Rhodes: Daily Cruise to Symi – Panormitis & St. George Bay

Exploring the Rhodes to Symi Cruise: An Honest Look at the Experience

Travelers looking for a taste of Greece’s Dodecanese islands often turn to day trips from Rhodes, especially to iconic spots like Symi. This particular cruise, operated by KING OF RHODOS LP aboard the new luxurious fast cruiser Diamond (2024), promises a blend of cultural sights, scenic sailing, and beach relaxation. The itinerary includes a visit to the revered Panormitis Monastery, a quick swim at St. George’s Bay, and several hours to explore the charming Symi village. While this trip offers plenty to enjoy, it’s worth breaking down what you can really expect and where the experience might fall short.

What I like about this cruise is its combination of cultural and leisure activities—the chance to see the monastery, enjoy a swim, and wander through Symi’s colorful streets all in one day. Plus, the brand-new boat adds comfort, with air conditioning and onboard toilets making the long day more bearable. The focus on scenic sailing and authentic Greek charm is appealing, and the flexibility for a “Reserve now & pay later” option makes planning easier.

However, a few considerations come up. Several reviewers mention that timings can be unpredictable—the boat may run slower than usual, cutting into the amount of time you have on Symi or at the swim stop. Also, the lack of an audio guide or formal announcements might leave some travelers feeling a bit disconnected from the details of what they’re seeing or doing. For those expecting a highly structured experience with a guide providing context, this might be a minor drawback.

This cruise tends to suit those who want a relaxed, scenic day on the water, with enough free time to explore and enjoy a taste of Greek island life. It’s a good value for the price, especially considering the luxury amenities and the variety of stops. Just keep in mind that adjustments to the schedule are possible, and it’s best to stay flexible.

Key points / Takeaways

• Comfortable and modern boat: The Diamond cruise ship is brand new in 2024, providing a more comfortable experience with air conditioning and onboard toilets.
• Cultural highlight: The visit to Panormitis Monastery offers a fascinating glimpse into Greek religious culture and the chance to see a site famed for its healing powers.
• Beach and swimming: The 30-minute swim stop at St. George’s Bay is a highlight for beach lovers, with clear waters and stunning scenery.
• Flexible exploration: You get several hours to wander around Symi’s colorful streets, browse shops, and enjoy local tavernas, making it more than just a quick visit.
• Potential schedule variability: Some travelers mention the trip can be slower than scheduled, with less time on Symi or at the swim stop.
• Limited onboard info: The trip doesn’t include an audio guide or commentary, which might be a downside for those wanting more insights during the cruise.

The Itinerary in Detail: What to Expect

Departure and Setting Sail from Rhodes

The day begins early, with a 9:00 am departure from Rhodes Port aboard the Diamond. This new vessel is designed for comfort and speed, making the roughly 1.5-hour sail enjoyable rather than tiresome. Expect a relaxed atmosphere on deck, with plenty of sun and sea views.

Visiting Panormitis Monastery

Arriving around 10:20 am, you’ll have about 45 minutes to explore one of Greece’s most revered monasteries. Known for its healing legends and as a guardian of sailors, this monastery provides a peaceful break from the bustling islands. You’ll likely appreciate the chance to walk along the monastery grounds, admire the architecture, and perhaps light a candle or buy a local souvenir.

Cruising to Symi & Free Time

After the monastery, the cruise continues to Symi, a small island famous for its neoclassical architecture, sea sponge shops, and quaint harbor. Once docked, you’ll have roughly 3 hours to explore. That’s enough time for a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys, a coffee at a waterfront café, or some shopping for herbs and sponges. Several reviews note the picturesque beauty of Symi, with Emma describing it as “so picturesque and beautiful.”

Swim Stop at St. George’s Bay

Before heading back, the boat anchors for a 30-minute swim stop at St. George’s Bay or Nanou Beach. The waters are said to be gorgeous and deep blue, ideal for cooling off after a day in the sun. Some travelers, however, mentioned they had little time and felt they had just dipped their toes in the water before being called back onboard. Duncan’s review highlights that the trip to St. George’s Bay was a quick in-and-out, with no actual swimming or stop, which might be disappointing if you’re hoping for a long beach break.

Return to Rhodes

The cruise returns around 5:30 pm, arriving back in Rhodes at roughly 5:20 pm. The late afternoon light makes the sailing scenic, but the schedule’s variability means you should keep your expectations flexible.

Who Will Love This Trip?

This cruise is well-suited for travelers who value a comfortable boat experience and want a balanced mix of cultural sights and relaxation. If you enjoy brief but meaningful visits to historic sites like Panormitis, combined with the chance to enjoy Greek island charm at your own pace, this is a good pick. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with family or friends who want a full day of scenic sailing without the hassle of organizing multiple transport links.

However, if you’re someone who prioritizes detailed guided insights or longer beach stays, this trip might feel somewhat rushed. Keep in mind the schedule flexibility issues, as some travelers have experienced delays that cut into their free time.

Price and Value

Considering the price point, the inclusion of Panormitis Monastery, a swimming stop, and several hours in Symi, this cruise offers decent value. The new boat’s amenities add comfort, and the free cancellation policy provides flexibility. Yet, the absence of an audio guide or guided tour means you might miss out on some background stories unless you do your homework beforehand.

In terms of what you get—a full-day excursion with scenic sailing, cultural highlights, and beach time—most travelers seem to feel it’s a fair deal. The key is managing expectations about timings—if you’re content with a relaxed, scenic day rather than a meticulously scheduled itinerary, you’ll likely enjoy this trip.

Suitability & Tips for Travelers

This tour suits first-time visitors wanting a quick cultural and scenic overview of Symi and Panormitis. It’s also ideal for families and couples looking for a comfortable day on the water. If you’re traveling with small children or elderly relatives, the boat’s amenities and the leisurely pace are positives.

Pro tips: arrive early to secure a shaded seat, especially if you want to avoid the sun during the long sail. Bring snacks and drinks since they’re not included, and wear comfortable shoes and sun protection. Remember, the schedule might shift, so stay flexible and keep an eye on the time during your free exploration.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

If you’re seeking a scenic, relaxing day trip with a good mix of cultural sights and beach time, this cruise delivers. The luxury boat, combined with the beauty of Symi and Panormitis, makes for an enjoyable outing, especially if you don’t mind some schedule wiggle room. It’s a solid choice for those wanting to see a lot in one day without the hassle of multiple bookings.

That said, if you’re a detail-oriented traveler seeking in-depth guided insights or longer beach stays, you might want to look at other options. The trip’s value lies in its convenience and comfort—making it a practical, fulfilling day for a wide range of visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What time does the cruise depart from Rhodes?
The cruise typically departs at 9:00 am, but check availability as times can vary.

How long is the entire trip?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours, including travel, stops, and free time.

Is there a guided tour during the stops?
A guided tour is available but not included in the daily schedule, so most of your time at Panormitis and Symi will be self-guided.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, towel, camera, sunscreen, change of clothes, cash, and a charged smartphone are recommended.

Are meals included?
No, snacks and drinks are not included, so plan to bring your own or buy locally.

Is the trip suitable for children or seniors?
Yes, it’s generally suitable, especially since the boat offers amenities like air conditioning and toilets, but check individual health needs.

Can I cancel this trip?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The itinerary may be adjusted or rescheduled based on weather conditions for safety and comfort.

In all, this Rhodes to Symi cruise offers a comfortable, scenic, and culturally interesting experience. With the right expectations—especially regarding timings and guided commentary—it can be a highlight of your Greek island travels.