Symi Private Day Trip from Rhodes by Yacht

A private day trip to Symi from Rhodes is the quiet, elegant alternative to the packed ferry cruises that leave Mandraki every morning. Instead of a fixed timetable and a crowded deck, you have a luxury yacht to yourselves for the day – sailing to the most picturesque island in the Dodecanese on your own schedule, stopping to swim wherever the water tempts you. Symi rewards those who arrive slowly: a neoclassical harbour of ochre and pastel houses, hidden bays with water like glass, and a monastery at the island’s edge.

Gialos harbour, without the crowds

Symi’s main harbour, Gialos, is one of the most photographed sights in Greece – a natural amphitheatre of pastel mansions rising from the water. Arriving by private yacht, you moor on your own terms and step ashore to explore the waterfront, the boutiques and a long lunch, then return to the boat whenever you please. No queue, no departure horn, no rush back for a group timetable.

The dramatic cliffs of St George Bay, Symi

Swim beneath the cliffs of St George Bay

Reachable only by boat, St George Bay (Agios Georgios Disalonas) is framed by a sheer 300-metre cliff that drops straight into deep, clear water – the single most dramatic swim stop around Symi. We anchor here for snorkelling and swimming away from the day-cruise traffic, then drift on to the calmer sands of Agia Marina with its tiny chapel islet. Prefer to add the Panormitis Monastery? On a private charter, the itinerary is yours.

An all-inclusive day on the water

The crossing from Rhodes takes under an hour on our fast yachts, leaving the whole day for Symi rather than the journey. A professional skipper, fuel, refreshments and snorkelling gear are all included, and lunch in Gialos can be arranged in advance. For the full island guide, see our Symi destination page, or browse every route on our private cruises.

Symi day trip questions

How long does it take to sail from Rhodes to Symi?

The crossing takes under an hour on our fast yachts, so you spend the day on Symi rather than in transit. A full private day trip usually runs for seven to eight hours door to door.

How is this different from the ferry day cruise to Symi?

The scheduled cruises carry large groups on a fixed timetable with set stops. A private charter is yours alone: you choose the swim stops, how long to spend in Gialos, and when to head back.

Can we visit the Panormitis Monastery too?

Yes. Because the itinerary is private, we can include the Panormitis Monastery on the south of the island alongside the harbour and swim stops. Just let us know when you book.

Gialos harbour, without the crowds

Swim beneath the cliffs of St George Bay

An all-inclusive day on the water

Symi day trip questions

Feel the romance and thrill of yachting

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