Symi Island boat tour: Fast crossing & St Georges swim

Reach Symi in two hours and spend the afternoon wandering its fishing harbor and pastel streets

A fast boat tour from Kolymbia to Symi Island with three hours of free time to explore the island's harbor, neoclassical buildings and local streets. The crossing takes two hours each way, and the return journey includes a 30-minute optional swim at St George's Bay. An English-speaking guide is on board.

Step-by-step itinerary

Symi Island tour with swim stop

• Travel 2 hours to Symi Island
• Explore Symi Island for 3 hours
• Return boat trip with swim stop
• Swim or relax at St George’s Bay
• Return to Kolymbia

The experience

The boat leaves Kolymbia and reaches Symi in two hours: faster than the standard ferry alternatives. Once you arrive, three hours are yours to wander: the fishing harbor with its pastel-colored neoclassical buildings, the blue, red and white church domes, and the narrow streets where locals still live. The island's gastronomy is known across Greece. Symi mini shrimps are a specialty worth trying if you find a waterfront taverna.

On the return to Kolymbia, the boat stops for a 30-minute swim at St George's Bay. You can jump in or stay on deck and photograph the bay. It's the island's most photographed spot. A restroom is available on board for the full journey.

What’s included

Restroom on board.

Before you book

Days and timesThursdayDeparts at 10:15

Book up to12h before

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

GroupUp to 98

Live guideEnglish

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 or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Kolymbia Sea Lines

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so you follow the commentary comfortably without needing to arrange a separate language option or translation device.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: 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 much time do I actually get to spend on Symi Island itself?

Three hours on Symi Island, after the two-hour crossing from Kolymbia. That window lets you see the harbor, walk the old streets and eat without rushing back to the boat.

Is the swim stop at St George's Bay mandatory?

The swim at St George's Bay is optional. You can jump in for the 30 minutes or stay on the boat and take photographs instead.

What is Symi Island known for?

Symi is known for its fishing harbor ringed by pastel neoclassical buildings, the colorful church domes scattered across the hillside, and its local seafood, especially Symi mini shrimps, which appear on menus throughout Greece.

How long is the boat journey from Kolymbia to Symi?

The fast boat takes approximately two hours each way from Kolymbia to Symi Island, which is faster than other crossing options available from the area.