Rhodes to Symi Cruise: An Honest Review With Lunch

Picture this: you’re in Rhodes, that gorgeous Greek island drenched in sunshine and history. Instead of just sticking to the well-trodden paths, what if you took to the sea for a day? A private yacht cruise from Rhodes to Symi, with lunch included, sounds like a treat, right? I recently experienced one of these trips, and very, very well, I have to share the lowdown on what to maybe, perhaps, expect.

Setting Sail: What to Expect From the Start

So, first things first, the departure. Most cruises usually, seemingly begin from Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes Town. That very place is crammed with yachts and boats bobbing about, all eager to whisk travelers away. Arriving, locating your particular yacht can feel a bit like trying to find a specific grain of sand on a pretty, vast beach. It’s actually, arguably best to confirm the exact meeting spot beforehand – the tour operator should provide that very information, to be fair. very important, or so they say. I came rather early. I saw that first light. That very morning breeze.

The yachts themselves could be very, very diverse, ranging from smaller catamarans to quite spacious sailboats. The number of passengers also often really varies. That private yacht description might lead you to thinking it will probably be just you and your party, yet sometimes these cruises group several smaller groups together. The benefit being new people to get to know. Onboard, very often you can usually expect sunbeds for lounging, shaded areas for escaping that intense sun, and, just a little, possibly a bar where you can purchase drinks. Don’t bank on a bottomless cocktail supply being included. Typically, water and maybe a soft drink could very well be complimentary. Very refreshing under those heatwave skies, to be sure. The crew is usually a key, significant element; they will potentially steer the boat, play host, and often act as your guide to get by in this new area you might not know. So, too it’s almost if you find a good crew that truly enjoys people and has a bit of background knowledge to share it would typically enrich your trip quite a bit, in a significant way. Like I said, it can feel if your group isn’t too large. And I felt I really loved that feeling with a drink in my hand.

Sailing to Symi: The Views and the Vibe

The sail to Symi usually takes roughly one to two hours, maybe even possibly a bit longer, very much depending on the sea conditions and that boat. And this is the chance. The Aegean Sea puts on its best show just for you. The water may shimmer in a ton of varying shades of blue, and the coastline, oh, the coastline of Rhodes is just really worth capturing with you. Rhodes receding in your rear is quite worth capturing as well! So, be sure to have that phone ready, and maybe a sunscreen and shades. very critical indeed. So, too it’s almost relaxing time – the gentle sway of the yacht, perhaps the chatting with other people onboard. A little reading, perhaps? some music listening perhaps?

Some cruises add swim stops along the way in picturesque, somewhat secluded bays. When this happens, seize it! The chance to plunge into that pristine water would be a very refreshing one. Towels may or may not very often be provided on the yacht. It’s seemingly a better, better thing to check in advance. As I was swimming that day, the world seemed to stop! Also, always heed your crew’s instructions around swimming locations – they could, or may not, know that region a whole deal best when taking currents and hidden rocks into account. Maybe a little caution is always welcome, as they would say. In this regard, I’m sure most are used to that as it seems.

Exploring Symi: A Picture-Perfect Harbor

Approaching Symi is something else. Yialos, the primary harbor, is crammed with colorful, bright buildings that tier their way up the hillside. It would appear to be taken straight out of a picture postcard. I always seem to gasp every time I see it. Typically, boats dock right in that harbor, allowing for effortless exploration. Often, you’ll be granted around two to three hours on Symi. You are very, very welcome to explore at your own pace. Very possibly losing yourself in this location.

What to do? Meandering is almost part of that Symi charm. Investigate the stores offering natural sponges (Symi is quite famous for those!), local herbs, and other trinkets. Maybe climb those endless steps that would possibly wind through the backstreets for nice views. Or perch yourself at a waterfront cafe for a Greek coffee. I’d just kick back, watching boats come and go and enjoy a drink in that breeze of the place. If you have to know what’s popular in town, seek the Church of Panagia. This place holds the image of the Annunciation. Very beautiful to me! I like to have faith like that.

Lunch on Board: A Taste of Greece

Lunch on cruises differs wildly. On a number of of these tours, it can possibly be served back on that yacht, and that is maybe, possibly part of that cruise package. Mine usually consisted of a buffet. Dishes could contain the expected Greek salad, some grilled meats, rice, roasted potatoes, tzatziki. It’s just typically pretty satisfying after some sea air! Sometimes lunch would seemingly be at a restaurant in Symi as part of that package, and I actually felt, for me, I’d quite want that so you can eat in Symi while taking in this scenic views. Very appealing indeed!

Of course, it usually should cater for different needs, and typically any special dietary needs should be communicated during the moment you would proceed to booking. A lot of folks seemingly are lactose intolerant. Remember to possibly double-check everything upfront! It would certainly mean for a nicer ride, very, very probably. My biggest takeaway – food always tastes so better when eaten on a boat!

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you click “book”, think about what’s key to you so your experience could just become better. Are you somebody that prefers an intimate, quiet type of group or one that is seemingly okay mixing with other people? How exactly is shade coverage for cruises as it really does matters for individuals like me who burn rather easily. The drinks are offered as part of an all package, very, very often I do wonder; for the majority, they typically love enjoying that ice cold Mythos while relaxing. Be keen to also consider how much time you actually may, perhaps, spend on Symi itself. Make sure you have really allocated sufficient time to essentially explore and experience that which might matter to you in a significant way. In fact, the very details do add up!

Sea conditions would likely matter for individuals very much susceptible to seasickness. Basically, a calmer day results from just more fun ride for most. It would just be rather vital to also pack some essentials – very possibly sunscreen (more of it!), swimwear, possibly a hat, a coverup, and basically the camera is always something to bring along. Maybe very comfy shoes should matter, especially that day spent to investigate those possibly cobblestone roads on Symi as it would truly enhance that journey for many more to see.

Finally, confirm that cancellation policy upfront. A lot can happen. Being aware of one’s rights should they change might be a plus as this thing has happened with me before!