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

Symi’s pretty harbor is the star here, but the fast boat ride from Faliraki makes the island practical as a day trip. You get three hours to walk around, eat beside the water, and take in the traditional buildings, then stop at St George’s Bay for a swim on the way home.

I like the direct beach departure and the useful balance of sightseeing and swimming. The main catch is comfort: the boat can feel rough and windy, especially at the front, and the onboard facilities are basic. At $83.27, this is good value if you want to see Symi without arranging a separate boat day.

Key points at a glance

• Three hours on Symi: Enough time to explore the harbor area, enjoy lunch by the sea, and see the island at an unhurried pace.
• A direct start near Faliraki Beach: The boat leaves from Ammoudes, with no need to travel to Rhodes Town for the departure.
• A 30-minute swim at St George’s Bay: You can jump into clear water and enjoy one of the trip’s most scenic stops.
• Fast but exposed boat travel: The ride saves time, but wind and rough water can affect comfort, especially in the front seats.
• A small price for a full day out: The seven-hour outing includes the boat journey, free time on Symi, and the swim stop.
• A maximum of 118 people: This is a sizable shared excursion, not a private cruise or small-group sailing.

Why this boat trip works from Faliraki

The smart part of this excursion is its starting point. You meet at Ammoudes, near Faliraki Beach, at 10:20 in the morning and return to the same spot. If you are staying in or near Faliraki, that saves you the trouble of getting to another port before breakfast.

The schedule also makes good use of the day. You leave Rhodes, spend three hours on Symi, and then stop at St George’s Bay before returning. The plan is simple, with no long list of rushed stops or land transfers.

The boat carries up to 118 people, so you should expect a shared group setting. That size helps keep the price reasonable, but it also means the experience will not feel like a quiet private charter. The captain and crew are described as organized and punctual, which matters on a trip with a fixed return boat.

You receive confirmation when booking, and the mobile ticket is useful at the meeting point. The exact departure area is listed as 9679+VX Ammoudes, so check your confirmation carefully and allow time to identify the pickup spot near the beach.

The fast crossing to Symi

The ride is part of the experience, not just transport. A fast boat gets you across the water more quickly than a slower ferry, leaving more daylight for Symi itself. You also get open-water views and plenty of fresh sea air along the way.

The tradeoff is exposure. Wind can be strong, and the front of the boat may feel particularly blustery. One account describes a rough ride on the way to Symi, followed by a smoother return, so sea conditions can change during the day.

If comfort matters to you, I would avoid choosing the very front seat. Keep a light layer handy, even on a warm Rhodes day, since speed and wind can make the ride feel cooler than expected. If the sea is choppy, sitting farther back may make the crossing easier.

The boat has toilets, but they are basic. One toilet was reported out of order on one outing, so I would use facilities before boarding and avoid depending on the boat for much more than an emergency stop.

Three hours around Symi’s Gialos harbor

Symi is the reason to book this trip. The boat brings you to Gialos, the island’s attractive harbor, where you have three hours of free time. That is enough for a relaxed look around rather than a frantic walk from one end of the waterfront to the other.

You can spend your time at the harbor, admire the traditional buildings, browse the village streets, or sit down for lunch beside the sea. The waterfront setting gives you an easy way to enjoy the island even if you do not want a demanding walk.

The architecture is one of Symi’s pleasures. The buildings and village have a traditional character that feels different from a standard beach stop. You do not need a formal tour guide to appreciate the setting, and free time lets you set your own pace.

Three hours is a sensible amount of time for most people. You can eat, stroll, take photographs, and still have room to slow down. If your main aim is to explore farther inland or see more of the island beyond the harbor, the time may feel short. This excursion is best understood as a harbor visit, not a full island tour.

Lunch by the water is one of the easiest ways to use the stop. You can turn the midday break into part of the experience rather than treating it as a hurried meal. Just keep an eye on the meeting time, since the boat will not wait for a late return.

St George’s Bay brings the swim

On the way back to Faliraki, the boat stops at St George’s Bay for about 30 minutes. The bay is known here for its clear water and striking views, and the stop gives the day a welcome change of pace after walking around Symi.

This is a swim stop, not a long beach visit. Thirty minutes is enough to get into the water, cool off, and enjoy the setting, but not enough for a leisurely shore day. The boat remains the base for the stop, so bring anything you need for getting wet within easy reach.

The most fun part is the chance to jump from the boat into the water. That makes the stop feel more active than simply looking at a bay from the deck. If you prefer to stay dry, you can still enjoy the view, but swimming is clearly the main point.

Some people may prefer extra time on Symi instead. If you care more about historic streets, harbor views, and lunch than swimming, the 30-minute stop may seem generous. I see the schedule as a fair compromise for a hot Rhodes day, especially after the ride and the walk around Gialos.

Is $83.27 good value?

At $83.27 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a day on the water, but the price makes sense for the amount included. You get roughly seven hours out, a direct boat connection from the Faliraki area, three hours on Symi, and a separate swim stop.

