Lindos looks different from the sea. This 3-hour Hippo Submarine cruise—starting near Saint Paul’s Bay—works because you get wide views of the ancient coastline and a real look at the seabed through the underwater portholes. One heads-up: the swim time at Navarone Bay can feel short, and what you see through the windows depends on water clarity.

You’ll cruise past places like Kleovoulos’ Tomb and Lindos Beach, then pass St Paul’s Bay with a famous Acropolis view from the water. If you’re deciding based on comfort, it’s also a good fit: there’s a drink (or bottled water), Wi‑Fi onboard, and a WC, plus you can cool off without committing to snorkel gear.

Key highlights in plain terms

• Underwater portholes for easy sea-life spotting without needing goggles or a snorkel setup
• Ancient coastline views from the water as you cruise the Lindos area
• Navarone Bay swim stop in clear water where you can actually get in
• A guided story route with live commentary as you pass major coastal landmarks
• Onboard perks like one included drink, free Wi‑Fi, and a WC

Why this semi-submarine cruise makes sense in Lindos

Lindos is famous for views, but most of them come from land. This tour swaps the angle. From the water, you see the coastline stretch in a way that’s hard to capture on foot, especially around the headlands and bays.

The big “why” here is the semi-submarine setup. You can stay on the main level for the scenery, then go below to look out at the seabed through oversized portholes. It’s a simple way to add an underwater component to a short excursion—without getting fully geared up.

Getting to the yellow submarine: Saint Paul’s Bay meeting point

The tour starts at the dock of Saint Paul’s Bay. Look for the yellow submarine when you arrive. The boat can’t delay departure, so I’d rather you show up early than try to thread the needle with the local schedule.

One wrinkle: the boarding description also points to Vlicha Beach for meeting your local guide. In practice, that usually means the operator may coordinate where you gather based on transfers and timing. So if you’re using pickup, confirm your exact pickup/paperwork details the day before.

Optional pickup (limited) and how to plan around it

Hotel pickup is optional and only available in specific places/days. On:

• Monday/Wednesday/Friday: Lindos to Plimmiri region
• Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday: Vlycha (Vlycha) to Kolymbia region

If your stop is outside those areas or days, you’ll likely need to get yourself to the dock.

The 3-hour route: what you’ll see after departure

This cruise is short enough that you’re not going far, but it’s long enough to hit several recognizable points. Expect a gentle “out-and-back” feel, with the value coming from the commentary, the coastline views, and the underwater portholes.

Kleovoulos’ Tomb and Lindos Beach from the sea

As you head out, you’ll pass Kleovoulos’ Tomb and Lindos Beach. Seeing them from the water matters because you get a clearer sense of scale: how the cliffs, coves, and shoreline sit together. From land, it’s easy to focus on one viewpoint at a time. From the boat, it all connects.

Even if you don’t memorize every name, the live commentary helps you place what you’re looking at—so the drive-by views feel guided instead of random.

St Paul’s Bay and the Acropolis view you’ll want photos of

Just around the corner, you’re guided toward an iconic moment: you look up and see the Acropolis rising over the water. That angle is one of the best reasons to do this cruise rather than just stand near the harbor and call it a day.

If you’re photographing, bring your camera up early. These views can appear quickly between turns and speeds, and you’ll want to grab the skyline before the boat shifts position.

Below deck: giant portholes and Lion’s Head Cove reef

The underwater section is where this tour earns its name. Once you’re cruising past Lion’s Head Cove, you can head below deck and check out what’s on the seabed through large portholes.

Here’s the key practical point: underwater visibility is not something you fully control. One of the less positive experiences people report is that the windows didn’t show much, which is often about clarity, light, and how the boat is positioned. If your goal is to see fish, you’ll have the best odds when the water is calm and clear.

Still, even when the action is subtle, the portholes let you “peek” without any pressure to snorkel. You just look. That makes it easier for kids, non-swimmers, or anyone who wants a lighter water experience.

Navarone Bay swim stop: crystal water, short time, big payoff

Your final stop is Navarone Bay, and the promise is straightforward: swim in the clear water. This is the moment that turns a scenic cruise into a true refresh.

How to make the most of your swim window

The swim time can feel limited. One review noted a stop around 15 minutes, and that’s a useful expectation to carry. So don’t waste time doing the full slow-motion decision process once you’re in.

Do this instead:

• Put on swimwear before you board (so you’re not scrambling on deck)
• Bring a towel and sunscreen and keep them easy to grab
• When you hit the water, go quickly to where you can stand or float comfortably

Also, you won’t be getting snorkelling gear with this trip. If you’re hoping for a full mask-and-fins session, plan to keep it simple and treat it as a swim in clear water rather than a detailed snorkel excursion.

What you’re really buying with the swim stop

You’re paying for a specific kind of value: time on the water that includes an actual swim, plus it’s paired with the coastline cruise and underwater viewing. If you compare this to land-only sightseeing, it’s a nice trade: you see the coast and then you cool off at one of the better swimming points.

Onboard comforts: drink, Wi‑Fi, and the crew’s energy level

This is a small, practical cruise. You get:

• 1 drink or a bottle of water
• Free Wi‑Fi onboard
• WC onboard

That matters more than it sounds, because it lets you stay relaxed. You don’t have to hunt for a place to buy something last minute, and you can keep your phone charged for photos and maps.

A note on crew mood

One criticism that stands out is that some guests felt the crew lacked enthusiasm. That doesn’t change the route or the main sights, but it can affect how fun the trip feels—especially if you want a high-energy vibe the whole time.

If you show up with the right expectation—this is about scenery, portholes, and swimming—you’ll likely judge the tour more fairly. You’re not paying only for personality; you’re paying for access to a semi-submarine experience in Lindos.

Price and value: is $44 for 3 hours fair?

At $44.04 per person for a 3-hour cruise, the question isn’t just the price tag. It’s what you get per hour and whether it matches your priorities.

You’re included with:

• the cruise with live commentary
• the Navarone Bay swim stop
• underwater porthole viewing
• one drink or bottled water
• Wi‑Fi and a WC

Where value can feel weak is if your expectations for window viewing or time in the water are higher than the tour delivers. Some guests report you can’t see much through the windows and that the swim break isn’t long. If you’re the type who needs long underwater time to feel satisfied, you may walk away thinking you paid for a short highlight package.

My honest take on value

For people who want a no-stress way to mix coastline views, a quick underwater peek, and a real swim, this is a solid deal. For people chasing maximum underwater visibility or a long swim, you’ll want to set expectations before booking.

Who should book this cruise in Lindos

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• a short half-day style activity (3 hours)
• coastal sightseeing without packing a big day plan
• an underwater viewing option that doesn’t require snorkel gear
• an easy way to cool off with a swim at Navarone Bay

It’s also a good pick for families and mixed groups, since some people can stay topside for views while others check the portholes below deck.

Who might prefer something else

If your top priority is long snorkelling sessions or you get disappointed when you can’t see clearly through windows, consider whether a land-based swim spot plus a separate activity might match your style better. This tour is built for quick highlights, not extended underwater time.

What to bring (and what to do) so you’re not disappointed

The operator lists a few simple musts, and I agree with all of them:

• Swimwear
• Towel
• Camera
• Sunscreen

Because this trip depends on favorable weather, keep a flexible mindset. If conditions aren’t good, visibility and comfort can change fast, especially for the portholes and the swim.

Also remember:

• No snorkelling gear is included
• The submarine can’t delay departure

If you hate rushing, plan to arrive early at the dock.

Booking advice: should you take the Hippo Submarine cruise?

If you’re visiting Lindos and you want a straightforward “see the coast + cool off + one underwater look” plan, I think this is worth considering. The included drink, Wi‑Fi, WC, and the Navarone Bay swim stop turn it into more than just a sightseeing ride.

But if you’re the type who will judge the trip mainly by underwater visibility and how long you get to swim, you might feel short-changed. The best approach is to treat it like a compact highlight cruise, not a full snorkel day.

FAQ

How long is the Lindos Hippo Submarine cruise?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet your local guide at the dock of Saint Paul’s Bay. You should look for the yellow submarine.

Is a swim stop included?

Yes. The tour includes a swim stop at Navarone Bay.

What’s included in the price?

The price includes the 3-hour boat tour with live commentary, 1 drink or bottle of water, the Navarone Bay swim stop, free Wi‑Fi onboard, and a WC onboard.

Do I get snorkelling gear with this tour?

No. Snorkelling gear is not included.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is optional but limited to specific locations and days of the week. If you choose it, you’ll need to add your hotel’s full name.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, a camera, and sunscreen.

Is the tour weather dependent?

Yes. The trip is subject to favorable weather conditions.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.