Glass-Bottom Submarine Cruise Rhodes

4.5 (1,431 reviews) from travellers who booked this experience

Duration45 minutes
Daily
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Overview

This Rhodes submarine cruise leaves from Mandraki Harbour in the centre of Rhodes Town and combines a short coastal sightseeing sail with a visit to an underwater observatory. Below sea level you sit behind large panoramic windows and watch Mediterranean fish, then a diver feeds them right in front of the glass. The whole experience lasts about 45 minutes, with live commentary in English and German, and it is one of the easiest family activities in Rhodes. The cruise ticket is included.

Highlights

Cruise ticket included, about 45 minutes from Mandraki Harbour
Air-conditioned underwater observatory with 360-degree panoramic windows
Live diver show feeding the fish in front of your window
Views of the Old Town walls, the Palace of the Grand Master and Elli Beach
Live commentary in English and German
An easy activity for children, couples and all ages

Full Description

Mandraki Harbour, where the cruise starts

Mandraki is the small yacht harbour at the northern tip of Rhodes Town, and it is where the glass-bottom submarine cruise begins. The harbour is guarded by two bronze deer on tall columns, and legend says the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once straddled this entrance.

Getting here is simple: the harbour is a short walk from the Old Town gates, the New Market and most central hotels, so many visitors ask how to get to the submarine and find it easy on foot. Arrive about 15 minutes before departure to check in.

The Old Town walls and the Grand Master's Palace from the sea

The first part of the Rhodes underwater cruise is a coastal sightseeing sail. From the water you see the massive medieval walls of the Old Town, the pale bulk of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes and the rooftops of the UNESCO-listed old quarter, a perspective you cannot get from the streets.

Further along the shoreline the boat passes the promenade of Elli Beach and the Aquarium of Rhodes. Commentary in English and German explains what you are looking at, so the sail works as a mini guided tour of the city front.

The underwater observatory

The main attraction is the observatory, a cabin below the waterline with big panoramic windows on every side. It is air-conditioned, so it is a comfortable break from the sun, and seats are set close to the glass.

You watch schools of Mediterranean fish, seabed rocks and sea grass pass by. Visibility depends on the day, but in the clear waters around Rhodes you usually see plenty of marine life. Unlike a true submarine, the vessel stays safely at the surface, which keeps the ride calm and suitable for nervous passengers.

The diver show and best time to go

During the marine-life stop, which lasts about 20 minutes, a professional diver enters the water and feeds the fish directly in front of the windows. Children love this moment, and adults tend to stay glued to the glass too.

The best time to book is a morning or afternoon departure, when the light is strong and the show runs. Please note the evening cruise does not include the diving show, so choose an earlier sailing if the show matters to you. The cruise is popular in summer, so booking ahead is sensible.

Itinerary

Meet at the departure point in Mandraki HarbourCheck in about 15 minutes before your departure time and board the vessel.
Sail to the Grand Master's Palace areaAbout 10 minutes along the harbour front with views of the medieval walls.
Sail along the Old Town shorelineAnother 10 minutes with live commentary on the Old Town and the coast.
Sail past Elli Beach and the aquariumA short 5-minute stretch before the vessel turns to the diving area.
Underwater observatory and diver showAbout 20 minutes of marine-life viewing through the panoramic windows, with the diver show on daytime sailings.
Return to Mandraki HarbourDisembark at the same departure point.

What's included

Glass-bottom submarine cruise
Underwater views of the seabed and marine life
Audio guide in English and German
Diving show (except on the 6:30 pm cruise)

Not included

Personal expenses
Drinks

Is this right for you?

Great for

Families with children — a child price for ages 4–14
Anyone who wants to see it from the water
A short visit — about 1 hour

Think twice if

You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
You get seasick easily

Not suitable for

Guests who dislike enclosed spaces below sea level
Anyone prone to seasickness on windy days
Children under the minimum age for the infant category unless they are held by an adult

Meeting point

Meet at the departure point of the submarine cruise in Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes Town. Hotel pickup is not included; the harbour is easy to reach on foot from the Old Town and most central hotels. Please arrive about 15 minutes before your sailing time, and check your confirmation for the exact spot.

Important information

Arrive about 15 minutes before departure with your booking confirmation
The evening sailing does not include the diving show, so choose an earlier cruise if you want to see it
Visibility under the water depends on weather and sea conditions
Bring a light jacket, as the air-conditioned cabin can feel cool
Personal expenses and refreshments are not included
Sailings may change or be cancelled in rough weather; we will contact you if that happens

Good to know

Frequently Asked Questions

Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.

How much does the submarine cruise ticket cost?

The price depends on the passenger type and date. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for adults and children, so pick your date to see it.

How long is the cruise?

About 45 minutes in total, including the sightseeing sail along the coast and around 20 minutes viewing marine life.

Is it a real submarine?

No. The vessel stays at the surface, and passengers sit in an observatory below the waterline with panoramic windows, which makes it calm and safe for all ages.

Is the Rhodes submarine cruise suitable for children?

Yes, it is one of the most popular family activities in Rhodes. Children and infants have their own age categories in the booking panel.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You meet at the departure point in Mandraki Harbour, which is walkable from the Old Town and central hotels.

Is there a live commentary?

Yes, in English and German.

What is the difference between the sailings?

Daytime sailings include the diver show. The evening cruise does not, so it is better for the coastal views than for the fish feeding.

Can I book for today or tomorrow?

Yes, if places remain. Choose the date in the booking panel and the available times appear.

What should I bring?

Your confirmation, a light layer for the cool cabin, a camera and sun protection for the deck.