Rhodes: Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Submarine Tour

Rhodes is one of those places where you can see a whole layered story in a single afternoon, and this combo tour is a smart way to do it. You start above sea level on a hop-on hop-off bus to orient yourself around Rhodes City and Old Town, then switch gears to the Poseidon Submarine from Mandraki Harbor for a calm underwater viewing experience.

My favorite part is how the day blends “look at the sights” with “see what’s under the water,” plus the fact that the submarine has audio and even includes free underwater photos. One thing to consider: you are on a schedule, and the bus runs about hourly, so if you want long photo stops you may wait for the next ride.

Key things to know before you go

• Mandraki Harbor starting point: Expect a crowded dock area, so give yourself a few extra minutes to find the correct kiosk for the submarine.
• Old Town from deck, not just from windows: You can step out onto the submarine deck for views over the sea and the Old Town walls.
• Underwater observatory depth: The underwater viewing area sits about 2.5 meters below the surface while the vessel stays above water.
• Audio guides are included, but test them early: Headset or radio issues can happen, so check your audio right away and adjust if needed.
• Diver feeding the fish: Clear water makes this part especially fun, and it often becomes the highlight for kids and adults.
• Free underwater photos: You get photos taken during the underwater portion, so you do not need to bring your own setup for every shot.

Rhodes Bus + Poseidon Submarine: What This Experience Really Feels Like

This is not a “sit and watch” tour. It’s a split-day rhythm, even though it lasts one day: first, you ride the hop-on hop-off loop to get your bearings around the main sights of Rhodes Town. Then you head to the harbor for the submarine segment, where the emphasis shifts to underwater viewing.

The practical win here is flexibility. With a hop-on hop-off route, you decide how many stops you want to “collect” in a single day, rather than getting marched through everything. And with the submarine, you get the novelty of seeing marine life without the commitment of a swim or a wetsuit.

If you’re visiting Rhodes City for the first time, I like that the tour helps you connect landmarks you will want to revisit later on foot. If you already know the Old Town well, you can still use the bus for views from higher points and then focus your energy on the submarine.

Starting at Mandraki Harbor: How to Find the Submarine in a Busy Port

The Poseidon Submarine departs from Mandraki Harbor, right in the center of Rhodes Island. This sounds simple, but the port area is busy, and it can be unclear at a glance which boat is tied to the hop-on hop-off combo.

My suggestion is straightforward: arrive early, look for the specific kiosk or check-in point for your ticket type, and ask staff on the spot if you are unsure. Give yourself enough time to avoid rushing during the one part of the day where you do not want stress.

Once you’re situated, the submarine experience is pleasantly low-pressure. The vessel stays above sea level, and the underwater observatory window is below the hull. That means you can feel like you are part of the action without the motion or wet experience some tours are known for.

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Loop: How to Use It Without Losing Time

The bus gives you 12 stations around Rhodes City. You can start at Mandraki Harbor or at any of the bus stops, so the plan can fit your day, whether you’re staying near the center or farther out.

Here’s the key practical detail: the buses run about hourly. That does not sound like much, but it affects your strategy. If you plan to get off for photos, a quick look, and a short walk, you’re fine. If you want a long linger at multiple stops, you might end up waiting around more than you expected.

For that reason, I recommend picking your “priority stops” and building in buffer time. Do the things that help you understand Rhodes City and Old Town first, then use your remaining time for anything that catches your eye.

Bus Stops That Matter Most in Rhodes City (and What to Look For)

The route is built around major points of interest, so you can treat it like a sightseeing backbone. Here’s how I would think about the stops, and what you’ll likely enjoy at each.

Acropolis Of Rhodes – Monte Smith

This is a high-point stop, which is where the best “Rhodes Town spread out below me” moments usually happen. Expect views and orientation. If you like photo angles and want a sense of geography, this is one of your top choices.

Practical note: from higher ground, it’s easier to understand how Rhodes City wraps around the harbor area. That makes the Old Town segment feel clearer when you get there later.

San Francisco

This stop functions as a waypoint for your loop around the city. Since it’s on the route list, it can be handy if you’re trying to move between areas without walking long distances.

If you’re short on time, prioritize the stops that directly connect you to Old Town and waterfront views first.

New Marina

A waterfront stop is always useful. You get a different angle on the harbor, and it helps you reframe Rhodes City from the water side.

This is also a good “reset stop” if your day feels crowded with walking. Even if you don’t hop off, passing through the marina zone is a nice change of scenery.

Tourist Harbor

This is another maritime-focused station, and it pairs naturally with the submarine day. You’ll see the harbor environment before you head to the submarine, so the Mandraki Harbor experience feels less like a surprise later.

Old Town Of Rhodes

If Old Town is on your list, don’t skip it. This is the moment where Rhodes feels most like the classic postcard version, and it’s the hub you’ll likely want to explore on foot after your bus ride.

Even if you keep your time here tight, getting off for a walk and a few photos helps you connect the bus commentary to real streets and stone.

Rhodes City Center, Town Hall

These central stops are about convenience and perspective. You’re near the middle of the action, so you can use the bus to hop around without committing to long walks.

If you’re planning meals or want to reorient yourself for later, these stops are practical anchor points.

Psaropoula Square – Diagoras Statue

A landmark stop is helpful when you’re trying to navigate later. Even a brief stop can give you a reference point, especially if you plan to return to the city center at different times.

Aquarium

If you want a family-friendly add-on or a backup indoor activity, this is the stop you’d use. It’s also the kind of place that pairs well with the submarine theme.

One helpful mindset here: the submarine is about underwater viewing, and the aquarium stop is a natural “same interest, different format” option.

Rhodes Horizon (Kato Petres) and Grand Hotel – West beachside

These stops feel more spread out, and they can work well if you want seaside views and less tight city pacing. If your main goal is Old Town, these are optional.

I like these when the weather is calm and you want a more relaxed break from the densest parts of Rhodes City.

Poseidon Submarine: What You Actually See Under the Water

This is where the tour earns its keep. The Poseidon Submarine is designed to be safe and pleasant for adults and children. You stay comfortable because the vessel remains above sea level, while the underwater observatory portion is around 2.5 meters below the surface.

You look through your own personal viewing window. That matters. It means you can control how long you focus on marine life, rather than relying on a crowded group perspective.

Then there’s the part that people often talk about for good reason: a crew member scuba diving and feeding the fish. Clear water helps a lot here, and you can end up seeing more movement in the water when the fish gather around the feeding.

Deck time: Old Town views without leaving the boat

You can leave the cabin and walk on the deck at any time. That’s a big deal, because it turns the experience into a mix of above-water and below-water moments.

From the deck, you can enjoy views of the Old Town walls, windmills, and the calm surrounding sea. So even if the underwater viewing is slower than you expect, you still get great scenic moments.

The souvenir angle: free underwater photos

The tour includes free underwater photos taken by the diver. It’s a nice bonus because you do not have to time your own camera shots while you’re watching marine life through the windows.

Audio Guides, Headsets, and the Real-Life Soundtrack

Audio guides are included on both parts of the experience.

• Bus audio guide: 9 languages, and it’s meant to connect the stops into a coherent story across 12 bus stations.
• Submarine audio guide: English.

That said, real life happens. Some headsets or radio connections can be spotty. My best practical advice is to check the audio as soon as you sit down. If your audio feels silent or unclear, switch seats if you can, or ask staff for help.

Also, if music is playing during the submarine portion, you might want to keep an eye on volume. The goal is to hear the guide and still enjoy the moment of watching fish and the diver.

Price and Value: Is $41 Fair for This Rhodes Combo?

At about $41 per person for a one-day package, you’re paying for two types of transportation and two different experiences: a city overview bus ride plus a submarine cruise with inclusions.

Here’s why I think it can be good value:

• You get a structured way to see major Rhodes City highlights without having to plan a full route yourself.
• The submarine portion is the main novelty. Clear underwater visibility plus a diver feeding fish is the kind of experience that’s hard to replicate on your own.
• Included items like free WiFi onboard and free underwater photos reduce extra costs.

Is it always a perfect match? Not if you expect a full-length deep underwater program. The observatory is real, but you’re not living on the ocean floor for hours. If you treat it as a scenic, family-friendly underwater peek, you’ll probably feel satisfied.

Best for Who: Who Will Enjoy This Most

This combo works especially well if:

• You want a first-pass orientation around Rhodes City and Old Town in a single day.
• You’re traveling with kids, since the submarine is built for all ages and is not a “hard adventure” style activity.
• You like seeing wildlife, and you are happy with an underwater viewing experience that is window-based.

It may be less ideal if:

• You have your heart set on long, stop-heavy exploration of Old Town by foot, because the bus schedule can mean waits.
• You are extremely sensitive to audio quality. The experience includes audio guides, but audio problems can occur at times.

Tips to Make Your Day Smoother (Without Overthinking It)

A little planning makes this tour feel effortless.

First, do one or two bus stops that give you the biggest payoff, then use the hop-on hop-off freedom for quick visits. Think “photo and orientation stops,” not “I’ll do every stop and linger for hours.”

Second, check your bus audio right away. If it’s not working, adjust early while you still have time to enjoy the narration between stops.

Third, for the submarine, arrive early at Mandraki Harbor and be ready to confirm the correct kiosk or boat name. The port is busy, and finding the exact stand matters.

Finally, bring realistic expectations for the submarine timing. You can walk on deck, watch the view through the windows, and watch the diver feeding the fish, but it’s still a set tour rhythm.

Should You Book the Rhodes Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Poseidon Submarine?

I’d book this if you want an efficient Rhodes day that mixes sightseeing with a memorable marine-life experience. The submarine is the star here, and the chance to see fish in clear water while also getting Old Town views from the deck is a strong combo.

Skip it or replace it with something else if you already know the city well and only want one type of experience. If your Rhodes plan is mainly beaches and roaming, the bus time might feel like extra structure.

If you’re on a first visit, or you want something different from the usual museum and walking circuit, this tour is a solid bet. You’ll get your bearings fast, then you’ll leave with stories about underwater life and the diver feeding fish, which is exactly the kind of memory you want on a short trip.

FAQ

How long is the Rhodes Hop-On Hop-Off Bus and Submarine Tour?

The tour is listed as a 1-day experience.

Where does the submarine depart from?

The Poseidon Submarine departs from Mandraki Harbor.

What are the bus stops included in the hop-on hop-off portion?

The bus stations include Acropolis Of Rhodes – Monte Smith, San Francisco, New Marina, Tourist Harbor, Old Town Of Rhodes, Rhodes City Center, Town Hall, Psaropoula Square – Diagoras Statue, Aquarium, Rhodes Horizon (Kato Petres), and Grand Hotel – West beachside. You can also start from Mandraki Harbor or any of the bus stops.

Can I use the bus and submarine tours on different days?

Yes. You can use the bus tour and submarine cruise in either the same or different days.

What languages are offered for the audio guides?

The bus audio guide is available in 9 languages (Greek, English, German, Italian, Spanish, France, Russian, Turkish, and Hebrew). The submarine cruise includes an audio guide in English.

What is included with the submarine cruise?

The submarine cruise includes the audio guide in English, and it also includes free underwater photos from the diver. A bar is available on the submarine, but drinks are not included.

Is WiFi included?

Yes, free WiFi is included.

What if I need to change plans?

The experience is listed as having free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and it also offers reserve now & pay later options.