Rhodes by water is the shortcut to real Greece. This day trip pairs a boat ride with time in Symi, plus an easy stop for swimming and snorkeling at St Marina Bay—without you planning a thing.

What I like most is the mix of scenery and flexibility: you get a proper water break first, then about 3 hours free time on Symi’s waterfront to wander at your own pace. You also have multiple onboard comfort options (open sundeck + an air-conditioned area), so the day works even if the weather shifts.

One thing to think about: the swim/snorkel stop is only 30 minutes, so if you want a long beach session, you’ll probably wish it were longer. Also, the shade on the return can feel chilly for some people, so plan for that.

Quick takeaways

• St Marina Bay is boat-only access, with a 30-minute stop for swimming and snorkeling
• 3 hours in Symi is enough for harbor views, shopping, and a relaxed walk
• You’ll spot the island approach with colorful houses and fishermen boats along the way
• Onboard comfort is real: open sundeck with sunbeds, plus toilets, WiFi, and an air-conditioned area
• It’s value-focused at about $47 for a full 8-hour outing with cruise + activities

Rhodes Harbour to the sea: what makes this trip work

This is the kind of outing that turns a normal day in Rhodes into a full travel story. You start and end at Rhodes Harbour, and the schedule is designed so you’re doing something scenic for most of the day rather than waiting around.

The big win is the pacing. Instead of only “get on a boat, get off, come back,” you break the day into three moods: moving along the coast, a swim-and-snorkel swim stop at St Marina Bay, and then a slower, human scale in Symi.

And because Symi’s waterfront is the star, the day is structured so you’re not rushing your time on land. You’re given free time to roam the streets lined with colorful neo-classical houses, see the harbor, and stop for lunch and shopping—then you’re back on the water to enjoy the ride home.

St Marina Bay: the 30-minute swim and snorkel stop

St Marina Bay is the reason this excursion feels more like a day at sea than a simple transfer. It’s reachable by boat, and that matters: you get that sense of arriving somewhere specific, not just passing by.

During the stop, the plan is straightforward:

• a photo stop vibe as you arrive
• time to swim and snorkel
• you’re on the water long enough to enjoy it, but you’re not stuck there for ages

The waters here are described as crystal-clear, and it’s set up for both swimmers and people who just want to hang out. Floats are included onboard, and you’ll also want your own towel and snorkeling gear if you have it, since snorkeling gear isn’t listed as included.

If you want to snorkel, go in with expectations

The snorkeling time is brief, and you’re told not to go too far from the boat. That’s not a dealbreaker—it still feels like a fun “try it” stop—but it does mean you shouldn’t expect a long reef expedition. If you’re the type who wants hours of coral hunting, plan something more specialized later.

Practical tip: keep essentials safe

A common hassle is what to do with phones and keys while you swim. The trip doesn’t mention lockers. So bring a simple solution like a waterproof pouch or a secure small bag you trust. It’ll save you stress and let you actually enjoy the water.

The sail to Symi: views, boats, and a slower pace

The ride itself is part of the attraction. As you head toward Symi, you get the kind of approach that makes you understand why people rave about the Dodecanese from the water: you pass fishermen boats, and you can spot the colorful architecture that makes Symi instantly recognizable.

Timing-wise, you can expect a few hours of being on the boat across the day, with the Symi portion being the main land window. One useful detail to know: the boat journey can feel about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, so it’s not a quick hop. That’s why bringing something to do (or just enjoying the views) is smart.

Choose your seat early

There’s open air seating on the sundeck, and you’ll want the outside deck for views. If you want to be in the sun or near the front windows, get there early and claim your spot. A lot of people value the outdoor seating enough that being early really pays off.

Symi in 3 hours: what you can realistically do

Symi is where this trip turns into walking around a storybook port. Once you land, you’re given about 3 hours of free time, which is a great balance for most people: enough for photos, shopping, and a comfortable lunch, but not so long that you get tired of the same streets.

Here’s what the time is best for:

• Harbor views and wandering the waterfront
• strolling through streets lined with colorful neo-classical houses
• browsing shops and souvenirs
• sitting down to eat with a view

Lunch is easy here

Food and drinks aren’t included, but the Symi break is long enough to do lunch without rushing. If you like leisurely meals while watching boats come and go, Symi fits that style.

Want more than a quick explore?

If you have your heart set on the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis, 3 hours may feel tight. The harbor area and closer viewpoints are doable, but a deeper detour needs more time. This is why this trip suits people who want a taste of Symi rather than a full sightseeing marathon.

Onboard comfort: open deck, AC, toilets, and WiFi

A lot of island day trips sound great on paper, but you feel the truth when you’re on the boat for hours. This one is built for comfort.

Included onboard features you’ll actually use:

• Open sundeck with sunbeds for the best views
• Air-conditioned area if the sun gets too warm
• Toilets onboard (and they’re described as clean)
• Floats for the swim stop
• WiFi onboard
• Insurance
• Friendly crew who run the day and give clear instructions

There’s also mention of an onboard bar selling drinks and snacks, and some people found the pricing reasonable. So if you don’t want to spend Symi money on every snack, you can grab something on the water.

Weather reality check

One review-style detail you should take seriously: shade can be chilly on the return. If you run cold easily, bring a light layer. It’s especially useful because the trip notes that beginning and end of season may call for a light jacket.

Price and value: is $47 a good deal?

At about $47 per person for an 8-hour trip, this excursion is priced like a value play. The key is what you’re getting for that money: a cruise, a swimming and snorkeling stop at St Marina Bay, and paid time on Symi where you can roam and eat on your own.

You’re also saving planning energy. You don’t have to figure out ferry schedules or coordinate transfers. You just show up, exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat, and go.

Where the value trade-off shows up

The main trade-off is speed and immersion. Some people note that, compared with faster catamarans, this boat can feel slower. That’s not automatically bad—slow can mean a more relaxed experience and time for the sea views—but it does affect how much of the day is spent “moving” versus “doing.”

Still, if what you want is a straightforward Symi taste plus a swim stop, this price point makes sense.

Who this trip is perfect for (and who should look elsewhere)

This is a strong fit if you:

• want Symi without spending the whole day commuting
• like the combo of views + water time + walking
• prefer an organized day with free time built in
• care less about a long, hardcore snorkeling session and more about a fun stop

You might want a different option if you:

• need more than 3 hours to explore Symi deeply
• want a second swim stop on the return (this trip doesn’t promise one)
• get anxious about keeping phone and keys secure during short swims

If you’re traveling as a couple, this also works nicely. One of the easiest ways to enjoy Greece is to sit back for the ride, then split your time—one person scouting viewpoints while the other handles the snacks or shopping.

What to bring (so nothing ruins your day)

Keep your day simple, but pack smart. The trip recommends:

• a towel
• biodegradable sunscreen
• beachwear
• cash
• snorkeling gear

And a few practical extras I’d add based on how the day plays:

• A light layer for shade on the boat
• A waterproof way to protect your phone and keys during the swim

Smoking indoors isn’t allowed, and littering is a no. Weapons or sharp objects aren’t allowed either, so keep it everyday carry.

Planning your timing: boarding and optional pickup

To keep the day smooth, aim to arrive early. You should exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat. The meeting guidance says to arrive about 20 minutes before the activity starts.

If hotel pickup is part of your chosen option, you’ll wait at your pick-up point about 10 minutes before the scheduled time. The vehicle has a RIZOS CRUISES logo on the windscreen, and drivers won’t wait more than 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. Delays up to 15 minutes can happen due to traffic, so don’t arrive frantic.

During check-in, you’re asked to be at the meeting point between 8:00 and 8:30. Also, look out for the Rizos Cruises boat labeled DISCOVERY.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

Yes, you should book it if your goal is a balanced day: cruise views from Rhodes, a real swim/snorkel moment at St Marina Bay, then enough time in Symi to wander, eat, and shop without turning the day into a schedule full of stress.

I’d skip it (or book something else) if you’re chasing long snorkeling time, multiple swim stops, or a full-day Symi deep dive. With only a 30-minute water break and about 3 hours on the island, this trip is a taste—an excellent one, but still a taste.

FAQ

How long is the trip from Rhodes to Symi and St Marina Bay?

The total duration is listed as 8 hours.

How much time do I get in Symi?

You get about 3 hours of free time in Symi.

How long is the swimming and snorkeling stop at St Marina Bay?

The stop at St Marina Bay includes about 30 minutes for swimming and snorkeling.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are the cruise, open sundeck with sunbeds, the swimming stop at St Marina Bay, free time in Symi, toilets onboard, air-conditioned area, floats, WiFi onboard, and insurance.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included. An onboard bar is available for purchases.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included unless you choose an optional pickup option. The details depend on your selected option.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear.

Where do I meet, and when should I arrive?

You’ll meet in Rhodes Harbour area, and you should arrive about 20 minutes before the activity starts to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat. If pickup is included in your option, wait at the pick-up point about 10 minutes before the scheduled time.