Rhodes Town: Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views

If you’re visiting Rhodes and looking for an activity that combines a bit of sightseeing with a touch of adventure, the Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views might just fit the bill. This experience offers a chance to peek beneath the waves without getting wet, all while taking in the sights of Rhodes’ coastline and historic harbor from a unique perspective. We’ve examined what makes this trip appealing—and where it might fall short—to help you decide if it’s worth your time and money.

Two things we really like about this tour are the quality of the underwater views through large panoramic windows and the friendly, knowledgeable crew. The familiar feeling of watching colorful fish being fed right outside your window is a highlight for many travelers, and the crew’s professionalism adds to the overall comfort. On the flip side, a possible drawback is that the duration is quite short—just 45 minutes—so if you’re craving a more in-depth exploration or long cruise, this might feel a bit rushed. Still, for families, first-time visitors, or those with limited time, it offers a fun, affordable way to get a taste of Rhodes’ maritime charm.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate scenic views, marine life, and straightforward experiences. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, it’s a lighthearted excursion that keeps things simple yet engaging. If you’re after an activity that is easy to fit into your day, offers good value, and adds a memorable underwater dimension to your Rhodes trip, this cruise deserves a spot on your list.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $17, it offers good value for the short, fun experience.
• Underwater Viewing: Large panoramic windows provide excellent views of fish and aquatic life.
• Short & Sweet: The 45-minute duration makes it a quick, manageable outing.
• Expert Crew: Friendly guides and a diver feeding fish bring the experience to life.
• Scenic & Informative: The cruise offers views of Rhodes’ port, Old Town walls, and beaches.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for all ages, with a relaxed pace and captivating sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Rhodes Submarine Cruise

Imagine sitting comfortably in a climate-controlled cabin beneath the water’s surface, gazing out at the vibrant underwater world. That’s exactly what this tour offers. Departing from Mandraki Harbor, the journey begins with a short cruise past some of Rhodes’ most famous sights—the port where ships dock, the historic walls of the Old Town, and Elli Beach.

The vessel’s hull is just 2.5 meters below the surface, ensuring you’re immersed enough to see marine life clearly but always above the waterline for safety and comfort. The large, 360° windows are designed to maximize your viewing potential, whether you’re sitting inside or walking out onto the deck for fresh air.

One of the most engaging moments is when the diver — a highlight mentioned in several reviews — enters the water to feed the fish. This feeding spectacle is a crowd favorite, with loads of multi-colored fish gathering around, creating an almost magical scene. According to travelers, this feeding show makes the experience more memorable; one review noted, “the diver went down to feed the fish, loads of them to see,” and another called it “an unexpected surprise.”

You’ll also enjoy scenic views of Rhodes’ Old Town walls and the harbor from the water, offering a different perspective compared to land-based sightseeing. The cruise includes a brief audio guide in English and German, helping you learn more about the sights and marine environment along the way.

The Itinerary in Detail

While the main focus is the underwater experience, the cruise’s route includes several notable stops and viewpoints:

• Start at Pl. Eleftherias: The activity begins here, making it easy for travelers to find and meet.
• Mandraki Harbor: The cruise kicks off with a short 10-minute ride around this busy port area, giving a preview of Rhodes’ lively maritime life.
• Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes: A 10-minute cruise past this historic landmark offers scenic views and photo opportunities.
• Rhodes Old Town: A quick 5-minute cruise provides stunning perspectives of the ancient walls and narrow streets from the water.
• Marine Life Viewing: The core of the experience, where you’ll spend about 20 minutes enjoying the underwater views, seeing fish feeding, and perhaps spotting some small marine creatures.
• Return to Pl. Eleftherias: The cruise wraps up with the same easy return, completing your 45-minute journey.

This route is designed to maximize sightseeing in a compact time, ensuring you see key sights without long waits or complicated logistics.

The Experience in Practice

Many reviews emphasize the overall value and friendly atmosphere. One traveler described it as “cheap and cheerful,” noting that “loved seeing all the fish,” while others appreciated the good value for money—a sentiment echoed repeatedly. The crew’s professionalism is a recurring theme: they are described as friendly, helpful, and attentive, making the short trip comfortable and enjoyable.

The diver feeding the fish adds a dynamic element that elevates the experience. Several reviews mention that watching the diver go underwater and feed the fish is a real highlight, with some noting that the diver even videoed and shared underwater footage for free. That personal touch is a big plus, especially for families or curious travelers.

Some practical details also stand out: the booking process is straightforward, with options to reserve and pay later, giving flexibility. The meeting point is in Mandraki port, opposite the Bank of Greece, and the trip is wheelchair accessible—important considerations for travelers with mobility needs.

What Might Be Less Appealing?

While the experience scores highly for fun and value, there are a few caveats. The water clarity can vary, which might make it harder to see fish at times, especially if the water is murky. A few reviews mentioned that the windows could be dirtier, slightly hampering the view. Plus, since the cruise is only 45 minutes, it’s more of a quick highlight than an in-depth exploration.

Another consideration is the lack of a diving show during the 6:30 pm cruise, which some might expect. If you’re particularly interested in diving or extended underwater viewing, this might not satisfy that craving.

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Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most?

This cruise is ideal for families with kids, as it’s short, lively, and visually engaging. It also suits first-time visitors wanting a quick, scenic overview of Rhodes from the water. Couples looking for a relaxed, inexpensive activity with memorable underwater sights will also find this appealing. Travelers with limited time or those wanting a fun, informal experience will appreciate the straightforward nature of this trip.

It’s less suitable for those seeking longer, more detailed underwater excursions or intense marine exploration. Nor does it cater to snorkelers or scuba divers wanting extended underwater time. But if you want a light-hearted, affordable way to see Rhodes from the water with some fish feeding entertainment thrown in, this cruise fits the bill.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For the price, this submarine experience offers surprising value. You get a comfortable indoors viewing area, the chance to see diverse marine life fed right before your eyes, and scenic views of Rhodes’ harbor and old town walls—all in under an hour. The friendly guides and diver add a personal touch that many reviews highlight positively.

This tour is best suited for those who value a fun, family-friendly activity that doesn’t break the bank or take up too much time. It’s perfect if you’re after a quick, visually appealing experience that adds a splash of adventure to your Rhodes itinerary.

To sum it up, the Rhodes Town Submarine Cruise is a practical choice that balances good value, engaging sights, and a friendly atmosphere. It may not be an all-day dive adventure, but it’s a charming, accessible way to enjoy Rhodes’ waters and marine life without getting wet.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that it’s family-friendly, with kids enjoying seeing the fish and feeding show.

How long does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, making it a quick but memorable outing.

Do I need to know swimming or diving?
No, you don’t need any swimming skills. The underwater viewing is through large windows inside the submarine.

Are there any age restrictions?
The provided information doesn’t specify age restrictions, but it’s generally suitable for all ages capable of being on a boat.

Can I walk on the deck?
Yes, you can leave the cabin and walk on the deck to enjoy the fresh ocean breeze.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, the activity is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

What sights will I see during the cruise?
Expect views of Rhodes’ port, Old Town walls, Elli Beach, and marine life feeding, along with the underwater fish feeding spectacle.

What’s included in the price?
The price covers the submarine cruise, an audio guide in English and German, and access to a bar onboard.

Are drinks available during the cruise?
Yes, there is a bar onboard where you can purchase drinks, though they are not included in the tour price.

Is there a timeslot I should avoid?
The 6:30 pm cruise doesn’t include a diving show, so if you’re specifically interested in that spectacle, consider booking a different time.

This Rhodes submarine cruise offers a delightful peek into the underwater world and scenic harbor views, all at a very reasonable price. Whether you’re traveling with family, seeking a quick scenic break, or just curious about the marine environment, it’s a simple, enjoyable activity that can inject some fun and color into your day.

You can check availability for your dates here: