Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay
Recommended by 93% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rhodes, Greece
- 9 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
What's Included
- Boat trip
- Restroom on board
- Shower
- LunchLunch 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
Itinerary
1
Symi
3 hours • Admission Ticket Free
2
Saint George Bay
1 hour • Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 200 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Naomi_A
Our trip to Symi Island and St. George Bay was absolutely amazing! The crystal-clear waters were breathtaking, and swimming there felt like a dream. Symi itself is stunning – it honestly feels like stepping into a movie set, with colorful houses and such a unique atmosphere. The food was delicious, and the staff were very professional, making sure everything went smoothly from start to finish. We also had transport provided, which was very convenient and made the whole experience stress-free.
The only downside (and kind of a funny one) was the boat itself – a bit rusty, crowded, and not the safest-looking. But when you’re young, you just want to enjoy the adventure, and it definitely added to the experience! Still, it would be nice if the boat got a little update for comfort and safety.
Overall, it was a long trip but totally worth it. I’d highly recommend it for anyone visiting Rhodes and wanting a special day out!
Reviews
4.6
based on 1,757 reviews
andrea_m, Oct 2025
We found out a day before, at 5.30pm that the trip would not include St. George Bay due to bad weather. Did not have any other choice but accepting to go only to Symi since it was the only day we had available. On our trip day it rained only 5 minutes, on our departure from Rhodos. Anyway, we missed the St. George Bay. Ferry trip was very, very bumpy. Motion sickness pills are a must.
Georgia_B, Oct 2025
Great experience. Both myself and my mum came to Rhodes with the plan to visit Symi island. I accidentally booked the cruise with the swimming stop at Saint George’s Bay and wow I am glad I did. It was utterly breathtaking - crystal clear waters. I’ve never seen something like it! Symi was equally beautiful. We opted for the transfer to and from our hotel for ease. It felt a long day, 2 hours to Saint George’s Bay, half an hour to Symi from there and then approximately 2 hours back to Rhodes but was well worth it. We even saw the sunset on the way back. Highly recommend this tour and half price tours for any excursion!
Abby_P, Oct 2025
Such a lovely tour, the boat ride was nice, you can stay below if it's too windy or rainy up top. Wear your suit so you can jump in right away and bring something warm to wrap up in afterwards.
Yelena_R, Oct 2025
Super convenient and stress free trip. Picked up on time at our hotel, taken to the boat. Everything was 100% on schedule, mo delays.
Boat ride to swim at St. George’s bay, then to Symi island with 3 hours to spare. We had dinner and enjoyed our walk. Swim at St. George’s bay was absolutely fabulous! I just wish swim came after Symi island so we would be dry on our walk
Hanne_W, Oct 2025
Symi was a beautiful picturesque little gem.
Really enjoyed it there after the long boat ride.
I think I will take the faster boat next time and with out the swim stop.
We booked this excursion with pickup from our hotel.
Gumersindo_S, Sep 2025
Very relaxed and enjoyable trip. After our recent stay in Marmaris where in most of the trips we went on you were treated like a captive audience to be harassed and upsold whatever, the change in outlook was very much appreciated. Water was available at 50 cents and soft drinks were more than reasonable but you were never approached by anyone. The service was quick and delightful despite dealing with the vagaries of signal on the phone to pay on the card since you are so close to the Turkish border but they manage to sort everything out, everything on board not only the crew but even other Greek passengers were beyond welcoming and helpful. Symi was a very pleasant day out.
Monika_N, Sep 2025
Symi is a must see place!!! Wonderful!!! Great!!! They picked up us from the hotel...everyone was super friendly...
Karen_M, Sep 2025
Well organised, friendly staff on shore and crew on boat. Accurate timings and a well stocked bar on board with reasonably priced snacks and drinks.
Kirsty_C, Sep 2025
Half Price Tours contacted us the day before to share details for the morning. We were advised to get to the office early to ensure we could check in and get good seats as it was high season. The boat was clean and journey was pleasant, although a bit rocky. Lovely swim at the bay and plenty of time to explore Symi. Overall a brilliant deal for the day’s trip.
Naomi_A, Sep 2025
Our trip to Symi Island and St. George Bay was absolutely amazing! The crystal-clear waters were breathtaking, and swimming there felt like a dream. Symi itself is stunning – it honestly feels like stepping into a movie set, with colorful houses and such a unique atmosphere. The food was delicious, and the staff were very professional, making sure everything went smoothly from start to finish. We also had transport provided, which was very convenient and made the whole experience stress-free.
The only downside (and kind of a funny one) was the boat itself – a bit rusty, crowded, and not the safest-looking. But when you’re young, you just want to enjoy the adventure, and it definitely added to the experience! Still, it would be nice if the boat got a little update for comfort and safety.
Overall, it was a long trip but totally worth it. I’d highly recommend it for anyone visiting Rhodes and wanting a special day out!
Olivia_A, Aug 2025
the experience as a whole is great, and symi and st george’s bay are beautiful. it takes around 2 hours to get to st george’s bay, and an hour of swimming when you get there which is a good amount of time. bring your own snorkel if you want to swim with one, as they only have woggles to give out. it is then around 30 minutes to get to symi town, which is stunning. 3 hours is enough time to have lunch and view most of the main street and little shops. it is then 2 hours back to rhodes.
the only small issue i found was that after our transfer dropped us off to the boat, the boat was already nearly at full capacity meaning my partner and i had to sit separately on the way there. if you don’t come with a transfer, then it would be possible for you to get to the boat early to get a seat. this was a bit of a shame due to the fact the journey is 2 hours, and it would be good if there was a way that people who pre-booked could potentially be guaranteed a seat, or seats together? we pre-booked this activity a month or two before our trip but i believe you can even book the day before or very last minute. some people i believe were stood up or struggled to find seating, which again for 2 hours is a little bit unfair. maybe tickets should only be sold based on how many seats there are on the boat?
overall it was a brilliant day. it is a long day and the boat can be choppy so definitely recommend sickness tablets if you need them. but i would definitely recommend this
David_K, Aug 2025
Was a lovely boat trip. Stopped off at a swim area for an hour and then went on to the beautiful Symi island. The staff on the boat were very professional and friendly. Would recommend.
Valentina_R, Jul 2025
The places we visited were truly spectacular, the sea was beautiful, and the island of Symi is a very charming little town.
What we didn’t enjoy, however, was the transportation by boat. Although it was large, it was far too crowded.
On the way there, we couldn’t even find two seats, but only one, which forced us to take turns sitting down, and that too under the scorching sun.
Our first impression wasn’t great, and we even considered getting off because it was just too crowded.
Moreover, in order to find a seat on the return trip, we had to waste 40 minutes of the excursion just to make sure we were among the first to board and secure a spot.
On the other hand, the transfer service from the hotel was super efficient.
violeta_G, Jul 2025
Very nice place and very organised and friendly people the driver was on time and the tour operator is was very friendly and receptive,
The place is was amazing
paul_w, Jul 2025
Excellent day out to a beautiful island , swim stop on the way to cool off , great vibe on the boat and great staff
Leah_M, Jul 2025
Absolutely great day! Symi is amazing and St George’s bay is lovely to swim in. The boat trip was a little longer than I expected but that’s no issue and was my fault for not looking into it. 100% would recommended to anyone in Rhodes!
Emily_D, Jun 2025
The island itself was probably the best thing about the trip. It was so beautiful and the staff on board were also very smiley and kind and welcomed us so nicely.
However, on our way there it was very packed on board and a bit overcrowded where people had to stand at some places and the boat was very messy, old and unclean.
We stopped at St George’s Bay and swam for around an hour which was quite a lot of time in comparison to other trips so it was great.
We then arrived in Symi shortly after and it was absolutely beautiful and we had plenty of time to explore!
However, to add to the messy and unclean boat a couple who were American barged in and began to shout at a young British couple who were sat admittedly layed across a couple of seats however they nicely offered to move and give their space up for the couple before being sworn at and called names by the Americans. They then took pictures of the young couple without their permission and were asked to delete them but for the entire ride back the couple kept muttering things to themselves about the state of the boat and the couple.
Unfortunately, other people do ruin your trip so it is completely subjective but we hope others have a great experience!
