St. George Bay turns a day trip into a swim day. This Rhodes-to-Symi cruise is built around a boat-only natural bay, free snorkeling gear, and real time on Symi town’s waterfront. I love the mix of easy sightseeing and long water breaks, but one thing to plan for is that sea conditions and the captain can shift swim timing or stop order.

I also like that you’re not stuck on a rigid schedule all day. You get a hotel transfer when eligible, a simple onboard setup with WiFi and restrooms, and a included Greek lunch on Symi time. The day runs about 8 to 9 hours, so you’ll want sun protection and a relaxed mindset if it gets warm.

Key highlights worth planning for

• St. George Bay anchor time: about 1.5 hours in a boat-only cove, with time to swim or snorkel
• Complimentary snorkeling equipment: plus extras that help less-confident swimmers feel comfortable
• Symi’s pastel harbor streets: about 3 hours to wander, shop, and stop for lunch
• Onboard comfort basics: WiFi, restrooms, and air-conditioned transport on the transfer
• Bar on the vessel: adult alcohol sales are handled through the onboard bar (not part of the included price)

Why this Symi cruise feels worth it from Rhodes

If you’re doing Rhodes in a week, Symi is the “other side of the water” day you’ll remember. Rhodes is busy. Symi is different: smaller, prettier, and built around a harbor that rewards slow walking. This cruise gives you the best of both worlds without forcing you into complicated planning.

The real draw is that first swim stop. St. George Bay (on Symi’s east coast) is the kind of place you can’t really reach the normal way, so arriving by boat changes the whole feel. You’re not dodging crowds at a public beach. You’re dropping anchor, stepping in, and staring at cliff lines and turquoise water.

And then there’s the second phase: land time. About 3 hours in Symi is a useful chunk. It’s long enough to get your bearings, wander past the pastel houses, and still have time to choose where you want to eat. I like this pacing because it avoids the “rush, photo, rush again” trap that hits some one-day island trips.

Rhodes pickup and boarding: how to make it smooth

The tour starts at Platia Eleftherias (Pl. Eleftherias), Rhodes at 10:00 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point. If you’re using the optional pickup, you’ll get details by email about 24 hours before the trip. You should also expect a message the evening before (around 9:00 pm) via WhatsApp or email, listing the exact pickup spot and time.

Here’s the practical catch: transfers are only provided for bookings made at least 14 hours before the activity. If you book later than that, you may have to make your own way to the main meeting point. Also, the operator notes that if you miss your pickup time, they can’t take responsibility for the cost.

On the day, aim to arrive a bit early even if you’re doing pickup. The boat setup matters. Seating is part of your experience here—one of the most common “good day” comments centers on getting a better position on deck.

St. George Bay: boat-only swimming plus snorkeling on your schedule

St. George Bay is your first real taste of why this cruise works. You’ll drop anchor for about 1.5 hours, with time to either swim right off the vessel or snorkel using equipment provided onboard.

This is the kind of swim stop where you can do it your way:

• If you just want a cool-off, you can keep it simple and swim without gear.
• If you want to see more, grab the snorkel equipment and look around for color and fish life near the surface.
• If you’d rather not get wet, you can also sit back and enjoy the view with a drink.

A couple of important reality checks. Some days are calmer and others less so. And not every stop will feel like a sandy beach. One caution that matters: a few people reported anchor-and-swim conditions where the bottom wasn’t a classic beach setup. If that happens, consider wearing water shoes so you’re not stepping onto rocky edges.

On the “helpful swimmer” side, I like that the snorkeling setup includes support items for less-confident swimmers. That makes it easier for more people in a group to join the water portion without stress.

Symi town in three hours: what you can actually do

After the swim stop, the cruise heads to Symi for around 3 hours. Symi is often called the jewel of the Dodecanese, and it’s easy to see why once you’re walking the streets near the harbor. The island has that classic Greek postcard look—pastel buildings, flower-filled balconies, narrow lanes, and a skyline of small churches and monasteries.

Three hours is a sweet spot, but it’s not a full-day exploration. Your best use of the time is to do a simple loop:

1. Walk from the harbor lanes inward for a quick architecture and photo stretch.
2. Stop once you find the street-level vibe you like—cafés and small shops cluster in the most walkable areas.
3. Plan lunch timing so you’re not stuck deciding late.

One seasonal detail to keep in mind is that some shop owners may be closed during midday breaks. On hot days, you can run into siesta hours, which means fewer stores open for browsing during part of your Symi window. If shopping is a big part of your trip, you’ll want to start walking early after docking.

Food-wise, the included lunch gives you an easy base plan. Symi is known for seafood, and the included meal helps you avoid the “what do we do for lunch now?” scramble when everyone’s hungry after the swim.

Onboard experience: WiFi, restrooms, and what to expect from the bar

This cruise includes basic onboard comfort that really matters on a long day: WiFi on board and a restroom are included, and the transfer uses an air-conditioned vehicle. Those are small things, but they help when you’re moving through heat and waiting times.

Then there’s the bar. The experience highlight mentions cocktails from the onboard bar, and alcohol service is handled for adults. What I’d manage expectations about: the bar may not feel like a full staffed bar in the way you picture at a resort. People have described it more like a limited service counter, with a small menu of mixed drinks.

Also, bring a practical payment plan. One note that comes up: the onboard bar may operate on cash only. It’s not always convenient to figure out mid-cruise, so having cash ready helps.

The upside of the bar setup is that it keeps the day relaxed. You can grab a cold soda or a drink while you watch the coastline, without needing to leave the boat for another stop.

Lunch and the pace of a full day in Greek summer

Lunch is included, and it fits the day’s structure well. You’re not spending extra time finding a meal after you swim. You’re already in the right place—Symi is the anchor point for the island part of the day, and your meal lands when the walking and shopping rhythm starts.

But the pace matters more than the meal. You’re doing:

• A 1.5-hour swim window at the bay
• A 3-hour Symi town visit
• Plus travel time and time on the vessel

In Greek summer heat, even “just walking around” becomes tiring. I like this cruise because it offers choices: if you want to rest, you can. If you want the swim, you can make it your main focus. The boat format also gives you natural breaks between water and town.

If you’re sensitive to heat, do two simple things:

• Bring sunscreen and reapply. You’re on water where sun reflects.
• Take short shade pauses in Symi rather than pushing through every street.

What you’re really paying for at $82.90

Price matters, but the bigger question is value. For $82.90 per person, you’re not just buying a ferry and a couple of photos. You’re paying for a boat day built around three included pillars:

• Transportation from and back (when eligible)
• Lunch during the Symi portion
• Snorkeling equipment for the boat swim stop

Plus you get WiFi and restrooms onboard.

Day cruises can cost more when you add lunch and water access separately. Here, the structure is doing the work for you. It’s one ticket, one schedule, and a built-in way to experience Symi without arranging your own boat.

Group size can also affect comfort. This tour has a maximum of 220 travelers, and on busier summer dates, you may feel the boat crowding more than on quieter weeks. That said, the cruise is still designed around views and deck time, and many people enjoy the layout—especially if they get on the boat early and choose a good seat.

Tips to make the most of the swim stops and deck time

A great day comes down to small choices. Here are the ones that make a difference on this type of cruise:

1) Arrive early for better deck spots

If you care about views, don’t treat boarding like a formality. When the boat isn’t full, you’ll have more freedom. When it is full, getting to the front deck or a good shaded area earlier helps.

2) Bring water-friendly footwear

Some stops are swim-from-boat coves, and not every anchoring spot is a sandy beach. Water shoes lower the chance of awkward steps.

3) Expect snorkeling to be surface-level

Snorkeling equipment is provided, but it’s still a relaxed, on-the-water experience. Think of it as seeing what’s near the surface while you float and watch.

4) Have a payment plan for drinks

If the bar runs cash-only, you’ll be glad you packed some. Also remember that alcoholic beverages are served only to adults.

5) Plan your Symi walk early

If shops are closed during midday breaks, it pays to start your exploring right when you arrive. You’ll still have time for lunch, but you’ll get better shopping odds.

When weather changes the plan

This cruise requires good weather. If conditions are poor, it may be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Even with decent weather, small changes can happen. Sea conditions can influence where the boat anchors and whether the swim stop sequence stays exactly as planned. It’s smart to keep your expectations flexible. If you’re booking mainly for the water, focus on the fact that you’re getting at least one strong swimming window with snorkeling gear, even if the exact bay timing shifts.

That flexibility also helps if you’re hoping for a very specific order—swimming first versus Symi town first. The important part is the total day rhythm and the included water time.

Who should book this cruise—and who should skip it

This is a great fit if you want:

• A smooth day trip from Rhodes that includes boat swimming and snorkeling gear
• A realistic amount of time to explore Symi without needing to plan transport
• A relaxing pace with onboard comfort (restrooms, WiFi, and a proper transfer)

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need a perfectly fixed itinerary with zero changes
• Want a full guided history experience and constant narration
• Don’t enjoy swim-from-boat coves, especially if the anchoring spot is rocky rather than sandy

Families often do well with this kind of cruise because it’s structured and there’s time to rest between the main activities. If you’re traveling with a stroller or buggy, it’s worth knowing staff can help load and unload in some cases, which can make the day easier.

Should you book Mediterranean Sea Cruises to Symi and St George Bay?

I think this is a strong choice if your top goals are crystal-clear swimming time and a legit chunk of Symi town without extra planning. The included snorkeling kit and lunch make it feel like a finished package, not just a transport add-on.

If you’re picky about timing down to the minute or you expect the onboard bar to run like a full cocktail bar, you might feel a bit disappointed. The smarter move is to treat the cruise as a day on the water first, and Symi as your second highlight—then it lands perfectly.

If you book, do it with a simple mindset: get early deck time, bring sun protection and water-friendly footwear, and use your Symi hours for a slow harbor wander and one good meal. That’s where this cruise shines.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the cruise?

The tour starts at Platia Eleftherias, Rhodes 851 00, Greece, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 10:00 am.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is about 8 to 9 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Transfers from and to your hotel are included, but only if you book at least 14 hours before the activity starts. You’ll receive pickup details by email about 24 hours before, and also around 9:00 pm the previous evening.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and it’s available for use during the swim stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A Greek lunch is included.

Is WiFi and a restroom available on board?

WiFi on board and a restroom on board are included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included in the price, and alcohol is served only to adults through the onboard bar.

Is it easy to get a refund if I cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the paid amount is not refunded.