Explore Lindos Aboard the Hippo Submarine

A submarine tour over Lindos feels like sightseeing with your feet off the ground. This 2-hour outing combines glass-bottom underwater viewing, a calm cruise with Acropolis views, and a swim stop in Bay of Navarone. It also includes fish feeding at a notable ancient site, so you get more than just pretty water.

I really like how this is set up for relaxed time aboard: air conditioning in the submerged cabin, room for passengers to enjoy the windows, and a crew that shares explanations at each stop. I also like the value of the pacing, you get a swim plus multiple “see it from the water” moments without needing extra gear, just one included soft drink or water.

One thing to consider is that the experience depends on good weather. If conditions are poor, your tour may be changed or refunded, so plan to keep a little flexibility in your Rhodes schedule.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• St. Paul’s Bay boarding with underwater viewing: see the seabed through huge ports while enjoying A/C and music
• Acropolis of Lindos from the water: get the best angle without climbing anything
• Tomb of Kleoboulos stop with fish feeding: sea bream and sea bass follow the seafood thrown in
• A real swim in Bay of Navarone: a dedicated break to get in the water before heading back
• Small-group feel for the ticket price: up to 40 travelers, so it doesn’t feel like a cattle boat
• Comfort on board: reviews mention plenty of space, plus toilet access and soft drinks

From St. Paul’s Bay, This Is Lindos By Sea

Most Lindos tours make you choose between walking or beach time. This one tries a third path, viewing the coastline and ancient sights from the water, including what you can see through the submarine windows.

You meet at Paralia Agios Pavlos (851 07), Rhodes, with the activity starting at 4:40 pm and ending back at the same point. The timing matters because late afternoon light can make the bay views look softer than midday, and the mood aboard a calm sea cruise tends to be less rushed.

The vibe is also family-friendly and relaxed. Reviews highlight friendly crew, room for everyone to get window time, and a low-stress flow where kids and adults both find something to do. You’re not stuck just sitting either, there are clear moments on deck and clear moments in the submerged cabin.

The Submarine Experience Inside: Air Conditioning, Big Windows, and Simple Comfort

The core hook here is the submerged deck. Once you board at the dock, you move into a cabin with large port holes designed for watching the seabed up close. Reviews call out that there’s A/C inside and plenty of room, which is a big deal on a small boat setup.

That underwater viewing is the difference between watching a shoreline from above and actually seeing marine life in your peripheral view. It’s more like snorkeling without the gear stress. You don’t need snorkeling equipment for the underwater portion because the windows do the work.

On board, you’ll also have basic comfort touches. One review notes a toilet and soft drinks available, and the included fare adds one bottle of water or soda. If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of comfort can be the difference between a fun outing and a quick exit.

It Starts With a Cruise and “Look Closely” Moments

Before the marked stops, you get an orientation ride in the Bay of Navarone area. You’ll go down to the submerged deck, settle in, listen to onboard music, and watch the seabed right beside the vessel through the viewing openings.

This first segment is where I’d tell you to pay attention to the water itself. In many places around Rhodes, the visual payoff from a window depends on conditions like clarity and light angle. Even if you’re not a “marine life person,” it’s still satisfying to see the coastline structure from below deck and to spot fish when the boat keeps a steady pace.

As you leave the bay, you come back up on deck to see the Acropolis of Lindos from the water. This is one of the best “views without effort” parts of the trip, because you get the landmark perspective without climbing the hill.

Stop for the Tomb of Kleoboulos and Fish Feeding

Your next stop is the Tomb of Kleoboulos, timed at about 20 minutes. This is where the tour turns from scenic cruising into something interactive.

You’ll get explanations from the crew as you arrive, including a reference to the philosopher’s message about balance and happiness. Then comes the part people remember: fish feeding. The tour includes seafood thrown into the water, and you can watch fish like sea bream and sea bass approach quickly.

A practical way to enjoy this moment is to position yourself so you can see the water surface as well as the area below. With fish feeding, the action often happens where the bait hits and where currents carry it. If you’re traveling as a family, this stop is also a great “everyone is doing the same thing” moment, no one needs to split time between viewpoints and pool time.

If you’re sensitive to hands-on nature moments, keep expectations realistic. You’re not controlling the fish or doing anything scuba-related. You’re watching feeding from the boat setup, which is exactly why it works for mixed ages.

Lindos Beach: Quick Views, Quick Photos, and Town Tips

Next comes Lindos Beach, a short stop of about 10 minutes. This is not a long beach break. Think of it as a connection stop, the chance to look at the activity around the shoreline and then snap a few photos with the Acropolis of Lindos in the background.

The crew invites questions here, and that’s where you can turn the short stop into practical planning. Ask what’s worth doing in town that fits your pace, because a 10-minute beach window doesn’t give you time to wander far without feeling rushed.

This stop is also useful for orientation. Once you’ve seen the Acropolis from the water, it’s easier to understand where the town sits and how the coastline shapes the views. If you later decide to walk around, you’ll know what you’re looking at.

