Luxury Boat Trip to Symi Island with Swimming at St. George

Symi’s first appearance is the star of this trip. After crossing from Rhodes, you enter a bright harbour lined with tightly packed, pastel-coloured houses climbing the hillsides. I like the combination of St. George’s Bay, reached only by boat, and the generous three-hour stop in Symi itself. You get both a swim in clear water and time to wander, eat, and take photos.

I also like the simple choice offered on board: find a seat in the sun or shade, buy a coffee at the bar, and let the sea do the work. The main caution is the word luxury. One passenger reported hard plastic seats and too few seats for the number of people aboard, so arriving early for check-in and boarding is wise if comfort matters to you.

Key points to know before booking

• St. George’s Bay is the first stop: You have about 1.5 hours to swim from the boat in a remote bay on Symi’s east coast.
• Symi gives you three full hours: That is enough time for a meal, a walk through the harbour, and plenty of photographs without a rushed visit.
• The boat has sun and shaded seating: A coffee bar is available, though comfort can depend on how early you board.
• Simiako Garidaki is the local dish to try: These baby shrimp are cooked in olive oil and are a practical choice for a quick island lunch.
• Transfers can be added: Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when you select that option, including arrangements for hotels not on the standard list.
• Bring your own towel and snorkel gear: Towels are not listed among the included items, and the supply of snorkels may be limited.

Why Symi makes a fine day from Rhodes

Symi is known as the Jewel of the Dodecanese, and the nickname makes sense once the harbour comes into view. The island has an old-fashioned Greek character, with elegant houses, narrow streets, and a setting that feels more intimate than the larger resort areas of Rhodes.

The trip works well because it does not force you to choose between a beach stop and an island visit. Many boat outings give you only a short look at their destination. Here, you have three hours in Symi after the morning swim, so you can eat, stroll, shop, and take in the harbour at a reasonable pace.

At $81 per person, the value rests mainly in the combination of transport and time. You are paying for a full day on the water, return boat tickets, the St. George’s Bay stop, and three hours on Symi. If you would otherwise need to arrange separate boat transport and a beach visit, the price is sensible. It is less compelling if you expect a small yacht, plush seating, or a quiet private cruise.

The published rating is 4.5 from 22 reviews, with especially strong praise for the route, the clear organisation, and the crew’s friendly care. There is one important counterpoint: boat comfort may not match the luxury label for everyone.

Starting at Mandraki Harbour

If you are making your own way to the port, check in between 9:15 and 9:40 in the morning at the operator’s office at Gallias Street 6, beside the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbour. You receive your boarding pass there, so do not treat the boat departure as the only timing that matters.

That early check-in is useful for another reason. Seating may matter. One passenger reported that the boat had more people than available seats and that some passengers stood for much of the crossing. Other passengers found the boat clean and large enough for everyone, so the practical lesson is simple: arrive early if you want the best chance of choosing a comfortable place.

The transfer option is worth considering if you are staying outside Rhodes town. A pickup from Lindos was described as prompt, and a hotel in Theologos was also handled with advance arrangements. If your hotel is not on the pickup list, send the operator its name after booking. You should receive a pickup time and place, though contacting the company by phone or WhatsApp is sensible if no message arrives.

The crossing from Rhodes to Symi

Once on board, settle in for the trip across the Dodecanese sea. You can choose sun or shade, keep your camera ready, and buy a coffee at the bar. The boat offers a more relaxed way to reach Symi than arranging separate transport, but you should set realistic expectations about the word luxury.

The vessel was described as clean and a good size, with ample seating by one passenger. Another passenger found most of the seats hard and uncomfortable, with limited room for photographs and no access to the bow or upper deck. These details matter if you are hoping for open-deck sailing or a polished yacht experience.

I would treat the boat as a practical day-cruise vessel rather than a private luxury boat. Wear something comfortable, keep your sun hat and sunglasses close, and choose your seat early. If you want a prime view for photographs, do not assume every part of the boat will be open for use.

The crossing is also your first chance to see why Symi is so popular. The approach to the island provides changing views of dry hills, bright sea, and rugged coast. The best photographs are likely to come from the open areas that are available, though the supplied information does not promise a dedicated photography deck.

Swimming at St. George’s Bay

The first scheduled stop is St. George’s Bay, a natural inlet on Symi’s east coast that can only be reached by boat. Its isolation is part of the appeal. There are no roads bringing you down to the shore, so the bay feels like a proper break from the port towns and busy resort areas.

You have about 1.5 hours here. That is enough time for a good swim rather than a quick dip, provided you are ready when the boat anchors. The water is described as crystal clear and turquoise, with wild scenery around the bay. This is the most active part of the day, so have your swimsuit on or easy to reach.

Bring a towel. It is not listed as included, and one passenger dried off in the sun during the journey to Symi instead. A personal snorkel is also a good idea if seeing underwater life is important to you. Only a limited number of snorkels may be available, although the clear water means you can still enjoy the stop without one.

You should also think about your own swimming comfort. The stop is from a boat in a natural bay, not a supervised resort beach described with changing facilities. The information provided does not promise a sandy beach, showers, or water equipment for every passenger, so pack lightly but sensibly.

St. George’s Bay is a strong reason to book this particular route. It breaks up the crossing, gives you a memorable setting for a swim, and makes the day more than a simple harbour transfer.

Arriving at Symi Harbour

At about 1 p.m., the boat leaves St. George’s Bay and heads toward Symi Harbour. This is the visual high point of the trip. The harbour is often described as one of the most beautiful in Greece, with old houses stacked around the water and a sense of order and colour that makes the approach especially photogenic.

You have three hours in Symi. That is long enough to make the visit your own instead of following a fixed walking tour. You can remain near the water for photographs, choose a restaurant, wander into the streets, or combine all three.

Symi’s architecture is the main reason to slow down. The houses give the harbour its character, and the surrounding hills make the setting feel compact and dramatic. I would use the first few minutes to take in the full view, then walk without trying to cover every lane. Three hours sounds generous, but a meal and photographs can use much of it.

Keep track of the return time. Boarding begins at 4 p.m. for a 4:30 departure. The boat returns to Rhodes at about 6 p.m. If you wander away from the waterfront, leave enough time to come back without a sprint.

You may be able to leave bags safely on the boat while exploring, as one passenger did. Still, keep valuables with you and follow the crew’s instructions. The supplied information does not promise a formal luggage service.

Eating Simiako Garidaki

Symi’s signature food is Simiako Garidaki, small shrimp cooked in olive oil. This is the dish to seek if you want a local taste rather than a familiar Greek lunch. The shrimp are tiny and are commonly eaten as part of a simple seafood meal.

Three hours gives you a chance to eat without sacrificing the whole stop. You can also use the time for a coffee and a slow walk through the harbour. Prices and restaurant choices are not provided, so carry cash as requested and check the menu before ordering.

Cash is useful for more than food. It gives you an easy way to handle small purchases during the island visit and avoids depending on card payment at every stop. You should also carry sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. The boat and harbour offer plenty of exposure, and the day lasts eight hours.

How the schedule shapes your day

The timing is clear:

• Check in at Mandraki Harbour between 9:15 and 9:40 a.m. if you have no transfer.
• Cruise from Rhodes toward Symi.
• Swim for about 1.5 hours at St. George’s Bay.
• Sail toward Symi Harbour at about 1 p.m.
• Spend three hours on Symi.
• Begin return boarding at 4 p.m.
• Depart at 4:30 p.m.
• Arrive back in Rhodes around 6 p.m.

That is a full day, but the itinerary has a pleasant rhythm. The morning is mostly spent at sea, the middle brings a proper swim, and the afternoon gives you time on land. You will not have the flexibility of an independent ferry trip, but you also do not need to arrange the sea crossing, beach stop, and return journey yourself.

The schedule suits people who like their day trips neatly organised. It is less suitable if you want to stay late on Symi, explore away from the harbour, or travel at your own pace.

Is the boat really luxurious?

This deserves a direct answer: the experience provides a comfortable day-cruise setup for some passengers, but the term luxury may set expectations too high.

The positive details are useful. The boat was described as clean, a good size, and equipped with plenty of seats by one passenger. You can choose sun or shade, and there is a bar for coffee. The crew was praised for being friendly, attentive, and helpful during the journey.

The concern is seating. Another passenger reported hard plastic seats, overcrowding, no access to the bow or upper deck, and limited photo space because plastic chairs filled the available areas. This is not a small detail on an eight-hour outing.

My advice is to book for the route, not for yacht-style comfort. St. George’s Bay and Symi Harbour are the real attractions. Arrive early, choose your place carefully, and bring a light layer or cushion if you are sensitive to hard seating. Do not assume that luxury means a private boat, wide open decks, or premium lounge chairs.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would recommend this outing to you if you want to see Symi in one day from Rhodes and like having the transport handled for you. It suits couples, families, and small groups who want a swim, photographs, local food, and a little free time without planning several separate bookings.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Lindos or another area where a reliable transfer saves hassle. The pickup service has handled hotels outside the main list, though you need to send the hotel name and confirm the time.

I would be more cautious if you have back problems, dislike firm seating, or expect a premium yacht experience. The boat may feel crowded, and the trip offers no promise of a quiet upper deck or private space.

It is also not the best choice if your main aim is serious snorkelling. The water is clear, but snorkel equipment may be limited, so bring your own if that part of the day matters.

Booking details and practical preparation

The price is $81 per person. Round-trip boat tickets are included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only when you select the transfer option, so check that choice carefully before paying.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. That is helpful when your Rhodes schedule is still shifting.

Pack:

• Sunglasses
• A sun hat
• Sunscreen
• Cash
• A towel
• Your own snorkel, if you want to use one
• Comfortable clothing for a long day on a boat

Keep your boarding details easy to reach. If you are using pickup and no time arrives, contact the operator by phone or WhatsApp rather than guessing.

Should you book the Symi boat trip?

Book it if your priority is seeing St. George’s Bay and Symi Harbour in one organised day. The route gives you a worthwhile swim stop, a full three hours on the island, and a memorable approach to one of the Dodecanese’ most attractive harbours. The $81 price is reasonable for that combination, especially with optional hotel transport.

Do not book it expecting a private yacht or guaranteed soft seating. The boat may be clean and well run, but comfort can vary, and arriving early is important. Bring a towel, cash, sun protection, and your own snorkel if needed. With those expectations in place, this is a strong choice for a first look at Symi from Rhodes.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip to Symi?

The full experience lasts eight hours, including the cruise from Rhodes, the swim at St. George’s Bay, time in Symi, and the return journey.

What time should I check in at Mandraki Harbour?

If you are going to the harbour independently, check in from 9:15 to 9:40 a.m. at the office on Gallias Street 6, next to the Benetton shop.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available when you select the transfer option. If your hotel is not listed, send its name after booking so a pickup time and place can be arranged.

How long do you spend at St. George’s Bay?

The boat stays at St. George’s Bay for about 1.5 hours, giving you time to swim in the clear water.

How long do you have on Symi Island?

You have three hours in Symi. Return boarding begins at 4 p.m., with departure scheduled for 4:30 p.m.

What food should you try in Symi?

Try Simiako Garidaki, the island’s local baby shrimp dish cooked in olive oil.

What should you bring?

Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sunscreen, and cash. A towel is also useful for the swimming stop, and you may want to bring your own snorkel because the available supply may be limited.