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

Thinking about exploring Rhodes in a way that combines history, scenic views, and a splash of underwater adventure? This combined hop-on hop-off bus and submarine experience might be just what you’re after. For around $33.59, you get a full day of sightseeing, with the chance to learn about the city’s historic sites from above and below the water—an authentic and fun way to see this storied Greek island.

What we like most about this tour is how it offers two distinct perspectives of Rhodes—both the bustling city streets and the marine world—on one flexible ticket. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a rundown without the hassle of organizing separate excursions. However, a potential consideration is that the tour’s timing is limited to one day, so if you’re hoping for more underwater time or a more leisurely pace, you might find it somewhat brisk. This experience suits those who love a mix of culture and adventure, especially families, first-timers, or anyone keen to maximize their time in Rhodes with a value-packed tour.

Key Points

• Two tours in one: Combines a scenic hop-on hop-off bus journey with a unique submarine cruise.
• Rich local insights: Audio guides available in 9 languages help you learn about Rhodes’ landmarks and history.
• Underwater discovery: The submarine offers a safe, comfortable way to explore marine life and underwater scenery.
• Flexible schedule: You can use your ticket over a single day, hopping on or off at 12 stops.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for all ages, with opportunities to walk around the deck and enjoy the views.
• Good value for money: At just over $33, it’s a budget-friendly way to see both land and sea.

Exploring Rhodes with a Dual Perspective

Rhodes is a place packed with history, vibrant streets, and scenic coastlines. This tour captures the essence of the island by giving you both an educational city tour and an exciting underwater view**. It’s ideal for those who prefer a structured, yet flexible way to see the highlights without the stress of planning multiple activities.

The Bus Tour: A Guided Journey Through Rhodes

Your adventure begins at Mandraki Harbor, the heart of the city, where you’ll board a modern double-decker bus. The bus stops at key landmarks such as the Acropolis of Rhodes, Monte Smith, and the Old Town, as well as cultural spots like the Town Hall and the Diagoras Statue.

Each stop reveals a piece of Rhodes’ storied past and lively present, with the added benefit of audio guides in nine languages. This ensures you’ll understand the significance of each site whether you’re a history buff or just curious about local tales. Reviewers have appreciated the neatness of the departure times and the cleanliness of the buses—one noted the driver even took pride in cleaning the bus before starting the route.

The 12 designated stops allow you to hop off and explore at your own pace. From the Old Town walls—which look just as impressive from the outside as they are within—to the New Marina, each spot offers photo opportunities and a chance to soak in Rhodes’ lively atmosphere.

The Underwater Adventure: The Poseidon Submarine

Once you’ve enjoyed the city tour, the next highlight is the submarine cruise departing from Mandraki Harbor. Unlike traditional submarines, this vessel stays above sea level at all times but features an underwater observatory hull just 2.5 meters below the surface. It’s a clever design that provides a safe, stable, and engaging experience suitable for children and adults alike.

From the viewing window, you’ll observe vibrant marine life and perhaps even see fish being fed by the crew—an activity highlighted by some reviewers as a memorable part of the trip. The water clarity is often praised, with one reviewer noting how clearly they could see fish and underwater artifacts. The deck offers unobstructed views of Rhodes’ historic walls, windmills, and the surrounding calm sea, adding an extra layer of scenic beauty to the underwater viewing.

Onboard amenities include a bar, offering drinks (not included), and free WiFi—a nice touch for sharing your experience or catching up on messages while drifting through the sea.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authentic experience: You’re not just looking at the sights from a distance—you get close to Rhodes’ landmarks from the bus, then descend into the oceanic world with the submarine. Reviewers have described the experience as “something new and exciting,” with children especially enjoying the underwater segment.

Educational value: The combination of audio guides and the ability to walk on the submarine’s deck enriches the experience, making it both fun and informative. One reviewer appreciated the pride the staff take in cleanliness and professionalism, noting that the bus was meticulously cleaned and the guides were clear.

Good value: For just over $30, you get a full day of sightseeing—both land and sea—with some reviews calling it “excellent value for money.” The inclusion of free underwater photos is a bonus, allowing you to keep a memory of the marine life without extra effort.

Ease of booking and flexibility: The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, making it easier to fit into your travel plans.

Detailed Tour Breakdown

The Bus Route and Stops

Starting at Mandraki Harbor, you’ll follow a route passing through Rhodes’ historic and modern districts. Stops like San Francisco, Rhodes City Center, and Psaropoula Square are well-placed for quick exploration or photo ops.

One of the reviews mentions that the bus was punctual and well-maintained, and the staff took care to ensure cleanliness. This kind of detail matters when you’re spending a few hours on a guided bus tour.

The Marine Tour Experience

The submarine cruise lasts long enough for a good look beneath the surface. The underwater observatory offers a window into marine life, with the added excitement of witnessing a crew member feeding the fish. Travelers have enjoyed the spectacular view of the Old Town walls from the water, seeing Rhodes from a different angle.

One reviewer noted that they wished they had more underwater time but still found the entire experience “something new.” The ability to walk on the deck at any time means you can step outside for fresh air or to take photos.

Timing and Duration

Because the ticket is valid for one day from the first activation, you can choose when to do each part of the tour—making it flexible for your schedule. The bus and submarine operate on a schedule, so planning your day so you hit the stops at optimal times will maximize your experience.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

Many reviewers have expressed satisfaction with the tour’s value. One described it as “excellent for showing the main sights and then revisiting those in more detail later,” highlighting how the bus provided a useful overview. The submarine experience received praise as well, with comments like “the water was so clear, and the diver feeding the fish made it even better.”

Others appreciated the pride and professionalism of the staff, with one saying, “the driver took pride in his job, cleaning the bus before departure,” which adds to the overall positive impression.

The Sum Up: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This combined Rhodes hop-on hop-off bus and submarine experience offers a practical, fun, and educational way to see the island. It’s especially ideal for those who want an overview of Rhodes’ historic sites and a peek beneath the sea without multiple bookings or high costs. Families with children will enjoy the safe, engaging marine adventure, while history enthusiasts will appreciate the detailed guided land tour.

The tour’s value for money, coupled with the flexibility of a single ticket valid for a day, makes it a smart choice for travelers keen to make the most of their time. It’s suitable for first-time visitors, those with limited time, and anyone wanting a balanced mix of land and sea exploration.

On the downside, if you’re looking for an extensive underwater experience or a leisurely pace, you might find the day a bit rushed. Still, for an all-in-one tour that covers major sights and offers a splash of adventure, this package hits the mark.

FAQ

Can I use the bus tour and submarine cruise on different days?
Yes, your ticket is valid for one day from the first activation, so you can choose to do each part on separate days if you prefer.

Is the submarine suitable for children?
Absolutely. The submarine remains above sea level with a transparent underwater hull, making it safe and enjoyable for all ages.

Are the audio guides available in multiple languages?
Yes, the bus tour includes audio guides in nine languages, including English, German, Spanish, French, Russian, Hebrew, Italian, Turkish, and Greek.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for travelers with mobility needs.

How long does each part of the tour last?
The exact durations aren’t specified, but the combined experience offers a full day of exploration, with the bus and submarine operating on scheduled times.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, but it’s possible to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility.

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included. The submarine features a bar where you can purchase beverages.

What should I wear? for the submarine?
Comfortable clothing is fine—there’s no need for special gear, but bringing a hat and sun protection while on deck is advisable.

Can I hop off the bus at any stop?
Yes, the bus ticket allows you to hop on and off at any of the 12 designated stops, giving you control over your sightseeing pace.

In the end, this tour offers an excellent balance of cultural insight and underwater fun—perfect for travelers wanting to combine sightseeing with a little adventure. It’s a practical choice that delivers good value, memorable moments, and a flexible schedule, making Rhodes even more unforgettable.