3-Hour Adventure With Hippo Submarine

A Hippo Submarine trip around Lindos is interesting because you get two perspectives at once. You cruise above the water, then you look out from a lower deck at the seabed and fish right beside the boat. It is a fun way to see Rhodes that is not just another walking day.

I especially like the friendly crew energy and the way the captain and sailors explain what you are seeing as you go. I also like the fish-feeding and underwater viewing, which makes the sea feel close and personal, not distant. The whole rhythm is built around short, focused stops rather than hours of sitting.

One possible drawback: it is a weather-dependent day, and most of the “on shore” moments are brief. If you hate short stops or you are hoping for lots of time on beaches, plan your expectations around a compact schedule.

Key points to know before you go

• Underwater deck views: large portholes, A/C, and music while you watch the seabed
• Fish-feeding moments: sea bream and sea bass show up fast when seafood is thrown in
• Navarone Bay swim time: a dedicated swimming window in crystal clear water
• Lindos highlights without a big hike: quick looks at the Acropolis from the sea and from shore
• Small-group feel: maximum 40 travelers, with a lively onboard vibe
• Pickup is day-based: specific pickup regions only on certain weekdays

Why a Hippo Submarine day feels different than a typical Lindos tour

Lindos is famous for its Acropolis and charming streets, but it can become a bit of a line-management game once you get there. This tour gives you a strong alternative angle, literally, from beneath the surface. You see Lindos from the water and then get time at the most scenic shoreline spots, without needing to coordinate multiple buses or taxis.

The underwater part is the big hook. The submerged deck is set up so you can relax in A/C and listen to music, then look out through the huge portholes at fish and seabed very near the vessel. It is a nice contrast to the sun-and-stone pace of old towns.

And then there is the human side. The crew talks you through what you are passing, and they keep the mood upbeat. In multiple accounts, the staff are described as chatty and friendly, and you can feel that as soon as you are aboard.

Timing and the reality of a 9:30 am start

This tour starts at 9:30 am and runs about 3 hours. That is a sweet spot for Rhodes, because you can still plan a longer lunch and late afternoon on your own after you return to the meeting point.

The tradeoff is that the shore time at each stop is short. You will get meaningful moments, but not long, leisurely wandering breaks. If you like to stretch every stop into a mini adventure, I suggest you treat this as the scenic highlight plus photos, then save long exploration for later.

Pickup rules: when it works and when you should plan to meet at Lindos

The meeting point is in Lindos, at 8G8C33PQ+87W33PQ+87W, Lindos, Greece, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Pickup is available, but it is limited to specific locations and days of the week. On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, transfer is available from the Lindos to the Plimmiri region. On Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, transfer is available from Vlycha to the Kolymbia region.

If you request pickup, you will be asked to add your hotel’s full name, and the final pickup time gets confirmed directly by the local operator at least one day before the tour. Practical tip: if you are not sure your hotel fits the pickup window, assume you might need to make your own way to the dock.

What the underwater deck experience is really like

The submarine ride is built around a lower deck experience. You walk aboard and get introduced to Lindos, then you spend time underwater while you relax in A/C, listen to music, and watch the seabed through big portholes.

This is where the tour beats a standard sightseeing boat. Instead of looking at the sea from above, you are watching life as it moves near the vessel. And during the fish-feeding parts, the food draws fish close enough to make it feel immediate. You are not just seeing fish as a distant idea.

In accounts connected to this tour, people particularly loved the way fish appear and react quickly when seafood gets tossed in. You can also help out with feeding if you want, but even if you do not, the view alone is a highlight.

Tomb of Kleoboulos plus fish feeding: a smart first stop

The morning begins with a land landmark stop at the Tomb of Kleoboulos. It is quick, but it sets a historical tone while still keeping the energy moving forward.

What I like here is that it does not try to turn into a full museum day. The stops are short, and the explanation is designed to give you something memorable without slowing the schedule. You hear about an ancient Greek philosopher linked to the idea that keeping a balance is key to happiness in life, then the tour shifts to the fun part.

Then comes fish-feeding, with sea bream and sea bass showing up as they bite on seafood thrown into the water. This sequence matters because it connects land history to living sea life. It also makes the underwater deck feel more special later, since you already know fish are actively present.

Lindos from the submarine: Acropolis views and insider timing talk

At the main Lindos segment, you stay aboard and get an introduction from the submarine. This is when the tour slows just enough to let you take in the deep blue waters and the surrounding calm, then you come back up to deck.

Once you are above, you get to see the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. The crew also shares history and gives insider tips, including when to visit the Acropolis for the best experience. Even if you do not go up the hill, hearing the timing advice can help you plan what you do later in the day.

The best part is that the Acropolis stops feeling like a photo only. From the sea, it sits in a different context, and you get a sense of where Lindos has its views and why the site was chosen in the first place.

Agios Pavlos Beach: the church stop that fits the schedule

Next you get a quick visit to Agios Pavlos Beach, with time designed for a look at the island’s most popular church. This is a shore moment that is short by design, about 10 minutes.

I treat this kind of stop as a positioning move. You get your bearings, you see the place, and you learn enough to decide later whether you want to return for a longer look. If you are the type who only wants the highlights, you will like how this section stays focused.

Bay of Navarone: swimming, fish, and that crystal-clear effect

The star shoreline stop is the Bay of Navarone. This is where you get time to swim and where the sea tends to look its best.

The tour includes a 45-minute swimming stop here, and it is paired with fish feeding and a view of creatures gathering from the underwater deck. Even in accounts focused on the swim, the water gets described as crystal clear, and that matches what you should expect when conditions are right.

One caution: bring your swim confidence, not just your swimsuit. Submarine days are calmer, but snorkeling-style swimming depends on the water and your comfort. If you prefer to float and watch rather than swim hard, this still works because you can spend the time staying close and enjoying the view.

Also, since this is the most active part of the itinerary, it is a good idea to use this moment strategically. If you want photos, do them right before or right after you get in, so you are not trying to juggle gear once you are in the water.

Lindos Beach and the Acropolis selfie moment

On the way back, you pass through Lindos Beach, where you can see the main shoreline and the activity around it. You also get about 10 minutes at this stage.

I like this final segment because it gives you a reality check. Lindos is lively, and the beach area shows you the energy of town right away. The crew also nudges you to grab a selfie with the Acropolis in the background, which is a practical photo plan, since you will not have much time for wandering.

If you want a calm souvenir photo, do it fast and move on. If you want people-watching, this is the part of the day where that makes sense.

Drinks, snacks, and what you should plan to bring

The ticket includes soda or pop (one) or a bottle of water. Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase at the bar, but snacks are not included.

That matters because you are out for about 3 hours, and you may be swimming. If you get hungry easily, I suggest planning a light snack for before you go, or be ready to purchase snacks nearby if you are able. Since food is not part of the package, treat the beverage as a bonus rather than a full meal solution.

Price and value: where your $47.17 goes

At $47.17 per person, this is not a budget-freebie, but it is also not priced like a private charter. You are paying for the submarine access, the crew-led narration, multiple scenic stops, and the chance to swim at Navarone Bay.

Here is the real value math. A boat trip that only gives you surface views would be cheaper, but it would miss the underwater porthole experience that makes this tour feel unique. And a swim-focused day trip might give you a single bay but without the Lindos Acropolis angle and the quick historical stop.

Also, the maximum group size of 40 helps keep the experience from feeling chaotic. And with a 4.9 rating and a 97% recommendation rate, the overall pattern points to people feeling the tour delivers what it promises: underwater viewing plus clear-water swimming plus Lindos sights.

Who this tour fits best, and who might prefer something else

This is a great pick if you want:

• Short, scenic stops without planning a multi-leg day
• Underwater viewing without needing scuba gear or a dedicated diving class
• A fun, family-friendly feeling onboard, with kids often enjoying the fish viewing

It might be less ideal if:

• You want lots of long shore time, because most stops are brief
• You dislike weather dependency, since poor weather can lead to changes or refund options
• You prefer a pure walking tour of Lindos and would rather spend time climbing up to the Acropolis for longer

Practical tips for photos and a smoother day

A few small things can help this trip go smoothly:

• Dress for swimming ahead of time, since you have a focused swim window at Navarone Bay.
• If you want the best photos of the Acropolis, plan to shoot quickly during the dedicated selfie-style moment.
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you think you will be moving around on shore, since beach surfaces can vary.
• Bring a backup plan for your day, because the tour depends on weather.

If you care about getting the day out of the way early, the 9:30 am start is also a plus. You can beat the mid-day crush and still have time for the rest of Rhodes afterward.

Should you book Hippo Submarine in Rhodes?

I think this is a strong book if you want an efficient mix of Lindos scenery, underwater fish viewing, and a real swimming break. The parts that get the most love are consistent: the crew keeps things friendly, the fish-feeding creates a lively moment, and the swim at Navarone Bay tends to deliver that clear-water feeling.

If you are on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you want a boat day where you can see the sea from under the surface? If yes, this tour is a good fit. If no, you might prefer a standard Lindos walking-focused day instead. Either way, for a compact 3-hour outing, Hippo Submarine is one of the more memorable ways to experience Rhodes water.

FAQ

How long is the Hippo Submarine tour, and what time does it start?

The tour is about 3 hours and it starts at 9:30 am.

Is pickup available from hotels, or do I need to meet at Lindos?

Pickup is available but only on specific days and from specific regions. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday pickup runs from Lindos to the Plimmiri region. Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday pickup runs from Vlycha to the Kolymbia region. You can also meet at the dock in Lindos, and the tour ends back at the meeting point.

What drinks are included in the ticket price?

A free soda or pop (one) or a bottle of water is included.

Is there time to swim during the tour?

Yes. There is a dedicated swimming stop at Navarone Bay with a 45-minute time window.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation window for a full refund?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.