A Day at Sea: A Full-Day Boat Excursion from Rhodes to Symi and St. Marina Bay

RHODES TOWN BOAT TOUR FIELD GUIDE

A Day at Sea: A Full-Day Boat Excursion from Rhodes to Symi and St. Marina Bay

A verified guide to Rizos Cruises' full-day boat trip that pairs a swim and snorkel stop at St. Marina Bay with three hours to explore Symi’s colorful harbor and streets.

A Day at Sea: A Full-Day Boat Excursion from Rhodes to Symi and St. Marina Bay.

Duration
8 hours
Location
Rhodes Town
Operator
Rizos Cruises
Category
Boat Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Set out from Rhodes early and spend a clear Aegean day moving between two of the Dodecanese’s most memorable sights: a crystalline swim and snorkel stop at St. Marina Bay and a three-hour window to wander Symi’s neo‑classical waterfront and narrow lanes. The itinerary balances time in the water with unhurried exploration of a compact, picture‑book island village.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE WATER

St. Marina Bay: a crystal-blue swim and snorkel stop

Mid-morning the boat anchors at St. Marina Bay for a roughly 30-minute break, giving passengers the opportunity to swim and snorkel directly from the boat in remarkably clear Aegean water.

THE VILLAGE

Symi’s harbor and neo‑classical facades

Symi is celebrated for its colorful neo‑classical house fronts, a working harbour with traditional fishing boats and sponge‑diving history, and a compact center that rewards a three‑hour, self‑guided stroll.

THE RHYTHM

A balanced full‑day loop

This is a single‑day loop that departs Rhodes in the morning, stitches a swim stop into the crossing, drops you in Symi for several hours and returns to Rhodes in the late afternoon — mixing relaxation, snorkeling and cultural exploration.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

You board at the port in Rhodes and spend the morning cruising the Aegean until the boat halts at St. Marina Bay for a short, refreshing dip. After everyone returns to the vessel the crossing resumes and, in about 15 minutes, the ship ties up at Symi’s main harbour. Three hours ashore give you time to climb for views, browse the harbourfront and linger over seafood before the return voyage to Rhodes in the late afternoon.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who gets the most out of this trip and who should consider alternatives.

1
Day‑trippers & sightseersIdeal for travelers who want a single, well‑paced day to see Symi’s harbour and streets without overnight logistics — the schedule allocates three hours ashore for independent exploration.
2
Swimmers & snorkelersGood for people who enjoy a short open‑water swim: the itinerary includes a dedicated 30-minute swim/snorkel stop at St. Marina Bay directly from the boat.
3
FamiliesSuitable for families comfortable with a full‑day boat outing where children can swim under supervision and spend time ashore, though note the day is on the water and includes independent time in Symi.
4
Architecture & food loversA fit for visitors drawn to neo‑classical seafront architecture and local seafood — Symi’s colourful waterfront and culinary offerings are available during the three hours ashore.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & Duration

This is an eight‑hour, full‑day excursion that departs in the morning and returns late afternoon.

Departure & Meeting Point

Guests meet and board at Mandraki Port in Rhodes prior to the scheduled morning departure.

What to Bring

Bring towels and sun protection for the swim stop and time on deck.

Onboard & On‑shore Time

The itinerary includes a 30-minute swim/snorkel stop at St. Marina Bay, a short crossing to Symi, and three hours of free time on the island.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

How long is the trip?

The excursion is an eight-hour, full‑day trip.

Where do we meet for departure?

The meeting and boarding point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes.

Is there a swimming/snorkeling stop?

Yes — there is a roughly 30-minute stop at St. Marina Bay for swimming and snorkeling directly from the boat.

How much time do we have in Symi?

Passengers have three hours of free time to explore Symi’s harbour and streets.

When does the boat return to Rhodes?

The boat returns to Rhodes Harbour in the late afternoon, concluding the day trip.

What should I bring?

Bring towels and sun protection for the swim stop and time on deck.

Who operates the trip?

The trip is operated by Rizos Cruises.