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

Rhodes: Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Submarine Tour – A Complete Review

Imagine wandering through Rhodes’ charming streets and then slipping beneath the waves to see the vibrant marine life — all in one day. For $33.59 per person, you get access to a hop-on hop-off bus and a double-decker submarine that promises a blend of sightseeing, education, and adventure. This tour lasts for a full day from your first use, offering a flexible and engaging way to discover the island’s highlights.

What makes this experience appealing? First, we love how it combines two very different ways to explore: the open-air bus with its informative audio guides, and the underwater submarine with its mesmerizing views of the sea. Second, the value for money is quite good, especially considering the inclusion of WiFi, underwater photos, and multiple language options. A possible consideration is that the itinerary is quite brief, so if you’re a history buff craving in-depth exploration, you might want to supplement this with additional visits.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced introduction to Rhodes, blending history, scenery, and marine life without the hassle of organizing separate tickets or transportation. If you’re traveling with family or prefer a flexible schedule, the hop-on hop-off feature and the universal appeal of the submarine make it a great pick. It’s especially suited for those wanting easy access to top sights and underwater views in one package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Two-in-One Experience: Combines a bus tour of Rhodes’ historic sites with a submarine cruise for underwater sightseeing.
• Flexible & Convenient: Valid for one day, allowing you to hop on and off the bus at 12 different stops and enjoy the submarine at your own pace.
• Multilingual Audio Guides: Available in nine languages, making the tour accessible for a wide range of travelers.
• Underwater Marvels: Clear-water views and a diver feeding fish, with photos included, create a memorable underwater experience.
• Good Value: For about $33, you get both tours, WiFi, underwater photos, and multiple pick-up points — a cost-effective way to see Rhodes.
• Potential Limitation: The short duration of stops and the brief nature of the tour might leave some wanting more in-depth exploration or longer underwater time.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

The Bus Tour: Discovering Rhodes’ Historic Heart

Starting at Mandraki Harbor or any of the 12 designated stops, the hop-on hop-off bus provides a leisurely way to explore Rhodes’ main sights. The stops include notable locations like the Acropolis of Rhodes, Monte Smith, San Francisco, New Marina, and the Old Town — all packed with history and charm.

The route allows for a gentle introduction to the city’s key neighborhoods, from the ancient ruins to the bustling modern center. The audio guide in nine languages enhances the experience, giving you context about each site without the need for a guidebook. A reviewer praised the timely operation of the bus and appreciated that the driver took pride in cleaning the bus, reflecting a well-maintained service.

While some stops are brief, they are sufficient for quick photo ops and initial impressions. For example, the Diagoras Statue and Aquarium are brief but memorable. Several travelers commented on the cleanliness and punctuality, which contribute to a stress-free tour. The ability to hop off and explore at your own pace makes this ideal for those who want a taste of Rhodes without committing to a full-day guided tour.

The Underwater Experience: The Poseidon Submarine

The submarine departs from Mandraki Harbor and stays above sea level at all times, with its hull housing an underwater observatory just 2.5 meters below the surface. This offers spectacular views of marine life and the underwater environment, with a diver feeding fish and sharing insights via an audio guide in English.

The diving deck allows you to walk around, giving you a sense of freedom that many found enjoyable. Several reviews highlighted how the clear waters made for excellent viewing, with one traveler noting, “The water was so clear,” and “you can see the fish swimming and even artifacts in the water.” It’s a safe and accessible experience suited for all ages, making it popular among families.

Some passengers expressed a desire for more underwater time or a longer submerged experience, but overall, the visual feast of fish, coral, and artifacts, combined with the diver feeding them, leaves most with a sense of wonder. The photos provided by the diver add a memorable touch, giving you keepsakes from your underwater adventure.

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What to Expect Throughout the Day

The itinerary is straightforward but efficient. You start at Mandraki Harbor or any of the 12 stops, hopping on the bus that takes you around Rhodes’ highlights, with audio commentary providing context and stories. You can get off at your preferred sites, explore briefly, and reboard at your convenience.

Later, you head to the Harbor for the submarine tour. The cruise lasts roughly 45 minutes, providing ample opportunity to observe the underwater world. Both activities are well-organized, with timely departures and easy check-in processes.

Practical Tips for Your Day

• Use the audio guides to enrich your understanding of the sights — they’re available in multiple languages.
• Plan your stops — the bus stops are conveniently located near major attractions, including the Old Town walls and the Aquarium.
• Bring a camera or smartphone for underwater photos, which are free and included in the cruise.
• Dress comfortably for the bus ride and bring sunscreen and water, especially in warm weather.
• Consider timing: the bus and submarine are separate activities, so you might want to allocate a few hours for each, allowing time for exploration and rest.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a cost-effective introduction to Rhodes, this combination offers a good balance of sights and experiences. It’s perfect for families, first-time visitors, or those who want a flexible way to see both the city’s highlights and underwater scenery without the complexity of booking separate tickets.

For travelers who value ease of access and multilingual commentary, the audio guides and multiple stops make this a hassle-free option. However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into Rhodes’ history or a longer underwater experience, you might find this tour somewhat brief and might want to plan for additional exploration afterward.

Final Thoughts

This Rhodes Hop-on Hop-off Bus and Submarine Tour offers a well-rounded snapshot of the island’s beauty — from historic streets to vibrant marine life. It’s a smart choice for those wanting good value with the flexibility to explore at their own pace. The combination of a comfortable bus ride with a unique underwater view makes it a memorable way to spend a day.

While it’s not an exhaustive tour, it hits many highlights and gives you a taste of Rhodes’ charm and aquatic wonders. The positive reviews about the timeliness, cleanliness, and the underwater feeding show suggest this experience is thoughtfully organized and enjoyable for a wide range of travelers.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, budget-conscious way to see Rhodes’ key sights, with the added thrill of marine life, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

Can I do the bus and submarine tours on different days?
Yes, the activity is valid for one day from first activation, so you can choose to do each part on different days if you prefer.

Is the submarine experience suitable for children?
Absolutely. The submarine remains above sea level at all times, and the underwater observatory is safe for all ages. Several reviews mention children enjoying seeing the fish and artifacts.

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

How long does the submarine cruise last?
The submarine cruise lasts approximately 45 minutes, giving you a good view of marine life and the underwater surroundings.

What stops can I hop off at during the bus tour?
Stops include the Acropolis of Rhodes, Monte Smith, San Francisco, New Marina, Old Town of Rhodes, Rhodes City Center, Town Hall, Psaropoula Square, Diagoras Statue, Aquarium, Rhodes Horizon, and West beachside.

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

This combined tour balances history, scenery, and marine exploration, making it a versatile choice for your day in Rhodes. With its reasonable price, helpful guides, and enjoyable underwater visuals, it’s a noteworthy way to uncover some of the best Rhodes has to offer.

You can check availability for your dates here: