Posted by Underwater World of the Sun Island
Rhodes is one of the most popular holiday islands in Greece. In addition to sun, beaches and culture, the island also attracts visitors with a fascinating underwater world. The clear, warm waters of the Aegean Sea around Rhodes provide a habitat for many species – from colorful fish to turtles and even dolphins.
Anyone swimming, snorkeling or diving in the sea will sooner or later encounter these marine inhabitants. Some are harmless and curious, others are best left alone. In this article, you will learn all about the animals in the waters around Rhodes – along with tips on what to watch out for.
Fish – the Colorful Companions While Swimming & Snorkeling
In the shallow water directly at the beaches, there are plenty of small fish. Many tourists are surprised when they are suddenly accompanied by schools while swimming. Typical species include:
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Sea bream (Sargos, Gilthead bream, White seabream)
These fish can be recognized by their silvery-grey shimmer. They are curious and often follow swimmers for a while. -
Parrotfish & Wrasses
Colorful eye-catchers in the Mediterranean, usually found in rocky bays. -
Mediterranean Dusky Grouper
A frequent companion while snorkeling, sometimes quite tame. -
Barracudas
Slender, silver and very fast. They may look dangerous but are harmless to humans.
Especially when snorkeling in small bays around Rhodes, such as Ladiko Bay or Anthony Quinn Bay, the chances of seeing many different fish are high.
Rhodes: Boat, Bus, and Submarine Tours
We have selected the best tours and day trips from Rhodes that you can book online on a well-known German website:
1. Boat tour from Rhodes Town to Lindos (8 hours): More info and booking (very popular tour)
If traveling independently: Due to the many tourists, it is better to buy tickets for Lindos online in advance: Link to the booking page
2. Boat trip from Rhodes to the island of Symi (10 hours): More info and booking (great trip to an interesting island)
3. Sailing tour around Rhodes with swimming and lunch (6 hours): More info and booking (very popular excursion)
4. Bus tour to Lindos from Rhodes Town (7 hours): More info and booking (Lindos with the famous Acropolis)
5. Submarine ride from Rhodes (45 min): More info and booking (great view into underwater life)
Sea Turtles – the Silent Stars
One of the most well-known species in the Mediterranean is the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta). Although there are no major nesting sites on Rhodes like on Zakynthos or Crete, turtles can still be regularly observed in the water.
Especially in summer, they like to swim near the coast. With some luck, you can spot them while diving or snorkeling. Important: Do not touch and keep a safe distance, as the animals are protected.
Dolphins off Rhodes
Dolphins are among the greatest attractions in the sea around Rhodes. Especially bottlenose dolphins live here. They sometimes swim near the coast but are more often seen on boat tours.
Many excursions from Rhodes Town or Faliraki offer dolphin watching – the chances are good, though not guaranteed on every tour. The likelihood is higher especially early in the morning and outside the peak season.
Rare Visitors: Seals & Whales
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Mediterranean Monk Seal
A critically endangered species. Individual animals have already been sighted around Rhodes, but very rarely. -
Whales
South of Rhodes lie deep-sea areas where sperm whales or fin whales can sometimes be found. However, such encounters remain exceptional for tourists.
Jellyfish in the Sea around Rhodes
Many holidaymakers ask: Are there jellyfish?
Yes, jellyfish do occur, but they are mostly harmless species. Most cause nothing more than a slight burning sensation on the skin. Dangerous jellyfish species are extremely rare in the Aegean Sea.
In summer, especially when the sea is calm, swarms can occur. One tip: Pay attention to local beach information – lifeguards or sunbed rental staff often know whether jellyfish have been spotted recently.
Sea Urchins & Other Small Hazards
The coast of Rhodes is rocky, and where there are rocks, there are also sea urchins. Their spines are sharp and painful if you step on them barefoot. Therefore, it’s worth wearing water shoes, especially in natural bays.
Other animals you should treat with respect:
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Moray eels – hide in rock crevices. They only bite when disturbed.
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Scorpionfish – well-camouflaged on the seabed. Their spines contain venom that is painful but not life-threatening.
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Octopuses – fascinating to watch, very intelligent, but please do not touch them.
Sharks in the Waters around Rhodes
Holidaymakers often ask: Are there sharks around Rhodes?
Yes, sharks do live in the Mediterranean – but encounters near the coast are extremely rare. Most species are harmless, small and shy. There are practically no reports of shark attacks in Greece.
For divers, it is possible, with a bit of luck, to spot small catsharks or sand sharks – an impressive experience, but completely harmless.
Tips for Swimmers, Snorkelers & Divers
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Wear water shoes in rocky areas – protection against sea urchins.
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Respect animals – do not touch, do not feed, keep your distance.
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Choose the best spots: Bays with clear water, e.g. Tsambika Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay or Kalithea.
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Bring a snorkel set – there is plenty to see even in shallow water.
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Be careful after sunset – some animals, such as moray eels, are more active then.
Conclusion
The underwater world of Rhodes is rich, colorful and mostly harmless. Whether it’s colorful fish, curious dolphins or graceful turtles – the sea around the island holds many surprises. With a little attention and respect, you as a visitor can have unforgettable encounters.
Rhodes is therefore not only a dream destination for sun-seekers and culture lovers, but also for anyone who wants to discover marine life.