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

A fast crossing to a postcard island is hard to beat. You get quick transport from Rhodes to Symi, plus a 30-minute swim at Saint George Bay with clear water and dramatic views. The one catch is wind and spray on the boat can leave you a bit wet, so pack for that.

This is a straightforward day trip with a group size capped at 118, and you spend the middle of the day with free time on Symi to wander at your own pace. The drawback to plan around is timing, because missing the return pickup window can mean you are stuck arranging your own ride back.

Key Highlights I’d Prioritize

• About 1 hour each way on a fast boat, so you actually spend time on Symi
• Saint George Bay swim stop (30 minutes) on the 9:00 and 11:00 departures, but not on the 15:15 sailing
• 3 hours of free time on Symi, enough for photos, a walk, and an early lunch
• Top deck helps, so if you want better views, aim to get seated up top when possible
• Pack for weather and spray since seats can get damp and the ride back may mist you

Fast Rhodes To Symi In About One Hour

Rhodes to Symi is one of those routes where speed changes the whole feel. Instead of losing most of the day to slow ferries, this trip focuses on a fast boat crossing, taking roughly an hour each way in many conditions. That matters because Symi is best enjoyed when you can actually stroll, snack, and wander without feeling rushed by the clock.

On the boat, you will usually get a chance to move around, use the restroom on board, and pick your spot. I like trips where the transport is comfortable enough that you can arrive in good shape, not wiped out. From the way people describe the ride, it can be choppy leaving the harbor, and the wind can be noticeable on deck, but seats are generally seen as comfortable for a day at sea.

One more practical point: where you sit affects your experience. People report better views from the top deck, but also note that some seating can feel restrictive, so you should look for a place where you can see over the sides if that matters to you. If you are sensitive to motion, choose a position that lets you watch the horizon.

Symi Free Time: 3 Hours To Walk, Eat, And Look Around

Once you arrive, the day really shifts to you. You get about 3 hours of free time on Symi, with no guided march down one exact route. That is a big part of the appeal, because Symi rewards casual wandering: you can pause for photos of the colorful waterfront buildings, duck into small streets, and pick your own rhythm.

What you can realistically do in three hours:

• Walk the main areas near the harbor and viewpoints without sprinting
• Stop for a drink or lunch in whatever place looks good when you arrive
• Fit in one small mission, like sponge shopping or a quick coastal look from a higher spot

If you are up for a little effort, some people mention climbing Kali Strata for views. That is great if you are fit and enjoy a rewarding walk. If you are not in the mood for stairs, stick to the easier waterfront and browse shops at street level.

Symi can also feel hot and sheltered. Even when the sea is breezy, the island itself can be warmer if it is sunny and sheltered. Plan to bring water, take shade breaks when you can, and avoid the idea that you will stay cool just because you are by the water.

Also, Symi is popular. Expect plenty of people in the most scenic spots, especially around lunchtime. That does not ruin it, but it does help to treat this as a “slow down and enjoy the vibe” kind of visit, not a quiet countryside escape.

Saint George Bay Swim Stop: Clear Water And Big Views (On Select Departures)

The highlight for many people is the return stop at Saint George Bay for a swim. This is a short, 30-minute window where the water looks clear and inviting, and the views are the kind that make you forget you are on a group trip.

Important detail: it does not happen on every departure time.

• The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include the Saint George Bay swim stop
• The 15:15 departure does not include swimming there, it is for photos only

So if swimming is part of your plan, double-check the departure time before you book. A small change like this is the difference between a practical swim break and just stopping for pictures along the shoreline.

The swim itself is exactly what you think it should be, fast and simple. People describe swimming to the shore and enjoying the water’s clarity. The one tradeoff is that the boat ride back can send spray your way, so even if you only swim briefly, you may end up damp from mist or splash.

If you hate wet clothes or you want to keep things comfortable, pack a change of clothes in a sealed bag. Also consider bringing a towel and a swimsuit cover-up so you can dry off quickly and not spend the last portion of the day cold or uncomfortable.

Your Best Boat Seating Choices (Top Deck Vs. Lower Deck)

Where you sit can shape the whole day. Some passengers say the top deck is where the views are best, and that early boarding helps you get a good spot. Others mention that the lower deck can limit views due to seat height and the boat’s side structure.

Here is the practical take:

• If scenery is your priority, try for top deck seating when boarding conditions allow it.
• If you want less wind, you might prefer a more protected seat, but expect less sightline.
• If motion affects you, aim for the seat that feels most stable to you and keep your eyes on the horizon.

