Rhodes Town: Yellow Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views

Fish, forts, and a short sea ride.

The Rhodes Yellow Submarine Cruise is a simple, family-friendly way to see the city from the water. I especially like the 22 large underwater windows and the diver’s fish-feeding performance, which gives the short trip a real focal point. The views of Rhodes Old Town from the upper deck are another strong point. The main limitation is that this boat stays close to the harbor, and the lower cabin can feel crowded or rocky.

At $23 per person, the trip makes sense if you want something easy, brief, and different from walking around town. It is not a full coastal cruise or a true submarine ride. Think of it as a glass-bottom boat with an air-conditioned viewing cabin, a lively fish show, and a pleasant look at Rhodes from the sea.

Key points to know before you board

• The boat does not actually submerge: The lower cabin sits below the waterline, with windows looking into the sea.
• The fish show is the main event: A scuba diver feeds and gathers large groups of fish beside the windows.
• You get two very different views: The air-conditioned cabin offers marine life, while the upper deck faces Rhodes Old Town and the coastline.
• Forty-five minutes feels manageable: The trip is long enough for children to enjoy but short enough for a hot afternoon.
• The cabin can rock and feel tight: If you get seasick or dislike enclosed spaces, remain on the upper deck.
• It suits families especially well: Children can see fish close to the glass without needing snorkeling gear or swimming skills.

Finding the Yellow Submarine near Rhodes Courthouse

You meet at the Yellow Submarine desk close to the Rhodes Courthouse. The meeting point is near the harbor, making it convenient if you are already exploring Mandraki Harbour or the Old Town.

The boat ride lasts 45 minutes and includes live commentary in English. The captain explains parts of the city and points out views from the water. That narration adds useful context, since Rhodes looks different when you see its walls and waterfront from offshore instead of from a street or car.

You can reserve ahead and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Check the available starting times when booking, since the schedule can change. The boat is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the lower underwater cabin is reached by stairs, so you may want to confirm which parts of the boat are accessible for your needs.

Give yourself enough time to find the desk and board. A few departures have left later than the advertised time while other passengers came aboard. That delay was not long, but a small child can become impatient while sitting in the heat.

The first ten minutes around Mandraki Harbour

Once aboard, you can choose the upper deck for open views or wait for the underwater cabin portion. The first part of the route takes you around Mandraki Harbour, where the boat begins its short sightseeing loop.

This is a good moment to look back toward Rhodes. From the water, you see the city walls, harbor edge, and Old Town from an angle that walking tours cannot provide. The upper deck also gives you more space and fresh air, which helps if the lower cabin feels too enclosed.

The cruise is not designed to take you far into the Aegean Sea. It remains close to Rhodes Town, so you should set your expectations accordingly. You are getting a compact harbor excursion, not a long coastal voyage with remote beaches or swimming stops.

The short route is also part of the appeal. You can fit it between visits to the Palace of the Grand Master, the Old Town, or a meal near the harbor. On a hot afternoon, the shaded seating and brief schedule make this easier to manage than a longer boat trip.

Seeing the Palace of the Grand Master from the sea

The next part of the route gives you a water-level view toward the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. From land, the palace is an imposing medieval fortress within the Old Town. From the boat, it becomes part of a wider view that includes the defensive walls and the shoreline.

The captain’s commentary helps you connect the waterfront with the city’s past. Do not expect a full historical tour, but the narration adds more than you would get from simply riding a boat with no guide.

I like this portion because it works well as a break from sightseeing on foot. Rhodes Old Town can involve a lot of stone streets and steady walking. A short cruise lets you sit down while still looking at one of the city’s most important sights.

The boat ride near this area lasts about ten minutes. It is scenic rather than detailed, so keep your camera ready instead of waiting for a long stop. The boat continues moving, and the best view may last only a short time.

A five-minute look at Rhodes Old Town

The boat then passes by the Old Town for roughly five minutes. This is one of the most useful parts for anyone who has already walked through the medieval streets, because you get a different sense of the city’s scale.

Look toward the walls and towers, then turn around for a wider view of the harbor. The contrast between the stone fortifications and the bright sea makes this a good place for photos.

The upper deck is the better choice for this section. The underwater windows are the reason to go below later, but they do not help you see the city. If you want the best photographs of the walls, remain outside during the coastal sightseeing portion and move below when the crew organizes the marine-life viewing.

Music may play during the trip, adding a light holiday mood. This is not a quiet historical cruise, so expect a casual, entertaining atmosphere rather than a formal lecture.

Twenty minutes beneath the waterline

The final section lasts about 20 minutes and focuses on marine life. You go down to the air-conditioned cabin, where 22 large observatory windows look into the water.

The boat does not sink or travel underwater. It is best understood as a glass-bottom boat with a lower viewing room. That distinction matters if you are expecting a submarine ride. Still, the windows give you a direct look into the shallow water, and the cabin creates the feeling of sitting beside a large aquarium.

The crew may split the group into two sections so people can get a seat at the windows. This helps, especially when the boat is full. Some passengers have found the lower cabin cramped, and it may be hard to turn around or see both sides at once. If you want a particular window, listen to the crew’s instructions and move promptly when your group is called.

The water can be choppy beneath the boat. Several passengers have noticed side-to-side movement, and anyone prone to seasickness should take this seriously. You can remain on the upper deck if necessary, where you still have harbor views and shaded seating.

The cabin is air-conditioned, which is welcome in Rhodes during the hotter months. The cool space gives you a break from the sun, although the small room and rocking motion may cancel out some of that comfort for people who dislike enclosed spaces.

The diver show and hundreds of fish

The diver’s performance is the most memorable part of the trip. A scuba diver enters the water and feeds fish beside the windows, drawing them close to the boat. The fish gather in large numbers, sometimes making the windows feel like the side of a busy aquarium.

The performance is designed for easy viewing. The diver interacts with the fish, moves around the windows, and puts on a playful show for children and adults. Families often find this more engaging than simply looking down at passing fish.

The fish may not appear evenly at every window, and the view can depend on where you sit. If you cannot see well from one side, the diver may not be visible from every angle. One practical criticism is that passengers in a crowded cabin may have trouble turning around as the action moves.

Still, the diver gives the underwater portion a clear purpose. Without the performance, you would mainly be watching whatever marine life happened to pass by. With it, the fish are brought close enough for a more reliable look.

The crew waits so everyone can see the show, rather than treating it as a quick moment for only one side of the boat. That is helpful when children are aboard, since the performance gives them something to anticipate and watch.

What the cruise is really worth at $23

At the stated price of $23 per person, this is good value if you want a short activity with several elements packed together. You get a cruise, city views, live English commentary, an air-conditioned underwater cabin, and a fish-feeding performance.

The value is strongest for families. A longer boat trip can become tiring, especially with young children. Here, the 45-minute length gives you enough time on the water without committing half a day. Children as young as three have enjoyed the fish show, and even a baby can come along, provided you are comfortable managing the stairs and movement around the boat.

It also works for couples and adults who want something light. One evening departure created a particularly appealing setting for watching the sunset, although timing and weather will determine what you see. If you can choose an evening sailing, the changing light may make the city views more attractive.

The price has varied in the past, with some bookings costing around 7 euros per person. Use the current price shown when you book as your guide. At either a low local fare or the stated $23 rate, I would consider it worthwhile for families and first-time visitors who want an easy activity. If you are seeking a long open-sea cruise, the value is weaker because the boat stays close to Rhodes Town.

Who will enjoy it, and who may want to skip it

I would choose this cruise for:

• Families with young children
• Anyone wanting a short break from walking
• Visitors interested in seeing Rhodes Old Town from the water
• People who enjoy simple marine-life viewing
• Couples looking for a relaxed harbor activity
• Visitors with only a short window before another tour or meal

I would think twice if you have strong claustrophobia, serious seasickness, or a firm expectation of a real submarine. The lower cabin can feel crowded and can move with the water. You can stay above deck, but then you will miss the main underwater viewing section.

This is also not the right choice if you want to reach a remote bay, swim, snorkel, or spend several hours offshore. The boat remains near the harbor and coastline. Its strength is convenience, not distance.

Practical tips for a smoother ride

Arrive at the Yellow Submarine desk near Rhodes Courthouse with enough time to board. If you are coming from another part of Rhodes, keep a little flexibility in your schedule because boarding can take longer than expected.

For the best overall visit, start on the upper deck during the harbor and Old Town views. Take photographs of the city walls and coastline, then go below for the underwater section when the crew directs you.

If you are sensitive to motion, sit where you can keep your eyes on the windows and consider skipping the lower cabin. The upper deck offers shade and a more comfortable view for anyone who feels unwell.

Bring a phone or camera, but protect it carefully around the boat. The cruise provides plenty of photo opportunities, including the city walls, fish, diver, and coastline. A souvenir photograph and magnet may also be available for purchase, and some departures have included a complimentary picture or magnet as a pleasant extra.

English is the language listed for the live guide. If you need commentary in another language, this may not be the best fit.

Should you book the Rhodes Yellow Submarine Cruise?

Book it if you want a low-cost, easy 45-minute activity with a strong family appeal. The fish gathering around the diver is the reason to choose this boat, while the views of Rhodes from the upper deck give you a second worthwhile feature.

Skip it if you want a true submarine, a long coastal cruise, or a quiet trip far from the harbor. The lower cabin can be tight and rocky, and the route is short.

For most families, first-time visitors, and anyone needing a break from the Old Town streets, I think it earns its place in a Rhodes itinerary. Just treat it as a glass-bottom harbor cruise with a fun underwater performance, not a vessel that actually travels beneath the sea.

FAQ

How long does the Yellow Submarine Cruise last?

The cruise lasts 45 minutes.

Where do you meet for the cruise?

You meet at the Yellow Submarine desk close to the Rhodes Courthouse.

Does the boat actually submerge?

No. The boat has a lower, air-conditioned cabin with large underwater windows, but it does not go underwater like a true submarine.

What can you see from the lower cabin?

You can look through 22 large observatory windows and watch marine life in the Aegean Sea.

Is there a diver performance?

Yes. A scuba diver feeds and interacts with fish beside the underwater windows.

Is the cruise suitable for children?

Yes. The short duration, fish viewing, and diver performance make it especially suitable for families with young children.

What language is the live commentary in?

The live commentary and tour guide service are in English.

Can you cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, subject to the booking terms.