A day trip can change how you see an island. This one pairs two standout stops—old-world Symi and the boat-only swimming at St. George Bay—wrapped in a smooth, structured schedule. I especially like the well-organized pickup/communications that keeps the morning stress low, and the fact that snorkeling gear is provided for the swim stop. One thing to keep in mind: the sea ride can be a bit bouncy, so motion-sick prone folks should plan for it.

Symi is the kind of place where you just start walking and the island takes over. You get about 3 hours there, long enough to wander the harbor lanes, stop for photos, and find a relaxed lunch without feeling rushed. The trade-off is that it’s a day cruise with a set timing, so you’re not going to slow-travel Symi at your own pace.

Quick hits before you go to Symi

• Free admission for both main stops, so your ticket cost mainly goes to boat time and service.
• St. George Bay swim is time-protected: about 1.5 hours anchored in a natural bay only reachable by boat.
• Snorkeling equipment included, so you can swim and look around without shopping first.
• Daily departure at 10:00 with a return to Rhodes around 18:00, good for a full day itinerary.
• Optional hotel pickup (extra charge) depending on where you’re staying, requested via the booking special requirements field.
• Larger day-cruise size (up to 220 travelers), so expect a social, not private, vibe.

The big picture: Rhodes to Symi in a full day

This is an 8-hour-style outing that runs every day, leaving from the Rhodes Town harbor at 10:00. You’re back in Rhodes around 18:00, with the return tied to Mandraki Harbor. In practical terms, it’s built for people who want that Symi magic without sacrificing their whole day on the island.

You’ll move in two main waves: first a boat ride to the swimming stop, then a transfer to Symi for walking and time on shore. The schedule is simple on paper, but it matters because you’re balancing sun, sea time, and the reality that boats have to follow a timetable to get everyone back.

Price and logistics: what you’re actually paying for

At $88.67 per person, you’re not just buying a boat seat. You’re getting a day plan that includes:

• Snorkeling equipment for the swim stop
• Free admission tickets for Symi and St. George Bay
• A set amount of time at each destination (so you aren’t guessing what you’ll get)

Lunch is the main item you’ll handle yourself. Food and drinks aren’t included, but the upside is that Symi gives you free time to eat at your own pace. If you want a quick bite, you can keep it simple. If you want to linger, you won’t feel like you’re eating on a stopwatch.

Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge, and it depends on how far your hotel is from the pickup route. You’ll want to use the booking field for special requirements and write your hotel name so the operator can respond with your pickup time.

One more practical note: this trip needs good weather. If poor conditions force a change, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. And if you’re booking last-minute, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Rhodes pickup and port check-in without chaos

The morning setup is one of the smoother parts of this day. You start at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece, unless you choose hotel pickup. If you do choose pickup, you’ll get a pickup time based on where you’re staying—South areas like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi are handled differently than other parts of the island.

A big plus is the level of communication you should expect. The process is designed so you know what time to be ready and where to go. In one common experience, people received details right away after booking and then got confirmation again the day before. That kind of follow-through matters on Rhodes, where ports and meeting points can feel like a lot when you’re not local.

Once you reach the port area, the crew handles the boarding flow. The boat itself is described as clean and well presented, and the staff are welcoming. That doesn’t erase the fact you’re traveling with a full crowd, but it does make the first 30 minutes feel under control.

Symi stop: 3 hours to walk the harbor and find your rhythm

Symi earns its nickname as the jewel of the Dodecanese for a reason: it feels like an island where the town itself is the attraction. You get about 3 hours on Symi, and that’s a solid chunk of time for a day trip.

What you’ll likely love about Symi at this timing:

• You’ll have enough time to wander without rushing, even if you stop frequently for photos.
• The harbor area gives you that classic Old-World look people come for, with architecture that feels close and human-sized.
• Since the schedule allows for free time, you can shape your own “perfect loop” rather than sticking to a strict guided route.

A practical drawback: 3 hours can still feel like not enough if you’re the type who loves coffee stops, long conversations, and slow stairs. If you want a very relaxed day, go into Symi with a simple game plan: pick one direction to start, then let the rest unfold.

Also, plan your lunch like a local. Lunch isn’t included, but you’re on Symi with time to choose. If you’re trying to avoid long waits, go a little earlier rather than right at peak midday.

St. George Bay swimming: boat-only access and real water time

After Rhodes, the itinerary shifts to the most sensory part: St. George Bay. This is the east-coast bay on Symi that’s only accessible by boat. You’ll anchor there for about 1.5 hours, with time built in for swimming.

