Lindos: Submarine Cruise with Swimming Stop at Navarone Bay

This Lindos submarine cruise is interesting because you get sea views from the deck and reef viewing from below, all in a short, easy 2-hour window. I love the top-deck views of St. Paul’s Bay and the Acropolis of Lindos, and I love the underwater viewing chamber for fish-feeding photos. One thing to consider, the swim at Navarone’s Bay is only 30 minutes, so plan your pacing.

The best part is you stay mostly comfortable while you watch marine life. You go down into the submarine section in a dry, air-conditioned space, then surface when it’s time to swim, with free onboard WiFi so you can post right away.

Key Things That Make This Cruise Work So Well

• Top-deck photo time for St. Paul’s Bay and Lindos: You’ll see the shoreline and landmarks from a distance that walking tours rarely match.
• Air-conditioned submarine viewing: Reef spotting and fish feeding happen from a comfortable, dry chamber.
• Fish-feeding and underwater photos: It’s not just watching, you get hands-on participation for the best picture chances.
• A real swim stop at Navarone’s Bay: The crystal-clear water is the payoff, and it’s long enough to enjoy it.
• Friendly Greek and English hosts: The vibe stays relaxed, with clear safety guidance before you watch and swim.

Why This Lindos Submarine Cruise Feels Different Than a Typical Boat Trip

If you’re used to glass-bottom boats where you just stare down at fish, this one adds a whole extra layer. You’re on a hybrid submarine-style vessel, so you can get the landmark views above water and the reef viewing below, without turning your day into a gear-and-setup project.

It also has a simple rhythm. You cruise along the coast first, then you get your underwater look from inside, and then you finish with a swim. That flow matters because it keeps the experience from feeling rushed in the wrong place.

And at about $34 per person for a 2-hour outing, it’s priced like a fun activity, not a luxury tour. When you add a beverage and onboard WiFi, the value gets even easier to justify.

Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay From the Top Deck, With Photos That Actually Look Like Photos

The cruise begins with time on deck, where you can take in the Acropolis of Lindos and the coastal scene around St. Paul’s Bay. The angle from the water is key here. From shore you see the town and cliffs, but from the sea you get depth, layers of coastline, and that classic postcard compression effect in your pictures.

Expect a steady loop of views rather than a long, slow sightseeing slog. There are short stretches where you’re close enough to spot the shape of the cliffs and the curve of the bay, and then brief moments to look back and reframe your photos.

One practical tip: bring a phone strap or secure case. You’re on a moving deck, and you’ll be focused on the Acropolis and bay views. A little extra stability makes a big difference for clean shots, especially in bright light.

Going Below: The Submarine Viewing Chamber and Why the Comfort Matters

This is where the cruise earns its keep. Instead of only watching from above, you go down into the submarine section and look at the reef from an enclosed chamber. Reviews consistently point out that it stays dry and air-conditioned, which is a big deal in strong Greek summer heat.

You’ll see marine life while the boat is positioned over reef areas, and you can feed fish. That fish-feeding moment is popular because it changes the experience from passive to active. Even if you’re not the type who loves wildlife spotting, the feeding brings movement, and movement makes for better underwater photos.

I also like that the underwater viewing feels like an experience you can control. You can sit, look, wait for fish to gather, and then take pictures when the timing is right. You’re not doing a clumsy balancing act on a ladder while wearing water shoes.

Feeding Fish and Watching Underwater Wildlife, Without the Overthinking

The fish-feeding part is one of the most praised parts of the whole trip. It turns the reef viewing into something you can participate in, and it’s especially appealing for kids. The activity gives you a reason to stay at the viewing window and wait, and waiting is how you catch the fish as they swirl in.

A quick photo tip that comes from how these moments typically play out: you might not see fish evenly from every seat in the chamber. If you notice the fish are mostly on one side, shift your position calmly and keep watching. That small move can make the difference between seeing a few fish and seeing a real cluster.

There’s also a comfort angle. You get to do the underwater part without getting wet. You can watch, take photos, and then decide when you want to switch gears to swimming.

Cruise Stops Near the Coast: Stopping for Views, Not Just Movement

The schedule includes several short segments that focus on coastal landmarks and bay scenery. You get time with the Lindos shoreline, then additional moments around St. Paul’s Bay for that sea-level sense of place.

These shorter cruises matter because they keep you focused on what you can see right now. It also means the day doesn’t feel like a long transfer between major points. You’re always moving, but you’re not always waiting.

One thing you should know: you’ll be spending most of your time on and around the boat. If you’re the type who likes a walkable, street-level day, this might feel more like an excursion than a sightseeing day. If you want sea views plus underwater watching, it’s an efficient match.

The Best Part: Swimming in Navarone’s Bay for 30 Minutes

The highlight for many people is the swim stop at Navarone’s Bay, with 30 minutes in the water. This is the part you feel in your body, not just your phone screen. The water is described as crystal-clear and vivid, and it’s the payoff after the deck views and underwater viewing chamber.

This stop is short enough to fit the 2-hour format, but long enough to do real swimming, float, and take a few calm photos. You’re not stuck hopping in and out for just a few minutes.

