Dive Below the Drama: 3-Hour Hippo Submarine Adventure in Lindos & Navarone Bay
April 6, 2025Table of Contents
A Fast Track to Island Charm
The Aegean is full of island escapes, but few are as dazzling—or efficient—as this Symi trip from Rhodes. Imagine skipping across the sapphire sea on a high-speed boat, the breeze in your hair, and the promise of a postcard-perfect harbor on the horizon. In under an hour, you’re gliding into Symi’s neoclassical embrace—a town painted in pastel and pulsing with charm.
There’s no rush, no rigid tour guide with a megaphone—just three glorious hours to wander, feast, shop, and soak up the serenity. And just when you think the day can’t get better?
The boat drops anchor at St. George’s Bay, a hidden slice of paradise where sheer cliffs meet glassy water in a scene straight out of a fantasy film. If you crave colorful harbors, golden light on the water, and an adventure timed to perfection, this trip is your ideal island-hopping fix.
Why This Symi trip from Rhodes Suits Every Type of Traveler
- Cruise visitors: You’ll be back on board with hours to spare and a phone full of postcard shots.
- Families: The ride is fast, the island is charming, and the swim stop adds just the right amount of splash.
- Luxury fans: The sleek high-speed boat gets you there in style—without losing your lunch.
- Photographers: From Symi’s pastel buildings to the cliff-ringed beauty of St. George’s Bay, this is visual heaven.
- Cultural explorers: Three hours in Symi = enough time for shrimp, shopping, and a historic stroll.
What the Day Looks Like
Your Symi trip from Rhodes begins at Mandraki Harbor, the historic heart of Rhodes. After boarding the high-speed boat, you’ll zip across the Aegean in roughly an hour, arriving at the charming neoclassical port of Symi Island.
There, you’ll have around three hours of free time to explore. Meander through stone lanes and staircases, shop for sea sponges and ceramics, sip iced coffee by the harbor, or taste the island’s famed Symi shrimp at a waterfront taverna.
On the return trip, the boat drops anchor in St. George’s Bay, a cliff-framed swimming spot only accessible by sea. Dive into the transparent waters, float in serenity, or snap that envy-worthy beach shot before heading back to Rhodes.
Practical Details You’ll Want to Know
| Detail | Info |
| Departure Point | Mandraki Harbor, Rhodes |
| Departure Times | 11:00 (include swim stop); 15:15 (photo stop only) |
| Duration | ~6 hours total |
| Included | Roundtrip high-speed boat cruise, 3 hrs in Symi, swim/photo stop at St. George’s Bay |
| Not Included | Meals, drinks, hotel transfers |
Tips for a Perfect Symi Day
- Wear swimwear under your clothes: Changing on deck isn’t ideal.
- Bring cash: Many shops and cafés in Symi still prefer euros over cards.
- Shoes matter: Cobblestones and staircases await.
- Sun care: The boat and Symi both offer limited shade—bring a hat and sunscreen.
- Pack light: No one enjoys dragging a beach bag up 200 steps.
What Else You Can Do
- Explore Symi’s upper town (Chorio): Accessible via the famous 500-step Kali Strata staircase.
- Visit Panormitis Monastery: Available on separate tours, but worth noting if you plan to return.
- Pair with a Rhodes Old Town walking tour before or after.
Why This Tour Is a Crowd Favorite
This Symi boat trip from Rhodes delivers a rare balance of speed and serenity. You reach the island in record time, enjoy true freedom while there, and cap the day with a swim that feels plucked from a postcard. It’s efficient, scenic, and refreshingly unhurried.
You’ll leave with sun-warmed shoulders, salt-kissed skin, and a camera full of color. And that’s a pretty perfect Greek island souvenir.
