A swim stop in crystal-clear water helps time fly. This day trip from Rhodes pairs 3 hours in Symi with a St George Bay break for swimming, so you get both a scenic town and a real water moment, all for a budget price. The best part is how straightforward it feels, from pickup to landing back where you started.

I like the mix of free time and structure. Symi gives you room to wander at your pace, and the swim stop is long enough to actually cool off and enjoy the water. One thing to plan for is the boat ride itself can be rough, and in busier moments the boat can feel crowded, with seat issues.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• You get 3 hours in Symi, enough to walk the main streets, pop into shops, and choose a lunch spot without rushing
• Swimming at St George Bay is about 1 hour, and the water quality is a big reason people love this trip
• Lunch is on you since there is no included meal, so plan to eat in Symi during your free time
• Hotel pickup costs extra, and you need to add your hotel name in the special requirements field for timing
• Bring motion-sickness help if you’re sensitive, because some rides can be bumpy
• Snorkels may not be provided, so if you care about snorkeling, bring your own

Rhodes To Symi: The Simple Idea That Works

This trip is built around one smart goal, give you the best of Symi without needing to figure out boats, schedules, or logistics. You do a longish sea leg, spend a focused stretch swimming, then land in Symi with time to explore on foot.

The value is in the balance. You are not spending the whole day on a boat, and you also are not sacrificing the water time. Even though it is a long day overall (about 9 hours), the rhythm is what keeps it fun.

Price And What $48.37 Buys You In Real Life

At about $48.37 per person, you are paying for a full day of transport, a swim stop, and boat basics like onboard restrooms. For the distance and the popularity of Symi, that is the appeal, especially if you want a one-day plan that does not require extra reservations.

The tradeoff is comfort. You are getting a shared boat experience, and multiple factors can affect how pleasant that part is, like weather and how full the vessel is that day. Think of it as value travel, not a private or premium cruise.

Getting There: Meeting Point And Optional Hotel Pickup

Your standard start is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. The good news is that you return to the same meeting point at the end of the day.

If you want less hassle, pickup is available from hotels across Rhodes for an extra charge. The cost depends on whether you are in areas like South Rhodes (Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, etc.) versus other parts. When you book, put your hotel name into the special requirements field so they can confirm your pickup time.

If you hate morning scrambling, the pickup option can be worth it. It is one less thing to time correctly, and you avoid the stress of getting to the office early.

The Boat Ride: Time On The Water, Expect Some Movement

The sea leg to St George Bay is about 2 hours, and the total day still clocks in around 9 hours. That means you will spend real time aboard, so it helps to go in with the right expectations.

Some people describe the journey as very bumpy. If you are the type who gets queasy on boats, take motion-sickness tablets before you leave, not after. A practical tip: choose your seat with comfort in mind if you can, because being stuck somewhere unpleasant for hours is the main way the boat ride can feel longer.

Also plan for weather swings. One review experience noted St George Bay did not happen due to bad weather, so the day can change. The tour is weather-dependent, and you may be offered a different date or refund if it is canceled for poor conditions.

St George Bay Swim Stop: One Hour That Feels Like The Highlight

St George Bay is the water break built into this itinerary, around 1 hour for swimming. This is the part many people remember most because the water is described as breathtaking and crystal clear.

What to do with your swim time:

• Go right away if you can, because the best water time passes quickly
• If you want to snorkel, bring your own snorkel since you may only find goggles provided, not full snorkeling gear

After swimming, you will likely want something warm to throw on. Even in the Aegean sun, the deck breeze can cool you down once you are wet, and wraps or layers make the transition much nicer.

Symi Island: 3 Hours Of Walking, Photos, And Lunch Choices

Once you reach Symi, you get about 3 hours of free time. Symi is small and meant for walking, so that time is usually enough to see the key streets, enjoy the colorful houses, and stop for a meal without a strict schedule.

Here is how I would use the time:

• Start by walking the main area so you can orient fast
• Take your photos while the light is good, then slow down for shops and lunch
• Pick a lunch place that fits your pace, because lunch is not included and you are choosing freely

This is also a smart moment for people who like browsing. Symi has that feel of a town you can enjoy without needing a museum ticket or a guided route.

Timing And The Long-Day Reality

Even though the stops are straightforward, this is still a full day. You are looking at roughly:

• About 2 hours to the swimming bay
• Around 1 hour swimming at St George Bay
• A short transfer to Symi after that
• About 3 hours in Symi
• Around 2 hours back to Rhodes

That adds up fast, and it is easy to underestimate how tiring it can be. If you want a relaxed vacation day, plan for some rest afterward, and pack snacks or plan how you will eat in Symi.

Also, the order can matter for your comfort. There are differing preferences on whether it would be nicer to swim after Symi so you are not walking around still damp. The itinerary you book is designed around the swim stop as part of the ride, so come prepared either way.

Seats, Crowds, And Comfort On A Shared Boat

This is where your experience can swing depending on the day. Some people report plenty of room and smooth scheduling. Others mention the boat can be very packed, with not enough seats for everyone, so they ended up sitting apart or standing for parts of the journey.

If you are traveling as a couple or small group and you hate being split up, consider arriving early if you can, especially if you are not using hotel pickup. When the boat is full, the key issue is where you sit during the outward and return trips.

There is also a practical comfort factor. If the boat fumes bothered anyone sitting toward the back, you might choose a different area if that is a concern for you. The goal is simple, reduce time spent in a spot that feels unpleasant when you are already tired.

Food And Drinks: Plan To Eat In Symi

Lunch is not included. That means Symi is where you will eat, during your 3 hours of free time. This actually works in your favor because you are not locked into a pre-chosen meal.

On board, there is a bar and you can buy snacks and drinks. Some reviews note cash-only for snacks, so if you want the option to buy something, bring some cash. Water may also be available for purchase, but do not count on it being free.

Bring your own basics if you prefer. A small bottle of water and a snack can turn a choppy, crowded ride from annoying to manageable.

What To Pack For A Smooth Day

Because this is both a town visit and a swim day, pack for two modes, walking and water time. I suggest:

• Your swimsuit, so you can get in fast at St George Bay
• A warm layer or wrap for after swimming
• Motion-sickness tablets if you get queasy on boats
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen), because deck time and town time can both be sunny
• Your own snorkel if you want it, since gear provided may be limited to goggles
• Cash, in case snacks and drinks require it

Also remember you are on a boat for a big chunk of the day. Even if the ride is fine, the sun and wind add up.

Service And Organization: Why People Rate This So High

This tour has strong overall satisfaction, and the reasons are pretty clear when you look at what people praise. The most repeated themes are a smooth pickup process (especially when using hotel pickup), friendly staff, and accurate timing.

A few people specifically call out that the trip feels stress-free and well organized. That matches what you want for a day like this. When your main goal is to relax and enjoy Symi, having a schedule that actually holds makes a big difference.

The crew is also described as professional and friendly, and onboard restrooms are included, which is a practical win when you are traveling for hours.

Should You Book This Symi And St George Bay Boat Trip?

I think it is a good booking if you match the vibe:

• You want a day trip from Rhodes that includes both Symi walking time and a real swimming stop
• You like value travel where you pay for the experience, not for extra comfort
• You are okay with a boat ride that can be choppy at times

I would think twice if:

• You are extremely sensitive to motion or dislike crowded boats, since seat shortages are a real possibility on busy days
• You hate long days and you prefer half-day tours instead

If you do book, go in prepared. Bring a warm layer, bring motion-sickness support if you need it, and plan to eat lunch in Symi. Do that, and you will get the best parts of this day, the town stroll and the swimming, without wasting time worrying about logistics.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip, and when do you return?

The trip runs about 9 hours total (approx.) and ends back at the meeting point.

What stops are included during the day?

You visit Symi (about 3 hours) and you also have a swimming stop at St George Bay (around 1 hour).

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you will have free time in Symi to find something to eat.

Do I need to meet at an office, or can I get hotel pickup?

You meet at Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece. Hotel pickup is offered for an extra charge, depending on where your hotel is located.

What should I bring for the swimming stop?

Bring your swimsuit so you can jump in right away. If you want to snorkel, bring your own snorkel since gear provided may be limited to goggles.

Is there a restroom on board?

Yes. There is a restroom on board.

What happens if weather is bad?

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