Kolymbia: High-Speed Boat to Symi Island & St George’s Bay

Speed to Symi, then swim the bluest bay. This high-speed boat cruise gets you to Symi faster, with about 3 hours to wander Symi town and grab a bite in the harbor.

What I like most is the mix of pace and payoff: a quick, thrilling sail out of Kolymbia, then a proper stretch of free time, followed by a St George’s Bay swim stop on the way back. The crew runs things with clear instructions and a no-drama timetable.

One thing to plan for, though: this is a speedboat, so you should expect to get wet. If you’re bringing electronics, keep them in a dry bag or waterproof pouch.

Key things to know before you go

• Direct departure from Kolymbia Harbor: No early bus ride, you board right where you’re staying in the area.
• 3 hours in Symi town: Enough time to walk the waterfront, pop into shops, and still leave room for food.
• A 30-minute swim in St George’s Bay: A dedicated break to cool off in crystal-clear water.
• Timings are taken seriously: The day runs on schedule, including set departure times back from Symi.
• You may change boats at Rhodes Harbour: Some itineraries include a swap, with boats reported as close by.
• Food is your choice, not the itinerary’s: Lunch and drinks come from the island’s tavernas and cafes at your expense.

Kolymbia Harbor to Symi Island in a High-Speed Ride

The day starts at Kolymbia Harbor, and that alone makes this trip feel easy. You’re not dealing with a bus lineup or a dawn wake-up just to reach a bigger port. You step aboard, get briefed in English, and the boat heads out quickly.

This cruise is built around speed, so the ride feels like a treat for people who get restless on slow boats. You’ll zip past the coast, and you also get a few quick photo moments during pickup stops. One rider even described a short stop at Rhodes with a great view of the old town castle area next to the harbor, which is a nice bonus when you want a quick taste of the larger island without losing Symi time.

Transit time is short enough that your day doesn’t feel stolen. People report around two hours in travel time from Kolymbia to Symi, though the exact route can include a Rhodes pickup, depending on the day. Either way, the big idea is the same: you spend less time on the water and more time where you actually want to be, Symi.

Arriving in Symi: 3 Hours to Walk the Harbor Streets

Once you dock in Symi, the whole vibe shifts. The harbor is full of pastel-colored buildings, turquoise water, and those colorful church domes you see in photos and still somehow look better in person. Symi is the kind of place where the best plan is to simply start walking and let the harbor lead you.

You get about three hours of free time. That length is genuinely practical. It’s long enough to:

• do a quick round around the waterfront
• stop for coffee or something cold
• browse shops without feeling rushed
• find a sheltered spot if the heat spikes

People often pick up their bearings near the clock-tower area, and the walk tends to feel more scenic once you’re a little away from the docks. If you’re the type who likes to take photos, you’ll get plenty of chances, but you still have time afterward to sit down and actually enjoy the place.

This is also a good rhythm for first-timers. Symi doesn’t require a guide to be enjoyable. You can wander on your own and still feel like you’re doing the right things.

Planning Your Lunch and Snacks in Symi Town

Your free time in Symi is yours, so you’ll want to use it thoughtfully. Lunch can be a full sit-down meal, or you can keep it lighter and snack your way around. Either approach works because the day includes another physical activity later, the swim stop.

A big reason Symi works for food lovers is that it’s packed with traditional tavernas and small cafes along the harbor. You can usually find a shaded table, order something local, and watch the boats come and go.

Two specific local treats are worth looking for while you’re there: Symi mini shrimps and local ouzo. Even if you don’t plan on making it a tasting mission, you’ll see them offered at places around the harbor area, and they’re very much part of the Symi experience.

My practical tip: pick one meal plan and stick to it. With only three hours, it’s easy to jump from one menu to another. If you want a stress-free time, choose a tavern around the dock area, eat earlier in your window, and leave the last hour for strolling and a final cold drink.

Also, remember lunch and drinks are not listed as included. So budget for it, just like you would on any good day in Greece.

St George’s Bay: The 30-Minute Swim Stop You’ll Remember

On the return journey, you sail through St George’s Bay and get a real swim stop, about 30 minutes. This is one of those itinerary details that matters more than it sounds. Three hours in Symi can be hot and walking-heavy, and the swim gives you an instant reset.

St George’s Bay is known for its clear, turquoise water, and you can feel why people call it the highlight. The boat usually anchors, and you can swim right there in the calm, swim-friendly water rather than just watching from above.

A few small practical notes make a difference here:

• You’ll want swimwear ready, not hidden in a bag at the bottom.
• If you’re sensitive to sun, sunscreen matters, because the deck time before and after the stop can add up.
• If you’re trying to time it well, consider swimming soon after they anchor. Then you’re not rushing while the sun is at its strongest.

Even if you’re not a big swimmer, the cool-down alone is worth the effort. It turns the afternoon into something you’ll feel for days, not just something you watched from shore.

Rhodes Harbour Boat Changes and Staying on Schedule

The overall schedule is one of the strongest parts of this trip. People repeatedly describe it as well-run, with set timings and minimal waiting. You board around the morning window (often close to 10:15 reported), then you’re in Symi around late morning to midday. The return is typically in the early evening, with some reports landing back at about 18:00.

Now for the one logistics wrinkle you should know about. On some days, you may need to change boats at Rhodes Harbour both ways. That sounds annoying on paper, but it’s usually handled smoothly, and reports say the boats are side by side, so it doesn’t feel like a long detour. Still, it’s worth mentally preparing for a short switch so you don’t get surprised if you see another boat at the harbor.

The other scheduling thing that matters: the departure from Symi back toward St George’s Bay and Kolymbia is taken seriously. One rider mentioned a specific departure time of 15:15 being followed closely. That means you should plan to be ready to leave when told. Treat it like a ship schedule, not a flexible lounge schedule.

If you like your day trips organized, this style will suit you.

What to Bring on a Speedboat Day (and What to Skip)

Because the boat is fast, you need practical gear, not just beach clothes. The most common theme from the experience is simple: you’ll likely get wet.

That changes what you should pack:

• Bring a waterproof pouch or dry bag for phone and camera.
• Wear quick-dry clothing if you can. If you get splashed, at least you’ll dry fast.
• Bring something for sun protection. A deck day can add heat fast.
• Bring drinks, if you can. One rider noted that there’s no water available on the boat.

You’ll also want comfortable shoes for Symi. The terrain is walkable, but you’ll be on uneven steps and paths around the harbor and streets. Flip-flops are tempting, but they’re not ideal when you want to enjoy the walk at a leisurely pace.

Finally, if you plan to buy Symi mini shrimps or enjoy ouzo, keep cash or a card ready. Many purchases happen during free time on the island, so don’t count on finding a single place to handle everything.

Price of About $106: When This Trip Is Good Value

At around $106 per person for an 8-hour day, the value comes from what you’re buying: transportation that replaces a more complicated, longer day trip. You are paying for the speedboat, the time savings, and the structured stops.

Here’s how I think about it if you’re deciding:

• If you’ve been planning to go from Kolymbia to Symi anyway, speed matters. Getting there by boat from the local harbor lets you avoid a long bus day.
• The itinerary gives you two major experiences for the price: three hours in Symi plus a 30-minute swim in a standout bay.
• Lunch isn’t included, so budget a separate meal and drinks, just like you would anywhere else.

Several people explicitly called it good value for money, and the reasoning makes sense. When a trip is timed well and doesn’t waste time transferring you around, you feel it immediately. The day’s structure turns that price into a lot of usable hours, not just a ticket and a hope.

Best For Who: Families, Couples, and First Timers

This is a good match for:

• Couples who want romance without committing to an all-day ferry schedule
• First-time Symi visitors who want the highlights without needing to plan bus connections
• People who prefer action and scenery over long travel days
• Anyone who cares about a cool-down swim on the same day as sightseeing

It also works well for repeat visitors to Kolymbia. If you’ve stayed around Kolymbia before, you already know the beach and the village rhythm. This adds a totally different kind of day.

On the comfort side, the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, which is a major plus for travelers who want this kind of day trip without giving it up entirely.

One more reality check: because it’s a speedboat, it can be less comfortable for anyone who dislikes getting splashed or moving quickly over waves. If that’s you, plan for it with protection and a change of clothes.

How to Make the Most of Symi in Limited Time

Three hours sounds short, but in Symi it’s a sweet spot. Here’s how you stretch it:

1. Start with the harbor loop first. Get your bearings fast, then you’ll know where you want to linger.
2. Choose your food early enough that you’re not hungry at the end. If you eat closer to the dock, you lose less time walking back.
3. Spend the last chunk of time browsing, not searching. Symi rewards people who slow down near the waterfront.
4. If you want a snack-and-view moment, aim for cafes at the harbor edge where you can sit and cool off. Some riders found a charming spot at the end of the harbor with a beautiful view and ordered snacks and cocktails.

Then, keep one eye on the clock. When they tell you to return, go. This trip is built around sticking to times so everyone gets the swim stop and the return ride.

Should you book the Kolymbia to Symi speedboat day trip?

If your goal is Symi without the long, tiring travel day, I’d book it. The combination of direct Kolymbia departure, three hours to explore Symi, and a planned swim at St George’s Bay hits the sweet spot for value and variety.

The only real catch is the speedboat factor. If you pack smart and accept that you’ll likely get wet, the day is smooth, scenic, and genuinely well organized.

If you want, tell me your travel dates and whether you prefer early sightseeing or a later lunch in Symi. I can suggest how to pace those three hours so you feel relaxed, not rushed.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Kolymbia to Symi speedboat trip?

The trip duration is listed as 8 hours.

Where does the boat pick up passengers?

The boat picks you up from Kolymbia Harbor.

How much free time do I get in Symi?

You get approximately 3 hours of free time in Symi.

Is there time to swim, and where?

Yes. There is a 30-minute swimming stop in St George’s Bay.

What does the price include?

Included items are the high-speed boat cruise, 3 hours free time in Symi, and the 30-minute swimming stop at St George’s Bay.

Is this trip wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it is listed as wheelchair accessible.

Is there free cancellation, and how far in advance?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is an English-speaking host provided?

Yes, the host or greeter is listed as English.