Two islands in one day sounds simple. The trick is getting it right, and this trip is built for big views and an easy pickup-and-sail flow. You’ll get two clear highlights: time on Symi (3 hours) and a proper swim stop at St. George Bay (about 1.5 hours on the water). One thing to consider: the sea can feel a bit bouncy, and the whole plan is weather-dependent.

I like that the schedule is straightforward—no endless stop-hopping, just real time where it matters. For the money, you’re also getting snorkeling equipment included, plus you’re not paying extra for the stop tickets. The only potential downside is crowding: with up to 220 people, it can feel less private than you’d expect on a day boat.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Feel On This Trip

• St. George Bay swim time with about 1.5 hours anchored in a boat-only spot
• Snorkeling equipment included so you’re not scrambling on the day
• 3 hours in Symi—enough time to wander without feeling rushed
• Daily 10:00 departure from Rhodes Town and return around 18:00
• Up to 220 passengers means expect a lively boat, not a quiet escape

Rhodes to Symi: The Fast Setup That Makes the Day Work

This is a full-day cruise with a clean rhythm. You leave Rhodes Town at 10:00 and you’re back around 18:00 at Mandraki Harbor. That’s a long day by Greek-island standards, but the payoff is that you get two memorable stops without needing to change boats or figure out local transport.

The meeting point is Half Price Tours at Gallias 6, Rhodes (851 00). If you’re using hotel pickup (extra charge), you’ll choose the right pickup area when booking, then add your hotel name in the special requirements field so the team can confirm the pickup time.

In practice, the best part of this setup is how much time you actually keep for the islands. You’re not burning hours on transfers or waiting around for the next step.

Price and Value: Is $88.67 a Smart Spend?

At $88.67 per person, this sits in the “pay for convenience” category. You’re covering the boat outing and getting included snorkeling equipment, which would cost you time (and often money) if you had to rent locally.

What helps the value is that the stops are time-based and clear. You get about 3 hours in Symi and roughly 1.5 hours for swimming at St. George Bay, plus free time in Symi where you handle lunch on your own. Since food and drinks are not included, you can control what you spend there—either keep it simple or splurge a bit.

Is it cheap? No. Is it fair for what you get—two island experiences, a swim stop, and gear included? For many people, yes. If you hate crowds and bouncy seas, you may decide it’s not worth it. But if you’re after an efficient day with real sea time, the price starts to make sense.

The Boat Ride: Comfortable Enough, But Plan for a Bumpy Sea

The trip involves time on the water in both directions. The good news: the boat experience is described as clean and well presented, and people reported smooth, organized check-in and boarding. The crew was also noted as welcoming, which matters when you’re trying to find your spot fast and settle in.

The honest note is about motion. The ride to St. George Bay can feel slightly bouncy, and the return can too. That’s normal for this kind of day cruise—sea conditions vary—so it’s worth thinking about basic comfort (sitting where you feel steadier, bringing motion-sickness meds if you need them).

Also, because the group limit can reach 220, you’ll likely share space with a lot of people. You may not get that quiet, private-boat feeling. Still, the structure helps: you’re not stuck on the water forever, and you’ll get clear breaks at both stops.

Symi Stop: 3 Hours to See the “Jewel of the Dodecanese”

Symi is often described as the Jewel of the Dodecanese, and the appeal is easy to understand. The island has that postcard mix of charm and Old-World look—where buildings, colors, and the shoreline all do the work for you.

You’ll have about 3 hours on the island. That’s a sweet spot: long enough to walk around, take in the views, and still grab lunch without feeling like you’re sprinting. It’s also enough time to choose your pace—wander slowly through the town area or focus on a few viewpoints and cafes.

What to keep in mind: Symi time is your free-time block. Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll be making decisions on the spot. If you’re hungry early, plan to eat sooner rather than later, because the day returns to Rhodes around 18:00.

If you like towns where you can slow down and look around—rather than only ticking off monuments—this stop is the one that usually wins people over.

St. George Bay Swim: The Boat-Only Nature Break You Came For

This is the star stop for water lovers. St. George Bay sits on the east coast of Symi and is accessible only by boat. That matters because it keeps the experience different from a typical “walk to the beach” swim.

You’ll anchor here for about 1.5 hours, and that time is built for relaxing in the water. People who went on this trip described the bay as lush and the water as clear once you’re in it. You’re not getting a quick dip and moving on. You’re getting real swim time.

One practical note: you’re arriving by boat, so you’ll likely shift from deck time to water time quickly. Wear footwear you can use around the boat steps, and bring something to protect your phone if you plan to take pictures.

This stop is also a great reset point. By the time you reach St. George Bay, you’ll have already done the “Rhodes to Symi” part of the day and you’ll feel the day open up into something more relaxed.

Snorkeling Gear Included: What You Should Do (and Not Do)

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don’t have to hunt down rentals. That’s a real convenience win on a day tour—less time spent organizing, more time spent in the water.

But the gear inclusion also means you should plan smartly. If you’ve never snorkeled before, treat this as an easy practice session rather than expecting a full-blown reef fantasy. You’ll likely just want to enjoy clear water, simple views, and the feeling of being out there.

If you’re an experienced snorkeler, you can still make it enjoyable, but you’ll want to keep expectations realistic for a single, scheduled stop. The clock matters here: you’ve got about 1.5 hours total for St. George Bay, and time can disappear faster than you think once you’re in and out of the water.

Bottom line: the included gear is a nice bonus, but the best way to get value is to use it right away and not waste the first minutes figuring out how things work.

Timing, Pace, and Who This Trip Fits Best

This day trip is built for people who want structure. You leave daily at 10:00, you’ve got a planned island block in Symi, then you return to Rhodes around 18:00. If you like having a plan (but still want some freedom), this works well.

It’s also a good match if you want both land and sea highlights. Symi gives you the town wandering and views. St. George Bay gives you the water break that feels like a vacation even if it’s one day.

Who may find it less ideal:

• Anyone who gets very seasick should think twice. The schedule includes a boat ride that can feel bouncy.
• Anyone who hates crowds should know the maximum can reach 220. You’ll still get the stops, but the vibe may be more social than quiet.

Who will probably love it:

• People who value convenience—hotel pickup (for an extra charge), clear departure, and a return to Mandraki Harbor
• Travelers who want a “see two places” day without arranging transfers independently

Pickup, Meeting Point, and Staying Sane on the Day

Here’s the practical side that often decides whether a tour feels smooth or stressful.

Start point: Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rhodes.

Pickup: Offered from hotels on the island for an extra charge, based on distance. You choose the right pickup option for your area (examples listed include Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, etc.), then add your hotel name in special requirements so pickup time can be confirmed.

In the feedback I saw, communication came through fast and clear. People mentioned receiving detailed confirmation by email, plus a WhatsApp message and email the day before with pickup details. That’s exactly what you want for a departure at 10:00, especially if pickup can be earlier.

When you plan your day, give yourself some buffer for being ready for pickup. If you’re staying outside Rhodes Town, pickup can start quite a bit earlier than harbor departure.

Lunch Plan in Symi: Freedom Without the Decision-Last-Minute Panic

Lunch is not included, but that’s not a bad thing. It’s a trade: you get time in Symi to choose your own meal instead of paying for a set menu that might not match your tastes.

Because Symi gives you about 3 hours, you have enough time to:

• eat once you’re comfortable with where you are
• grab a quick bite and still walk more
• or sit down for something longer if you enjoy the atmosphere

My advice: don’t wait too long. You’ll thank yourself when you remember you still need to get back to the boat on time for the return sailing.

The Return to Rhodes: When the Sea Calmly Finishes the Day

The return trip to Rhodes is back around 18:00 to Mandraki Harbor. People reported the journey back as manageable, again with that slight bouncy feeling that comes with sea conditions.

After a full day, the best part is that you don’t end up stuck figuring out transport. Where pickup was arranged, people noted smooth transportation back to their hotels and a prompt end to the day.

So while the boat is part of the experience, the “wrap-up” is meant to be easy. You’re not left hunting for taxis or guessing routes with a tired brain.

Should You Book This Luxury Boat Trip to Symi and St. George Bay?

If you want a structured day that includes both a gorgeous island town and a real swim stop, I think this is worth strong consideration. You’re paying for convenience, included snorkeling gear, and a schedule that gives you time where it counts: 3 hours in Symi plus about 1.5 hours in St. George Bay.

Book it if:

• you like day trips that combine towns + water time
• you’ll use the included snorkeling equipment
• you value hotel pickup and clear timing

Maybe skip it if:

• you’re very sensitive to motion and the sea tends to get to you
• you want a quiet, small-group feel (the cap can be 220)

One last tip before you decide: if you’re traveling at the mercy of weather, keep your expectations flexible. When conditions are good, this is a satisfying mix of Symi beauty and St. George Bay swimming. When they’re not, the tour needs to be weather-ready, and plans can change.

FAQ

How long is the Symi and St. George Bay boat trip?

The duration is about 8 hours (approx.). The cruise departs Rhodes Town at 10:00 and returns to Rhodes to Mandraki Harbor around 18:00.

What stops are included in the itinerary?

You’ll visit Symi for about 3 hours, then stop at Saint George Bay for about 1.5 hours for swimming.

Is lunch included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, and you’ll have free time in Symi where you can have lunch.

Is snorkeling gear included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for the trip.

Do you offer hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered from hotels on the island for an extra charge. The pickup time depends on how far your hotel is located, and you should include your hotel name in the special requirements field when booking.

What happens if the weather is poor?

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

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