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.
Adventure brief
A Day at Sea: A Full-Day Boat Excursion from Rhodes to Symi and St. Marina Bay
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.
Rhodes, a vibrant island in Greece’s Aegean Sea, offers some of the most inviting waters for maritime adventures. Rizos Cruises provides a full-day boat journey that delivers more than just a scenic cruise—it's an immersion into the island’s colorful maritime culture, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal villages. This trip centers on visiting Symi Island, famed for its striking neo-classical architecture and bustling harbor, as well as St. Marina Bay, where swimmers can indulge in refreshing snorkel sessions amid vibrant marine life.
Setting out from Rhodes Town, the boat slices through the azure waters, offering stunning views of the coastline and the distant hills dotted with historic ruins. Once on Symi Island, the boat anchors near the harbor, inviting travelers to step onto cobblestone streets lined with pastel-hued buildings and local cafes. Symi’s architecture stands out with its intertwining staircases, decorative balconies, and narrow alleys—perfect for a leisurely three-hour exploration that balances cultural discovery with scenic walks. Between exploring historical sites and capturing photos of picturesque vistas, travelers can enjoy a gelato or local delicacy while soaking in the island’s lively atmosphere.
Back at St. Marina Bay, the clear waters beckon for a swim and snorkeling, revealing a lively underwater world filled with colorful fish and corals. The bay’s calm, shallow waters offer an easy entry point for all skill levels, making it an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.
Rizos Cruises stands out as a trusted outfitter delivering authentic, safety-conscious adventures in the Greek waters. Their trips are designed for travelers eager to enjoy a seamless blend of relaxation, scenic beauty, and cultural insight, making them a key player in Rhodes’s outdoor adventure scene. Whether you're after stunning vistas, a taste of Greek island life, or a day spent swimming in crystal waters, this boat trip satisfies those craving an active but comfortable escape in the Aegean.
Route Schematic
Route Schematic & Key Stops
A straightforward day route with a morning swim stop and an extended visit to Symi’s harbour.
Departure from Rhodes (Mandraki Port)
The boat departs Rhodes in the morning; guests meet at Mandraki Port for boarding ahead of the scheduled sail.
St. Marina Bay — swim/snorkel stop
The vessel anchors at St. Marina Bay for a 30-minute break during which passengers may swim and snorkel off the boat in clear blue water.
Short crossing to Symi harbour
After the swim stop the boat sails approximately 15 minutes to Symi’s main harbour, where passengers disembark for three hours of exploration.
Return to Rhodes Harbour
Following the free time on Symi, the boat returns to Rhodes Harbour in the late afternoon, concluding the day trip.
This is a full‑day, on‑water excursion — bring towels and sun protection and be prepared for embarkation and brief swimming from the boat.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
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.
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.
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.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
This is an eight‑hour, full‑day excursion that departs in the morning and returns late afternoon.
Guests meet and board at Mandraki Port in Rhodes prior to the scheduled morning departure.
Bring towels and sun protection for the swim stop and time on deck.
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.
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.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-08-10T12:52:12.089Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.