Bay of Navarone Swim Stop: When to Say Yes to Getting Wet

Then you shift into the big break: Bay of Navarone, with about 30 minutes for swimming. This is the segment that transforms the tour from “cool views” into “I actually did something.”

The water is described as crystal clear, and the purpose is simple, you get time to cool off and enjoy the bay firsthand. The big practical point: snorkeling equipment is not included, so you should assume this is a swim stop rather than a full snorkeling session with gear.

If you want the best experience here, keep it easy. Bring whatever you need for a comfortable swim based on your own preferences, then treat it like a half-hour refresh. When you’re back aboard, you’ll still have the earlier underwater viewing to balance it out, so you don’t have to overdo it in the water to enjoy the trip.

Seeing the Acropolis and Ancient Sites From Water (Why It’s Worth It)

Many Lindos visitors focus on one or the other: climb to the Acropolis or lounge on the beach. This tour gives you a third angle, the ability to see how ancient structures sit within the coastal geography.

The Acropolis viewing from the sea is the standout “wow” moment for most people, because the perspective changes how the fortress and terraces read. You get scale without the steep walk, and you see the shoreline relationship that you miss if you only look from the hill.

Then the Tomb of Kleoboulos stop adds an ancient anchor to the tour without turning it into a museum visit. You learn while you’re stationary on the water, and the fish feeding gives the stop energy. That combination is the reason the experience tends to land well with families, and it also works for couples who want something active but not physically demanding.

Price and Value: $35 for Two Hours of “See More” Time

At $35 per person for around 2 hours, this sits in the “worth it if you want variety” category. You’re paying for three things at once:

• Underwater viewing through windows
• Guided storytelling at specific points (Acropolis, Tomb of Kleoboulos, and bays)
• A real swim stop plus time on deck

You also get a practical inclusion: one soft drink or bottle of water. That may sound small, but on a summer outing near the water, it helps you arrive without thinking about extra purchases.

On the other hand, there are a couple “budget watch” items. Snacks are not included, and snorkeling equipment is not included. So if you’re the type who likes to snack during breaks, budget for food separately.

What the Timing and Group Size Mean for Your Experience

This has a maximum of 40 travelers, and that matters more than people think. Smaller groups tend to mean faster movement between deck areas and fewer problems getting a clear view at the windows.

It also helps with the emotional part of the trip. When you have enough space, it’s easier to relax. Reviews specifically mention lots of room to enjoy the submarine windows, plus A/C inside, plus a friendly crew. Those are exactly the elements that make a short tour feel comfortable instead of crowded.

The 4:40 pm start means you’ll likely be done before the evening ramps up. That’s ideal if you want a sea outing without losing your whole night.

Pickup and Getting There Without Stress (Quick Reality Check)

The meeting point is Paralia Agios Pavlos and the activity returns there too. Pickup is offered, but it’s limited to specific areas and days.

Transfer details:

• Monday / Wednesday / Friday / Sunday: pickup available from Vlycha to Kolymbia region
• Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday: pickup available from Lindos to Plimmiri region
• If you choose pickup, you’ll need to add your hotel’s full name, and your final time is confirmed by the operator at least one day before

If you’re trying to time dinner plans, plan for a normal “check-in at the dock” buffer rather than expecting instant departure.

Who Should Book This Hippo Submarine Tour

This tour fits best if you want:

• A family-friendly outing with enough action to keep kids interested
• Scenic views of Lindos without the effort of constant walking
• Underwater viewing without snorkeling gear
• A short, structured experience that still includes a swim

It may not be your best fit if you’re chasing a long beach day, a long snorkeling session, or a full-on onshore archaeology tour. The time at each stop is deliberately short, and that’s how the tour keeps everything manageable.

Should You Book? My Straight Answer

If you’re in Lindos and you want a practical way to see the coastline, the Acropolis, and marine life while still getting a swim, I’d book it. The value is in the mix, submarine window time, guided stops, and a Bay of Navarone swim, all in about 2 hours.

Book it especially if you care about comfort. Reviews highlight A/C inside, room at the windows, and a crew that keeps the tone welcoming. Just keep an eye on the weather, because the tour requires good conditions, and you’ll want a flexible plan if the sea isn’t cooperating.

FAQ

What time does the Hippo Submarine tour start?

The tour starts at 4:40 pm and ends back at the meeting point.

Where is the meeting point for the tour?

The meeting point is Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 2 hours (approximately).

Is there pickup available?

Yes, pickup is offered, but only from specific locations depending on the day. Your final pickup time is confirmed by the local operator at least one day before the tour.

Which days offer pickup from Lindos to Plimmiri?

Pickup from the Lindos to Plimmiri region is available on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Which days offer pickup from Vlycha to Kolymbia?

Pickup from the Vlycha to Kolymbia region is available on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday.

What languages is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What can I see underwater during the tour?

You’ll board the submarine and use the submerged glass-bottom cabin with large port holes to see the seabed and fish.

Are snorkeling equipment and snacks included?

No. Snorkeling equipment and snacks are not included.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There is a swim stop in Bay of Navarone for about 30 minutes.