Rhodes: Combo Ticket – Hop On Hop Off Bus & Submarine Cruise

So, I’ve been digging into this Rhodes combo ticket—a package that combines a hop-on hop-off bus tour with a semi-submarine cruise—and I think it’s worth sharing what you can expect. It’s a solid option if you’re after a flexible way to see the highlights of the island without breaking the bank.

What really caught my eye are the convenience of the dual experience—you get to explore Rhodes’ sights from both land and sea—and the affordability, with a full day of activities for just around $33.59. On the flip side, one thing to keep in mind is that the submarine cruise might not always take place in open water, which could affect your experience if you’re hoping for the full marine adventure.

This tour could be especially appealing if you’re a history and nature lover, eager to see Rhodes from different perspectives without committing to multiple bookings. It’s quite adaptable for those who want a mix of sightseeing and a bit of fun on the water, but it’s probably less suited if you’re seeking a laid-back, all-day cruise or a deep dive into the island’s history—this is more about quick, fun highlights.

Key Points

• Flexible schedule: You can hop on any of the 12 bus stops within the day, giving you control over your sightseeing pace.
• Two-in-one experience: Combines land-based sightseeing with a marine adventure, ideal for variety.
• Audio guides in multiple languages: Nine in total, making navigation easier for international travelers.
• Affordable price point: About $33.59 for a full day, offering good value for what you get.
• Short but sweet submarine trip: 45 minutes of underwater viewing, perfect for a quick marine encounter.
• Potential limitations: The submarine cruise might sometimes happen in the harbor rather than open sea, as one reviewer pointed out.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Experience

Starting with the bus, this is a classic way to get a broad overview of Rhodes. The buses are air-conditioned and equipped with headsets offering commentary in nine languages, which is really handy if you want to learn about the island’s sights without a guide. Since the ticket is valid for one day and you can hop on at any of the 12 designated stops, it offers a lot of flexibility.

The stops seem thoughtfully placed at key locations like the Acropolis of Rhodes, San Francisco New Marina, Old Town, and Rhodes City Center. This means you’ll have quick access to historical sites, charming neighborhoods, and scenic views. The bus stops at notable spots like the Town Hall, Diagoras Square, and the Grand Hotel also give you options to explore on foot or relax in local cafes.

What we loved about the bus is how it serves as a convenient transportation option that allows you to see the city without the hassle of renting a car or navigating confusing streets. Plus, with free Wi-Fi on board, you can share your experience or keep your plans handy.

The Underwater Adventure: The Semi-Submarine Cruise

The real highlight—at least for those curious about marine life—is the semi-submarine. Departing from Mandraki Harbor, it’s a 45-minute trip that offers a view into the underwater world through a glass window in the hull. The cabin is air-conditioned, which is great if you want to stay dry and comfortable during the trip.

The cruise features an audio guide in English and German, so you’ll be able to learn about the sea creatures and the marine environment. Onboard, there’s a bar (drinks aren’t included) if you want to sip on something while soaking up the views. You can also step outside onto the deck at any time to enjoy the fresh air and see the Old Town walls, windmills, and the calm sea from above.

However, a word of caution from one reviewer: it’s best to verify if the cruise will venture into open water. One person pointed out that the cruise sometimes takes place in the harbor, which might limit your marine viewing experience. If you’re expecting to see a lot of fish or underwater scenery, this is something to keep in mind.

The Itinerary in Detail

The Bus Tour is the backbone of this combo. It’s designed to give you a quick but rundown of Rhodes. The stops cover both historical and modern sights, making it perfect for first-timers who want a taste of everything. You’ll pass by notable landmarks, historical sites, and scenic spots, all explained via audio guide. Because the buses are air-conditioned and equipped with Wi-Fi, you can relax between stops and even plan your next move with ease.

The submarine cruise complements this by offering a unique perspective below the surface. Watching marine life through the large windows is a fun, family-friendly activity that adds a different dimension to your day. The fact that you’re above water while viewing the underwater scenery makes it safer and more accessible for all ages.

More Great Tours Nearby

How the Day Unfolds

You could start your day with the bus, hopping off at places that pique your interest—perhaps the Acropolis, Old Town, or the Aquarium—then hop back on to continue the loop. The bus schedule is flexible, so you can spend as much or as little time at each stop.

Later, you’ll head to Mandraki Harbor for the submarine cruise. It’s short but offers a nice break from land exploration. The boat departs at scheduled times, and you’ll want to arrive a bit early to ensure you get on the passenger list. During the cruise, you can relax, enjoy the views, and learn about marine life through the audio guide.

Real Traveler Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that many find this combo ticket to be a good value. One traveler exclaimed, “Recommend it! Worth 100%! Thank you!” highlighting how much they enjoyed the experience. Others appreciated the well-organized combination of activities, calling it “a very good option” for seeing Rhodes efficiently.

However, the one critique worth noting is about the submarine cruise possibly not always venturing into open water. Clarisse’s review reminds future travelers to confirm the cruise’s location if marine viewing is a priority. This small detail could impact your enjoyment if you’re expecting clear underwater views in the open sea.

The reviews suggest that the experience is generally enjoyable and well worth the price, especially if you value a mix of land and sea activities.

Practical Details and Tips

• Price: Around $33.59 per person, which seems reasonable considering the two activities included.
• Duration: The bus ticket is valid for one day, giving you flexibility on when to do each part.
• Availability: Check the schedule beforehand—starting times vary, and you’ll need to make sure the cruise departs at a convenient time.
• Booking: You can reserve now and pay later, allowing you to keep your plans flexible.
• Entry: You need to arrive earlier for the submarine cruise to get on the passenger list—don’t forget!
• Language: The audio guides are available in multiple languages, making it accessible to most travelers.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This combo ticket is ideal for travelers who want a quick, affordable way to see Rhodes from different angles. If you’re someone who appreciates flexibility and doesn’t mind the possibility of the submarine cruise not always venturing into open waters, this is a good choice. Families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a bit of adventure and sightseeing will find this package offers a balanced mix of land exploration and marine observation.

It’s also great for those on a tight schedule, since the activities are relatively short but packed with sights. If you’re looking for a leisurely, full-day cruise with extensive underwater viewing, this might not be the perfect fit. However, for a fun, efficient day on Rhodes, it hits the right notes.

FAQs

Can I hop on the bus any time during the day?
Yes, you can hop on at any of the 12 designated stations once your ticket is active. Just check the schedule for the starting times.

Do I need to book the submarine cruise separately?
Your ticket includes the cruise, but you need to arrive early to be added to the passenger list. Confirm your departure time and arrive a bit beforehand.

Is the submarine cruise always in the open sea?
Not necessarily. One review noted that sometimes it takes place in the harbor, so if open-sea views are important, it’s worth confirming in advance.

How long is the bus tour?
The bus ticket is valid for a full day, and you can choose when to hop on and off, giving you flexibility.

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

Can I enjoy Wi-Fi on the buses?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available onboard, so you can stay connected or plan your next stops.

Are drinks available on the submarine?
There’s a bar onboard, but drinks are not included in the ticket price.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the cruise is described as safe and suitable for all ages, so it could be good for families. Just verify timings and cruise conditions if traveling with young children.

All in all, this Rhodes combo ticket offers a practical way to see a lot of the island’s highlights without stressing about the logistics. It’s a budget-friendly, flexible option that blends history, scenery, and marine fun—all wrapped into a single day. Perfect for those who want a taste of Rhodes with a mix of activities that won’t tie up your entire trip.

You can check availability for your dates here: