Symi is waiting, and so is swim time. This Rhodes-to-Symi day trip strings together 3 hours in Symi town and swimming at St. George Bay with snorkeling gear included, so you’re not just sightseeing from a seat. The one thing to keep in mind is that the sea ride can feel a bit bouncy, and the boat holds up to 220 people.

I like how the day is simple and timed well: you leave Rhodes at 10:00, return to the Mandraki Harbor area around 18:00, and you get an actual break for water time plus real time to wander Symi. If you do the hotel pickup option (extra charge), plan for your start time to shift based on where your hotel sits along the island.

Key things to know before you go

• Daily 10:00 departure from Rhodes Town Harbor, with a return to Rhodes around 18:00
• Symi town time of about 3 hours, enough to walk the harbor streets and grab lunch
• St. George Bay swim stop for roughly 1.5 hours total, with about an hour of swimming time
• Snorkeling equipment included, so you only need your swim stuff
• Hotel pickup available for an extra charge, depending on distance from Rhodes/Lindos-side vs other areas
• Max group size up to 220, so it’s coordinated, but not small and private

Rhodes to Symi: why this cruise feels like good value

For $88.67 per person, you’re basically buying two things at once: transport by boat from Rhodes to Symi, plus a scheduled day that already builds in both time on land and time in the water. If you’ve ever tried to cobble that together yourself—ferries, timing, then figuring out where to swim—you’ll appreciate that this trip handles the sequencing.

The biggest value is the balance. Symi is where you go to slow down and look up at the buildings along the waterfront. St. George Bay is where you go to cool off and spend time where the water is the star. You’re not rushing every 20 minutes, but you also don’t get stuck waiting around with nothing to do.

The other practical win: free snorkeling equipment is included. That means fewer things to pack and fewer extra costs once you’re already on the island.

Timing and meeting points: start clean, avoid stress

The departure is every day at 10:00 from the harbor in Rhodes Town. The activity runs about 8 hours, and you return to Rhodes to Mandraki Harbor around 18:00. That timing matters because Symi day trips can turn into a long blur; here, you’re still back in Rhodes before evening gets fully late.

Your meeting point is Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The tour ends back at the meeting point. If you pick the hotel pickup option, you’ll need to coordinate your pickup time based on your hotel location (you’re asked to include your hotel name in the special requirements field, and you’ll get the pickup details back).

One tip: if you’re near the meeting point, you’ll likely have an easier morning. If you’re far out, give yourself extra slack so the pickup and traffic don’t turn the day into a scramble.

On the water: the boat ride reality (and how to handle it)

This is a day cruise, not a calm lake gondola. The boat ride to the St. George Bay swim stop can feel slightly bouncy, which is normal for open water and wind. The good news is that it’s built into the plan, and the ride is short enough that most people can handle it.

If you’re sensitive to motion, consider bringing what usually works for you (motion sickness meds if that’s your thing). Also keep a small towel or something non-slip handy for damp surfaces, especially if you’re wearing snorkel gear later.

A detail worth noting: one review mentioned the boat as Doll, and people described it as clean and well presented. That lines up with what you want on a day cruise—basic comfort, a tidy deck, and gear that’s ready when you are.

Stop 1: Symi for about 3 hours—walk, look up, and pick a lunch plan

Symi is often described with big praise for its old-world charm, but the real reason it works as a day stop is that it’s easy to enjoy fast. You don’t need a map full of “must-sees.” You can start from the harbor area, wander upward, and let the streets and sea views do the heavy lifting.

You get around 3 hours on Symi, which is a sweet spot. It’s long enough to:

• walk the waterfront and side streets at a relaxed pace
• find a viewpoint without racing
• stop for lunch without panic timing

This is also where you can choose your style. Want easy strolling? You’ll find plenty. Want photos every few steps? You’ll have time for that too. Want a simple sit-down meal and people-watching? Symi gives you that option.

Lunch isn’t included, so plan on eating on your own in Symi. That’s actually a benefit: it gives you freedom to choose something that matches your budget and appetite. If you’re the type who likes a set plan, do a quick lap first, then commit to lunch once you know which direction feels nicest.

Stop 2: St. George Bay swimming—what the water time is really like

St. George Bay is on the east coast of Symi and is boat-access only, which is exactly why the water time feels special. You drop anchor, and the bay is the backdrop: turquoise-looking water, rocky edges, and a natural feel that’s hard to recreate from shore.

You’ll have about 1.5 hours total at the bay, with roughly an hour for swimming. That hour is the core of the stop. It’s the part where you’ll want to be ready: sunscreen on, snorkel gear fitted (if you’re using it), and your comfort in the water sorted early.

This is also the stop where snorkeling equipment inclusion really earns its keep. Instead of paying extra or hunting for rentals, you can just use what’s provided and focus on the water.

If you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still enjoy the bay by staying where you’re comfortable. The key is to treat this as a swim break, not a skills test.

Snorkeling gear included: how to make it worth it

Snorkeling gear is included on this tour. That’s great news because it turns a “maybe” into a “why not?”—even if you only plan to spend 20 minutes in the water.

What you should do before you get in:

• make sure the snorkel mask seals comfortably
• rinse off salt water later if you can (or at least wipe it down)
• keep your essentials together so they don’t end up wet in your bag

And here’s a small reality check: the swim stop is short. So you’ll get the most enjoyment if you keep it simple—get suited, check the water quickly, and then decide whether you want more time.

Group size up to 220: coordinated, not private

With a maximum of 220 travelers, this is not a quiet, personal experience. That can sound like a downside, but it doesn’t ruin the day if you go with the right expectations.

Here’s how to keep it comfortable:

• arrive a bit earlier than you think you need to, so boarding feels organized
• when you reach Symi, head out on your own pace right away instead of waiting in the densest crowd
• at St. George Bay, be ready early for your swimming window so you’re not doing long waits once you’re in the water loop

The upside of a larger group is coordination. One review called out excellent organization and on-time departures. That’s usually what large boat operations do best: run the schedule, keep the flow smooth, and get people back safely.

Price breakdown: what you’re paying for (and what you’re not)

At $88.67 per person, you’re paying for a full-day structure with:

• boat transport between Rhodes and Symi
• time on Symi for exploring and lunch on your own
• a dedicated stop at St. George Bay for swimming
• snorkeling equipment included

You’re not paying for lunch or drinks, which is stated clearly. That matters because it changes how you budget: bring enough cash or card access for your meal in Symi. Since you’ll have free time there, you can choose something simple or go a bit more indulgent depending on your appetite.

Is it “cheap”? Not really. But it’s not just a quick ride either. You’re getting a genuine day plan that combines sightseeing and water time, and that combo is where the value typically shows up.

Who should book this Symi cruise from Rhodes

This tour fits best if you want a single-day hit of two different styles of enjoyment:

• walking around an island town with that classic Dodecanese feel
• a real swim break at a bay that’s only reachable by boat

You’ll probably like it if you:

• want a day away from Rhodes without planning ferry times
• like having snorkeling gear ready without extra stops
• prefer a guided schedule that still leaves freedom in Symi

You might want to rethink it if you hate crowds or crave a private feel. With up to 220 people, you’ll share the rhythm of a busy boat day.

A quick reality check on comfort and timing

One thing I’d plan around is sea comfort. The ride can be bouncy, especially on the way to the swim stop and on the return to Rhodes. It’s not described as scary—more like something you should expect from a normal sea crossing.

Timing is another practical point. You leave at 10:00, return around 18:00, and your time at each stop is limited by design: Symi is about 3 hours, and St. George Bay is about an hour of swimming time. So don’t count on extending the day if you fall in love with Symi and want more hours.

Should you book this Symi day cruise?

Book it if you want the best parts of Symi plus a proper swimming stop, all built into one smooth day. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment and the clear split between Symi exploration and St. George Bay water time make this a straightforward way to get value out of Rhodes.

Skip it (or at least shop alternatives) if you know you’ll be unhappy with a large group on a boat. Also consider whether you’re comfortable on open water; this trip includes a swim stop, which means you’re choosing a day that involves getting onto the water and back.

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes structure but still wants freedom to wander, this is an easy yes—especially if you enjoy island towns enough to spend that 3-hour block walking, snapping photos, and making lunch your own decision.

FAQ

What time does the tour depart from Rhodes?

It departs every day at 10:00 from the Harbor in Rhodes Town.

How long is the trip?

The duration is about 8 hours.

Where do I meet the tour in Rhodes?

You meet at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from hotels on the island for an extra charge, and the pickup time depends on how far your hotel is located (South areas like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, etc., versus other areas). You should enter your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking.

What stops are included in the day?

You stop in Symi for about 3 hours, then you go to Saint George Bay for swimming.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks are not included. You’ll have free time in Symi to have lunch on your own.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.