Rhodes offers an unusual two-part outing: a city bus ride followed by a semi-submarine cruise beneath the surface of Mandraki Harbor. The Poseidon stays above water, but its viewing cabin sits 2.5 meters below sea level, giving you a close look at fish and the harbor floor.

I like the easy one-day bus access from 12 stops, and I like the way the cruise adds something the bus cannot: views of marine life, the Old Town walls, and a diver-led underwater show. The main catch is the bus service, which may run only hourly and has drawn complaints about older vehicles and unreliable audio equipment.

Key points to know before booking

• The Poseidon’s viewing cabin sits 2.5 meters underwater, while you can also step onto the deck for open-air views.
• The diver show is the cruise’s most memorable feature, with fish attracted near the vessel.
• The bus ticket is valid for one day, with stops near the Acropolis, Old Town, Aquarium, harbor, and beaches.
• Bus audio is offered in nine languages, while the submarine commentary is available in English and German.
• The cruise departs from Mandraki Harbor, and you need to arrive early so the operator can add you to the passenger list.
• At $41 per person, the package makes the most sense if you plan to use both activities.

Two ways to see Rhodes in one day

This combo ticket joins two very different experiences. The bus helps you get your bearings around Rhodes City, while the Poseidon gives you a short look beneath the water without requiring a full boat excursion or swimming activity.

The bus ticket is valid for one day, not for a fixed 24-hour period. You can board at any of the 12 listed stations during the operating day. That flexibility is useful if you are staying near the center, arriving by cruise ship, or trying to fit the activity around a visit to the Old Town.

The submarine cruise lasts 45 minutes. It leaves from Mandraki Harbor, the central port area beside Rhodes Town. You should treat the cruise as the fixed part of the day and plan the bus around it. The departure times are listed with the booking information, and you need to arrive early to make sure the seller adds you to the passenger list.

Riding the Rhodes bus route

The bus route is designed as a broad introduction to Rhodes City rather than a detailed historical tour. You pass major sights, hear recorded commentary, and can get off when a location interests you.

The route includes these stops:

• Acropolis of Rhodes and Monte Smith
• San Francisco
• New Marina
• Tourist Harbor
• Old Town of Rhodes
• Rhodes City Center
• Town Hall
• Psaropoula Square and Diagoras
• Statue
• Aquarium
• Rhodes Horizon at Kato Petres
• Grand Hotel and the west beachside area

The stop list gives you a useful spread of city sights. You can reach the Acropolis and Monte Smith for ancient remains and broad city views, then return toward the center for the medieval Old Town. The harbor stops are especially practical because they place you close to the Poseidon departure area.

The Old Town stop is likely the most useful for first-time visitors. Rhodes is known for its medieval walls, stone streets, and monuments linked to the Knights of St. John. The bus does not replace walking through the Old Town, but it can help you understand where that district sits in relation to the modern city and the waterfront.

The Aquarium and Kato Petres stops offer a change of pace from monuments. The west side of Rhodes City is also useful for sea views, while the Grand Hotel stop covers the beachside part of town. The route gives you a simple way to connect areas that would otherwise require separate walks or taxis.

What the bus is really like

The bus includes air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and headsets for the recorded guide. Commentary is available in English, Greek, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, and Hebrew.

That language range is a real advantage for a mixed-language group. You can listen to information about the city while moving between stops instead of trying to read a map in the heat.

Still, I would keep expectations modest. Recent feedback describes older buses, with some audio boxes loose on the vehicle walls. One report also said the driver had to be asked where the bus was at a given moment. The air conditioning may not feel consistent if the front door is left open.

The schedule matters, too. The bus may run only once per hour, so missing a departure can cost you a large part of the day. I would not use it for a tightly timed connection. If you want to get off at several stops, check the timetable before boarding and allow extra time.

The best approach is to choose one or two bus stops that matter most to you. Use it for orientation and transport, not as a substitute for an entire day of detailed sightseeing. If your priority is a polished, frequent city circuit, the bus may disappoint. If your priority is a low-effort way to connect the main areas, it can still be useful.

Boarding the Poseidon at Mandraki Harbor

The Poseidon is not a conventional submarine. The vessel remains above sea level, with an air-conditioned underwater cabin set 2.5 meters below the surface.

You sit beside a personal viewing window and watch the water below. This design makes the trip accessible to adults and children of all ages, at least in the sense that you do not need to enter the water or take part in any physical activity.

You can leave the cabin and walk onto the deck during the ride. That gives you two different views of Rhodes. Below the surface, you watch for fish and other marine life. Above deck, you can look toward the Old Town walls, the harbor windmills, and the surrounding sea.

The contrast is what makes this short cruise worthwhile. It is not a remote-water expedition, and the boat remains close to the port. Instead, it gives you a quick look at the water and a fresh angle on the city.

A bar is available on board, but drinks are not included. The prices have been described as reasonable, though you should still bring money if you want to buy something. The ticket covers the cruise itself, not refreshments.

The underwater show and marine life

The cruise includes a diver show, which is the part most likely to hold your attention. A diver appears underwater and attracts fish near the boat, giving you something specific to watch through the cabin windows.

This is more engaging than simply staring into open water and hoping something swims past. The fish may not appear in large numbers every time, and the harbor setting limits how wild the scene feels. Still, the planned show gives the 45-minute ride a clear focus.

One piece of feedback wished the cruise took place farther out at sea instead of in the port. That is a fair point. If you are hoping for a full coastal cruise, untouched water, or a long open-water ride, this is not that experience.

I see the harbor location as both a strength and a weakness. It keeps the cruise easy to reach and reduces the amount of time spent simply getting out to sea. It also lets you combine underwater viewing with views of Rhodes’ fortifications and windmills. But the setting may feel less scenic than a trip into open water.

The cabin is air conditioned, which helps during Rhodes’ hot summer days. You can also step outside if you prefer fresh air or want to take photographs from the deck.

How to fit both activities into one day

I would schedule the submarine first, then use the bus afterward. The cruise has specific departure times, and the operator needs to place you on the passenger list. The bus is more flexible because you can board at any of its stations during the booked day.

Arrive early at Mandraki Harbor. Do not treat the cruise like a bus stop where you can appear moments before departure. Confirm the meeting point and departure time in advance, then leave enough time to locate the vessel.

After the cruise, you can board the bus near the harbor or another listed station. From there, choose the Old Town, Acropolis of Rhodes, Aquarium, or west beachside stops depending on your interests.

A practical plan might look like this:

• Take the Poseidon cruise in the morning.
• Visit the Old Town after returning to shore.
• Use the bus later for Monte Smith, the Aquarium, or the west side.
• Keep the final bus ride flexible because service may be hourly.

I would not try to visit every stop in one day. The bus route covers many areas, but getting off repeatedly can turn the day into a wait-and-board routine. Pick the sights you most want to see and spend real time there.

What $41 per person buys you

At $41 per person, the package is not a bargain if you only want the submarine. It becomes more reasonable when you use the bus for several stops and count the two activities as separate outings.

You receive the one-day bus ticket, audio equipment, Wi-Fi, air-conditioned bus service, and the 45-minute Poseidon trip. The package also includes the underwater cabin and diver show. Drinks at the bar cost extra.

The value depends heavily on your plans. If you are already walking around central Rhodes and have no need for transport, you may find the bus portion less useful. If you want a broad city overview and expect to visit locations outside the Old Town, the combined ticket saves you from arranging separate transport.

Families may also find the combination practical. The submarine does not require swimming, and the diver show gives children a clear event to watch. The bus provides a simple introduction before you decide which parts of Rhodes deserve more time.

The overall rating is 3.9 out of 5 from nine ratings, which fits the experience neatly. The Poseidon receives the warmest response, while the bus earns more mixed marks. I would buy this for the cruise and treat the bus as a useful extra, not the other way around.

Who should book this Rhodes combo?

I would recommend it to first-time visitors who want an easy overview of Rhodes City, families seeking a low-effort marine activity, and cruise passengers with one day in port. It also suits anyone who likes combining sightseeing with a short, unusual boat ride.

The submarine is a good fit if you want to see fish but do not want to snorkel or swim. It is also useful for children and older adults who prefer a seated activity with the option to go onto the deck.

I would be more cautious if you want a quiet, open-water sailing trip or a highly polished bus operation. The cruise stays in the harbor, and the bus may feel dated. You should also avoid relying on the bus for a precise schedule because the service can be hourly.

The language support is generous on the bus. The submarine commentary is narrower, with English and German available. If you need commentary in another language, the bus portion will serve you better than the cruise.

Booking and practical details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reservation option allows you to pay later. The booking page contains the bus timetable and submarine departure times, so check both before choosing your day.

You may board the bus at any of the 12 stations. For the submarine, arrive early at Mandraki Harbor and ask the operator to add you to the passenger list.

The bus includes free Wi-Fi and headsets. Bring your own sense of timing, though. The route may not have the frequent service you expect from a major city sightseeing circuit.

The submarine bar is not included in the price. The cruise itself lasts 45 minutes, and the vessel includes an air-conditioned underwater cabin.

Should you book the Rhodes bus and submarine combo?

I would book it if the Poseidon cruise appeals to you and you also want a simple way to reach several parts of Rhodes City. The underwater cabin and diver show give the package its character, while the bus adds practical transport and city context.

I would skip it if you only want a full day on the water or if you need reliable, frequent bus service. For most people, the smartest reason to buy is the two-in-one convenience, with the submarine as the main event and the bus as a helpful bonus.

FAQ

How long is the submarine cruise?

The Poseidon semi-submarine cruise lasts 45 minutes.

Where does the submarine depart?

The Poseidon departs from Mandraki Harbor in central Rhodes.

How far underwater does the submarine cabin go?

The underwater viewing cabin is 2.5 meters below the surface, while the vessel itself remains above sea level.

Can I leave the underwater cabin during the cruise?

Yes. You can leave the cabin and walk onto the deck during the trip.

Which languages are available for the audio guides?

The bus audio guide is available in English, Greek, German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, Turkish, and Hebrew. The submarine audio guide is available in English and German.

Can I use the bus at any time during the day?

Yes. You can board the bus at any of the 12 listed stations during the booked day. The timetable is provided with the booking information, and service may run hourly.