Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

Symi looks better from a yacht. I like that this trip keeps things small-group (up to 25 people) and turns the long sea crossing into relaxed cruising, with unlimited drinks coming right along for the ride. The crew energy matters too, and names you may hear on board include Emily plus Anna and Antonio.

What I love most is the blend of town time and water time, with real free wandering in Symi and then a proper swim break at St. George Bay. The second swim stop at Seskli Island is another big reason to choose this format, because it feels quieter and more outdoorsy than the main harbor areas. The one drawback to consider is that the boat ride can be choppy and wet early on, and if you sit up front you should expect spray for a while.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group comfort (max 25): less crowding, more room to move around and actually enjoy the views.
• Unlimited drinks, plus lunch: water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, served alongside a Greek meal.
• Two meaningful swim stops: St. George Bay first, then Seskli Island for snorkeling and a different kind of island feel.
• Symi Old Town time: you get real free time to walk the alleys and see the colorful buildings.
• Boat entry is water-based: plan for getting into and out of the sea from the yacht, not a dock.
• Early ride can be rocky: if you’re sensitive, sit strategically and consider seasickness basics.

Why this Symi yacht day is worth choosing

Symi is one of those places where a quick look from shore feels charming, then a few hours later you realize you barely saw anything. From the water, the coastline makes more sense, and the day becomes about pacing: cruise, swim, wander, repeat.

I also like that you’re not stuck on a giant cattle-boat situation. With a maximum of 25 people, the experience feels smoother. You can find a spot to sit, move for photos, and still have enough breathing room when it’s time to swim and eat.

Finally, this tour leans hard into the on-board comfort side. Unlimited drinks and lunch are not an afterthought. They turn the day into a steady rhythm instead of a series of stressed check-in times.

Rhodes to Symi Yalos, the ride and how to plan your seat

You leave Rhodes and head straight toward mountainous Symi, with an initial cruise that can take about an hour and twenty minutes depending on conditions. The boat is set up for enjoying the ride, but early water can be bumpy.

A practical tip that keeps popping up: the front cushions can be rocky and spray-heavy for the first stretch. If you want less wetness, aim for a steadier spot and keep an eye on how the boat is moving. A light layer or hoodie can also help because it can feel chilly in the morning, especially outside peak season.

As you approach Symi, the views of the east coast come in fast. This is the part where the islands stop looking like dots on a map and start looking like real places with coves and ridgelines.

Symi Town time: Old Town walking without feeling rushed

The boat arrives at the main city area of Symi Yalos, and this is where the trip becomes more than just a swim day. You get around a couple of hours of free time to explore Symi town, including the UNESCO-protected Old Town feel.

Symi is known for its colorful, neo-classical buildings that line the waterfront, plus the ladder-like network of little alleys behind the harbor. In that walking time, you can do the simple but satisfying things: pause for photos, browse local shops, and pick a spot for a drink while you absorb the atmosphere.

One useful reality check: Symi town time is generous enough for a proper wander, but it’s still limited. If you love structured sightseeing, you might want to arrive with a few priorities (main viewpoints, the oldest streets, and a favorite snack stop) so you’re not racing the clock.

St. George Bay swim stop and lunch on the water

St. George Bay is where the day turns from sightseeing to pure water time. Expect golden sand, clear blue water, and steep rocky overhangs framing the bay. It’s the kind of place where the “one more photo” urge loses to the urge to just get in.

The crew sets up for lunch here, so you get the best of both worlds: swim first, then warm up and eat without hauling yourself back to shore. The food is Greek, and the menu commonly includes items like Greek salad and moussaka, served on board with the drinks flowing alongside.

If you’re the type who likes to ease into swimming, this is a good stop. You can choose your comfort level: float and relax, snorkel if you want, or simply sunbathe with a cold drink while the boat stays anchored long enough for a real break.

Seskli Island: snorkeling, wild nature, and a quieter second act

After Symi, the yacht heads to the third stop, Seskli, a small private island. This is your second swimming stop, and it feels different from St. George Bay because it leans more toward wild nature and less toward classic beach-town scenery.

This is also where snorkeling typically shines. Equipment like snorkels and masks are available, and some boats provide additional floating help such as foam or noodle-style float aids. One neat detail: there’s often a ramp to get back on board and a platform near the waterline, so you can manage the water entry without feeling like you must jump.

If you want an experience that’s more than just hanging out in the same bay twice, Seskli is a strong move. It adds variety to the day, and it gives you that sense of being out in a more private pocket of the Dodecanese.

Unlimited drinks and Greek lunch, how it works in practice

The on-board setup is straightforward, which is exactly what you want after a day at sea. You’re offered unlimited drinks such as water, beer, wine, soft drinks, plus coffee and tea. Lunch is served on board as part of the day’s flow.

In other words, you do not spend your time hunting for a bar. You eat, sip, swim, and keep going. That sounds basic, but it’s a big part of the real value here, especially compared with cheaper day trips where drinks can feel limited or you pay extra constantly.

A balanced note: one person did wish the drink mix had a wider selection than beer, wine, and soft drinks. So if you’re expecting a cocktail-heavy bar menu, you might feel slightly boxed in. Still, for most people, the combination of unlimited standard drinks plus an actually included lunch is the sweet spot.

Also, bring swimwear and be ready to use the yacht changing room. It makes the transitions between swimming stops much more comfortable.

Comfort, group size, and the small details that matter

This is the kind of trip where little logistics make a big difference. The small-group size helps with crowd flow on board, and it usually means you can find a comfortable spot without playing the seat lottery.

That said, it is a boat, and boats have quirks. One guest noted a seating area needing maintenance, which is the reminder to check the area you plan to use and adjust if something doesn’t feel right.

For your comfort:

• Pack your own towel, since towels are not included.
• If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking tablets before the ride. Early rough water is real for some days.
• If you get cold easily, bring a light layer for the morning cruise.

One more practical point: the tour includes wheelchair accessibility as listed, but sea entry can still be water-based. If that’s relevant for you, it’s worth asking the crew about the easiest way to handle the swim stops.

Price and value: where the extra money goes

At $141 per person for about 8 hours, this is not the cheapest way to reach Symi. But it’s also not priced like a bare-minimum excursion.

Here’s what you’re paying for, in plain terms:

• Small-group size (up to 25): you get a more relaxed experience than larger boats.
• Unlimited drinks: they’re included throughout, not just at the beginning.
• Full lunch included: Greek food served on board, typically with options like salad and moussaka.
• Two swim stops: not one quick swim, but two distinct water breaks, including Seskli.
• Yacht format: a faster, more comfortable cruising style than typical ferry-style days.

If you hate extra costs and long waits, the all-in structure feels like good value. If you only care about one swim stop or you’re on a strict budget, you might compare alternatives. But if you want a day that feels managed, comfortable, and fun from the first drink to the return to Rhodes, this price starts to look more reasonable.

Who should book this Symi yacht tour

I think this fits best if you:

• Want a small-group day instead of a big crowd on the water
• Enjoy swimming and snorkeling and want two real breaks
• Like the idea of included lunch and unlimited drinks instead of paying for everything separately
• Prefer a mix of town wandering plus sea time

It’s also a great pick for birthdays and special days. Some crew members go the extra mile with small touches like celebrating a birthday with cake, and that kind of attention adds genuine warmth to the day.

If you mainly want deep cultural touring with strict schedules, you may feel the time in Symi is more of a walk-around window than a full guided heritage tour. But for most people, the free time and the water breaks are the whole point.

Should you book this yacht day to Symi?

Yes, if your ideal Rhodes day includes all three of these: Symi town time, two swim stops, and an unhurried on-board vibe with unlimited drinks and lunch. The combination of small-group comfort and included food is the best reason to choose it.

I’d hesitate only if you are very sensitive to rough water and you know you dislike boat rides, or if you expect a full cocktail bar menu rather than beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee or tea.

If you book, do a quick checklist before you go: towel in your bag, swimwear ready, and a light layer for the morning cruise. Then pick a seat where you’ll stay comfortable early on, and let the day run on its own sea-time schedule.

FAQ

How long is the Symi yacht tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

How many swimming stops are included?

There are 2 swimming stops.

Where do the swimming stops take place?

One stop is at St. George Bay in Symi, and the other is at Seskli Island.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included as part of the day.

Are drinks included, and are they unlimited?

Yes. Unlimited drinks are included, including water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea.

How much time do you get in Symi town?

You have free time in Symi town for a couple of hours to explore.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so you should bring one.

Is there a changing room on the yacht?

Yes, there is a changing room on the yacht.

Is the tour guide in English?

Yes. The live tour guide is in English.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is listed as wheelchair accessible.

What happens if the cruise is canceled due to weather?

If cancellation happens due to weather conditions, the cruise is fully refundable.