Turquoise coves meet a postcard town in one day. This Rhodes cruise to Symi pairs St George Bay boat-only swimming with time to wander Symi at a relaxed island pace. It also includes transfers, snorkeling gear, WiFi, a restroom on board, and lunch.

I especially like the 1.5-hour anchor stop at St George Bay. You can swim right off the boat, use the complimentary snorkeling equipment, or just watch the water while the scenery does the entertaining.

My main caution is pickup timing and the flow of the day. Transfers depend on when you book, the exact pickup point is confirmed by email/WhatsApp close to departure, and the sea can affect the order or how long you spend in each spot.

Key things to know before you go

• St George Bay is boat-only: you drop anchor and swim from the vessel for a quieter feel than shore stops
• Snorkeling gear is included: you get the equipment for free during the swim time
• About 3 hours in Symi town: enough time to wander the harbor area and grab lunch
• WiFi and a restroom onboard: practical comforts for a full-day outing
• The bar exists, with alcohol for adults only: plan for a more limited setup than a full bar
• Transfers are conditional: you must book far enough ahead for hotel pickup to be included

Rhodes to Symi: Why This Cruise Works as a One-Day Island Reset

This is the kind of day trip that makes Rhodes feel bigger, not busier. Instead of grinding through sights on land, you get long stretches on the water, plus two island-focused blocks: a calm swim stop at St George Bay and a proper walk around Symi town.

The best part is how the itinerary is built around water time. St George Bay is accessed only by boat, so you’re not stuck competing for space at a beach entrance. Then Symi gives you enough town time to see why people fall for the island’s pastel harbor look and hillside streets.

You also get good value for a cruise-day format. At $82.90 per person, you’re not just paying for transport and a boat ride. You’re also getting lunch, snorkeling equipment, and onboard basics like WiFi and restroom access.

Getting There Smoothly: Meeting Point, Pickup, and Start Time

The tour starts at 10:00 am, with the meeting point at Platia Eleftherias (Pl. Eleftherias), Rodos 851 00. The activity ends back at the meeting point, which keeps the day from turning into a second logistics puzzle.

If your booking qualifies for pickup, you’ll get instructions by email about 24 hours before the trip. Then, around 9:00 pm the previous evening, you’ll receive another message (email and/or WhatsApp) with the exact pickup place and time. For some areas, you might be directed to a near pickup point, not your exact doorstep.

Here’s the big practical takeaway: transfers are provided only if you booked at least 14 hours before the cruise starts. If you booked later than that window, you should expect to handle getting to the meeting point on your own.

Also plan around being prompt. The operator notes they don’t take responsibility if you miss pickup time, and it’s on you to arrive at the allocated point.

St George Bay Swim Stop: Boat-Only Views and Real Water Time

St George Bay is the star of the first half of the day. The cruise anchors there for about 1.5 hours, on Symi’s east coast, where the sea looks clear enough to make snorkeling feel worth it even if you’re not a die-hard swimmer.

You’ll have options during the swim stop:

• Swim off the boat for a simple, low-effort break from the sun
• Use the complimentary snorkeling equipment to look at the underwater world nearby
• Or skip the swim and just relax with the view, like a moving postcard

This stop is also a nice “reset” because it’s not about walking in heat or searching for attractions. You’re doing the easiest possible sightseeing: looking at cliffs, water color, and small details underwater without having to manage a tight schedule.

One more practical tip: the sea conditions can affect what you actually experience. Some days can feel calmer than others, and the return plan can shift based on how the water is. If you care most about swimming, build in the mindset that Mother Nature runs the show.

Symi Island: 3 Hours to Wander the Harbor and Take It Slow

After the bay stop, you get about 3 hours in Symi. That’s a sweet spot for a day cruise. Long enough to walk around, pause for photos, and actually feel like you visited an island—not just passed through it.

Symi is often described as remote yet welcoming, with old-world charm and that classic Dodecanese island look. What that means in real life is pastel-colored buildings, a harbor area that feels lively but not hectic, and plenty of small streets to explore on foot.

In that time, you’ll likely want to focus on:

• The harbor zone and nearby viewpoints for quick, high-impact photos
• A slow loop through the town streets so you don’t feel rushed
• Lunch, since it’s included in the overall package

Lunch is part of the day’s value, and it helps you avoid the common cruise-day problem of “food costs everywhere.” You also get flexibility: you’re not locked into a timed restaurant meal at the pier unless you choose to be.

Hot weather matters here. With only a few hours, heat can slow you down, so treat your schedule like a choose-your-own-adventure. Walk in the shade when you can. Then take a coffee break or sit for a while when the sun feels strong.

Snorkeling Gear, WiFi, and On-Board Comfort (Including Seating Choices)

This cruise includes snorkeling equipment. That matters because it removes the usual add-on cost or “bring your own gear” hassle. You also don’t have to plan a full snorkeling outing, since it’s packaged into the swim stop timing.

For comfort on board, you have a few practical advantages built in:

• WiFi onboard
• A restroom onboard
• A vessel with enough space to choose where you want to sit

A few notes to make your day feel smoother:

• If you want the best views and the best seating spots, get to the boat early. Earlier boarding can mean more choice, especially for sunbathing areas and top-deck positions.
• Seating can vary between covered and open areas, so pick what matches your tolerance for sun.

One small drawback to keep in mind: the air-conditioned part is listed for the transfer vehicle, not the cruise itself. In hot Greek conditions, you might feel the sun more than you expect, so bring sun protection and expect to mix sun time with shaded breaks.

The Bar Situation: Cocktails Exist, but the Setup May Be Simple

The cruise includes an onboard bar experience in the sense that drinks are available during the day. Highlights point to the option of a cocktail while you’re anchored at St George Bay.

Alcohol is served only to adults, which is good to know ahead of time if you’re traveling with kids or teens. Also, keep your expectations aligned with a sea-day setup: some people describe the bar as more of a small counter than a full, staffed cocktail bar.

A practical move: bring a little cash or small change if you can. Some guests have reported that the onboard bar worked with cash, so it can prevent the awkward moment of discovering what payment method is accepted while you’re already thirsty.

Lunch in Symi: Included Food That Helps Your Budget

Lunch is included, which is one of the easiest ways this tour stays good value. When you’re paying for a day cruise, food can quietly double the cost if you’re hungry and scattered between stops.

With lunch included, your spending tends to stay focused on:

• Optional snacks
• Drinks
• Any small purchases you make while walking around Symi

The day also has a nice rhythm: you swim first, then you get town time, and then you eat without having to fight for a “find food fast” solution. That flow is part of why the day feels less stressful than many port-to-port options.

Food quality can vary by season and by where you end up in town. But people who enjoy seafood and simple Greek lunches usually find the Symi meal feels like part of the place, not just a filler.

Timing and Order: Why the Plan Can Feel Different Than You Expect

The itinerary describes St George Bay first and then Symi. In the real world, sea conditions, captain decisions, and timing can reshuffle things. A few guests felt the swim order or the actual swim location didn’t match expectations perfectly.

So here’s your practical check:

• When you look at the day, treat the big anchors as flexible: you’re going to Symi and you’re going to swim, but you might not control exactly when.
• If swimming is your top priority, do not schedule anything important right after the tour return. Build in buffer time and let the day run on boat time.

If you’re the type who hates surprises, you’ll want to confirm the day’s plan with the staff when you board. They’ll be the ones who know what the sea and timing will allow that day.

Price Reality: What $82.90 Buys You, and Where Extra Costs Can Appear

At $82.90 per person, you’re paying for:

• Full-day cruise from Rhodes to Symi and the swim bay stop
• Transfers to/from your hotel when your booking qualifies
• Lunch included
• Snorkeling equipment use
• WiFi and restroom access onboard

Not included are snacks and alcohol. That’s normal, but it does mean you should plan a little extra if you’re a frequent snacker or if you’re planning multiple drink orders during the day.

Also, a quick note on value: you’re getting two different experiences in one package. The boat-only swim stop is the “special scenery” part, and Symi town is the “walk and eat” part. If you were trying to arrange those separately, you’d likely end up spending more time coordinating than you save money.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This cruise is a great fit if you want a relaxing day with sea views, swimming time, and a real island town. It’s also a good option for people who don’t want to spend a full day hiking or bouncing between many separate stops.

It suits:

• Couples who want a calm day afloat plus a beautiful town walk
• Families who like water time and an included lunch
• Solo travelers who want an easy structure with minimal decisions

You might think twice if:

• You strongly prefer very rigid schedules with no possibility of order changes
• You only want long beach time rather than swimming off the boat
• You want a full-service bar experience with lots of drink options

Most people seem to leave happy because the day has enough breathing room: swimming, then wandering, then lunch.

What If the Weather Turns?

This experience requires good weather. If the cruise is canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important because a Rhodes-to-Symi day on open water is exactly the kind of plan that can get impacted when conditions aren’t right.

On the day itself, go with a sea-minded attitude. Even if the itinerary looks clean on paper, the captain has to choose what’s safe and what’s practical based on the water.

Final Thoughts: Should You Book This Symi Day Trip?

If your dream day includes St George Bay swimming, snorkeling gear included, and 3 hours in Symi to wander at an easy pace, this cruise makes a lot of sense. It’s well set up for value because lunch and snorkeling are built in, and the boat-and-town rhythm keeps the day from feeling like one long grind.

I’d book it if you’re traveling during summer heat and you want a mix of sun, shade, and water time. I’d also book it if you want to see Symi without arranging ferries and timing yourself.

I’d hold off only if you’re very schedule-sensitive or you need a guaranteed swim plan down to exact locations and swim order. In that case, focus on tours that promise fixed timing with no flexibility, or at least plan your day so small changes won’t ruin it for you.

FAQ

What time does the cruise start, and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 10:00 am. The main meeting point is Platia Eleftherias (Pl. Eleftherias), Rodos 851 00, Greece, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer is offered when your booking qualifies. Transfers are provided only for bookings made at least 14 hours before the activity start time. Pickup details are sent by email about 24 hours before, and then again around 9:00 pm the previous evening via WhatsApp or email with the exact pickup place for your area.

How long do we spend at St George Bay and Symi?

St George Bay stop is about 1.5 hours. Symi town time is about 3 hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Use of snorkeling equipment is included with the tour, and it’s available for your swim stop at St George Bay.

Is lunch and alcohol included?

Lunch is included. Snacks are not included, and alcoholic beverages are served only to adults (with alcohol available via the onboard bar).

What happens if the weather is bad or I cancel?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.