Speed beats slow on this sea day. It’s a fast boat outing from Faliraki Beach to Symi and St George’s Bay, timed for views and real time on land. You get about 3 hours on Symi, then a short stop at St George’s Bay for a swim in clear water.

I like that the pace is practical: you see Symi without losing your whole day in transit. I also like the small-but-thrilling payoff of jumping in at St George’s Bay, right when you’re already on the water and the scenery is at its best. One thing to consider: the ride can feel choppier in windy conditions, and front seats can be rougher if the sea is up.

Key things that make this trip worth your time

• 3 hours in Symi to walk around without feeling rushed
• St George’s Bay swim stop with crystal-clear water and big views
• Fast, organized speedboat service with a dedicated captain and crew
• Good value for a day trip when you factor in transit + two standout locations
• Weather-dependent day on the water (cancellations or date swaps happen if conditions fail)
• Small-ish group size for a boat day, capped at 118 people

A speed-boat day that starts right from Faliraki

This is the kind of excursion that fits how Rhodes actually feels in summer: you want daylight, sea air, and scenery, not hours of bus time. The day runs for about 7 hours (approx.), starting at 10:20 am, with the activity ending back at the same meeting point.

The boat departs from Ammoudes (meet here: 9679+VX Ammoudes, Greece). If you’re staying in the Faliraki area, that’s a plus because you’re not forced to crisscross the island first. The operator uses a mobile ticket, and the experience is offered in English.

The boat is a speed route, so expect a faster feel than a ferry. That can mean quicker access to Symi and a tighter schedule, but it also means the ride quality depends heavily on wind and waves.

Symi time: 3 hours to enjoy the island without racing

The first stop is Symi, with about 3 hours of free time to explore. In practice, that window is long enough to wander the harbor area, take in the classic shoreline views, and still find a place to sit and reset your legs.

Symi has the kind of look that makes you stop without planning to: the buildings near the water, the hilly edges, the feeling that the island keeps its own pace. You can keep it simple—walk the waterfront, pick one direction and follow it, then turn back before your time runs out. If you want a little more structure, use the harbor as your anchor point and pace yourself from there.

A practical advantage of this timing: you’re not stuck on a strict schedule once you step off the boat. You can choose between strolling, grabbing lunch, or just slowing down to watch the boats come and go. In at least one case, that 3-hour amount of time felt just right—enough to enjoy Symi while still leaving energy for the swim stop later.

One caution: if the sea is windy, that can affect how comfortable you feel on the return boat as well. If you know you get motion-sensitive, plan your seat position with that in mind.

St George’s Bay: the swim stop that turns the whole day into a memory

The second stop is Saint George Bay, with a 30-minute stop designed for views and swimming. Even in a short window, this is the moment many people remember because it’s active, not just sightseeing. You’ll get that pause where the water looks clear and bright, and it feels like the day finally becomes yours.

This is a great use of time because you’re already on the coast. You don’t have to transport yourself to a beach, and you don’t have to commit to a long shore excursion. It’s more like a break built into the sea route: jump in, cool off, take photos, then back to the boat.

What to bring (or at least plan for) is simple:

• Swimsuit and a dry layer for the ride back
• Water shoes if you’re the type who dislikes slick surfaces
• A towel if you can—this is the kind of stop where having one helps

If you enjoy short, satisfying swims more than long beach lounging, this stop fits your style. If you were hoping for a longer beach block, 30 minutes may feel brief. That’s the trade-off for having enough time in Symi.

The boat ride reality check: fast, fun, and sometimes rough

Let’s talk about the ride honestly, because this is a speedboat day. When conditions are calm, it’s a smooth, invigorating trip that feels like you’re getting your money’s worth in sheer scenery time. When the wind is up, you may feel the chop more, and it can make the trip a bit uncomfortable—especially if you sit toward the front.

One review note highlighted that the ride to Symi can be rough with wind, while the return felt smoother. That fits the way sea days often go: direction matters, wind direction matters, and your comfort changes even with the same route. If you’re sensitive to motion, choose your seat wisely when you board.

Also, speedboats have their own practical constraints. Toilets are limited. On one day, there was an issue with a toilet on board, so don’t treat bathroom access like something you can count on perfectly for the full day.

