Submarine windows make Rhodes swimming simple. This 3-hour yellow mini-cruise gives you underwater viewing windows while you cruise, then stops at swim spots along the coast. The big appeal is that you’re not just riding—you’re getting short chunks of water time with a mix of sea life watching and snorkeling.

I especially like the underwater windows. They turn a normal boat trip into something different, even when the snorkeling is just getting you started. I also like that the trip includes beer and soft drinks on board, so your downtime between swims feels like part of the fun instead of waiting around.

One thing to consider: snorkel gear and swim timing can be hit-or-miss on rough or windy days. A few people reported broken or not-fully-ready equipment, and the water time may shrink when loading and unloading takes longer.

Key Things To Know Before You Go

• Underwater cabin viewing for sea life while you cruise and at stops
• Traganou Caves swim where you can swim inside the cave (boat-only access)
• Anthony Quinn Bay snorkeling with fish-feeding moments and provided gear
• Two swim stops plus a coastal cruise through the Faliraki area
• Open bar drinks included (beer and soft drinks), good for keeping energy up

What This Yellow Semi-Submarine Cruise Really Delivers

This is a coast-and-caves kind of trip, built for people who want a few hours of sea time without planning a whole day. You’ll ride on a small group boat (up to 49 people), with underwater viewing windows that make the journey feel like an attraction instead of just transport.

You also get a classic Rhodes combo: a cave stop, a bay stop, and a “float along the coast” segment. In practice, the experience works best when you treat it like a sequence of mini adventures—swap land for boat, swap boat for water, and then enjoy the cruise views between swims.

The price—about $60.49 per person—makes sense when you look at what’s bundled: time on the water, entry to the cave swim stop, snorkeling gear provided, and an open bar with beer and soft drinks. If you were to book those items separately (snorkel rental plus a boat excursion), the total usually climbs fast.

The Boat Experience: Underwater Windows, Drinks, and Real Group Flow

The star feature here is the underwater viewing setup. It’s not a full “tourist submarine” experience with constant viewing the entire time. Think of it as a moving way to watch marine life without having to be geared up and in the water every minute.

During the cruise, you’ll also have access to the on-board drinks. That matters more than it sounds. With short swim windows, you’ll want something that makes the off-water parts feel relaxed instead of rushed. The drinks are listed as beer and soft drinks—so don’t expect a cocktail menu vibe, but do expect you won’t be paying extra just to cool down.

Group flow is where you feel the difference between an “ideal schedule” and an “actual afternoon.” Some people note that a chunk of time can go into loading and unloading at different stops. On the boat, that usually means you’ll get your swims, but you may not always hit the exact advertised minutes.

My practical take: if you’re picky about timing, go in with flexible expectations. If you’re there for the overall mood—salt air, views, and a couple swims—you’ll likely enjoy it more.

Traganou Caves Swim Stop: Boat-Only Access and Cave Time

The first swim stop is Traganou Beach at the Traganou Caves area. This is the one that feels most special on paper, because the caves are only accessible by boat, and you can swim inside the cave itself.

What you’re really buying with this stop is the “I was swimming in a cave” memory. It’s not just a pretty coastline moment. The cave portion is the main event, but it also means you’ll need to plan for quick transitions: get suited up, swim in, then exit and be back to the boat on time.

Some people experienced this stop as shorter than advertised. The cave is popular and easy to run out of time in, especially if you try to linger or if the water conditions aren’t cooperating. Also, getting into the cave and back quickly takes coordination, and you don’t always control the pace once you’re in.

Tip for your comfort: if you want the cave swim to feel unrushed, go in with a simple plan—focus on the cave first, then do any extra snorkeling at the edges only if time allows.

Anthony Quinn Bay Swim Stop: Fish Life, Snorkel Gear, and Noodles

The second stop is Anthony Quinn Bay. This is the swim-and-snorkel portion most people treat like their “main water time,” with around 40 minutes on the schedule. The bay experience includes an underwater viewing cabin moment, plus the chance to use snorkeling equipment and swimming noodles.

The bay’s hook is marine life. You may also see fish drawn in around feeding times, which adds a strong “wow” factor, especially if you’re snorkeling for the first time. For kids, this is often the best segment because it mixes floaty support (noodles) with active looking for fish.

That said, a few practical complaints popped up: snorkel and mask gear can be inconsistent, and some gear pieces were reported as broken. A couple comments also pointed out that noodles may not be available in the ideal number, so don’t assume you’ll get the exact support you want in the exact size you expect.

What I’d do in your shoes: when you board, do a quick gear check—mask seal, snorkel fit, and whether the pieces look usable. If something’s not right, ask for a replacement right away while you still have time to enjoy the water.

Also, note that the underwater viewing cabin experience depends on what’s happening at that moment. If fish feeding isn’t happening during your cabin time, you may see less than you hoped. Still, the bay itself is where most of the action lives.

Cruise Through Faliraki Beach: Views, But Manage the Time

Between swim stops, you’ll cruise through Faliraki Beach area to enjoy the sun and underwater views from the boat setup.

This segment can be a nice breathing space. You’ve already done one swim. You’ll likely be warm enough to relax on deck, watch for sea life below, and reset before the second water stop.

But here’s the reality check: the total tour time is listed as about 3 hours, and some people found that the actual swimming felt closer to 2 hours once loading/unloading and drop-offs took longer than expected. Another factor is wind—when it’s gusty, boarding and transferring can eat minutes, and the boat speed may not feel like it does on calm days.

So, if you’re hoping for maximum time in the water, this is the part where timing can surprise you. If you’re happy with a “taste” of multiple spots rather than one long swim session, the coastal cruise becomes part of the charm.

Drinks Included: A Small Comfort With Big Payoff

The open bar onboard—beer and soft drinks included—is one of those add-ons that turns into real value during a short trip.

When your swim windows are limited, you’ll spend time waiting between water. Having drinks included makes those gaps feel less like downtime and more like a break. It also helps if you’re traveling with kids or you’re not spending the whole time snorkeling.

Still, one review noted drinks felt limited. That’s a signal to keep your expectations grounded: this isn’t a luxury bar experience. It’s a simple included benefit that helps you enjoy the day without constant add-on payments.

Safety and Gear Reality: What to Watch On Deck

This cruise is meant to be fun and accessible, but water trips always come with small practical risks—slippery decks, gear fit issues, and crowded loading moments.

A few people flagged safety concerns related to an exposed area near the anchor and mentioned an almost-miss. You can’t control the boat layout, but you can control your habits. Keep kids close, use handholds, and don’t treat the deck like a playground during boarding or exit moments.

Gear is another key point. If masks or snorkels aren’t in good shape, it can turn snorkeling from relaxing into frustrating. And if gear looks unclean, you’ll feel less comfortable. You’re not powerless here—do that quick check as soon as you’re handed equipment.

Simple rule: if your snorkeling tools don’t feel right within the first few minutes, request a swap before your swim window gets away from you.

Who This Is Best For (And Who Might Want a Different Plan)

This trip is a strong match for:

• Families looking for a short, kid-friendly sea activity
• Couples who want a scenic boat ride plus swimming, without committing to a full-day tour
• People who like snorkeling but don’t want to manage rental logistics

It can be less ideal if:

• You need long, uninterrupted time in the water
• You’re very sensitive to equipment quality and sanitation
• You’ll be upset if wind reduces comfort, speed, or time at each stop

The upside is that multiple people found the experience enjoyable even with kids of varying ages. If your crew has both swimmers and snorkel beginners, the bay stop gives you room to spread out: some people float with noodles, while others try snorkels.

Price and Value: Is $60.49 a Good Deal?

I think the value depends on your priorities.

If you want:

• a cave swim experience
• a bay swim with snorkeling gear included
• drinks on board

…then $60.49 feels fair for a short Rhodes outing. You’re paying for a packaged sea day where the main components are already covered.

If what you really want is:

• lots of swimming minutes
• high-end snorkel gear
• a smooth, clockwork schedule

…then you might decide to compare with other boat options. Wind, loading delays, and gear readiness can change the “quality of minutes” you get.

In short: this is a decent pick when you’re aiming for fun and variety. It’s not the best pick if your plan is built around getting maximum underwater time, every time.

Weather, Timing, and the Rhodes Reality Check

This experience requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll get offered a different date or a full refund.

That’s not a small detail. On a windy day, boats can load slower and handle less comfortably. If you see the weather heading into gusty territory, go in prepared for a slower flow and potential changes to how long each stop feels.

The good news is you’ve got flexibility: there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund. So you can book, watch conditions, and adjust if needed.

Quick Decision: Should You Book It?

I’d book this if you want a fun, easy half-day that mixes a cave swim, a bay snorkeling moment, and a real boat ride with underwater viewing windows and included drinks. It’s especially worth it for families, because the stops give you options: swim, float, watch fish, and enjoy the scenery without needing serious training.

I’d hesitate if you’re the type who must have pristine snorkel gear, long swim time, or zero scheduling hiccups. If you do book, plan to do a fast gear check and set expectations that the “3 hours” includes loading and coastal cruising, not just swimming.

FAQ

How long is the Yellow Semi Submarine swimming cruise?

The duration is listed as about 3 hours.

Where does the cruise stop for swimming?

It includes a stop at the Traganou Caves (Traganou Beach) and a swim stop at Anthony Quinn Bay. It also cruises through Faliraki Beach.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkelling equipment is provided, and swimming noodles are also available.

Are drinks included?

Yes. There is an open bar on board with beer and soft drinks included.

Do you need to speak another language besides English?

The tour is offered in English.

How many people are on the boat?

The maximum group size is 49 travelers.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. Confirmation is received at booking.