Rhodes: Symi and Panormitis day trip with High-Speed boat

If you’re looking for an exciting way to see some of the most picturesque spots in the Dodecanese, a day trip from Rhodes to Symi and Panormitis by high-speed boat could be just what you need. This journey promises a quick, comfortable cruise, with plenty of time to explore two very different but equally charming locations.

What we really like about this experience is, first, the speedy, smooth ride on a high-powered boat that makes the trip feel efficient and fun. Second, the generous four hours of free time on Symi allow for wandering at your own pace, taking in the colorful architecture and lively local shops.

A possible consideration is that you spend a good chunk of the day on the water — so if you’re prone to seasickness or prefer more leisurely, land-based explorations, this might not be your ideal outing.

This trip suits travelers who want a quick yet immersive taste of Symi’s stunning scenery and Panormitis’ peaceful monastery, especially those eager to maximize their time in Rhodes with a scenic day out.

Contents hide

1 An Honest Look at the Trip

2 The Practicalities

3 What’s Included and What’s Not

4 The Experience Provider

5 Who Will Love This Trip?

6 Final Thoughts

7 FAQ

Key Points

Fast, comfortable transportation: A high-speed boat makes the journey quick and exciting.
Flexible free time: Four hours on Symi gives you ample opportunity to explore at your own pace.
Visit Panormitis Monastery: A peaceful, scenic spot dedicated to Archangel Michael.
Stunning coastal views: Cruise past Rhodes’ medieval walls, windmills, and fortresses.
Authentic island experience: Colorful houses and local shops on Symi reflect real Greek island life.
Good value for a full day: Includes transportation, free time, and a monastery visit for a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Trip

The adventure begins early, with a 9:00 a.m. departure from Rhodes’ Tourist Port. After passing through the port gate and collecting your boarding pass at the Seadreams kiosk, you’ll board a modern, high-speed boat. Seating options include an air-conditioned indoor area for those who prefer to stay cool or a spacious sun deck for sunbathers. This variety means everyone can travel comfortably, no matter your preference.

As you motor out of Rhodes’ harbor, you’ll get a front-row seat to some iconic sights—Naillac Tower, the windmills, Saint Nicholas Fortress, and the aquarium—making the journey itself a part of the experience. The boat’s windows provide excellent views of the medieval walls, minarets, and the lively Old Town, which you’ll pass on your way out to sea.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Rhodes.

Symi: The Jewel of the Dodecanese

Arriving in Symi is a highlight. The town’s amphitheatrical layout and bright, neoclassical houses reflected in the water create a postcard-perfect scene. With four hours to explore, you can wander narrow alleys, browse local shops, or enjoy a leisurely meal. Several reviews praise the island’s peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture, describing it as one of the most beautiful islands in southern Greece.

The free guide provided helps newcomers make the most of their time, offering tips on what to see and where to eat. Many travelers love the chance to capture photos of the colorful houses and the small, charming streets that evoke a true sense of Greek island life.

From the reviews, we see a mixed experience: while some find the long hours on the boat a bit tiring (“Many hours on the boat for little free time in the end”), others appreciate the value and scenery. The ride is noted as smooth, stable, and safe, which is crucial for a boat trip.

Panormitis Monastery: A Peaceful Retreat

After exploring Symi, the tour continues to the quiet bay of Panormitis. The monastery, dedicated to the Archangel Michael, offers a tranquil setting for a brief visit, with scenic views and a peaceful atmosphere. The hour allocated allows enough time for a quick walk, some photos, and soaking in the seaside backdrop.

The travel time between Symi and Panormitis is about 40 minutes, and the return journey is roughly an hour, making it a well-paced segment of the day. The monastery is often described as a beautiful and peaceful spot—a perfect end to the day’s sightseeing.

The Practicalities

The tour is designed for convenience. The round-trip transportation is included, with departures at 9:00 a.m. and a schedule that ensures you’ll return to Rhodes by late afternoon, around 4:45 p.m.

The trip is wheelchair accessible, and the company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance—a flexible option for travelers with uncertain plans.

Remember to bring your passport or ID, as well as your full contact details, for the ticketing process. The group size varies, but the boat’s amenities and the organized nature of the trip help keep it comfortable and manageable.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the price are round-trip boat transportation, free time on Symi, and the visit to Panormitis Monastery. Personal expenses and entrance fees to attractions are not included, so you might want to budget a bit more if you plan to buy souvenirs or dine out.

Here's some more things to do in Rhodes

The Experience Provider

SeaDreams is the company behind this tour, and they’ve built a reputation for offering well-organized, scenic day trips. Their boats are modern and comfortable, and they provide helpful guides to enhance your experience.

Who Will Love This Trip?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want to see two unique sites without spending multiple days. It’s perfect if you enjoy scenic boat rides, authentic island scenes, and peaceful monasteries.

If you’re someone who appreciates good value for money, efficient scheduling, and the chance to take stunning photos, this tour offers a lot for a reasonable price. However, if you prefer more time on land or leisurely exploration, you might find the four hours on Symi tight.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Rhodes to Symi and Panormitis offers a beautiful snapshot of some of the best that the Dodecanese has to offer. The cruise itself is quite scenic, with stunning views of Rhodes’ historic coastline. The free time on Symi allows for personal exploration, and the visit to the monastery adds a peaceful, cultural touch.

The mixed reviews highlight that while some travelers find the boat hours a bit long, most agree that the stunning views and the value for money make this trip worthwhile. It’s a great choice for travelers eager to maximize sightseeing in a short time and who enjoy a bit of adventure on the water.

In short, if you want a balanced mix of scenic cruising, authentic island charm, and peaceful monastery visits, this tour balances all those elements nicely. It’s particularly suited for those looking to cover a lot of ground in one day without sacrificing the chance to enjoy authentic Greek island scenery.

FAQ

How early should I arrive at the port?
It’s best to be there by 8:30 a.m. since the departure is at 9:00 a.m. This gives you plenty of time to collect your boarding pass and settle in before the boat leaves.

What should I bring on the trip?
Bring your passport or ID, as it’s required for ticketing. Also, consider sun protection (hat, sunscreen), water, and perhaps a camera to capture the gorgeous views.

Is there a choice between indoor and outdoor seating?
Yes, you can opt for the air-conditioned indoor area or relax on the spacious sundeck, depending on your preference.

How long is the boat ride?
The journey from Rhodes to Symi takes about an hour, with additional time for the legs to Panormitis and the return trip, totaling roughly 4 hours on the water.

Are there any additional costs I should prepare for?
Personal expenses, such as meals, souvenirs, or entrance fees to attractions, are not included. Budget accordingly if you plan to dine or shop.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the experience provider states that the tour is wheelchair accessible, but it’s always wise to confirm specific needs beforehand.

What is the overall value of this tour?
Considering the transportation, free time, and visit to a monastery, the price offers good value, especially given the scenic beauty and authentic experiences you’ll enjoy.

Whether you’re after stunning island views, a taste of local life, or a peaceful monastery, this high-speed boat trip from Rhodes to Symi and Panormitis offers a compact, scenic, and memorable day out.