Rhodes Town: Submarine Cruise with Underwater Views

The best part of this Rhodes submarine cruise is the change of viewpoint. You begin with the Old Town, harbor, beaches, and castle walls spread out before you, then settle behind large underwater windows as fish gather for a feeding show. It is a simple outing, but it gives you two experiences in one.

I like the short 45-minute length, which leaves plenty of time for Rhodes Town, and I like the friendly crew and the chance to step onto the deck for sea air. At $23, it is especially useful for families and anyone with a spare hour. The main consideration is comfort downstairs: the cabin can feel cramped, warm, or sticky when everyone heads below, and the commentary may be hard to hear.

Key points to know before you board

• The vessel stays above water: Only the viewing hull sits about 2.5 meters below the surface.
• The fish-feeding show is the main event: A diver feeds hundreds of colorful fish beside the large windows.
• You see Rhodes from several angles: The route passes Mandraki Harbor, Elli Beach, the Old Town walls, the Tourist Harbor, and the former site of the Colossus.
• It is a good family outing: Children tend to enjoy the fish, the diver, and the novelty of sitting below the waterline.
• You can move between cabin and deck: Watch the sea life below, then go upstairs for breezes and harbor views.
• Check your departure time: The 18:30 cruise does not include the fish-feeding show.

A submarine ride without going fully underwater

The name can make this sound like a serious underwater expedition. It is not. Poseidon Submarine remains at the surface, while its enclosed observation section extends roughly 2.5 meters below the waterline.

That setup is the reason this trip works for a wide range of ages. You get the sensation of being below the sea without swimming, wearing equipment, or coping with waves around your face. The air-conditioned cabin has large windows intended to give you a broad view of the water and seabed.

I would describe it as a harbor cruise with an underwater viewing room, not a marine safari. That distinction matters. You will see fish, rocks, grass, and the seabed, but this is not the place to expect whales, sharks, or a long list of species.

The experience has two moods. Upstairs, it is a relaxed ride with views of Rhodes and the ocean breeze. Downstairs, the focus shifts to the windows and the fish gathering near the boat. You can choose the balance that suits you.

Starting at Mandraki Harbor

The meeting point is at Mandraki Port, at Poseidon Submarine opposite the Bank of Greece, near Pl. Eleftherias. This is a central location, so it fits easily into a day spent around Rhodes Town.

Mandraki Harbor is a good place to begin because it puts the city’s waterfront attractions in context. This is the harbor associated with the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, one of the ancient world’s famous wonders. The statue is gone, of course, but the location gives the opening part of the cruise a strong sense of place.

The boat first moves around the harbor for about 10 minutes. I like this opening because you get time to settle in before the underwater portion begins. It also gives you a chance to take photos without having to choose between a window seat and a good view of the city.

The port is more than a departure point. It is part of what you are paying for. You see Rhodes not as a collection of streets and monuments, but as a fortified town facing the sea.

Rhodes sights from the deck

As Poseidon Submarine moves away from Mandraki, you see several well-known parts of Rhodes from the water. The route includes the area linked with the Colossus, Mandraki Harbor, Elli Beach, the Tourist Harbor, and the walls of the Old Town.

The Old Town walls are especially effective from this angle. From land, they can feel like a barrier around the medieval city. From the water, you see their scale and position more clearly, with the fortifications rising above the shoreline.

The cruise also passes in the direction of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. The itinerary allows about 10 minutes for this part of the ride. You do not go inside the palace, so think of it as an exterior view and a chance to hear some basic local history rather than a palace visit.

Elli Beach provides a different view. The beach and open water make a useful contrast with the heavy stone walls of the Old Town. You may want to spend part of this stretch on deck, particularly if you prefer broad scenic views to looking through glass.

The onboard information covers local sights and stories, including the deer symbols, the Knights, the windmill, and the castle walls. The language arrangements can vary in practice: the activity lists a live English guide and an audio guide in English and German. Some passengers have found the recording too quiet, especially when music is playing, so do not make the commentary your only reason for booking.

The underwater viewing cabin

After the harbor sightseeing, the boat spends about 20 minutes on marine-life viewing and the fish-feeding show. This is the part children usually anticipate, and it is also the most unusual feature for adults who have already taken ordinary harbor cruises.

The lower cabin has large windows that are described as offering a 360-degree panoramic view. In practical terms, your view depends on where you sit, how many people are downstairs, and how clear the glass and water happen to be that day.

The seabed may show grass and rocks, with fish gathering close to the boat. The water can sometimes be cloudy, and windows have not always been perfectly clean. Those details are worth knowing because underwater viewing depends heavily on conditions. On a clear day, the fish can be easy to see. At other times, the view is less sharp.

The cabin is air-conditioned, but that does not guarantee a cool, spacious room. When the whole group heads downstairs, seating can feel tight. A few people have found the lower area hot or sticky after five to 10 minutes, particularly in summer.

My practical advice is simple: do not treat the underwater cabin as your only place to sit. Go down for the fish-feeding show, then return to the deck if you want more space, fresh air, or a better view of Rhodes.

The fish-feeding show

The diver’s appearance is the feature that turns a basic harbor ride into a proper activity. A crew member enters the water and feeds the fish right beside the observation windows. Fish gather in front of you, making the show easy to follow even if you know little about marine life.

You may see large groups of the same type of fish rather than many different species. The sight is still fun, especially for younger children, but you should keep expectations modest. This is a short feeding presentation in the harbor, not a visit to a large reef system.

The best photo opportunity comes when the diver is beside the windows. Keep your camera ready, but remember that reflections, movement, and water clarity can affect the result. Some past departures have included crew photos and underwater images shared through the operator’s Facebook page, but that is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion, so do not book solely for a complimentary photo.

The fish show is not part of the 18:30 departure. If seeing the diver is important to you, choose another sailing time and confirm the schedule before paying.

How the 45 minutes are paced

The timing is one of the strongest parts of this outing. The full cruise lasts 45 minutes, with roughly 10 minutes around Mandraki Harbor, 10 minutes near the palace and waterfront sights, five minutes around the Old Town area, and about 20 minutes for marine-life viewing.

That is enough time to feel that you have taken a proper trip, but not so long that children are likely to lose patience. It also works well when you have a packed sightseeing day. You can take the cruise, continue walking around the Old Town, and still have time for a meal or another attraction.

The pace is not rushed. You get a scenic introduction, a little local information, time on deck, and a set period for the underwater windows. The trip is best understood as a light, entertaining break rather than a major sightseeing tour.

If you have only one day in Rhodes and want to spend every minute inside the Old Town, this may not be essential. If you have already seen the main streets, or you want an activity that gives tired feet a rest, it makes good sense.

Price, comfort, and value

At $23 per person, this is inexpensive by excursion standards. The price includes the submarine cruise, the underwater viewing section, the fish-feeding presentation when scheduled, and an audio guide. There is also a bar onboard, but drinks cost extra.

The value comes from the combination. A regular harbor cruise would give you the city views, while an aquarium-style attraction would give you underwater viewing. Here you get both in less than an hour.

You are not paying for luxury. The boat can look playful rather than polished, and the lower cabin may feel crowded. Commentary volume can also be uneven. Still, the crew is consistently described as friendly, helpful, and professional, and the main activity delivers what it promises.

For a couple, the cost is reasonable. For a family, it is one of the easier ways to add something different without committing to a full-day boat trip. For a solo visitor, it is a low-risk way to fill time between sightseeing stops.

Who will enjoy it most

I would recommend this to families with children, especially those who like fish but are not ready for snorkeling or a longer boat trip. The diver and the close-up fish viewing give the ride a clear focal point.

It also suits adults who want a fresh view of Rhodes Town. The Old Town walls and harbor look different from the water, and the deck gives you a relaxed place to take photos.

This may not suit you if you want a serious marine-life tour, detailed species information, or a quiet luxury cruise. The underwater habitat is limited, the commentary may be difficult to hear, and the lower cabin can become crowded.

Wheelchair access is listed for the activity. Since the lower viewing area has received mixed comfort comments, it is sensible to confirm the exact access arrangements with the operator if you need detailed mobility support.

Small tips for a better ride

Arrive at the marked Poseidon Submarine point opposite the Bank of Greece and give yourself enough time to find the boat at the port. The location is central, but Mandraki has several waterfront activities and vessels.

Bring a camera, especially if your departure includes the fish-feeding show. Sit or stand where you can see the windows, but do not feel obliged to remain downstairs for the whole 20-minute marine-life section.

If you are traveling with a child, explain that this is a short underwater viewing ride, not a fully submerged submarine. That sets the right expectation and makes the novelty more enjoyable.

Listen carefully near the beginning for the history commentary, but keep your own eyes open. If the recording is quiet, the views of the harbor and fortifications remain worthwhile even without catching every word.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now-pay-later option keeps the booking flexible. Check availability for the exact start time, and avoid 18:30 if the diver show is your priority.

Should you book the Poseidon Submarine?

Yes, if you want a short, affordable family activity that combines Rhodes scenery with a simple fish-feeding show. The friendly crew, easy central location, and 45-minute schedule make it a practical addition to a day in town.

Book it with realistic expectations. You will see one harbor habitat rather than a wide range of marine life, and the lower cabin may be warm or crowded. But at $23, the combination of Old Town views, sea air, underwater windows, and a diver feeding fish offers solid value.

If your time is tight, choose a departure that includes the show, then use the rest of the day to explore the Old Town on foot.

FAQ

Where does the Rhodes submarine cruise depart from?

It departs from Mandraki Port at the Poseidon Submarine meeting point, opposite the Bank of Greece near Pl. Eleftherias 85100.

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 the underwater observation hull sits about 2.5 meters below the surface.

What sights can I see from the boat?

The route includes Mandraki Harbor, the area where the Colossus of Rhodes stood, Elli Beach, the Tourist Harbor, the Old Town walls, and views toward the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes.

Is the diver fish-feeding show included on every departure?

No. The 18:30 cruise does not include a diving show. Choose another departure if the fish-feeding presentation is important to you.

Is an audio guide included?

Yes. An audio guide in English and German is included, and a live English guide is listed for the activity.

Are drinks included?

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

Is the cruise wheelchair accessible?

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible. If you need specific information about access to the lower viewing cabin, confirm the details with Poseidon Submarine before booking.