The ticket purchasing process for Mavi Transfer's direct Datça – Symi ferry route, starting on June 1, 2026, consists of a few simple but important steps. Since you are entering Greece, having a Schengen visa, a valid passport, and correct reservation timing is crucial.
1. Ticket Sales Channels
You can purchase your Datça – Symi ferry ticket through three different channels:
- Mavi Transfer official website: mavitransfer.com — the most up-to-date schedules and a 15% early booking discount.
- Phone reservation: +90 252 275 02 04 — operator support, preferred for group tickets.
- Datça pier ticket office: Located inside the Datça Marina, opens at least 2 hours before departure. Cash or card payments are accepted.
Important: Do not buy tickets from third-party agencies or brokers; the Mavi Transfer route does not have an official agency. Tickets purchased through agencies may not be refundable in the event of a route change or cancellation.
2. Online Booking Steps
- Date and voyage selection: Select the "Datça – Symi" route on mavitransfer.com, then enter your departure and return dates.
- Enter passenger details: First name, last name (exactly as written on the passport), date of birth, passport number, and nationality are required.
- Luggage and additional services: Select any extra luggage, pets, or transfer services if applicable.
- Payment: Pay via 3D Secure using Visa, MasterCard, Amex, or Troy.
- E-ticket: Once the payment is confirmed, a PDF ticket with a QR code will be sent via email. Simply saving it on your phone is sufficient.
3. What to Have Ready When Buying a Ticket
- A valid Schengen visa (must be valid on the travel date).
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months from the departure date).
- Return ticket (Schengen rule; Greek authorities may request this information for one-way purchases).
- Accommodation reservation document (Symi hotel/Airbnb confirmation email).
- Travel health insurance (already submitted during the Schengen application, but a physical copy is recommended).
4. Departure Day Process
On the day of your voyage, it is recommended to arrive at the Datça Marina at least 90 minutes before departure:
- Check-in: Your QR code is scanned, and passport control is conducted at the Mavi Transfer office.
- Police passport control: You will receive a Turkish exit stamp (mandatory for the Dodecanese group).
- Luggage control: X-ray and manual searches may be conducted.
- Boarding: Boarding begins 30 minutes before departure.
- Arrival in Symi: Greek passport control at Yali port takes approximately 15 minutes.
5. Cancellations, Changes, and Refunds
Mavi Transfer cancellation policy for the 2026 summer season:
- Cancellation 72+ hours before departure → full refund.
- 24–72 hours before → 50% refund or free date change.
- Less than 24 hours → no refund; the ticket can be moved to another date within the season (1 time, 25 € fee).
- No-show (missing the departure) → no refund.
If the voyage is canceled due to adverse weather conditions, Mavi Transfer offers passengers a 100% refund or an alternative voyage.
6. Frequently Asked Questions
How many minutes do border crossing procedures take?
The Turkish exit stamp takes ~10 minutes, and the Greek entry stamp takes ~15 minutes. This can extend up to 30 minutes during busy summer weekends.
Can I get a gate visa if I don't have a Schengen visa?
Symi is not among the 10 islands included in the gate visa program. A valid Schengen visa is mandatory to enter Symi. For details, review our Symi island visa information page.
Is there parking in Datça?
There is a paid open parking lot near the Datça Marina for 100 TL per day. Early reservation is recommended during the summer months; Mavi Transfer's contracted parking lot can be preferred.
What happens if the luggage limit is exceeded?
Each passenger is allowed 1 suitcase (23 kg) + 1 piece of hand luggage (7 kg) free of charge. Excess luggage is charged at 15 € per piece. Luggage is weighed at the pier check-in.