Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

Symi looks best from the sea. This eight-hour cruise combines two beautiful swim stops with free time in Symi Town, making it more than a simple ferry ride. I like the small-group setting, capped at 25 passengers, and the easygoing food-and-drinks setup, with Greek lunch, wine, beer, soft drinks, water, coffee, and tea included.

The main catch is the price: at $141 per person, this costs more than a basic boat trip. You should also prepare for a brisk, sometimes bumpy ride, and hotel transport needs careful checking, since pickup and drop-off are not listed as standard inclusions despite instructions about meeting outside your hotel.

The crew gets unusually high praise, especially Anna, Antonio, and Emily. They keep drinks moving, help with swimming gear, and have made birthdays and honeymoons feel special with surprise cakes and pastries. Bring a light jacket for the morning, a towel, swimwear, and seasickness tablets if rough water bothers you.

Key points at a glance

• Symi Town comes first: You get about two hours to wander the harbor, alleys, shops, and old quarter before the swim stops.
• St. George Bay is the main swimming highlight: Clear water, a golden beach, tall rock walls, and lunch served aboard make this the strongest stop.
• Seskli offers a wilder finish: The small island gives you another swim, snorkeling, and a look at a quieter patch of the Dodecanese.
• A maximum of 25 passengers matters: You get more room than on the large day boats, with easier access to the crew and swimming platform.
• Lunch is simple Greek comfort food: Moussaka and Greek salad are the usual combination, with dietary needs reportedly handled when arranged.
• The ride can be lively: The front cushions are exposed to wind, spray, and motion, so choose your seat with care.

Why this yacht trip costs more than a basic Symi boat

The appeal is not simply getting from Rhodes to Symi. A regular ferry or large excursion boat may take you across the same stretch of water, but this trip adds a smaller group, lunch, unlimited drinks, two swimming stops, and a crew-led day on a yacht.

That package explains much of the $141 price. If you only want to see Symi Town, the premium may not make sense. You would be paying for services you may barely use. But if you want a full day on the water, the cost is easier to justify because food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, floats, and swimming time are already part of the day.

I also like the group limit. Twenty-five people is not private-yacht territory, but it is far more manageable than a boat carrying hundreds. You should have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, getting help from the crew, and using the swim platform without a long wait.

The boat is described as comfortable and clean, though one report noted a broken sofa and some needed maintenance. That sounds like an isolated equipment issue rather than a reason to avoid the trip, but it is a useful reminder that this is an active excursion, not a polished hotel lounge at sea.

Starting in Mandraki with coffee and sea air

The day begins at Mandraki port in Rhodes. On boarding, you can settle in with coffee, tea, or water while the crew gets everyone comfortable.

The first crossing to Symi takes roughly an hour and 20 minutes in conditions described by one passenger. That is long enough for the ride itself to matter. The front seating area gives you open views and a strong sense of speed, but it can also be windy, wet, and rough. One guide reportedly warned a passenger about the spray and movement on the forward cushions, which was useful advice.

I would choose a sheltered seat for the outward journey, especially if you are prone to seasickness. Bring a hoodie or light coat in spring and autumn, when the morning air can feel cool. If you prefer the thrill of the ride, the front can be fun, but it is not the place to expect a dry, quiet crossing.

The crew speaks English, and the day is guided in English. Their friendly service is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Emily is specifically praised for keeping refreshments available, while Anna and Antonio have helped mark birthdays and other special occasions.

Two hours to explore Symi Town

The yacht enters Symi Yalos, the island’s main harbor, where the colorful houses rise around the water. This is the visual heart of the trip. The buildings have the painted, neoclassical style that makes Symi look very different from Rhodes, and the view from the boat gives you the full effect before you step ashore.

You get about two hours in town. That is enough time to walk beside the harbor, explore small alleys, browse local shops, and stop for a drink or a snack. It is not enough for a leisurely island tour, so keep your plans modest.

I would spend the first part simply walking along the waterfront and looking back at the stacked houses. Then head into the side streets before returning toward the port. The old quarter is described as UNESCO-protected, and its steep streets reward a slow look, even if you do not attempt a long uphill walk.

Symi is attractive, but do not expect a packed sightseeing schedule. There are shops, harbor cafés, and handsome streets rather than a long list of major sights. One useful suggestion is to bring a small card game or another easy activity if you prefer sitting around after you have walked the main area.

Some passengers use the time for breakfast, a harbor stroll, and Symi shrimp. Others walk uphill for wider views, while people wanting a gentler morning stay near the fishing port. That flexibility is helpful because the stop works for both active walkers and people who simply want to enjoy the setting.

The timing feels sensible. You get enough time to understand Symi, but the excursion does not turn into an all-day town visit. The real focus is the combination of the island and the water stops afterward.

St. George Bay, the day’s best swim

After Symi Town, the yacht heads to St. George Bay. The trip there takes about 30 minutes, giving you time to settle back into the boat and enjoy the coast.

The bay is framed by steep rocky walls, a golden beach, and clear water. It is the strongest swimming setting of the day, and the stop is long enough to feel unhurried. You can swim from the yacht, sunbathe, use floats, or relax with a cold drink while lunch is prepared.

A swim platform at water level and a ramp make getting in and out easier than climbing over a high side. The crew provides life jackets, foam noodles, masks, and snorkels. That is useful if you want to look for fish without packing your own gear, though you should still bring a towel because towels are not supplied.

The water access is not perfect for everyone. One passenger found it difficult to get off the yacht into the sea. If you have limited mobility or dislike ladders and open-water entry, ask the crew for help and consider whether this style of swimming suits you.

Lunch is served aboard, usually moussaka and Greek salad. The food receives strong praise for a boat meal, and it has also been adapted for different dietary needs when possible. It is a straightforward Greek lunch rather than a formal meal, but that is exactly right for a swim stop.

The unlimited drinks include water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. This is a generous inclusion, though do not expect a full cocktail menu. One passenger wished for a wider selection than beer, wine, and soft drinks. For most people, the arrangement works well, especially in the warm Rhodes sun.

You can swim before and after lunch, which makes the stop feel less rushed. I like that rhythm: get into the water first, eat while looking at the bay, then take another swim or dry off on deck.

Seskli Island for snorkeling and wild scenery

The final stop is Seskli, a small private island near Symi. It has a quieter, more natural feel than the harbor and provides the second swimming opportunity.

This stop is less about a beach town and more about open water, snorkeling, and scenery. You can swim, look for fish and shells, and enjoy the island’s wild character. There is also a small church and goats are visible on the island, details that give the stop a distinctly local feel.

Not everyone finds Seskli as striking as St. George Bay. That is fair. The first bay has the stronger combination of rock walls, beach, and clear water. Seskli works best as a change of mood, giving you another chance to get wet instead of repeating the same kind of stop.

The crew’s snorkeling gear and floats help keep this part simple. You do not need to plan a separate rental, though bringing your own mask may be preferable if you want a particular fit.

The return to Rhodes by isolated coves

After Seskli, the yacht returns to Mandraki. The ride gives you another look at the east coast of Rhodes, with beaches and isolated coves passing by from the water.

By this stage, the day has a pleasant shape. You have had a scenic crossing, a town visit, lunch, two swims, and plenty of time to sit with a drink. The return is not just transport back to Rhodes, although the sea may still be choppy.

The boat moves quickly, which helps fit Symi and both swim stops into one day. The tradeoff is motion. The journey can be fast, bumpy, and wet, especially at the front of the boat. If you are sensitive to movement, take seasickness tablets before departure rather than waiting until you feel ill.

Music is not guaranteed. One passenger noted that no music was provided and suggested bringing a speaker. I would keep that low-key and respectful of the group, since other people may prefer the sound of the sea and conversation.

Food, drinks, and the crew

Service is where this excursion earns much of its higher price. The crew is repeatedly described as warm, attentive, funny, and eager to help. That matters on a long day when people need drinks, swimming equipment, directions, and help getting safely back aboard.

The personal touches are notable. Birthday cakes, pastries, and special greetings have been arranged for passengers celebrating birthdays and honeymoons. Anna, Antonio, and Emily are names worth remembering if they are working your departure.

The food is not elaborate, but it is satisfying for a day on a yacht. Moussaka and Greek salad give you a proper meal instead of a sandwich or snack box. Unlimited water is especially useful, while wine and beer suit the relaxed pace of the afternoon.

Keep expectations realistic about the drinks. Unlimited does not mean a bar with every spirit and cocktail. The stated selection is water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. That covers the basics well, but anyone wanting mixed drinks should plan accordingly.

Transport, access, and what to pack

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included in the stated package, so do not assume that a transfer from your hotel is covered. The activity information asks passengers to wait outside their hotel reception at least five minutes before a scheduled pickup, while one passenger staying in Faliraki reported having no transport to the port. Confirm your own meeting arrangement before paying.

The experience is marked as wheelchair accessible, but swimming access is a separate matter. Getting into the sea from a yacht can be difficult, so anyone with mobility concerns should contact the operator before booking and ask exactly what assistance is available.

Pack the following:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Light jacket or hoodie for the morning
• Seasickness tablets if needed
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Your own snorkeling mask if you prefer a personal fit

There is a changing room on the yacht, which makes swimming easier to manage. Still, pack a small day bag rather than a large suitcase. You will move between town, deck, and water several times.

Cancellation is flexible, with a full refund available when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. Weather cancellations are also fully refundable. You can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Rhodes schedule is still shifting.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want Symi plus a full day at sea, rather than a quick island visit. It suits couples, families with older children, solo passengers, and anyone who values friendly service and a smaller group.

It is especially good for people who want the day handled for them. Lunch, drinks, swimming equipment, and timing are all arranged, so you can focus on the coast and the water.

I would hesitate if you dislike boats, get seasick easily, or only want a long, quiet visit in Symi Town. The crossing is a major part of the day, and the premium price is hard to defend if you will not swim or drink the included refreshments.

It may also be a poor match if you need a guaranteed hotel transfer from Faliraki or another resort. Sort that detail out before booking.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

Yes, if you want a polished day combining Symi’s colorful harbor with swimming, lunch, and open-water views. The crew, small group, food, and generous drink package make the $141 price reasonable for a full-service outing, especially compared with crowded boats carrying far larger groups.

Book it with the right expectations. This is an active yacht day, not a quiet ferry crossing. Bring a jacket, towel, and seasickness tablets if useful, expect some spray, and confirm your port transfer.

If St. George Bay, two swims, Greek lunch, and a friendly crew sound better than spending the whole day ashore, this is one of the stronger ways to see Symi from Rhodes.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

The tour lasts eight hours, including the cruise to Symi, free time in Symi Town, two swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Rhodes.

How many people can join the yacht trip?

The yacht has a maximum capacity of 25 passengers.

How much free time do I get in Symi Town?

You get about two hours to explore Symi Town, including its harbor, alleys, local shops, and old quarter.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full lunch is included, with moussaka and Greek salad specifically noted as typical dishes.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included.

Where are the swimming stops?

The first swimming stop is at St. George Bay. The second is at Seskli Island.

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are available, along with life jackets and foam floats.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so you should bring your own.

Is there a changing room on the yacht?

Yes. A changing room is available on board.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not listed as included. The activity information gives instructions about waiting outside your hotel reception, so confirm your exact transport arrangement before departure.