Rhodes Town: Boat Trip to Symi Island and St Marina Bay

A ferry day that feels like two trips. You get the wow factor of Symi’s harbor and streets, plus an honest swim stop at St Marina Bay that is only reachable by boat. It is a smooth, no-nonsense day cruise that keeps you moving, but still gives you time to wander.

What I like most is the St Marina Bay swim and snorkeling stop with floats onboard, followed by 3 hours of free time in Symi to explore at your own pace. The timing is practical, and it lets you do lunch and strolling without feeling rushed.

One consideration: the swimming break is short, so if you want to snorkel for a long stretch, you may feel like it ends just as you’re getting into the rhythm. Pack for comfort too, since sitting in shade can feel cool depending on the day.

Key highlights to look for before you board

• St Marina Bay swim and snorkeling (30 minutes), with floats onboard to help you enjoy the stop
• A true Symi wandering window, about 3 hours to roam the harbor and colorful streets
• Open sundeck seating with sunbeds, plus an air-conditioned area if you need shade
• Convenient Rhodes Harbour start and finish, so you are not burning time on extra transport
• WiFi onboard and onboard toilets, useful on an 8-hour loop
• Crew support and clear on-site instructions, since you exchange your voucher at the boat desk

Rhodes to Symi by boat, why this day plan actually works

Rhodes to Symi is one of those routes where the “getting there” part is already half the fun. You start at Rhodes Harbour, then spend the day moving by sea, with ocean views that you just cannot get from the shore. And because the trip includes both Symi and St Marina Bay, you are not choosing between scenery and swimming.

This is also a good format if your vacation is short. You get a swim break that matters, plus enough time on Symi to eat, take photos, and walk the waterfront streets without sprinting. At a stated price of $47 per person for an 8-hour cruise, it is one of the more straightforward value options for people who want the Symi look without booking a longer, more involved excursion.

The boat trip is handled by Rizos Cruises, and the tour runs like a classic city cruise: Rhodes out, swim stop, Symi island time, then back to Rhodes. It is not trying to be a full-day monastery tour or a deep archaeology outing. It is built for the day’s highlights.

Finding Rizos Cruises Discovery, and how to avoid the usual stress

Plan to arrive early. You will want to be at the meeting point about 20 minutes before the activity starts, and check-in runs in the 8:00 to 8:30 window. You also exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat for entry, so do not assume you can just walk on.

Look out for the boat branded Rizos cruises “DISCOVERY”. If you booked optional pickup, you wait at your pick up point about 10 minutes early, and the driver will wait up to 2 minutes after the scheduled pickup time. There can be delays up to 15 minutes due to traffic, so keep your plans flexible around that arrival window.

This sounds picky, but it is how you get the best seat and a calmer start. Multiple stops and an 8-hour timeline mean small delays can ripple. Getting there on time keeps you from spending your first 30 minutes hunting for where you’re supposed to be.

The morning cruise: Rhodes from the water, and what the boat gives you

Once you sail, you get that easy shift in perspective. Rhodes looks different from the water, and you can watch the coastline slide by from the deck. The boat has an open sundeck with sunbeds, which is ideal if you want fresh air and views without crowding indoors.

There is also an air-conditioned area onboard if you need a break from sun. That matters because you might spend time out on deck before the swim stop, and then again on the sail back. One review note is that shade for longer stretches can feel cold, so if you run warm less easily, a light layer is a smart move even in the season.

Small comfort details add up on an all-day cruise. You have toilets onboard, and WiFi onboard can help you pass time or send photos while you still have service. It is one of those trips where the boat stays part of the experience, not just a means of transport.

St Marina Bay swim and snorkeling: the best reason to pick this trip

The St Marina Bay stop is the key feature, and it is structured like a real break, not a quick photo pause. You get a 30-minute swimming and snorkeling window, with a swim stop at the bay that is reachable only by boat. That exclusivity is part of the appeal, because you are not just doing a tourist stop that could be done from the shore.

The boat provides floats, which helps if you want to relax in the water. The trip also asks you to bring snorkeling gear, and that makes sense because 30 minutes is plenty of time to enjoy the surface if you show up ready. For many people, this is the moment that turns a day cruise into a memory.

Two practical realities to keep in mind:

1. You have limited time, so plan your energy. If you want photos, do them early. If you want to snorkel, put the gear on immediately and give yourself a minute to settle.
2. Snorkeling experiences can vary. One note suggests there is not always a ton to see if you do not go far from the boat, and there may be guidance about where you can swim. Stay within the area you’re told to follow so you do not get stuck trying to change plans mid-stop.

Bring a towel and beachwear. Towels are not included, and that is one of the simplest “don’t forget this” items on the list. Also pack biodegradable sunscreen and keep it easy to reach so you’re not scrambling when you reach the water.

Symi for 3 hours: colorful streets, harbor time, and smart wandering

Then you arrive at Symi Harbour and the vibe changes fast. Instead of open sea views, you get a compact island feel: harborside scenes, shops, and streets lined with colorful neo-classical houses. The cruise gives you 3 hours of free time, which is enough to find a lunch spot, walk a good loop, and still have time to browse.

The trip is also timed so you can enjoy the harbor without turning Symi into a race. You can take your photos, wander the streets, then circle back toward the water for the final views before the return sailing. This is the right kind of free time for people who do not want a packed schedule, but still want the classic Symi atmosphere.

Here is a key heads-up if you are the planning type: 3 hours is great for the main harbor area and a basic explore, but it is not a huge amount of time if you want to reach far-off sights. One review note calls out that the Orthodox Monastery of Panormitis typically needs more time. If that monastery is your top goal, consider a longer visit plan or a separate outing.

If you want lunch with sea views, aim for restaurants facing the harbor. You’ll likely have enough time to sit down, eat, and still make room for browsing. And yes, shop time is part of the experience here, since Symi is made for small purchases, ice cream stops, and browsing for souvenirs that actually look like they belong in the Dodecanese.

Onboard comfort and the small stuff that keeps the day pleasant

An 8-hour cruise lives or dies by onboard comfort. This one is set up well for a day trip. You have sunbeds on the sundeck for the sea views, plus inside air conditioning when you want to cool down. You also get WiFi and toilets onboard, which can save you from awkward pacing around a long day.

Food and drinks are not included, but there is a bar onboard in practice, so you can buy snacks and drinks when you need them. Reviews also mention the bar sells reasonably priced options, which is helpful because paying for water or a soft drink on a boat adds up quickly on a long day. Bring cash just in case you find onboard payment methods limited at certain times.

Pack like you’re going to the beach, not like you’re going to a city museum. What to bring is clearly listed:

• Towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen
• Beachwear
• Cash
• Snorkeling gear

One more comfort tip from real-world notes: if you plan to keep your phone and keys with you during the swim, assume there may not be a convenient locker system. That means bring a simple solution. Either keep them on you in a safe waterproof case, or plan for a short swim routine that does not force you to leave essentials unattended.

Also, the trip is organized with clear crew instructions. You still need to follow the safety rules: no weapons or sharp objects, no smoking indoors, and no littering. It’s a beach day at sea, so treat it like one.

Timing and travel rhythm: how the day feels from start to finish

The day runs as a loop: Rhodes Harbour in the morning, sail out, swim stop, short ride to Symi, then sail back to Rhodes in the evening. You can think of it as three chapters.

First chapter is the morning cruise, mostly for views and getting settled onboard. Second chapter is St Marina Bay, where time is tight but the payoff is physical, since you’re in the water. Third chapter is Symi, where the pace is on you, but the clock is real.

That rhythm is why this trip works for so many people. It does not overload you with nonstop activities, but it also keeps momentum. If you prefer to relax, you can spend Symi time strolling and stopping for lunch. If you prefer activity, you have your swim and snorkeling slot plus plenty of walking on the island.

The return sailing is a good time to watch the coast again. Just remember some people find the shade cool on the way back, so bring a light layer if you’re sensitive to that kind of weather shift.

Value for money: is $47 a smart deal for Symi and St Marina Bay?

At $47 per person for an 8-hour boat trip, this is mainly good value because the itinerary includes both the signature Symi scenery and a dedicated marine swim stop at St Marina Bay. In other words, you are not paying just for transportation to the island. You’re paying for a structured day that includes time in the water, plus time on land.

Food is not included, so if you want lunch onboard, buy it yourself at Symi or on the boat. Drinks are also on you. If you do basic spending like a water bottle and one snack, the final day cost stays reasonable.

There is also an important tradeoff to understand. One review note points out that compared with faster catamarans, this boat can feel slower. For you, that is only a problem if you want maximum time on the island or you have tight scheduling elsewhere. But the plan still gives you 3 hours in Symi and 30 minutes in St Marina Bay, which is usually a solid balance for most day-trippers.

If Symi is your “must-see” and you also care about swimming at a boat-only bay, this is one of the more cost-friendly ways to get both.

Who should book this Rhodes to Symi day cruise?

I think this is a great fit if you:

• Want a straightforward day from Rhodes with no complicated planning
• Care about scenery plus a real swim break
• Like the idea of 3 hours to wander Symi without a guide herding you around
• Travel as a couple or small group and want flexibility once you hit Symi Harbour

It may not be your best choice if:

• You want a long, detailed sightseeing day with major sites beyond the harbor area
• You are a serious snorkeler who wants longer water time than 30 minutes
• You strongly dislike cooler shade on boats and do not want to pack a layer

For families, it can work because the day is simple, but keep in mind children might get antsy during travel stretches. The good news is you have a clear swim break, and Symi’s walkable harbor area is easy to explore.

Should you book this boat trip to Symi and St Marina Bay?

I would book it if you want the Symi look and you also want a boat-access-only swim stop in the same day. The structure is balanced: morning sailing for views, St Marina Bay for water time, and 3 hours in Symi for lunch and exploring. At $47, the price-to-experience ratio is hard to beat for a full day out of Rhodes.

Before you go, make three practical moves: pack a towel and snorkeling gear, bring a light layer for shade, and plan how you will manage phone and keys during the swim. If you do that, you’ll spend the day enjoying the sea views and Symi’s waterfront instead of dealing with avoidable inconveniences.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi boat trip?

The duration is 8 hours.

Where does the trip start and end?

The cruise starts and ends at Rhodes Harbour.

Do I get time to swim and snorkel?

Yes. There is a swimming and snorkeling stop at St Marina Bay for about 30 minutes.

How much free time do I have in Symi?

You have about 3 hours of free time to explore Symi at your own pace.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup is listed as optional, and you would wait at the pick up point for the transfer if you selected it.

What is included on the boat?

Included items are the cruise, open sundeck with sunbeds, the swimming stop, free time in Symi, toilets onboard, an air-conditioned area onboard, floats, WiFi onboard, and insurance.

What should I bring?

Bring a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and snorkeling gear.

Where do I meet and when should I arrive?

Arrive 20 minutes before the activity starts. You exchange your voucher at the desk in front of the boat and look for Rizos cruises DISCOVERY. If checking in within the 8:00 to 8:30 window, be there in time to check in.