Clear water. Colorful houses. One long day.

This boat trip to Symi Island mixes a Symi walking window with a St George Bay swimming break, so you get both town energy and time in the sea. I like the simple flow of the day (big scenery, then real downtime), and I also like that the boat has a restroom on board. The main downside to plan for is that the ride can feel bumpy and crowded, so discomfort at sea is the risk.

If you pick the right options, this can feel stress-free: you can meet at Half Price Tours in Rhodes or request hotel pickup for an extra charge depending on where you’re staying. It’s an around 9-hour outing, so you’ll want to treat it as a full day, not a quick hop.

Key things to know before you go

• St George Bay swim stop is about 1 hour so you can cool off without turning it into a full-day beach event
• About 3 hours in Symi town is enough time to walk, snack, and browse without feeling rushed
• Restroom on board helps a lot on a long sea day
• Hotel pickup costs extra and depends on distance (South Rhodes like Lindos/Pefkos/Gennadi vs other areas)
• Good-weather matters since the trip requires it, and rough conditions can change plans
• Bring a warm layer even in summer, because sea air can get chilly after swimming

Rhodes to Symi: what this day trip is really like

This is the kind of trip that works best when you go in with the right expectations. You’re not signing up for a museum tour or a short scenic cruise. You’re signing up for a sea day with two main “targets”: time in Symi town and time swimming at St George Bay.

The value is in the structure. You get hours that feel like actual time in places—3 hours in Symi is meant for walking and lunch, and the swim stop gives you a full hour in the water rather than a quick dip. The flip side is that sea travel takes time. You’ll spend a big chunk of your day on the boat, and that’s where comfort planning matters.

Meeting point in Rhodes and hotel pickup reality

Your default starting point is straightforward: Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

If you want the easy button, hotel pickup is available for an extra charge. The price depends on how far your hotel is from the pickup area, and it’s split by region—South Rhodes (Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, etc.) is treated one way, and the rest of the island is treated another way. When you book, you’ll see a special requirements field. Put your hotel name there, and the operator will get back to you with your pickup time.

Practical tip: if you’re not on a hotel pickup plan, arrive early enough to check in and get settled. In busy seasons, it’s not the kind of outing where you want to be last-minute about seats and boarding.

The boat ride to the swim stop: timing and comfort tips

The day typically runs like this: you leave Rhodes, head out for the St George Bay swimming stop, then continue to Symi, and finally return to Rhodes. Exact timing can shift a bit with sea and routing, but many people experience something close to:

• roughly 2 hours to reach the swim area
• about 1 hour in the water
• around 30 minutes to reach Symi town
• about 2 hours back to Rhodes

That boat portion is where you should plan ahead. Several reviews call out that the ride can be bumpy, and if you get motion sickness, don’t “tough it out.” Bring motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive. Also, if you can, dress for temperature swings: sea air can be cool after swimming, and you’ll be glad you brought something to cover up.

One more comfort note: the boat capacity is capped at a maximum of 200 travelers. Still, some departures feel packed, so consider whether you prefer a calmer ride or if you’re okay with a more active, less-cushy boat day.

St George Bay swim stop: how to make the most of your hour

The highlight “reset” is the St George Bay stop, with around 1 hour to swim. This is the part that turns a walking day into a true swim day.

What to expect:

• Clear water that feels worth the long day
• Time to jump in right away (it helps to arrive in your swim gear)
• A chance to cool off before you head to Symi town

Snorkel gear tip: you’ll likely want to bring your own snorkel if you care about snorkeling. Some onboard gear is limited to things like woggles rather than full snorkel sets, so plan to be self-sufficient if that’s your priority.

Also, wear your swimsuit under clothes if you can. It saves time and makes the transition smoother. After you swim, wrap up before you head to town—saltwater plus wind can chill you fast.

If conditions are too rough, you could lose this stop. One downside shared from a past departure was that the boat didn’t include St George Bay due to bad weather, even though the day still went forward. The general rule is: the trip needs good weather, and changes can happen when the sea doesn’t cooperate.

Symi town: 3 hours to walk, snack, and feel the place

Once you reach Symi, you get about 3 hours free time. Symi is small enough to explore on foot, and that’s a big part of why the timing works. You’re not stuck waiting for a long guided “group shuffle.” You can choose your own pace.

