Rhodes: Speedboat Trip to Symi with Free Time to Explore

Imagine gliding across the Aegean on a sleek speedboat, with the wind in your hair and views of historic Rhodes fading behind you. This tour from Rhodes to Symi costs just around $28.23 per person and lasts about 6.5 to 8 hours. It’s a perfect way to combine a quick escape to a charming Greek island with the comfort of modern transportation.

You’ll start at Kolona Harbor, cruise for roughly 80 minutes, then arrive in the vibrant port of Symi, where over three hours give you plenty of time to wander, shop, and taste local food. The return trip is just as swift and scenic, making this a stress-free way to experience the best of Symi without the hassle of longer ferry rides or guided tours.

What we love about this experience is the efficiency of the speedboat — it’s faster than traditional ferries, meaning more time on the island. Plus, the seating options are flexible: you can enjoy the cool comfort of the air-conditioned indoor space or soak up the sun on the sundeck with panoramic views of Rhodes castle walls, the Saint Nicholas Fortress, and the windmills.

A small consideration is that seats upstairs tend to fill early, especially if you want to enjoy the breeze and open air. Arriving early helps secure that spot. This tour is perfect for travelers who value flexible free time, want to see Symi in a day, and appreciate a smooth, well-organized trip without guided groups or extra costs at attractions. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy panoramic views and a bit of adventure on the water.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Fast and Scenic: The speedboat gets you there quickly with stunning water views.
Flexible Seating: Options inside or on deck suit different comfort preferences.
Ample Free Time: Over three hours to explore Symi makes this more than just a quick ride.
Affordable Price: At just over $28, it offers great value for a full day trip.
Authentic Experience: No guided tour means you can explore at your own pace.
Comfortable & Reliable: The boat departs and arrives on time, according to reviews.

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A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Boarding

The tour kicks off at one of two possible meeting points at Kolona Harbor. The process is straightforward: you book your tickets in advance, scan your QR code, and board the modern, well-maintained speedboat. The vessel boasts an air-conditioned indoor space and a spacious sundeck, giving you options depending on your mood or weather.

The Journey from Rhodes to Symi

As we set sail, we loved the way the boat offered a choice of seating—either cool inside or breezy outside. The reviews highlight how timings are spot on, with departure and arrival times being reliable, which is a relief in busy tourist spots. The ride itself is smooth, with many commenting on how comfortable and efficient the trip feels.

Along the way, you’ll see iconic sights like the windmills of Rhodes, the Saint Nicholas Fortress, and the Naillac Tower, which make for excellent photo opportunities. It’s a chance to admire Rhodes’ medieval walls and colorful minarets from an uncommon perspective.

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Arrival in Symi: A Photogenic Haven

Symi welcomes visitors with its amphitheatrically built harbor and colorful neoclassical houses that seem to cascade down to the water. Travelers consistently praise how picturesque and charming the town is, often noting that the streets are so beautiful you could easily get lost exploring them.

The reviews reveal that the free time allows for leisurely strolls, shopping, or grabbing a bite. One traveler mentions a tourist train that departs every hour—a handy way to see the sights without tiring your feet. Others rave about the local cuisine, especially seafood, although you should check reviews of individual restaurants as the tour itself does not include meals.

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Returning to Rhodes

The return journey is equally well-organized, with some reviews noting the speedboat’s punctuality. Many travelers prefer to relax inside on the way back, enjoying the bar and refreshments available onboard. Others prefer the outdoor deck, especially if the sea is calm and the sun is shining.

What Travelers Say

Most reviews are glowing, with a 4.5-star rating from over 2,700 reviewers. Highlights include the value for money, the comfort of the boat, and ample time in Symi. Travelers appreciate the reliable schedule and the opportunity to explore the island independently. A few mention that seats on the upper deck fill early, so arriving promptly increases your chances of sitting outside.

A recurring theme is how Symi exceeds expectations—more beautiful than imagined, with many saying it’s a “must-visit” island. The boat trip itself gets praise for being speedy, scenic, and well-organized, making it ideal for those with limited time.

Considerations for Travelers

While the experience is generally smooth, a few points are worth noting. Seats upstairs are limited and fill quickly, so early arrival is wise. Also, since food and drinks are not included, you might want to bring some snacks or plan to buy local delicacies in Symi. The trip is not guided, so explorers should be comfortable navigating on their own.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for independent travelers who want a scenic, hassle-free way to see Symi. It’s also ideal if you prefer more flexibility instead of guided tours, and don’t mind organizing your own exploration. If you enjoy fast water trips with panoramic views and want enough time to wander and snap photos, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially good for those on a budget, offering excellent value with a reliable schedule and comfortable onboard amenities.

The Itinerary in Detail

Stop 1: Departure from Kolona Harbor

Depending on your booking, you’ll start at one of two designated points in Rhodes’ Kolona Harbor. The check-in process is straightforward — just scan your QR code, find your seat, and settle in. Reviewers mention the ease of boarding and friendly staff that help keep the process simple.

Stop 2: The 80-Minute Cruise

Once underway, expect a smooth ride across the water, taking in the views of Rhodes’ fortress walls, the windmills, and other landmarks. The boat’s design offers both enclosed and open-air options, catering to different comfort preferences. Many travelers enjoy sitting on the deck, feeling the sea breeze and capturing photos of Rhodes’ coastline.

Stop 3: Symi – Over Three Hours of Free Time

Arriving in Symi, you’ll disembark into a picturesque harbor, with colorful buildings reflected in the calm water. For many, this is the highlight: a leisurely exploration of a town that feels like a postcard. You can stroll through winding streets, shop for souvenirs, or sit down for a meal.

Reviewers recommend arriving early if you want a seat outside, as it fills quickly. Once ashore, the options are plentiful—whether wandering aimlessly, visiting local shops, or enjoying the local seafood. One reviewer mentions a tourist train that loops around the island, perfect for those who want to see more without exhausting themselves.

Stop 4: Return to Rhodes

After your free time, the boat departs for the return journey, which many describe as equally comfortable and scenic. Some enjoy relaxing inside with a snack or drink, while others prefer to soak up the breezy outdoor deck. The trip back offers more chances for photos, with views of Symi’s colorful houses receding into the distance and the boat slicing through sparkling waters.

Final Drop-off: End at Kolona Harbor

The tour concludes back where it started, with many noting how timely and smooth the return trip was. The whole experience, from start to finish, tends to run like clockwork, which is important for travelers with tight schedules.

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

The main advantage of this trip is value. For less than $30, you get round-trip transportation, a scenic ride, and ample free time in a stunning island. It’s perfect for anyone who wants to combine sightseeing with a relaxed, independent exploration.

The speedboat itself is often praised for its speed, comfort, and reliability, making the journey more enjoyable than a slow ferry. The variety of seating options lets you choose whether you want to stay cool in the shade or bask in the sun with a panoramic view.

For travelers who love photography, the views of Rhodes from the water and Symi’s colorful architecture are a major plus. Many reviews highlight how the trip exceeded their expectations, with some saying Symi is even more beautiful than they imagined.

However, it’s worth noting that seats fill early, so arriving ahead of the departure helps get the top deck. Also, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry or want a specific snack.

FAQs

How long is the trip?
The round-trip cruise lasts about 6.5 to 8 hours, with approximately 80-minute legs each way, plus more than three hours on Symi.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers roundtrip transportation on the speedboat and free time in Symi. Food and drinks are not included but are available for purchase onboard.

Can I choose my seat?
Seats are first-come, first-served, but arriving early increases your chances of securing a seat outside on the sundeck. Inside seats are available as well.

Is there a guided tour?
No, this is not guided. You explore Symi independently during your free time, making it ideal for autonomous travelers.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, such as sunscreen and a hat, especially if you plan to sit outside. Also, consider snacks or water if you want to avoid buying on board or in Symi.

Is the trip suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention traveling with children, including a family with a 4-year-old, and having a positive experience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re after a quick, scenic trip that offers more freedom than guided excursions, this speedboat to Symi is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy water rides with panoramic views and want ample time to explore at their own pace. Those on a budget will appreciate the excellent value—a comfortable boat, reliable schedule, and enough hours on Symi to make it worthwhile.

It’s especially well-suited for independent explorers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone who prefers flexibility in their schedule over guided commentary. If you’re looking for a stress-free way to see a beautiful Greek island, this trip will check all those boxes.

Final Thoughts

This Rhodes to Symi speedboat trip balances speed, comfort, and freedom. It offers an efficient way to experience the stunning architecture and quaint streets of Symi without the hassle of long ferry rides or guided tours. Many travelers find the timing perfect, giving them enough time to wander, shop, and enjoy local cuisine.

The reliable schedule, comfortable onboard amenities, and breathtaking water views make this tour an excellent value for anyone wanting a hassle-free day trip. It’s especially ideal for those who appreciate independent exploration and authentic experiences outside the usual guided tour mold.

In essence, if you’re looking for a well-organized, scenic, and affordable way to visit Symi and enjoy a relaxing day on the water, this tour is a smart choice. It’s a wonderful way to make memories of Greece’s beautiful coastlines and colorful islands, all in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: