Rhodes Town: Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views

See Rhodes from below.

This 45-minute cruise gives you two pleasant views of the city: the harbor and Old Town from the water, then the Aegean seabed through the submarine’s broad underwater windows. I especially like the diver feeding colorful fish directly outside the cabin and the chance to step onto the deck for fresh air and photographs. The $23 price also makes this an easy family activity that leaves most of your day free. The main caution is that the lower cabin can feel crowded or warm, and the recorded commentary may be difficult to hear.

You meet Poseidon Submarine at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece, in central Rhodes. The boat never goes fully underwater. Its hull and viewing cabin sit about 2.5 meters below the surface, while the vessel remains above the water. That makes this a gentle choice for children, cautious swimmers, and anyone who wants sea views without getting wet.

Key points before you board

• The underwater cabin sits 2.5 meters below sea level: You stay dry in air-conditioned seating while looking through large windows at the seabed.
• The fish-feeding show is the main event: A diver appears outside the windows and feeds a large group of fish close to the boat.
• Mandraki Harbor is an excellent starting point: You can see the harbor, Elli Beach, the Tourist Harbor, Old Town walls, and the site associated with the Colossus of Rhodes.
• The trip lasts 45 minutes: It is long enough for a real outing but short enough for younger children and busy sightseeing days.
• The 18:30 departure skips the diving show: Choose another time if the underwater feeding is your main reason for booking.
• The cabin can be busy: Arrive early, especially if you want a downstairs seat for the fish viewing.

What the Poseidon Submarine experience is really like

This is not a conventional submarine expedition, and it is not a scuba excursion. Think of it as a short harbor cruise with an underwater viewing room attached to the lower part of the boat.

That distinction matters. You will not travel far from Rhodes, encounter open-sea wildlife on a large scale, or explore coral reefs. The reward is simpler: you get a close look at fish gathered near the harbor, plus a useful view of Rhodes from the water.

The vessel has an air-conditioned lower cabin with large windows arranged to give a wide view around you. You can also go upstairs to the open deck, where the breeze and city views become the main attraction. The arrangement lets you switch between the two settings instead of being stuck below for the whole ride.

I would describe the tone as cheerful and uncomplicated. It is designed for families, couples, solo visitors, and anyone with a spare hour in Rhodes Town. Children tend to get the most from the fish-feeding show, while adults may be more interested in seeing the medieval walls and harbor from a different angle.

Starting at Mandraki Harbor

The meeting point is at Pl. Eleftherias, at Mandraki Port, opposite the Bank of Greece. This is a central location, close to the main sights of Rhodes Town, so you can fit the cruise around a morning walk through the Old Town or an afternoon at the beach.

Try to arrive with enough time to find the boat and settle in. Early arrival can help if you want a seat downstairs, since the lower cabin is the place to be during the fish-feeding section. One family found the seating situation difficult when passengers held several places, although the crew stepped in and reorganized the cabin. That tells you something useful: the staff appear willing to help, but the boat may not feel spacious at its busiest.

The onboard bar is available, but drinks are not included. Bring your booking details and keep personal spending separate from the ticket price.

First 10 minutes: Mandraki Harbor from the water

The opening part of the cruise takes you around Mandraki Harbor. From the water, the harbor gives you a fresh angle on Rhodes Town, with its breakwater, working port activity, and nearby waterfront sights.

The cruise is especially useful early in a holiday because it helps you get your bearings. You can see where the harbor connects with the town and understand the relationship between the port, the Old Town, Elli Beach, and the Tourist Harbor.

The view is the point here, not a long historical lecture. Recorded information is provided in English and German, with English-speaking assistance available. Some people found the commentary too quiet, particularly when music was playing, so treat the narration as a bonus rather than the main reason to book.

Keep your camera ready on deck. The water-level view of Rhodes is different from what you get while walking through narrow streets or looking down from the Old Town walls.

The Colossus site and the Palace of the Grand Master

The boat continues past the area traditionally associated with the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the ancient world’s famous wonders. The statue itself no longer exists, of course, but seeing the harbor entrance from the sea helps you picture why this was such an important maritime city.

The cruise also offers views toward the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes and the medieval fortifications. You will not go ashore at the palace, so do not treat this as a replacement for a proper Old Town visit. Instead, it works as a visual introduction, showing how the fortifications meet the sea.

The walls are particularly impressive from this angle. From land, you notice their scale and thickness. From the water, you see their defensive position and how tightly the old city is enclosed. The short boat ride does not provide an in-depth history lesson, but it adds useful context to your later walk through Rhodes.

Old Town and the harbor walls

As the cruise passes the Old Town, look back toward the stone walls and towers. The boat’s position gives you a broad view that is difficult to find on foot, especially if you are visiting in the warmer part of the day and welcome a little breeze.

This section lasts only a few minutes, so you will want to watch rather than expect a detailed stop. The town’s medieval character reads well from the water: heavy walls, towers, harbor entrances, and the line where the historic city meets modern Rhodes.

The view is one of the strongest parts of the cruise for adults. Several people praised the sight of the Old Town from the sea, and I can see why. It costs little extra compared with a standard harbor outing, yet it gives you a perspective that walking alone cannot provide.

The 20-minute underwater viewing section

The final and most memorable part is the marine-life viewing. The boat pauses so you can look through the underwater windows at fish, rocks, sea grass, and the seabed.

The captain or crew member sends a diver into the water and feeds the fish near the viewing cabin. This brings the animals close to the glass and makes them easier to see than they might be during an ordinary boat ride. The show is simple, but it gives children something clear to watch and gives adults a few good photo opportunities.

You may see a large group of fish gathered in one area rather than a wide range of marine species. Some people expected more variety and saw mainly the same type of fish. Water clarity can also change, and cloudy conditions or dirty windows may reduce the view.

That is the fair way to set expectations. This is not an aquarium and not a natural-history tour. It is a short, close-range look at marine life near Rhodes Harbor, made more entertaining by the diver’s feeding routine.

The diver may also interact with the boat and passengers. One earlier outing included underwater photos of the people onboard, later shared through the operator’s Facebook page. Do not assume this will happen on every departure, but it shows the playful nature of the presentation.

If you want the best chance of seeing the fish, go downstairs when the crew announces the underwater section. The cabin may become crowded, particularly in summer. If you prefer space, stay on deck and take in the coastal view, then head below when room opens up.

Why the 45-minute length works well

A longer boat cruise can sound appealing until you are sitting in the same seat with children who have run out of patience. This outing avoids that problem. Forty-five minutes gives you time for the harbor views, the historical sights, the underwater pause, and the diver show without taking over your day.

I would particularly recommend it for families with children around primary-school age and older. Younger children can enjoy the fish and the movement of the boat, while older children may appreciate the unusual idea of looking out from below the surface.

It also fits neatly between other plans. You can take the cruise before exploring the Old Town, after lunch, or during a gap before an evening meal. The short duration is one of the strongest reasons to choose it over a longer excursion.

Comfort, seating, and the open deck

The lower cabin is air-conditioned, but conditions may vary when it is full. A summer departure can feel warm and sticky below, and one person found it uncomfortable after only five or ten minutes. Crowding is another possible issue when many passengers go downstairs at once.

The open deck solves part of that problem. You get the sea breeze, better space for broad photographs, and a clear view of Rhodes. If you are prone to feeling enclosed, plan to divide your time rather than staying below continuously.

The windows are central to the experience, so their condition matters. Most of the time, the underwater view appears to be clear enough to see fish and the seabed, but some passengers found the glass dirty. That is a limitation worth accepting at this price, but it can affect your expectations on the day.

The crew receives frequent praise for being friendly and helpful. They assist with seating and create a relaxed atmosphere, which is important on a compact boat. The experience is not formal, and you will not need specialist equipment or swimming ability.

Audio guide and onboard bar

The cruise includes audio information in English and German, while the activity details also identify English-speaking staff and a live guide. The commentary covers Rhodes and its sights as the boat moves around the harbor.

Sound quality seems to be the weak point. Music can compete with the narration, and some passengers could not hear much of the history. If learning about Rhodes is your top priority, use the cruise as a visual supplement and plan a separate walking tour or museum visit.

The bar onboard is handy for purchasing a drink, though beverages are not part of the ticket. With a listed price of $23 per person, the activity remains inexpensive even if you choose to buy something extra.

Is $23 good value?

Yes, provided you want a light sightseeing activity rather than an extensive marine excursion.

For $23, you receive a harbor cruise, views of major Rhodes sights from the water, access to the underwater viewing cabin, and the fish-feeding presentation. You also get a chance to step onto the deck and enjoy the sea air. That is a reasonable package for 45 minutes, especially in a city where many paid activities cost far more.

The value is strongest for families. A child can watch the diver and fish, adults can enjoy the harbor views, and nobody loses half a day. Couples and solo visitors who want a quick change of pace will also find it worthwhile.

The value is weaker if you expect a broad survey of Aegean wildlife. You may see plenty of fish, but the underwater section focuses on one nearby habitat, and the species range may be limited. The attraction is the combination of city views and a close fish-feeding show, not a serious study of the sea.

The overall rating of 4.4 from more than 1,000 ratings fits that balance: the experience is widely enjoyed, but it has clear limits involving crowding, sound, water clarity, and marine variety.

The best time to book

Avoid the 18:30 departure if the diver show is your priority. That sailing does not include the diving presentation, so choose an earlier departure for the full experience.

Morning or afternoon timing can also help with comfort, although the supplied information does not promise a particular level of crowding at any departure. In high season, arrive early and head downstairs promptly if you want a good viewing position.

Late-day light may be pleasant from the deck, but the missing fish-feeding show is a major tradeoff. For most first-time visitors, the diver is the part that makes this more than an ordinary harbor cruise.

Who should book this cruise?

I would choose it for:

• Families wanting a short activity with a clear payoff for children
• Couples seeking a relaxed view of Rhodes from the sea
• Solo visitors with a spare hour near Mandraki Port
• People who enjoy boats but do not want to swim or snorkel
• Anyone looking for an affordable break between Old Town sightseeing stops
• Visitors who want photographs of Rhodes from an unusual angle

I would think twice if you want a long open-water journey, extensive marine variety, or detailed historical commentary. The lower cabin may also be uncomfortable for anyone sensitive to heat, tight seating, or poor ventilation when the boat is full.

Wheelchair accessibility is listed, which makes the cruise available to a wider range of visitors. For specific access needs, confirm the practical boarding arrangements before booking.

Should you book the Rhodes submarine cruise?

Book it if you want a short, affordable, family-friendly outing that combines Rhodes harbor views with a fun underwater show. The fish-feeding presentation, friendly crew, and views of the Old Town from the sea are the strongest reasons to go.

Do not book it expecting a full submarine voyage or a large variety of marine creatures. Choose a departure before 18:30, arrive early for downstairs seating, and keep the audio guide in perspective. With those expectations, Poseidon Submarine offers a pleasant 45 minutes and good value for $23.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes submarine cruise depart?

It departs from Mandraki Port at Pl. Eleftherias, opposite the Bank of Greece.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts 45 minutes.

Does the boat go completely underwater?

No. The vessel remains above sea level, while its underwater viewing hull sits about 2.5 meters below the surface.

What can I see from the boat?

You can see Mandraki Harbor, the area associated with the Colossus of Rhodes, Elli Beach, the Tourist Harbor, the Old Town walls, and views toward the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.

Is there a fish-feeding show?

Yes. A diver enters the water and feeds fish near the underwater viewing windows. The 18:30 cruise does not include this show.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. The short duration, underwater windows, and fish-feeding presentation make it suitable for children and families.

Are drinks included?

No. The boat has a bar, but drinks and personal expenses are not included in the ticket price.

Is the submarine cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. Check the boarding details in advance if you have specific access requirements.