A submarine outing in Lindos beats the usual boat tour. I like the glass-bottom submarine windows for an easy look at the seabed, and I also love the fish-feeding stop because it turns the underwater sights into something you can actively join.

One thing to keep in mind: the timing is tight, and the experience depends on conditions in the bay. If you want a slow, linger-all-afternoon day, this 2-hour format might feel a bit rushed.

Key things to know before you go

• You’ll tour the seabed from inside: A/C and music inside, with huge port holes for underwater viewing.
• Fish-feeding is part of the schedule: You can feed the fish when the crew throws food in.
• There’s a real swim stop: Plan on about 30 minutes in Bay of Navarone’s water.
• You’ll see Lindos highlights from water: The Acropolis and the Tomb of Kleoboulos are part of the sightseeing.
• Small-ish groups: Maximum 40 travelers, so you’re not swallowed by a huge crowd.
• English commentary is included: The crew explains what you’re seeing at each stop.

Entering Lindos by submarine: why this format works

This is one of those tours that makes sense if you’re traveling with mixed ages or you want variety without burning the whole day. You start with a dock introduction to Lindos, then you spend a chunk of time under the waterline—no wetsuit logistics, no clambering over rocks.

The big win here is that you’re getting two experiences in one: sightseeing from the water and underwater viewing from a stable cabin. It’s not just “pretty views” either; the crew points things out and keeps the stops moving so you spend your time where it matters.

The price is also refreshingly straightforward for what you get. At $35 per person for an around-2-hour outing with onboard viewing, commentary, and a drink included, it can be a good choice when you want value without sacrificing the Lindos highlights.

Boarding at Paralia Agios Pavlos and the comfort factor

You meet at Paralia Agios Pavlos (851 07), Rhodes, and the tour starts at 4:40 pm, finishing back at the same meeting spot. That late-afternoon timing is handy: the day heat eases, and the water and light can be nice for sightseeing and photos.

When you board, you get introduced to Lindos and settle into the submarine’s submerged deck area. This is where the tour feels different from a standard glass-bottom boat: you can relax in A/C, listen to music, and watch fish and the seabed through the port holes.

There’s practical comfort baked in that makes a big difference, especially if you’re traveling with kids, older family members, or anyone who doesn’t want the hassle of snorkeling. You’re still “doing something,” but you’re not battling gear or waves.

The underwater show: glass-bottom views without the snorkeling fuss

I love the way the underwater portion is set up to be low-stress. You’re not trying to keep goggles from fogging, and you’re not timing your breaths. Instead, you sit, watch, and let the crew keep the tour moving to the next point.

The viewing area is designed so you can look right down next to you. That makes it easier to spot fish and changes in the seabed than it is from the deck of a boat. When the water is clear (and it usually needs to be for a good experience), you can really get that “I can see what’s happening below us” feeling.

If you’re hoping for fish, this is where your expectations should be most realistic. The tour includes fish-feeding later, but even before that, you’re meant to watch the seabed and spot sea life from those windows.

Stop at the Tomb of Kleoboulos and fish-feeding on cue

After leaving the bay, you come back up onto the deck to see the Acropolis of Lindos from the water. Then the tour heads to the next key stop: the Tomb of Kleoboulos.

This is the point where the story connects to the geography. The crew shares context about a significant ancient Greek philosopher associated with the site—focused on the idea of balance and happiness. Even if you don’t consider yourself a history person, this sort of guided framing makes the ruins feel more tied to real life than “random rocks on a hill.”

Then comes the crowd-pleaser: fish-feeding. The crew throws seafood into the water, and you can often join in if you want. It’s aimed at getting you to see sea bream and sea bass come close, and it turns the underwater viewing from passive watching into a moment of action.

One practical note: you’ll want to bring the right mindset. This is not a guarantee that every fish shows up on command, but it is clearly part of the experience design—one reason this tour is so frequently recommended for families.

Floating past Lindos Beach for a quick reality check

On the return route, you pass Lindos Beach, where the scene is lively and activity-filled. The stop itself is short—about 10 minutes—so this is not a “go wander the shore for an hour” kind of moment.

Instead, use it for two things:

• A quick stretch and a look at the energy of the beach area
• A photo moment with the Acropolis of Lindos in the background

That’s also when you can ask the crew for simple, practical suggestions about beach activities and what to do in town. The tour format doesn’t give you long hours on land, so those tips can help you decide what’s worth your time after the submarine run.

If you’re the type who likes to build a full plan for Lindos, treat this as a sampling stop. You’ll come away with enough orientation to know where you want to spend your next visit.

Bay of Navarone swim time: the main break in the schedule

The highlight many people remember is the swim in Bay of Navarone. You get about 30 minutes in the water, which is long enough to cool off, get a few strokes in, and still have time to feel like you’re part of the setting rather than just hopping in for a minute.

The water here is described as crystal clear, and that matters. When conditions are good, you’ll see more under the surface during your swim than you might expect from just standing around. Also, the tour relies on good weather overall, so you’re not taking a risk with a half-baked itinerary—bad weather can cancel or reschedule.

If you don’t plan to swim, you can still enjoy this segment as a relaxed break. But you’ll want to be ready because the stop is timed. This is a “get in, enjoy, and get back” style moment.

One consideration: snorkeling gear isn’t included. If you show up thinking you can use full snorkeling equipment provided by the crew, you’ll be disappointed—so bring your own if that’s your plan.

How long it really takes and how the 2 hours feel

The tour runs for about 2 hours. That sounds compact because it is compact, but it also means you can fit it into a flexible Rhodes itinerary. If you’re already planning time in Lindos, this works as a late afternoon add-on rather than a whole-day commitment.

The rhythm goes like this: board and settle, observe underwater, come up for deck views, then hit the Tomb of Kleoboulos area with fish-feeding, do a quick Lindos Beach pass, and end with the Navarone swim before returning.

Because the schedule is set, you don’t need to manage transfers between multiple operators or locations. You meet once, stay within the same activity, and get dropped back at the starting point.

Price and value: what $35 buys you on Rhodes

At $35 per person, the best way to judge value is by what you avoid. You’re paying for:

• A guided experience with crew commentary
• Underwater viewing from a controlled cabin setup
• A drink included (soft drink or bottle of water)
• A swim stop in a named bay

You’re not paying for snacks, and you’re not getting snorkeling equipment included. So if you’re hungry, plan to eat before you go. If you’re a dedicated snorkeler, plan to bring your own gear.

Still, many people find this balances costs well because you get multiple “wow” moments without renting gear or spending hours on logistics. Add in that the crew is described as friendly and that there’s plenty of room to experience the windows, and it becomes easier to justify for families too.

Who this tour fits best (and who might want something else)

This is a strong fit if you:

• Want family-friendly fun without snorkeling hassles
• Prefer a guided tour with stops that don’t drag
• Like ocean scenery but also want history context from the water

It also works for older travelers who want fresh air and views without the physical strain of prolonged walking. The submarine layout and A/C help make it comfortable.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a long beach block or a deep historical walkthrough on land, this may feel too short. The Lindos beach time is only about 10 minutes, and the main emphasis is the water-based experience.

Tips to get the best experience on board

A few simple moves can make a big difference.

First, if you want the strongest underwater views, time your attention for the submerged deck portion. People tend to crowd around the best windows, so it helps to find your spot early and relax into the viewing.

Second, for the fish-feeding segment, keep your hands ready but follow crew direction. It’s part of the attraction, but safety and timing matter.

Third, bring a swimsuit-ready mindset for the swim stop. You’ll have around 30 minutes, so you don’t want to spend that time figuring out clothing.

Finally, plan your photo moment. There’s a selfie opportunity with the Acropolis as you slide through Lindos Beach. If photos matter to you, use those minutes well because you won’t get a long land visit afterward.

A quick note on weather and how it affects your plans

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s important on Rhodes, where sea conditions can change quickly—so keep an eye on the day’s conditions if your schedule is tight.

Should you book the Hippo Submarine Lindos trip?

If you want a fun, guided Lindos experience with underwater viewing, fish-feeding, and a real swim—and you don’t want to deal with snorkeling gear—this is an easy yes.

I’d especially recommend it for families and multigenerational groups, because it has something for kids (feeding fish, steering out to sea moments in some cases) and something for adults (Acropolis and Tomb of Kleoboulos context, plus the novelty of submarine windows). It’s also a good value when you compare what’s included versus what’s not.

If you’re mainly chasing a long beach day or a slow, on-land history tour, you might prefer a different style of Lindos excursion. But if you want a memorable water-based mix in about two hours, this one makes a strong case.

FAQ

Where does the Hippo Submarine Lindos tour start?

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

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 4:40 pm.

How long is the tour?

It lasts about 2 hours (approx.).

Is pickup available from my hotel?

Pickup is limited to specific locations and days. On Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday it’s available from Vlycha to the Kolymbia region. On Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday it’s available from Lindos to the Plimmiri region. You’ll need to provide your hotel’s full name if you choose pickup, and the final pickup time is confirmed by the operator at least one day before.

What kind of ticket do I need?

You’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What’s included in the ticket price?

The crew describes the stops and points of interest, and one soft drink (soda/pop) or a bottle of water is included.

Will I have time to swim?

Yes. There’s a swim stop in Bay of Navarone, with about 30 minutes in the water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Use of snorkeling equipment is not included.

How many people are on the tour and what language is offered?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers, and it’s offered in English.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.