Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

Symi starts before you even dock. I love seeing Symi’s neo-classical houses from the water, and I love the St Marina Bay swim and snorkel stop that you only get by boat.

One thing to plan for: seating in the shade can feel chilly during the long stretches between stops, and there is no mention of lockers for swim gear, so you’ll want a plan for your phone and keys.

Key points at a glance

• Rhodes Harbour start and return: A straightforward day that keeps you anchored to Rhodes without extra transfers.
• St Marina Bay swim and snorkel break: A timed stop for a real water moment, with floats onboard.
• 3 hours in Symi: Enough time for harbor views, a slow wander, and buying small souvenirs without rushing.
• Colorful Symi views en route: You’ll pass charming fishermen boats before you even reach the harbor.
• Onboard comfort for an 8-hour day: Open sundeck with sunbeds, plus air-conditioned seating, WiFi, and toilets.
• Good value for the mix of sea time plus island time: Especially if you want the swim stop and a budget-friendly day trip.

Rhodes to Symi by boat, the simple way

This is the kind of day trip that makes Rhodes feel bigger than your hotel area. You leave from Rhodes Harbour, spend the day on the water, swim at St Marina Bay, and then get a solid chunk of time in Symi to walk, snack, and soak up the harbor scene.

What I like most is the balance. You’re not stuck on a bus for hours, and you’re not stuck on a boat the whole time either. The itinerary gives you a clear rhythm: sailing, a meaningful swim stop, a long enough island window, then sail back in the evening.

The other reason this works so well is access. St Marina Bay is hard to reach on your own, so the boat stop turns into the main event rather than a quick roadside photo.

Sailing from Rhodes Harbour: sea views and a full day rhythm

Expect a full 8-hour day that starts in the morning and ends back at Rhodes Harbour. You’ll feel it right away once you’re out past the harbor area, because you get water views that you just do not get from shore.

On the way toward the first swim stop, the day gives you small visual hits that build anticipation. You’ll see fishermen boats and coastal scenery before you reach Symi, so it does not feel like you’re only traveling from point A to point B.

Practical tip: get on early enough to choose seats. People mention plenty of seating, and the best spots tend to go fast, especially on an open-deck day when everyone wants sun. If you know you get cold easily, choose a spot that lets you move between sun and shade instead of being stuck in one zone for hours.

The St Marina Bay swim and snorkel stop, how the timing works

The highlight for water lovers is the 30-minute break at St Marina Bay. This is the part that many faster boats can’t offer in the same way, because your day includes an actual swimming stop at a place reachable by boat.

Thirty minutes sounds short, but it is enough if you treat it like a swim session, not a full-on expedition. You’ll have time to cool off, put on snorkeling gear, and do a few good passes near where the crew expects swimmers to stay. You’ll also have floats available onboard, which helps if you are not an experienced swimmer in open water.

Here is how to make the most of it:

• Keep your snorkeling setup easy to grab before you go. You are bringing your own snorkeling gear, and you do not want to waste time wrestling it on deck.
• Bring a towel and beachwear so you can switch back into dry comfort fast after the swim.
• Use biodegradable sunscreen. You’ll be in the sun longer than you think once you are on an open sundeck.

A realistic consideration: the stop is brief, and you should not plan on far-reaching snorkeling. If you want a long, reef-focused session, this trip is more about a fun, safe, timed swim than a deep snorkeling itinerary.

Symi harbor and the neo-classical streets: using 3 hours well

After your water break, you sail to Symi Harbour. You then get 3 hours of free time on the island. That time block is a sweet spot for first-timers because it lets you explore without turning the day into a sprint.

Symi’s big draw is what you see from the harbor: the colorful houses with neo-classical details rising toward the streets. From street level, you get that same story, but now you can walk it at your own pace. People also rave about the overall vibe of the harbor area, because it’s built for lingering, not rushing.

How to spend your 3 hours without missing the best parts:

• Start with the waterfront views. You’ll get photos early, then you can enjoy the walk without stopping every two minutes.
• Plan one meal or snack, then protect the rest of your time for wandering. Lunch breaks your day up nicely, and you still keep time to shop.
• If you want souvenirs, do it after you’ve walked a bit. Prices and styles can vary, and it’s easier to pick what you like once you’ve seen a few streets.

One timing note that matters: if your goal is a specific longer excursion like visiting the Orthodox Monastery (Panormitis gets mentioned often), 3 hours may feel tight. For that, you might want a longer stay or a different day plan.

What the boat feels like: deck, AC, WiFi, and everyday comfort

This boat day is built around comfort features that actually help on an 8-hour trip. You’ll have an open sundeck with sunbeds for the sea-view part of the day, plus an air-conditioned area onboard when you want to cool down.

You also get WiFi onboard and toilets onboard, which is a bigger deal than it sounds on a day when you are away from Rhodes hotels for most of the day. Floats are included for the swim stop, and you’ll also have travel insurance included.

Two comfort tips based on real-world experience:

• If you want sun, go for it early. People mention it can get cold sitting in shade for stretches, so plan to sit in sun when you can and switch when you need a break.
• Bring a light layer near the beginning and end of season. Even if it feels warm in Rhodes, being on the water changes how the wind feels.

The boat experience is not just about views. It is also about staying relaxed enough to enjoy Symi when you arrive.

Budgeting the $47 value: what’s included, what’s extra

At about $47 per person, this trip tends to feel like good value because you get the full day structure: cruise, swim stop, and island time, without extra add-ons just to make it work.

Included items worth noting:

• Cruise on the boat
• Open sundeck with sunbeds
• Swimming stop at St Marina Bay
• Free time in Symi
• Toilets onboard
• Air-conditioned area onboard
• Floats
• WiFi onboard
• Insurance

What is not included:

• Food and drinks
• Towels
• Hotel pickup and drop-off

So you should plan your budget like this: set aside money for a snack or lunch on Symi and whatever you might buy onboard. A bar is available onboard for drinks and snacks, and people describe drinks as reasonably priced.

If you’re comparing options, here’s the practical way to think about it. Some quicker catamarans can cost more, and this boat trip includes the swim stop at St Marina Bay. If swimming is high on your list, this can be the better value, even if the ride feels a bit slower than faster boats.

Your packing list for a smooth swim day

This is the kind of trip where packing light still matters, because you are juggling boat time and time ashore. Here’s what you should bring, based on what the day requires:

• Towel
• Beachwear
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Snorkeling gear
• Cash

One smart extra you should consider, because there is no mention of lockers: bring a waterproof phone pouch or a small dry bag. You’ll likely need your phone and keys when you return to your hotel, and managing them during the swim stop can be the difference between a relaxing swim and an anxious one.

Who this boat trip is best for (and who should skip it)

You’ll probably love this if:

• You want a simple, organized day from Rhodes with a clear schedule.
• You care about a real swim stop, not just a quick stop for photos.
• You like the idea of 3 hours in Symi, enough time to explore streets and do a bit of shopping.

You might want a different option if:

• You are very sensitive to cooler shade temperatures on boats. You can solve this with a jumper and smarter seat choices, but the day still involves long stretches on the water.
• You want long, reef-focused snorkeling. This is a timed break, not an extended underwater session.
• You are planning a longer religious site outing in addition to downtown Symi. The included time can feel short for major detours.

Booking and day-of know-how that actually helps

Arrive early. You should be at the meeting point 20 minutes before the activity starts. You must exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry, and you should look for Rizos cruises Discovery.

If pickup is part of your option, plan to wait at the pick up point about 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The vehicle you’re looking for has the RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen. Drivers will wait no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time, and delays of up to 15 minutes can happen due to traffic or other unforeseen circumstances.

If the boat timing is new to you, set an easy personal rule: be ready early, not at the last minute. This helps you get a good seat and settle before the day gets moving.

Should you book this Rhodes to Symi and St Marina Bay boat trip?

If you want an affordable, easy-to-handle day trip with colorful Symi streets plus a genuine chance to swim and snorkel at St Marina Bay, I think it is a strong choice. The day is long enough to feel like you left Rhodes, but not so long that Symi becomes a blur.

Book it especially if swimming is part of your vacation plan, because this itinerary includes that water stop and floats onboard. You’ll still have time to enjoy Symi at a comfortable pace, and you return to Rhodes Harbour in the evening without extra hassle.

Skip or consider another option if your top priority is extended snorkeling, or if you need more than a short visit to farther locations like the monastery area. In that case, you’ll likely want a longer stay in Symi.

FAQ

How long is the trip, and what are the key time stops?

The total duration is about 8 hours. You get a 30-minute swimming and snorkeling break at St Marina Bay, and about 3 hours free time in Symi.

Where does the tour start and end?

The trip starts and ends at Rhodes Harbour, with the boat departing in the morning and returning in the evening.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off is not included. Pickup may be optional depending on the selected option, and if it is included you’ll wait at the pickup point before boarding.

What should I bring for the swim and snorkeling?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, snorkeling gear, and cash.

Do I need to exchange my voucher to board?

Yes. You’ll need to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry, and you should look for Rizos cruises Discovery.

Can I cancel, and is there a pay later option?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You also have a reserve now & pay later option, so you can book first and pay later.