A few other comfort notes:

• The boat may feel cool in wind, even on a sunny day, and some crews provide warm items like blankets or fleeces.
• Seats can get damp from spray or mist. A plastic bag to protect your seat or your clothing can be a smart move.

Getting There On Time: The Meeting Point Reality Check

This trip starts at Rhodes Sea Lines on Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and it returns you there. Because the schedule depends on a fast boat, punctuality is not optional.

Two things to watch for:

1. Parking and navigation can be stressful around busy harbors. Some people say there are no easy parking spaces, and you may need time to walk from where you end up parking.
2. Boarding can involve lines and sometimes hard copy ticket checks, even when you hold a mobile ticket.

So I treat arrival time like a buffer exercise. Show up early enough that you are not sprinting with a group behind you. And if you are coming from another part of Rhodes, give yourself extra time to get to the correct dock area.

One more heads-up from people who had issues: confirm you are going to the right pickup point and the right departure time. Harbour areas can be confusing, and mixing up a time or dock can waste your day fast.

What You’re Really Paying For: Value Versus Convenience

The price for this day trip is listed at $71.35 per person. That is not a small chunk of money for a half-day outing, so it is worth asking what you actually get for it.

Here is the value logic:

• You pay for speed. Losing hours to transit is the enemy of island day trips.
• You get 3 hours on Symi, which is enough to enjoy the island without feeling like you are trapped in a bus timetable.
• You get a real swim stop at Saint George Bay on many departures, which adds fun and memorable scenery without needing to plan anything yourself.
• The boat includes a restroom on board, which sounds basic until you are stuck on a long day with no facilities.

If you are trying to save, one review pointed out that booking direct from the quayside might cost less than booking through a third party, citing a difference between their paid amount and the on-the-day direct price. I cannot promise the exact pricing for every date, but I do think it is wise to do a quick price check between booking channels if you are flexible.

What To Pack So The Day Feels Easy

This tour has two weather phases: being out on open water, and then walking around Symi in sun and heat. Add wind and spray from the boat, and your packing list becomes the difference between comfortable and miserable.

I’d pack:

• Swimsuit and a towel for the Saint George Bay swim stop (when included)
• A change of clothes in a sealed bag, because spray can leave you damp
• A light jacket or layer for the breezy ride, even if Symi is hot
• Sunscreen and a water bottle for Symi walking time
• Motion-sickness help if you are sensitive, since the ride can feel rough leaving the harbor
• A plastic bag, just for your seat or your damp stuff, if you want to avoid a soggy situation

If you want to keep your beach-to-town comfort smooth, also think about a small cover-up or a dry shirt for after the swim.

Who This Day Trip Is Best For

This works best if you want:

• A short, efficient day from Rhodes
• Independent time on Symi rather than a strict guided tour
• A swim opportunity at a scenic bay without booking a separate excursion

It might be less ideal if:

• You only care about swimming and you might pick the wrong departure time. Remember, the 15:15 sailing does not include a swim stop at Saint George Bay
• You hate wind and you are very temperature-sensitive. The boat can be breezy, and the return ride can send mist your way
• You need a super calm, quiet experience. Symi is popular and the harbor areas can feel crowded

If you are traveling as a couple, friends, or solo, the free time on Symi lets you wander separately for a bit and regroup when you want. Families can do it too, but bring swim and spare clothes because damp happens.

Should You Book This Fast Boat To Symi?

Yes, I think you should book this if you want the best of Symi in one day: fast transport, genuine free time, and a swim stop that can turn a normal day trip into a highlight.

But book with your priorities in mind:

• If swimming at Saint George Bay is a must, choose the 9:00 or 11:00 departure.
• If you hate the idea of getting wet, plan to carry a change of clothes and take wind seriously.
• If you want strong views, aim for top deck seating and arrive early for a good boarding position.

Done right, this is one of those Rhodes day trips that feels efficient, fun, and actually different from the “same day, same photos” routine.

FAQ

How long is the trip from Rhodes to Symi?

The boat journey is about 1 hour, with some timing variability due to conditions.

How much free time will I have on Symi?

You get about 3 hours of free time on Symi.

Is there a swimming stop at Saint George Bay?

There is a swim stop at Saint George Bay on the 9:00 and 11:00 departures. The 15:15 departure does not include swimming there, it is for photos only.

How long is the stop at Saint George Bay?

The Saint George Bay stop lasts 30 minutes.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes, there is a restroom on board.

What language is the experience offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines, Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00, Greece.

What is the maximum group size?

This activity has a maximum of 118 travelers.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.