Fast Boat To Symi with a swimming stop at St George's Bay! (Only 1hr journey)

Boat trip to Symi

We were staying near Rhodes town and were looking for a boat trip to Symi. We looked through lots of reviews before deciding on this company. We booked a few days in advance on their website directly for an 11am sailing as this time suited us well with a 4 year old in tow. We paid a deposit online and received confirmation advising the balance was due when boarding. The day before we received WhatsApp messages advising that due to demand we now had a choice of 9am departure (check in 8.30am) or 3pm departure (arriving back at past 9pm and without the swim stop). I was a little taken aback by this message as we had chosen the 11am departure to fit around our child’s routine but we didn’t have time to look at alternatives as we’re due to go home the day after the trip. We reluctantly agreed to a 9am departure which meant for a bit more of a rushed morning start in order to get into Rhodes town in time. Having said this, the actual boat trip was great. The crew were friendly and helpful. The boat was fast and although I am susceptible to sea sickness I felt none on here. There were toilets on board and plenty of space. We had 3 hours in Symi (10am-1pm) which was perfect for us. We got the land train and then did some shopping, took some photos and then got an ice cream and drinks. After that it was time to board the boat again. More than enough time with a small child. On the way back the boat stopped at St George’s bay for swimming which was organised well and great fun. Lots of noodles for less confident swimmers. Boat arrived back at the time planned. Overall we really enjoyed the trip and would recommend to others. The only reason I gave 4/5 is for the change in departure time the day before. I would book again with this company but would just check with them before paying any deposit etc what time the sailing will actually be.

Good trip, but we left it too late to book and could only get 9am

Yiu are in Symi at the hottest part of the day, 35 degrees. 3 hours too long at that time of day to look round the time. You need to book far ahead to get better times. Symi is beautiful. We did not eat there beyond an ice cream. St George’s bay is perfection. Water is like a swimming pool is so blue and clear. :0 mins not really enough. An hour here would be perfect. A great crew in the boat and the trip was excellent and fast. Would boom again, but with a shorter stay in Symi and maybe more beach stops. We like it didn’t serve food and drink as we don’t drink alcohol and I’d prefer to eat in Symi.

High speed fun

Totally worthwhile trip to Symi, free time of three hours, and 30 mins swim time on way back! The crystal clear water was exactly the perfect antidote to 33degrees of heat and sun. We wandered the streets of Symi, spent an hour at the beach (bring water shoes, the beach is stony) and still had time for a delicious lunch of local Greek fare before getting back on board for the departure. The timing 9am-3pm was perfect and punctual, we sat on upper deck on way out, lower deck on way back. There was more of a cooling breeze on top. Highly recommend this trip with Rhodes Sea Line.

Fantastic value for money and memories made!

Fantastic trip. Staff all the way through, from checking in to off boarding were friendly and helpful. We felt safe and looked after all the way. The stop at St Georges Bay was beautiful and memorable. Value for money!

Day Trip

Absolutely loved this trip. Symi is a beautiful island. Would love to have stayed longer. Very pretty.

Quick & easy trip to beautiful symi

I booked this online whilst browsing, it cost €138 2 people from Kolympia harbour. We were staying at the atlantica imperial and the harbour was literally next door. My husband isn’t overly keen on boat trips so when I saw this I perfectt as it reduced time on boat. Unfortunately my husband had an upset tummy so I went alone. The boat arrived on time and we set off to Rhodes town harbour which took about 40 minutes. It was quite pleasant I sat up the top as less bumpy apparently. Then some people got off and loads got on. I would say it s just like a bus but on water. It then took about an hour to symi island. It was a bumpy journey at time. At no time was there any safety announcements or any kind of information. I was sat behind the captain , two of he’s mates got on and sat with him. They were chatting and the captain kept getting distracted on he’s phone as well. He came across as very unfriendly and dirty. It was 38 degrees but my arms were a tad chilly at times I took a towel so I wrapped that around me. We were given a map before we disembarked and was told what time to return by them holding up a sign as you got off. Atm was beautiful it was so hot ! I had a little wonder then had some lunch. I then paid €8 and got on the fun train which took 45 minutes and was brilliant. It stops at the top of a hill and you get 5 minutes to get off and take photos. It took 45 minutes. By then time was up. I noticed a girl on the boat alone I thought maybe we could buddy up but she dashed off before I had a chance to catch her eye. When I was having lunch I saw her make an exchange with a local man it was very discreet and looked dodgy he asked her how long she her for and I heard her say she had others but would be somewhere so he could find her. Seemed like a drug run to me and possible prosecution she looked sad only young. . It goes on everywhere I guess just wasn’t expecting that and no one would have noticed it was only that I recognised her from the boat. Back to the trip , we then stopped at a lovely bay and had about 30 minutes swim time. They had floats that they gave out but no snorkel I wish I took mine. You can leave your stuff on the boat as the crew stay on it. Like towel etc I took a change of swim wear and used the toilet to change which I’m so glad I did as again even though it reached 40 it was chilly at sea. As I was about to leave at Kolympia I quickly mentioned to a crew member about my husband ticket if it could be refunded. The captain was shouting no talking and honking the horn. I’ve never known such an unfriendly crew. I felt like he didn’t like woman either he friends were gay which I have no problem with what’s so ever but it was like he didn’t care about the day trippers just there conversations. We hit a few waves due to him not concentrating! Having said all that I enjoyed it and it was a lot quicker way to get there. Just think of it as a fast bus. I spoke to someone who got a different boat from Rhodes town and it took 2 hours. I also spoke to someone that got on there and it coast €40 pp. so you could stay in roads town after and spend evening there if you wanted. Buses are very cheap and easy. I emailed about my husband’ and I received a full refund for he’s ticket the next day!

Great boat trip!

Great trip. Fast boat. Provided with a leaflet guide of places to visit in Symi island. Got a discount on sea sponges in the recommended shop also with a free gift! Swim stop was lovely however would have liked for it to have been for longer. Swimming noodles were provided which was great. Would have been good to have some goggles to see underwater.

Beautiful

Absolutely fantastic! What a beautiful place and all the staff were fantastic! We ended up being late but they just rang me and said we could go to the next port which was great for us, they were so friendly and very helpful! The boat trip was amazing and the staff on the boat did a great job! Plenty of time on the island for all the sight seeing! We loved it, thank you so much!!

Great trip out

Swimming in St George's Bay was truely amazing. Symi was a beautiful town and lots of places to eat. Not much else to do while there though.

No sea sickness! 🏆

Symi was amazing! We were travelling with kids and were afraid of possible sea sickness in speed boat. Everything went well! No one felt sick at all! Slower boat would have probably done it.

Beautiful Simi

Great high speed ride over to Simi. Beautiful island but highlight was the swim at St Geirges Bay. Stunning.

Amazing day trip to Symi!

Loved the cruise and Symi. Swim and Pics in St George bay such a bonus. The captain and crew were great, even provided jackets and blankets because the crossing can be quite windy. Taking the fast boat is well worth it to get there in an hour. Great day trip from Rhodes.

Redbull jet rhodes

The trip was great and really fun. 5 stars from us!! Really good guides, thank you🫶🏻 Remember to bring a towel and some clothes because we were very wet when we came back

Symi st George’s bay

Amazing! Enjoyable day and the swim stop was great. Boat trip is super quick with great views. Only thing I’d say is - 3 hours in Symi is quite a lot especially with the current heat - so best bet is to sit somewhere in the shade to keep cool! Lovely to walk around though. The swim stop at the end was so refreshing.

Amazing!

So much fun, loved the trip! We decided to do this last minute and so glad we did! Crew / hosts were amazing. Highly recommend

Lovely trip, but ~2 hours from Faliraki.

A really great experience! Everything was on time and the stop at St George Bay was lovely. We checked in at Faliraki port/harbour, and it’s worth noting they provide a coach transfer (about 25 minutes) to board the boat at another location. The boat then takes 15-20 minutes to get to old town Rhodes, where more people board. From there, it takes an hour to get to Symi Island. So all in all, if you are boarding from Faliraki, you are looking at about a 2 hour trip one way.

Great trip

I’d definitely recommend the visit to Symi and St George bay it was beautiful. It would have been nice to know that it took 3 hours there and 3 hours back from our pick up spot in Kiotari though!! Also the staff were lovely it just would have been nice if they talked to you a bit more on the long journey maybe give some facts about the island.

Wonderful

Wonderful trip. Couldn’t fault this excursion from start to finish. They picked us up at our hotel, the boat was fast and offered jumpers for those who were in the spray. Symi was gorgeous and the stop at St George bay was magical. Would do it again! Three hours in symi goes by in a flash, so worth landing a route or having an idea of what you want to do (ie explore, swim, lunch, fun train) before getting there.

Highlight of the Holiday

Awesome boat with a smooth journey. No trouble for my daughter with Motion Sickness. Family-friendly, efficient and clean. Beautiful views of St George's Bay with a fabulous swim and a good amount of time to spend at Symi. Would definitely do again.

Nice day trip

Symi was pretty and enjoyable but the swim stop was amazing. Easy day trip! Our whole family loved it.

Amazing amazing amazing!!

Symi was so with going to and the swim stop afterwards was incredible. The staff were lovely and the trip was really well organised. Thank you guys, we loved it! ☺️

Hassle free

Hassle free! Booked online which was much easier than navigating all of the stalls at the port. We booked the pick up from hotel which was only 5 euro each, excellent value. Driver picked us up in a mini bus collecting 2 other couples on the way. He was waiting for us on the return. Fantastic value! The boat was fast & staff were excellent. Symi island was beautiful. We hope to visit Lindos next time & will be booking with Rhodes Sea Lines again.

A great way to visit Symi Island

We didn’t want a guided tour so we booked this as it seemed like the best way to visit Symi Island. We got picked up on time and arrived at Symi island just over an hour later. The fast boat is definitely the best way to get there. We found that 3 hours in Symi island was a little much for us as we saw everything we wanted and got food and still had around an hour to spare. The stop at St George’s Bay on the way back was stunning. The only reason I haven’t given 5 stars is because you simply do not get long enough at St George’s bay. By the time you have jumped into the water and swam to shore and back, it’s time to leave. The way back was very windy so take something to wrap up in.

Worth to visit Symi island

Symi, one of the most beautiful islands with crystal clean waters and am amazing swimming stop to saint george bay. Worth visiting and we plan to go again and stay for a few days. We took the boat from kolymbia as rhodes port gets very busy and we didn’t regret it.

Must for anyone wanting a life long memory!

The trip was fantastic! Highly recommended and it really will give life long memories when you get the chance to swim in St George’s Bay. Truly breathtaking 🥰

MUST-DO ACTIVITY

simy island is absolutly lovely the streets are very pretty and pleasant to stroll along. There are several restaurants on the island, some of them serve shrimp caught on Simy Island itself. St George’s bay is also AMAZING you can swim on a blue water absolutely incredible

Wish I had known what I know now.

Not sure why this trip was rated so highly. Nothing wrong with the staff or the boat, other than how early we were asked to come compared to when the boat actually departed. The tickets said to be there on time because they were starting at 10:15AM. We arrived about 9:45AM because we wanted to get good seats. There really was no reason to get there that early. The boat didn't actually depart until 11AM. Lots of wasted time. In fact our whole morning really. That part I don't understand. The boat was faster than most boats but it didn't feel crazy fast. Don't go expecting to have an exhilarating ride because it is not. It is simply transportation. The only thing is you get there faster than other boats that are slower. Once there, it is neat to see. It looks a little like the Amalfi Coast in Italy but most of the shops sell cheap touristy junk. You will find much better shopping back in Old Town. The day we went it was overcast, windy and off and on cold. The attendants on the boat provided us with sweaters to wear which was nice. I don't think we would have done this if it weren't for the positive reviews. Knowing what I know now, I would not have done this. In addition, I bought this through Viator and it cost me $134 USD for two tickets. The attendant when we checked in gave me a receipt for about $80 Euros. Not sure why because that is equal to roughly $88 USD. I am so confused as to why the difference. Viator says they have the best prices but did they?? At $88 USD I would have been content, not happy but content, but not for $134 USD. Check your prices on what you are being charged for. ****IF YOU FOUND THIS REVIEW HELPFUL PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT AND INDICATE SO***

Very enjoyable daytrip to Symi

The trip to Symi was really well organised and we felt safe and in very good hands. They pass rounds thick fleeces for you to wear for the journey because its absolutely freezing so its a good idea to take a hoodie so you can keep your head and ears warm. Symi was very pretty and we found a lovely restaurant to eat in. The swim in St.Georges bay was short but sweet and on the whole it was a really lovely day out and one of the highlights of our holiday.