Practical advice: come with a plan for your entry and exit. If you’re a slower swimmer, focus on relaxing first, then swim in small sections. If you rush the first minute, you’ll burn energy before the best water time.

Also, think about sun and water comfort. Even when you’re on a boat, you can still get a lot of sun exposure when you’re on deck and then in the water.

Onboard Comfort: Dry Air-Conditioned Time, WiFi, and That Little Beverage Bonus

One reason this cruise works for mixed groups is that it’s not an all-day weather gamble. During the underwater section, you’re indoors in an air-conditioned space. That means you can enjoy the reef viewing even when the sun is intense.

Then there’s the small but useful perk: free onboard WiFi. It’s ideal for quick uploads while everything is still fresh, so you’re not saving photos for later and forgetting the best shots.

And you get 1 beverage included. It sounds minor, but it helps you slow down at the right moment. After the underwater viewing and before the swim, you can take a breather and hydrate without pulling out your wallet for every step.

Timing and Flow: What a 2-Hour Trip Feels Like From Your Side of the Rail

This experience is built around a compact timeline, which is great if you’ve already got a Lindos day planned. You’ll move through the key parts quickly: boat time with deck views, a submarine chamber viewing segment with fish feeding, and then the Navarone’s Bay swim.

A 2-hour format is also realistic in hot weather. One downside of short trips is you leave while you still feel like you want more. But in this case, that tradeoff is usually positive because the swimming window keeps the whole day feeling active instead of dragging.

I’d treat this as a “main activity block” you can fit into a broader Lindos itinerary. It’s long enough to matter, short enough not to swallow your afternoon.

Price and Value: Getting a Lot for About $34

At $34 per person, the value comes from mixing three things that usually cost separate money on many island trips: meaningful views, a real underwater viewing experience, and a structured swim stop.

You’re not paying just for a photo moment. You’re paying for time on deck with landmark sightlines, time inside a chamber for reef viewing and fish feeding, and a swim stop that ends up being the emotional memory maker.

On top of that, the included beverage and onboard WiFi remove little inconveniences that add up when you’re traveling. Food isn’t included, and additional drinks are not included, so if you want snacks you’ll likely need to buy them separately. That’s normal for boat excursions, but it’s worth planning for.

Logistics That Matter: Pickup Options and Meeting Point Variables

Pickup is optional, and availability depends on where you’re staying and the day of the week. Transfers run from Vlycha to Kolymbia region on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from Lindos to Plimmiri region on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. If you choose pickup, you’ll be asked for your hotel’s full name, and your exact pickup time is confirmed directly by the operator at least one day before.

If you’re meeting on your own, the meeting point can vary based on which option you book. That’s not unusual on Rhodes and in the Lindos area, but it does mean you should double-check your exact pickup or meet instructions before you leave your hotel.

One more practical consideration: getting to the boat area from the road can be a bit awkward in places. Give yourself a little extra time so you don’t feel rushed.

Who Should Book This, and Who Might Skip It

This cruise is best for you if you want:

• Sea views of Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay without doing a full-day hike
• Underwater viewing plus fish feeding in an air-conditioned, dry space
• A straightforward swim stop at Navarone’s Bay without planning your own boat trip

It may be less satisfying if you’re looking for long beach time or a heavy history walking tour. This is not that kind of day. It’s an active, water-focused outing.

It’s also a strong pick for families. Kids tend to love the submarine viewing window and the fish-feeding moment because it feels like you’re doing something, not just watching.

My Booking Recommendation: Should You Do the Hippo Submarine Cruise?

If you’re trying to choose between a generic boat ride and something that adds a real underwater component, this one is an easy yes. The combination of top-deck landmark views, dry air-conditioned submarine viewing, and a 30-minute swim hits the sweet spot for a short trip.

I’d especially book it if your schedule is tight in Lindos, or if the heat might slow you down on shore. The format gives you comfort plus the water payoff, without forcing you to spend half the day planning transport.

One final decision helper: if Navarone-style clear water is high on your priority list, aim for this cruise. If you care more about hours in the water than the submarine viewing, you might wish the swim stop were longer, but for a 2-hour outing it’s still a solid, memorable chunk of time.

FAQ

How long is the Lindos submarine cruise with the swimming stop?

The total duration is 2 hours.

What is included in the $34 per person price?

Your ticket includes a cruise in the bay, a stop for swimming, 1 beverage, and WiFi onboard.

Is there onboard WiFi?

Yes. WiFi is included onboard.

How long is the swimming stop at Navarone’s Bay?

The swim stop is 30 minutes.

Where is pickup available?

Pickup is optional and limited to specific locations and days. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday transfers are available from Vlycha to the Kolymbia region. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday transfers are available from Lindos to the Plimmiri region. You may need to provide your hotel’s full name for pickup.

What is not included in the activity?

Food and additional drinks are not included, and hotel transfer is not included unless you choose the pickup option.

What languages do the host or greeter speak, and what about cancellation?

The host or greeter speaks Greek and English. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.