Symi by boat feels like the Dodecanese on fast-forward. This day trip runs on a tight schedule from Kolymbia Harbour, gives you real time in Symi, and finishes with a cooling swim in St George’s Bay.

I especially like the high-speed ride (great fun, if you’re ready to get wet) and the fact you’re not stuck on a long bus. You’ll also have time to wander Symi at your own pace, instead of rushing through sights on someone else’s timetable.

One thing to consider: the day can feel long in the heat, and you may have a brief boat change at Rhodes Harbour on the way there and back. It usually doesn’t ruin the day, but it’s worth knowing before you go.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

• Direct pickup from Kolymbia Harbour, so no early coach scramble
• Three hours in Symi, long enough for sights, snacks, and a calm wander
• 30-minute swim stop in St George’s Bay with crystal-clear water
• High-speed boat = high splash risk, plan your outfit accordingly
• Timings run tightly, including an on-time departure from Symi
• Water/drinks aren’t provided on the boat, so bring what you need

Kolymbia Harbour Start: Your Day Trips Begins Without the Hassle

Starting right in Kolymbia is the big win here. The boat picks you up from Kolymbia Harbour, and it’s one of those rare transfers where you can actually keep your morning relaxed. Instead of getting up early, then sitting on a hot bus, you can roll out of your day and walk to the harbour.

From the first moment, the vibe is organized. The crew runs a clear boarding flow, and departures feel efficient. Even better: you’re out on the water fast, so the trip doesn’t feel like travel time that steals your day.

The High-Speed Ride to Symi: Fun, Fast, and Yep, You’ll Get Wet

The cruise is the main event for a reason. It’s quick, it’s smooth enough for most people, and it’s the kind of ride that makes you look out at every turn. People come away talking about how exhilarating it feels—and that’s fair. Symi isn’t far, but the speedboat makes the sea portion feel like part of the experience, not just the connector.

Do be ready for water. You’ll likely get wet on the fast run, especially if you sit where the spray catches you. If you want to stay mostly dry, plan your seating smartly once you’re aboard, and wear something you don’t mind soaking a little.

A Possible Rhodes Harbour Boat Change

One curveball: you might change boats at Rhodes Harbour on the way there and back. The good news is that it doesn’t sound like a dramatic ordeal—often the boats are right next to each other—so it’s more of a quick swap than a full detour. Still, it’s the kind of thing that can confuse you if you expect everything to stay on one vessel all day.

Symi Arrival and 3 Hours Ashore: Pastel Town Views and Time to Wander

When you reach Symi, the harbour view grabs you fast. You’ll see turquoise water, pastel-colored neoclassical buildings framing the bay, and colorful church domes on the hillside. It’s the classic Symi look, but you experience it from the water first—which makes it feel more vivid.

Then you get about three hours to explore on your own. That time matters. It gives you room to do more than the checklist version of Symi. You can walk, stop for a drink, find a snack place, and still feel unhurried.

What to Do With Your Time in Symi

With three hours, I’d plan your day like this:

• Start at the harbour area to get your bearings quickly.
• Walk up toward the main sights and viewpoints, then come back down at an easy pace.
• Build in time for lunch or a late snack at one of the traditional tavernas.

Lunch isn’t included, so budget for it. The upside is you can choose what fits your appetite and price range that day.

The Practical Food Tip: Mini Shrimps and Ouzo

Symi is the kind of place where you’ll want to try local specialties. The trip highlights point you toward Symi mini shrimps and local ouzo. Even if you don’t go all-in, it’s a fun way to make the day feel more “of Symi” and less like a quick photo stop.

Cooling Off: Aim for a Swim-Friendly Spot

Even though your main swim stop is later, you might also spot places where you can cool down near the town area. One traveler noted finding a swimming spot near the clock tower for a quick reset after walking. If you see a good spot and conditions look safe, it can be a nice bonus.

St George’s Bay Swim Stop: Why This 30 Minutes Feels Like a Reset Button

On the way back, you get a scheduled break at St George’s Bay. The timing is around 30 minutes, and that’s exactly the right length after a hot morning and a walk-hike around Symi.

