Symi boat trip is an 8 to 10-hour day trip with a high-speed catamaran to visit two beautiful islands – Symi and Panormitis.
King Saron is comfortable, three-decked catamaran, with the upper deck offering 360-degree panoramic views of the surroundings and the lower deck being air-conditioned. It’s a high-speed catamaran that departs from Rhodes and reaches Symi in just about one hour.
Symi is famous for sponge diving and its pastel-colored houses and shops. You can enjoy swimming in the clear waters and sunbathe on sandy beaches. Panormitis Monastery is a must-see; you can also wander cobbled streets and enjoy delicious seafood meals from local restaurants.
On this tour, you will have the chance to visit another Greek village, Panormitis. The catamaran will stay for 1 hour in Panormitis, where you can relax on the small public beach, enjoy a refreshing drink at one of the cafes along the water’s edge, and explore this cute village.
King Saron departs to make the one-hour crossing at 09:00 every day and returns to Rhodes at 16:45 or at 19:20. Alternative times are available in June, July, August, and September.
📅 Tour Days: | Every day |
⏱️ Sailing Hours: | 9:00 AM – 7:20 PM |
✔️ Includes: | High-speed catamaran tickets, port taxes |
📌 Overview: | Visit Symi and Panormitis, three-decked catamaran |
In 2024, Symi Boat Trip price is between €44 to €50. Children between ages of 3 and 12 are discounted and under 3 are free of charge.
Boat Trip | Adult | Child |
---|---|---|
Rhodes – Symi – Rhodes | €44 | €22 |
Rhodes – Symi – Panormitis – Rhodes | €50 | €28 |
King Saron departs for Symi from Rhodes Tourist Port (Cruise Terminal) at 09:00. Arriving at 08:30 allows you to park your vehicle and board the catamaran without rushing. This port can be busy, so arriving early ensures a smooth start to your journey.
King Saron is a fast catamaran, reaching speeds up to 27 knots per hour. On board, there is a fully air-conditioned seating area, a snack bar, and an outside sun deck.
It can carry up to 437 passengers and meets all safety standards. As you head to Symi, you can enjoy views of Turkey’s coastline and smaller Greek islands along the way.
Symi harbour is in a beautiful village that cascades down the hillside. You will find a war memorial, a 19th-century clock tower, and many Byzantine buildings among the cobbled streets.
If you enjoy hiking, there is a stunning trail to the castle built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century. The castle stands on an ancient acropolis. It offers stunning views of the island and is near old windmills scattered in the hills.
Symi has four beaches where you can swim in the clear waters of the Aegean. There is often a small fee for sunbeds, but buying a drink can offset this cost. Shopping on Symi is a must, with many souvenirs and traditional items on sale. You should not leave without a sponge from the coast, and there is a factory you can visit to see how sponges and loofahs are treated.
Having Greek food is a must while you are on the island. Small restaurants in Symi offer many local dishes to delight you. Seafood is highly recommended, freshly caught and prepared for your table.
If you consider visiting another Greek town during the day, At 14:00, you can leave Symi and take a 40-minute cruise to Panormitis on the other side of the island. The catamaran will stay in this small town for 1 hour.
Panormitis village features a monastery dedicated to the Archangel Michael and has museums filled with historical and religious artifacts. There is also a library rich with Byzantine texts.
There is a small public beach at Panormitis where you can choose to relax and take a dip in the Aegean Sea. You will also find a small selection of cafes if you wish to spend some time with a refreshing drink along the water’s edge.
After an hour in Panormitis, you will board the catamaran, which sets sail for Rhodes. You will reach Rhodes Tourist Port at 16:45.
If you choose to stay only in Symi and not visit Panormitis, the catamaran departs from Symi at 18:15. It will reach Rhodes Tourist Port at 19:20.
We’ve created a map to show the sights of the catamaran cruise. Click on the link for an interactive version of the map.
Cost of the Symi boat trip is 44 EUR for adults, 22 EUR for children between the ages 3, and 12, and free for children under three years old in 2024.
In Symi, you can shop for natural sponges and local crafts in many local shops. Riding the tourist train gives you a view of Symi Town from a higher point.
Explore landmarks like the Historical Museum of Symi and the Church of the Panagia Mirtidiotissa. Enjoy a freshly cooked meal at tavernas and restaurants around the harbor. Don’t miss visiting the Knights’ Castle at the top of Chorio for sunset views.
Symi is best explored on foot, but local buses, taxis, and water taxis are also available. Renting a scooter or a small car is an option if you prefer to explore at your own pace.
Popular beaches of Symi are St George Bay, Nos Beach, and Nanou Beach. You can swim, sunbathe and snorkel in your time on the island.
There are several restaurants at the harbour. Taverna Haris, Pantelis, and Taverna Meraklis are the most popular ones.