Symi splits into a harbor and a hill: Gialos, the pastel waterfront where boats dock, and Chorio, the upper village reached by steps, with Panormitis Monastery far to the south. Twelve listings, nearly all starting from Rhodes, offer fast boat and cruise day trips.
Related: Symi, Greece: A Complete Travel Guide
Top-Rated Symi Greece Tours & Experiences
BOAT TRIP to SYMI ISLAND with SWIMMING at ST GEORGE BAY
A cruise to Symi with a swim stop at St George Bay, a classic mix of town time and sea time. Check the departure harbor, the hours on Symi and whether lunch is included.
High Speed Boat to Symi Island Half Day Trip
A faster crossing that shortens travel time, suited to those with a half day to spare. Check the departure and return times and how much time you get on the island.
BOAT TRIP to SYMI ISLAND with STOP at PANORMITIS MONASTERY
A cruise that stops at Panormitis, the monastery of Archangel Michael at Symi’s southern end, as well as the main harbor. Dress modestly for the monastery and check the timings.
High Speed Boat to Symi Island Directly from Faliraki Beach
A fast boat leaving from Faliraki, a good fit if you stay on the east coast and want to skip the Rhodes Town transfer. Check the departure time and the parking or transfer options.
High Cruise to Symi Island and St George Bay
A faster boat to Symi that also stops at St George Bay for a swim. Good for travelers who want less time at sea. Check the stop times and meal options.
Symi Island Cruise from Rhodes with Transfers from Ialyssos and Ixia
A Symi cruise with hotel transfers from the Ialyssos and Ixia area on Rhodes’s northwest coast, useful if you stay there. Check the pickup times and whether the transfer is shared.
Luxury Boat Trip to Symi Island with Swimming at St George Bay
A more comfortable boat for the Symi trip, with a swim stop at St George Bay. Check the capacity, the onboard service and what the higher price includes.
Symi Island Day Trip from Rhodes Including Panormitis Bay
A full-day trip that reaches Symi and Panormitis Bay, so you see both the harbor town and the monastery coast. Check the schedule and the time allowed at each place.
Self Guided Tour with E Bikes 2h
A two-hour self-guided e-bike ride, a different pace from a boat day. Check the starting location, the hills on the route and whether helmets are provided.
High Speed Boat to Symi from Kolymbia with a Swim Stop in St Georges Bay
A fast boat from Kolymbia on Rhodes’s east coast, with a swim stop at St George’s Bay. Good if you stay nearby. Check the departure time, the return time and the time on Symi.
High Speed Boat to Symi and Panormitis Directly from Faliraki Beach
A fast boat from Faliraki that also visits Panormitis, combining monastery and harbor in one day. Check the time allowed at each stop and dress modestly for the monastery.
Full Day Symi Island Cruise from Rhodes with Swim Stop
A relaxed full-day cruise with time in Symi town and a swim stop. Suits families who prefer a slower pace. Check the meal arrangements and the return time.
These experiences in Symi Greece are popular with travelers and tend to sell out, especially during peak season, so we recommend booking in advance to secure your spot.
Browse more Symi Greece tours on Viator →
What Makes These Tours Worth Booking
Symi is a small Dodecanese island north of Rhodes, once rich from shipbuilding and sponge diving, whose neoclassical houses now climb the hills around Gialos harbor. Chorio, the upper village, sits above a long stone stairway, while Panormitis Monastery lies at the southern tip. The island is also known for tiny local shrimp.
Best Time to Book Symi Tours
May to October is boat season, with June and September offering warm water without peak crowds. July and August are hot, and several boats can dock at once, so many travelers prefer a morning departure and an early lunch.
Before You Book in Symi
Shore time on Symi is limited, so decide whether you want to climb to Chorio or swim and eat by the harbor. Wear sandals for the steps, carry water and sun protection, and bring some cash for small shops. Departure points and hotel transfers differ by listing.
Tour Prices in Symi
Prices cluster tightly. Boat Trip to Symi Island, the most reviewed with 2,059 reviews at 4.6, sits near $53, and Symi Island by Fast Boat (High-Speed is the best rated at 4.7 from 1,196. Luxury boats and fast-boat combinations sit closer to $80.
Choosing Between the Top Symi Tours
A high-speed boat saves travel time compared with a standard cruise but may cost a little more. For swimming, pick a listing with a St George Bay stop. For culture, choose one that includes Panormitis.
Symi Tours: Quick Answers
Which Symi boat trip has the most reviews?
Boat Trip to Symi Island leads with 2,059 reviews at 4.6. Symi Island by Fast Boat (High-Speed is the best rated among well-reviewed options, at 4.7 from 1,196.
How much does a day trip to Symi cost?
Listings run from $53 to $80, with a median near $61. Fast boats and luxury trips cost more than standard cruises, so compare departure times and stops.
How long does it take to get from Rhodes to Symi?
A high-speed boat takes roughly an hour, and a standard cruise takes longer. Allow a full day in either case, with a few hours ashore.
Is Symi worth a day trip from Rhodes?
Yes, for the colorful harbor, the stairway to Chorio and the swimming stops. If you want the monastery, choose a listing that includes Panormitis.
Write Your Review
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!