Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore

Rhodes to Symi by speedboat is a fast shortcut to scenery. You get a comfortable ride with air-conditioned seating plus an easy chunk of free time to explore Symi at your own pace. I like that the day focuses on the joy of moving by boat, not a rigid schedule.

The main consideration is simple: the boat ride and boarding can feel a bit hectic, and Symi can be hot with limited shade, especially if you plan to walk uphill.

Key Highlights at a Glance

• Air-conditioned + sun deck options onboard, so you can switch between shade and sea views
• Old Town of Rhodes views from the water, including the castle walls, minarets, and the Marine Gate
• The drive into Symi’s bay where the town sits amphitheater-style above the harbor
• About 3+ hours in Symi (often around 5 hours depending on departure time), enough for food and a wander
• Free time that lets you choose your own pace, from shopping to stair climbs

Speedboat to Symi: Why This Day Trip Works

This is the kind of outing that turns your Rhodes holiday into a bigger map. You spend most of the day on a modern speedboat, then land in Symi with time to roam the harbor area and beyond.

I especially like the mix of comfort and freedom. The boat has an air-conditioned enclosed deck and an outdoor sundeck, so you can follow the weather and the sun without planning your whole day around it. I also like that Symi time is truly yours, no guided script, no forced timeline.

The drawback is that Symi is not a “put your feet up on a beach” island at the port. If you want swims and views, you’ll likely be walking, and in hotter months shade can be limited. Plan for that and the day feels effortless instead of rushed.

Getting Onboard in Kolona Harbor, and What to Watch For

Your starting point is Kolona Harbor, and you’re looking for the Sebeco Lines boat. Keep your arrival time on the early side because boarding can get crowded. A few people noted a bit of a scramble at first, mostly caused by guests pushing forward, not the crew being disorganized.

Once you’re settled, the setup is straightforward. You’ve got a closed, air-conditioned space for cooling down and an open sundeck for photos. If you care about sitting on top for the best views, arrive early and be ready to queue before the most in-demand seats fill.

One more practical note: during the crossings, expect some spray. If you sit on the open outer sections of the top deck, you may get cooled by seawater in a way that’s fun if you’re okay with it, annoying if you hate getting wet.

Rhodes from the Water: Windmills, Fortress, and Castle Walls

The best part of the ride is that it doesn’t feel like “just transportation.” You’re cruising past recognizably Rhodes landmarks while you’re already in boat-mode, which makes the views feel different from what you get on foot.

As you leave Rhodes, you can look out for sights such as Nailac Tower (about 46 meters high), the windmills of Rhodes, and the Saint Nicholas Fortress. You’ll also get glimpses of the Aquarium of Rhodes, and as the boat passes along the Old Town waterfront you may spot the medieval clock, Marine Gate, and the minarets and castle walls.

Here’s why this matters for your day. You don’t need to stack extra sightseeing onto an already full schedule. Instead, you’re seeing Rhodes’ signature shapes and skyline features in motion, which is a big part of why this route is worth paying for as a packaged transport option.

Arriving in Symi’s Bay: Colorful Houses and Instant Character

Symi hits fast. The boat arrives in the bay of Symi, and the town’s layout is part of the wow factor. Symi sits amphitheater-style, so the harbor front looks built into the hillside, and the colorful neoclassical houses reflect on the water when conditions are right.

When you disembark, your day shifts from “ride and look” to “wander and choose.” You’re given free time to shop, eat, and explore at your own pace, so you can decide whether to stay near the harbor promenade or head uphill for bigger views.

I love that Symi feels like a place you can understand just by walking slowly. Narrow lanes, small storefronts, and the constant presence of boats and sea views make it feel calmer than many busy day-trip destinations. You also get a big photo advantage just by being near the harbor and watching the sunlight move across those house facades.

How to Spend Your Free Time in Symi (Food, Stairs, and a Swim)

You’ll have over three hours in Symi, and the exact amount can vary by departure time. Some days you’ll effectively get around 3 hours, and on earlier departures people have reported closer to 5 hours. Either way, your best use of time is to pick one “main goal” plus one “bonus.”

Option A: Easy harbor wandering plus a meal

If you want the low-stress version, start right where the boats dock. Walk the harbor promenade, browse small shops, then stop for lunch. Many people focus their time on this area because it’s scenic and simple to navigate.

When it comes to food, you’ll see plenty of taverna options around the waterfront. A standout dish that comes up often is curried goat. If you want something lighter or snacky, there are also sweet stops where people mention excellent cakes and milkshakes.

Option B: Climb for views, like the castle viewpoint

If you like a bit of effort, use part of your free time for the climb up to a castle viewpoint above the town. One popular route is the Kali Strata steps, often described as roughly 500 stairs. The payoff is big: you get sweeping views over the harbor and rooftops.

This is also a great plan if you’re traveling with good walkers who don’t mind stairs. Just keep in mind that Symi can be hot and shaded areas may be scarce on many paths.

Option C: Find a swim spot

A swim is a very realistic part of the day. People have mentioned going to beaches such as St George’s Beach, and also simply jumping in where it looks swimmable nearby. If your priority is a beach day, you might need to plan a bit more because the port area itself may not match what you’re picturing from a typical resort beach.

Also, if you’re heat-sensitive, factor in the “cool down time” from the water. One of the nicest tricks on a hot day is letting your swim do the heavy lifting for your energy levels.

A local specialty to try

If you’re game for Symi-specific food, look out for fried red shrimp (often recommended as the Symi specialty). It’s an easy way to make your meal feel like a real destination stop instead of lunch anywhere.

Boat Comfort, Timing, and the Real-World Gotchas

The day runs like a classic day trip: Rhodes to Symi by speedboat, time on the island, then return. The schedule is built around two crossings, each roughly 80 minutes.

The most important timing reality is that the boat leaves promptly. People emphasized that you should not plan to stroll in at the last second. Boarding rush can make it feel chaotic, and the crew’s job is to keep the schedule moving.

Comfort is solid for the category. The boat is described as modern and in good condition, with enough space that you can find seating in sun or shade. Still, top deck seats fill quickly, so if the views from outside matter to you, treat it like an early boarding situation.

Onboard noise is another small consideration. One person noted it can be noisy on the return ride, which might matter if you’re a light sleeper or hoping for a quiet travel nap. The tradeoff is that you’re going fast enough to maximize your Symi time.

And then there’s the Symi heat factor. More than one review mentioned limited shade on the island and that it can feel boiling in warm months. If you’re visiting in high season, bring sun protection and plan for steady sun time.

Price Value: Why $35 Feels Reasonable Here

At about $35 per person for a roundtrip speedboat day trip, the value comes from what you’re actually buying: transportation plus access to Symi with a meaningful island time window.

You’re not paying for a guided tour, and that’s part of the bargain. Instead, your money goes toward getting you there efficiently and giving you hours to make your own day. In practice, that’s often what you want when you’re visiting a place like Symi, where wandering is the main activity.

Also, the comfort matters. Having an air-conditioned area onboard means you’re not baking on the ride out or back. If you’re traveling with mixed preferences, this matters a lot. Someone who wants shade can stay inside, while someone chasing photos can move to the sundeck.

If food and drinks aren’t included, that’s okay because Symi is built for eating as you go. You’ll have plenty of chances to choose what you want, whether it’s a full lunch, a pastry, or a drink with a harbor view.

Should You Book Rhodes to Symi by Speedboat?

Yes, if you want an efficient, scenic day that doesn’t lock you into a guide voice. I think this works best for:

• People who love photo angles from the water
• Travelers who want free time in a beautiful harbor town instead of a checklist tour
• Families and couples who can handle a bit of walking, especially if you add the steps for views

Skip it or plan differently if:

• You want a long beach day right from the dock
• You hate crowds during boarding
• You dislike heat and uphill walking, and you’re not willing to do stairs or take frequent breaks

If your goal is a single “wow destination” day from Rhodes, Symi is that day. This speedboat format makes it achievable without turning your trip into a half-day ferry log.

FAQ

Where does the trip start?

It starts at Kolona Harbor, where you should look for the Sebeco Lines boat.

How long is the crossing to Symi?

The crossing is about 80 minutes one way (the overall trip includes two similar crossings).

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about 3 hours or more, with the stated free time being around 5 hours on the schedule you choose.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. You have free time in Symi to buy what you want.

What onboard comfort options are available?

The boat has an air-conditioned enclosed deck and also a sundeck for sitting outside.

How long is the whole trip?

The total duration is listed as 7 to 8 hours.

Can I cancel and get a full refund?

Yes. Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund is offered.