Fabulous trip worth doing

This was a fabulous trip would definitely recommend symi is beautiful and lovely to walk around with lots of shops and restaurants The swim in the bay was welcome The trip back was choppy but I’m Glad we went on a cloudy day as couldn’t walk around in the heat of the day The only thing that marred the day was the inconsistency of your operator telling us they’d pick us up at hotel then saying no we needed to be at bus stop by main rd , we waited and bus didn’t arrive so text them and they said it’s on its way when it still Didn’t arrive thwy said taxi in its way ! When it did turn up transpired the taxi had been waiting for us outside our hotel as originally stated ! So this was annoying

Miscommunication re pick up

Was a nightmare getting pick up sorted first told would pick up at hotel then told to walk to bus stop two minutes away( which didn’t exist!) then told to walk to main road where would be picked up by bus so walked the kilometre from hits To bus stop when the bus hadn’t arrived text thw operators who said a taxi on its way so we waited them When it hasn’t arrived in five minutes they said would be with us , it did turn Up 15 late and the driver said he had been waiting outside our hotel for us! So compete miscommunication, however the boat trip was fabulous and woudl highly recommend symi is beautiful and so worth a visit and the swim stop was fun to do ( collect a pebble from the beach as a memento) Very bumpy ride on way back

Trip was cancelled due to bad weather but contact and support was great

Trip was cancelled but I’m giving 5 star review because communication and post-cancellation support was great. Too bad we couldn’t go but again stress-free contact and support was valuable!

Beautiful trip

Fantastic day at Symi. Beautiful swim at St George's beach. Can be cold and wet on the boat. Take a warm jumper though fleece is provided

Thoroughly enjoyed, highly recommend

Thoroughly enjoyed our journey, symi is beautiful and st georges bay is something else entirely. But is a bit bumpy as expected, going there was grand but coming back was windy so worse but what can you do. Only thing to improve on the trip would be more time out 😂 the half hour swim was over in no time at all

Great day out !

The trip was great, easy to find in the harbour. Welcoming crew. Symi is like a film set and great restaurants to take in the scenery. The swimming opportunity is welcome after a hot day too. Would highly recommend.

Fantastic value trip to a beautiful place!

One of the best excursions my fiance and I have done while travelling. Symi is a stunningly beautiful place and the boat ride was great fun. The boat and ticket staff were lovely and helpful and the people of Symi were very friendly too. George Bay is an awesome stop with crystal clear water (bring a snorkel if you want to see some fish!) Highly recommended trip and excellent value for money.

journey to SYMI and St Georges bay

the village was nice to visit, St Georges bay was spectacular and great the boat crossing on the way out was difficult and stressful for me with lots of sudden jolts due to the wind (25 - 42) happily it was much more confortable and good on the way back

Simy is wonderful

We booked the trip with Spiros when we passed by the booth in Rhodes town. Later we had to reschedule the trip for another day and this was no problem by just calling the service. Just be aware that the speed boat comes with some specifics like loud sound, wet and windy, very bumpy when sitting at the front. Though it was worth while because Simy was wonderful to see and the swimming in the bay very nice.

Fab day but expect to get wet!

Brilliant trip, 3 hours is plenty of time to explore symi. Only thing to be careful of is you get very wet if you sit near the back of the lower deck as it’s very choppy and windy going over to the island and back.

Awesome red boat trip

Trip to Symi on the red fast boat is a must…..what a fantastic experience! Crew were very friendly and the views were spectacular. Symi is such a pretty place to explore and have some lunch.St Georges bay swim stop was wonderful too.This was by far the best trip on our holiday.

Lovely trip and a nice crew!! The island is a MUST to visit, its so pretty!

I had a very good time, Symi is soooo beautiful!! And St. Georges bay was also amazing. Everybody was so nice and talkative. I recommend exploring the town, dont be afraid to go away from the bay :) Most people on my trip stayed around the bay and ate which is also fine! (I think we stayed for 3 hours ish?). Overall a great experience and really a must if you are visiting Rhodes island <3

Excellent trip

The boat is really fast, funny ride! Sými is really beautiful place, one of the many places you should go once in the life time.

A must in Rhodes

Truly Amazing experience! The boat ride was great, symi was unbelievable as well. George's bay is one of the best I've ever seen

Beautiful scenery and friendly crew

Symi is worth the visit and very pretty, albeit very touristy. (If you don't like shopping or Greek food then maybe the 3 Hour stop would be tedious). and the swim stop in a dramatic cove with sheer sides was fun, albeit water quite cold in April.

Great experience

Efficient service, friendly yet not intense crew (important). Prepped passengers well for it being choppy. Symi and St George bay were absolutely beautiful.

Fast boat to Symi for a beautiful day out on an exceptional Greek island!

Fast boat to Symi was a great day!! The island is beautiful with architecture like nowhere else in Greece. We only wish that the boat crew had given us a little more guidance about what to see once on the island. we didn't know that you could visit the monastery, so we missed it.

Wonderful experience!

Fabulous trip from start to finish. Highly recommend for the sights and the sea air. Symi is a beautiful island something you can’t imagine well worth it. The highlight for us was the swing in the bay. So beautiful and felt so peaceful and idyllic. Dreams come true! Thank you to the trip providers. We’ll run and organised, easy to manage, really enjoyed the boat ride!

A great day trip from Rhodes

I got the fast red boat operated by Rhodes Sea Lines to the island of Symi. It took an hour and at times we sped past the Turkish coast. We had three hours to walk around the pretty harbour town in Symi and have a great seafood lunch. On the return journey we stopped at St George’s Bay where you had half an hour to swim in the clean clear water. It was a great day out.

A highlight of our holiday

My husband and I loved this trip. It was easy to book online while we were away, and the tour operator were really responsive via online chat. The meeting point was easy to find at Mandraki Harbour, and the staff were friendly and helpful. We were a little early, so we asked where was good for coffee and we were directed to Gregory's a few mins walk away (also great!). The boat itself is modern and clean. Communication about departure and pick up was clear. You're able to leave belongings on the boat while you get off if you want. Our stop off at St George's Bay was brought forward and we were told just as we set off. This was because of the sun direction later in the day - if we'd have gone after Symi, the sun would have been behind the cliffs and not such a nice experience - so bear this in mind in case the same happens on your trip. I had worn my swimming costume under an easy to get on and off day dress, and kept my head out of the water - so still felt relatively fresh for the Symi visit. The swim stop was lovely, we had 30 mins to climb off and swim before getting back on. The steps off are sturdy and deep, so it was relatively easy. They also have flotation devices if you need them. The sea was really warm and crystal clear and we saw the famous goats on the shore. Most people got off he boat on our tour, but you don't have to. There are two toilets onboard to get changed in after. It was all quite hassle free which I was pleasantly surprised at. The crossings were all smooth with no bobbing about - I'm terrified of deep sea and waves / boats but I was absolutely fine on this. The sea is so calm and clear. Symi itself is just beautiful, a pastel postcard come to life. It did seem hotter there though, so take extra sun cream and a hat. The captain reccomended we walk all the way to the other side of the harbour to try Kaboe for food and he was right - nice tapas by the harbour side and in the shade. The only downside of the tour was the slim line bucket seats on the boat - they are very narrow and deep, so if you have a wide backside like me, it's really uncomfortable. Every boat in the harbour looked like it had the same type of seat though, so no way to get around this. The trip was still 100% worth it and we'd do it again.

Boating on the broads.

Brilliant service. Friendly staff. Free toilets and showers. First-class new cafe. Boats are not new but there is everything you need on-board. Highly recommended for wildlife and chilled cruising.

Great boat trip!

Booking on website easy to navigate. Transfer service from and to hotel really good kept informed throughout, George the driver very friendly. Very well organised, great trip. Highly recommend!