Rhodes: Day Trip to Symi Island by Fast Boat

Rhodes: Day Trip to Symi Island by Fast Boat
Location: Dodecanese, Greece
Country: Greece
Rating: 4.7/5 (120 reviews)
Price: $48.56 per person
Duration: 7 – 10 hours

Starting with a quick overview, this day trip offers a rapid and efficient way to experience one of the most picturesque islands in the Dodecanese. For around $48, you’ll spend about 7 to 10 hours exploring Symi, including a breezy 75-minute boat ride on a high-speed vessel. The highlight is undoubtedly the 4 hours of free time to wander its colorful streets, browse charming shops, and enjoy local food.

What we love about this experience is the speed and comfort of the fast boat — it gets you there in just over an hour, saving precious vacation time. Plus, the authentic feel of Symi’s harbor, with its lively cafes, handmade jewelry stalls, and delicious local dishes, offers a genuine taste of island life.

A possible consideration is that the boat ride, while quick and comfortable, might be a bit long for some, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. Also, with only four hours on the island, you’ll want to prioritize what to see — so if you’re looking for a more relaxed, longer stay, other options might suit better.

This trip suits travelers who want a snapshot of Symi, love photography, or enjoy exploring charming villages and trying regional foods. It’s perfect if you’re short on time but want a taste of authentic island life amid stunning scenery.

Key Points

• Fast and efficient: The high-speed boat gets you from Rhodes to Symi in just over an hour.
• Ample free time: Four hours on Symi allows for sightseeing, shopping, and tasting local dishes.
• Authentic experience: Explore Symi’s colorful architecture, lively harbor, and local markets.
• Great value: Price includes round-trip transportation, hotel pickup (if booked), and free time to explore.
• Authentic local food: Try the regional specialty, Simiako Garidaki — baby shrimps cooked in olive oil.
• Well-reviewed: With a 4.7 rating from 120 reviews, travelers consistently praise the organization and scenery.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

If you’re considering this day trip, you’ll want to know what to expect from start to finish. It begins at your hotel or a specified meeting point, with hotel pickup available if you choose that option. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrive at the Gallias Str. 6 office in Rhodes’ Mandraki Harbor by 09:15 to check in and get your boarding pass. The journey to Symi is broken into manageable segments: a 30-minute bus or coach ride through the island’s scenery, followed by about an 75-minute high-speed boat cruise.

Transport & Comfort:
The boat ride is often highlighted in reviews as a highlight — spacious, clean, with options to sit inside with air conditioning or outside on the deck. Many travelers mention bringing a book, sunscreen, or just relaxing with the views. The boat has a bar and toilets on board, adding to the comfort. One traveler noted, “the boat was great” and appreciated the “comfortable seating,” making the trip part of the pleasure rather than just transportation.

The Symi Experience:
Once you arrive at Symi’s bustling harbor, known as Gialos, the real charm begins. The colorful houses cascading along the hillside, the majestic churches, and the lively market stalls create a postcard-perfect scene. You’ll have almost four hours to explore at your own pace, which many reviews say is enough to see the highlights.

Shopping & Local Flavors:
Shoppers will love browsing handmade jewelry, clothing, and gifts. Many praise the local shops for their unique, high-quality items. Food lovers will want to indulge in the island’s regional specialty, Simiako Garidaki, baby shrimps cooked in olive oil, which several reviewers raved about as a highlight of their visit. One traveler even appreciated the flexibility of this tour, as the operator accommodated a last-minute request for an extra hour at St. George’s Bay.

Scenic & Photo Opportunities:
Photographers and social media enthusiasts will find Symi a dream, with its vibrant colors and stunning views serving as perfect backdrops. Many reviews mention taking plenty of photos — one commenter said the boat ride itself offered “spectacular views” and was “relaxing.”

The Return Journey:
As the day winds down, the boat departs for Rhodes, providing a calm and scenic 75-minute return trip. Travelers often remark that the trip back is just as enjoyable, with many feeling it’s a perfect way to end a busy sightseeing day.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Start at Rhodes:
Depending on your pickup choice, you’ll meet at the designated office or be collected from your hotel. The early start means you’ll beat the midday heat while enjoying a smooth check-in process, praised for its organization in reviews.

Bus/Coach Ride:
A half-hour drive takes you through the scenic landscapes of Rhodes, setting the tone for your day. It’s a comfortable, straightforward way to get to the port, with many reviewers noting the punctuality and friendly guides.

Speedboat to Symi:
The highlight is the high-speed vessel, which cuts down travel time and adds a sense of adventure. The boat ride offers plenty of opportunities to relax, soak up the sun, and enjoy the views. Those prone to seasickness should consider bringing some motion sickness remedies, as one reviewer humorously suggested, “mint and plastic bags.”

Free Time on Symi:
Once ashore, the clock starts ticking. You’ll have about four hours — enough to wander the labyrinthine streets, visit shops, take photos, and sample local dishes. Many travelers say this is just the right amount of time to see the main sights and enjoy the atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Shopping & Dining:
The harbor area is lively, with stalls selling handmade jewelry, spices, and souvenirs. Dining options abound, with seafood being a regional specialty. One reviewer called the local food “really nice,” especially the kebab and fresh salads.

Optional Activities:
Some travelers have taken advantage of additional activities during their free time, like visiting Symi Castle or taking a quick swim at St. George’s Bay, thanks to flexible arrangements made at the moment.

Return to Rhodes:
The boat departs in the late afternoon, with a scenic cruise back to the harbor. Many note the trip is smooth and comfortable, with onboard amenities making the journey pleasant.

Authentic Experiences & Practical Tips

While the trip is well-organized and efficient, it offers plenty of authentic moments. The colorful houses, the market stalls, and the local delicacies provide a genuine feel of Symi’s charm. Travelers often mention how the friendly guides and well-coordinated logistics make the experience stress-free, even for those new to Greece.

Practical advice includes bringing cash for shopping and tipping, sunscreen and a sun hat for protection, and comfy shoes for exploring the hilly streets. Since food and drinks are not included, you might want to carry some snacks or plan to buy a meal on the island.

The price point offers good value considering transportation, the guided experience, and free time. Many travelers comment that it’s an affordable way to see Symi without the hassle of arranging separate trips.

Who Will Love This Trip?

This tour is ideal for time-conscious travelers eager to see Symi without sacrificing too much of their holiday. It’s perfect if you’re interested in photography, local culture, and trying regional dishes. Families, couples, and solo travelers have all enjoyed the balance of quick transit and ample exploration.

If you prefer a slow-paced, long stay on the island, or want to explore beyond the main sights, other options might suit you better. But for a well-organized, scenic, and authentic day out, this trip hits the sweet spot.

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FAQ

What is the duration of the trip?
The entire experience lasts between 7 and 10 hours, including pickup, transit, free time, and return.

Does the price include food or drinks?
No, food and drinks are not included. However, plenty of eateries and shops are available on Symi to enjoy local delicacies and snacks.

Is hotel pickup included?
Pickup is optional — if you select that, your hotel will be arranged; otherwise, you need to check in at the office by 09:15.

How long is the boat ride?
The high-speed boat ride from Rhodes to Symi takes about 75 minutes.

How much free time will I have on Symi?
You’ll have approximately four hours for sightseeing, shopping, and dining. Some reviews mention the possibility of organizing extra activities during that time.

Is this suitable for travelers prone to seasickness?
The boat ride is fast and smooth, but some travelers recommend bringing motion sickness remedies like mint or plastic bags just in case.

To sum it up, this day trip to Symi from Rhodes offers a well-priced, scenic, and authentic experience. It’s best suited for those wanting a taste of charming island life with minimal hassle and maximum sightseeing. The combination of quick transit, friendly guides, and free exploration time makes it a highly recommended option for a memorable Greek island getaway.