Rhodes to Symi: Fast Boat & St George's Bay Swim Stop

One Hour to Symi: The Fast Boat That Actually Gets You There

You board a speedboat in Rhodes and reach Symi in one hour instead of the usual three or four. Once there, you have three hours to explore the pastel-colored port town and its quiet streets on your own schedule. On the return, the boat stops for 30 minutes at St George's Bay so you can swim in clear water before heading back to Rhodes. The whole day takes around six to seven hours from pickup to return.

Step-by-step itinerary

Fast boat trip and island exploration

• Depart Rhodes by high speed boat
• Enjoy 3 hours free time on Symi Island
• Stop 30 minutes swimming at St Georges Bay
• Return to Rhodes by boat

The experience

"You know, most people waste the whole day on the old ferry," the captain said as we boarded, gesturing at the newer speedboat tied alongside the slower route. "This one, you're in Symi before lunch." The difference is real: the high-speed boat cuts the Rhodes-to-Symi crossing to just one hour, which means you're not trading half your day for the journey. Check-in opens an hour before departure and closes 20 minutes before, so you arrive early enough to settle in without rushing. The boat runs three times daily (9am, 11am, and 15:15), and each departure includes a 30-minute swim stop at St George's Bay on the way back (or on the way out, depending on which sailing you choose).

Symi itself sits about three hours of free time away from the moment you dock. The port is the main draw: a horseshoe of pastel mansions stacked up the hillside in shades of cream, pink, and pale blue, each one looking like it was painted by hand. There's no guided tour included, so you wander at your own pace: down the narrow streets, into the small tavernas, or up toward the quieter neighborhoods where locals actually live. The island is small enough that you won't get lost, and busy enough that you'll find a coffee or a meal without searching. Three hours is enough to see the port properly, grab lunch, and still have time to sit by the water before heading back.

The swim stop at St George's Bay happens on the return leg (for the morning departures) or on the way out (for the 15:15 sailing). Thirty minutes gives you time to change, swim in water that's genuinely clear, and dry off before boarding again. The views from the bay are the kind that make you understand why people keep coming back to this part of Greece. The boat has a restroom on board, which matters on a one-hour journey, and all areas are wheelchair accessible if that's relevant to your group.

What’s included

Your ticket covers the one-hour speedboat journey from Rhodes to Symi, three hours of free time on the island to explore at your own pace, a 30-minute swim stop at St George's Bay with access to the clear water, and use of the restroom on board. Meals and activities on Symi are separate.

Options for this experience

6 options

Fast boat trip to Symi with a swim stop at St George Bay (half-day outing)Guide in English or German · 11:00

Pickup available from Faliraki BeachGuide in English or German · Available from 3 May 2027Boarding from Faliraki at 10:00: 1) Faliraki Harbour and the red steps on the beach, 2) Apollo Blue Hotel, 3) Calypso Beach, 4) Esperides, 5) Amada Colossos

Cruise with hotel transferGuide in English or German · 11:00Cruise with hotel transfer from Faliraki, Ixia, Kolympia, Kallithea and Kremasti

See 3 more options

Departure point: Kolymbia Harbour pickupGuide in English or German · 10:15Boarding at Kolymbia Harbour: this option suits guests staying in Kolymbia, with the boat collecting you from the harbour at 09:25.

Lardos and Pefkos optionGuide in English or German · Available from 16 Jun 2027Boarding from Lardos Beach at the red steps on the beach beneath Costa Lindia Hotel. A return transfer from Pefkos can be arranged for 10 euros per person.

Pickup from Vlycha and KiotariGuide in English or German · Available from 15 Jun 2027Kiotari at 09:00 and Vlycha at 09:45: pickup from the Kiotari 1 stop and Kiotari 2 at 09:00, and from the red steps at Vlycha Beach at 09:45.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesTuesday to SaturdayDepartures at 10:15 and 11:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (12 to 17 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Infant (under 4)

GroupUp to 450

Live guideEnglish and German

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Rhodes Sea Lines

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to see Symi without losing a full day to travel. The one-hour crossing is what makes three hours on the island actually feel like enough time instead of a rushed stopover.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and German.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (12 to 17 years); Child (4 to 11 years); Infant (under 4).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?

One hour on the high-speed boat. The older ferry takes three to four hours.

What time do the boats depart?

9am, 11am, and 15:15 (3:15pm). Check-in opens one hour before and closes 20 minutes before departure.

How much free time do you get on Symi Island?

Three hours to explore the port, walk the streets, eat lunch, or sit by the water.

Is there a swim stop included?

Yes. A 30-minute stop at St George's Bay happens on the return leg for the 9am and 11am departures, and on the way out for the 15:15 departure.

What's included in the ticket?

The boat ride, the swim stop, and a restroom on board. Meals and activities on Symi are not included.

Is the boat accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes. All areas and surfaces on the boat are wheelchair accessible, and transportation to the port is available nearby.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes, service animals are permitted on board.