Rhodes to Symi: Boat Trip & Swim Stop at St George Bay

Summary

Symi island day cruise with swimming pause at dramatic St George Bay

You’ll ride a boat from Rhodes to Symi Island, pausing for a swim in St George Bay’s clear water before exploring Symi on foot for three hours. Expect salty air, local snacks, and glimpses of daily island life — plus plenty of time to do nothing but watch boats drift by.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I thought I was just signing up for a regular boat trip from Rhodes to Symi, but the first thing that hit me wasn’t the view — it was the sound of everyone’s voices bouncing around the deck as we left the harbor. Kids giggling, someone unwrapping something that smelled like oregano and lemon, and this salty air that made my skin feel sticky before we’d even left sight of land. The crew didn’t say much at first, just nodded and pointed us toward seats. I liked that — no fuss.

The swim stop at St George Bay surprised me. I’d seen photos but they don’t really show you how clear the water is, or how the cliff face throws these weird shadows across everything. A few people dove straight in; I hesitated (it looked cold), but our guide Yiannis grinned and said “You’ll regret it if you don’t.” He was right. The water felt sharp and bright — almost electric? Someone handed me a snorkel mask and I tried to spot fish but mostly just floated, staring up at those cliffs. It’s funny what sticks with you.

When we finally docked in Symi, there was this hush — like everyone slowed down at once. We had about three hours to wander. No schedule, just time to get lost between pastel houses and little shops selling sponges or those sweets… can’t remember the name now. An old man waved as we passed his café; he didn’t seem to care if we stopped or not. I ended up sitting by the harbor eating something sticky-sweet, watching boats come and go. The sun bounced off the water so hard it made me squint — still think about that view sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Boat trip with swimming and island visit

• Swim and snorkel at Saint George Bay
• Explore Symi Island on foot

Top questions

How long is the boat trip from Rhodes to Symi?

The tour includes travel time plus about three hours of free time on Symi Island.

Is there a swimming stop during the day trip?

Yes, there’s about one hour for swimming at St George Bay before reaching Symi.

Are restrooms available on board?

Yes, there are restrooms available on the boat during the trip.

Is this tour suitable for families with small children?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Can wheelchair users join this boat trip?

The tour is wheelchair accessible according to provided details.

Are service animals allowed on board?

Yes, service animals are permitted on this boat trip.

How much free time do you get in Symi?

You’ll have around three hours of free time to explore Symi Island on foot.

Is public transportation nearby when returning?

Public transportation options are available near departure/arrival points.

What’s included

Your day covers a round-trip boat journey from Rhodes with onboard restrooms, a refreshing swim stop at St George Bay, and about three hours of free wandering time in Symi before heading back again in the afternoon.