Golden-hour views, but from below deck. This Hippo Submarine outing is a smart way to see Lindos from the sea, with a glass-bottom cabin plus Acropolis views and a swim stop. You also get a close-up look at marine life without hauling snorkel gear around.

I especially like two things. First, the underwater portholes let you watch fish right under your feet, even if you do not want to swim. Second, the crew keeps the trip fun with onboard chat, including history tidbits and fish-feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos stop.

One thing to consider: the swim in Bay of Navarone is time-limited, and snorkeling equipment is not included. If you’re hoping for a long, gear-based snorkeling session, you’ll want to plan something else.

Key things to know before you go

Glass-bottom submarine cabin with A/C and music keeps it comfortable while you watch the seabed.

Fish-feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos includes sea bream and sea bass, and you can toss the food if you want.

Bay of Navarone swim time is built in, so you can cool off after the underwater viewing.

Acropolis of Lindos from the water gives you a new angle without climbing any steps.

Group size stays small with a maximum of 40 people on board.

Soft drink or bottled water is included so you do not start the swim thirsty.

Lindos Looks Different From a Hippo Submarine

Lindos is easy to love from land: white houses, curvy streets, and that famous Acropolis perched above everything. But seeing it from the sea changes the whole picture. From the Hippo Submarine, you get that rare combo—a cool underwater window view plus big “wow” sights like the Acropolis and a stop near ancient landmarks.

What makes this outing feel practical is that you do not have to be a confident swimmer or bring snorkeling gear to enjoy the main attraction. The underwater deck is where you get the best return on time: you can sit, relax, and watch fish drift in close.

Also, the schedule is designed to keep moving. You get a short introduction, a couple of heritage stops, then the beach and swim. It is not a long cruise that drags. It’s a focused, afternoon-friendly plan.

Meeting at St. Paul’s Bay: Timing and What to Bring

The tour meets at Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece—right at St. Paul’s Bay area. It starts at 4:40 pm and returns to the same meeting point.

If you want pickup, it’s limited and depends on the day of the week. The operator notes transfer is available from Vlycha to Kolymbia region on Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday, and from Lindos to Plimmiri region on Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday. You’ll need to share your hotel’s full name when requesting it, and your final pickup time is confirmed by the operator at least a day before.

A couple of practical points so your afternoon goes smoothly:

• Bring swimwear and a towel. The Bay of Navarone swim is about 30 minutes, and you’ll be happier if you’re ready quickly.
• Sunscreen matters. Even if you’re inside for part of the ride, you’ll come up on deck and take photos.
• Secure small items. One hat incident gets mentioned in feedback, which is a good reminder to keep anything loose on you.

Onboard, you can expect space to see through the windows comfortably. One benefit of this specific submarine setup is that people are not packed so tightly that you spend the whole trip craning your neck.

The Underwater Cabin: Watching Fish Without Snorkeling Gear

The star of the experience is the submarine’s submerged deck. When you board, the crew introduces Lindos and then you spend time inside with big portholes looking straight down at the seabed.

Inside, the cabin is set up for comfort. Reviews highlight A/C, music, and a relaxed viewing vibe. In real terms, that means you can enjoy the underwater part even on a warm afternoon, and you’re not battling sun glare the way you would on an open boat.

What you’ll actually see

This is not just “maybe you’ll spot fish.” There’s a fish-feeding moment during the Tomb of Kleoboulos stop, and you’re encouraged to participate. You can expect sea bream and sea bass appearing when the food hits the water, along with other fish moving in quickly.

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who hates the idea of snorkeling, this is a good compromise. You can get that close-to-the-water feeling while staying seated and comfortable.

Acropolis of Lindos From the Deck: A Perfect Photo Angle

After the underwater segment, you come back up on deck. This part is easy to underestimate until you’re there: the Acropolis of Lindos looks dramatic from sea level, with the cliffside and ruins visible in one sweeping view.

The crew also shares history as you sail, and you can ask questions. Even if you already know a few facts, it helps to hear when to visit the Acropolis for the best experience—because timing on site really changes how the place feels.

Photo tip that saves time

There’s a brief moment on the Lindos beach slide-by when getting a selfie with the Acropolis in the background is encouraged. This is the kind of quick, no-stress photo opportunity that works well if you do not want to carve out a separate hour for views and lines.

Tomb of Kleoboulos: Fish-Feeding With a Greek Lesson

One of the most memorable stops is near the Tomb of Kleoboulos. You’ll hear about a significant ancient Greek philosopher—Kleoboulos—and the message tied to him about keeping balance for happiness in life.

Then the atmosphere shifts from listening to watching. Fish-feeding follows, and this is where the underwater viewing turns into action. Feedback mentions sea bream and sea bass, and you can help by tossing the seafood toward the water. If you like nature moments that feel a bit interactive, this stop delivers.

A few thoughts to keep expectations realistic:

• Fish come in fast when feeding happens, but you won’t control the exact behavior of wildlife.
• If you’re squeamish about getting close to underwater activity, you can still enjoy the viewing without participating.

This stop is a good example of why the submarine works so well. You’re not just hearing stories about ancient Greece—you’re pairing them with a living coastal scene.

Lindos Beach Slide-By: Quick Town Buzz Without the Crowd Time

On the return route, you pass by Lindos Beach, which is known for activity and people. The time here is short, about 10 minutes, so it’s more of a scenic preview than a full beach break.

