From Rhodes to Symi Island & Panormiti Monastery Pilgrimage.60min
Rhodes, Greece
From Rhodes to Symi Island & Panormiti Monastery Pilgrimage.60min
Rhodes, Greece
- 7 hours 45 minutes (approx.)
Overview
Save time at the port in Rhodes, and book round-trip cruise to the island of Symi online. Travel by high-speed catamaran between the two islands. Once there, visit the Panormitis Monastery, then enjoy free time to admire the architecture, swim in the famously clear waters, go shopping, and grab lunch (own expense).
- Spend the day exploring Symi Island from Rhodes
- Enjoy free time to swim, sightsee, shop, and have lunch
- Save time by taking a high-speed catamaran
- Includes visit to Panormitis Monastery on Symi
What's Included
Meeting and Pickup
Itinerary
Additional Info
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
3.8
based on 215 reviews
Samantha_J, Oct 2024
A great full day out. The boat ride is approx. 2hours each way. There are plenty of options of where to sit on the boat (inside, undercover, uptop etc). Had 3hours in Symi and 1hour at Panormiti. Received info about timings 2days before the trip and there was a board on the back of the boat with the time of departures on the day so you know when to be back.
David_L, Oct 2024
The sail over on the boat was nice but the island is really not worth visiting, not much to do on the island
Kam_K, Oct 2024
Very nice boat trip. Unfortunately we didn’t get the trip to the monastery, as the weather was not suitable. It was a bit breezy but not sure why we couldn’t go.
The port area of SYMI is definitely worth a visit. I would suggest doing more research on what to do when you get there, as we wasted a lot of time walking to find the best beach -when we probably needed a water taxi to get us there. So made do with the nearby pebble beach instead.
Alice_C, Jun 2024
We spent a very satisfying day exploring the harbor village section of Symi, then hopped back on the catamaran to venture around to the other side of the island and spend time viewing the icon and the grounds. The catamaran simply provided transporation to and from Symi. Everything was well communicated. If I had 1 complaint it would be that there was not enough seating with good air circulation up top. Plenty of seating overall, but stifling if you tried to get out of the sun. Well done.
Kraig_H, Apr 2024
The view of the Monastery and Simi were good. Walking around the town of Simi and seeing the terraced homes and different colors were beaultiful.
mandy_w, Oct 2023
Was a great trip to Symi today great weather and was very scenic a good walk around and lunch was good too the tour bus on way back had a lack of aircon though so after a long day could’ve done with it on way home
George_M, Jul 2023
Excellent, what we are looking for due to limited time in rhodes, a day trip to symi and the monastery of Panormitis, great service on time highly recommended
Response from Host, Jul 2023
Dear George,
We are very happy that you enjoyed your trip. We will be glad to see you again!
James_G, Jun 2023
My husband and I went on the catamaran, We were given no info and how or when we would be taken to Panormittl tour ,as we got off at Symi we saw buses and coaches .
I went around them asking if this is how we got there the Answer was no .
Went back to the Catamaran and spoke to a young man and showed him our tickets and info .HE SAID WALK it’s not far ,so long as you are back here at 2 pm to go back to Rhodes .,we enjoyed the island didn’t get to see the Panormitti, and when we got to the post at 1;45 pm we waited so did other passengers ,at just gone 2 pm we all saw the Catamaran on the OTHER side of rage harbour ,we all ran as fast as we could but it left without us .my husband and I are in our 70’s myself I’m 76 .and we just didn’t know what to do ,we sat in a cafe for over 4 hours before we managed to get on a catamaran at nearly 8 pm
It certainly was a trip to remember and not for the right reasons .
SO NO I won’t recommend this company for a tour ,the one thing we wanted to see,,the Panormitti . we never got to see ,
I spoke to the young man who I spoke to early , and he started shouting at me outside the catamaran and when I was inside as well .
Trip spoilt .
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Dear James,
Thank you for your review. We are sorry you were not satisfied with the excursion. The program of the excursion is always the same, we depart from Rhodes at 9 o'clock, we arrive to Symi island at 10:05 am. Then, we leave at 2 o'clock and arrive to Panormitis at 14:40 pm. After one hour we set sail back to Rhodes. Although, alterations in the program do happen, it is rare. For example bad weather conditions. The company has no say in the decision of where the boat will rest. The captain and the crew are obligated to follow orders from the port authorities. However, the ship is almost always at the same exact spot. The spot changes only under unusual circumstances. Kinde regards
Eugen_D, May 2023
Beautiful houses and narrow streets full of souvenir shops Plenty of restaurants with delicious fresh food. The Monastery is a must to visit place: byzantine art well preserved. It may be combined with a visit to the cave of Archangel Michael, on the shore of Rhodes, close to the city.
Response from Host, Jun 2023
Dear Eugen_D thank you for your fantastic rating and your kind words.
It was our pleasure hosting you and we hope to be able to welcome you again soon. Wishing you all the best!
Ian_R, Oct 2022
Keeping clear of the organised groups who were on the trip from various resorts/hotels was how we made the most of our Symi visit….. getting off the main routes and enjoying the local scene and local tavernas. It proved that, as is so often the case, some pre-visit research is invaluable.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Dear Ian_R,
thank you for your great rating and your kind words.
It was a pleasure hosting you aboard and we hope to see you again soon.
Wishing you all the best!
Margaret_A, Oct 2022
Beautiful island and definitely worth a visit. It's the Greek equivalent to Tobermory in Scotland. The Panormiti Monastry is quite breathtaking. This trip with Sea Dreams is excellent value for money and the staff on board the catamaran are so nice. Even the prices on board for coffee etc. are so reasonable.
Response from Host, Oct 2022
Dear Passenger,
thank you for your great rating and your kind words.
It was a pleasure hosting you aboard and we hope to see you again soon.
Wishing you all the best!
Vicky_S, Sep 2022
Symi island really is a beautiful place - but this trip was so poorly organised it ruined the whole experience for me and my partner. I’ve seen other reviews to the same effect about being left essentially stranded on the island. We are on honeymoon so we’re especially wanting something a bit extra special too.
The trip was absolutely awfully organised and that’s what really let us down. We were really happy that the price included pick up from our hotel and within hours of booking we had an email to say what time to be outside our hotel for pickup - brilliant, but that’s about it in terms of the positives of the organisation. We were given absolutely no direction about the day at any point. A leaflet with a couple of timings or more info online with the booking about what happens and when is all that would’ve been needed. All we had was confirmation on the online booking of pickup time and nothing afterwards save for it saying online that the trip would be around 8 hours.
We were told pick up would be at 4pm when we were on the catamaran on our way there but it turns out what they actually meant was pick up would be 4 hours after drop off which was at 10am (so leaving at 2pm). We therefore missed the catamaran and had to message the organiser to ask where it had gone in a panic. They phoned me around an hour later and was told that it had left for Panormitis at 2pm and therefore we had missed it and we would have to sort our own journey back (otherwise we would basically have to find somewhere to stay on the island without any of our belongings!). We were so lucky that there was ONE boat that hadn’t yet left which was going back to Rhodes where we came from and was leaving 2 hours later so we paid €42 for that to take us back(this was for 2 people) plus a taxi fair of €25 for a short 15 min journey back to our hotel.
We were aware from the booking that a visit to Panormitis was included in the trip but we thought it was an attraction to go to at Symi Island. Instead it was why the catamaran left at 2pm - to take everyone there. I think they assume when you book that you’ll know Panormitis involves another trip on the catamaran automatically!
There’s next to no shade or air con anywhere. And although the place is stunning there’s very little to do except eat and drink unless you are up for walking about for hours in the blistering heat. The only way to get any shade is by spending money buying a drink or food somewhere. A can of Coke was €3.50.
Response from Host, Sep 2022
Dear Vicky_S,
thank you for taking the time to rate us and to make us aware of some weak points in our excursion. We will look into the issue on how to give more information before the start of the tour.
However, as you were already in contact with us , in regard to your hotel transfer, any question you had could have been placed at any time, before the excursion.
Now, about the departure from Symi, as actually we spoke on the phone that day, when you were asked on who informed you about the departure, you answered that your husband overheard somebody saying it. When our passengers leave the boat, they pass a big ship clock, showing the exact departure time, for every harbor, and guests are advised to check same clock before disembarkation. Our staff is also present on the boat, during the entire trip, and they could have been asked. Just to mention that no other passengers missed the boat that day.
We do apologize for the delay in answering your message, that is an inexcusable oversight from our part, and we will try to find different ways to optimize customer communication with our members of staff.
Rating us for the lack of shade on the island or prices , on which we have no influence whatsoever seems a bit unfair. We are always open to productive criticism, but maybe next time you should reconsider not to travel in summer, as we cannot be held responsible for the heat on the island, in the middle of the Greek summer.
Wishing you all the best!
Eoin_C, Aug 2022
Everything was exactly as described. Good day out and Symi is definitely worth visiting. Timing was all spot on by the agent. Would recommend for a day out.
Response from Host, Aug 2022
Dear Eoin_C,
thank you for your great rating and for commenting on our Day Cruise to Symi. It was a pleasure hosting you and we hope to see you again soon!
Wishing you all the best!
kiran_k, Jul 2022
Nice guided trip with scenic views and wonderful cuisine at Symi island. The cruise journey was pleasant with no sea sickness etc… on board staff and services with excellent.
Pick up from hotel area was a bonus.
Gemma_D, Jun 2022
It was a lovely day out. The island was beautiful and the staff were very helpful and friendly. Would recommend
Response from Host, Jun 2022
Thank you so much for your rating and your kind words.
It was a pleasure hosting you and we hope to see you again soon.
Stay safe!
Hazel_S, Oct 2021
Lovely island to visit. Although I did not receive an audio guide as part of the itinerary. I did my own thing which was pleasant enough.
Response from Host, Oct 2021
Dear Hazel_S,
thank you for your rating and for taking the time to share your experience with future travelers.
Unfortunately we do not offer an audio guide for the day trip to Symi. Our crew how ever would have been more than happy to help with tips for the visit to Symi island. Also you could have been assigned to an English speaking live guided tour(if available that specific day) if you had mentioned your issue to any of the crew members.
Still it is nice to see that you enjoyed your visit to SSymi Island and we hope to be able to welcome you again soon to one of our Day cruises. Stay safe!
Rachel_C, Aug 2021
Well organised, very enjoyable day trip from Rhodes to 2 points on the stunning island of Symi with enough time for lunch and a dip onto the stunning blue water after a whistle-stop history of the island!
Although it wasn't clear where we should meet the guide, she was easy to spot on disembarking at Symi and very helpful all throughout the day, even assisting with transfers back to the various hotels.
Highly recommend!
Response from Host, Aug 2021
Dear Rachel_C,
thank you for your review and the fantastic rating. It is always a pleasure for us to be part of the creation of great holiday memories for our passengers. We are very proud of our team which always tries to take our customer service one step further. We will also make the information clearer on how / where to meet the guide. Thank you for making us aware.
It was a pleasure hosting you and we hope to see you again soon. Stay safe!
rhod_t, Oct 2020
Fantastic trip if you like boat trips to other Greek islands.... On board Sea Dreams , good covid sanitation and social distancing... We did this trip last year and again loved it... but we love boat trips fullstop... Symi is a beautful island and has one of the most beautful port frontages in Greece... (from my experience of 20 different islands....)....Lots of great eateries in the port.... and lovely walking the back streets.... One recommendation.... take a local mini bus to Pedi - a small fishing port some 30 minutes away in another bay... One or two rezzies, fishing boats, very few people - just 6 of us in the rezzie... perfect peace and quiet ..... !!! The cruise onto Panoramitis Monastery... amazing building and complex..... Pretty well all there is there... except two small cafes... A lovely day and a trip I'd do time after time ... !!!!!
Response from Host, Oct 2020
Dear Sultan,
We are super exited that you had nice experience with us and you enjoyed the cruise to Symi and Panormitis. Undeniably Symi is a must visit destination for everyone. It is very picturesque island with plenty of Greek traditions that you can discover there.
Hope see you soon. Stay Safe!
Best regards
Bryan_F, Oct 2020
Good service all round.. beautiful place to visit
A sea dream kiosk staff called Irene was very helpful and friendly prior to our trip
Response from Host, Oct 2020
Dear Bryan,
Thank you very much for devoting time to write a review about your trip with SeaDreams. Our priority is to offer you an excellent service before, during and after your trip to Symi & Panormitis and we’re very delighted to hear that you’ve found our crew members helpful and nice. We will be glad to see you again in one of our trips in the near future!
Stay Safe!
Haythem_S, Aug 2020
The Symi city is beautiful and worth visiting! Its wonderful.
However the Panormotis Symi city is so little that it is not worth it. Apart from visiting the Monastery there is nothing to do. Would have liked to visit the bay of St. George instead and swim there.
More over the boat is not stable at all. Many passengers got sea sick
Response from Host, Aug 2020
Dear customer,
We are sorry that your experience was not as expected.
We have to inform you though, that most visitors spend in full the 90 mins they have to Panormitis in order to see the church, the museum, and the church’s shop. Most people, also, spend some time to have a walk at the back yard of the church, which calms your mind and body, and others prefer to visit the traditional bakery or the café. Indeed there many things to do in these 90 mins.
As for the swim on St George, Sea Dreams is a large ship and it is not allowed (obviously) to proceed to a bay for safety reasons. But after the 60 mins of the trip to Symi you have plenty of time to take a small boat cruise to those beaches (there many small boats at Symi that provide that). Sea Dreams is the only company that remains in Symi from 10:00 to 15:30.
Last but not least, is apparent that someone getting sea sick varies from person to person and at the same time it is a matter of the weather, and this apply to every ship.
Jennifer_b, Jul 2019
Lovely day out to symi . The island is beautiful and really enjoyed the sail there . I would definitely recommend
samantha_d, May 2019
the ferry ride across to Symi was fine, the staff were friendly, the boat clean, it takes just over an hour, there are no refreshments available. on arrival in Symi we had no idea what we were doing, we were told to board a bus to go to the monastery, no idea which bus! we found it eventually and were immediately whisked off on an hour long bus trip to the monastery, we had only 25 minutes there, we had to find something to eat and find the WC [which is something i never wish to experience again, a hole in the ground] no time to look around the monastery, back on the bus, back down to the harbour and then 4 hours in Symi, which while beautiful, lacks anything to do other than eat or climb steep hills to reach the town above. Symi harbour is a tourist trap, over priced restaurants and souvenir shops. Symi is worth seeing, I am not sure you need to do a full day trip though.
Agns_D, May 2023
L’île de Symi est une merveille et le fait d’y arriver le matin avant les autres gros bateaux est un grand plus car il n’y a pas trop de touristes et la vue de la baie n’est pas gâchée par les énormes bateaux. L’arrêt d’une heure à Panormiti le semble superflu car beaucoup de bateau pour voir une baie et un monastère où l’on entrer juste dans la toute petite chapelle, qui plus est remplie de groupes de touristes. Hormis cela il n’y a rien à voir ni à faire et au bout de 20 minutes, tout le monde attendait devant le bateau pour repartir. Malgré cela une très belle journée
Response from Host, May 2023
Merci pour le temps que vous avez consacré à cette critique. C'est une contribution
importante qui aide la communauté des voyageurs. Nous serons heureux de vous revoir!
Corinne_L, Sep 2021
Symi est vraiment joli, nous avons apprécié la visite avec une super guide pour connaître l histoire de l île.
Response from Host, Sep 2021
Dear Corinne,
thank you for rating us. It is always a pleasure for us when travelers take the time to rate, comment and share their experience with us. We are very proud of our crew and team which give their best, every day, to make your holiday extra special.
It was a pleasure hosting you and we hope to see you again soon. Stay safe!
Daniel_S, Jun 2019
Alles in allem sehr schöner Ausflug. Einzigster Wehrmutstropfen war der Dieselgestank von der Fähre während der Reise und beim 1Stündigen Stopp an dem Kloster.
Explore Similar Things to Do
- Archaeology Tours
- Full-day Tours
- Bus Tours
- Historical Tours
- Cultural Tours
- Day Trips
- Tours, Sightseeing & Cruises
- Private and Luxury
- Rhodes
- Archaeology Tours - Marmaris
- Full-day Tours - Marmaris
- Bus Tours - Marmaris
- Historical Tours - Marmaris
- Full-day Tours - Sarigerme
- Bus Tours - Sarigerme
- Archaeology Tours - Fethiye
- Full-day Tours - Fethiye
- Bus Tours - Fethiye
- Historical Tours - Fethiye
Attractions in Rhodes, Greece
- Kritinia Castle Tours & Tickets
- Symi Island Tours & Tickets
- Mandraki Harbour Tours & Tickets
- Ancient Kamiros Tours & Tickets
- Afandou Beach Tours & Tickets
- Anthony Quinn Bay Tours & Tickets
- Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) Tours & Tickets
- Lindos Tours & Tickets
- Monolithos Castle (Kástro Monolíthou) Tours & Tickets
- Seven Springs (Epta Piges) Tours & Tickets
- St. Paul's Bay Tours & Tickets
- Tsambika Beach Tours & Tickets
- Agathi Beach Tours & Tickets
- Kallithea Springs Tours & Tickets