Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

Symi is the star here: a steep, handsome island whose harbor is lined with pastel neoclassical houses. This small yacht cruise adds two excellent swimming stops, a Greek lunch, and a crew that keeps the day moving without making it feel rushed. I especially like the two hours in Symi Town and the limited group size.

I also like the practical touches: unlimited water, wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and tea; snorkels and flotation aids are available; and there is a changing room on board. The main consideration is the sea crossing. It can be windy, wet, and bumpy, especially near the front of the boat, and the $141 price is higher than large ferry-style excursions.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours in Symi Town: Enough time for the harbor, narrow lanes, shops, and a relaxed meal or drink.
• A maximum of 25 passengers: More room than the large boat tours, with easier access to the crew and swimming areas.
• St. George Bay for lunch and swimming: Clear water, a striking cliff face, and time to swim before and after eating.
• Seskli Island adds a wilder second stop: Expect snorkeling, open scenery, and a less developed setting.
• Unlimited drinks are included: Water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are served throughout the day.
• Plan for a lively boat ride: Bring a layer for the morning and seasickness medicine if rough water bothers you.

Why this Rhodes to Symi trip costs more

At $141 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Symi. Large boats and basic ferry-style excursions can cost less, so you should not book this simply because it includes the island.

The extra cost pays for the overall format. You travel on a yacht carrying no more than 25 people, rather than being one face in a very large crowd. You also receive lunch, drinks all day, two swimming stops, and crew service. If you expect to drink wine or beer, enjoy a long lunch, and spend much of the day on the water, the price becomes easier to justify.

The smaller boat matters most at the swim stops. You have more space to sit, sunbathe, or move around, and the crew can hand out snorkels, noodles, and life jackets without turning the process into a queue. The boat is still a shared excursion, not a private charter, but it offers a more personal feel than the cheaper large-boat options.

The trade-off is simple: pay more for comfort, food, drinks, and a smaller group. If your main goal is only to reach Symi and walk around for a few hours, save your money. If the boat day itself is the main event, this is a strong value.

Leaving Mandraki for the long ride to Symi

The day begins at Mandraki port in Rhodes. Coffee, tea, or water helps you get settled before the yacht heads north toward Symi. The crossing to Symi takes roughly an hour and twenty minutes in typical conditions, though the sea decides how smooth that ride feels.

The front cushions offer the best open-water views, but they also receive the most spray and movement. A useful warning from the crew is to expect a rougher ride there, particularly during the first part of the crossing. I would choose a light jacket or hoodie, even in warm weather, and sit farther back if you are sensitive to wind or waves.

The boat ride is part of the appeal. You get wide views along Rhodes and the Dodecanese coast, with beaches, rocky coves, and open water passing by. It is not a silent, glassy cruise every day, though. A rough previous day at sea can leave the water unsettled, and one account describes the trip as fast, bumpy, and wet.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring your usual tablets before boarding. This is especially sensible in the morning, when you have not yet had much food and the yacht is making its fastest crossing.

Arriving in Symi Town by water

The first major stop is Symi Yalos, the island’s main harbor. Arriving by boat gives you the view Symi is famous for: rows of colorful houses climbing the hills around the water, with the harbor tucked below them.

You have about two hours to explore. That is enough time to walk the waterfront, turn into the smaller lanes, browse local shops, and take photographs of the old houses. You can also stop for breakfast, a drink, or a local seafood dish. One useful suggestion is to try Symi shrimp if you want a taste of something closely linked to the island.

Symi is beautiful, but it is not a huge sightseeing destination. The pleasure comes from wandering, looking upward at the painted houses, and enjoying the harbor rather than checking off a long list of monuments. You might find the stop too short if you want a long uphill walk through every part of the old town. For most people, though, two hours gives you a good introduction without making the day feel like a land tour.

The town can also feel warm and exposed during the summer. Wear sensible shoes, carry water, and remember that the boat’s unlimited drinks do not follow you ashore. Your free time is flexible, but it is not a guided walking tour, so you are responsible for returning to the yacht on time.

St. George Bay, the best swimming stop

After Symi, the yacht heads to St. George Bay. This is the scenic heart of the cruise: golden sand, clear water, steep rock, and a sheltered setting that feels very different from the harbor.

The swimming setup is straightforward. You can jump or climb into the sea from the yacht, use the platform close to water level, or take a flotation aid. Life jackets, foam noodles, snorkels, and goggles are available, though you should not assume every item will suit your exact preference. Bring your own mask if having a perfect fit matters to you.

The crew prepares lunch while you swim and sunbathe. The meal includes Greek salad and moussaka, a practical combination that travels well and gives you a proper midday meal rather than just a snack. Dietary needs have been accommodated in some cases, but you should mention yours when booking or before departure rather than relying on an improvised solution at sea.

One of the best features is the timing. You can swim before lunch, eat with the bay around you, and return to the water afterward. That avoids the common boat-trip problem of one rushed swim followed by a quick meal. You can also stay dry and enjoy the views if swimming is not your thing.

Getting into the water is not difficult for most people, but climbing back aboard requires some strength and balance. One person found the yacht difficult to exit into the sea, so consider this carefully if you have limited mobility. The excursion is described as wheelchair accessible, but water entry and exit are separate practical issues that you should confirm in advance.

Seskli Island and the second swim

The final stop is Seskli, a small private island described as a quiet Dodecanese outpost. It offers a different mood from St. George Bay. Instead of a dramatic harbor or a famous beach, you get a more open, natural setting where snorkeling and the wild surroundings are the focus.

The water is suitable for another swim, and snorkelers can look for fish and shells. The area is less developed, with little of the built-up character you see in Symi Town. You might see goats and a small island church, details that give the stop a simple, local character.

I would not expect Seskli to match St. George Bay for scenery. It is the quieter second swim rather than the grand finale. That is not a problem if you want variety. You get one stop with lunch and a dramatic bay, followed by another chance to swim in a less inhabited place.

The two stops also let you choose your own pace. You can swim hard at the first stop, then float and snorkel at the second, or skip one swim and remain aboard. The yacht provides a changing room, which makes it easier to put on dry clothes before the return crossing.

Lunch and unlimited drinks on board

Food and drink are a major part of the value. Lunch is a full serving of Greek food, generally moussaka and Greek salad, rather than a small boxed meal. The setting helps: eating aboard the yacht at St. George Bay is far more memorable than eating at a crowded port café.

Unlimited drinks include water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. The crew keeps the glasses and bottles coming throughout the day, which is particularly useful in the heat. Coffee or tea at the start, cold drinks after swimming, and wine with lunch make the day feel well supplied.

The selection is not unlimited in the sense of a full cocktail bar. One past passenger wanted a wider range than beer, wine, and soft drinks. If cocktails or premium spirits are important to you, this is not that kind of package. For a daytime yacht trip, the included range is sensible and covers the basics.

The crew is another reason the food service works well. Anna, Antonio, and Emily are among the names associated with the warm, attentive service on board. Special occasions have received extra attention, including birthday cake, a pastry, and even a special effort to find cake for a solo birthday celebration. You should not book expecting a personal celebration, but the crew clearly makes room for small thoughtful touches when possible.

What the smaller yacht feels like

A maximum of 25 passengers is one of the clearest differences between this cruise and the cheaper alternatives. You can move around, find a seat, and speak with the crew without competing with a huge crowd.

The yacht is described as clean and comfortable, with cushions, a changing room, swimming equipment, and space to sit both near the front and elsewhere on board. A few practical complaints are worth noting. One report found a broken sofa area, and another felt the boat was full despite the smaller format. These appear to be occasional maintenance or capacity concerns rather than the normal picture, but they explain why you should keep expectations realistic.

There is no guaranteed music program. If you want a soundtrack, bring a small speaker only if the crew allows it, and keep the volume considerate. The natural sound of the sea and conversation may be exactly what you prefer, but this is not a party yacht with a scheduled DJ or entertainment.

The atmosphere depends partly on the group. Some departures feel social and lively, while others may be quieter. The crew supplies the warmth, humor, and service, but you are still sharing the yacht with other people.

Timing, transfers, and useful packing advice

The tour lasts about eight hours and returns to Mandraki port in Rhodes. That makes it a full-day commitment, not a quick side trip. You should keep the evening fairly open, particularly if the sea is rough or the boat returns later than expected.

The transfer information needs attention. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not listed as included, yet the instructions ask you to wait outside your hotel reception at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup. One person staying in Faliraki reported having no transport to the port. Confirm the exact meeting point and transport arrangement before paying, especially if you are not staying near Rhodes Town or Mandraki.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a towel
• A hoodie or light jacket for the crossing
• Seasickness tablets if you need them
• Sun protection
• Shoes suitable for walking in Symi
• A dry change of clothes if you dislike remaining damp on the return ride

Towels are not included, although the yacht has a changing room. Snorkeling equipment and flotation aids are available, so you do not need to carry those unless you prefer your own gear.

The tour is conducted in English and is described as wheelchair accessible. Still, check the precise access arrangements before booking if you use a wheelchair, especially because swimming from the yacht involves ladders, a platform, and uneven movement on the water.

Who should book this yacht tour?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, solo visitors who enjoy a sociable day, and anyone who wants Symi combined with proper time at sea. It is also a good fit if you value attentive service, included food, and a group smaller than the large excursion boats.

It suits confident swimmers and people who like active days. You can skip the water, but the two swim stops are central to the experience. If you dislike boat motion, get seasick easily, or want a quiet, short crossing, consider visiting Symi by another method.

It is less suitable for anyone who wants a long, detailed exploration of Symi Town. Two hours gives you a taste, not a full island visit. The same applies to serious beach lovers who want to spend all day on one shore. This tour keeps changing locations.

Should you book it?

Book it if you want the complete package: a handsome island harbor, two swim stops, Greek lunch, unlimited basic drinks, and a small yacht with a friendly English-speaking crew. The strongest value comes from treating it as a full sea day rather than simply transport to Symi.

I would pay the extra over a large boat if comfort and personal service matter to you. Just confirm the transfer from your hotel, pack a jacket and towel, and prepare for a brisk crossing. If those points suit you, this is one of the more polished ways to combine Rhodes and Symi in a single day.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

The experience lasts approximately eight hours, including the cruise, time in Symi Town, lunch, and two swimming stops.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $141 per person.

How much time do I get in Symi Town?

You get about two hours to explore Symi Yalos, the harbor area, nearby lanes, local shops, and the old town.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. A full lunch is included, generally Greek salad and moussaka. Unlimited water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are also included.

Where are the swimming stops?

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

Is snorkeling equipment available?

Yes. Snorkels and goggles are available, along with life jackets and foam flotation aids.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not included, so bring your own towel and swimwear. A changing room is available on the yacht.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not listed among the included services. Since meeting instructions can vary, confirm the transport arrangement before booking, especially if you are staying outside Rhodes Town.