Symi looks like it was drawn by hand. This SP Cruises day trip pairs boat scenery with a real swim stop in clear water, then lands you in the pretty harbor town of Symi. I especially love the pacing: you get time to cool off in the sea, then proper time to walk around Gialos for lunch on your own. One drawback to plan for: the water and weather at the swim stop can feel cold and windy when you’re not sitting in the sun.

I also like how straightforward it is. You leave from Mandraki Harbour (easy to find), then follow a simple rhythm: Rhodes to the bay for swimming, Symi for exploring, and back to Rhodes with no transfers to juggle. Just note that upper-deck seating is first-come, first-served, so if you care about being outside for views, show up a bit early.

Key points before you go

• Mandraki departure: SP Cruises sails from Rhodes’ Mandraki Harbour near the Bank of Greece.
• One swim stop with real time: about an hour at St George’s Bay to swim and cool down.
• You control lunch in Symi: Gialos has restaurants, but food and drinks are not included.
• Seating trade-off: upper deck is popular; indoor air-conditioned seating exists on the main deck.
• Bring wind-proof layers: the return can feel chilly and the boat can rock, depending on conditions.
• Crew looks after safety: a lifeguard is included, plus freshwater showers after the water stop.

From Rhodes to Symi: the kind of day trip that feels made for the water

This cruise is built around one simple idea: you’re in the Dodecanese, so spend your day on the sea. The route gives you nonstop coastal views as you head toward Symi, and that alone is a big part of the fun. Then the schedule drops you into the water at St George’s Bay, so you’re not just sightseeing from a boat.

You’ll also get a proper taste of Symi without the stress of planning. The town visit centers on Gialos, the main port area, which is exactly where you want to be if you like walking short distances, popping into small shops, and stopping for lunch.

The day isn’t designed for long, slow wandering. It’s more like a highlight reel you can actually finish, with time for swimming and then a focused exploration window in Symi.

Finding SP Cruises at Mandraki Harbour and picking the best seat

Your meeting point is the SP Cruises kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the Bank of Greece. That’s helpful because you’re not hunting across the island for a boat with vague directions. If you’re driving, parking can get tight after 9am, so plan to arrive before the crowd does.

On board, you get two main comfort options. Upper deck seating is available, but it’s first-come, first-served and not guaranteed. If you want a calmer ride (and a break from wind), the main deck saloon has comfortable indoor seating with air conditioning.

One practical tip: if you care about the views, timing matters. The better seats are taken quickly, and the crew can only do so much once boarding starts.

The Agios Georgios / St George’s Bay swim stop: clear water, short window, real conditions

The best break in the itinerary is the swim stop at St George’s Bay (often referred to as Agios Georgios). After departing Rhodes at 10:00, the boat reaches the bay about two hours later. You then get roughly an hour to swim, refresh, and take in the view.

This part is the reason many people book. You’re not stuck watching water from a distance—you’re in it. The water tends to be crystal clear, and the setup is designed for an easy entry and exit.

Now for what to watch. Bring beachwear and expect wind. When the sun shifts, the shade side can feel much cooler, especially if there’s a breeze. Plan for the swim to be cold-water honest, not warm-pool gentle.

Also, consider how you’ll handle the timing. An hour passes fast once you’re in the water, and returning to the boat depends on organized boarding. One person at a time boarding is part of how it can work, so don’t wait until the last minute if you want a smoother re-entry.

A small but important comfort detail: the tour includes freshwater showers, which makes a big difference after you’ve been salt-water swimming.

Gialos in Symi: how to use your time for harbor walks and lunch

After the swim stop, the boat leaves around 13:00 for Gialos, the main port of Symi. This is where you trade sea time for land time, and it’s a good switch. You get plenty of time to stroll the harbor area, look at the buildings, and browse shops.

I like that the visit is flexible. There’s time to wander at your own pace instead of rushing through a checklist. You can focus on what you enjoy: pretty streets for photos, little storefronts, or simply walking until you find a restaurant that smells right.

Lunch is not included, so this is your chance to pick based on what you’re craving. In terms of practical strategy, I’d walk a few blocks from the busiest frontage to compare menus and prices. If you’re chasing seafood, there’s at least one restaurant that gets mentioned for fresh fish and seafood options—Tholos comes up in the feedback—so it’s worth keeping in mind when you’re hungry.

You’ll depart Symi at 16:20. That gives you a window that’s long enough to feel like you visited Symi, but not so long that the day drags.

The return to Rhodes: plan for wind, rocking, and a quicker exit

The ride back from Symi to Rhodes ends around 18:30, which means you’re back before dinner becomes the main event. That’s useful if you want the rest of your evening free.

However, the return can be rougher than the outbound sailing depending on wind and sea conditions. Some people feel rocking more on the way back, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, take precautions before you leave. A sea sickness pill is a common move, and I’d rather you be prepared than stuck feeling queasy while the boat bumps along.

Clothing matters, too. If you’re traveling in cooler months or when the boat isn’t fully sunlit, pack something warm. People often mention that the non-sunny side gets very windy and cold, so a light jacket or layer can turn the ride from annoying to tolerable.

One more detail that helps: the boat is a shared space, and onboard comfort can change with crowding. If you want specific seating, expect competition—upper deck spots fill quickly, and inside seating is more predictable.

Included vs not included: where the $41 value really comes from

At about $41 per person, this is priced like a budget-friendly day—yet it includes the big moving parts. You’re paying for a boat cruise that also delivers a structured stop for swimming, plus time in Symi’s port area.

Here’s what you’re getting as part of the price:

• Boat cruise
• Swimming stop at St George’s Bay
• Time to explore Gialos (Symi’s main port)
• Freshwater showers
• Experienced crew and a lifeguard

What’s not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks

So where does the value land? It’s in the fact that you don’t have to separately arrange a boat plus a beach swim plan plus a Symi visit. One ticket covers the transport and the key stops, and you decide what to spend on lunch and drinks.

If you’re the type who likes to swim in warm weather and then stroll in a pretty town, this fits neatly. If you’re not much of a water person, you might feel the trip is tighter than you want, because the schedule really revolves around that bay stop.

Who this cruise is best for (and who might want a different plan)

This day trip works well for:

• People staying in Rhodes who want an easy Symi visit without complex logistics.
• Travelers who love sea views and want an actual swim break, not just a photo stop.
• Families and mixed groups, because the schedule is simple and the crew includes safety support.

It’s trickier for:

• Anyone who hates cold water or windy boat decks. The swim stop is time-limited, and weather can change what it feels like.
• People who strongly depend on a guaranteed specific seat location. Upper deck is first-come, first-served, and the boat can get crowded.

If you’re traveling with mobility needs, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, and the crew is there to help with boarding and offloading.

Little onboard details that can make or break the day

Small things show up in how smoothly your day feels. I’d note a few from real-world experience patterns with this kind of boat trip.

First: seasickness and wind are the two usual suspects for discomfort. If the sea is active, keep warm layers ready and plan around the possibility of rocking. Second: the swim window is short enough that you’ll want to keep track of time. Water time is fun, but it’s also easy to lose track until it’s time to get back.

Third: there’s onboard bar service. So if you want a drink while you’re waiting around, you can—just plan on paying for it. Snacks and drinks are not part of the cruise fare.

And lastly: the crew quality is a standout in the feedback. Names like Oksana show up for friendly bar service, and Captain Yannis gets mentioned for engaging, good-humor commentary during the sailing. That kind of energy matters on a day trip, because it keeps everyone relaxed during boarding and tight time slots.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi cruise with St George’s Bay swim stop?

If your goal is a classic Symi day with boat views plus a real swim break, I’d book it. This itinerary is efficient in a good way. You get Rhodes-to-Symi transport handled, you hit the main port area in Symi, and the St George’s Bay swim stop is built into the plan rather than left to chance.

Book with a quick checklist in mind:

• You’re okay with limited swim time and possible cold/wind.
• You’re okay with a boat day that can get rocking depending on conditions.
• You’re willing to cover lunch and drinks yourself in Symi.
• You don’t need a guaranteed upper deck seat.

If that sounds like your style, you’ll likely come away with exactly what you want: a smooth day, clear-water scenery, and Symi’s harbor charm without overthinking the logistics.

FAQ

What time does the cruise depart Rhodes?

The SP Cruises excursion departs from Rhodes Mandraki Harbour at 10:00.

How long is the total trip?

The duration is 510 minutes, and the schedule runs roughly from 10:00 until you return around 18:30.

Where does it stop for swimming?

There is a swim stop at Saint George’s Bay (also described as Agios Georgios).

How long do you have at Saint George’s Bay?

You spend about one hour at the bay for diving and swimming.

How much time do you get in Symi?

You arrive in Gialos (Symi’s main port) around 13:00 and have plenty of time to explore before departing at 16:20. (Specific time in town is not stated as an exact number, but it’s a multi-hour window.)

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Symi is at your own expense.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The price includes the boat cruise, the swimming stop, time to explore Gialos, freshwater showers, an experienced crew, and a lifeguard.

What should I bring?

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes.

Does the boat have air-conditioned seating?

Yes. Comfortable indoor seating with air conditioning is available on the main deck saloon.

Can the schedule change due to weather?

Yes. The program can be changed based on the captain’s safety instructions due to weather conditions.

Where is the meeting point?

You’ll find the SP Cruises kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the building of the Bank of Greece.