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Symi & Swimming at St. George Bay
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).
Booking Policy: No credit card required upfront - Book online, pay on the day.
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.
Snorkeling: The water is incredibly transparent, making it the premier spot for snorkeling and underwater photography. We provide complimentary snorkeling gear and floating noodles so you can explore the underwater beauty.
Onboard Comforts & Services
Modern Facilities: Our boats feature clean restrooms, indoor air-conditioned salons, and multiple shaded seating areas.
Snack Bar: Purchase cold drinks, beer, and light snacks at fair prices throughout the trip.
Expert Local Crew: Benefit from a friendly, professional crew known for their hospitality and local tips.
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 an Instant Booking Confirmation Email with your exact pick-up time and location.
Price: Transfer service is available for a small additional supplement, which depends on how far is located your hotel (visible during checkout).
Meeting Point & Check-in
Where do I find the boat?
If you are not using our hotel transfer service and are coming to the harbor on your own, please arrive at our Main Office at Gallias 6, Rhodes (located near Mandraki Harbor).
Check-in Window: 09:15 AM – 09:40 AM.
Process: Simply present your booking confirmation at the desk. We will provide your official boarding tickets and the name of your assigned boat for the day.
Departure: The boat departs promptly after check-in.
Arriving on Your Own? (Parking & Tips)
Can I come to the port myself?
Absolutely! 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!
? FAQ
Is there a transfer from my hotel? Yes! We offer pick-ups from all the hotels in Rhodes island. Transfer service is available for a small additional supplement, which depends on how far is located your hotel (visible during checkout). It includes both ways: pick-up from your hotel, and after the trip drop off back.
Are there facilities on board? Yes, our modern fleet features clean restrooms, shaded seating, and a bar serving cold drinks and snacks. Also there is a shower, that you can use after swimming.
What if my hotel isn't on the list? Contact us via WhatsApp at +30 694 8322505 and we will find the closest possible meeting point for you.
Is the transfer air-conditioned? Yes, we use modern, fully air-conditioned minivans and minibuses for all transfers.
Why Book With Half Price Tours?
Unbeatable Value: We offer a premium experience at a "half-price" rate, making the beauty of Symi accessible to everyone.
Modern Fleet: Our vessels feature shaded seating areas, clean restrooms, and a snack bar for your comfort.
Local Expertise: We are a local agency. By booking with us, you cut out the middleman and get the best rates in Rhodes without sacrificing quality.
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- Departure information
- Terms & conditions
- Departure
- Terms
Check-in: If you do not need a transfer, and you are coming to the meeting point by yourself - you have to come for a check-in from 09:15 until 09:40 am to our meeting point at our office at Gallias str. 6 (next to Benetton shop, at Mandraki Harbor) to get your boarding pass. Click here to check the meeting point on Google Maps.
Departure: Every Day at 10:00 from the Harbor in Rhodes Town.
Boat arrives to Saint George at ~12:10.
Boat departures from Saint George's Bay ~13:10.
Boat arrives to Symi at ~13:20.
Boat leaves from Symi to Rhodes at ~16:20.
Return to Rhodes to Mandraki Harbor: ~18:40.
Payment: You do not need a credit card to book this tour. Once you will make a booking online, you will get a booking confirmation/voucher to your email. You will pay all the amount for the tour, on the tour day.
Cancelation: You can cancel the tour one week before the tour date. In order to cancel the tour, please send us an email to info@halfpricetours.gr.
Weather conditions: All tours and cruises are subject to weather conditions at the time of sailing. Only in the event of bad weather the tickets can be changed to other day trip or money can be refunded.
Pickup & Drop-off from your hotel and back is not included in the price. You can come to the meeting point in Rhodes town by yourself, or we can pick you up for extra charge, which is calculated depending on how far is located your hotel. Select your hotel's name from the hotel list, and the system will automatically calculate the total price for you: tickets + pickup & drop-off from your hotel and back included.
If you wish to be picked up, please select the closest pickup point to your hotel from the hotel list.
Children and infants: Children up to 10 years old - 30% discount; infants up to 2 years old - for free.
Reviews
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If something changes and you need to cancel, please get in touch with us at least few days before the tour, so we could give your seat to someone else. Thank you for booking responsibly!
Let’s chat on WhatsApp +30 694 8322505