This is where the value of included snorkeling equipment shows up. You don’t need to pack or rent gear. You can swim first, then snorkel if you want. Even if snorkeling isn’t your main goal, having equipment ready removes friction.

Why this swim stop is worth protecting:

• It’s scheduled as a dedicated block, not a quick splash.
• The water at the bay is described as clear and inviting, which is exactly what you want on a stop meant for swimming.
• You’re in a natural bay setting, so you’re less likely to feel like you’re fighting the open-sea conditions.

One consideration: the sea ride can be slightly bouncy to and from the swim area. Nothing about it sounds extreme, but if you’re sensitive to motion, pack accordingly. A simple fix is to sit where you feel the most stable—then keep your eyes on the horizon if you start to feel queasy.

The boat experience: comfort, cleanliness, and a group vibe

This is a “luxury” styled day cruise, but it’s still a group outing. The operator runs it for up to 220 travelers, so the vibe is social and busy compared with a private charter. The upside of a bigger group is that service tends to run like a system—everyone gets moved through the key moments: meeting, boarding, timing at stops, and return.

What you can expect based on the way it’s described:

• The boat is clean and well presented.
• The crew is welcoming and helps keep things on track.
• The ride includes the natural movement of the sea, especially on the legs tied to the swimming stop.

Your comfort checklist matters more than you might think. Bring sun protection, because you’ll be outside during the Symi walking time and while waiting for swim chances. Also bring a dry change of clothes if you plan to snorkel or swim—wet gear can turn a good day into an uncomfortable one.

How to plan your day: timing tricks that actually help

With a fixed schedule (10:00 departure and return around 18:00), you’ll have an easier time if you plan your body and your bag for the day’s two “modes”: land wandering and sea swimming.

Here are practical timing ideas that fit this specific plan:

• Morning energy: Be ready early if you’re doing hotel pickup. If not, arrive at the meeting point area with enough slack to find your group and board without stress.
• Symi strategy: Use your first 20–30 minutes in Symi to pick your direction. After that, just flow. It keeps you from backtracking and losing photo time.
• Lunch approach: Since food and drinks aren’t included, plan to eat in Symi. If you want a specific type of meal, consider going a bit earlier rather than waiting for the busiest window.
• Swim gear mindset: Even with snorkeling equipment provided, you’ll feel better if you bring what makes you comfortable—towel, water shoes if you prefer them, and a small bag for sunblock and essentials.

If you want to make the planning even easier, note that this trip is often booked about 18 days in advance on average. That doesn’t mean you must book that early for sure, but it’s a sign the dates can move.

Who should book this Symi cruise (and who might skip)

This tour is a great match if you want:

• A one-day taste of Symi without arranging ferries or timing your own connections
• A real swimming stop at St. George Bay with about 1.5 hours anchored time
• Snorkeling gear provided, plus free ticket admission at both main stops
• A day that’s structured enough to feel easy, not so rigid that you’re stuck in a bus all day

I’d think twice if you:

• Want a private, quiet experience. With up to 220 travelers, it’s not built for solitude.
• Are extremely motion-sensitive. The trip includes boat movement, and the ride to the swim area is described as slightly bouncy.
• Have an extremely strict lunch budget or picky dietary needs. Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan your own meal in Symi.

Should you book this Symi luxury boat trip?

If you want the best value from a Rhodes day trip—Symi time plus a dedicated swim stop—this one makes sense. The included snorkeling equipment, free admission for both destinations, and the clear timing blocks are exactly what you want when you only have one day to spare.

I’d book it if your priority is scenery and water time with minimal hassle. You’ll get a good stretch of walking in Symi and a structured swim window at St. George Bay, with hotel pickup as an option if you need it.

If your priority is total quiet or you’re very sensitive to sea motion, look at alternatives (or plan for comfort on the boat). For most people, though, this is one of the cleaner ways to experience Symi without turning your day into logistics.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart from Rhodes Town?

The tour departs every day at 10:00 from the Harbor in Rhodes Town.

How long is the boat trip, and what time do you return to Rhodes?

The duration is about 8 hours, and the tour returns to Rhodes to Mandraki Harbor at around 18:00.

How much time do I get in Symi and at St. George Bay?

You get about 3 hours in Symi and about 1.5 hours at St. George Bay.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included, but you’ll have free time in Symi to buy your own lunch.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. The tour includes use of snorkeling equipment.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from all hotels on the island for an extra charge. Your pickup time depends on the distance from your hotel area, and you should enter your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking.