Rhodes Town: Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views

The most memorable part of this Rhodes cruise is not the boat ride itself, but the moment a diver appears outside the underwater cabin and feeds a cloud of colorful fish beside the windows. You get a close look at the seabed from a hull set about 2.5 meters below the surface, then return to deck level for clear views of Rhodes Town.

I like the mix of harbor sightseeing and marine life, since you see the Old Town walls, Mandraki Harbor, and the site linked with the Colossus of Rhodes without giving up much of your day. I also like the price: at $23, this is an easy family activity rather than a major excursion. The main drawback is space. The lower cabin can feel warm or crowded, the commentary may be hard to hear, and underwater visibility depends on the water.

Key points to know before you board

• The boat stays above sea level: Only the viewing hull sits underwater, about 2.5 meters down.
• The diver-feeding show is the main event: A diver feeds fish directly outside the large cabin windows.
• You see Rhodes from several angles: The route passes Mandraki Harbor, Elli Beach, the Tourist Harbor, the Old Town walls, and the area associated with the Colossus.
• It lasts 45 minutes: That makes it easy to fit between sightseeing, lunch, or a beach visit.
• The lower cabin can fill quickly: Go early if sitting below is important to you, especially with children.
• The 18:30 departure skips the diving show: Choose another time if the fish-feeding is your reason for booking.

What the Poseidon Submarine really is

The name can make this sound like a traditional submarine expedition. It is better to picture a sightseeing boat with an underwater viewing cabin. The vessel remains on the surface, while the lower section, with its broad windows, sits 2.5 meters beneath the water.

That distinction matters. You are not traveling through the open sea in a fully submerged craft. You are sitting in an air-conditioned cabin and watching the seabed, fish, and diver pass close to the glass. If you want the sensation of a real submarine, this may feel modest. If you want a simple way to see marine life without snorkeling, it works well.

The boat also has an open deck. I would use both areas rather than spending the entire trip downstairs. The cabin gives you the fish-viewing experience, while the deck gives you fresh air and better views of Rhodes Town.

Meeting the boat at Mandraki Harbor

The meeting point is Pl. Eleftherias, at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece building. This is a convenient central location, close to the main sights of Rhodes Town rather than out at a distant marina.

Allow enough time to find the Poseidon Submarine and board without rushing. One useful detail from the experience is that arriving early can help with seating, since the lower cabin is the part most people want to use. The boat may be less crowded on some departures, but you should not count on having a full row to yourself during the busy summer period.

The crew handles the boarding and speaks English. The activity is also described as wheelchair accessible, which is helpful for visitors checking practical access before booking. Since the boat includes a bar, you can buy drinks onboard, but personal expenses and drinks are not included in the $23 price.

The first 10 minutes: Mandraki Harbor from the water

The boat begins with a short cruise around Mandraki Harbor. This gives you a different view of Rhodes than you get from the quayside, especially if you have already walked around the port.

Mandraki is tied to the story of the Colossus of Rhodes, the enormous ancient statue traditionally associated with the harbor entrance. The modern boat does not take you to an underwater archaeological site or to a surviving part of the statue. Instead, you see the harbor area connected with one of the ancient world’s most famous monuments.

The audio commentary adds some local history during this part of the ride. It covers sights around Rhodes, including the deer symbols, the Knights, the harbor, and the town’s old defenses. The audio guide is available in English and German, while the live tour language is English.

The sound system is one area where expectations should stay modest. Depending on where you sit, music and general noise can make the recorded explanation difficult to hear. I would treat the commentary as a useful extra, not the main reason to take the cruise.

Ten minutes beside the Palace of the Grand Master

The route continues past the area of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. You are viewing the palace and the medieval town from the sea, not going ashore for a palace tour.

That makes this section especially useful if you want a quick orientation before exploring the Old Town on foot. From the water, the fortified walls and stone buildings read as one strong defensive line. The view is also a pleasant change from walking through the narrow streets, where it can be hard to grasp the scale of the medieval fortifications.

You will not get the same detail you would from a land tour. The boat keeps moving, and the audio may be difficult to follow in places. Bring your camera, though, because this is one of the better angles for photographing Rhodes Town and its walls.

Five minutes past the Old Town

The boat then passes the Old Town of Rhodes, with views toward the walls and harbor side of the medieval city. This is a scenic section rather than a formal stop.

I like this part because it puts the Old Town in context. On land, you see gates, alleys, churches, shops, and courtyards one piece at a time. From the boat, you see how the fortified city meets the water and how the port relates to the historic center.

You may also see the area around Elli Beach and the Tourist Harbor during the broader route. The deck is the best place for these views, particularly if you want a clear photo without reflections from the underwater windows.

The final 20 minutes: fish, seabed, and the diver

The marine-life section takes about 20 minutes and is the reason most people choose this experience. The crew positions the boat so you can look through the cabin windows at the seabed. A diver then enters the water and feeds fish near the glass.

This is a simple show, but it works. The diver’s movement gives the fish a reason to gather in one place, making them much easier to see than fish scattered across a wide stretch of water. Families often find this the most exciting part, and children can follow the action without needing swimming skills or special equipment.

The windows provide a panoramic view, described as 360 degrees, though your actual view depends on where you sit and how crowded the cabin is. Clean glass makes a big difference. On some departures, the windows may have salt or cloudiness, and the water itself can be less clear. You might see a large group of fish, grass, rocks, and the seabed, but you should not expect a full reef safari or a long list of different species.

Some people hope for larger marine animals. That is not what this $23 cruise provides. The attraction is a close look at smaller fish gathering around the diver. You may also see an octopus, but that is not guaranteed and should be treated as a lucky extra.

One useful improvement would be clearer identification of the fish. The experience lets you see them, but it does not necessarily tell you which species are passing the window. If you are interested in marine biology, bring your own curiosity rather than expecting a detailed naturalist talk.

Finding the best place to sit

There are two different ways to enjoy the boat, and neither is perfect for the entire 45 minutes.

The lower cabin gives you the underwater view. It is air-conditioned, but it can still feel warm and sticky when many people move downstairs at once. Some passengers find they are comfortable below for only five to ten minutes before wanting fresh air.

The open deck gives you the breeze and the best views of Rhodes Town. It is also the better choice for photography during the harbor portion, since you avoid window reflections. The catch is that you may need to give up your place downstairs if you move around.

If I were choosing for a family, I would spend the first sightseeing section on deck, then move below when the fish-feeding begins. Arrive early if you want to improve your chance of finding a seat downstairs. Staff have helped organize seating when people spread out across too many seats, but it is kinder and easier for everyone if you keep your space reasonable from the start.

Is $23 good value for 45 minutes?

For Rhodes, $23 is a fair price for a short activity that combines a harbor cruise, town views, and a fish-feeding display. It is not a substitute for snorkeling, a full boat day, or a serious marine-life trip. It is a compact experience with a clear limit.

The value is strongest when you have a spare hour near Mandraki Harbor. You can take the boat and still have most of the day for the Palace of the Grand Master, the Old Town, the beach, or a meal. The short length also suits children who lose patience on longer cruises.

The cost is less appealing if your main goal is to see many types of sea life. The underwater viewing focuses on one area, and the fish may gather around the diver rather than appearing in a broad natural habitat. Water clarity can change, too.

Still, the price protects the experience from feeling like a costly mistake. You get an unusual view of Rhodes and a memorable feeding show without committing half a day or paying for a full excursion.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend the cruise to families with children, first-time visitors who want a quick introduction to the harbor, couples looking for a relaxed activity, and anyone with an hour to fill near the Old Town.

It also works for people who do not want to swim or snorkel. You can see the fish from a dry cabin, and the boat has a deck for anyone who would rather enjoy the breeze and scenery.

The cruise is less suitable for a serious wildlife enthusiast expecting many species, large animals, or detailed explanations. It is also not ideal if you dislike crowded seating or warm enclosed spaces. In that case, plan to spend only part of the trip in the lower cabin.

A current rating of 4.4 from 1,014 ratings reflects the activity’s main strength: it usually delivers what the price promises. The most praised features are the friendly crew, the fish-feeding show, the Old Town views, and the family-friendly length. The recurring weak points are the low audio volume, cabin crowding, dirty windows on some departures, and limited marine variety.

Booking details worth keeping in mind

The cruise lasts 45 minutes and returns to Pl. Eleftherias. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

The 18:30 cruise does not include the diving show. Check the departure time carefully if watching the diver feed the fish is important to you.

The tour includes the submarine cruise, the audio guide, and access to the onboard bar. Drinks and personal expenses cost extra. English is used for the live tour, with audio information in English and German.

Should you book the Rhodes submarine cruise?

Book it if you want a low-cost, family-friendly hour near Mandraki Harbor and like the idea of seeing Rhodes from the sea before watching a diver feed fish beside the cabin windows. The mix of scenery and marine life gives the short trip more variety than a basic harbor ride.

Skip it if you want a serious wildlife trip, guaranteed clear water, or a quiet cabin with plenty of room. For most people, though, the price, central location, and 45-minute length make it an easy addition to a day in Rhodes. Choose a departure before 18:30, arrive early, and treat the underwater show as a fun close-up encounter rather than a full sea safari.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes submarine cruise depart from?

It departs from Mandraki Port at Pl. Eleftherias, opposite the Bank of Greece building, on the Poseidon Submarine.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 45 minutes and returns to Pl. Eleftherias at Mandraki Harbor.

How far underwater does the viewing cabin go?

The underwater observatory section of the vessel sits about 2.5 meters below the surface. The boat itself remains above sea level.

Will I see a diver feeding the fish?

Yes, the cruise includes a diver-feeding show on eligible departures. The 18:30 cruise does not include the diving show.

What sights can I see from the boat?

The route includes views of Mandraki Harbor, the area associated with the Colossus of Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master, the Old Town walls, Elli Beach, and the Tourist Harbor.

Is the boat air-conditioned?

The underwater viewing cabin is air-conditioned. The open deck is available if you prefer fresh air and views from above the water.

Is an audio guide included?

Yes. The activity includes an audio guide in English and German. The live tour language is English.

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the activity is described as wheelchair accessible.