Fast Boat To Symi & St George’s Bay Directly from Faliraki Beach

Rhodes gives you speed. Symi gives you charm. You get both, with a direct fast boat ride from the Faliraki area to the island of Symi, plus a highlight St Georges Bay swim stop. I like that the schedule gives you real time on Symi, not just a photo break, and then rewards you with crystal-clear water for that quick jump off the boat.

Two things I’m especially happy about: the trip is direct by speed boat, so you spend your day on the water and at your stops, and the St George’s Bay stop is long enough to feel like a true refresh. A small drawback to keep in mind is that speed boats can feel rough if it’s windy, and timing on the water can affect how comfortable the ride feels.

You’ll start at the Ammoudes meeting point, with the boat leaving at 10:20 am, and you come back to the same place. Expect a day around seven hours total, with a group capped at 118 travelers and the day operated in English.

Key points worth clocking before you go

• Direct speed boat time from the Faliraki side cuts down wasted transfers.
• 3 hours on Symi is enough to wander the harbor area called Gialo and still keep your pace.
• 30 minutes at St George’s Bay is built for swimming, and the views are the whole point.
• Weather matters because the day runs best with good sea conditions.
• On-board comfort is practical, with toilets available, but plan for the occasional hiccup.

The direct Faliraki to Symi idea that actually saves your day

This is one of those trips where the logistics are part of the value. Going direct by fast boat means you trade long waits and extra segments for one clear rhythm: meet, board, cruise, explore, swim, cruise back.

You also get a simple structure. Symi is the main “walk around” stop, and St George’s Bay is the “get your legs, then get back on the boat” stop. That split works well if you want variety without turning the day into a marathon.

From Ammoudes at 10:20 am: what your morning will feel like

The start time is 10:20 am, and the meeting point is listed at Ammoudes (9679+VX), with the tour ending back at the same place. That matters because you don’t need to plan a separate return point or hunt for a different pickup.

The day runs on a mobile ticket, and the tour is offered in English. You’ll also see that the group size is capped at 118, which usually keeps it from feeling chaotic, but it’s still a real day trip with multiple stops and movement.

One more thing: because this experience requires good weather, you should treat your morning as “ready to go” but flexible in mood. If sea conditions are poor, the operator can shift plans, or you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Symi for 3 hours: enough time to enjoy the island, not just skim it

Your Symi stop is 3 hours of free time, and the entry cost is listed as free for that portion. That’s a big deal. You’re not fighting ticket lines or paying to access the main experience of the day, which is the island itself and the feeling of wandering the waterfront.

In Symi, I’d focus on two priorities: first, get oriented around the harbor area, often referred to as Gialo. Second, pick a direction and give yourself permission to slow down. Three hours is short enough that you’ll want to move efficiently, but long enough that you can still enjoy the stair-step village feel and the seaside views.

How to spend your Symi time well

Aim for a loop you can finish with enough buffer to get back to the boat on time. If you’re into photos, start with the harbor and main waterfront views while the morning light is fresh. If you’re into a more relaxed walk, spend the middle portion of your time moving inland and then return toward the water to end where the boat pickup rhythm is easiest.

Also, plan around lunch if you want it. One nice feature of Symi time is that you can find places to grab food near the sea before heading back. If you’re strict about timing, snacks and a drink near the waterfront can be your safest move.

The trade-off: you might want more than 3 hours

The only real downside is the “too short, not enough” feeling. A common wish with Symi is to linger longer, especially if you fall into a good wandering groove. Still, three hours is often the sweet spot for a day trip that also includes a swim stop and a return cruise.

St George’s Bay in 30 minutes: the swim stop that makes the whole day

Then comes the highlight for many people: a 30 minute stop at Saint George’s Bay. The whole point here is water, views, and that brief moment where you stop sightseeing and just enjoy the sea.

This is described as a swim stop with crystal-clear waters. In plain terms, it’s the kind of pause that makes a speed boat day feel worth the speed. The photos look good, but the real payoff is being able to cool off and see the coast from the waterline, even if only for a short stretch.

How I’d prepare for the St George’s Bay portion

Wear swim gear under your clothes if you can. Bring a cover-up or something light for the walk back to where you re-board. If you have motion sickness tendencies, I’d also consider it here, because you’re coming off a boat ride and then asking your body to switch gears quickly.

If you’re not a swimmer, you can still enjoy it. The views are the lure, and even just spending those 30 minutes on the edge of the water can be refreshing.

The speed boat ride: comfort, wind, and small practical tips

This is a fast speed boat, and that’s part of the charm. It’s also why conditions matter. One thing you should take seriously is wind. The most repeated comfort pattern is that the ride can feel rough on the outbound leg when conditions shift, and then smoother on the return.

If you’re sensitive to choppy water, your seat choice can help. Sitting in places where wind hits more directly can feel harsher. Keep that in mind when you board. If there’s an option to choose, pick a spot that feels more stable for you.

Toilets on board: useful, but not a guarantee

There are toilets on the boat, but there’s a practical note from experience: one toilet was reported as not working on the day of an excursion. So treat it like a helpful convenience, not a “never a problem” feature. If you’re sensitive about timing, go when you can rather than waiting for the very end.

What “comfortable” really means on a speed boat

Comfort here is about being able to sit through the crossing without feeling miserable. The boat is described as comfortable by some, and the crew is described as well organized. Just remember you’re traveling by speed boat, so expect some movement and plan accordingly.

Pricing and value: why $83.27 can make sense for this day

The price is $83.27 per person, and it runs around 7 hours. The value angle is the combination. You’re paying for a direct boat ride to Symi plus a swim stop in a specific bay, with time included on the island.

You also aren’t paying separate admission for the stops. Both Symi and St George’s Bay are listed as admission ticket free within the stop description. That matters because it keeps your budget predictable.

Who gets the best value

If you like a structured day, this works. It’s also good if you want Symi without arranging your own boat. If you’re staying in the Faliraki area, a direct speed boat day trip is usually the most time-efficient way to reach Symi and still have a relaxing sea moment.

If you’re the type who wants full-day freedom with zero schedule pressure, you may feel like the day is a bit time-boxed. But for most people, this is an efficient way to get the main Symi experience plus a swim.

Crew and organization: what makes the day feel easy

A theme in the experience is organization and friendly crew service. The captain and crew are described as great, and the trip is said to be well organized and on time.

That matters more than you’d think. On a day trip like this, small delays can ripple, squeezing your Symi walking time or cutting into your swim window. Clear boarding and a steady schedule helps you enjoy the stops without constantly checking the clock.

The day also has a clear flow: boat to Symi, free time, swim stop, then return. When the rhythm is smooth, you spend less brainpower on logistics and more on the scenery and your own pace.

Best match: who should book this Symi and St George’s Bay day trip

This is a great fit if you want:

• A fast, structured day trip with Symi as the main focus
• A swim stop that’s built into the schedule, not something you try to fit in yourself
• A trip that works well for a holiday where you don’t want to spend the entire day in transit

It’s also a good option for many people because it’s described as having most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed. You’ll also see it’s near public transportation, which can make day plans easier if you’re not driving.

One more note: if you’re very weather sensitive, treat this like a plan for a strong day at sea. The operator requires good weather, so they can cancel or change dates if conditions are poor. That’s a good thing, even if it’s frustrating, because it means the experience is designed to run when it can.

Should you book Fast Boat to Symi and St George’s Bay?

I’d book this if you want the Symi experience without the hassle of organizing a boat, and you really care about that sea time at St George’s Bay. The combination of 3 hours in Symi plus a 30 minute swim stop is the sweet spot for a one-day outing.

I wouldn’t book it if you hate the idea of a windy or choppy ride, or if you feel like Symi needs a full day to satisfy you. In that case, you might prefer a longer stay on the island. But if you’re flexible and you like speed, this is a strong way to get two highlights into one trip.

Also, if you’re the type who values predictable schedules, you’ll probably enjoy the way the day is paced. It’s not a slow travel fantasy, it’s a well-run half-day hit of islands and water.

FAQ

How long is the trip?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.).

Where do I meet, and where does it end?

You meet at the Ammoudes meeting point (9679+VX), and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:20 am.

How much time do I get at Symi?

You get about 3 hours of free time on Symi.

Is there a swim stop?

Yes. There is a 30 minute stop at Saint George’s Bay, described as including a swim stop.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is a mobile ticket used?

Yes, it uses a mobile ticket.

How big is the group?

The tour has a maximum of 118 travelers.

What if the weather is poor or I need to cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time for a full refund.