Clear water and pastel Symi—this one delivers. This Rhodes-to-Symi cruise pairs a scenic boat ride from Mandraki Harbour with a swim stop at St George Bay, plus timed freedom in Symi’s port of Gialos. It’s a day trip that feels like two activities in one: sea views on the water, then real time on land.

I especially like the pacing. You leave Rhodes in the morning, get a refreshing swim break, and then have multiple hours to wander Symi without feeling rushed. I also like the practical onboard touches: freshwater showers for after the swim and an onboard lifeguard for peace of mind.

The main drawback is weather and timing. If it’s windy or choppy, it can get cold on board, and your St George Bay swim window can get shortened when safety and loading take priority—so plan to be flexible.

Key things that make this cruise worth your time

• Mandraki Harbour departure at 10:00 means you get a full day, not a quick hop.
• St George Bay / Agios Georgios swim stop with about an hour in the water when conditions allow.
• Gialos (Symi’s main port) time from 13:00 to 16:20 for lunch and wandering.
• First-come upper deck seating (and air-conditioned indoor seating on the main deck).
• Freshwater showers and a lifeguard on board so the swim stop is more comfortable.
• Crew help can matter—some passengers report assistance with mobility scooters.

Rhodes to Symi by boat: what the day feels like

This is the kind of trip that starts with that good “I’m on holiday” feeling—right away, from the Mandraki Harbour area. You meet at the SP Cruises kiosk at the harbour (opposite the Bank of Greece building), and then you’re cruising while Rhodes slowly fades into the distance.

The big appeal here is balance. You’re not only sightseeing from a viewpoint; you’re actually spending time on the water, then you drop into Symi for real street-level exploring. In one day you get fresh sea air, a swim in clear water, and a classic Greek island harbour town vibe—boats, shops, and people walking at their own pace.

For value, the math is simple: you’re paying for a boat day with a swim stop and transport between islands. Lunch and drinks are on you, but the cruise covers the “how do I get there?” part and the standout watery break that most people come for.

Leaving Mandraki: the first scenic payoff

Your departure point is the lively Mandraki Harbour zone in Rhodes. The plan has the cruise leaving daily at 10:00, with check-in handled via the SP Cruises kiosk meeting point.

Once you’re moving, the views start doing the work. You can watch the coast and shoreline change as the boat heads out toward Symi. Even if you’re the type who usually ignores scenic boat rides, this one tends to click because you’re going somewhere specific—St George Bay first, Symi second—so the journey doesn’t feel like “just travel.”

Practical tip that makes a difference: if you care about sitting up top for the best views, go early. The upper deck is first-come, and on busier days it fills fast. One passenger noted that arriving around 9:15 in August meant the upper area was nearly taken over. If you want that breeze-and-sun vantage point, arrive with time to spare.

If the weather turns or you’d rather stay warm, you’re not stuck outside. There’s indoor seating with air-conditioning in the main deck saloon, which comes in handy on cooler stretches and on the return.

The ride toward St George Bay: sailing, sea conditions, and timing

About two hours after leaving Rhodes, you reach the beach area of Agios Georgios for your main swim and refresh break. This is where the cruise shifts gears: you go from “looking at the sea” to “being in the sea.”

During the travel portion, you’ll learn quickly why timing and sea conditions matter. Several passengers mention that the water can get choppy on the return trip, and that the boat may rock more than you expect—especially if you’re sitting in an area that feels more exposed to wind and movement.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, come prepared. One review even mentioned a crew member giving people a lemon to chew for seasickness. That’s the kind of small onboard help that can make the difference between a fun day and a miserable one.

Also, be mentally ready that the day can adjust. The operator notes that for weather and safety, the program can be changed based on the captain’s instructions. Real life happens: loading passengers takes time, wind shifts, and safety decisions come first.

St George Bay / Agios Georgios swim stop: the highlight, with real-world details

This stop is why most people book. The water is described as clear-blue and crystal clear, and the setting is quiet and postcard-like compared with the busier harbour areas. If you like swimming, snorkel-style floating, or just jumping in and feeling the water cool you off, this is the main event.

What I like about this setup is that it’s not just a quick splash. You get dedicated time to enjoy the bay. The scheduled plan is about one hour for swimming and getting in the water.

That said, there are two real-world considerations:

1. The time can shrink. One passenger reported only 45 minutes at St George Bay, and others mentioned that timing can change when boarding takes longer or after disruptions.
2. It can feel cold and windy—especially on the non-sunny side or when you’re waiting to go back on board. Bring layers even in summer, and don’t assume that being near the water means you’ll feel warm.

On the comfort side, the cruise includes freshwater showers, which is a big quality-of-life upgrade after you’ve been in saltwater. No one wants to get back on board still feeling sticky.

For swim aids, you’ll want to rely on what’s actually available on the boat. One review specifically noted the presence of flotation accessories such as floating accessories plus items like swimming doughnuts and vests if needed. If you need adult flotation support, don’t assume it’s guaranteed—one passenger mentioned they did not spot adult life jackets. If you’re not confident in the water, bring your own small flotation option if you can, just to avoid stress.

What you might see in the water is also a plus. People reported spotting fish, and one passenger said they even saw a black sea urchin. You’re not promised wildlife, but the bay seems to deliver enough clear water that short swim sessions feel special.

Symi’s Gialos port: where lunch and strolling actually happen

After the swim stop, the boat leaves at 13:00 for Gialos, Symi’s main port. This is the part of the day where you trade salty air for shade, streets, and harbour views.

From 13:00 to 16:20, you have time to explore Symi’s town. In practical terms, that’s usually enough for the classic rhythm: walk the waterfront, duck into shops, pause for lunch, then wander a bit more before the return boat.

This is also where your day can become either relaxed or rushed, depending on your priorities. If you want a calm stroll and you’re browsing, that time feels just right. If you want beaches and multiple viewpoints, 3+ hours can feel short. But for most first-time Symi visitors, it hits the sweet spot.

Lunch isn’t included, so you’ll be deciding where to eat once you’re on land. Reviews mention plenty of restaurant options and even recommend specific food for those who care about seafood. One passenger specifically recommended Tholos for fresh fish. Another pointed out slow service at one restaurant, but the views made it worth it—classic island trade-off.

A quick planning note: Symi can be hot. One passenger described spending lunch time and strolling in very hot weather. If you arrive at noon hungry, you might want to grab lunch early rather than waiting until you’ve explored everything. The harbour area is photogenic, but you’ll also find yourself bouncing between sun and shade.

Getting around on board: seating, bathrooms, and onboard staff

The boat ride is a social environment. When the boat is full, it can feel crowded, especially around window spots and the upstairs deck. One review noted that the boat was comfortable overall, while another said the boat was very crowded and that people had trouble finding ideal seating for watching and relaxing.

Here’s what matters for your comfort:

• Upper deck seating is first-come. If you want it, arrive early.
• Main deck saloon has air-conditioning. This is your “reset button” if the wind makes you chilly.
• Toilets exist, though one passenger said they could use a little attention.
• Freshwater showers are provided, so you don’t have to skip the swim because you don’t want to get back feeling salty.

The crew quality is a big part of the experience. Multiple passengers praised the staff for being friendly, helpful, and professional. One passenger even mentioned a crew member taking pictures while they were in the water, and another highlighted support with a mobility scooter. That’s not guaranteed for every situation, but it’s a strong sign that the team knows how to manage real passengers, not just a spreadsheet.

There’s also a lifeguard on board, which you’ll appreciate in a bay-swim scenario. And in at least one case, the crew responded quickly to a passenger injury and got help to medics. That kind of readiness affects how safe the day feels.

Small details show up in the reviews too. One passenger noted the speaker system wasn’t very loud at the back, so announcements can be harder to hear if you’re seated far from where sound projects.

Weather and safety: how to plan for a “real” day at sea

This cruise is weather-dependent because you’re on open water. The operator states that due to weather conditions and for safety reasons, the program can be changed according to the captain’s instructions. Translation: don’t treat the swim time as guaranteed down to the minute.

Wind is the big one. Several passengers described the ride as windy, cold on certain sides of the boat, and even chilly during waiting periods. Pack like this is a coastal autumn day even if it’s warm on Rhodes.

My simple rule for this trip: bring a light jacket or layer you’ll actually wear, not just a spare T-shirt.

Also think about how you’ll handle a choppier return. If you’re sensitive to motion, the bay swim plus rocking boat ride can be a combo that surprises you. A seasickness pill might be your best friend, and the lemon tip shows the crew has seen this need before.

Finally, be ready for schedule adjustments after operational issues. One passenger said an accident happened soon after departure, and as a result the St George Bay swim time was reduced. That’s not the usual rhythm, but it’s a reminder that the day is run with safety first, not with a stopwatch that overrides everything.

Price and value: why $41 can work (and when it won’t)

At around $41 per person, this cruise stacks up well for what you’re getting—assuming you care about boats and want an island day that’s not complicated.

The value comes from combining three things that cost money and time separately:

• Transport between Rhodes and Symi by boat
• A dedicated swim stop in a clear-water bay
• Enough time in Symi’s main port to do more than just pose for photos

Food and drinks aren’t included, and drinks on board cost extra. One passenger also said snacks were little pricey and another talked about cocktail service. In other words: you’ll likely spend additional money, but you’re not paying that in addition to the cruise—you’re paying it during the free time you’d have anyway.

When it might not be the best fit: if you hate cold wind on boats, or if you only want soft, effortless touring with guaranteed timings. This is a day trip with real sea movement and a swim component. If you’re booking only for town time, you’ll still get Symi, but the boat part will be unavoidable.

Who it suits best:

• You want a classic Symi visit without ferry wrangling
• You enjoy swimming in calm-ish bays
• You like a day that balances time at sea with time walking streets
• You’re comfortable adapting if the captain changes timing for safety

Should you book SP Cruises to Symi and St George Bay?

I’d book this if you want the “Rhodes vacation” feeling in one day: harbour departure, clear-water swimming, and Symi’s charm in the middle of the schedule. The included lifeguard, freshwater showers, and strong crew support make the swim stop feel more organized than a random boat hop.

I’d hesitate if you want a perfectly predictable timeline down to the minute, or if you know you’ll struggle with cold wind or rocking water. In that case, pack layers, consider motion-sickness prevention, and treat the swim window as flexible.

If Symi is on your list and you want an efficient way to do it from Rhodes, this cruise is a practical, good-value choice—especially if clear water swimming is your kind of holiday.

FAQ

How long is the cruise from Rhodes to Symi and St George Bay?

The duration is listed as 510 minutes (about 8.5 hours).

Where do I meet SP Cruises in Rhodes?

You meet at SP Cruises’ kiosk at Mandraki Harbour, opposite the building of the Bank of Greece.

What time does the excursion start?

SP Cruises’ Symi excursions start every day at 10:00 from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes.

How long do you have to swim at Saint George Bay?

The schedule includes about 1 hour at the Agios Georgios / Saint George Bay area for diving/swimming, but weather and safety can change the program and some situations may shorten the swim time.

What time do you have in Symi (Gialos port)?

You depart Rhodes at 13:00 for Gialos, and you leave the port of Symi at 16:20, giving you several hours to explore town and have lunch on your own.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included in the cruise fare, though you’ll have time to eat at restaurants in Symi.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the boat cruise, the swimming stop at Saint George Bay, time to explore Gialos, freshwater showers, an experienced crew, and a lifeguard.

What should I bring for the trip?

Bring beachwear, sunscreen, a towel, and comfortable shoes.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible, and are there different seating options?

It’s listed as wheelchair accessible. Seating includes upper deck on a first-come basis and indoor seating with air-conditioning on the main deck saloon.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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