Symi is best seen from the sea. On this Rhodes-to-Symi day cruise, I love the St. George’s Bay swim in clear, turquoise water, and I also make time to try Simiako Garidaki (baby shrimps cooked in olive oil). One heads-up: the boat setup can feel less comfy for some people, with hard plastic seating and a chance you’ll need to stand if the boat fills up.

This is a great-paced 8-hour day trip with optional hotel pickup, plus sun or shade seating and a bar onboard for a coffee. The schedule is tight enough to feel like a “proper excursion,” but not so rushed that Symi turns into a checklist.

Key highlights at a glance

• St. George’s Bay swim time: 1.5 hours anchored in a boat-only bay
• Symi harbour first look: a dramatic arrival that frames the whole day
• Symiako Garidaki to hunt down: baby shrimps cooked in olive oil
• Sun or shade seating: you pick where you relax on the boat
• Photo-friendly stop order: water views first, then architecture and harbour streets
• On-the-water simplicity: bags can stay safely on the boat while you explore

A Symi day cruise from Rhodes: why this route works

Symi earns its nickname for a reason. The island’s charm is less about big sights and more about the feel: old-world colors, tight little lanes, and that sense that the place has been here a long time. Coming by boat changes the tone immediately. You’re not rushing from one point to another. You’re arriving by water, then soaking up the island at a pace that fits real life.

This day plan also does something smart: it front-loads the water moment. You don’t wait until the end to swim. You get your time in the sea early, when you’ve got energy and the light is often at its nicest.

And it’s “luxury” in the practical sense. You get a comfy ride with plenty of seating for many people, clean conditions, and the chance to sit under shade or in the sun without having to negotiate your spot like you’re packing into a bus.

That said, the word luxury can mean different things to different people. If you’re very sensitive to hard seats, you’ll want to read the comfort section carefully before you book.

Rhodes to Symi: check-in and timing that keep stress low

Your day starts around Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes. If you’re coming to the port on your own and you’re not using transfer, you check in for your boarding pass from 09:15 to 09:40 at Gallias str. 6, next to the Benetton shop (Mandraki Harbor area).

From there, the flow is straightforward. You’ll board, get settled, then the cruise runs like this:

• Departure from Rhodes and sailing to Symi with the first swim stop planned
• St. George’s Bay anchoring for about 1.5 hours
• At 13:00, set sail again toward Symi
• Around 3 hours in Symi to explore and eat
• Boarding begins at 16:00
• 16:30 departure back to Rhodes
• Arrival back in Rhodes at 18:00

The timing matters because it matches how Symi is best enjoyed. You get real wandering time in town, without needing to rush from the harbour to the far end of the island.

Stop 1: St. George’s Bay swim in a boat-only cove

St. George’s Bay is the kind of place you remember because it feels slightly unreachable. It’s a natural bay on Symi’s east coast that’s only accessible by boat. That access limitation keeps it from feeling like a crowded beach scene.

You drop anchor and get 1.5 hours in the water. The water is described as silky and crystal-clear, with that bright turquoise look that turns photos into instant souvenirs. Even if you’re not planning to snorkel, the clarity makes swimming feel effortless.

What I’d bring for this swim

The tour info lists essentials like:

• sunglasses
• sun hat
• sunscreen
• cash

Then add two very practical extras based on real use:

• A towel (or plan to dry off in the sun on the boat afterward)
• Your own snorkel gear if you care about it. There’s only a limited amount, and the sea is clear enough that having your own setup can make the experience more relaxed.

One more small tip: if you’re going to carry bags while you explore Symi later, the experience here is that you can safely leave your bags on the boat during island time. That’s one less thing to think about once you’re on shore.

The Symi harbour reveal: your 3 hours for streets, photos, and shade

At 13:00, you set sail again and Symi Harbour appears. The first sight is a big part of the day. Symi’s harbour isn’t just pretty—it gives you a visual map of where you’re headed next, and it helps you understand why the island looks like it does: layered buildings, angles that frame the sea, and a town that feels arranged for people who arrive slowly.

Once you’re there, you get about three leisurely hours on the island. That’s enough time to:

• stroll through the lanes without turning it into a sprint
• pause for photos at harbour viewpoints
• find your way to lunch without feeling trapped in a timetable

Because the schedule gives you a clear window, I’d treat your time in Symi like a choose-your-own-walk day. Start by orienting near the harbour, then wander toward the lanes that look most atmospheric in front of you.

Photo tips that match the day’s rhythm

You’ll have plenty of chances to take pictures on both legs of the trip—first with the water views, then with Symi’s architecture and harbour backdrops. If you’re the type who likes photos with breathing room, aim to take your first round near the harbour soon after you arrive, when the light and your energy are highest.

Also, keep expectations realistic about photo spots on the boat itself. Comfort and space depend on how the boat is used that day.

Simiako Garidaki: what to order with your Symi time

You’re on Symi long enough to eat properly, and the tour strongly nudges you toward one signature dish: Simiako Garidaki.

This is baby shrimps cooked in olive oil—a local favorite tied to the island’s food culture. It’s the kind of dish that works as a quick lunch when you don’t want a long sit-down, and it’s also a great “I did Symi” moment because it tastes like the island rather than like generic seafood.

Practical strategy: pick a spot near where you first land, then use the rest of your three hours to wander after lunch. That way you’re not chasing the dish at the end with time running out.

Boat comfort and the word luxury: where it shines, where it can bite

Let’s talk about the boat, because this is where opinions can split.

What you’ll likely like

A lot of people appreciate that the boat is a good size for everyone, with plenty of seats and a clean interior. You can also choose sun or shade, which matters when the weather has that mid-day warmth and you want to shift your comfort level without changing plans. There’s also a bar onboard, so a coffee break is part of the day rather than a bonus.

What you should watch for

Some reports describe a less comfortable setup:

• seats can be hard plastic
• tickets may outnumber seating, so a portion of the trip might involve standing
• you may not have access to areas like the bow or upper deck
• photo space can feel limited if the deck is packed with plastic chairs

If you’re picky about comfort, here’s the simple move: arrive early for boarding and aim for a shaded spot if you can. Also, don’t count on being able to take photos from the most open angles on the boat if it’s crowded.

This isn’t meant to scare you off. It’s just honest guidance so your expectations match reality. Symi is the star. The boat is the vessel.

The pace: how the swim and Symi time fit together

The day has a clear structure that prevents the common “island day” trap: too much traveling, too little enjoying.

You start with the sea:

• 1.5 hours in St. George’s Bay
• then back on board to reset
• then 13:00 sailing to Symi
• then three hours for island time

That means your swim isn’t a rushed splash, and your Symi wandering isn’t squeezed into the last hour. Even the return is paced. Boarding begins at 16:00, the departure is 16:30, and you’re back in Rhodes by 18:00—close enough to dinner plans, without forcing a late-night scramble.

If you like having energy left for the evening, this timing helps.

Price and value: is $81 per person worth it?

At $81 per person for a full day (about 8 hours) with round-trip boat transport, this can feel like good value—especially if you want a hands-off day.

You’re paying for:

• the boat ride to Symi and back
• the organized schedule between Rhodes, St. George’s Bay, and Symi Harbour
• time built into the trip for swimming and sightseeing
• optional hotel pickup if your accommodation is included

Where the math changes is for people who are very cost-driven and would rather DIY. But this option is about reducing mental load: you don’t have to coordinate ferries, timing, and local logistics while you’re excited to be in the Dodecanese.

My practical take: this works best when you want a smooth, guided day trip vibe. If you’re looking for maximum comfort above all else, you should weigh that against the seat setup notes.

Who this tour suits best (and who should think twice)

This is a strong fit if you:

• want a swim in clear water without planning the boat access yourself
• like architecture and harbours, and you’ll use a three-hour window well
• appreciate organized pacing so you don’t lose time figuring things out
• want a practical taste of Symi with Simiako Garidaki

You might think twice if:

• you’re very uncomfortable with hard seating or crowded decks
• you care about having prime photo angles from the boat itself
• you expect a fully open upper deck experience

But even then, you’re still getting the two big rewards: a real swim stop and time in Symi.

Should you book this Symi boat trip with Half Price Tours?

Book it if you want a straightforward day that hits the best parts fast: swimming at St. George’s Bay, then Symi Harbour and the lanes for wandering and food. The schedule is long enough to enjoy, short enough to avoid burnout.

Consider shopping around or adjusting expectations if seating comfort is your top priority, because the boat can be hard-plastic and crowded depending on the day.

If you do book, set yourself up for success:

• bring a towel for the swim timing
• bring sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
• if you want snorkel time, pack your own gear
• arrive early for boarding so you have the best shot at a comfortable spot

FAQ

What is the duration of the Symi boat trip?

The trip runs for about 8 hours.

Where is the check-in for people who don’t need hotel pickup?

If you’re not using a transfer, you check in for a boarding pass from 09:15 until 09:40 at Gallias str. 6, next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor.

How long do we stop at St. George’s Bay for swimming?

You get about 1.5 hours at St. George’s Bay.

What time does the boat depart Rhodes and return?

After boarding begins at 16:00, the departure back to Rhodes is at 16:30, arriving back at 18:00. The sailing to Symi is at 13:00.

How much time do you get to explore Symi?

You have about three hours on Symi.

What food should I try on Symi during the trip?

The tour highlights Simiako Garidaki, baby shrimps cooked in olive oil.

Do I need to bring towels or snorkelling gear?

A towel is useful for the swim. If you plan to snorkel, you may want to bring your own snorkel gear since there is only a limited amount available.