A Lindos view from underwater changes everything. This submarine cruise pairs big sights from the top deck with a quiet, air-conditioned look at the reef below. I like the mix of photo-worthy landmarks and hands-on moments like feeding fish, and I also like that you stay in a dry, comfortable space when you go under. One thing to keep in mind: the swimming stop is only about 30 minutes, so you’ll want to plan your timing and get sunscreen on early.

You’ll start with sea views of St. Paul’s Bay and the Acropolis of Lindos, then head down into the vessel’s submarine section to watch marine life from the underwater chamber. It’s a smart way to see Lindos’ coastline without a long day of boat travel, and it’s easy to fit into most trips based around Rhodes and the Dodecanese.

What to watch for: the fish-feeding moment can feel quick, and there may be moments where it’s harder to spot fish on the “other side” if you’re on the wrong window or there’s a language mix. A simple fix is to ask the crew to point out activity near your side, so nobody misses the action.

Key highlights you’ll actually care about

• Top deck landmark views of St. Paul’s Bay and the Acropolis of Lindos, with easy photo opportunities
• Underwater chamber watching of local reef life from a dry, air-conditioned space
• Fish feeding as a guided moment you can take part in (and photograph)
• Navarone’s Bay swimming stop with about 30 minutes of clear water time
• Free onboard WiFi + 1 included beverage, so you can upload your best shots on the spot

Why this Lindos submarine feels better than a regular boat

This isn’t just a sightseeing boat. It’s a hybrid: you get the classic “watch the coastline roll by” experience up top, and then you get a second act below, where you’re looking at the reef through the vessel’s submarine section.

That matters because the underwater portion is where Lindos turns from pretty to memorable. Seeing marine life through glass windows gives you a different sense of place, and you’re not standing in full sun the whole time. The boat is described as being dry and air-conditioned, which is a big quality-of-life win if the day is warm or you’re traveling with kids or anyone who gets heat-sore.

Also, you’re not paying only for “time on the water.” The ticket includes cruise time, a swimming stop, a beverage, and onboard WiFi, which makes it feel more like a complete outing than a basic transport ride.

The upper-deck route: St. Paul’s Bay and Lindos Acropolis on your watch

Early on, you’ll be up on the top deck enjoying Lindos from the sea. Two stops are built around what you came for: the landmark views.

First, you’ll get time cruising the bay area while you take in the shapes and colors of the coastline. Then you’ll pass by Lindos Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay for short scenic looks. These quick segments are worth it because Lindos’ dramatic cliffs and white buildings look different from the water than they do from the street.

What I like about the way this is set up is that you’re not stuck grinding through a long, slow cruise just to reach one viewpoint. Instead, you get multiple “glance-and-photo” moments. If you care about getting the right angles for pictures, that pacing helps.

Possible drawback: because some of these views are shorter segments, you’ll want to have your camera ready before you reach the best part. If you’re the type who chats through every transition, you could miss the tight window where the angle is best.

Down below in the submarine chamber: reef life, fish-feeding, and great photos

The highlight shift happens when you go down into the submarine section. This is where the experience turns hands-on. You’ll be looking at local marine life from the underwater chamber, and you’ll get a chance to try feeding fish.

This is the part you’ll remember later because it’s not just scenery. It’s interaction—watching how fish react when food is added, and seeing how reef life moves around you. It also makes your photos feel more alive than a standard “I saw water” snapshot.

Practical photo tip: keep your phone steady and take a short burst rather than trying for one perfect frame. The lighting through the chamber windows can vary as the boat shifts, so multiple tries usually work better.

Also, the crew generally keeps things safe and organized, and you’re inside a dry, air-conditioned environment, not out in spray. That means you can focus on watching and photographing without the constant adjustment of waves, wind, and sun.

One small caution from real-world experience: if you’re on one side of the submarine and you’re expecting fish to gather right there, it might not always be visible. If you don’t see much activity near your window, ask the crew to point out where fish are clustering. It’s a simple way to avoid the most frustrating version of this moment.

The Navarone’s Bay swimming stop: crystal-clear water, 30 minutes

After the boat’s viewing time, the itinerary includes a swimming stop at Navarone’s Bay. You’ll get about 30 minutes in the water, described as crystal-clear and green.

This is long enough for a real swim and a few calm laps, but it’s not long enough to treat it like an all-day beach. So go in ready: get your swimsuit on in advance if you can, put sunscreen on early (because you’ll likely be up on deck before you swim), and keep your belongings secure and easy to grab.

What makes this stop valuable is the contrast. You’ll spend earlier time watching the reef from the submarine chamber, then you’ll actually swim in a place that looks like it could be a postcard. That pairing—underwater viewing and then underwater experience—makes the ticket feel more “complete.”

Consideration: water time is limited. If you want to linger on shore, do a long snack break, or take a lot of outfit photos, you’ll likely feel rushed. You’ll enjoy it more if you keep your swimming plan simple.

Duration, pacing, and timing: how to make the 2 hours work

The tour is around 2 hours total, with swimming and onboard viewing built into that window. That’s a good length for people who want something fun without losing most of a day to transportation.

Here’s the pacing you should expect:

• You start with a scenic cruise segment, staying on the top deck.
• You then go down into the submarine chamber for the underwater viewing and fish-feeding.
• You finish with the Navarone’s Bay swim window.

Because it’s a short overall experience, there’s no slack time. If you’re traveling with kids or you know you’ll need a bathroom stop, plan for it before you arrive at the meeting point.

Pickup and meeting points: what changes based on your location

Hotel transfer is described as optional, and it only operates from certain areas on specific days:

• Monday / Wednesday / Friday: transfer is available from the Vlycha to Kolymbia region
• Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday: transfer is available from Lindos to the Plimmiri region

If you choose pickup, you’ll be asked for your hotel’s full name, and the local operator will confirm your final pickup time at least one day before.

If you’re not in the pickup zone or you prefer to keep it simple, you can use the meeting point option where the start location depends on what you select. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Price and value: what $32.75 buys you in Lindos

At $32.75 per person, this is one of those deals that feels reasonable because it includes more than just “getting on a boat.”

You’re getting:

• A submarine-style cruise experience in the bay
• A swim stop at Navarone’s Bay
• One included beverage
• Free WiFi onboard to upload photos right away

For the setting you’re visiting—Lindos coastline, St. Paul’s Bay views, Acropolis angles from the water, plus a reef-view chamber—this price stacks up as good value. It’s not a luxury cruise. But it is a structured tour where the money goes toward specific moments, not just open-ended time on deck.

Where value can feel different:

• If you’re mainly interested in beach time, the 30-minute swim may feel short.
• If you enjoy photography, watching fish, and seeing Lindos from sea level and from below, the included features help justify the cost.

Who this Lindos submarine trip suits best (and who might skip it)

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want landmark views without a long boat day
• Like underwater experiences that don’t require wet gear until the swimming stop
• Travel with family and want a guided, safe-feeling format
• Care about posting photos quickly, since WiFi is onboard

You might want to think twice if:

• You’re chasing a long beach stretch and don’t enjoy shorter water sessions
• You’re extremely particular about timing and hate any tight schedules (this runs around 2 hours)

The little things that make the day smoother

A few practical points can level up your experience:

• Bring swim essentials because you’ll be in the water for only about half an hour—so you’ll want to be ready when it’s time
• Keep your phone charged and within reach before the underwater chamber portion, since it’s one of the photo-heavy moments
• If you’re focused on fish-feeding photos, watch where the crew points and don’t hesitate to ask for help if you don’t see much near your window
• Plan to enjoy the top deck views as soon as you’re seated—some of the best angles come fast

Should you book the Hippo Submarine Lindos cruise with Navarone swim?

If you want a compact, fun outing that combines Lindos landmarks from the sea with an actual underwater viewing chamber and then a short, clear-water swim, this is an easy yes. The price is fair when you factor in WiFi, the included beverage, the submarine portion, and the swim stop.

I’d book it if your ideal day is part sightseeing and part hands-on nature, and you’re happy with a couple of focused stops rather than a long beach day. If you prefer hours of unstructured swimming, you might feel happier with a dedicated beach plan instead.

FAQ

How long is the submarine cruise?

The total duration is about 2 hours, including the swimming stop.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $32.75 per person.

Where does the cruise run?

It’s in the Lindos area on the Dodecanese island of Rhodes, with views including St. Paul’s Bay and Lindos Acropolis, and a swimming stop at Navarone’s Bay.

Do I get time to swim?

Yes. There’s a swimming stop of about 30 minutes at Navarone’s Bay.

What’s included with the ticket?

Included are the bay cruise, the swimming stop, 1 beverage, and free WiFi onboard.

Is food or extra drinks included?

No. Food and additional drinks are not included.

Do they offer pickup from hotels?

Pickup is optional, but it’s limited to specific locations and days. If offered for your area, you’ll need to provide your hotel’s full name.

What days have pickup from Vlycha to Kolymbia, and from Lindos to Plimmiri?

Pickup from Vlycha to Kolymbia is listed for Monday / Wednesday / Friday. Pickup from Lindos to Plimmiri is listed for Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday.

What languages are used by the host or greeter?

The host or greeter speaks Greek and English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.