A submarine day in Lindos is pure magic. You get Acropolis views from the water plus a real fish-feeding moment from the boat’s underwater chamber, all in a comfortable, dry setup. The one thing to consider is that the fish feed can feel quick, and if you’re on the wrong side, you may miss the best action.

What I like most is the mix: photo views up top, then a calmer, sheltered look at the reef below deck, then a proper time to swim. The boat setup also means you’re not soaked from sea mist or spray, and you’ve got onboard WiFi to share as you go.

If you’re hoping for a long, slow sightseeing cruise, this one is more of a focused, highlights-only route. It’s still a lot packed into a 2-hour outing, so bring realistic expectations and you’ll have a great time.

Key highlights at a glance

• Hybrid submarine experience with a dry, air-conditioned underwater viewing area
• Fish-feeding on the reef plus clear chances for reef photos from below deck
• Acropolis of Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay views from the top deck
• Navarone Bay swim stop for a full 30 minutes in clear water
• One included beverage and onboard WiFi for quick uploads and selfies

Why Lindos From the Sea Feels Different

Lindos is famous for its whitewashed lanes and the Acropolis above town. But the real wow happens when you shift perspective to sea level. From the water, you see the cliffside shapes and how St. Paul’s Bay curves around the coast. It’s the kind of view that makes you understand why people come back to Rhodes year after year.

This cruise gives you that perspective without needing to plan a boat day on your own. You’ll start with the landmarks view from above deck, then switch to the underwater side of the experience. That balance is what makes the trip feel worth your time.

Also, the price point is surprisingly approachable for a semi-underwater, guided-style tour. At $32.75 per person, you’re not just paying for “a boat ride.” You’re paying for views, a reef viewing segment, and a dedicated swim stop.

Hybrid Submarine Basics: Dry, Air-Conditioned, and Focused on Wildlife

This is a hybrid submarine setup. That means you’re not out in the open water for long stretches hoping the sea spray doesn’t hit. You go from the top deck down into the submarine section, where you can watch marine life through the underwater chamber.

The big comfort win is that the underwater portion is described as dry and air-conditioned. For a hot Greek day, that matters. You spend time looking at fish and reef textures without feeling like you’re baking on deck.

And the cruise is built around one main theme: the water life around Lindos. You’re not trying to spot distant dots and guess what you’re looking at. You get a guided moment of feeding fish, plus a chance to watch underwater wildlife from the chamber window.

Top Deck Views: St. Paul’s Bay and the Acropolis of Lindos

Before you go below, you’ll get time for the landmark shots. The cruise is designed so you see the Acropolis of Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay from the top deck. Even if you’ve seen photos of the Acropolis, there’s something different when you’re looking at it across the water—scale changes, angles change, and the coastline looks more dramatic.

There are a few short segments that help you get the key photos:

• A portion focused on Lindos by boat, where you can frame the town and coastline
• Quick viewing moments near Lindos Acropolis
• Another short look near Saint Paul’s Bay

The timing is short on purpose, which keeps the whole day streamlined. If you’re the type who likes getting the money shots without losing your whole afternoon, this format fits.

Tip: if your phone camera is picky, stabilize your stance on deck and try a couple burst shots. The water view looks best when you keep the horizon steady.

Underwater Chamber and Feeding Fish on the Reef

The heart of the submarine experience is the time inside the underwater viewing area. This is where the reef becomes the star, and it’s where the cruise earns its difference from a normal sightseeing boat.

You’ll go down below and get a glimpse at local marine life. Then you’ll have a chance to feed the fish. That fish-feeding moment is one of the most praised parts of the trip because it turns “watching” into something more hands-on and watchable.

Here’s the practical note I’d give you: the feed can happen in a tight time window. One small downside that came up in feedback is that if you’re seated on one side and the action is happening on the other, you can miss the fish coming close. There’s an easy fix: when feeding starts, reposition your view angle so you’re looking where the fish are actually gathering. If you’re with kids, stay close to the viewing spot where the guide is directing the food.

Photography-wise, this is one of the better moments for close reef images. You’ll be looking through the chamber window, so keep your phone steady and wipe the glass if there’s any smudge. Clear shots make the experience feel like more than a memory.

Navarone Bay Swim: 30 Minutes in Crystal-Clear Water

After the submarine portion, you get the part that turns the cruise from sightseeing into a proper beach-water break: a swimming stop at Navarone’s Bay.

You’ll have 30 minutes to swim. The water is described as crystal-clear and green-toned, which is exactly the type of color you hope for when you’re choosing a swim stop in the Dodecanese. The timing is long enough to rinse off, swim out a bit, and still get back without feeling rushed.

Two practical points here:

• Bring something easy to change in and out of. The cruise is comfortable and dry while underwater, but once you swim, you’ll want your basics ready.
• If you’re a bit nervous in open water, use the first couple minutes to judge the entry points and how the water feels before heading farther out.

This swim is the highlight most people seem to remember because it’s the most sensory part: sight, movement, and that clean water feel.

Timing Breakdown: What Each Stop Feels Like

This trip is about 2 hours total, and it moves with a clear rhythm. Here’s how the flow generally feels, and why it works:

1) Boarding and start point

Your meeting point can vary depending on the option you book. Your day is designed around you getting to the boat without it becoming a whole travel project.

