Symi is one of those places that rewards you for going fast. This high-speed boat outing from Kiotari or Lardos gives you more time on the island (plus a swim stop), not a long slog on roads. I love the mix of 3 hours in Symi and the quick St. George Bay swim, which feels like a little vacation inside the trip.

One thing to keep in mind: the order of stops can affect the look of the water. In late September and October, the operator notes they’ll go to St George’s Bay first; if your day runs the other way, you may hit shade from the big rocks and mountains, and the color won’t match the bright photos.

This is a smart choice if you’re based south of Rhodes and don’t want to lose half a day on a bus. The boat pickup is direct, and the schedule is built around giving you solid time in the main sight: Symi’s harbor town.

Key Points Before You Go

• Speedboat time equals more Symi time: The day is structured so you get about 3 hours on Symi.
• St. George Bay is the water moment: You’ll have a 30-minute swim stop in crystal-clear-looking settings.
• Pickup is beach-based: You board from the red steps at the beach, not a distant bus stop.
• Small timing shift can change water color: Seasonal stop order can influence shade at St George’s Bay.
• Baby shrimp is a realistic food mission: Symi’s tavernas are where you’ll likely find it.
• Operates from south Rhodes resorts: Especially convenient from Kiotari and Lardos.

A Fast Speedboat Day to Symi From Southern Rhodes

This is built for people who want the Symi payoff without the travel tax. You’re making a high-speed cruise from Rhodes’ southeast coast, so the day feels efficient: less time on transit, more time actually looking at Symi.

The vibe is also practical. You get structured time to wander the harbor town on your own, then you get a clear window to swim and relax before heading back.

If you like short, focused travel days, you’ll probably enjoy it. Symi isn’t a place where you need hours of museum time; it’s a place you enjoy by walking, looking, and eating.

Pickup at Red Steps: Where Aphrodite Princess Meets You

The boat is the Aphrodite Princess, and the big convenience is how direct the pickup is. You’re picked up from the red steps on the beach, below specific resort areas.

Your listed pickup points include:

• Below Rodos Maris Hotel (Kiotari area)
• Lindos Imperial Hotel (Kiotari Beach)
• Costa Lindia Hotel (Lardos Beach)

The tour also lists three pickup location options, with Kiotari showing up more than once, plus Lardos as a separate option. In other words: you’re not hunting around town with a map and a prayer.

One more schedule detail matters here. The boat stops in Lardos only on Wednesdays and Fridays, while the Kiotari Beach and Vlycha Beach pickup runs Tuesday through Friday. If you’re choosing your travel day, this is the one logistics point you really need to match.

Cruising to Symi: The Short Ride That Buys You Time

Once you board, you’re set up for a “see it, then do it” rhythm. The schedule has you on the speedboat for about 2 hours 20 minutes before Symi, then again on the return.

There’s also a 10-minute stop in Mandraki Harbour along the way for people to get on and off. It’s short, but it’s useful context: you’re not in a sealed bubble. The boat is working as a connection between Rhodes and Symi, not just a private charter.

Why this matters for you: the entire day is planned around keeping Symi time generous. If you’ve ever done tours where the main stop gets eaten by transport delays, this one is trying hard to avoid that.

3 Hours in Symi’s Harbor Town (And Baby Shrimp Options)

When you arrive in Symi, you’re dropped right into the heart of the town. You’ll see the harbor setting first, with turquoise water and pastel neoclassical buildings framing the bay, plus colorful church domes scattered around the view.

You get about 3 hours to explore Symi on your own. That’s enough time to wander the waterfront, pick up lunch ideas, and still have time to circle back for photos when the light changes.

Food-wise, Symi is known for small local specialties, and this tour specifically flags baby shrimp as something you can try at tavernas. Lunch is at your expense, so think of this as a chance to choose your meal rather than eating what’s pre-set for you.

A practical tip: use the Symi window for the basics first—harbor views, main streets, and one meal—then use any leftover time for slower wandering. With only three hours, it helps to move with a plan, not just with curiosity.

St. George Bay Swim Break With Big-Rock Scenery

After Symi, the schedule includes time on the water and then a dedicated swim stop at St. George’s Bay. Your swim window is about 30 minutes, which is perfect if you want a refreshing break without turning the day into a beach day.

The bay description is part of the appeal: you’ll be swimming with huge rocks above, and you’ll likely feel the “wow” moment as soon as you’re close to the waterline. This is one of those places where the setting is doing half the work.

On the boat, you can also hang out while waiting—soak up sun on deck and keep an eye on the coastline as you sail. If you’re traveling with someone who doesn’t want to sprint through towns, this gives them a calmer rhythm too.

What you should know going in: swim time is set and short. Bring sunscreen and plan to reapply after you get back aboard if you’re going to be out in the sun longer on Symi.

Timing Details for Beautiful Water: Seasonal Order Note

Water color is a real thing on this route, and it can change based on when you reach St George’s Bay. The operator notes that from the end of September and October, they’ll go to St. George’s Bay first; the reason is simple—if they go after Symi, the bay will be shaded and the water won’t look like the bright images.

This matters because photos are usually taken under full sun, when the water looks lighter and more reflective. If you’re traveling in that seasonal window, it’s good news: the schedule adjustment is designed to protect that photo-ready water look.

If you’re traveling outside those months, you still have a chance at great water, but you should set expectations that shade can affect the color. Think of St George’s Bay as a scenic swim stop with a strong chance of beauty, not a guarantee of exactly the same color as marketing shots.

What You’ll Pay ($147) and Why It Can Be Worth It

At $147 per person for about 9 hours, this isn’t a budget excursion. But the value equation makes sense if you care about time.

You’re paying for three main things:

• a high-speed boat instead of road time
• 3 hours on Symi, the core sightseeing destination
• a 30-minute swim stop in St. George’s Bay

The “no bus ride” angle is especially relevant if you’re staying in Kiotari or Lardos. If you’ve ever done a tour where you spend more time getting to a harbor than exploring the destination, this one avoids that frustration by starting your day right at the beach.

Also, the transport quality is a real part of the decision here. The tour data shows strong satisfaction with transport performance, with 89% of reviewers giving a perfect score. That doesn’t mean everything is perfect, but it does suggest the boat portion is well-run.

Bottom line: this is value-minded if you want the Symi experience fast and you’ll actually use the time on the ground.

Who This Trip Suits Best (and Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This tour fits best if you:

• are based in south Rhodes and want an efficient day out
• like doing your own exploring once you arrive
• want a structured swim break without committing to a long beach day
• enjoy harbor towns and photo stops as you walk

You might consider another option if you’re the kind of traveler who needs extra time in Symi to relax, shop slowly, or take long breaks in cafés. Three hours is fun, but it’s still a tight window for a town that encourages wandering.

It also helps if you’re comfortable with a boat day. High-speed means you’ll feel the day moves quickly and you’ll have less flexibility once you’re on the schedule.

On the other hand, if you enjoy short, scenic trips with a clear payoff, this one is a strong match.

Tips to Make the Most of Your Boat Day

This trip is simple, but a few choices can make it smoother.

• Bring sunscreen. You’ll be exposed on the boat and on Symi.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Symi is best on foot, and you’ll want to move through town without thinking about it.
• Plan your Symi priorities in your first hour. Harbor views and the main lanes are usually what you’ll want most.
• If swimming is a must, treat the 30 minutes as timed. Get in early enough to enjoy it, not just to check it off.
• Stay flexible about water conditions. Season and timing affect shade, and that can change how clear and bright the water looks.

One practical note: the St. George’s Bay swim happens after the Symi portion, so if you’re someone who gets seasick easily, you’ll want to plan accordingly. The tour data doesn’t include specific comfort guidance, so I’m treating this as a general “be prepared” reminder.

Should You Book the Kiotari/Lardos to Symi Speedboat?

If you want Symi plus a swim stop in one day, and you’re staying in the south Rhodes corridor, I think this is an easy yes. The boat gets you there fast, and the schedule protects real time on the island.

Book it if your priority is:

• 3 hours of self-guided Symi time
• a 30-minute swim at St. George’s Bay
• a tour format that avoids long bus segments

Skip it or switch plans if you can’t align with the pickup days that matter to you. Remember: Lardos pickup runs only Wednesdays and Fridays, while Kiotari Beach and Vlycha Beach pickups run Tuesday through Friday.

The final decision comes down to expectations. If you’re okay with a timed visit and you’re chasing scenery, the payoff is likely strong. If you need more relaxed pacing or you’re traveling in a season where shade timing matters, go in prepared and use Symi itself as the main goal.

FAQ

Where does the boat pick you up?

Pickup is offered from beach steps below major resort areas, including below Rodos Maris Hotel, Lindos Imperial Hotel in Kiotari Beach, and Costa Lindia Hotel in Lardos Beach, using the Aphrodite Princess and boarding from the red steps.

How long do you have in Symi?

You’ll have about 3 hours free time to explore Symi on your own.

How long is the swim stop at St. George’s Bay?

The swim stop at St. George’s Bay lasts about 30 minutes.

What is the total duration of the tour?

The tour duration is listed as 9 hours.

Which days does the boat stop in Lardos?

The boat stops in Lardos only on Wednesdays and Fridays.

Which days does it stop in Kiotari Beach and Vlycha Beach?

The boat stops in Kiotari Beach and Vlycha Beach every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Is lunch included?

Lunch is not included. You can eat at traditional tavernas in Symi at your own expense.

What’s included in the price?

Included are 3 hours free time on Symi and a 30-minute swim stop at St. George’s Bay.

Do I need to bring anything?

Bring sunscreen.

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