Boat Trip to Symi Island with Swimming: St George Bay from Rhodes

St George Bay sits behind cliffs so tall the water stays calm even when the wind picks up everywhere else.

A boat trip from Rhodes to Symi Island in the Dodecanese, departing from Mandraki Harbor with optional hotel pickup, includes roughly three hours exploring Symi Town and a one-hour swim at St George Bay. The vessel has air-conditioned lounges, sun decks and a snack bar; shower and restroom facilities are on board. Lunch in Symi Town is your choice and your cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat trip with swimming and island visit

• Check in at Mandraki Harbor office
• Boat departs to St George’s Bay
• Swim in crystal-clear waters at St George’s Bay
• Continue boat trip to Symi Island
• Explore Symi Town for about 3 hours
• Visit architectural landmarks and sponge workshops
• Try local Symi shrimp at seaside taverna
• Climb Kali Strata steps to Upper Town viewpoint
• Return boat trip to Rhodes

The Experience

The boat leaves Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes and heads toward Symi Island, stopping first at St George Bay. The bay is famous for its 300-meter vertical cliffs that block the wind and keep the water transparent and still. You jump directly from the boat into the sea for roughly an hour of swimming; floating noodles are provided if you want them. The water is shallow enough near the boat to stand, and deep enough further out to dive.

After St George Bay, the boat continues to Symi Town, where you have about three hours to move around on your own. Walk the waterfront to see the Symi Clock Tower and the Peace statues of the sponge divers, or visit the Sponge Workshops to learn about the island's deep-sea diving history. The famous Symi Shrimp—tiny, crispy shrimp eaten whole—are served at seaside tavernas; this is where most people eat lunch. If you want a harder climb, the Kali Strata is 500 stone steps up to the upper village, Chorio, where the view across the Dodecanese is the best on the island.

The vessel is a cruiser with air-conditioned lounges, sun decks and a snack bar. Shower and restroom facilities are on board. Hotel pickup is available from Faliraki, Ialyssos, Ixia, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Gennadi, Theologos and Rhodes Town; if you're staying elsewhere, check-in is at the Half Price Tours office at Gallias 6, next to Mandraki Harbor. The full trip runs about 8.5 hours from departure to return.

What’s included

• The boat trip includes the vessel with air-conditioned lounges and sun decks.
• a one-hour swim stop at St George Bay with complimentary floating noodles.
• approximately three hours of free time in Symi Town.
• shower and restroom facilities on board.
• hotel pickup from multiple Rhodes locations (or check-in at the harbor office if your hotel is not listed).

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Half Price Tours

Is this one for you?St George's Bay stays calm and swimmable even when winds pick up elsewhere, and three hours in Symi Town lets you explore the sponge workshops, wander the upper village, and linger over lunch without rushing.

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Top questions

What is St George Bay like when you get there?

St George Bay is a secluded cove ringed by 300-meter cliffs that shelter it from wind, keeping the water calm and transparent. You swim directly from the boat into the sea for about an hour, and floating noodles are available if you need them.

How much free time do you get in Symi Town?

You have roughly three hours to explore Symi Town on your own pace. Most people spend time at the waterfront, visit the Sponge Workshops, or eat lunch at a seaside taverna; the climb to the upper village, Chorio, takes longer but offers panoramic views across the Dodecanese.

Is lunch included in this boat trip?

Lunch is not included. You have free time in Symi Town where you can eat at local tavernas; the Symi Shrimp is a local specialty, though restaurants serve other options as well.

Does the boat have facilities on board?

The boat is a cruiser with air-conditioned lounges, sun decks, a snack bar, shower and restroom facilities. Shaded seating areas are available throughout the vessel.

Can I get picked up from my hotel?

Hotel pickup is included and available from Faliraki, Ialyssos, Ixia, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Gennadi, Theologos and Rhodes Town. If your hotel is not in one of these areas, check-in is at the Half Price Tours office at Gallias 6, next to Mandraki Harbor.

How long is the whole trip?

The boat trip runs approximately 8.5 hours from departure to return, including the swim stop at St George Bay and three hours of free time in Symi Town.