Symi is a stunning island in the Aegean, beloved for its colorful harbor, crystal-clear waters, and rugged landscape. It’s a place that truly rewards exploration, whether you prefer active adventures, cultural visits, or relaxing boat trips. What makes Symi so appealing for tours is its small size combined with a wealth of sights—perfect for half-day adventures or full-day excursions. We especially like the Symi Dive Trip for its access to underwater wonders, and the Symi Island day trip from Rhodes, which offers a comprehensive taste of the island’s highlights. If you’re into biking, the 2 Hours of Guided Tour with E-Bikes lets you explore without breaking a sweat, making it ideal for those who want to cover more ground effortlessly. For a personalized experience, the Private cruise to Symi offers complete flexibility and privacy.
Whether you’re after swimming in secluded bays, discovering historic monasteries, or just soaking up Symi’s visual charm, there’s a tour that fits your style. Here, we’ve rounded up the five best options, balancing active pursuits, culture, and relaxing cruises to help you make the most of your visit.
Quick Overview
Below is a quick summary of the top tours in Symi, each with its own unique appeal:
- Diving adventures with Symi Dive Trip, perfect for underwater explorers.
- Bike tours with Symi Island | 2 Hours of Guided Tour with E-Bikes, for those wanting effortless island sightseeing.
- Day trips from Rhodes with Symi Island Day Trip from Rhodes, ideal for a full immersion in Symi’s charm.
- Bus transfer to Panormitis Monastery with Bus Transfer to and from Panormitis Monastery, for a quick cultural escape.
- Private cruising with Private cruise to Symi island, offering a luxurious, customizable day on the water.
1. Symi Dive Trip – Half day (2 Dives)
For the underwater enthusiast, the Symi Dive Trip is a highlight. This half-day adventure includes two dives at some of Symi’s best-kept secrets, from turtle beaches to wreck sites like a German WW2 EBoat. Divers with a range of experience levels will appreciate the clarity of the waters, with visibilities reaching 20-70 meters—an incredible chance to see cavern and wall dives, or explore old amphoras and earthquake remnants.
What makes this tour stand out is its variety: you might paddle over a cavern, then drift along a striking wall teeming with marine life. The guide’s expertise helps you navigate these underwater landscapes safely, making the experience accessible whether you’re a seasoned diver or trying it for the first time. At about $230.48 per person, the price reflects not just the dives but also the chance to discover Symi’s submerged history and natural beauty.
Reviews praise the professionalism of the dive crew and the stunning visibility, with one diver noting, “It was like swimming in a glass bowl.” The tour’s compact 4-hour schedule makes it perfect for those with limited time but a deep interest in marine exploration.
Bottom line: For underwater lovers who want a mix of wrecks, caves, and clear walls, this tour offers exceptional value and memorable sights.
2. Symi Island | 2 Hours of Guided Tour with E-Bikes
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, the Symi Island guided e-bike tour is a fantastic choice. For around $17.81, you can enjoy a 2-hour ride across some of Symi’s most scenic spots, including panoramic views of the harbor, the iconic windmills, and the quiet bays of Pedi-Gialo and Nimborio. Whether you opt for the suggested route or chart your own course, the electric bikes make hill climbs effortless, letting you soak in the sights without breaking a sweat.
The reviews are glowing, emphasizing the helpfulness of the staff and the quality of the bikes. One traveler shared, “I visited Symi for the first time and had only a few hours—that e-bike trip to Nimborio was perfect for quick exploration.” The flexibility of this tour means you can combine sightseeing with swimming, relaxing on beaches, or discovering hidden corners of the island.
A guided option is also available if you prefer someone to share local insights during your ride. The staff can suggest routes and points of interest, making it suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Bottom line: This tour offers a fun, low-effort way to see more of Symi and is especially good for travelers short on time but eager to cover a lot of ground.
3. Symi Island Day Trip from Rhodes
A full day in Symi is perfect if you want a comprehensive experience, and Symi Island Day Trip from Rhodes makes it easy. Starting with a scenic ferry ride across the Aegean, this tour takes you to the island’s charming harbor, where you can stroll freely or join an optional guided walk. The highlight is the visit to the Panormitis Monastery, a major spiritual site with stunning architecture and a fascinating museum.
The guide shares stories about Symi’s centuries-old sponge diving tradition and points out the island’s key sights. You get plenty of free time at Panormitis Bay to explore or relax. Afterward, the boat returns to Rhodes, making this an efficient way to see Symi without the hassle of planning logistics yourself.
At about $80.70, the price offers good value considering the full-day itinerary, which covers transportation, some guided commentary, and free time. The reviews praise the leisurely pace and the scenic cruise, though some note the day can be hot and crowded.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a complete taste of Symi’s beauty and culture on a manageable schedule, with the convenience of transportation included.
4. Bus Transfer to and from Panormitis Monastery
For a quick cultural and spiritual experience, the Bus Transfer to and from Panormitis Monastery offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to visit this lauded site. Priced at just $9.27 per person, the transfer takes you from Pedi Bay or the main village of Symi directly to the monastery, constructed in 1783 with its distinctive Baroque bell tower.
The journey itself is scenic, with routes passing through the island’s rugged terrain and offering photo stops en route. Once at Panormitis, you can explore the monastery complex, admire the elaborate icons, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Many visitors enjoy the chance to see the largest Baroque-style bell tower in the world, a truly impressive sight. The transfer timing is flexible, ranging from 2 to 30 minutes, so it can be easily fitted into your day.
A reviewer noted, “Good value coach trip through dramatic scenery to the monastery with a photo stop en route.” It’s perfect for those short on time but eager to experience Symi’s religious heritage.
Bottom line: A quick, inexpensive way to experience one of Symi’s most iconic landmarks without a lot of fuss.
5. Private cruise to Symi island
For a truly personalized experience, the Private cruise to Symi elevates your day on the water. Starting at around $621 per group (up to 7 people), this 8-hour adventure allows you to fix your own itinerary, visiting your favorite bays, beaches, or hidden spots. The cruise offers scenic views of Symi’s colorful harbor and exposes you to the island’s stunning coastline at your own pace.
Included are soft drinks and beer, so you can relax while enjoying the scenery. The highlight is swimming in the calm, crystal-clear waters of bays like St. George. This option is perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking exclusivity and flexibility, with the chance to customize your day exactly as you want it.
Guests appreciate the luxury and privacy, though the price point makes it less suitable for budget travelers. The cruise’s flexibility also means you can skip the typical tourist spots and focus on what interests you most.
Bottom line: This is an excellent choice if you want privacy, luxury, and full control over your Symi experience, especially for special occasions.
$621 per group up to 7
How to Choose
When selecting your tour in Symi, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If you’re a diving enthusiast, the underwater exploration with Symi Dive Trip is unmatched. For those who prefer active exploration without strenuous effort, the E-bike tour offers a quick yet rundown. If you’re short on time but want a full island experience, the Rhodes day trip combines scenic transportation with cultural highlights. Budget travelers might favor the Bus transfer to Panormitis, while those seeking a luxury experience will find the Private cruise perfect.
Booking early is wise, especially for the private cruise or diving trips during the busy summer months. Also, consider the weather—sea trips are best in calm conditions, and some tours may be less enjoyable during peak heat.
Final thoughts
Symi offers a wide range of tour options that cater to different interests and budgets. Whether you’re after underwater adventure, effortless sightseeing, cultural visits, or private luxury, you’ll find something that suits your style. The Symi Dive Trip is ideal for marine lovers, while the day trip from Rhodes provides a hassle-free way to see the island’s key sights. Meanwhile, biking and private cruises add a personalized touch to your stay.
To make the most of your trip, book your preferred tours early, especially if you want to experience the more popular or exclusive options. With its charming streets, crystal waters, and historic sites, Symi is a memorable place—these tours help you enjoy it fully and authentically.