Cruising to Symi feels like time off. I love the swimming stop at St George Bay and the chance to use the snorkeling equipment right from the boat. One thing to watch: the order of stops can change on the day, so plan for wet-to-town timing.

I also like the practical setup: a clear start from Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes, hotel transfer where available, and a long enough Symi visit to actually wander the waterfront and back streets without feeling rushed.

Key things to know before you go

• Boat-only St George Bay: A quiet bay that’s only accessible by boat, with about 1.5 hours to swim or snorkel.
• Snorkeling gear is included: You get the equipment, so you can save money and just show up ready.
• Real time in Symi (about 3 hours): Enough for harbor photos, pastel-colored streets, and a proper lunch break.
• WiFi and onboard restroom: Small comforts that make a full day feel easier.
• The onboard bar is basic: Alcohol is for adults, and in practice it can be more counter-style than a full bar.
• A lot of this day is weather-driven: It’s designed for good conditions, and the captain can adjust details.

A Rhodes-to-Symi day at sea: how the schedule feels in real life

This tour runs as a full day out of Rhodes, starting at 10:00 am. You’ll meet at Platia Eleftherias (Pl. Eleftherias, Rodos 851 00). The day ends back at that same meeting point, so you’re not left figuring out how to get back on your own.

The overall duration is listed at about 8 to 9 hours, which is a sweet spot for many people: long enough to feel like you escaped Rhodes, short enough to still enjoy an evening back in town. The trip is capped at 220 travelers, so it’s not a tiny private boat vibe—but it’s also not a chaotic cattle-car ferry. Your experience will still depend on the season, since summer crowds can make the boat feel busier.

If you’re doing this with kids or you just prefer a calmer plan, the structure helps. You’re not running a strict sightseeing checklist. Instead, you get a dedicated swimming window early on, a focused visit to Symi, and onboard downtime in between.

One practical note I appreciate about this kind of cruise: the package is built around simple pleasures. You get lunch, WiFi, and a restroom on board, which sounds small until you’re doing a full day on the water.

St George Bay: the boat-only swim that makes the day

St George Bay is the star stop on this itinerary. It’s on the east side of Symi and it’s described as only accessible by boat, which is exactly why it feels calmer than many shore destinations. You drop anchor and you’re given about 1 hour 30 minutes to enjoy it.

What you can do with that time is pretty straightforward:

• Swim in the clear water
• Use the complimentary snorkeling equipment and look around below the surface
• Or just sit on the boat and enjoy the view, with a cocktail from the onboard bar if that’s your thing

That “choice” is valuable. If you’re confident in the water, you’ll probably want the full time for snorkeling and photos. If you’re not, you still get a good slot for relaxing without having to walk somewhere in the heat.

A few details matter here. This isn’t described as a dock-and-shore beach day. You’re anchored, so it’s more about getting in from the boat when you’re ready. If you want an easy, sandy step-in, you might find this style more challenging than you expected. If you do want the water time, bring swimwear you’re comfortable wearing for a while, since the day can include time before you’ve fully dried out.

Also, watch for day-of timing changes. The program is written as St George Bay followed by Symi, but the actual order may swap. If you’re the type who hates being wet before exploring a town, treat the schedule as flexible rather than guaranteed.

Symi in 3 hours: enough time for photos, streets, and a good meal

After the bay stop, you get around 3 hours on Symi itself. Symi is often described as remote yet cosmopolitan, and that mix shows up fast when you arrive by boat. You’ll see the island’s old-world look right away: pastel-colored buildings, a harbor filled with traditional fishing boats and yachts, and plenty of narrow streets that curve toward the water.

With only three hours, I recommend using Symi like a sampler:

1. Start with the harbor area for quick photos and your bearings.
2. Then pick one direction into the town and wander. You can expect winding lanes, small squares, and lots of architecture to spot as you go.
3. Save enough time for lunch without trying to cram every shop into the window.

One thing that can surprise people: the island’s shopping rhythm can shift in the afternoon. If your Symi time lands during siesta, you might find some shops closed, so it’s smart to focus more on walking, photos, and tavernas rather than assuming every storefront will be open.

Food is a big reason people come back to Symi. The island is known for seafood and local favorites, and some guests specifically mention Symi shrimp as a highlight. If you’re hungry, this is the stop where a sit-down meal feels worth it, not rushed.

Are three hours enough for everything? Not really. But it’s enough to enjoy Symi as a place you wander, not a place you sprint through. If you want museums and deep guided history, this cruise format may leave you wanting more time on land.

The onboard experience: comfort, WiFi, and the bar reality

This cruise is designed to be comfortable rather than fancy. You’ll have WiFi on board, a restroom, and an air-conditioned vehicle for the transfer. That combination matters when you’re planning a full day in Greek summer heat.

The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, and many people recommend grabbing good seating early. If you get there before the transfers arrive, you’re more likely to find a favorite spot—especially on the upper deck, where you can get great views while staying cool.

About the interior comfort: some accounts mention limited air-conditioning inside the boat. That’s not a dealbreaker for everyone, but if you run hot, you’ll probably want to spend most of your time outdoors on deck where you can control your shade.

Now, the bar. The highlights mention cocktail time, and there is an onboard bar setup. But don’t assume it’s a full-service cocktail lounge. Some people describe it more like a small counter with limited drink preparation and fridge beverages. Alcohol is also served only to adults, so if you’re traveling with younger kids, don’t plan on ordering drinks for them through the bar.

And do yourself a favor: bring cash if you want to buy anything from the onboard bar. Some guests report the bar is cash-only. Having a little ready money prevents the awkward moment of searching for an ATM mid-cruise.

Getting picked up and staying on time without stress

This tour can include transfer from/to your hotel, but the timing rules are specific. Transfers are only provided for bookings made at least 14 hours before the activity. After that, you’ll receive information by email, plus a message (via WhatsApp or email) around 9:00 pm the previous evening with your exact pickup point for your location.

For some areas, your pickup might be a nearby stop rather than directly at your hotel. The goal is to make logistics work across Rhodes, not guarantee a perfect door-to-door ride.

The most important thing: be on time. The operator notes that they don’t take responsibility if you miss the pickup. That means you should confirm your pickup point the night before, set a real alarm, and plan a buffer.

If you like rides that start the day smoothly, it helps that the transfer vehicle is described as air-conditioned. It turns the morning wait into something closer to a “getting there” phase instead of a scramble.

Value check: does $82.90 buy a day worth your time?

At $82.90 per person, this is priced like a standard full-day cruise package from Rhodes. The value depends on what you want most.

Here’s where the price starts making sense:

• You get round-trip transfer where eligible
• Snorkeling equipment is included, so you’re not paying extra at the marina
• A Greek lunch is included
• You get WiFi and onboard basics like a restroom
• Your main “entry fee” costs for stops are marked as free in the itinerary context

You’re also paying for the boat access to St George Bay—meaning you’re not trying to travel a remote spot by bus and foot. That access is a big part of why this day feels different from a simple island town visit.

Where the value can feel less impressive:

• If the day-of order changes and you end up swimming before you want to be sightseeing, that can change the comfort level of your experience.
• If you’re expecting a big, full bar experience or lots of included drinks, the onboard setup may feel more basic than you hoped.
• If you’re traveling in peak season, the boat can feel crowded, which may reduce that relaxed vibe.

Still, for many people, the combination of St George Bay water time plus Symi walking time is the sweet spot. You’re paying for access, time on the water, and included essentials. If your priority is an easy day with the right “mix,” this price is likely fair.

Who should book this Symi cruise, and who might regret it

This is a strong match if you want:

• A simple full-day plan with minimal fuss
• Swimming and snorkeling from the boat
• A relaxed visit to Symi with enough time to wander and eat
• An organized transfer so you don’t spend your day dealing with local transport

You might want to think twice if you:

• Need every part of the itinerary to happen in a strict order, with no flexibility
• Hate getting wet before town wandering
• Expect a lively onboard bar scene with lots of bartender-made cocktails
• Want a deep guided explanation of Symi’s sights rather than free time to explore at your own pace

Also, keep expectations realistic about time. Three hours on Symi is great for walking and photos, but it won’t cover every corner of the island. If Symi is your main destination and you love slow travel, you’ll likely want a stay on the island after this day trip.

Should you book this Rhodes to Symi cruise?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a classic day-out combo: water time at St George Bay plus a good, practical introduction to Symi. The included snorkeling gear and lunch reduce decision fatigue, and the boat access is a real advantage.

Skip it—or choose a different style of tour—if you’re the type who wants maximum time on land, zero schedule surprises, and a top-to-bottom guided experience. This cruise is designed for fun, not for a lecture.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start?

The activity starts at 10:00 am.

Where is the meeting point in Rhodes?

The meeting point is Platia Eleftherias in Rhodes.

Where does the tour end?

The tour ends back at the meeting point.

How long is the cruise?

It runs about 8 to 9 hours (approx.).

Is hotel pickup available?

Transfers are offered from/to your hotel, but only for bookings made at least 14 hours before the activity. Pickup details are sent by email/WhatsApp.

What’s included in the price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, WiFi on board, a restroom on board, air-conditioned vehicle, transfers (where eligible), and lunch.

Is lunch included, and is it Greek?

Yes. The experience includes lunch, described as a Greek lunch in the tour details.

Can I snorkel, and is equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour.

Is there a bar on board and can adults drink alcohol?

There is an onboard bar. Alcoholic beverages are served only to adults.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What cancellation window do I get?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

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