Explore Lindos Aboard the Hippo Submarine

A hippo submarine trip in Lindos turns “sea views” into something you can actually watch from underwater, with glass-bottom windows and a sheltered cabin that keeps the experience comfortable. I love that you can spot fish up close without bringing snorkeling gear, and I also love the Bay of Navarone swim stop that gives you a real water break instead of just sightseeing.

The only thing to keep in mind is that this kind of outing depends on good weather. If conditions are rough, the operator may switch dates or refund you, so plan your Rhodes days with a little flexibility.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Right Away

• Underwater viewing cabin with huge portholes for easy fish-spotting in comfort
• Fish-feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos stop, with sea bream and sea bass around the boat
• Acropolis views from the water on the way out, plus a quick photo moment on the return
• Bay of Navarone swim time in clear water, included in the ride
• Comfort touches on board, like A/C and onboard drinks, plus a toilet

Why a Hippo Submarine Works So Well in Lindos

Lindos already has the kind of scenery that makes you want to point your phone at the water. This tour adds a second angle: you get the coast from the top deck, and then you go under where you can look sideways through big windows at the seabed right next to you.

What makes it work for most people is the mix of effort levels. You do not need to prep gear, you do not need to know how to swim well to enjoy the underwater views, and you get a genuine swim break at the bay. That combination makes it a smart “everyone in the family can enjoy it” option.

Getting On Board: Timing, Group Size, and Pickup Reality

This is an early evening outing that starts at 4:40 pm near Paralia Agios Pavlos (St. Paul’s Bay area). The trip runs about 2 hours, with time split between cruising, underwater viewing, short stops, and the swim.

The group stays compact. There’s a maximum of 40 travelers, which helps keep the onboard vibe relaxed instead of chaotic. You’ll also have air-conditioned comfort below, plus music, and you’ll have space to move to the viewing areas when the boat positions for the best views.

Pickup can be part of the plan, but it depends on where you’re staying and the day of the week. The operator states that on Monday / Wednesday / Friday / Sunday pickup runs from the Vlycha to Kolymbia region, while on Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday it runs from Lindos to Plimmiri. You’ll need to provide your hotel’s full name if you choose pickup, and your exact pickup time is confirmed by the local operator at least a day before.

If you prefer not to think about schedules, the tour is also listed as near public transportation, so reaching the dock area is usually straightforward.

From St. Paul’s Bay to the Acropolis: How the Views Are Built In

The experience begins with you meeting at the dock at St. Paul’s Bay area. Once aboard, you settle into the submerged deck, where the boat’s big portholes give you an underwater “walk-around” feeling, even though you’re sitting in place.

As you leave the bay, the view shifts from underwater texture to the sweeping, open-water feeling of Rhodes’ coastline. Then you come back up for the best “Lindos from the sea” moment: you get to see the Acropolis of Lindos with the water doing part of the framing for you. It’s the kind of view that looks different than it does on land, partly because the angles change and partly because you can see how high the Acropolis sits over the bay.

One practical tip is to use the crew’s knowledge. They’re ready to share insight about what to expect and when to visit for the best Acropolis experience, so if you’re staying in Lindos for more than a few hours, ask them right there. You’ll leave with a more grounded game plan.

Tomb of Kleoboulos Stop and Fish-Feeding Without the Snorkel Fuss

This stop is where the tour really earns its keep. You spend time at the Tomb of Kleoboulos area and get fish-feeding as the highlight moment. The boat crew throws food into the water, and you can watch fish come in close.

The fish you may see include sea bream and sea bass, along with other local species. The best part is that you’re not trying to balance in swells, chase bubbles, or manage gear. From the submerged cabin, it’s like snorkeling without the hassle, and you’re mostly just watching.

If you want a hands-on moment, you may also be able to help with the feeding. This is especially good for kids, because it turns “look at fish” into a simple activity that feels interactive but stays safe and controlled.

Lindos Beach Photo Time: Making the Most of a Short 10 Minutes

On the return, there’s a brief stop at Lindos Beach, where you can look at the livelier shoreline scene. This is not a long beach break, and that’s okay. It’s more of a quick way to connect the sea view with the town vibe.

You’ll have about 10 minutes, so I treat this stop like a checklist moment:

• confirm where the beach and main promenade are for later
• grab that quick selfie with the Acropolis in the background
• take a quick look at what kind of food, drinks, or activities are easy to reach from town

If you want more time on land, plan a separate block for Lindos itself. This stop is meant to keep the tour moving and preserve the best parts of the schedule.

Bay of Navarone Swim: When Clear Water Changes the Whole Trip

Then comes the payoff: Bay of Navarone. You get about 30 minutes in the water, which is long enough to do a real swim or just float and cool off, but not so long that it turns into a tiring half-day event.

The water is described as crystal clear, and that clarity matters. When the underwater visibility is good, you’ll feel like you’re getting two different experiences back-to-back: you watch fish through the cabin windows, and then you enter the water when conditions are right.

What I like about this format is that it keeps the tour balanced. Even if you’re not a strong swimmer, you can still enjoy the bay by staying close to the shallower edges and focusing on the water color and the views.

A simple note: swimming time is dependent on the day’s conditions. If it’s windy or the sea is choppy, the operator may manage the stop differently or adjust plans for safety. That’s not a surprise with seaside tours on Rhodes.

Comfort on Board: A/C, Drinks, and Small Details That Matter

Comfort is one of the most repeated positives from people who ride this kind of boat. Inside, you’ll find air-conditioning, music, and a viewing setup designed so you can actually see without constantly repositioning.

The price includes something small but helpful: one soft drink or a bottle of water. It’s not a full meal plan, but it keeps you from spending money immediately after boarding.

Boarding also feels practical. You’ll have access to a toilet on board, which is a big quality-of-life detail on a two-hour outing, especially if you’re bringing kids.

And yes, there’s a lot of room for passengers to look through the windows. In a good operation, the viewing area doesn’t turn into a crowd bottleneck. Based on what I’ve seen in similar setups, space and staff help a ton, and this one is set up for easy viewing.

Price and Value: Is $35 Worth It?

At $35 per person, this tour sits in the “reasonable for what you get” category, mostly because the experience stacks several value drivers:

• Underwater viewing in a controlled, comfortable setting
• Guided stops tied to real landmarks, with time built in to see from the water
• Fish-feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos stop
• A swim in Bay of Navarone
• A/C and onboard comfort, plus a included drink

If you tried to replace these individually, it would be more expensive or more work. Buying a day pass to something similar, hiring gear, arranging guided access, and managing transportation around Lindos would add up fast.

The main “cost” here is not money, it’s your time during the afternoon. If your Rhodes schedule is already tight, you’re choosing a focused experience rather than a full beach day. But if you want an easy win that gets you both sea views and water time, the price feels fair.

Who This Tour Best Fits (and Who Might Want Another Option)

This is a strong fit for:

• families looking for a low-effort, high-reward outing
• travelers who want a short format (about two hours) instead of a long day tour
• people who like marine life but do not want to manage snorkeling gear

It’s less ideal if:

• you’re hoping for a long beach break or lots of time on land in Lindos town
• you want a long, hands-on snorkeling session, since snorkeling equipment is not included

If you’re traveling with kids, this is also a great moment for them to learn how to read the water visually. They can point out what they see, and the fish-feeding adds a clear “this is happening now” focus.

Should You Book the Lindos Hippo Submarine Tour?

If your goal is to see Lindos from an angle you can’t get on foot, this is an easy yes. The combination of Acropolis views from the sea, underwater window time, fish-feeding, and a real swim stop gives you a full set of highlights in a compact schedule.

Book it when:

• you want something family-friendly and comfortable
• you care about marine life and clear water views
• you’d rather spend two hours doing one memorable thing than chasing multiple half-plans

Skip it or choose a different option if:

• you’re set on a long Lindos beach day
• your schedule is too tight to handle possible weather-related changes

In Rhodes, the water conditions can make or break plans. If you keep a little flexibility, this hippo submarine experience is one of the smarter ways to spend an afternoon on the coast.

FAQ

How long is the Hippo Submarine experience from Lindos?

The tour is listed at about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start, and where does it end?

It starts at Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece (near St. Paul’s Bay) and ends back at the meeting point.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered from specific areas depending on the day. On Monday / Wednesday / Friday / Sunday pickup is available from Vlycha to Kolymbia region, and on Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday it is available from Lindos to Plimmiri region. The operator confirms the final pickup time at least one day before the tour.

What language is the tour offered in?

The experience is offered in English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

What’s included in the price besides the tour?

The fare includes one soft drink (soda) or a bottle of water.

Is there time to swim?

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

What if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time.