The Bay of Navarone looks different from below. This hippo submarine trip gives you underwater viewing without the hassle of snorkeling, plus classic Lindos sights from the water. I love that it mixes big-view scenery with close-up sea life, and it is priced low enough to fit even a tight Rhodes budget. One thing to plan around is that the swim time is short and snorkeling gear is not included.

Two other highlights I really like: you get a comfortable, air-conditioned spot to watch the seabed through big port holes, and the crew keeps the stops flowing with story-led commentary and optional fish feeding. The Tomb of Kleoboulos stop also feels special because it is built around real marine action, not just sightseeing. The main consideration is weather, since the experience requires good conditions and can shift or refund if it cannot run.

If you want an easy, family-friendly way to see Lindos at sea level, this is a great match. With a small maximum group size and a highly rated team, you will likely feel looked after from dock to return. Just remember this is a submarine and swim spot combo, not a full snorkeling session.

5 Key Highlights of the Hippo Submarine in Lindos

• Underwater windows with air-conditioned comfort so you can watch the seabed without getting wet first
• Fish feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos stop, with sea bream and sea bass showing up for the food toss
• A genuine Lindos-from-the-water view, including the Acropolis and the area landmarks from onboard
• A planned Lindos Beach pass with time for quick town and beach vibes, plus an Acropolis photo moment
• Bay of Navarone swim time in clear water before heading back to harbor

Why a Hippo Submarine Trip Works So Well in Lindos

Lindos is one of those places where you can spend hours walking and still feel like you missed something. This tour gives you a different viewpoint fast, from the sea looking up. You get the kind of photos you cannot get from the shoreline because the angles are different and the coastline looks bigger.

I also like that the format is simple. You board, you cruise, you stop at a couple of landmark points, and you finish with a swim. There is no complicated schedule to decode, and the crew gives you enough context that it does not feel like you are just riding around.

Most importantly, you are not trading comfort for views. The onboard viewing area has air conditioning, and you can watch through submarine-style ports while staying relaxed. That is a big deal on a Greek afternoon when the sun can get intense.

Meeting at St. Paul’s Bay and Getting Oriented Fast

The tour starts and ends at Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece. The published start time is 4:40 pm, which means you are heading out when the light starts to soften and the coastline looks more photogenic.

If you want pickup, it is available but limited. The route depends on the day of the week, with options described for Vlycha to Kolymbia region on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Lindos to Plimmiri region on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. You will need to share your hotel’s full name if you choose pickup, and the operator confirms the final time at least a day ahead.

On arrival, you meet the team at the dock area and get introduced to Lindos right away. This is not a long lecture. It is more like getting your bearings fast, so when you start seeing landmarks, you understand what you are looking at.

The Underwater Deck Experience: Air-Conditioned Fish Spotting

Once you board, the core experience starts immediately. You go to the submerged deck area where you can relax in air conditioning, listen to music, and look at the seabed through large port holes. This is a classic “snorkeling without the gear” idea, but with the comfort of staying inside.

What I like about this approach is that it is low effort. You can watch sea life move around without wrestling with masks or worrying about how long you can float. If you get motion-sick easily, the fact that you can stay inside and look through ports can be a big advantage.

The views also help you understand why the itinerary is built the way it is. Instead of only seeing the coast, you spend time looking at what is under the surface near the coastline. That adds a second layer to Lindos, and it makes the later swim stop feel more intentional.

Stop at the Tomb of Kleoboulos: Stories Plus Real Fish Action

The Tomb of Kleoboulos stop is the most “hands-on” part of the ride. You get about 20 minutes at this second landmark point, and the crew ties it to the name and theme of the site, including the idea about keeping balance for happiness in life.

Then comes the part kids usually talk about after the tour. Fish feeding happens here, and you can see sea bream and sea bass appear quickly as seafood is tossed into the water. If you want to participate, you can. If not, you can simply watch from the viewing area while the fish gather.

This is where the submarine experience earns its keep. You are not just learning about an ancient name from above the water. You are pairing an on-water view with living wildlife behavior right below you. It is also a practical move for families, since kids can feel involved without needing complicated equipment.

Back Up on Deck for Acropolis Views You Cannot Get From the Road

After the underwater viewing, you come back up on deck to take in the major sights. One of the best parts is that you get to see the Acropolis of Lindos from the water as you leave the initial bay.

The crew shares tips about when to visit for the best experience, and the general vibe is that you will want to time your walking view carefully so you do not feel like you are fighting crowds or harsh light. Even if you are not going up to the Acropolis immediately, this onboard viewpoint helps you decide how to plan your on-land time.

This is also the moment when the coastline “makes sense.” From the sea, the shape of Lindos looks coherent, and the Acropolis reads as the landmark it always was. It feels less like a distant ruin and more like the focus of the town.

Lindos Beach Stop: A Quick Photo Moment Plus Beach Town Tips

On the return, the tour passes through Lindos Beach for about 10 minutes. During this stop, you get to see the main beach area with its activity and people, and you can ask the crew for information about things happening in town and along the shore.

This stop is short on purpose. It is more about letting you connect the ship view to the land scene than giving you a long window to wander. If you want a selfie, it is the time to do it, because the Acropolis is right there in the background.

Practical tip: treat this as your photo and orientation minute. If you wait until the next day to take a good Acropolis-with-beach photo, you might end up chasing the perfect angle when you are tired.

Bay of Navarone Swim Stop: Refreshing Water, Limited Time

The final stop is Bay of Navarone, and it includes about 30 minutes for swimming. The water is described as crystal clear, and you get the kind of coastline that makes you want to jump in right away.

Two things to keep in mind. First, swim time is limited, so come ready to make the most of it. Second, snorkeling equipment is not included, so if you want to snorkel you either need to bring your own or plan for another option separately.

Also, since the tour depends on good weather, conditions can change. If the sea is rough, you are not the one solving it. The operator handles the scheduling based on what works for safety and visibility.

If you like water time but you want an easy structure, this end stop is a good match. It gives you a payoff after the viewing stops, so the day closes with something physical and fun.

Onboard Comfort and Small-Group Feel: The Value You Notice

This activity caps at 40 travelers, which makes the experience feel more manageable than big-boat tours. In practice, that matters because you want room at the port holes. One review highlighted how there was plenty of space for passengers to enjoy the submarine windows, which is exactly what you should look for in a viewing-centered tour.

Comfort details also show up on board. Reviews mention the toilet, a range of soft drinks, and a comfortable vibe inside with air conditioning. Those are not glamorous perks, but they change how you experience a 2-ish hour excursion, especially if you are arriving from hot walking around Lindos.

Price-wise, at $35 per person, you are paying for a combo: landmark cruise, underwater viewing, fish feeding, and a swim slot. That is strong value for Rhodes, where you can easily spend more on boat tours that do less.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Might Want a Different Option)

This tour is a great fit if you want something active but not complicated. You get sea life views without the gear hassle, and the swim stop gives you a payoff even if you are not a dedicated snorkeler.

It is also especially good for families. In one example, the youngest got to help steer the boat out to sea, and kids were involved in feeding fish. Even if your kids are not aiming for steering duty, the itinerary naturally gives them moments to focus on.

It may be less ideal if you want a long snorkeling session or extended beach time. Because snorkeling gear is not included and swim time is about 30 minutes, you should treat this as a taster and a fun water break, not a full day in the water.

If you get motion-sensitive, the submerged viewing area can be a comfort strategy because you can spend a lot of the ride inside looking through ports.

Timing Your Rhodes Day: How to Pair This With Lindos Sightseeing

Since the tour runs from late afternoon into early evening, it pairs nicely with a half day of exploring. You can walk around town in the heat of earlier hours, then use this tour to shift to sea views and cooler temperatures.

The Lindos Beach stop is a reminder that you are close to everything. If you want to see the beach scene without committing to a long swim, you get a snapshot. If you want the beach later, you now know what it feels like.

Also, the onboard Acropolis viewpoint helps you plan any Acropolis time. You can use the crew’s tips about when to visit for a better experience. Even a rough plan based on their guidance can save you from showing up at the worst light or peak crowd moments.

Practical Things to Bring (Without Overthinking It)

You do not need snorkeling equipment for the submarine viewing, but you should think about your swim comfort. Since snorkeling gear is not included, you might plan to either swim without it or bring your own if you are set on snorkeling.

Bring the usual sea basics for comfort: swimwear, a towel if you have one, and something for sun protection if you are out on deck. You will likely want to stay hydrated too, and water or soda is included, which helps.

If you are using pickup, double-check your pickup eligibility for your day and region. Limited pickup windows can matter more than people expect when you are coordinating multiple activities.

Should You Book the Hippo Submarine in Lindos?

Yes, if you want a low-effort, high-reward Lindos sea experience. The strong rating and high recommendation rate make sense because the tour does what it promises: underwater viewing, fish feeding, landmark sights from the water, and a swim stop.

I would book it if you are traveling with kids, if you want a comfortable onboard experience with air conditioning, or if you prefer activities that do not require extra gear. It is also a smart value at $35 when you compare it to longer boat excursions that do not include the underwater viewing element.

Hold off or consider a different plan if you want lots of snorkeling time or a long beach break. This is timed, structured, and weather-dependent, and the best strategy is to treat it as a fun, efficient way to see Lindos from the sea.

FAQ

How long is the Lindos hippo submarine experience?

It runs for about 2 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and where does it end?

The tour starts at Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but it is limited to specific locations and days of the week. The local operator confirms the final pickup time at least one day before the tour.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is listed as 4:40 pm.

What is included in the ticket price?

The crew describes all stops and points of interest, and one soft drink or bottle of water is included.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No, snorkeling equipment is not included.

How many people are on board?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What language is the experience offered in?

It is offered in English.

Is there air conditioning on the submarine?

Yes, the submerged viewing area has air conditioning.

What is the cancellation and weather policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.