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Symi Island by Fast Boat (High-Speed: 1 hour journey & 4hrs Symi)

Recommended by 95% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rhodes, Greece
High interest
Booked 4 times today.
  • 8 hours (approx.)
  • Pickup offered
  • Offered in: English

Overview

One of the Dodecanese's most beautiful islands, Symi offers colorful buildings set amid brilliant blue sea. This fast boat service gets you there more speedily than conventional ferries, with a 75-minute journey time allowing you more time to explore. Check in direct at the office by the harbor, or upgrade to add 2-way hotel transfers from both southern and northern Rhodes.
  • Explore beautiful Symi Island independently on a fast-boat trip
  • Capture gorgeous photos of multicolored homes and azure bays
  • Upgrade to skip the self-drive stress with 2-way hotel transfers
  • No need to rush breakfast—boat departs mid-morning

What's Included

  • Boat Ticket
  • Pickup (if option selected)
  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Restroom on board
  • Lunch
    Lunch is not included. You will have free time in Symi island, where you can have lunch.

Meeting and Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

Pickup details

We offer pick-ups from all the hotels in Rhodes island. Transfer service is available for a small additional supplement, which depends on how far is located your hotel (visible during checkout). It includes both ways: pick-up from your hotel, and after the trip drop off back. When booking select an option that covers the area where is located your hotel. For example: if you stay in Faliraki, select option "Pickup: Faliraki, Ialyssos". ❓ What if my hotel isn't on the list? Don't worry! We pick up from almost everywhere in Rhodes. If you don't see your hotel in the dropdown menu, you have two easy options: ● During Booking: Simply type your hotel name into the "Special Requirements" field. Once we receive your booking, we will manually confirm your exact pick-up time and location. ● Contact Us Directly: Send us a quick message with your hotel name, and we will let you know the closest meeting point and pick up time within 24 hours. ❓ Arriving on Your Own? (Parking & Tips) If you are staying in Rhodes Town or have a rental car, you can meet us directly at our office at 09:15-09:30 AM. ● Important Note on Parking:
 Please be aware that parking in Rhodes Town near the harbor can be very challenging, especially during the summer months. ● The "1-Hour Rule": If you choose to drive, we strongly recommend arriving at least one hour early to search for a parking space. ● Paid Parking: Most spots near the port are paid zones and fill up quickly. ● Our Recommendation: To avoid the "parking headache" and ensure a stress-free start to your holiday, we highly recommend booking a transfer with us. Let us handle the driving and drop you off right at the check-in point!

or

Meeting point

  • Half Price Tours
    Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece

    If you are not using our hotel transfer service and are coming to the harbor on your own, please arrive at our Main Office at Gallias 6, Rhodes (located near Mandraki Harbor). ● Check-in Window: 09:15 AM – 09:40 AM.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Ticket Redemption Point

Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece

Itinerary

1

Symi

4 hours Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers

Cancellation Policy

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

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)
Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Julia_G
The trip was great! The driver collecting us was very punctual and made sure we were dropped back to the hotel. The transfer and ticket collection was also very quick. Symi is an extremely beautiful island, definitely worth visiting when in Rhodes. Would recommend for families!

Reviews

4.8
based on 1,033 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Symi is a must visit when...

Kristen_L, May 2026
Symi is a must visit when in Rhodes. I got the transfer from my hotel to the boat and the driver was extremely friendly and helpful, arrived on time. The boat to the island is comfortable with seating inside and out on the top deck. Had 4 hours in Symi which was enough time for me, such a stunning place for something to eat and a bit of shopping. When arriving back in Rhodes my driver was already there waiting with a smile to take me back to my hotel. Would definitely recommend this trip

Beautiful route and trip...

Victoria_S, Apr 2026
Beautiful route and trip with plenty of time to walk around closest areas to harbour. Good value for the money and time

It was very easy getting...

Malwina_S, Apr 2026
It was very easy getting picked up on time from the hotel to then get on the boat to Symi. Plenty of item to explore the small island.

Great trip but careful of timings

Adrian_L, Apr 2026
You need to check the timing . The Viatour booking said 10am but when you turn up you are given tickets for 10.45 as in fact boats go at 9.45 and 10.45. Fortunately we could change our 10.45 ticket for a 9.45 ticket at the pier. Otherwise a very good boat trip both ways and the island is well worth seeing

Another great Viator booking experience

AnnaLisa_S, Apr 2026
Another excellent service from Viator. Only booked at 7pm the evening before, but communication was excellent and even managed to get a minibus pick up from the hotel for a small additional charge. Had a fantastic day trip to Symi and the boat was air conditioned and very comfortable. Great booking experience and would recommend.

We were accidentally...

Sofia_L, Aug 2025
We were accidentally given the incorrect tickets for the trip so we were unable to visit the Monastery after visiting the port at Symi island but pick up was extremely smooth and the trip to the island was breath taking.

Symi amazing, boat less so

Layal_C, Aug 2025
Symi was great! A must visit. The boat itself was very bumpy. It was very windy, many people felt ill.

Seem-less Symi in the Sun

David_S, Jul 2025
The whole day was seem-less, from collection to drop-off. When I booked I failed to notice that there were different prices depending on where you are on the island, so I paid the difference at the office when collecting the tickets. The communication was excellent and pick up in an air-conditioned mini-bus was on time. We had to wait to depart port, which may have been for an airport transfer / goods, but it was ok. The boat was equipped with a bar and toilets with seating on deck offering some shade. Below deck are more comfortable seats with air-conditioning available. The journey was quick and smooth and we arrived with plenty of time to enjoy a wander round the harbour, take in the sites, shopping, lunch & ice-cream. We were on the island for around 4 hrs in total before setting off back to Rhodes (this time opting for some air-conditioning below deck). Symi is a must to visit, amazing houses with some useful info provided by the staff in the form of a leaflet explaining a little about Symi. On arrival back in Rhodes and travelled back to Lindos. Overall it was around 11hrs, a long day but very worthwhile and I would totally recommend using this company again.

Amazing Experience

Julia_G, May 2025
The trip was great! The driver collecting us was very punctual and made sure we were dropped back to the hotel. The transfer and ticket collection was also very quick. Symi is an extremely beautiful island, definitely worth visiting when in Rhodes. Would recommend for families!

Beautiful island made easy with this tour.

Suet_L, Mar 2025
Lovely semi island, very worth visiting. Good commutation, on time and make it very easy. Would have loved a little more time on island.

Amazing !

Mirabel_P, Oct 2024
The entire boat trip was well organised . The boat was clean and clear instructions given.Symi is a beautiful Island . Will definitely recommend.

Fast boat to Symi

Sabine_O, Oct 2024
From booking to pickup at the hotel to the boat trip to Symi, everything was well organized, easy to follow instructions and messages to us ensuring our travel plans. The boat ride was wonderful, ample time in Symi . Overall a great experience.

Easy, stress free trip to beautiful Symi

Antonio_F, Aug 2024
Transfer and ferry was all on time and perfect. It was well worth the travel time to see Symi, would recommend it to any tourists.

Was ok

Damini_U, Aug 2024
Was ok when the driver came to pick us the bus was full no space and i had to sit other place not with my husband the boat there was too hot at least waster could give us but was ok

Poor

David_S, Jun 2024
Nothing was memorable 1.35 hours there and the same way back Leaving very little time in Symi Not as advertised

Symi island

Becky_M, Jun 2024
Great customer service and were very helpful. We asked to swap days and they were very accommodating

Unexpected changes of date

ChuenNyee_Y, Oct 2023
The pickup was very on time and drop off is prompt too. However our schedule trip was postponed to Sunday and thank god we were able to rescheduled our other tour. No reason given they just said the boat is not sailing and I was informed around 5pm on the eve of my sail date. One nice thing is I got a follow up text from the tour operator asking how my trip was so that was nice.

Fantastic

Naomi_S, Sept 2023
Fantastic, so well organised and the people were so polite and professional. Thank you. Would highly recommend

Be careful what you sign up for. Check the details. .

Jeanne_H, Sept 2023
We actually signed up for another boat to Simi with a side trip to St George’s Bay. Unfortunately we got a fast ferry which was uncomfortable and very hot and not what we signed up for. To bad for us. We learned that 5 other people had the same experience.

Avoid this one - symi is lovely and the team organising the trip are good but the boat is a massive let down

Ashraf_A, Jul 2023
It was well organised and the team at half price tours were very good and helpful… it’s a totally different story when it comes to the boat they booked us on - it was teaming with diesel fumes and so noisy! My watch registered a consistent 85 db sound levels for the duration of the journey! At some points the noise peaked at more than 90db!! Unacceptable by any standards

Misleading description

DAVID_H, Jun 2023
Booked "fast boat speedboat" leaving at 10 00 a m taking one hour. What we got was two tickets for scheduled ferry, leaving at 10 30 a m taking one hour twenty. Thank you George but I do know the difference between a speedboat and a ferry

Do yourself a favour a go.

Shirley_B, May 2023
Driver was a lovely man and very courteous, boat trip was smooth and we got the added bonus of seeing dolphins as we entered the harbour at Symi which is rare apparently. Symi is well worth a visit.

Book it!

Joelma_B, Apr 2023
Easy to book and great price. I wish the stop in Symi could be longer but we had fun still. Great island

Hidden gem

Benjamin_A, Apr 2023
We had a great day out. The views of the mountains were amazing, it was a hidden gem with fresh authentic food.

Great day

Brynna_G, Oct 2022
Will start by saying if you even get a little motion sick come prepared with some proper tablets! I had some natural patch things that did nothing and was I’ll on the journey out. There’s a little pharmacy just after you get off the boat and got some travelgum which has some proper meds in it for the return trip and felt just fine! Other than that - fab trip. Symi is stunning and so worth the visit. I only wish we’d had a little longer. The hotel pick up was great and made the day seamless.

Quick and affordable...

Nihan_A, Oct 2022
Quick and affordable option for a day trip from Rhodes. It would be better if the return was an hour or so later.

Stunning Symi trip

Rose_E, Oct 2022
Well organised and good communication from Half Price tours. Boat ride was pleasant. Symi stunning and worth it for the picturesque look. Worth the money :)

Relaxing day trip to Symi island

Roy_K, Sept 2022
Booking process was straightforward. As we were staying in Rhodes Town We collected the tickets from George at the Half Price Tours office then walked to the boat which took just over an hour each way. Seas were a bit choppy but not uncomfortable. We spent just over three hours on the island of Symi. The village is stunning and very picturesque, lots of restaurants, coffee stops and shops in the harbour area. Plenty of time to relax and take in the breathtaking views. This trip is a must if you are visiting Rhodes.

Good experience

Santokh_S, Aug 2022
Good experience, efficient service. Excellent communication with company by WhatsApp and email. Would recommend fast boat. Only had 3 and 1/2 hours in Symi. Would have been good to have longer

Staff 5 🌟

Alison_M, Aug 2022
Booking process was very straight forward. Communication was good throughout. Tranfers were great, punctual. All staff involved were fantastic. The trip itself, the boat took around 1-1.5 hrs each way. There is air-conditioning in part of the boat, but it was full, we were outside, although it was still partly covered, we got far too hot. Be prepared for that and you will have a lovely day....Symi is so picturesque

From $55.11

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 18 days in advance.

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