Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

Symi rewards anyone who arrives by sea. This eight-hour cruise combines a small yacht group with time to explore Symi Town, a Greek lunch, unlimited drinks, and two swim stops at St. George Bay and Seskli Island. I especially like the relaxed pace and the chance to see Symi from the water before walking its colorful harbor streets.

I also like that the group is limited to 25 passengers, a welcome change from the packed excursion boats often seen around Rhodes. The main consideration is the sea journey itself: the ride can be fast, windy, wet, and bumpy, especially at the front of the boat. If you get seasick, bring medication, and take a jacket for cooler mornings.

Five things worth knowing before you book

• Symi Town comes first: You get about two hours to walk the harbor, browse small shops, and explore the narrow streets.
• St. George Bay is the star swim stop: Clear water, steep cliffs, and a Greek lunch served on board make this the strongest part of the day for many people.
• Seskli feels quieter and wilder: The small island offers another chance to swim and snorkel away from the main port.
• The drinks really are part of the day: Water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included without a stated limit.
• The price buys space and service: At $141 per person, this costs more than basic Symi boat trips, but the smaller group, lunch, drinks, and attentive crew improve the value.

Why the $141 price can make sense

At $141 per person, this is not the budget way to reach Symi. Cheaper boats can get you across the water, but they may carry far more people and offer a simpler service. Here, your fare covers the yacht cruise, lunch, unlimited drinks, two swim stops, and free time in Symi Town.

That package matters on a full day at sea. You are not paying only for transport. You are also paying for room to sit, a crew serving drinks, food prepared for the group, and a schedule that leaves time for both sightseeing and swimming.

The group limit of 25 is one of the clearest reasons to consider the higher price. It does not guarantee total peace and quiet, especially when the boat is full, but it is far more personal than a large excursion vessel carrying hundreds of people. Several comments praised the extra room and the feeling of being part of a smaller group rather than one face in a crowd.

The value is strongest if you plan to spend the day enjoying the boat. If your only goal is to reach Symi and spend most of the day ashore, a cheaper ferry or basic boat trip may suit you better. If you want lunch, drinks, swimming, and service folded into one outing, the price is easier to justify.

Starting at Mandraki Port

The day begins at Mandraki Port in Rhodes, where you check in and can have coffee, tea, or water before departure. The yacht then heads toward Symi, with the trip out taking roughly an hour and twenty minutes in conditions described by one passenger.

The ride can feel very different depending on where you sit. The front cushions offer open views and plenty of sea spray, but they can also be rocky and wet. A crew member specifically warned one passenger about this, and the warning proved useful. If you prefer a smoother ride, sit farther back and keep a light jacket handy, especially in April or October.

Sea conditions are an important part of the decision. A rough previous day can leave the water unsettled the next morning. The journey is part of the attraction, with views along the east coast of Rhodes and open water all around, but anyone prone to motion sickness should bring tablets before boarding.

There is a changing room on the yacht, which makes the swimming stops much easier. You do not need to stay in wet swimwear for the whole ride, though you do need to bring your own towel.

Entering Symi Harbor by yacht

The first stop is Symi Yalos, the island’s main port. Arriving by boat gives you a fine first look at the colorful neoclassical houses climbing above the water. The harbor view is one of the main rewards of the trip, so keep your camera ready as the yacht approaches.

You get around two hours ashore. That is enough time to walk along the waterfront, explore some of the small alleys, browse local shops, and enjoy a drink or breakfast if you wish. You can also walk uphill toward the Old Town, described as UNESCO-protected in the tour information.

Two hours is a useful amount of time, but it is not a full day on Symi. You will need to choose your priorities. If you want a longer walk up the hill, begin promptly. If you would rather keep things easy, stay near the fishing port, look at the painted houses, and sample local food such as Symi shrimp.

The town is scenic rather than packed with major sights. One useful piece of advice is not to expect a long list of formal attractions. The pleasure comes from the harbor, the alleys, the architecture, and the setting. You might find the stop a little slow if you prefer nonstop sightseeing, but most people will appreciate the chance to wander without being rushed.

The yacht’s arrival and departure times also help beat the heat. You see the town before the swimming portion of the day, then return to the boat for lunch and a cool swim.

St. George Bay, the best stop for swimming

After Symi Town, the yacht sails to St. George Bay. This is the most dramatic swimming location on the route, with golden sand, clear water, and tall rocky cliffs around the sheltered bay.

You can swim from the boat, use the ramp or low platform, and climb back aboard afterward. Life jackets, foam noodles, snorkels, and goggles are available, according to the tour details and passenger experiences. That is helpful if you want to explore the water but are not a strong swimmer.

The bay works well because the activities are not all forced into one short burst. You can swim before lunch, sunbathe, take a drink, then return to the water afterward. The crew prepares and serves lunch while you enjoy the stop.

Lunch includes Greek salad and moussaka, with the food receiving especially strong praise. It is a practical menu for a boat day, filling without being overly complicated. Dietary needs have been accommodated in some cases, but you should still communicate any requirements in advance rather than assume the kitchen can handle them.

This is also where the unlimited drinks become most useful. You can have water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea throughout the day. The selection is not a cocktail menu, and one passenger wanted a broader choice, but it covers the basics well. If you are expecting spirits or elaborate mixed drinks, this is not that sort of cruise.

The main limitation is access to the sea. Getting off the yacht can be difficult for anyone with limited mobility, and one person specifically found the entry into the water challenging. The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but swimming access is a separate matter. Ask for practical details before booking if you need help with ladders, ramps, or getting back aboard.

Seskli Island and the second swim

The final stop is Seskli, a small private island described as a quiet Dodecanese outpost with wild nature. It offers a different feel from St. George Bay. Instead of a famous harbor and towering cliffs, you get a more isolated setting and another chance to snorkel.

The water here can be good for looking below the surface, and some people enjoy searching among the shells. A small church and goats have also been noted around the island, adding a simple, rural touch to the stop.

Seskli may not impress you as much as St. George Bay. The first bay is the visual high point, while Seskli works better as a calm second swim and a change of scenery. That is still valuable after walking around Symi and eating lunch. The schedule gives you another reason to get in the water rather than spend the entire return journey sitting on deck.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and something dry to put on afterward. The changing room helps, but a towel is not included.

The crew and the feel on board

The crew is one of the strongest parts of this experience. Names that appear repeatedly in the day’s personal touches include Anna, Antonio, Emily, and other crew members praised for being warm, attentive, and quick to help.

The service goes beyond simply handing out drinks. Birthday surprises included a cake, while a honeymoon couple received a cocktail and pastry. Those small touches suggest a crew that pays attention to personal occasions rather than treating everyone as a seat number.

The staff also help make the day feel easy. Drinks keep coming, swim equipment is available, and the timing at each stop is designed to give you room to enjoy yourself. Several people especially liked that no stop felt hurried.

The atmosphere is friendly and informal. There may not be music provided, so do not expect a party boat with a constant soundtrack. One past passenger suggested bringing a speaker, but use it considerately since the yacht is shared with other people.

The boat has generally been praised as clean, comfortable, and spacious. One past trip did involve a broken sofa and some signs that the boat needed maintenance, so condition may not be perfect on every departure. That appears to be an occasional drawback rather than the main character of the experience.

The return to Rhodes

After Seskli, the yacht heads back toward Rhodes. The return gives you views of beaches, small coves, and the east coast from the water. By this point, you will likely be ready for a quieter ride, a final drink, or a change of clothes in the onboard changing room.

The full day lasts about eight hours and ends at Mandraki Port. The timing feels well balanced: roughly two hours in Symi, a meal and swim at St. George Bay, a second swim at Seskli, and enough cruising time to make the route feel like a proper sea outing rather than a quick transfer.

The trip is weather dependent. If conditions force a cancellation, the cruise is fully refundable. That is worth knowing because the sea can become uncomfortable even when Rhodes itself feels sunny and calm.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would recommend it most for couples, solo visitors, families with older children, and anyone who wants a social day without a huge boat. It works especially well if you value swimming, food, and scenery as much as sightseeing.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• A full day that mixes town time and swimming
• A smaller boat with a maximum of 25 passengers
• Greek food served on board
• Unlimited basic drinks
• Snorkeling equipment and flotation aids
• A crew that adds personal touches

You may want a different trip if you dislike open-water rides, get seasick easily, or want several hours to explore Symi independently. The crossing can be rough, and two hours in town will not satisfy anyone hoping to tour every corner of the island.

Hotel transport needs careful checking. Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included, although the practical instructions ask passengers to wait outside the main hotel entrance at least five minutes before a scheduled pickup. Confirm your meeting point and transport arrangements before the day, particularly if you are staying outside Rhodes Town or in Faliraki.

The tour is offered in English and is listed as wheelchair accessible. Still, swimming from the yacht and climbing back aboard may be difficult, so ask about the exact arrangements if that affects your choice.

Should you book the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

Book it if you want Symi, two beautiful swim stops, Greek lunch, and attentive service in one well-paced day. The $141 price is higher than a basic boat excursion, but the smaller group, included food and drinks, and comfortable schedule give you something extra for the money.

I would be less enthusiastic if you mainly want a long, independent visit to Symi or if rough sea conditions would spoil your day. For most people who enjoy being on the water, though, this is a strong Rhodes outing. Pack a towel, swimwear, a light jacket, and seasickness medication if needed, then choose a seat away from the splashiest part of the bow.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

The experience lasts about eight hours, including the cruise from Rhodes, time in Symi Town, two swimming stops, lunch, and the return to Mandraki Port.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $141 per person.

What drinks are included?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. A full lunch is included, with Greek salad and moussaka served on board according to the menu described for the trip.

How much free time do I get in Symi Town?

You get approximately two hours to explore Symi Yalos, the harbor, local shops, small alleys, and the Old Town.

Where are the swimming stops?

The swimming stops are at St. George Bay and Seskli Island near Symi.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own. You should also bring swimwear.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. The practical instructions ask passengers to wait outside the main entrance of their hotel reception at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup, so confirm the exact meeting arrangement before departure.