In practical terms, those 3 hours are ideal for:

• walking the main streets and photo points
• popping into small shops
• taking a break to eat

Lunch is not included, so this is when you’ll spend money on food. That’s not necessarily a bad thing—it usually means you can eat what you actually want instead of being tied to one set meal. If you’re the type who likes to browse and eat local, this is your window.

Smart planning: build in a little slack. You’ll want time to linger when something catches your eye, and you’ll also want time for a sit-down meal. Three hours can feel like a lot or a little depending on your walking speed and how many photos you stop for.

Back to Rhodes: why the return feels faster (and what to watch)

After your Symi time, you head back to Rhodes. The return segment is commonly experienced as about 2 hours on the boat.

Two practical things to remember:

1. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the return trip can be just as bumpy as the outbound stretch.
2. People sometimes underestimate the “stuck on a boat” feeling once the schedule tightens. Bring something small to keep you comfortable, and try to grab a spot that feels less affected by motion and fumes.

Some reviews specifically warn about strong odors when seated toward the back of the boat. If smells bother you, consider choosing a position that feels fresher to you.

Onboard basics: restroom, seating, and what to wear

The tour includes a restroom on board, which is a real quality-of-life item on a sea day. Beyond that, comfort mostly comes down to what you bring.

From reviews, a few practical habits help:

• If the weather turns windy or rainy, staying below can be more comfortable than sitting topside.
• Bring something warm for after swimming.
• Pack for the way the day actually moves: swim, dry off a bit, then walk around Symi.

You should also assume the boat can be lively. Many people talk about a fun vibe and friendly crew, but they also mention crowded conditions on certain boats or departures. If you hate tight spaces, you might find the sea travel portion less enjoyable.

Price and value: is $48.37 a fair deal?

At about $48.37 per person for a full day (around 9 hours) that includes boat transport, a restroom onboard, 3 hours in Symi, and an hour swim stop, this is priced like a value-focused excursion.

Here’s the honest value math:

• You’re paying for transport + time in Symi + a paid-by-the-day activity like the swim stop.
• The biggest “missing” cost is lunch. Since lunch isn’t included, you’ll likely spend there on Symi.
• Hotel pickup is extra, so your true total depends on where you’re staying.

Is it worth it? For many people, yes, because the day’s built around two payoff moments: Symi walking time and St George Bay swimming. If you mainly want a beach day or mainly want a town day, you might prefer something more focused. But if you want both in one go without planning ferry schedules yourself, this format is hard to beat for the money.

Who should book this Symi + swim stop boat trip

This tour fits best if you:

• want a simple, one-day plan to reach Symi from Rhodes
• like the idea of free time rather than a long, structured itinerary
• are okay with a boat ride that can be bumpy
• want a real swim stop with about an hour in the water

You might skip it or choose a different style of trip if you:

• have strong motion sickness and don’t want to manage it
• need plenty of personal space on boats
• prefer to control your timing more tightly (this is a set-schedule day)

Final verdict: should you book this day trip?

If you want Symi, and you want it with a swim break instead of just another walking afternoon, this is a solid choice. The standout strengths are practical: 3 hours in Symi to explore without rushing and about 1 hour at St George Bay for a genuinely refreshing swim. Add in restroom access on board and optional hotel pickup, and the day can feel smoother than DIY travel.

The main reason to hesitate is comfort. The sea ride can be rough, and boats can feel crowded depending on the day and boarding flow. If you’re motion-sickness-prone, bring pills and plan your comfort early.

If that doesn’t bother you, book it. Symi is the kind of place where once you’re there, you’ll understand why a long day on the water can still be worth it.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Rhodes to Symi with a swim stop?

The total duration is about 9 hours (approx.).

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get around 3 hours free time in Symi.

How long is the swimming stop at St George Bay?

You have around 1 hour for swimming at St George Bay.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and you’ll have free time in Symi to get food.

Is hotel pickup available, or do I need to meet at the office?

Pickup is available from all hotels on the island for an extra charge, depending on how far your hotel is located. If you do not take pickup, you meet at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece.

What language is the tour offered in?

It is offered in English.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

What if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.