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

Discover Rhodes: A Unique Mix of History and Underwater Adventure

Rhodes, the jewel of the Dodecanese, is a place where centuries of history intertwine with stunning seascapes. A recent review of the combined hop-on hop-off bus and submarine tour paints a picture of a day filled with both land-bound exploration and underwater discovery. This experience allows travelers to get familiar with Rhodes’ key sights from the comfort of a double-decker bus, then venture beneath the waves in a safe, above-sea submarine to see marine life up close.

What I love about this tour is how it balances educational commentary with fun, especially with the audio guides available in nine languages—a real bonus for international visitors. The inclusion of underwater photos taken by a diver adds a memorable touch. Plus, the value for the price, at just over $33 per person, makes it attractive for those seeking a comprehensive yet affordable way to see the city and the sea.

A possible consideration is that the submarine experience can feel a bit brief — some reviews mention wishing for more underwater time or a full submarine interior experience. But overall, the combination offers an engaging, well-rounded snapshot of Rhodes that appeals equally to history lovers, families, and curious travelers. The fact that the bus stops are conveniently located at key spots like the Old Town and Mandraki Harbor simplifies logistics, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.

Key points / Takeaways

• Two tours in one day: a land-based hop-on hop-off bus and an underwater submarine cruise, providing a multi-faceted view of Rhodes.
• Educational and entertaining: audio guides in nine languages make learning about the sights and the marine environment accessible.
• Great value: at about $34, the combined experience packs in a lot, including WiFi and underwater photos.
• Flexible scheduling: you can hop on or off at 12 different stops, and the ticket is valid for a full day from first use.
• Authentic underwater views: the submarine hull is just 2.5 meters below surface level, giving clear views of marine life and underwater scenery.
• Accessible and family-friendly: wheelchair access and the non-intimidating submarine make it suitable for most travelers.

Exploring Rhodes from the Land: The Hop-on Hop-off Bus

Traveling through Rhodes on the open-top bus is like riding through a living history book. The route covers key sites such as the Acropolis of Rhodes, Monte Smith, San Francisco, Old Town, and Town Hall. The stops are strategically placed to give you easy access to the main attractions, and the audio guide enhances your understanding of each location.

I appreciate how one reviewer, Julie, noted that the bus allows you to “see the main sights, then return to explore them in more detail.” This flexibility is a major advantage, especially if you’re short on time but want to avoid rushing through the city. Plus, the guides are known to keep the buses clean and well-maintained, adding a touch of pride that passengers will appreciate.

The actual journey itself is smooth, with quick boarding and reliable timing. The 12 stops include popular places like the Aquarium and the Grand Hotel, giving you a good spread of options for quick visits or longer explorations. The audio guides in multiple languages mean you’re not left with just photos and signs; instead, you get context and storytelling that make the sights come alive.

The Underwater Adventure: The Poseidon Submarine

The submarine tour departs from Mandraki Harbor, right in the heart of Rhodes, making it a breeze to include in your sightseeing day. Unlike traditional submarines, this one remains above sea level at all times with an underwater observatory hull that’s just 2.5 meters below the surface. This means you’ll get crystal-clear views of marine life and underwater scenery without the usual claustrophobic feeling of a submarine interior.

Many visitors, like Amanda, appreciated the chance to “see the fish swimming and watch a diver feed them,” thanks to the diver feeding the fish during the trip. The audio guide in English adds richness to the experience, explaining what you’re seeing beneath the water, and the free underwater photos are a thoughtful souvenir.

One reviewer, Alana, wished for more underwater time, mentioning that they would have liked to spend longer beneath the surface. But even with a relatively short duration, the views are often described as impressive thanks to the clear waters and lively marine environment. The bar on board offers drinks, adding a relaxed, social element to the excursion—though drinks are extra.

The fact that you can also walk on the deck at any time during the cruise gives you the chance to enjoy panoramic views of Old Town walls, windmills, and the calm sea—a highlight for many.

Practical Details and Logistics

Price and Duration: For just over $33, this combined experience offers a full-day of sightseeing and underwater exploration. The bus tour is valid from first activation for 24 hours, so you can start early and make the most of your day.

Meeting points are convenient, with options like Mandraki Harbor and the various bus stops around town. You can reserve and pay later, providing flexibility if your plans change. The activity is wheelchair accessible and includes free WiFi, making it comfortable and convenient for most travelers.

What’s Included: The package covers the bus and submarine tours, with audio guides in nine languages and free underwater photos. Food and drinks are not included, so you might want to bring snacks or plan to grab a bite near the harbor.

Timing and Pacing: The bus runs on a predictable schedule, and stops are well-placed. The submarine cruise is pleasant and safe, suitable for all ages. Reviewers mention that the short duration of the underwater part is a minor drawback, but the clarity of the water and marine life views compensate.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This combination is perfect for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Rhodes’ highlights without feeling rushed. Families will find the submarine tour especially appealing—kids love the underwater viewing, while history buffs will appreciate the informative bus narration. Budget-conscious travelers will also value the affordable price considering the variety of sights and experiences packed into one day.

If you’re someone who enjoys learning on the go and combining land and sea adventures, this tour offers a well-rounded experience. On the other hand, if you’re after a deep dive into historical sites or hours underwater, you might find this somewhat rushed—though it makes for an excellent introduction.

The Sum Up

The Rhodes Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Submarine Tour offers a balanced blend of land-based sightseeing and underwater magic, making it a great choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive yet accessible day on the island. The affordable price, flexible schedule, and multilingual audio guides make it an attractive option for a diverse range of visitors.

While the underwater portion might leave some wishing for more time or a more immersive experience inside the submarine, the clarity of the water and the marine life views remain impressive. The bus route covers the main attractions, with informative commentary that helps bring Rhodes’ history to life.

This tour is especially suited for those who want a fun, educational, and easy way to see Rhodes without the hassle of planning multiple activities. It’s a solid choice for families, curious explorers, and anyone eager to combine history with a splash of marine adventure.

FAQ

Can I do the bus and submarine tours on different days?
Yes, you can use the bus tour and submarine cruise on separate days if you prefer to spread out your sightseeing.

Is the ticket valid for a full day?
Yes, once activated, your ticket is valid for 24 hours, allowing you to hop on and off the bus at various stops and take the submarine cruise at a convenient time.

Are the tours wheelchair accessible?
Absolutely, the experience provider states the tours are wheelchair accessible, making it easier for travelers with mobility needs.

Are food and drinks included?
No, the tour does not include food or drinks. The submarine has a bar where you can purchase beverages, but these are not included in the ticket price.

Can I take photos during the submarine cruise?
Yes, free underwater photos are included, and you are free to walk on the deck at any time to enjoy the views.

Is the submarine experience suitable for children?
Yes, the submarine remains above sea level at all times and is described as safe for adults and children of all ages, making it a family-friendly activity.

This combined tour offers an engaging, practical way to see Rhodes from both above and beneath the waves. It’s a well-priced, thoughtfully organized experience that highlights the best of what the island has to offer—perfect for a day of exploration and fun.