2) Lindos by boat (about 30 minutes)

This is your “set up your photos and get your bearings” segment. It’s also where you get the first coastline context—how the bay shapes the view of town.

3) Lindos Acropolis viewing (about 5 minutes)

Short, focused, and photo-friendly. You don’t linger, but you don’t miss it either.

4) St. Paul’s Bay viewing (about 5 minutes)

Another quick landmark window. Together, these short segments do a lot of the visual heavy lifting.

5) Underwater chamber + fish-feeding

You go below deck for reef viewing and the feeding moment. This is where the cruise shifts from “landmarks” to “sea life.”

6) Navarone’s Bay swim (about 30 minutes)

This is your main break time in the water. It’s long enough to feel like a real swim, not just a quick splash.

Because the pacing is tight, it’s not the best choice for people who want long explanations or a slow pace. But if you like efficient experiences with clear highlights, this works.

Price and Value: What $32.75 Really Buys You

At $32.75 per person, you’re paying for a few things that normally cost more separately:

• A boat experience with landmark views
• Access to the submarine viewing chamber and reef viewing time
• Fish-feeding as a guided moment
• A dedicated 30-minute swim stop
• One beverage onboard
• WiFi so you can upload right away

The value is in the mix. If you only wanted submarine viewing, you’d pay a premium somewhere. If you only wanted a swim stop, you might still pay for a boat ride to reach it. Here, you get both, plus the Lindos coastline views that make the whole outing feel like more than a single activity.

You’ll still want to budget for additional drinks and food since those aren’t included. But the included beverage and onboard WiFi help keep the experience smooth.

Crew, Safety, and the Small Details That Make It Go Smooth

The cruise is run by a Greek/English host crew, and the experience emphasis is on safety and comfort. That shows in the way the vessel is set up and in the fact that the underwater portion is described as dry and air-conditioned—less chaos, more control.

One detail to keep in mind: communication can be limited when it comes to a brief fish-feeding segment. If you’re booking with a child or someone who gets excited by the fish, plan to stay attentive during feeding time. The best results come from watching for where the fish are most active rather than assuming you’ll see them from every angle.

I also appreciate that the experience includes onboard WiFi. When you’re taking underwater chamber photos and quick selfies on deck, having the option to upload right away reduces the “I’ll share this later” pile-up.

Getting There: Pickup Options Around Lindos and Nearby Resorts

Pickup is optional, and it’s limited to specific areas and days. If you choose pickup, you’ll need to provide your hotel’s full name. Your final pickup time is confirmed by the local operator at least one day before.

The day-based coverage works like this:

• Monday / Wednesday / Friday: pickup from Vlycha to Kolymbia region
• Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday: pickup from Lindos to Plimmiri region

If you’re not staying within those zones, you’ll likely meet the boat at the option’s start location. Either way, plan to arrive early so boarding is easy and stress-free.

Hotel transfer isn’t included, so if you’re coming from somewhere farther out, factor in how you’ll reach the meeting point.

Who This Cruise Fits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This Lindos submarine cruise with the Navarone Bay swim is a strong fit for:

• People who want landmark views without a full-day hike
• Couples and families who want a mix of photo time, wildlife viewing, and swimming
• Anyone who prefers being comfortable while looking underwater, thanks to the dry, air-conditioned chamber

It might not be the best fit if:

• You want a long, slow exploration of the area
• You’re extremely sensitive to short landmark viewing windows and would rather spend more time in one spot
• You need a lot of food included (only one beverage is provided)

If you like active sightseeing that still feels relaxed, this hits the sweet spot.

Should You Book the Hippo Submarine Lindos Cruise?

If you’re in Lindos and you want a day that covers the highlights without turning into logistics, I’d book it. You’re getting the Acropolis of Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay from the water, a genuine submarine-style reef look with fish-feeding, and a real 30-minute swim at Navarone’s Bay—all in about two hours.

My main reason to hesitate is timing. The trip is efficient, so you won’t get long explanations or hours of hanging around. But if you want a compact outing that delivers photos, wildlife, and swim time, this is a smart value play.

If you do book, come ready to watch during the feeding moment and take a minute to position yourself for the best view. That’s where the experience goes from good to unforgettable.

FAQ

How long is the submarine cruise in Lindos?

The total duration is about 2 hours.

Is there time to swim during the cruise?

Yes. There is a swim stop at Navarone’s Bay for about 30 minutes.

What landmark views do you get from the top deck?

You get views of the Acropolis of Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay from the boat.

What’s included in the price?

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

Are food and extra drinks included?

No. Food and additional drinks are not included.

Is pickup from hotels available?

Pickup is optional and limited to specific locations and days. If you choose it, you’ll be asked for your hotel’s full name and your pickup time is confirmed by the local operator at least one day before.

What days and areas are pickup available?

Pickup coverage depends on the day: Monday/Wednesday/Friday is from Vlycha to Kolymbia, and Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday is from Lindos to Plimmiri.

What languages are the crew or host using?

The host or greeter speaks Greek and English.