Still, it has a practical purpose. The crew tells you what’s going on and can share information about activities in town and on the beach. That’s useful if you’re trying to decide what to do after the submarine ride—especially because the tour ends back at the meeting point.

If you want more beach time

This stop is not meant to replace hours on sand. It’s meant to give you a sense of where the action is, plus that quick selfie moment with the Acropolis behind it. If you want to linger on the beach, treat this as a “see where you might go next” stop.

Bay of Navarone Swim: Cooling Off in Clear Water

Then comes the Bay of Navarone segment, where the submarine heads into crystal-clear water for a refreshing swim. The swim time is about 30 minutes.

This is the easiest part to enjoy because it’s simple: you get out and swim, then you’re back on board before the afternoon wears you down. In many coastal tours, the water segment feels like an afterthought. Here it’s one of the anchors of the whole plan.

A key detail: snorkeling equipment is not included. That doesn’t stop you from swimming, but if your goal is extended snorkeling with gear, you’ll need to bring your own or book a different activity.

What to bring for the swim

• Swimwear you’re comfortable wearing for the full 30 minutes
• Flip-flops or easy-to-walk footwear for getting to and from the water
• A small bag for your phone and valuables
• Sunscreen and a hat with a secure fit

Price and Value: Is $35 Worth It?

At about $35 per person for roughly 2 hours on the water, the value comes from what’s included—not just the boat ride itself.

You get:

• Underwater glass-bottom cabin viewing with A/C
• Crew commentary at the main points of interest
• Fish-feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos stop
• A swim stop in Bay of Navarone
• A soft drink or bottled water
• A small-group feel (maximum 40 people)

What you do not get is a long, gear-heavy snorkeling adventure, and there’s no mention of included snacks. If you’re the kind of person who likes quick nature hits plus a couple of cultural stops, this price makes sense. If you want a half-day on the water with lots of gear time, it might feel short.

For families, the math often improves. Kids get underwater viewing, a feeding moment, and a real swim without the stress of snorkeling equipment. For adults, it’s a low-effort way to see Lindos landmarks from a new perspective.

Comfort and Onboard Extras That Matter More Than You Think

Small comfort details can make or break a tour, especially if you’re traveling with mixed ages. This one has a few practical perks that show up in feedback:

• A/C inside the viewing area
• Music during the ride
• Soft drinks and water available onboard
• A toilet mentioned in feedback
• Plenty of room to experience the submarine windows

Those details help because the trip is partly about waiting for the right sights and fish to appear. When you’re comfortable, you actually enjoy it.

Also, the crew is repeatedly described as friendly and attentive, which matters because the experience is more engaging when you can ask questions and get quick explanations.

Who Should Book This Submarine Ride (and Who Should Skip)

This tour is especially a fit for:

• Families with children who want a water adventure without complicated gear
• People who want underwater views but do not want to snorkel
• Anyone looking for a Lindos outing that mixes sea life with iconic landmarks

You might want to skip or pair it with something else if:

• You’re chasing a long snorkeling session (snorkel equipment isn’t included)
• You’re the type who wants a full beach afternoon rather than a swim break
• You’re strict about pickup convenience, since transfers only run on specific days and regions

If you’re flexible and like “see a lot without over-planning,” this ride fits nicely into a Lindos afternoon.

Practical Tips for a Smooth, Sunny Afternoon

These are the small moves that help the ride feel easy:

• Wear sun protection early. You’ll be on deck at least briefly for Acropolis views and photos.
• Bring a light layer if you get chilly from A/C inside.
• Plan for a swim bag. Keep your phone secure and your change of items organized.
• If you’re hoping to toss fish food during feeding, follow the crew’s lead and do it carefully.
• If you have questions, ask them. The format is built around crew explanations, not just silent sightseeing.

If you’re traveling with kids, keep expectations simple: they’ll likely love the underwater viewing and the fish-feeding moment. And if the crew invites children to take part (some departures include a steering moment), the best move is to stay relaxed and enjoy the surprise.

Should You Book the Hippo Submarine in Lindos?

I’d book it if you want a smart, family-friendly way to see Lindos from the water and still get real marine-life time. The combination of submarine windows, the Tomb of Kleoboulos fish-feeding, and the Bay of Navarone swim covers a lot of what people come to Lindos for—without forcing you into a long, gear-heavy day.

I’d think twice if you’re mainly looking for extended snorkeling or lots of beach time. This is a short, well-paced outing. It’s designed to be enjoyable, not exhausting.

If you’re on the fence, check the timing with your other plans. A 4:40 pm start can pair nicely with a late afternoon food stop afterward, when the town shifts from day heat into evening energy.

FAQ

How long is the Hippo Submarine tour?

It runs for about 2 hours (approximately).

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $35.00 per person.

Where does the tour start?

The meeting point is Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece (St. Paul’s Bay area).

Does the tour offer pickup?

Pickup is offered, but only from specific locations and on certain days. Your final pickup time is confirmed by the local operator at least one day before.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the ticket mobile?

Yes, you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What’s included in the price?

You get crew descriptions of the stops and a soft drink (or bottle of water).

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is there a swimming stop?

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

Is the tour weather-dependent?

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

What if I need to cancel?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount you paid is not refunded.