Rhodes from the water is a different story. This 8-hour boat trip gives you a real swim stop at St Marina Bay plus free time in Symi without the stress of planning ferry schedules.

I like the simple rhythm of the day: morning sailing out of Rhodes Harbour, a timed swim and snorkeling break, then a focused block of time on Symi’s harbor side. I also appreciate the practical onboard setup, including toilets, an air-conditioned area, and an open sundeck with sunbeds.

One drawback to keep in mind is the timing. The Symi island time is 3 hours, and the swimming stop is only about 30 minutes, so if you want a long beach session or a bigger hike up to sights like Panormitis Monastery, you may feel rushed.

Key highlights to look for

• St Marina Bay swim and snorkeling stop in a spot reachable by boat only
• 3 hours in Symi to roam the harbor area and its colorful neo-classical streets
• Open sundeck with sunbeds plus an air-conditioned interior when the sun gets too much
• Floats, WiFi, and onboard toilets for an easier, more comfortable outing
• Boat ride views of Rhodes from the sea, plus photo stops along the way
• A straightforward day plan that starts and ends at Rhodes Harbour

Rhodes to Symi by boat: a classic Dodecanese day plan

This is the kind of day trip that works well when you want scenery, water time, and a dose of island wandering, all in one go. The big payoff is that you get out on the water for views of Rhodes, then you switch gears to Symi, where the main action is concentrated around the harbor.

The cruise starts from Rhodes Harbour and loops back to Rhodes Harbour in the evening. That matters because it removes a lot of uncertainty. Instead of thinking about ferries, schedules, and timing, you’re on a single boat with a set rhythm.

You’ll also enjoy the fact that this trip is built around two distinct experiences. First, the water stop at St Marina Bay for swimming and snorkeling. Second, the land time in Symi for strolling, photos, and browsing.

St Marina Bay: the 30-minute swim and snorkeling window

St Marina Bay is the water star of the day. The stop is built in for swimming and snorkeling, with floats provided onboard. You’re also told to bring snorkeling gear if you want to be ready right away, and it helps to have your towel and beachwear packed too.

What I like about a stop like this is the practicality. You’re not stuck waiting on a crowded beach, and you’re not trying to find a good spot on your own. Plus, it’s a bay that’s reachable by boat only, so the setting is part of the reason the excursion is worth doing.

A real-world note from the trip feedback: the snorkeling break can be brief, and visibility or what you see depends on conditions. Also, you may be encouraged to stay close to the boat, which limits how far you can explore the underwater area. Still, even with a short swim window, people consistently rate this part of the trip as the most memorable.

Quick advice so you don’t waste time once you hit the water:

• Keep your snorkeling mask and gear easy to reach.
• Plan how you’ll handle phone and keys. There isn’t any clear mention of lockers, so treat it like you’re doing a quick swim where everything valuable stays on you.
• Bring biodegradable sunscreen, not regular stuff, since that’s specifically recommended.

If you want a longer swim session, this trip may feel short. The upside is that you still get Symi time afterward, which is usually the better trade.

Symi’s harbor in 3 hours: what to do with your time

Once you arrive in Symi Harbour, you get 3 hours of free time to explore at your own pace. This is enough time to get your bearings, enjoy the harbor views, and walk the main streets lined with colorful neo-classical houses.

I like that the excursion doesn’t pretend 3 hours equals a full island visit. Instead, it gives you a focused slice of Symi that you can experience without needing taxis, rentals, or a strict plan. You can take it slow, stop for photos, and still make it back to the boat without stress.

Here’s a sensible way to use the time:

• Start at the harbor edge for the best first views.
• Wander into the colorful streets and shops for souvenirs and quick browsing.
• Plan lunch with a view. There are restaurants around the harbor area where sitting down feels like part of the sightseeing.
• If you’re tempted by the Orthodox monastery area, know that it can take extra time. People who want that added stop may need more than the 3 hours given.

You’ll probably find that the best strategy is not over-planning. Symi’s charm is in the walking, the little streets, and the harbor atmosphere, not in racing from one ticketed site to the next.

Onboard comfort on the Rizos Cruises Discovery

A day on the water can be either great or annoying, depending on comfort and seating. This boat includes a lot of practical details that matter once the sun shifts or the sea gets breezy.

You’ll have:

• An open sundeck with sunbeds for the best views
• An air-conditioned area onboard for shade breaks
• Toilets onboard, which sounds basic but actually saves your day
• Floats for the swim stop
• WiFi onboard (nice for sending photos or checking maps)
• Insurance

I also like that there are plenty of places to sit. One common tip from the trip feedback is to get to the boat early if you want prime outside seating. The sundeck is where the views happen, but it’s also where you feel weather changes. If you sit in shade, you might want something warm. A review notes the shade can feel cold for a couple of hours, and a jumper helps.

Food and drinks are not included in the price. That said, the boat can have a bar where you can buy reasonably priced drinks and snacks, plus the occasional treat. So you’re not forced to leave the boat hungry, but you should expect extra cost for what you order.

Timing, transfers, and how to not miss the boat

This excursion runs for about 8 hours total. The day is built around a morning departure from Rhodes Harbour, a stop at St Marina Bay, arrival in Symi for 3 hours, then a cruise back to Rhodes Harbour in the evening.

If you’re using the pickup option, pay attention to the clock. You should wait at the pick-up point about 10 minutes before your scheduled time. Drivers will wait no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, and delays up to 15 minutes can happen due to traffic or other unforeseeable circumstances.

For the meeting point itself, arrive early. You need to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry, and you should arrive about 20 minutes before the activity starts. The check-in window is also stated as between 8:00 and 8:30 for the day. The boat operator is Rizos Cruises, and the boat you’re looking for is marked as Discovery.

One more small tip: bring cash. It’s specifically recommended, and it’s handy for anything you might want to buy onboard or in Symi.

Price and value: why $47 can work for this day

At around $47 per person for an 8-hour day, this is priced like a value-focused cruise rather than a premium charter. And it makes sense when you see what’s included.

You’re paying for:

• The cruise itself (transport between Rhodes, St Marina Bay, and Symi)
• A structured swim and snorkeling stop at St Marina Bay
• Floats and onboard essentials like toilets
• Air-conditioned shelter plus an open deck for photos
• WiFi onboard
• Insurance

Food and drinks are extra, and towels are not included, so you’ll want to pack those details yourself. But you’re not paying separately for getting to the bay that’s reachable by boat only.

Some people compare boats and note that this one can be a bit slower than pricier catamarans. That tradeoff doesn’t automatically mean it’s worse. With this itinerary, the Symi time is already set at 3 hours, and the swim stop is already scheduled at 30 minutes. So the value is in the time you’re allowed to enjoy, not in speed.

If you want more water time or you want to treat Symi like a full-day hike, you might find other options better. But if you want a solid, well-timed introduction to Symi plus a proper swim break, this price point is easy to justify.

Who this boat trip is best for

This trip fits best if you want a simple day that blends:

• Rhodes sightseeing from the sea
• A guaranteed water break at St Marina Bay
• A realistic amount of time in Symi to walk and browse

It’s also a good choice for couples and small groups who want to move at their own pace once on Symi, without worrying about navigation or getting back to the harbor.

You might want to choose a different plan if you:

• Want long snorkeling time or multiple swim stops
• Plan to do big hiking routes on Symi within the same day
• Really hate cold shade, especially if you tend to stay outside for long periods

For most people, though, the format is friendly. You get structured parts, then breathing room.

Quick packing list that matches the trip rules

This excursion is clear about what to bring. Stick to it and you’ll feel prepared:

• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash
• Snorkeling gear (recommended)

And note the rules:

• Smoking is not allowed indoors
• Littering is not allowed
• Weapons or sharp objects are not allowed
• Explosive substances are not allowed

Also, the guidance says that during beginning and end of season you should bring a light jacket. That lines up with the feedback about shade feeling chilly.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi and St Marina Bay cruise?

Yes, if you want a straightforward day that mixes sea views, a proper swim stop, and Symi harbor wandering without extra planning. The 30-minute St Marina Bay swim and snorkeling is the reason many people book, and the 3 hours in Symi is enough to see the island’s main charm and still have time for lunch, photos, and shopping.

Skip it if your idea of a perfect day includes hours of snorkeling or a long, demanding monastery hike. The timing is designed for balance, not for marathon exploration.

If you book, do the smart things: arrive early to get good seating on deck, pack a light layer for shade, and plan how you’ll keep your phone and keys safe during the water stop. Then you can enjoy what this trip does best, a classic Rhodes and Symi day with real time on both sea and island.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point and what do I do with my voucher?

You need to exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry. Please arrive about 20 minutes before the activity starts and look for the Rizos Cruises DISCOVERY.

Does this trip include pickup from my hotel?

Hotel pickup and drop-off is listed as not included, but pickup is optional. If pickup is offered for your selected option, you should wait at the pick-up point 10 minutes before the scheduled time.

How long do I spend at St Marina Bay for swimming and snorkeling?

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

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get about 3 hours of free time in Symi to explore at your own pace.

What’s included onboard?

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

Are meals and drinks included?

Food and drinks are not included. A bar is available onboard for purchasing items.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear if you want it.

How long is the full experience?

The duration is listed as 8 hours.

Can I cancel, and how late can I do it for a full refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

If there is a pickup delay, how long will the driver wait?

Drivers will wait no longer than 2 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, and delays up to 15 minutes can happen due to traffic or other unforeseeable circumstances.