The good news is that the trip is generally well run. People describe the captain and crew as organized, and the boats as comfortable for a speed service. The key is to go in expecting movement and plan around it.

Why the $83.27 price can feel fair for this route

At $83.27 per person, this isn’t a budget “just hop on and stroll” outing. But for a day trip, you are paying for a specific combo: fast transportation from Faliraki, a substantial free window in Symi, and a second standout coastal stop with a swim.

Here’s how I think about value on trips like this:

• Transit time matters. Speed boat access cuts out a lot of dead time.
• Time ashore matters. 3 hours in Symi is meaningful for exploring without feeling glued to a schedule.
• The swim stop matters. That 30-minute window gives you a payoff that you can’t really replicate with a land-only itinerary.

If your alternative is taking longer transport and piecing together a day on your own, the price can start to make sense. If, however, you’re hoping for a slow, beach-heavy day or you need long time on shore at both stops, then you may feel you’re paying for a pace that’s not your style.

The sweet spot is clear: if you want the classic Symi look plus one water-time highlight, the route matches that goal well.

Who this trip suits best (and who should think twice)

This tour works best for people who want an active day without overplanning. If you enjoy fast travel, sea views, and you’re okay with a short swim stop, you’ll likely love the structure.

It also suits you if:

• You’re based near Faliraki and want a direct sea day
• You want free time rather than guided wandering every step
• You like the idea of jumping off a boat into a scenic bay
• You don’t mind that weather can change the feel of the ride

It might not be ideal if:

• You strongly dislike windy or choppy boat rides
• You want more beach time than what 30 minutes provides at St George’s Bay
• You rely on frequent onboard restroom access without interruption

Good to know: the experience allows service animals, and most people can participate. It’s also described as near public transportation, which helps if you’re not driving.

Practical tips that make the day smoother

I’ll keep this grounded and useful.

1) Dress for a moving day.

Even in bright weather, you can get cooler air on a boat. Bring a light layer you don’t mind getting damp if you swim.

2) Plan for wind.

One recurring theme is that wind affects comfort. If you have the choice, pick your seat with sea conditions in mind. Front seats can be rough when waves pick up.

3) Treat Symi time like a choose-your-own walk.

Use the harbor area as your anchor. Pick one direction to explore and build in buffer time for lunch or a drink. The best approach is to wander, then return with enough time to board without stress.

4) Make your swim stop easy.

This is short, so don’t spend 20 minutes hunting gear. If you can, have your swimsuit ready to go when you arrive at the bay.

5) Keep expectations realistic about toilets.

There are toilets on board, but access may not be perfect in every situation.

When weather changes the plan, you still have options

Because this is a boat experience, good weather is required. If the trip is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re the kind of traveler who books a full week around “maybe seas are rough,” this flexibility helps. And if you want peace of mind, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Should you book the Fast Boat to Symi & St George’s Bay?

If you’re deciding between a relaxed day trip and a high-scenery sea day, I’d lean toward booking this if your priority is Symi plus a real water moment. The combination of 3 hours free time in Symi and the St George’s Bay swim stop is the main draw, and it’s the right amount of time for many people—especially if you want to see a lot without losing your whole day.

Book it if:

• You like fast transport and don’t mind a speedboat ride
• You want to explore Symi without hiring a guide for every minute
• You’d enjoy jumping into a bay even for just 30 minutes

Skip it or rethink if:

• Windy boat rides can ruin your day
• You want longer time on the water’s edge than the schedule allows
• You need dependable onboard toilet service for the entire trip

Overall, this is a strong choice for a classic Rhodes-area getaway: straightforward, scenic, and built around the two moments that people get excited about—Symi on foot and St George’s Bay in the water.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?

It runs for about 7 hours (approx.) total.

What stops are included?

You’ll stop at Symi and Saint George Bay.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about 3 hours of free time on Symi.

Is there a swim stop?

Yes. There’s a 30-minute stop at Saint George Bay for views and swimming.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Ammoudes (meet here: 9679+VX Ammoudes, Greece). The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What if the weather is bad?

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

Can I cancel for free?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.