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Are you visiting the Greek Island of Rhodes and have limited time to island hop? Then why not book a boat trip to Symi from Rhodes and make your Symi day trip dreams come true?
It only takes an hour journey time to get there and it’s the ideal way to spend more time exploring Symi and less time traveling.
This is the best way I found to travel to Symi if you want to island hop for a day.
On this fast boat, you arrive in record time and can spend three glorious hours on Symi Island before heading back to Rhodes city.
When I visited Symi, I loved visiting the old streets and enjoying the fantastic views.
The island is very small, and most main attractions are a short walk from the port.
This boat is extra special because it stops at St. George’s Bay for a swim stop!
Rhodes Boat Trip to Symi Tickets Info
Don’t have time to read this whole post? Skip the line and get tickets now! Check Rates & Availability
How Far is Symi From Rhodes?
Symi, Greece, is located in the Dodecanese islands just 45 kilometers (28 miles) and roughly 20 nautical miles from Rhodes.
On a regular Rhodes-Symi route by ferry trip, the journey will take approximately an hour and a half.
On the high-speed fast boat, you will arrive at the Symi port in just under an hour.
Why Book This Boat Trip To Visit Symi From Rhodes?
There are a few reasons why it’s just better to book the fast boat to Symi from Rhodes vs a ferry.
- A high-speed boat ride is much more fun than sailing on a large ship.
- The tour is a more cost-efficient trip to visit Symi Island.
- On this tour, you actually stop for a swim in the crystal clear waters of St. Georges Bay!
How Long is the Swimming Stop at St George Bay?
The swimming stop at St Georges Bay is for 30 minutes. On a hot day in Greece, this swim is so refreshing.
If you don’t want to swim in the crystal clear waters, you can just hang out on the top deck and soak in the magnificent view.
What Should I Bring on the High-Speed Boat to Symi?
On this boat, to Symi, you will want to make sure to bring sunblock and a hat that you can secure on your head.
Since it is a high-speed boat you will want to make sure it doesn’t fly off into the sea! You should also bring a towel if you plan to go swimming at the swimming stop in St Georges Bay!
When I visit Greece I always pack a few essentials and that always includes sun protective gear.
Boat Ticket Pricing
Ticket prices for the Greek islands travel may vary depending on if it’s high season, but when I booked this boat it cost less than $50 for a return journey ticket.
When I compared ticket prices for the fast ferry the best price was for the fast boat!
Ferry tickets are often much higher, and the ferry times are not as convenient. So I found the fast boat to be a great value for the money vs a conventional ferry.
Pick-up Location Information in Rhodes Town
The meeting point for the boat trip to Symi is at Rhodes Sea Lines just opposite the National Bank of Greece in Mandraki Harbor.
Rhodes Harbour is a short walk if you are staying in the old town of Rhodes.
Who is This Boat Tour For?
There is a maximum of 118 travelers allowed on the boat to Symi. Most travelers can participate.
It is suitable for people needing wheelchair-accessible transportation. The boat is also stroller-accessible, and service animals are permitted.
Important Booking Information
Good weather is necessary to set sail. If there is poor weather you will be offered an alternative travel date or a full refund.
The cancellation policy is 24 hours, so if you book this tour now, you have up to 24 hours to cancel it and get your money back. Check rates & availability.
Things to Do on Symi Island
Once you arrive on the beautiful island of Symi you will have three hours of free time to explore Symi town.
Three hours is actually the perfect amount of time to explore the old town of Symi Island.
On my trip to Symi, I spent my free time walking the old town and going for a swim in the crystal clear waters at the nearby beach.
The high-traffic areas are mostly around the Symi port and harbor. Here you find many cute shops, cafes, and restaurants with authentic Greek food.
The most impressive spot I found was a staircase that lead to a magnificent view of the Aegean Sea! You can find this staircase here.
The archaeological museum in Symi is located about an 18-minute walk from the main port. Museums are not my favorite so I spent my time exploring and swimming.
A great spot for swimming that is near the port is Sarah’s beach! I had a great experience here swimming in the crystal clear waters and hanging out on a sun bed.
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Rhodes to Symi Ferry Duration
If you would rather a ferry than a high-speed boat from Rhodes to Symi, there are 2 ferry crossings daily year-round. In the summer months, there are more.
The ferry from Rhodes to Symi leaves the port of Rhodes in the morning and arrives at Symi Island in the afternoon.
The trip usually takes around an hour and a half, depending on the weather conditions.
The ferry schedules vary and are more frequent in the peak season.
FAQs Rhodes to Symi
The fastest and most convenient way to go Symi from Rhodes is by booking the fast boat! This boat will get you to Symi in just under an hour!
The high-speed boat holds up to 118 people and is the best way to travel to the Greek island of Symi! On the return from Symi to Rhodes stop at St. George’s Bay for a 30-minute swim in the Aegean sea!
Yes! You can do a half-day trip to Symi from Rhodes by booking the fast boat! You will arrive in Symi in under an hour and have 3 hours to explore before returning to the city of Rhodes.
If you are traveling in the high season it is a good idea to book your fast boat tickets to Symi from Rhodes well in advance.
You can cancel the tickets up to 24 hours before your journey, so it is better to book sooner than later to ensure you have a spot. Seats are limited!
Wrapping Up: Boat Trip To Symi Day Trip
If you are looking for a clean safe boat to take you to one of the most impressive islands of Greece this is the only high-speed boat you need!
It is an exhilarating journey and the best way to island hop!
Travel Resources for Greece
- Solo Trips to Greece
- Greece Travel Guide
- Ultimate Greece Travel Guide
- 15 Best Greek Islands For Solo Travel
- 9 Best Greek Islands for Foodies & Wine Lovers + Map
- Solo Female Packing List For Greece: Summer & Winter
- The Best Private Airport Transfer From Athens Airport
- Affordable Greek Islands Near Mykonos
- Best & Hottest Greek Islands to Visit in May
- Should You Rent a Car on the Greek Islands?
- Most Reliable Ferry Company For Greek Island Hopping
- Cyclades Islands or Sporades Islands? How to Choose!
Alonissos
Athens
- What To See In 2 Days In Athens Itinerary + Map
- What to Expect Visiting Athens in November
- Is Athens Worth Visiting? Should You Go or Skip It?
- What to Expect When Visiting Athens in December
- 10 Best Athens Hotels With Rooftop Pools
- How To Visit Athens On A Budget + Free Calculator
- 7 Easy Day Trips From Athens City Center
- Best Half-Day Tour: Athens To Temple Of Poseidon
- Coco-Mat Athens BC Hotel Review
- The Best Ferry From Athens To Hydra Island in
- Ultimate Athens Solo Travel Guide + Free Map
- Easy Greek Words and Phrases to Learn for Travel
- Is Your Name Greek? Greek Names Generator & Meanings
- 18 Pros & Cons of Living in Athens Greece by an Expat
- Best Cafes in Athens by Neighborhood
Crete Island
Folegandros
Hydra
Koufonisia
Milos Island
- All The Best Things to Do in Milos By Area + Map
- Renting a Car in Milos: What You Need To Know
- The Perfect 4 Days in Milos Itinerary Guide + Map
- 12 Best Boutique Hotels In Milos Greece in
- A Private Luxury Boat Tour to Kleftiko Milos
- Best Milos to Athens Ferry Travel Guide
- Sifnos vs Milos: Which Island is Better
Mykonos
- Ultimate Solo Travel Guide Mykonos
- Is Mykonos Expensive?
- How to Get Around in Mykonos
- Day Trips From Mykonos
Naxos
- Renting a Car in Naxos: Exploring the Pros and Cons
- Best Naxos Bus Tour Highlights of Idyllic Villages
- 10 Best Villages to Visit in Naxos
Sifnos Island
- Best Guide to Sifnos Greece: Everything To Do + Map
- A Guide to Booking a Ferry From Athens To Sifnos
- Flight From Athens to Sifnos By Private Helicopter
- Honest Review of Nival Boutique Hotel in Sifnos
- Best Beaches in Sifnos, Greece
- Sifnos or Serifos: Which Island is Better?
- Milos or Sifnos: Which Island is Better?
- Sifnos or Syros: A True Comparison
- Solo Travel in Sifnos, Everything You Need to Know
Serifos Island
- Complete Island Guide To Serifos Greece + Map
- Which is Better: Sifnos vs Serifos?
- Serifos or Folegandros: Which Island is Better?
Skiathos & Skopelos
Skopelos or Skiathos, Which Greek Island is Better?
Rhodes & Symi Island
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