Speedboats can be a weirdly good cure for vacation boredom. This one runs from Kolona Harbor between Rhodes and Symi, with a modern craft that gives you both an indoor air-conditioned deck and a sunbathing sundeck. You get the best part of the route too: you’re seeing famous Rhodes sights and then arriving right into Symi’s colorful bay.

What I like most is the picture-taking factor. From the water you get sharp views of the Old Town of Rhodes and landmarks like the Marine Gate, medieval clock, and Saint Nicholas Fortress. And when you reach Symi, you’re hit with those hillside, neoclassical houses that look like they were built to be photographed—especially with the sea reflecting them.

One drawback to plan for: Symi is hot, and the shade situation isn’t great once you’re off the boat. Also, boarding can feel like a crowd sport, so show up early and don’t count on a perfect seat right away.

Key things to know before you go

• Air-conditioned indoor deck + sundeck so you can switch based on sun and sea spray
• Rhodes landmarks from the water including windmills, the Saint Nicholas Fortress, and castle-wall views
• Symi free time is real time to shop, eat, wander small streets, and take photos without a group schedule
• Plan for heat since Symi doesn’t offer much shade in the areas you’ll likely walk
• Some top-deck seats get wet depending on where you sit and sea conditions

From Kolona Harbor: What the speedboat setup feels like

This is a straightforward day trip: you start at Kolona Harbor, hop on the Sebeco Lines boat, and spend the day between Rhodes and Symi. The boat is modern and built for comfort. You can stay cool in the enclosed, air-conditioned space, then move to the open sundeck when you want maximum views.

The biggest practical win is choice. If the ride feels a bit choppy, or you’re heat-sensitive, you can retreat indoors. If you’re a photo person, the sundeck is where you’ll want to be for the first big scenery moments.

I also like that you’re not trapped inside with a commentary track. This is a self-explore format. You spend your time in Symi how you want—harbor promenade, small lanes, a meal, a snack stop, or a slower wander.

Rhodes from the water: Windmills, fortress views, and castle walls

Even if you never plan to do a deep-dive on Rhodes Old Town, the water view tells the story fast. As you leave, you’ll catch scenery that’s hard to re-create from land. You see the Rhodes castle walls and parts of the Old Town skyline from the sea, including minarets, the medieval clock, and the Marine Gate area.

You also pass major landmarks like the 46-meter Naillac Tower, plus the windmills of Rhodes and the Saint Nicholas Fortress. If you’re into quick orientation, this is a clever way to get it. In an hour, you can build a mental map of what you’d later want to explore on foot in Rhodes.

And yes, you’ll get photo angles that feel more dramatic than the typical promenade shot. Seeing Old Town from the water gives you a wider frame and stronger depth—especially on a clear day.

Crossing to Symi: When to sit inside vs the sundeck

This is a speedboat crossing, and the sea will do what the sea does. Expect it to be quick—most people report roughly 80 minutes each way, and some mention around 1.5 hours depending on conditions.

Here’s the simple seating strategy I’d use:

• If you want comfort and fewer surprises, start indoors in the air-conditioned deck.
• If you want photos, move to the sundeck, but pick your spot smart.

One thing to keep in mind: some outer seats on top can get sprayed with seawater. If you hate surprises, sit more sheltered rather than right on the edge. Also, if motion affects you, choosing a shaded or more stable-feeling seat can make a difference. A/C also helps if you’re arriving from the Rhodes heat.

The upside of being on the sundeck is that you’ll watch Rhodes slide away, and Symi appears with real visual impact. The approach into Symi’s bay is the payoff.

Your Symi window: Harbor stroll, neoclassical houses, and cats

When you arrive, you disembark in Symi’s harbor area. Then the day opens up. You’re given free time—and based on actual reported experiences, it often lands around three to five hours depending on your departure timing and how the day runs.

Symi is amphitheatrically built, which means you’re naturally surrounded by those hillside views. The harbor is where the “first wow” happens: colorful neoclassical houses, tight streets, and sea views that look crisp enough to edit into a postcard.

The harbor promenade is also where you can set your pace. If you want an easy win, you can:

• walk the front area for photos
• browse shops
• stop for a drink or lunch
• wander up and down small lanes without committing to a big climb

One charming detail: you’ll likely see a lot of cats. They’re part of the vibe, and they make Symi feel more like a lived-in place than a chore.

Kali Strata, castle views, and local food with limited time

Symi has two modes: mellow harbor wandering and more active exploring. If you have energy, plan for stairs. Many people use their time to walk up toward the castle area via Kali Strata, often described as a steep staircase route with about 500 steps.

That climb is short on paper but serious in the heat. The reward is the views over the main town and the harbor. If you time it well, you’ll get some of the best “Symi from above” photos without needing a guide.

Now the food part. Symi is at its best when you treat lunch as part of the tour. People specifically mention trying things like curried goat and Symi’s fried red shrimp. Even if you don’t order those exact dishes, the point is you’re in the right place for a proper island meal instead of eating back on the boat.

A realistic tip: Symi is not a beach-and-butterflies day for everyone. There are swims possible during free time, and some people go to places like St Georges Beach. But if you’re chasing a proper beach experience, you might find you need extra planning or a quick taxi ride to reach the best spots.

Return ride to Rhodes: Stay cool and protect your timing

Heading back to Rhodes is usually another fast crossing, again around 80 minutes. This is when I’d think about comfort and timing. If you got a bit crispy on the sundeck earlier, the enclosed deck can feel like a reset button.

Also, check the clock in Symi rather than trusting momentum. The trip runs on schedule, and the boat leaves promptly. That matters because if you end your day with a long lunch, you’re cutting into your last chance to soak up the harbor.

One more practical detail: if you’re trying to maximize photos, save some shots for the return. People often catch Rhodes scenery from the water on the way back too, including strong sunset-type lighting when timing lines up.

Price and value: Why this Symi day trip works (and where it saves time)

At $35 per person, this is priced like a true day-trip deal. You’re paying for two things:

1) the transport between Rhodes and Symi by speedboat, and

2) the free time on Symi where you can decide what to do.

That’s also where the value is slightly limited. You don’t get a guided tour. There’s no structured “see these exact stops” plan. That can be perfect if you like wandering, but it’s not ideal if you want a full history lesson along the way.

Think of it like this: the trip buys you the time and the route. You provide the curiosity. In practice, that means you should bring a rough game plan for Symi—harbor first, then either stairs/castle views or a slow walk and food—so the hours don’t vanish.

For most people, the included free time feels right. Many report that about three hours is enough to explore the harbor and grab food, while longer time slots allow for more. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants beaches and lots of uphill exploring, you may wish you had more than a day.

Who this Symi day trip fits best

This works best for people who want:

• A fast, comfortable ride with indoor A/C as a backup
• Big scenery without planning complexity
• Free time to shop, eat, and roam at your own pace

It’s also a good match if you’re traveling with friends or family and you don’t all want the same type of activity. One person can do stairs and castle views, while another stays in the harbor area for lunch and browsing.

If you’re sensitive to heat, bring sun protection and plan your shade stops. If you’re sensitive to boat motion, choose seats thoughtfully and stay hydrated. And if you hate crowds, arrive early for boarding—some people describe boarding as a bit of a rush.

Should you book this tour?

If you’re doing Rhodes for the first time and want a taste of the Dodecanese beyond your hotel area, this is a smart pick. You get the comfort of an air-conditioned boat, dramatic scenery from the water, and enough Symi time to feel like you had a real island day—not just a stopover.

Book it if you want self-paced exploring and don’t need a guide to tell you what to look at. Skip it or reconsider if you’re hoping for a full beach day or a deeply guided cultural walkthrough. With limited hours in Symi, you’ll need to choose your priorities—harbor wander, stairs/castle views, or a swim.

FAQ

How long is the speedboat ride each way?

The crossing between Rhodes and Symi is about 80 minutes one way, though conditions and schedules can make it feel a bit longer or shorter.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get free time in Symi for about three hours or more, with many experiences landing around three to five hours depending on the departure and day’s timing.

Is there a guided tour included in Symi?

No. This is a free-time format, so you explore on your own rather than following a guide.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, though there is typically a bar onboard and you can buy drinks during the trip.

What onboard comfort is available?

You can use an air-conditioned enclosed deck and also sit on the outdoor sundeck.

Where do I meet the tour boat?

Head to Kolona Harbor and look for the Sebeco Lines boat.

Is there cancellation flexibility?

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

Can I bring my own plans for exploring Symi?

Yes. The whole point is your own pace—shopping, eating, and walking around Symi.

Is it possible to swim in Symi?

Some people use their free time to swim, including mention of places like St Georges Beach, but beach access depends on where you choose to go and timing.

What should I do about sun and shade in Symi?

Plan for heat and limited shade. Use sun protection and consider that shaded areas may be limited once you’re walking around.

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