Discover Symi Island by Private Speedboat from Rhodes
A full-day voyage along the Rhodes coastline and into the open Aegean, ending at one of Greece's most admired island harbors.
This private boat tour to Symi Island takes you on a scenic full-day cruise that traces the eastern coast of Rhodes before crossing into open Aegean waters, stopping at secluded bays and historic landmarks along the way. The journey aboard an Axopar 25 CT speedboat combines comfort and agility, allowing access to coves and islets that larger vessels simply cannot reach. By the time you arrive at Symi's iconic neoclassical harbor, the route itself will already have delivered a complete Greek island experience.
Symi is widely regarded as one of the most photogenic islands in the Dodecanese, defined by its pastel-colored neoclassical mansions, steep hillside streets, and a natural harbor that has remained largely unchanged for decades. Unlike Rhodes, which draws mass tourism, Symi retains a quieter, more intimate atmosphere that rewards those who make the crossing. The island also serves as a gateway to some of the most unspoiled anchorages in the southeastern Aegean.
The route itself is as rewarding as the destination. Departing from one of four convenient meeting points in the Rhodes area, the boat passes landmarks including Tsambika Bay, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs, and weather permitting, offers a sea-level perspective of the UNESCO-listed Medieval Town of Rhodes. Each stop is chosen to balance scenery, swimming, and cultural context, and the private format means the pace adapts to your group.
This is a moderate-difficulty excursion suitable for most travelers who are comfortable on open water. Sea conditions in the Aegean can vary, particularly later in the season, and the skipper will adjust the itinerary accordingly to ensure safety and comfort throughout.
Tour Highlights
Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Marathounda Bay and relax at a beachfront taverna on Symi's quieter southern shore.
Visit Symi Port and wander cobbled lanes lined with neoclassical architecture, local boutiques, and seafront restaurants.
Anchor at Seskli Island, a newly added secluded stop for 2025, offering unspoiled shores and exceptional snorkeling in calm, clear water.
Pass by the UNESCO-listed Medieval Town of Rhodes from the sea, taking in the full scale of its historic walls and fortifications.
Stop at St. George's Bay, a dramatic cliff-backed cove accessible only by boat, ideal for sunbathing, snorkeling, or paddleboarding.
Cruise past Agia Marina Islet, a small rocky outcrop with a traditional chapel, set against turquoise waters just before Symi's harbor entrance.
Enjoy continuous sea views of the Rhodes east coast, including Tsambika Monastery, Feraklos Castle, and Anthony Quinn Bay.
Itinerary Overview
The journey begins at your chosen meeting point along the Rhodes coast. As the boat heads south and then north along the eastern shoreline, passengers take in a succession of well-known landmarks from a unique sea-level perspective, including Haraki Bay, Feraklos Castle, Tsambika Bay, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Kallithea Springs.
Weather and conditions permitting, the route passes the seafront walls of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Medieval Town of Rhodes. This vantage point reveals the full extent of the fortifications and the harbor entrance in a way that is impossible to appreciate from land.
After entering open Aegean waters, the first stops near Symi include the pristine anchorage at Seskli Island, new to the itinerary for 2025, and the dramatic cliff-flanked waters of St. George's Bay. Both locations offer excellent swimming and snorkeling in calm, deep-blue conditions.
Marathounda Bay provides a pebbled shoreline and a relaxed beachfront setting, with wild goats commonly spotted along the rocky hillsides above. Agia Marina Islet, with its small whitewashed chapel, marks a scenic final stop before the approach to Symi's main harbor.
Upon arrival at Symi's harbor, guests have free time to explore the village at their own pace. The waterfront is lined with neoclassical mansions, and the lanes above lead to local shops, traditional tavernas, and panoramic viewpoints over the harbor.
Groups wishing to extend the experience can arrange a visit to the Panormitis Monastery in Symi's southern bay, a site of significant spiritual importance dedicated to the Archangel Michael. This optional excursion is available for an additional fee and must be arranged in advance.
What's Included and Excluded
Included
- Private hire of Axopar 25 CT speedboat
- Professional licensed skipper
- Fuel for the full itinerary
- Snorkeling equipment
- Paddleboard use during stops
- Safety equipment on board
Not Included
- Food and beverages
- Port fees or entrance tickets
- Optional Panormitis Monastery visit surcharge
- Gratuities
- Personal travel insurance
Important Information
Reserve Your Private Speedboat to Symi
This private full-day tour departs from multiple locations in the Rhodes area and offers a flexible, tailored experience for individuals, couples, and families. Availability is limited given the private nature of the booking.
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