Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

A fast boat makes Symi feel easy. This day trip from Kolymbia pairs a high-speed cruise with real time in Symi town, then adds a sea-water break at St George’s Bay. It is a long-ish day, but the timetable is tight enough that you do not waste your time getting to the good stuff.

What I like most is the practical balance of time and movement. You get about 3 hours in Symi, which is enough to wander the waterfront and pop into a few tavernas without rushing. I also love the planned swim stop, because the water around St George’s Bay looks as close to turquoise you see on this side of Greece.

One thing to consider is that you may have to change boats at Rhodes Harbour during the day. It is usually quick, and the boats are close, but it is not the kind of trip where you sit in one place the whole time.

Key takeaways (quick, useful, specific)

• Direct Kolymbia departure from Kolymbia Harbor, so you can skip the big bus scramble
• About 3 hours in Symi for a relaxed walk, photos, and lunch on your own
• 30-minute swim stop in crystal clear St George’s Bay water on the way back
• High-speed ride can get wet, so plan for a splashy experience
• Timings are firm, and the crew follows the schedule closely
• Possible boat change at Rhodes Harbour, so do not plan on forgetting your essentials in a tote bag

Kolymbia Harbor to Symi: Why This Trip Works

If you have ever watched ferries crawl and thought, I would love this place but not the commute, this is the kind of plan you want. You start right at Kolymbia Harbor, board a high-speed boat, and head straight toward Symi without the long bus day that many other options require.

The payoff is simple: more time on Symi, less time in transit. You get the visuals on the water, including the stretch past Rhodes town on the way, but the schedule is built to get you ashore and back again with a clear flow.

Also, the crew approach feels very organized. People frequently note that the departure and return times match what you are told, which matters when you are spending a full day in the sun.

What You Get in Symi: 3 Hours to Walk, Eat, and Look Up

Symi town has that classic Dodecanese look, pastel neoclassical buildings hugging the harbor, and colorful church domes visible across the bay. When you arrive, you are not just dropping onto a beach. You are stepping into a working harbor town with a lot to look at within easy walking distance.

About 3 hours on the island is the sweet spot for most people. You can do the basics well: stroll along the waterfront, glance into shops, and find a good spot to sit down for something cold. You can also work the town at a comfortable pace, including the kind of easy detours that happen when you see a viewpoint you want to photograph.

Food-wise, this is where I think the trip makes sense. Lunch is at your own expense, but you can use this time to try Symi mini shrimps and pair it with local ouzo if a taverna offers it. The key is not to overplan. Symi rewards light wandering, then a meal when you find the right corner.

One small practical note: after you walk in the heat, it is nice that you have the swim stop later. On Symi itself, you might look for shade or a cooling spot near landmarks like the clock tower area, where people often say they cool down after browsing.

St George’s Bay Swim Stop: The Refresh Break You Feel

The real crowd-pleaser is the St George’s Bay stop on the return journey. You get about 30 minutes to swim, and the water is described again and again as clear and turquoise-looking. It is exactly the kind of break that turns a long day into a “worth it” day.

Here is how I’d plan for it. Think of it as a mid-afternoon reset, not a sightseeing stop. You do not need to build an elaborate plan around it. Once you anchor up, focus on getting in the water quickly, enjoying the temperature, then drying off and settling back to the boat.

A helpful detail from the experience is that the anchoring location can vary. Some people wished the boat anchored nearer the beach so they could swim to shore and explore more of the bay. Still, even without that extra exploring time, you are getting a meaningful swim break in water that looks genuinely inviting.

The High-Speed Boat Ride: Fast, Scenic, and Often Splashy

This is not a slow ferry. The whole point is speed, and you feel it in the way the ride quickly connects you to Symi. People describe the journey as smooth and exhilarating, which makes sense when you keep expectations aligned.

Also, be ready for getting wet. One of the most repeated practical reminders is that you should expect splash during the ride. That does not mean you should panic, but it does mean you should dress like a water taxi ride is part of the deal.

What I like about this is that it changes the mood of the day. You start with motion, you see the coast and harbor views from the water, and you still end up back on land for the best part, Symi town plus that swim stop.

Timing and Transfers: Staying Flexible Without Stress

This trip runs on a tight schedule, and that is a good thing. Multiple people mention that the timetable is handled well, including prompt departure from Kolymbia and an organized return.

You might also experience a brief boat change at Rhodes Harbour, both on the way out and on the way back. In practice, this has been described as a straightforward transfer since the boats are side by side. Still, plan mentally for the possibility that you will stand up, move over, and get settled again.

The strongest advice I can give is simple: follow the crew instructions closely and stay aware of the departure time. There is a clear emphasis on not delaying the group, so if you are going to grab a snack, do it quickly and then get back to your seat when the boat staff signals.

Price and Value: What $106 Really Buys You

At $106 per person for an 8-hour day, this is the kind of price that feels fair when you compare it to alternatives that take longer or require a bus transfer. The value is not just the ticket. It is the time saved by starting from Kolymbia Harbor and getting to Symi efficiently.

You also get three concrete inclusions that add up:

• The high-speed boat itself
• 3 hours free time in Symi
• A 30-minute swim stop at St George’s Bay

Lunch, drinks, and any shopping are still on you, but the trip gives you the structured core of the day. That structure is why people often call it good value, not because it is cheap, but because you do not lose half your day to slow transport.

If you are staying in Kolymbia, I also think this is a strong option because it avoids the hassle of moving to a main port early. Reviews repeatedly mention how much nicer it feels to walk down to Kolymbia Harbor rather than doing a long morning bus ride.

What to Bring (So the Day Feels Easy)

Based on real trip habits, I would pack with the idea that this is part speedboat, part walking, part swimming.

First, bring your own water or drinks. People specifically point out that you should take drinks with you and that there is no water available on the boat. In hot weather, this is the difference between a fun day and a day that feels like work.

Second, bring a change of clothes plan. Since you can get wet on the cruise, it helps to have at least one dry layer for the ride back or after the swim stop.

Third, keep your essentials on you during transfers. If you do have that boat change at Rhodes Harbour, you will want your phone, wallet, and any sunscreen or water where you can access it without digging.

Who This Symi Boat Trip Suits Best

This is a great match if you want Symi without committing to an overnight stay or sacrificing your day to bus schedules. I would especially recommend it to:

• Couples and small groups who like a straightforward day plan
• People staying in Kolymbia who want an easy port-to-island connection
• Anyone who prioritizes time on Symi town and a swim break

It might be less ideal if you dislike boats, hate the idea of getting wet, or need a slow, no-moving-day pace. This trip works because it is brisk and structured, with the crew keeping the day moving on time.

Also, if you are sensitive to sea splash or you prefer a calm ride, you should treat this as a speedboat experience from start to finish.

Should You Book Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi & St George’s Bay?

If you want Symi town plus a swim in one efficient day, I think this is an easy yes. The biggest reasons are the balance of about 3 hours in Symi, the 30-minute St George’s Bay swim stop, and the fact that it leaves from Kolymbia Harbor, not from some far-off meeting point that burns your morning.

Book it if you can handle firm timing and you are okay with the idea that your ride might get splashy. Also, be mentally ready for the possibility of a quick boat change at Rhodes Harbour, so it does not surprise you.

Skip or reconsider if you strongly prefer a single unbroken ride and a super relaxed pace. In other words, this trip is for people who want their time in Symi, not time in transit.

FAQ

How long is the trip?

The total duration is 8 hours.

How much time do I get in Symi?

You get about 3 hours of free time to explore Symi.

Where is the meeting point?

The boat picks you up from Kolymbia Harbor.

Is there a swimming stop, and how long is it?

Yes. There is a 30-minute swimming stop in Saint George’s Bay.

What languages are available?

The host or greeter speaks English.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible.