Highlights
- Visit two destinations in one holiday!
- Take the best photos for your Instagram & Facebook - you'll be amazed by result!
- Try best local delicacy - Simiako Garidaki - baby shrimps cooked in olive oil
- Swim in one of the most beautiful bays in the world - St. George's bay
Description
Embark on a scenic voyage with Half Price Tours from Mandraki Harbor to the most picturesque island in the Dodecanese. Experience the vibrant architecture of Symi Town and dive into the emerald waters of St. George’s Bay - a secluded paradise accessible only by boat.
⚓️ Quick Facts
➤ Departure Point: Mandraki Harbor, Rhodes (Check-in at our office, Gallias 6, next to harbor).
➤ Hotel Pick-up: Available from Faliraki, Ialyssos, Ixia, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, Gennadi, Theologos & Rhodes Town.
➤ Duration: ~8.5 hours.
➤ Vessel Features: Cruiser with A/C lounges, sun decks, and a snack bar.
➤ Key Stops: Saint George Bay (~1-hour swim) and Symi Town (~3 hours free time).
❤️ The Journey: From Rhodes to the Jewel of the Aegean
Our cruise departs daily from the historic Mandraki Harbor. As we sail across the Aegean, enjoy open-deck views of the Turkish coastline and the surrounding islands. The highlight of the journey is the entrance to Symi Harbor (Gialos) - an unforgettable sight where pastel-colored neoclassical houses rise like an amphitheater from the sea.
❤️ Explore Symi Town (Gialos & Chorio)
Upon arrival, you have around 3 hours of free time to discover the island at your own pace:
✦ Architectural Landmarks: Walk the waterfront to see the Symi Clock Tower and the 'Peace' statues of the sponge divers.
✦ Local Culture: Visit the famous Sponge Workshops to learn about Symi's deep-sea diving history and buy authentic sea sponges.
✦ Gastronomy: We highly recommend trying the famous 'Symi Shrimp' (Simiako Garidaki) at a seaside taverna. These tiny, crispy shrimp are a local delicacy eaten whole.
✦ The Upper Town (Chorio): If you’re feeling active, climb the Kali Strata (500 stone steps) to reach the upper village for the best panoramic view in the Dodecanese.
❤️ The Swim Stop: St. George’s Bay (Disalona)
On the way to Symi, we visit the legendary St. George’s Bay. This secluded paradise is famous for its 300-meter vertical cliffs that shield the turquoise waters from the wind.
✦ What to do: We drop anchor, allowing you to jump directly from the boat into the crystal-clear sea.
✦ Swimming: The water is incredibly transparent, making it the premier spot for swimming. We provide complimentary floating noodles for not so confident swimmers.
❤️ Stress-Free Hotel Transfers
We make getting to the harbor easy with our door-to-door transfer service. When booking, simply select your hotel, and we will handle the rest.
✦ Service Areas: We provide daily pickups from all major tourist hubs, including:
North Rhodes: Rhodes Town, Ixia, Ialyssos, and Theologos.
East Coast: Faliraki, Kalithea, Afandou, and Kolymbia.
South Rhodes: Lindos, Pefkos, Lardos, and Gennadi.
✦ Pick-up Times: Generally between 08:00 AM and 09:15 AM, depending on your location.
✦ Confirmation: Once you book, you will receive a message from us with your exact pick-up time and location.
Includes
Round-trip boat tickets to Symi Island and back
Swimming stop at St. George Bay
Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option with transfer selected)
Excludes
Food and drinks not included. You will have free time in Symi Island where you can have lunch
Important Information
- Arriving on Your Own? If you are staying in Rhodes Town or have a rental car, you can meet us directly at our office at 09:15-09:30 AM
- Important Note on Parking: Please be aware that parking in Rhodes Town near the harbor can be very challenging, especially during the summer months
- The '1-Hour Rule': If you choose to drive, we strongly recommend arriving at least one hour early to search for a parking space
- Paid Parking: Most spots near the port are paid zones and fill up quickly
- Our Recommendation: To avoid the 'parking headache' and ensure a stress-free start to your holiday, we highly recommend booking a transfer with us. Let us handle the driving and drop you off right at the check-in point!
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund