Rhodes: Day Trip to Symi Island by Fast Boat

Rhodes: Day Trip to Symi Island by Fast Boat — A Practical Guide

Traveling from Rhodes to Symi by high-speed boat offers a surprisingly smooth and scenic escape. This tour, rated 4.7 out of 5 from over 120 reviews, provides a full day of exploring one of the Dodecanese’s most photogenic islands. For around $48, you get a quick, efficient transfer, with plenty of free time to wander Symi’s colorful streets, browse handmade jewelry, and taste local specialities like Simiako Garidaki—baby shrimps cooked in olive oil.

What I particularly like about this trip is how well-organized it appears. The speedboat journey is just over an hour and a quarter, making it a far more efficient choice than traditional ferries. Plus, the included hotel pickup (if you choose that option) takes a lot of hassle out of logistics. The authentic charm of Symi’s vibrant harbor and narrow alleyways makes for stunning photos and memorable wandering. However, keep in mind that the trip is a fairly long day—up to 10 hours—so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a full schedule and a bit of sea travel.

One potential drawback is the sea journey itself—the boat ride is over 1.5 hours each way, which might be tiring for some, especially if you’re prone to sea sickness. Although reviews praise the spacious, comfortable boats with onboard amenities like a bar and toilets, it’s worth bringing some snacks, sunscreen, and a book if you want to maximize comfort. Also, since food and drinks aren’t included, you’ll want to budget for a meal or snacks on Symi.

Key Points / Takeaways

• Fast, efficient travel allows more time exploring Symi without the long ferry ride.
• Authentic local experience with free time to browse shops and enjoy local foods like Simiako Garidaki.
• Well-organized logistics including hotel pickup (if booked) and straightforward ticketing.
• Stunning photo opportunities of Symi’s colorful architecture and scenic harbor views.
• Potential sea-sickness issue due to the length of the boat ride, so come prepared.
• Affordable price considering the round-trip transport, with reviews highlighting it as great value.

Starting Point and Logistics

The journey begins in Rhodes Town, either from your hotel if you booked the pickup option or at the Gallias Street office next to the Benetton shop at Mandraki Harbor. The check-in time is between 09:15 and 09:40, so arriving early helps ensure a smooth start. The organized transfer from your hotel is appreciated by reviewers, who mention their guides and drivers as helpful and friendly, making the whole process stress-free.

Once on board, the 30-minute bus/coaching segment takes you to the port, where the real excitement begins. The highlight is the speedboat ride—a comfortable, scenic 75-minute trip across the Aegean. The boat has a bar, toilets, and options for seated outside or inside with air conditioning—so you can choose your comfort zone.

Symi: A Charming Island with Plenty to Offer

Arriving at Symi, you’ll be greeted by one of the most picturesque harbors in Greece. The colorful neoclassical buildings, perched on hillsides, immediately catch your eye. The reviews all praise Symi’s beauty—one reviewer calls it “a beautiful place worth visiting” and highlights its interesting shops, restaurants, and photo opportunities.

During your four hours of free time, you can wander the narrow streets, visit local craft shops, or just soak in the views. Many reviewers enjoy browsing handmade jewelry, gifts, and clothing, which adds a local flavor to the shopping experience. Food lovers have raved about tasting the local specialty, Simiako Garidaki, a dish of baby shrimps cooked in olive oil—a delightful reminder of how authentic Greek island cuisine can be.

Some reviews mention the ease of booking and the helpfulness of guides who provided tips for sightseeing and shopping. For those wanting a quick taste of Symi’s highlights, it’s enough time to climb up to the castle, explore the harbor, and enjoy a leisurely meal or drink.

The Return Journey and Final Impressions

The boat trip back to Rhodes takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, providing a relaxing end to an active day. Many reviewers note how the comfortable seating and onboard amenities make for an easy return. The trip concludes at the original meeting point, with the option for hotel drop-off if initially booked.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This day trip suits travelers who want to maximize their time in Symi without sacrificing comfort or convenience. If you enjoy scenic boat rides, authentic local shopping, and a relaxed exploration of a beautifully colorful island, this trip delivers. It’s also an excellent choice for those who value well-organized logistics and value for money, as the tour includes round-trip transport and ample free time.

However, if you’re sensitive to sea travel or seeking a more leisurely pace, note the boat ride’s length—bringing seasickness remedies or a good book makes sense. Also, food isn’t included, so budget additional cash for meals on Symi.

Final Thoughts

This fast boat day trip from Rhodes to Symi offers an efficient way to see one of Greece’s most charming islands. The scenic boat ride, combined with authentic shopping, delicious local food, and stunning views, makes for a memorable day. It’s praised for its smooth organization, friendly guides, and good value, especially if you’re keen to experience Symi without a long ferry journey.

Overall, it’s a well-rounded experience for travelers who enjoy cultural exploration, scenic coastal views, and authentic island life. Just pack sunscreen, some cash, and your camera—your Symi adventure awaits.

FAQ

How long is the boat ride from Rhodes to Symi?
The boat journey takes approximately 75 minutes each way, making it a quick option compared to traditional ferries.

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip boat tickets to Symi and back, plus hotel pickup and drop-off if you select that option.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so you should bring cash for meals or snacks on Symi or consider purchasing on the boat.

How much free time do I get in Symi?
You will have about 4 hours of free time to explore, shop, eat, or relax on the island.

Is the boat comfortable?
Yes, reviews mention the boats are spacious, clean, and equipped with amenities like a bar, toilets, and options for inside or outside seating.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a sun hat, sunglasses, cash, and possibly a book or camera to enjoy the scenic views and capture memories.

Is this tour suitable for someone prone to seasickness?
The boat ride is over an hour each way; if you’re prone to seasickness, consider bringing remedies or medication, as the journey can be choppy for some.

This day trip to Symi by fast boat balances efficiency, beauty, and authentic Greek island charm. Whether you’re after scenic photos, local shopping, or just a taste of island life, it’s a trip that offers genuine value and memorable experiences.