The value is strongest if you are staying near Faliraki. A departure from the beach area reduces the time and cost involved in reaching another port. You also avoid arranging separate transport to Symi and trying to coordinate a return trip.

The price includes the boat experience and access to the stops, but you should plan for your own food and drinks on Symi. The information provided does not list meals, drinks, or added activities as included. Your biggest extra expense is likely to be lunch if you choose to eat at the waterfront.

A larger shared boat helps keep the fare below the cost of a private charter. In exchange, you give up flexibility. The group follows the fixed 10:20 departure and the planned three-hour visit and 30-minute swim. For a straightforward day trip, that is a reasonable exchange.

Comfort, timing, and practical limits

The activity lasts about seven hours, so it takes up most of your day. The late-morning start gives you a slower morning than an early excursion, but you should still plan around the full return schedule.

The meeting point and return point are the same, which simplifies the day. The pickup is near Ammoudes and Faliraki Beach, and parking may be available close to the beach area, though parking arrangements are not guaranteed by the information provided. If you are driving, allow time to find a suitable space.

The boat is described as somewhat basic rather than luxurious. That matters if you are expecting padded seating, a quiet ride, or polished onboard service. This is a practical transport boat with a scenic route, not a premium yacht cruise.

Most people can take part, and service animals are allowed. The activity is also near public transportation. The supplied information does not give specific details about boarding assistance, steps, seating, or facilities for mobility needs, so you should confirm those points before booking if they matter to you.

Weather is important. The excursion requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. Since the trip includes open-water travel and a swim stop, a forecast check is sensible the evening before and again on the morning of departure.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a simple way to see Symi from the Faliraki side of Rhodes. It suits people who enjoy a mix of scenery, free exploration, a waterfront meal, and a short swim.

It is also a good fit for families and mixed-age groups, provided everyone is comfortable with a fast boat and a fixed schedule. The free time on Symi means each person can choose an easy walk, a meal, or a quiet harbor view rather than following one demanding route.

Swimmers will get extra value from the St George’s Bay stop. You can turn a sightseeing trip into a proper sea day without booking a second excursion.

You may want another option if you dislike wind, rough water, or shared boat trips. The ride can be uncomfortable in poor conditions, and the basic toilet facilities will not suit someone looking for a polished cruise. You should also skip this one if three hours on Symi feels too short for your plans.

How to make the most of your day

I would arrive with your mobile ticket ready and enough time to find the Ammoudes meeting point. Since the start is at 10:20, you do not need an extremely early morning, but last-minute arrival is a poor idea when a boat has a fixed schedule.

Wear something suited to both walking and swimming. Keep swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and a light layer close at hand. The light layer is especially useful on the open-water crossing.

Choose your seat with the wind in mind. The front may give you the strongest sense of speed and the clearest forward view, but it can also be the roughest and windiest area. If you want a calmer ride, the back may be a better choice.

On Symi, decide early how you want to spend the three hours. A simple plan could be a harbor walk first, lunch beside the water next, and a final stroll before returning to the boat. That keeps the visit relaxed without risking a late departure.

For the swim stop, do not bury your towel and swimwear under your main bag. Thirty minutes passes quickly, and you will want an easy changeover from boat seat to water and back again.

Booking and cancellation details

The excursion has an average booking lead time of 18 days, so reserving ahead is sensible during busy periods. The activity is offered in English, and confirmation arrives at the time of booking.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

The 4.5 rating from 75 reviews points to a generally strong experience, with the highest praise focused on the crew’s organization, the attractive Symi harbor, and the memorable swim at St George’s Bay. The recurring concerns are just as useful: wind, rough water, and the boat’s basic facilities.

Should you book this Symi excursion?

Book it if you want the easiest direct route from Faliraki to Symi, value three hours of independent time, and like the idea of finishing with a swim in a beautiful bay. The combination of a pretty harbor, a sea-view lunch, and a quick jump into clear water gives you a full Rhodes day for $83.27.

Think twice if you need a smooth, quiet, luxury boat or want a longer visit on Symi. For everyone else, this is a well-priced, well-organized day trip with a few honest rough edges. Sit away from the front if the sea is lively, keep your expectations practical, and you should get a lot from the day.

FAQ

Where does the boat leave from?

The meeting point is at Ammoudes, near Faliraki Beach, Greece. The listed location code is 9679+VX Ammoudes.

What time does the excursion start?

The scheduled start time is 10:20 am.

Where does the activity finish?

The boat returns to the same meeting point near Ammoudes.

How long is the full experience?

The excursion lasts about seven hours.

How long do I get on Symi?

You have three hours of free time on Symi.

Is admission to Symi included?

Admission to Symi is listed as free as part of the excursion.

How long is the stop at St George’s Bay?

The swim stop lasts about 30 minutes.

Is swimming included at St George’s Bay?

The stop is designed for swimming and enjoying the clear water and views. Admission to the bay is listed as free.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The maximum group size is 118 people.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You can receive a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.