Rizos Cruises Symi Island Day Trip From Rhodes: 30 m Boat, St George Bay Swim and 3 Free Hours
Quick answer
Rizos Cruises runs an 8-hour Symi day trip on its 30 m boat from Mandraki Harbour, with a 30-minute swim and 3 free hours ashore, from $35 per person.
Boarding closes at 8:30 on the listing, food and drinks cost extra, and the trip holds 4.3/5 from 659+ reviews on GetYourGuide.
Rizos Cruises
Symi Island Cruise, St. George Bay Swim & Free Time
4.3 (659) · from $35
The Rizos Cruises Symi Island day trip is one of the two cheapest ways I track to reach Symi from Rhodes: $35 for a big, slow boat, a half-hour swim at St George Bay and three hours in the harbour town.
What changes the decision is the clock. The listing closes boarding at 8:30 and treats later arrivals as no-shows with no refund.
The operator's own page gives different return times than the listing. Read the timing section before you book, then compare the trip with the other island-hopping options from Rhodes or go back to the Harbour Advisor home page.
| Operator | Rizos Cruises, a family company that runs daily Rhodes-Symi cruises on one flagship boat |
|---|---|
| Boat and capacity | One 30 m passenger boat, up to 250 guests per the operator's page; the listing sets no group cap |
| Price | From $35 per person (USD on GetYourGuide, checked 2026-10-17) |
| Duration | 8 hours; boarding 8:00 to 8:30 on the listing, 8:00 to 8:40 on the operator's page |
| Departure point | Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes Town. Rizos Cruises berth on Google Maps |
| Route | Rhodes, St George Bay swim stop (30 minutes), Symi harbour (3 hours free), back to Rhodes |
| Food and drinks | Not included; a bar and snack bars sell drinks, coffee, cocktails and snacks |
| Languages | English and Greek |
| Return | About 16:30 on the listing, 17:00 on the operator's page |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before for a full refund |
| Rating | 4.3/5 from 659+ reviews on GetYourGuide |
What is the Rizos Cruises Symi Island day trip?
The Rizos Cruises Symi Island trip is a full-day crossing on a 30 m passenger boat to Symi, with one swim stop on the way and free time in the harbour town.
- Crossing: from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town to St George Bay, then about 15 minutes on to Symi, per the operator.
- Swim stop: 30 minutes at St George Bay, with floats and noodles provided.
- Symi: 3 hours free in the harbour town, with its neoclassical waterfront and tavernas.
- Return: an afternoon sail back to Rhodes.
The format is simple and there is no guide on Symi. You choose between a beach walk, a taverna lunch or the shops, and you return to the boat at the time the crew gives.
Where does the Rizos Cruises Symi Island boat leave from?
The boat berths at Mandraki Harbour, and the listing tells you to check in at a desk beside the vessel before boarding.
Match the boat name on your voucher with the Rizos Cruises sign, and arrive 20 minutes before boarding opens. The pin sits about 600 m from the Sea Gate, so the walk from the Old Town is 8 minutes.
The listing also offers hotel pickup and drop-off at 32 named stops, mostly in the Ialysos, Ixia and Kremasti resort belt, and a reviewer called the transfer easy and clearly labelled.
| From | To | Time | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sea Gate, Old Town | Mandraki berth | 8 min on foot, 596 m (OSRM) | Walking route on Google Maps |
| Mandraki Harbour | Rizos Cruises berth | Operator's departure point | Berth on Google Maps |
How are the 8 hours spent?
Only 3.5 of the 8 hours of the Rizos Cruises Symi Island day are stops, so about 4.5 hours go to boarding and sailing.
| Part of the day | Time | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Boarding at Mandraki | 8:00 to 8:30 (listing) or 8:40 (operator) | Both |
| Swim at St George Bay | 30 minutes | Listing and operator |
| Free time in Symi | 3 hours | Listing and operator |
| Back in Rhodes | About 16:30 (listing) or 17:00 (operator) | Both |
| Sailing and boarding | About 4.5 hours | Remainder of the 8 hours |
The listing gives no clock time for the Symi stop, so I work backwards from the return: a 16:30 arrival and a 3-hour stop leave Symi in the middle of the afternoon. Confirm the exact departure from Symi with the crew when you disembark.
A reviewer found the Symi beach about 15 minutes' walk from the dock, which leaves time for a swim and a meal. Symi harbour on Google Maps and St George Bay on Google Maps show the two stops.
What is on board and what is included?
You get a big boat with shade and toilets, and you pay separately for anything you eat or drink.
- Included: the crossing, an open sundeck, an air-conditioned area, toilets, Wi-Fi, floats, towels and insurance.
- For sale on board: a bar sells soft drinks, coffee, cocktails and bites. The listing calls the prices reasonable but states none.
- Not included: food, drinks and personal expenses.
- Bring: a sun hat, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear and cash.
- Not allowed: weapons, sharp objects, littering and smoking indoors.
The operator lists sunbeds, two snack bars and a mini shop on board. Seating is the trade-off, because reviewers say the top deck is the only sunny area and loungers go to the first people aboard.
How does it compare with other Rhodes to Symi boats?
It is the second-lowest rated of the five Symi boats I track, and one of the cheapest, so you trade speed and polish for price.
| Trip | Length | Price | Rating on GetYourGuide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rizos Cruises Symi Island | 8 hours | $35 pp | 4.3 from 659+ |
| High-speed boat to Symi | 6 to 9 hours | $62 pp | 4.7 from 4,165+ |
| Speedboat trip to Symi | 7 hours | $35 pp | 4.5 from 5,796+ |
| Cruise to Symi with hotel transfer | 6 hours | $62 pp | 4.7 from 3,226+ |
| Boat trip to Symi and Panormitis | 8 hours | $34 pp | 4.0 from 69+ |
The speedboat trip costs the same $35 as the Rizos Cruises Symi Island fare and saves an hour, so check it first if time matters. For a full list, see my guide to boat tours in Rhodes.
Is the Rizos Cruises Symi Island trip worth it against a faster boat?
It is worth it if you want the lowest fare, hotel pickup and a relaxed pace, and less so if you want maximum time on Symi.
At $4.38 an hour, this is among the cheapest per hour of the Symi boats I track, but the 8-hour day includes about 4.5 hours of boarding and sailing. The rating of 4.3 is also lower than the 4.5 to 4.7 of the faster boats.
- Pick it if price and a hotel pickup decide the day.
- Pick a speedboat if you want the same 3 hours on Symi with less time at sea.
- Pick a quieter small-boat snorkel trip if swimming matters more than the island visit.
When is the best time to go, and how rough is the crossing?
The calmest crossings are June, July and October, with 0 to 3 days of waves of 1 m or more in 2025, and the sea is warmest in August at 28.4°C.
The table uses 2025 daily data. The listing says to bring a light jacket at the beginning and end of the season, but it gives no season dates, so check the calendar for your month.
| Month | Avg high | Rain days | Sea temp | Days with 1 m+ waves |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 17.3°C | 12 | 19.3°C | 1 |
| Feb | 14.4°C | 6 | 17.7°C | 8 |
| Mar | 20.1°C | 4 | 17.6°C | 7 |
| Apr | 19.8°C | 9 | 17.9°C | 5 |
| May | 24.9°C | 5 | 19.9°C | 7 |
| Jun | 33.2°C | 0 | 24.8°C | 1 |
| Jul | 34.7°C | 0 | 28.2°C | 0 |
| Aug | 33.2°C | 0 | 28.4°C | 4 |
| Sep | 30.7°C | 1 | 27.9°C | 3 |
| Oct | 24.7°C | 11 | 24.6°C | 3 |
| Nov | 22.6°C | 9 | 23.0°C | 5 |
| Dec | 17.8°C | 11 | 21.3°C | 10 |
The open water between Rhodes and Symi is exposed. In 2025 the daily gust maximum reached 25 knots or more on 20 of 31 days in August and 17 of 31 days in May, against 3 days in January (Open-Meteo archive).
A large boat copes better than a small one, but non-swimmers and anyone prone to seasickness should think twice on windy days.
7 million+ passengers used Rhodes airport in 2025, up 2.5% on 2024, so summer harbours and bays are busy.
Rhodes is busy in summer, and Symi's small harbour feels it when several boats arrive together. Greek public holidays, such as Ochi Day on 28 October 2026, add local day-trippers. For the national overview, see Visit Greece's Rhodes page.
What do passengers say?
Passengers praise the value, the crew and Symi itself, and the recurring complaints are about seats and sun.
- Value: several reviewers call the price good for the day.
- Crew: described as friendly and helpful, with a fun swim stop.
- Seating: loungers go first, and the top deck is the only sunny space.
- Transfer: one traveller found the hotel pickup easy and well labelled.
The sample I can read is positive-only, but the 4.3 average from 659+ reviews is the lowest of the Symi boats I track, so expect a plainer day than the faster boats. Arrive early for a good seat.
Who should skip the Rizos Cruises Symi Island trip?
Skip it if you use a wheelchair, cannot swim, or want the shortest possible crossing.
- Wheelchair users: the listing marks the trip as not suitable.
- Non-swimmers: the listing also excludes them.
- Travellers short on time: a faster speedboat gets you the same 3 hours with less sailing.
- Late risers: boarding closes at 8:30 on the listing.
How do you book the Rizos Cruises Symi Island trip?
From $35 per person for 8 hours on the Rizos boat, with a St George Bay swim, 3 free hours in Symi and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check availabilityI earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Rizos Cruises trip to Symi?
It lasts 8 hours, with a half-hour swim at St George Bay and 3 hours free in Symi.
How much does the Symi day trip cost?
It starts at $35 per person on GetYourGuide, checked on 2026-10-17. Food and drinks are extra.
Where does the Rizos Cruises boat leave from?
It leaves from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town. Show your voucher at the check-in desk.
What time should I arrive?
Arrive 20 minutes before boarding. The listing closes boarding at 8:30, and late guests get no refund.
What time does the boat return?
The listing says about 16:30, and the operator's page says 17:00. Confirm with the crew on the day.
Is hotel pickup included?
It is offered as an option at 32 named stops, mostly along the north-west coast. Choose it at checkout.
Can non-swimmers join?
No. The listing marks the trip as not suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users.
Are food and drinks included?
No. The bar and snack bars sell them on board, and the listing advises bringing cash.
Is there a toilet on board?
Yes. The listing mentions toilets, air conditioning and Wi-Fi on the boat.
How long can I spend in Symi?
You get about 3 hours of free time in Symi harbour. The listing gives no guided tour there.
Sources: GetYourGuide listing 179504 (checked 2026-10-17); Rizos Cruises Symi cruise page; Fraport Greece; Visit Greece; Open-Meteo archive and marine APIs; Frankfurter API; OSRM.
