Rhodes: Symi Yacht Tour with Unlimited Drinks and Transfer

Sea days do not get much better. This 8-hour cruise from Rhodes combines a fast yacht ride, free time in Symi Town, lunch, unlimited drinks, and two swim stops at St. George Bay and Seskli Island. I especially like the small maximum group of 25 passengers and the chance to see Symi without spending the whole day on a crowded ferry. The crew also earns steady praise for warm, attentive service, with Anna, Antonio, Emily, and other staff making special occasions feel personal.

The main catch is the price: $141 per person is more than a basic boat trip. You also need to allow for a potentially bumpy, wet ride, and the water entry from the yacht may not suit everyone. Still, the food, drinks, yacht space, and well-paced schedule make this a strong choice if comfort matters to you.

Key points at a glance

• Two hours in Symi Town: Walk the colorful port, browse small shops, and explore the narrow lanes of the old town.
• St. George Bay lunch stop: Swim in clear water while the crew serves Greek salad and moussaka aboard the yacht.
• Seskli Island swim: Finish the swimming program at a quieter, wild-looking island with snorkeling and open scenery.
• Maximum 25 passengers: You get more room than on the large excursion boats that crowd the route.
• Unlimited drinks: Water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea are included throughout the day.
• Useful comfort details: The yacht has a changing room, snorkeling gear, floats, and life jackets for swimmers who want extra support.

Why the small yacht changes the day

The biggest reason to choose this trip is the boat size. With no more than 25 passengers, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable place to sit, moving around without squeezing past rows of people, and enjoying the views from the front or upper areas.

That does not mean the yacht feels private. It is still a full excursion, and one past departure felt crowded enough for a passenger to note a broken sofa and limited seating. But compared with boats carrying several hundred people, this setup gives the day a friendlier, less industrial feel.

I like the balance between comfort and activity. You are not stuck on a yacht all day with nowhere to go. You get a proper stop in Symi, two chances to swim, and enough sailing time to admire Rhodes and the coast around Symi.

The trip begins with coffee or tea while you check in and settle aboard. The first crossing takes roughly an hour and 20 minutes, although sea conditions can affect the ride. The forward cushions offer excellent spray and open-water views, but they can be windy, wet, and rough. If you prefer a steady start, bring a light jacket and choose a more sheltered seat.

Arriving in Symi Yalos

The first major stop is Symi Town, known locally as Symi Yalos. The approach is one of the best parts of the day. The yacht glides into a harbor framed by colorful neoclassical houses, steep hills, and the bright water of the Dodecanese.

You have about two hours to explore. That is enough time to stroll along the port, look into local shops, find a café, or walk into the narrow streets behind the waterfront. The old town is protected by UNESCO, and the setting is much more memorable than a quick photo stop from a boat.

I would keep your plans simple. Two hours is useful, but it is not enough for a long uphill walk, a leisurely meal, and extensive shopping. If you want a taste of Symi, stay near the harbor and old-town lanes. You might enjoy a coffee, browse for local goods, and take in the painted houses without turning the stop into a race.

Some passengers use the time for breakfast or a drink by the fishing port. Others walk uphill for wider views. If you have mobility concerns, remain close to the waterfront, since Symi’s hilly setting and narrow lanes can make longer walks tiring.

Symi is beautiful, but it is not presented as a full island tour. You do not get a vehicle excursion across the island or a long guided history walk. The value here is the freedom to explore at your own pace, then return to the yacht for the swimming portion.

St. George Bay, the best swim stop

After Symi, the yacht heads to St. George Bay. The setting is dramatic: golden sand, clear water, and steep rocky cliffs that make the bay feel sheltered from the open sea.

This is also where lunch is served. The meal includes traditional Greek food, with moussaka and Greek salad specifically mentioned by passengers. The combination works well. You can swim before eating, sit down for lunch, then return to the water or relax with a drink.

The yacht provides snorkeling masks and goggles, noodles, floats, and life jackets. That matters if you want to look beneath the surface but do not want to bring your own equipment. Some people found the snorkeling especially enjoyable because fish could be seen close to the yacht and bay.

The water entry deserves a practical warning. You generally get in from the yacht rather than walking into a gently sloping beach, and one passenger found it difficult to climb into the sea. The vessel has a ramp or low platform for access, along with a jumping point, but you should still be comfortable using a ladder or stepping into open water.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew for a life jacket or float. The staff are described as attentive and helpful, but you should still judge the conditions for yourself. The bay may be calm, yet boarding and climbing out require some strength and balance.

Lunch is a real part of the experience, not just a snack. The portions are described as generous enough to satisfy after swimming, and the crew can handle some dietary needs within the limits of boat catering. It is sensible to mention dietary requirements when booking or boarding.

Seskli Island and the second swim

The final stop is Seskli Island, a small, largely wild spot in the Dodecanese. It feels different from St. George Bay. There are fewer buildings and less of the polished harbor scenery, so the appeal is quiet water, open views, and a chance to see a less inhabited side of the region.

You can swim and snorkel here, and some passengers enjoyed looking for shells beneath the surface. The island also has goats and a small church, details that give the stop a little character beyond simply being another place to swim.

Do not expect Seskli to outshine St. George Bay. The first bay receives the strongest praise for its cliffs, beach, and clear water. Seskli works well as a second stop because it gives you another setting and breaks up the return journey.

The schedule is one of the tour’s strengths. You are not rushed through three locations in a few minutes, but you also do not spend so long in one place that the day drags. The swimming breaks are long enough for a proper swim, some sunbathing, and a drink.

Unlimited drinks and lunch onboard

The unlimited drinks are a major part of the value. Included choices are water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea. The crew keeps refreshments available during the day, which is useful in the Greek sun and saves you from buying drinks at every stop.

The selection is not a full cocktail menu. One passenger wanted a wider choice beyond beer, wine, and soft drinks, so set your expectations accordingly. This is a relaxed drinks package, not a floating cocktail bar.

The crew’s service receives almost as much praise as the scenery. Emily is singled out for keeping drinks supplied, while Anna and Antonio were especially kind to a solo passenger celebrating a birthday. The crew even arranged a cake during the day. Similar small touches were made for honeymooners and other birthdays.

That personal service is valuable on a small yacht. You are not simply boarding a vessel and being left to find your own way around. The staff serve lunch, answer questions, help with swimming equipment, and keep the mood friendly without making the day feel like a loud party cruise.

The trip does not promise music or onboard entertainment. One passenger suggested bringing a speaker because no music was provided. I would treat that as a preference rather than a flaw. The sound of the sea and conversation may suit you better than constant music, but do not book this expecting a DJ or scheduled entertainment.

What the $141 price includes

At $141 per person, this trip asks you to pay a premium over the cheaper Symi boats. The question is what you receive in return.

You get a fast yacht cruise, lunch, unlimited drinks, two swimming stops, snorkeling equipment, free time in Symi, and a group capped at 25 people. You also avoid buying lunch and several drinks separately, and you get more room than on the biggest boats serving the route.

For two people, the price adds up quickly. If your main goal is simply to reach Symi, a basic ferry or lower-cost boat may be better value. If you want a full day on the water with food, drinks, swimming, and more personal service, the extra cost makes more sense.

I would call it good value for a special holiday day, a honeymoon, a birthday, or anyone who dislikes crowded excursions. It is less compelling for budget-focused visitors who would rather spend most of their money exploring Symi itself.

The yacht is generally described as clean and comfortable, though one departure showed signs of needed maintenance. That is worth keeping in mind. Small-group boats are not always spotless luxury vessels in the private-charter sense, but the overall experience remains more comfortable than a large ferry-style outing.

Practical advice before you go

Bring swimwear and a towel. A changing room is available onboard, but a towel is not included.

Pack a light jacket or hoodie, especially for an early or late-season departure. The front of the yacht can be chilly and wet, and October passengers specifically recommended extra clothing.

If you are prone to seasickness, bring suitable tablets with you. The crossing can be rough, particularly after windy weather, and the ride to Symi takes over an hour. Sitting farther back or in a sheltered area may help, though the most comfortable location depends on the sea that day.

Wear shoes that work for walking in Symi and moving safely around the yacht. Keep valuables secure while swimming, and use the provided flotation equipment if you need it.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not listed among the included services. The booking information asks you to wait outside your hotel reception at least five minutes before the scheduled pickup, so confirm exactly what transport applies to your hotel. This matters particularly if you are staying in Faliraki, where one passenger reported no transport to the port.

The meeting point is Mandraki Port in Rhodes, and the cruise returns there after the final swim. The tour is offered in English and is wheelchair accessible, although the practical details of accessing the water and moving around the yacht should be confirmed in advance if you use a wheelchair.

Weather matters. If conditions cause the cruise to be canceled, the trip is fully refundable. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility.

Who will enjoy this yacht tour most

This is a good fit if you want several experiences in one day:

• A scenic crossing from Rhodes to Symi
• Free time in a beautiful port town
• Greek lunch without searching for a restaurant
• Swimming in two different settings
• Unlimited basic drinks
• A smaller group and attentive crew

Couples, families with confident swimmers, solo visitors, and friends looking for a relaxed day should all find plenty to enjoy. The crew’s personal service also makes it suitable for birthdays and honeymoon trips.

I would think twice if you dislike boat motion, struggle with ladders, want a long guided tour of Symi, or prefer a quiet ferry crossing with no swimming. The yacht ride can be fast and bumpy, and swimming from the boat is central to the day.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want Symi plus a full sea day, not just a transfer to the island. The small group, quality lunch, free drinks, and two well-spaced swim stops make the higher price easier to justify.

Skip it if your priority is the cheapest possible route or several hours of independent sightseeing in Symi. For most visitors who enjoy swimming and value comfort, though, this is a polished and generous day out from Rhodes. Bring a towel, a jacket, and seasickness tablets if needed, then let the crew handle the food, drinks, and timing.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes to Symi yacht tour?

The tour lasts 8 hours.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the yacht cruise, full lunch, unlimited water, beer, wine, soft drinks, coffee, and tea, two swimming stops, and free time in Symi Town.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $141 per person.

How many people can join the yacht tour?

The yacht carries a maximum of 25 passengers.

How much free time do I get in Symi Town?

You get about two hours to explore Symi Town, including its port, small shops, narrow lanes, and old town.

Which swimming locations does the tour visit?

The tour stops at St. George Bay and Seskli Island for swimming and snorkeling.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Masks, snorkels, goggles, floats, noodles, and life jackets are available for use onboard.

Do I need to bring a towel?

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