This is the part people remember because the water is described as clear and turquoise—perfect for a quick swim that doesn’t eat your whole afternoon. You can keep it simple: rinse off, swim, then relax back on deck.

Positioning Matters

One tip that’s worth filing away: when the boat anchors, you may be able to anchor nearer to the beach than in other stops. In practice, that can change your options—like whether you can swim to shore and explore the edge of the bay. If the boat is anchoring farther out, keep your expectations realistic and plan for a swim within reach.

Also, bring your swim gear and plan to change if you can. Even if you don’t get much time to dry, it’s still a huge quality-of-life moment.

Tight Timings That Keep the Day Comfortable (Not Cramped)

This trip doesn’t waste time. You’ll see a consistent pattern: board at Kolympia Harbour in the late morning window, arrive in Symi around midday, and return in the early evening.

People reported boats arriving around 10:15 and getting back around 18:00, with a very firm departure time from Symi (one example had a departure at 15:15 on the dot). That kind of punctuality matters because it helps you plan your photos, your lunch, and your wandering without guessing.

The only part that can feel slightly “different” is the possible Rhodes transfer, but the overall flow still stays tight. In other words: you’re not spending the day waiting around.

Price and Value at $106: What You’re Actually Paying For

At $106 per person for an 8-hour day, the value comes from what’s included—not just the speed.

Here’s what you get built into the price:

• High-speed boat ride to Symi
• 3 hours free time in Symi
• A 30-minute swim stop in St George’s Bay

The travel time is the real savings compared with land-based options. One traveler specifically contrasted this with other tours that use a coach and require an early morning start (they mentioned a 07:30 coach). If you’re staying in Kolymbia, starting at Kolymbia Harbour is simply less painful. Less waiting. Less road heat. More Symi.

What’s not included? Lunch and drinks in Symi are not part of the package. Also, the boat doesn’t provide water, and you’ll want it. One practical recommendation from multiple experiences: bring your own drinks. This isn’t a fancy water-on-board situation, and hydration is your friend in this sun.

So the pricing equation looks fair if your priorities match the day: Symi time plus a swim. If you want a longer stay in Symi with more flexible pacing, you may prefer a full-day ferry and explore at a slower rhythm. But for a one-day hit, this checks a lot of boxes without the usual day-tour fatigue.

Who This Symi Day Trip Fits Best

This is a smart match if you:

• Want real time in Symi (about 3 hours) and not a rushing schedule
• Prefer a boat departure from Kolymbia Harbour
• Want a built-in swim stop at a location with clear water
• Like a faster pace and don’t mind that speedboats can get a bit wet

It’s also marked as wheelchair accessible, which is a major plus for travelers who need mobility-friendly options.

The main “not-for-everyone” factor is simple: if you hate water spray or you don’t like high-speed rides, you’ll want to plan carefully with clothing and seating. If you prepare for that, the rest is straightforward.

Should You Book This Kolymbia to Symi High-Speed Boat?

I’d book it if you want a day that feels efficient and fun: Symi town time, a proper swim break, and minimal hassle starting from Kolymbia. The included 3 hours in Symi plus the St George’s Bay swim stop are the heart of the value, and the tight timing keeps the day from dragging.

If the idea of getting wet on a speedboat sounds like misery, or if you’d be irritated by a possible boat change at Rhodes Harbour, then you might want a slower, more straightforward option instead. For most people in Kolymbia looking to see Symi without the early-bus pain, this one is an easy yes.

FAQ

How long is the Kolymbia to Symi boat day?

The total duration is 8 hours.

How many hours do I get in Symi?

You get approximately 3 hours of free time in Symi.

Is there a swimming stop?

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

Where does the boat pick me up?

The meeting point is Kolymbia Harbour.

Does the tour include lunch?

Lunch is not listed as included. You’ll eat at tavernas in Symi at your own expense.

Are water or drinks provided on the boat?

The provided information indicates you should bring drinks with you, as none is available on the boat.

Will I get wet on the high-speed boat?

Yes. The high-speed journey can get you very wet, so plan accordingly.

Is there a possibility of changing boats at Rhodes Harbour?

You may have to change boats at Rhodes Harbour both ways, as part of the day’s routing.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?

Yes, it’s listed as wheelchair accessible.