: morning transport handled, swim and snorkel in clear coves, then a few hours of walking around Symi’s harbor area before heading back to Rhodes. I would only hesitate if you are very sensitive about exact timing order, or if you strongly prefer a full-service onboard bar and more structured guidance during the swim.

In short, it’s built for views, swimming, and an efficient taste of Symi. If that matches your travel mood, you’ll likely leave with sore feet from town wandering and the kind of water photos that make people ask, where exactly was that?

FAQ

What is the duration of the cruise?

The tour duration is listed as about 8 to 9 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

Where does the tour meet and start?

The meeting point is Platia Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece.

Do I get hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup and drop-off are offered for eligible bookings. Transfers are provided only if you booked at least 14 hours before the activity starts. Pickup instructions are sent by email or WhatsApp, and you are responsible for being on time at the allocated pickup point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Is WiFi available onboard?

Yes. WiFi on board is included.

Is there an onboard restroom?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included. The bar serves alcohol only to adults.

What happens if weather is poor?

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