Rhodes: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island and St George’s Bay

Travelers looking to combine scenic sea voyages with cultural exploration and a splash of adventure will find this high-speed boat trip to Symi Island a compelling choice. It’s a well-reviewed, value-packed outing that promises stunning views, a relaxed pace, and a taste of local life, all in one day.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the fast boat speed allows for more time on the island and at the bay, maximizing your experience. Second, the crystal-clear waters of St. George’s Bay offer a memorable swimming stop. Lastly, the chance to explore Symi’s colorful harbor town gives you a delightful glimpse of Greek island charm.

One consideration? The trip’s timing can influence your experience—especially the swimming stop—so check the departure time that suits your plans best. This tour suits adventurous couples, small groups, or solo travelers eager for a quick getaway that balances sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

Good To Know

• Speedy and scenic: The high-speed boat makes for a more efficient trip, giving you more time to enjoy Symi and its surroundings.
• Flexible options: Various departure times accommodate different schedules and preferences.
• Authentic experience: About 3 hours on Symi allows enough time to explore, dine, or relax.
• Stunning swim stop: St. George’s Bay’s crystal waters are a highlight, perfect for a cooling dip.
• Value for money: At $55, this tour offers a lot—beautiful views, exploration, and swimming—for a reasonable price.
• Professional guides: Reviewers mention friendly, attentive staff and smooth operations.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Complete Review of the Rhodes High-Speed Boat to Symi and St George’s Bay

An Introduction to the Trip

This high-speed boat tour to Symi from Rhodes offers a perfect day out if you’re craving a balance between sightseeing, swimming, and experiencing local island life. Although we haven’t taken it ourselves, the glowing reviews and detailed itineraries paint a vivid picture of what you can expect.

What stands out immediately? The speedboat aspect cuts down travel time, freeing up hours for exploring Symi rather than spending long hours on a ferry or slow cruise. The timing of the stops—including a swim in St. George’s Bay—looks carefully planned to maximize your enjoyment, whether you want to relax in the sun or wander the narrow streets of Symi.

Of course, there’s a small but noteworthy consideration: timing affects the experience. Some departures, like the 15:15, skip the swim for photos, offering a quieter sunset view instead. So, your choice of departure time can influence what you get out of the trip—whether it’s a refreshing swim or a peaceful sunset.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want to make the most of a day, combining a scenic boat ride with free time on Symi. It suits those who love quick, fun trips with a splash of adventure, and who are comfortable with a moderate pace. If you enjoy crystal waters, charming villages, and a lively boat ride, this experience fits the bill.

Detailed Itinerary Breakdown

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Starting Point and Departure

The tour begins at Mandraki Harbor, a lively hub of activity, from where you board a high-speed boat operated by Rhodes Sea Lines. The exact meeting point can vary depending on your booking, but it’s typically easy to locate near the water’s edge. Reviewers mention the process is straightforward: “easy process, just show up at the stall next to the water, check in, get your boarding pass, and wait for the boat.”

The Sightseeing Cruise (Approx. 1 Hour)

Once aboard, your journey to Symi begins with an exciting high-speed cruise across the sea, which can range from about 6 to 9 hours in total, depending on your chosen schedule. The boat’s speed means you’re making good time, and passengers consistently note how smooth the crossing is—“the crossing was exactly an hour and very smooth”.

During this segment, you’ll enjoy views of the coastline, with many reviewers praising the beautiful scenery and relaxing atmosphere onboard. It’s a perfect opportunity to snap some photos and settle into the trip, especially since the crew is attentive and friendly, often handing out fleeces if it gets chilly.

Symi Town: 3 Hours

Arriving at Symi is an experience in itself. As you step off the boat, the sight of brightly colored neoclassical buildings lining the bay immediately transports you into a postcard. Many travelers comment on the charming, picturesque harbor and the friendly atmosphere.

You have around 3 hours to explore, which is enough to indulge in a leisurely walk, visit shops, or find a traditional taverna for lunch. Reviewers note that “Symi is very interesting and quite compact,” making it easy to get around without rushing. Some even hike up to a local church for panoramic views—”we walked all the way up to a church to see the view”—highlighting how some guests seize the opportunity for a mini adventure.

The Return and Swim Stop at St. George’s Bay

After your time in Symi, you’ll set sail back along the coast. The itinerary includes a 20-minute sightseeing cruise, offering scenic views of the coastline. The highlight, however, is the 30-minute swim stop at St. George’s Bay—a natural focal point for many reviews.

Here, the water is noted for being crystal-clear and inviting, perfect for a quick dip. Reviewers describe it as “breathtaking” and “such a lovely beach”, with water that is refreshingly cool, making it a perfect way to cool off after exploring the island.

It’s worth noting that the timing of the swim can be different depending on your departure. The 9:00 and 11:00 departures include the swim stop, while the 15:15 does not, instead offering a photo stop and a less crowded, more relaxed sunset view.

Final Cruise and Return to Rhodes

The last leg of the trip is a longer cruise (about 70 minutes) back to Rhodes, with many reviewing it as an enjoyable, smooth ride. Some mention that the boat’s comfortable seating and attentive crew help make the return relaxing.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Speed and Efficiency

The high-speed boat is a major advantage. It allows travelers to maximize their time on Symi without the lengthy ferry ride. Many reviews highlight how quickly the boat reaches Symi—“we got there in about an hour”—which means you have more hours to enjoy the island rather than wasting time in transit.

Stunning Swimming Stop

The stunning waters of St. George’s Bay make it a highlight, with reviewers calling it “breathtaking” and praising the crystal-clear water. It’s a perfect spot for a quick refresh, and the boat crew often hands out jackets if it’s chilly, which many appreciate.

Symi’s Charm

With about 3 hours to explore, you get enough time to wander the colorful streets, relax in a cafe, or hike for views. Reviewers mention how “Symi’s small, charming, and interesting”, making it a great snapshot of Greek island life.

Value for Money

At $55 per person, this tour offers an immersive experience with multiple highlights: scenic sailing, island exploration, and swimming. Guests often comment on how “it’s good value for money” considering the included stops and the quality of the experience.

Guides and Crew

Feedback frequently mentions helpful staff and attentive crew, who make the journey smooth and enjoyable. As one reviewer noted, “the crew was really friendly and helpful”, and they even handed out fleeces to keep warm.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Timing is key: If swimming is your priority, book a departure around 9:00 or 11:00. The 15:15 trip skips the swim but offers a peaceful sunset and fewer crowds.
• Bring essentials: Pack your swimwear, towel, and sunscreen. The water’s inviting, and you’ll want to maximize your time in St. George’s Bay.
• Dress appropriately: The boat can get cool during the cruise, so a light jacket or layers are advisable—reviewers often mention this.
• Explore Symi: Don’t rush—use your three hours wisely. Try local dishes, walk around, or relax by the harbor.
• Meetup location: It’s easy to find the check-in point near Mandraki Harbor, with many reviewers describing it as straightforward.

The Sum Up

This high-speed day trip to Symi Island and St. George’s Bay offers a winning combination of speed, scenic beauty, and cultural charm. Its efficient route means you’ll spend less time traveling and more time enjoying, whether that’s wandering Symi’s colorful streets or swimming in inviting waters. The friendly crew, comfortable boat, and stunning views make it a solid choice for those seeking a memorable, enjoyable day in Greece.

Perfect for travelers who value time efficiency, love water activities, and want an authentic taste of Greek island life without the hassle of long travel times. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors to Rhodes, couples, or small groups looking for a relaxed yet lively adventure.

If you appreciate a well-organized tour with authentic moments, beautiful scenery, and a good dose of sunshine, this trip is likely to suit you. Just pick your departure time wisely to match your priorities—whether a swim, a sunset, or a full day exploring Symi.

FAQ

What is the price of this tour? The tour costs $55 per person, which includes the high-speed boat cruise, free time on Symi, and a swimming stop at St. George’s Bay.

How long does the trip last? The total duration ranges from 6 to 9 hours, depending on your selected departure time and schedule.

Does the tour include hotel transfers? No, hotel transfers are not included. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point, usually near Mandraki Harbor.

What should I bring? Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and possibly a light jacket, especially if you tend to get cold on boat rides.

Are there different departure times? Yes, typical options include 9:00, 11:00, and 15:15. The earlier trips include a swim stop, while the 15:15 trip does not but offers a sunset experience.

Is the experience suitable for all ages? Generally yes, but always consider individual comfort levels with boat rides and swimming. The crew is friendly and attentive, making sure everyone is comfortable.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if this high-speed cruise to Symi ticks all your boxes for a memorable Greek island escape. Happy sailing!

You can check if your dates are available here: