Crystal water plus colorful Symi in one day. This Rhodes boat trip is interesting because it bundles a St George Bay swimming hour with about three hours to explore Symi by foot. I like the value at about $48 per person for a full-day outing, and I also like the stress-free feel thanks to the option of hotel pickup (for an extra charge). The main drawback to plan around is the boat ride can be choppy and seating can get crowded, so bring sea-sickness help if you’re prone to it.

You’ll be on the water for roughly 9 hours total, with free time for lunch on your own in Symi. The flip side: lunch isn’t included, so pack a plan for food and comfortable shoes for walking around a hilly harbor town.

Quick, practical take: Symi + St George Bay in one trip

• St George Bay swim stop: about 1 hour in the water, with goggles provided (snorkel not included)
• 3 hours in Symi: walk the waterfront and explore town without feeling rushed
• Hotel pickup available: extra charge depends on how far your hotel is from Rhodes
• Free on-board restroom: useful on a long day at sea
• Choppy-water reality: the ride can be bumpy, so seasickness tablets are smart
• Crowds can happen: the boat can fill up fast, especially if you don’t arrive early

Rhodes to Symi by boat: what a 9-hour day feels like

This is a classic “island day” built around time on deck, time in Symi, and a swim stop to cool off. The total duration is about 9 hours, which sounds long until you break it down: you’re not just sitting in a seat the whole time. You’re moving from Rhodes to a swimming bay, then you’re given enough shore time to actually enjoy Symi rather than just doing a quick photo run.

From the schedule timing, you can expect a lot of the day to be spent on the water going out and returning—then your real freedom kicks in once you arrive in Symi. In practice, this kind of itinerary works best when you’re happy to accept some waiting and boat motion as the price of a scenic day you can’t easily replicate on your own.

Half Price Tours logistics: meeting point and hotel pickup zones

The meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece, and the activity returns you to the same place. If you want hotel pickup, you can add it for an extra charge. The pickup price varies based on whether your hotel is in the south area (examples given include Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi) or another area.

When you book, you’ll see a Special requirements field. Put your hotel name there, and the operator will get back to you with your pickup time. I like this because it turns the trip from a “find the right dock” scavenger hunt into a more predictable day.

One caution: pickup doesn’t automatically guarantee that you’ll be seated together. On crowded boats, seats can be limited and people may spread out. If this matters to you, it’s worth planning to check in early at the harbor so you have the best shot at sitting near your group.

St George Bay swim stop: crystal water and smart gear tips

The signature moment is the swim stop at Saint George Bay. You get around 1 hour in the water—enough time to rinse off, take photos, and actually swim, not just dip your toes. The water is often described as crystal clear, and it’s a real highlight of the day.

What to know before you go in:

• Bring your swimwear ready. Getting changed and then getting back to the deck eats into that 1-hour window.
• If you want to snorkel, bring your own snorkel. The gear offered on board is more like goggles (often called woggles), not a full snorkel setup.
• If you get motion sick, take your tablets before you leave. The boat ride can be very bumpy, and it’s usually worst during the open-water stretch.

Also, the order of activities can matter for comfort. Some people wish the swim came after Symi so they’d be less wet during their walk. You can’t count on that—so if you’re sensitive to cold after swimming or just hate wet clothes on cobbles, pack a light cover-up or a small towel.

Symi island with about 3 hours: walking time that’s actually useful

Once you reach Symi, you get roughly 3 hours free. Symi is small enough that you can get your bearings quickly on foot, but it still feels like a place you’ll want to wander: colorful houses, a harbor vibe, and lots of corners for photos and small breaks.

Three hours is a practical amount of time. It’s long enough to:

• Walk the main waterfront streets
• Duck into small shops
• Stop for a meal you can choose yourself

It’s also short enough that you don’t feel trapped doing a full-day “tour circuit.” I like the pacing here because it gives you freedom without turning the whole day into a stress marathon.

Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll want to decide on your timing. If you leave lunch too late, you can feel rushed right before the return boat. If you want a calmer day, I’d aim to eat around the middle of your Symi window.

On-board reality check: seating, choppiness, toilets, and the snack bar

Let’s talk about the part you can’t see from the itinerary: being on a boat with lots of people.

What’s good:

• The boat has a restroom on board, which is a real quality-of-life win on a long outing.
• If the weather turns windy or rainy, you can choose where you sit—many people prefer staying below when conditions aren’t ideal.
• Staff and crew are generally described as friendly and organized, and the day runs on schedule.

What you should plan for:

• Seats can be tight. Even when you’ve booked ahead, the boat may fill quickly, and some people end up sitting separately or standing in parts of the journey.
• The ride can be bumpy. A recurring piece of advice is to bring motion sickness pills if you’re sensitive.
• The boat experience can vary. Some people say it’s clean and well kept; others describe it as old or crowded. If you’re picky about cleanliness or comfort, you may want to set realistic expectations going in.

Food and drinks:

There’s a bar on board with snacks and drinks. Some reports mention water being sold for about 50 cents, with soft drinks priced reasonably, but there’s also mention that snack purchases may be cash-only. I’d bring a little cash just in case, plus a refillable bottle for water if you want to stretch the budget.

How to time your day: avoiding the two common mistakes

There are two patterns that affect how much you enjoy the trip.

First mistake: arriving without a seat plan.

Even with pickup, the boat can fill up fast. If you care about sitting together, arrive early at check-in so you’re not fighting over space once boarding is underway.

Second mistake: skipping sea-sickness prep.

Rhodes waters can be choppy, and the boat ride is often described as rough. If you’ve ever felt queasy on ferries before, take your tablets early and sit where the motion feels least intense for you.

If you’re the type who hates being uncomfortable, this is also why I think the swim stop timing is important. You may get wet and then need to walk around Symi. Pack a small bag for dry items and bring something warm to change into after swimming.

Price and value: is about $48.37 per person worth it?

At $48.37 per person, this boat trip is priced like a solid budget-friendly excursion from Rhodes. The value comes from what’s included: the boat ride itself, the on-board restroom, and the two main experiences—Symi time and a full swim stop.

The cost becomes a better deal when you think about what you’d pay to:

• Transport yourself to Symi
• Spend time on a guided-style schedule
• Pay for a day that includes both sightseeing time and a swimming break

The only clear money add-ons are:

• Hotel pickup (extra charge)
• Your lunch in Symi
• Drinks/snacks on the boat

So yes, it’s a good bargain if you can handle a long day and the boat ride conditions. If you know you get severely seasick or you need guaranteed seating comfort, you might feel happier choosing a different kind of tour with a smaller boat or different pacing.

Who should book this Symi + St George Bay trip?

This trip is a good fit if you want:

• A clear, simple plan for a day trip from Rhodes
• Enough time in Symi to actually enjoy the town
• A swim stop with standout water for cooling off
• A generally well-run operation with pickup options

It’s less ideal if:

• You hate crowded boats or you’re very sensitive to motion
• You need a relaxed, comfortable ride with lots of personal space
• You strongly dislike being wet during your walking time

Final call: should you book this Rhodes to Symi day trip?

I’d book it if your priority is a classic Rhodes-to-Symi island day with a real swimming break and honest walking time in Symi. The schedule works, the price is reasonable for what you get, and the day is set up to be straightforward—especially if you choose hotel pickup.

But go in with the right expectations: bring sea-sickness help, plan for tighter seating than you’d find on a smaller ferry, and budget for lunch in Symi. If you do those three things, the St George Bay swim hour and Symi’s harbor streets are exactly the kind of combo that makes this trip worth it.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip from Rhodes, and how much time is spent in Symi?

The tour is about 9 hours. You get around 3 hours free time in Symi to explore on foot.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, so you’ll have free time in Symi to eat on your own.

How long is the swimming stop at St George Bay?

You’ll have around 1 hour for swimming at Saint George Bay.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Pickup is offered for an extra charge. The pickup cost depends on where your hotel is located (for example, the south area vs. other areas). You’ll add your hotel name in a special requirements field, and they’ll contact you with your pickup time.

What restroom facilities are available?

There is a restroom on board the boat.

What should I bring for swimming or snorkeling?

Bring your swimwear, and if you want to snorkel with more than basic goggles, bring your own snorkel. The boat provides goggles (often called woggles), but a full snorkel setup isn’t listed as included.

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