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

The best part of this trip is the combination of Symi’s postcard harbor and a swim from the boat into St George’s Bay. You get there in about an hour, instead of spending much of the day on a slower ferry, then have three hours to walk, eat, shop, or simply sit by the water.

I like the free time without a forced guide and the refreshing stop in clear water on the way back. The boat is comfortable, has a restroom, and the crew may hand out fleeces or rain gear when the wind picks up. The main drawback is the weather and sea conditions: the ride can be choppy, windy, and wet, and three hours in Symi can feel hot in the sheltered harbor.

Key points to know before you go

• About one hour across: The fast boat gets from Rhodes to Symi in roughly 60 to 70 minutes.
• Three hours in Symi: You have time for the harbor, shops, lunch, and the Kali Strata climb if you are fit.
• Thirty-minute swim: The 9:00 and 11:00 departures stop at St George’s Bay on the return journey.
• Top-deck views come early: Arrive ahead of boarding if you want the best outdoor seats and wider views.
• Spray is part of the ride: Bring a swimsuit, towel, spare clothes, and something waterproof for your belongings.
• Check your harbor carefully: Rhodes harbor and Faliraki harbor use different boats and departure times.

A fast crossing from Rhodes to Symi

Symi is one of the easiest Greek islands to visit from Rhodes for a single day. Its main harbor curves around a steep hillside lined with brightly painted houses, and the approach by boat gives you the best first look. The trip is built around that arrival: a quick crossing, free time on the island, then a swim in a dramatic bay before returning to Rhodes.

The advertised duration is about six hours. A typical 9:00 departure returns around 15:00, though the crossing can take closer to an hour and ten minutes when the sea is rough. The boat has a maximum capacity of 118 people, so this is a sizeable group outing rather than a quiet private cruise.

That size keeps the price lower than a private boat. At $71.35 per person, the value depends on what you want. You are paying for speed, transport, free time, and the swim stop, not for a personal guide or a full program of activities. There is also a direct-booking price difference to investigate: one passenger reported paying about €45 at the quayside compared with a considerably higher online price. Check the current direct fare before you commit, especially if you are already near the port.

Finding the right boat at Rhodes harbor

The main meeting point is Rhodes Sea Lines at Plateia Eleftherias in Rhodes Town. Your mobile ticket is confirmed at booking, but you may still need to exchange it for a boarding pass or hard-copy ticket at the kiosk. Allow extra time for this step.

Arrive early for two reasons. First, the harbor area can be awkward if you are driving. Parking is limited, and finding a space plus walking to the departure point may take much longer than expected. Second, early arrival improves your chance of getting a top-deck seat.

Check your ticket closely for the departure harbor and time. Rhodes harbor and Faliraki harbor are not interchangeable. A serious mix-up can happen if you follow the wrong meeting point, particularly when a cruise ship schedule is involved. The operator runs different boats from different harbors, so do not rely only on a map pin. Confirm the port directly before departure.

The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include the St George’s Bay swim stop. The 15:15 departure does not include a swim. It stops only for photographs, so choose carefully if swimming is one of your main reasons for booking.

What the fast boat ride feels like

The boat takes about one hour in calm conditions, sometimes closer to 70 minutes. The seats are described as comfortable, with a soft, molded design, and there is a restroom on board. The ride is not a smooth lake crossing, though. Leaving the harbor can be rough, and open water may become choppy.

If you are prone to motion sickness, think about where you sit and keep your eyes on the horizon. One useful warning from the trip itself is not to eat a heavy breakfast before departure. The rear and upper areas offer better views, but they can also expose you to more wind and spray.

Bring a light jacket even in warm weather. The breeze at speed can feel cold, and the crew may provide fleeces, blankets, or rain protection. The seats can also become damp from spray or rain, so a plastic bag to sit on and a waterproof bag for your phone are practical additions.

The boat can be fun in a slightly wild way. You may feel spray on the return journey, especially if you sit outside or near the back. That will be part of the pleasure for some people and a nuisance for others. If you want a dry, calm ride, stay on the lower deck, but accept that the views are more limited.

Three free hours in Symi harbor

The boat drops you into Symi’s main harbor, where colorful houses climb the hills around the water. The setting is the main attraction. You can walk along the waterfront, browse small shops, stop for lunch, or take photographs from different points around the harbor.

Three hours is a sensible amount of time for a first visit. It gives you enough room to explore without turning the outing into a long, tiring day. You will not have time to see every corner of the island, but this trip is aimed at the harbor area rather than a full island tour.

Start with a short walk before choosing a restaurant. The waterfront becomes crowded when several boats arrive at once, and the first row of restaurants is not your only option. If you eat immediately, you may spend much of your free time at a table. Exploring first lets you get your bearings and choose a quieter place later.

The heat can be surprisingly strong. Symi’s harbor is sheltered, and on a hot day there may be little breeze while you walk. Carrying water and planning a shaded break will make the three hours more comfortable. The boat has a restroom, but you should not count on it as a substitute for planning your time ashore.

If you are fit and want a view, consider the Kali Strata steps. The climb gives you a higher angle over the harbor, but it takes effort in the heat and leaves less time for lunch or shopping. You can also keep things simple and stay by the waterfront. This is one of the strengths of the trip: you decide how active the stop becomes.

Symi has plenty of tourist activity, especially when several boats unload together. That is the trade-off for reaching such a photogenic place on a convenient day trip. Go early into the side streets, or save your meal for later in the visit, if you want a calmer hour.

St George’s Bay and the return swim

The stop at St George’s Bay lasts about 30 minutes and takes place on the return journey for the 9:00 and 11:00 departures. The boat pauses in a striking cove surrounded by steep rock, and you can swim directly from the boat in clear water.

This is not a beach visit with facilities. You swim from the vessel, so bring your swimsuit and towel where you can reach them easily. There is no need to plan a long walk ashore, but you do need to be comfortable entering open water from the boat and climbing back aboard.

Thirty minutes goes quickly. It is enough for a refreshing swim and a look at the bay, but not enough for a leisurely shore visit. Some people may wish the stop lasted an hour. I think the shorter stop works well with this fast itinerary because it preserves more time for Symi and keeps the full outing to around six hours.

The timing after Symi is also helpful. You can swim after exploring the island rather than walking around wet before lunch. If you want to swim, change before leaving Symi or keep your swim gear in a small day bag. Do not bury your towel under luggage.

The water is the star here, but the view matters just as much. St George’s Bay is the kind of stop that makes the boat journey feel like more than transportation. It is also a good reason to choose the morning departures instead of the 15:15 sailing.

Price, group size, and what you receive

At $71.35, this is an economical way to combine Rhodes and Symi in one day, especially if speed matters. A private boat gives you more control and space, but costs more. A slower public ferry may offer a different pace, but you lose the quick crossing and the planned swim stop.

Your fare covers the boat ride, free time in Symi, the swim stop on eligible departures, and use of the onboard restroom. It does not cover lunch, drinks, shopping, or activities on Symi. There is no named personal guide leading you around, so you are paying for transport and flexibility rather than guided sightseeing.

Because the group can reach 118 people, boarding and disembarking may take time. The swim stop will not feel private, and the bay can be busy with other boats. On the other hand, a large boat provides more space and a lower per-person cost than a private excursion.

The possible direct-booking savings deserve attention. A price of about €45 at the quayside was reported for direct purchase, but fares can change and availability may differ. If you book online, you gain the convenience of advance confirmation. If you are already in Rhodes and can check the operator’s office or kiosk, compare prices before paying.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this trip if you want to see Symi without arranging several ferry connections or hiring a private boat. It suits independent sightseers who are happy to make their own plans during three free hours.

It is also a good fit for anyone who values a swim more than a long stop at a beach. The St George’s Bay pause is short, but it gives the day a memorable outdoor finish. Families and couples can split up in Symi and meet back at the boat, provided everyone watches the departure time.

You should think twice if you dislike fast boats, rough water, or strict schedules. The boat will not wait for late passengers. One missed departure led to an expensive alternative ferry ride, so set an alarm and return to the meeting point early. Treat the stated three hours as a firm limit, not a loose suggestion.

This may also be a poor match if your cruise ship has a tight return schedule. Confirm the exact boat, harbor, and return time before booking. A small misunderstanding can turn an easy day into a race back to the ship.

Practical packing and seating advice

Bring these items:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Light jacket or warm layer
• Spare clothes
• Waterproof phone pouch or dry bag
• Plastic bag for a damp seat or wet clothing
• Water and snacks
• Motion-sickness supplies if you need them
• Comfortable shoes for walking and possible steps in Symi

For views, arrive early and ask about the upper deck. The back and sides can offer the most open scenery, but they also receive more spray. For a drier ride, the lower deck is the safer choice.

The crew has handed out fleeces and rain gear when conditions turned cold or wet. Still, I would not depend entirely on supplies from the boat. Your own light layer and waterproof protection take up little room and make the day easier.

The activity is offered in English, uses a mobile ticket, and allows service animals. It is near public transportation, and most people can take part, but the swim requires enough comfort and mobility to enter and leave the water from the boat.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi fast boat?

Book it if you want a quick, practical day trip with a beautiful island stop and a short swim in a dramatic bay. The three hours in Symi are long enough for a good first look, and the one-hour crossing makes the island much easier to fit into a Rhodes holiday.

I would choose the 9:00 departure for the fullest day and the best chance of enjoying the swim without rushing. The 11:00 departure also includes the bay stop. Avoid the 15:15 sailing if swimming is important, since that departure stops only for photographs.

Before paying, compare the online price with the direct fare, confirm the harbor, and check the return time against your plans. Pack for wind and spray, arrive early, and be back at the boat well before departure. If you can handle a choppy ride and a busy harbor, this is a strong-value way to add Symi to your Rhodes itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the boat take from Rhodes to Symi?

The fast boat takes about one hour in good conditions. Some departures may take around one hour and ten minutes, particularly when the sea is rough.

How long do I have on Symi?

You have approximately three hours of free time on Symi. You can explore, eat, shop, walk along the harbor, or climb the Kali Strata if you are fit.

Does every departure include the St George’s Bay swim stop?

No. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include a 30-minute swim stop at St George’s Bay. The 15:15 departure stops there only for photographs.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes. A restroom is available on board.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The activity requires good weather. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours in advance are not accepted for a refund.

Where does the trip start and finish?

It starts at Rhodes Sea Lines, Plateia Eleftherias, Rhodes Town, and returns to the same meeting point.

How many people can join the boat trip?

The activity can accommodate a maximum of 118 people.