George_A, Jun 2025
The trip as a whole was fantastic. We were picked up from our hotel and dropped off at the boat. The boat ride there was about 2hrs to St George's Bay. I would recommend taking travel sickness tablets if you get sea sick. St George's bay was beautiful, I would also recommend bringing your own snorkel as these are not provided on board. They do however provide woggles which my girlfriend made good use of (she's 25 years old). The island of Symi was also really nice, although quite busy as it is a tourist hot-spot. Would definitely recommend this trip.
Sallyann_C, May 2025
A must do if you’re visiting Rhodes.
Symi island is so pretty and authentic. The seafood was delicious.
Gabriella_V, May 2025
Great trip to a small island, very cute and friendly place with the colourful houses.Food was also varied which is great for everyone.I would have stayed a bit longer to look around more and just do the swim stopover after and not before.
Laura_L, Sep 2024
We spent about 6 hours on the boat just to be in Symi for 3 hours, not enough seats on the boat and we were packed like sardines. Wouldn’t recommend!!
lina_a, Sep 2024
Symi island is beautiful, the three hours giving to explore are more than enough. St George’s bay is beautiful. All in all a very nice but long day. The trip to symi is about two hours, i think there should be a netter explanation about the times of everything happening in this trip. For us personally we started at the harbor at 10 am it took us about two hours to get to St George’s bay where we spent around an hour and then another 30 min to symi which we spent 3 hours exploring and then another two hours back to Rhodes.
richardjreen, Sep 2024
a visit to Symi is a must - s troy beautiful and stunning village - try the symi shrimp a local delicacy
Jodie_T, Sep 2024
Good trip although the boat was very full. Waiting at the harbour they just kept putting more and more people on and people were struggling to find seats.
The ride was longer than expected with the outward trip and swim and St georges Bay taking 4 hours before we even got to Symi. 3 hours in Symi was lovely to eat and have a look around the town but not enough time to see all.
The boat ride back again was around 2 hours making it a very long day. The boat fumes when we sat towards to back of the boat were very strong so would advise to avoid that area if you struggle with such things. The boat was outdated but toilets were kept clean and all crew very friendly.
S_l, Sep 2024
Great trip!
Had so much fun!
Crew were very friendly!
Plenty of room on the boat.
Would definitely recommend!
Helen_W, Sep 2024
Well oiled machine from pick up to drop off. Arrival at St George's Bay was stunning the snorkeling was fabulous! Coming into Symi port will live with me forever! Such a special place beach was 13 minutes walk brilliant snorkeling spot too! Saw soooo many fish we'd not seen b4 in Greece. I'd suggest sea sickness tablets for those that ever not travelled on a boat well. Toilets on boat and bar upstairs.
Dale_L, Aug 2024
Yet again another amazing trip. I would definitely definitely recommend family and friends to do this trip.
Carina_D, Aug 2024
Great trip if you're not too bothered spending quite few hours in a crowded boat.
We didn't have places to seat - we didn't mind much as we were in good company, but definitely not a comfortable ride.
If you're sensitive in boats (seasick, etc) I'd spend a bit more for a more comfortable ride.
But itinerary-wise, gorgeous! Pick up from the hotel also Stellar.
Catherine_W, Aug 2024
Absolute highlight of our trip! A must do for anyone visiting Rhodes! Friendly staff, beautiful island views, swimming and sunshine what else could you possibly ask for?!
Lauren_B, Jul 2024
Bus was 40 minutes late to pick us up from the hotel, cash only to by snacks on boat and not enough seats for everyone.
However, Symi Island is beautiful and the driver we had taking us back to the hotel went over and above to ensure we finished our day on a high!
From $54.87
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Boat Trip to Symi Island with swimming stop at St George Bay
1,757
9 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$54.87
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Rhodes, Greece
- Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) Tours & Tickets
- Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) Tours & Tickets
- Kritinia Castle Tours & Tickets
- Lindos Tours & Tickets
- Kallithea Springs Tours & Tickets
- Acropolis of Lindos Tours & Tickets
- Nisyros Tours & Tickets
- Agathi Beach Tours & Tickets
- Kahal Shalom Synagogue and Rhodes Jewish Museum Tours & Tickets
- Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes Tours & Tickets
- Tsambika Beach Tours & Tickets
- Acropolis of Rhodes Tours & Tickets
- Ancient Kamiros Tours & Tickets
- Medieval City of Rhodes Tours & Tickets