Two swims make this a standout day. Symi’s old-world streets and the boat-only bay at St. George line up into one smooth outing. I like that it’s built for real downtime: time to roam Symi, then time to cool off with swimming, using the included snorkeling equipment.

One thing to plan for: this is a big-boat day with a maximum of 220 people, so you may feel a bit packed on board. And yes, the sea can be bouncy—bring basic motion comfort if you’re sensitive.

Key Highlights You Should Know

• Symi time with no admission fee: about 3 hours to explore on your own.
• St. George Bay swim stop: roughly 1.5 hours total stop time, with about an hour in the water.
• Snorkeling gear included: you won’t need to rent equipment separately.
• Daily departure from Rhodes Town: boats leave at 10:00 and return around 18:00.
• Hotel pickup is possible for an extra charge: your pickup time depends on where your hotel is.
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours: and the operator will handle weather-related changes with a refund or alternate date.

What You’re Really Paying For (And Why It’s Reasonable)

At about $88.67 per person for an 8-hour day, you’re paying for three things: transportation, the boat-only access to St. George Bay, and the convenience of not having to coordinate separate tickets or rentals.

The value is strongest if you’re the type of traveler who wants a lot of scenery without spending half the day figuring out schedules. You get a full-day structure—Rhodes departure, Symi exploration, then a proper swim stop—so you’re not stuck bouncing between places on your own. If you want a straightforward day that still feels like you went somewhere special, this fits well.

Just know where the cost doesn’t go. Lunch isn’t included, and you’ll be in charge of meals during your Symi free time. That’s actually not a bad deal: you can pick something you like instead of being handed a fixed menu you didn’t choose.

Rhodes Departure: Where to Meet and How Pickup Works

The tour meets at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00. If you choose the pickup option, you’ll be collected from hotels across the island—but it costs extra, and the price depends on how far your hotel is (South areas like Lindos, Pefkos, Gennadi, etc. are one category, other areas are another).

Here’s a smart tip: put your hotel name into the “Special requirements” field when booking. The operator will reply with your pickup time. One of the most appreciated parts of this experience is the communication timing—details sent ahead of time (including WhatsApp/email confirmations) so you can plan your morning and not be guessing.

As for the day’s schedule, departure is every day at 10:00 from the Harbor in Rhodes Town. Return is back to Mandraki Harbor around 18:00, and the activity ends back at the meeting point.

If you’re doing pickup, expect your hotel pickup to be earlier than the 10:00 harbor departure. In one described case, pickup happened around 07:30, with arrival at the port by 09:10. That gives you buffer time to find your way to the boat and get settled before the sail.

On Board: Clean Boat, Friendly Crew, and the Reality of a 220-Person Day

The boat experience is part of why this tour works as a low-stress day. The boat is described as clean and well presented, and the crew is welcoming. In at least one case, the vessel name was Doll, and the trip began on time, which matters when you’re connecting swim and sightseeing.

That said, the group size matters. With a maximum of 220 travelers, it can feel busy on board—especially in the middle of the day when everyone is thinking about the next stop. If you’re craving a quiet, private vibe, this isn’t that style. It’s more like an efficiently run day cruise where the priority is access and timing, not solitude.

Also plan for the sea. Reviews point out that the journey can be slightly bouncy on the way to St. George Bay and again back to Rhodes. This is normal for day boat routes in the region. If you know you get motion sick, pack your usual solution early so you don’t wait until you’re already feeling it.

St. George Bay Swim Stop: The Boat-Only Coast You Can Actually Enjoy

St. George Bay is the kind of place you understand the moment you see it: a natural bay on Symi’s east coast that’s only accessible by boat. The tour drops anchor and you get about 1.5 hours for this stop.

In practice, you’ll likely focus on swimming during a chunk of that time—one described day had about an hour in crystal clear water. Either way, this is your main swimming window, and it’s why the snorkeling gear inclusion makes sense. You’re not just hopping in for a quick splash; you have time to float, look around, and enjoy the water long enough to feel like it was worth leaving Rhodes.

What to expect:

• Turquoise water and a dramatic natural setting from the anchorage
• A boat ride that can feel a little choppy as you approach
• Plenty of time to get in, relax, and come back before you lose your place

What to bring (useful, not fancy):

• Swimwear and a towel or quick-dry layer
• Sunscreen (you’ll be out there)
• If you snorkel, consider bringing your own anti-fog solution if you’ve got one you trust—though the tour provides snorkeling equipment

If you’re short on time in the water during other days in Greece, this swim stop is one of the clearest wins on the itinerary.

Symi Island: 3 Hours to Walk the Old-World Streets

Symi is often called the jewel of the Dodecanese, and the day cruise format lets you sample that atmosphere without committing to overnight plans. You’ll get about 3 hours on Symi, with admission-free access so you’re free to spend your time exactly where you want.

This is an “explore at your own pace” window. Use it like that. Start with an easy loop first—get your bearings, enjoy the architecture, then decide where you want to slow down for photos or a longer look at the waterfront. With only three hours, you don’t want to over-plan. A simple plan works best: walk, look, snack, and return to the boat on time.

A practical way to use the time:

• Spend the first part walking and taking photos near the harbor
• Save the middle for wandering deeper into the town’s streets
• Leave the final portion for a meal or drink, then head back calmly

Lunch isn’t included, but your free time on Symi is your chance to eat what you actually want. That flexibility is part of the value of this tour. You’re not stuck eating a set meal on a schedule that doesn’t fit your taste.

One caution: with limited time, it’s easy to get caught up and realize you’re close to departure. Give yourself a little margin. The tour is built around fixed sailing times, so treat the end of Symi time as a deadline, not an optional suggestion.

Snorkeling Gear: Helpful Convenience, Not a Full Dive Day

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, which is a big deal for cost and convenience. You don’t have to hunt down a rental or decide whether you’re going to snorkel once you’re already on the island.

This doesn’t mean you should expect a training session or guided underwater program, since the swim stop is time-limited and the day is focused on moving between Symi and the bay. Think of the equipment as a way to make your swim more rewarding—grab gear when you’re ready, then use the bay’s clear water to enjoy looking around.

If you’re new to snorkeling, keep expectations simple:

• Start slowly
• Focus on comfort first, then on seeing more
• Use the provided gear and adjust it as needed before you go far

If you’re an experienced snorkeler, you’ll still appreciate having equipment ready to go. The bay stop is short enough that the day keeps its pace, but long enough that you’ll likely get more than a token splash.

Timing and Sea Conditions: When the Day Feels Easy vs. Harder

This is a full day, about 8 hours total, with return around 18:00. The schedule is fairly clear: depart Rhodes Town at 10:00, spend time at St. George Bay, then reach Symi for around 3 hours, and sail back.

Where the day gets easier:

• Clear structure reduces decision fatigue
• On-time departure and return matter when you’ve planned the rest of your Rhodes evening

Where the day can get harder:

• If you’re sensitive to motion, that bouncy feeling on open water can be real
• With up to 220 people, the pace can feel crowded at boarding and while everyone transitions between stops

The best approach is to prepare for the conditions, not fight them. If you know you’ll feel seasick, take your remedy early. If you know you prefer quieter moments, spend time watching the scenery from a calmer spot on board when you can.

Who This Trip Suits Best (And Who Might Skip It)

This boat trip is a strong match if you want:

• A day trip with real swimming time
• A visit to Symi without arranging separate transport
• A cruise that’s organized and runs on schedule
• Included snorkeling gear so you can spend your money on food and a few souvenirs instead

It’s also a good fit for people who like “see it, walk it, swim it” days rather than slow, sprawling itineraries.

I’d consider skipping if:

• You want a quiet, low-capacity experience. With a max of 220, you’re likely in a busy environment.
• You hate any hint of boat motion and don’t manage it well. The ride is described as slightly bouncy, and that can be enough to ruin comfort for some people.

If you’re somewhere in the middle—okay with crowds if it gets you to great water and great town sights—this is likely your kind of cruise.

Should You Book This Luxury Boat Trip to Symi?

I’d book it if your priority is a well-timed day that combines Symi’s charm with a true swim at a boat-only bay. The included snorkeling gear, the admission-free stops, and the simple “wander + swim” structure are what make this feel like value instead of just a ticket to sit on a boat.

If you’re on the fence, here’s the decision checklist I’d use:

• Do you want Symi for about 3 hours without planning independently? If yes, book.
• Do you want a meaningful swimming break at St. George Bay? If yes, book.
• Are you okay with a large group on board and a slightly bouncy ride? If yes, book.

If any of those answers are no—especially the crowd or motion part—then you may want a smaller-format option instead.

FAQ

What is the meeting point for the tour in Rhodes?

You’ll start at Half Price Tours, Gallias 6, Rodos 851 00, Greece.

What time does the boat depart from Rhodes Town?

Departure is every day at 10:00 from the Harbor in Rhodes Town.

How long is the trip and when do you return?

The duration is about 8 hours, and you’ll return to Rhodes to Mandraki Harbor around 18:00.

How much time do you get on Symi?

You’ll have about 3 hours on Symi.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch, food, and drinks are not included, and you’ll have free time in Symi to handle your own meal.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. The tour includes the use of snorkeling equipment.

How long is the swim stop at St. George Bay?

You’ll spend about 1.5 hours at St. George Bay, with time to swim in the water.

Do they offer hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup is offered from hotels on the island for an extra charge. The pickup time depends on your hotel’s location, so you should enter your hotel name in the Special requirements field after booking.

What happens if you cancel or the weather is poor?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather; if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.