3-Hour Adventure With Hippo Submarine

Lindos looks best from the water. This three-hour Hippo Submarine trip combines Acropolis views, fish-feeding, a 45-minute swim stop, and a close look at the seabed through large underwater windows. I like the easy mix of sightseeing and time in the sea, and I also like the friendly crew, who explain the bays, fish, and local sights in a relaxed way. The main drawback is that this is a group outing for up to 40 people, so it will not feel like a private boat cruise.

The price is about $47.17 per person, which is fair if you want several activities in one morning rather than only a short boat ride. Navarone Bay is the highlight for swimmers, while the underwater viewing deck gives children and non-swimmers something to enjoy too. Keep in mind that pickup is limited to certain areas and days, and the boat trip depends on good weather.

Key points to know before you book

• The underwater deck is the unusual feature: Sit in air-conditioning, listen to music, and watch the seabed through large windows below deck.
• Navarone Bay gets the longest stop: You have about 45 minutes for swimming in clear water and watching fish gather during feeding.
• The Acropolis view is excellent: Seeing Lindos and its ancient Acropolis from the bay gives you a different angle from a visit on land.
• Fish-feeding is part of the fun: Sea bream, sea bass, and other fish come close to the boat for the seafood tossed into the water.
• Pickup follows a rotating schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday cover Lindos to Plimmiri, while Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday cover Vlycha to Kolymbia.
• The group can reach 40 people: This suits families and social groups better than anyone seeking quiet, private sailing.

Why this three-hour Lindos boat trip works

Lindos is one of Rhodes’ most striking coastal towns, with white buildings, steep hills, and the ancient Acropolis above the bay. From shore, you see the village and ruins in one way. From the water, the view changes completely. The Hippo Submarine lets you look back toward the town, then shifts attention to the sea itself.

The outing begins at the dock in St. Paul’s Bay, with a scheduled start at 9:30 a.m. The boat has a spacious lower deck with large windows at seabed level. You can sit inside in air-conditioning, listen to music, and watch the water beside you. You also return to the open deck for the views, so you are not stuck below for the whole trip.

I see this as a good choice if you want a bit of everything. You get coastal scenery, local stories, fish-feeding, a swim, and time to photograph the Acropolis. It is not designed as a serious historical tour or a long snorkeling excursion. Its strength is variety.

The group size matters. With a maximum of 40 people, the boat can feel lively, especially when everyone moves to the deck for photos or gathers around the feeding area. That same size can be helpful for families, since the outing has enough energy to keep children interested without requiring a full day at sea.

Leaving St. Paul’s Bay and seeing Lindos from below

At St. Paul’s Bay, you board the submarine-style boat and get an introduction to Lindos and the surrounding coast. As the boat leaves the bay, the water becomes a major part of the show. The lower deck gives you a calm, sheltered place to watch the seabed, while the upper deck gives you open views across the coast.

The underwater section is not a trip in a fully submerged submarine. It is a boat with a lower viewing area and large portholes. That distinction is useful when setting expectations. You will not travel far below the surface, but you can look directly into the water without swimming.

The air-conditioning will be welcome during a warm Rhodes morning, especially for anyone who wants a break from direct sun. Music plays below deck, and the setting is meant to be relaxed rather than formal. If you enjoy watching fish but do not want to snorkel, this part gives you a comfortable alternative.

The crew also shares local information about Lindos, including suggestions about the best time to visit the Acropolis. That advice has practical value because the hilltop site can be hot and exposed. If you are planning a land visit on another day, ask the captain or sailors for their timing tips.

The Tomb of Kleoboulos and a close-up fish feeding

One stop focuses on the Tomb of Kleoboulos, also spelled Kleovoulos in the tour information. The site connects the coast with the story of an ancient Greek philosopher associated with the idea that keeping balance is the key to happiness in life.

You will hear an explanation of the tomb and its historical connection before the activity shifts from archaeology to marine life. The boat crew throws seafood into the water, bringing sea bream, sea bass, and other fish close to the boat. You can help feed them if you want.

This is a small but memorable part of the trip. It gives you a direct look at how quickly fish gather around the boat, and it tends to work well for children. It also adds a simple hands-on moment to what could otherwise be a sightseeing ride.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes and has no separate admission charge. Do not expect a long visit on land or an extended archaeological talk. The value is in the combination of a coastal landmark, a short story, and a lively view of the fish below.

Agios Pavlos Beach and the church by the bay

The boat then calls at Agios Pavlos Beach for about 10 minutes. The stop is tied to the island’s popular church and gives you another view of the coastline from the water.

Ten minutes is enough for a quick look and photographs, but not enough for a proper beach visit. You will not have time here for a long swim or a relaxed walk along the shore. Think of it as a scenic pause between the longer parts of the trip.

This short stop also shows how the tour is structured. Rather than staying in one bay for the entire morning, the boat keeps moving between landmarks. If you like changing views and a steady pace, that is a plus. If you prefer to settle into one quiet cove, the number of stops may feel a little rushed.

Navarone Bay gives you the real swim break

Navarone Bay is the main water activity of the morning. The boat stops for about 45 minutes, giving you time to swim in clear water and watch fish gather around the underwater viewing deck.

This is where the tour offers its best value for anyone who wants more than a sightseeing cruise. A short boat trip with no time in the water can feel limited in Rhodes, where swimming is part of the appeal. Here, the longest stop lets you actually enjoy the bay rather than simply photograph it.

The underwater windows add another layer. You can watch sea life from inside the boat, then go into the water yourself. That makes the stop work for mixed groups, including people who swim confidently and people who prefer to stay dry.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sun protection. The supplied information confirms the swim stop and a free soft drink or bottle of water, but snacks are not included. Alcoholic drinks can be bought at the bar, while snacks are not part of the included package. If you need food during the morning, plan ahead.

The water conditions depend on the day. Some outings may feel wonderfully calm and clear, while rough weather can affect comfort and visibility. The operator can cancel or reschedule if conditions are poor, with a different date or a full refund offered.

Lindos Beach and the best Acropolis photo

On the return route, the boat passes Lindos Beach. This is the main beach near town, known for its activity and people. You get about 10 minutes for the view and a final chance to ask the crew about beach activities or things to do in Lindos.

The most useful tip here is simple: take your Acropolis photograph from the boat. The ruins above Lindos make a strong background, and the water gives you a viewpoint that is hard to copy from the village streets.

The stop is brief, so do not treat it as time to go ashore. It is better understood as a scenic pass and photo opportunity. If you plan to spend the rest of the day at Lindos Beach or in town, ask the crew for information before the boat returns to the meeting point.

What the crew adds to the experience

The sailors and captain are an important part of this outing. The strongest praise centers on their friendly, chatty manner and their willingness to explain the fish, the bays, and their own experiences at sea.

That style suits this boat trip. You are not signing up for a formal lecture with long historical speeches. You are getting practical commentary as the boat moves, with the chance to ask questions. The crew also helped some customers reschedule at short notice in difficult transport situations, including a missed taxi and a one-day delay.

That does not mean every departure will feel identical. A group boat depends on the mood of the day, the weather, and how crowded the deck becomes. Still, the crew’s warmth appears to be one of the strongest reasons to choose this experience over a bare-bones boat transfer.

The staff also help connect the separate pieces of the trip. Fish-feeding, local history, swimming, and photographs could feel unrelated without explanation. Their commentary gives the morning a clearer shape.

Is $47.17 a fair price?

At roughly $47.17 per person, the cost is reasonable for a three-hour outing with several stops and a 45-minute swim. You are paying for more than transport between beaches. The price includes the submarine-style viewing deck, crew commentary, fish-feeding, the swim break, and one soft drink or bottle of water.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise book separate activities. A short sightseeing cruise, a swim trip, and a coastal view of Lindos could easily take up more time and planning. This outing puts them together in one morning.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want a quiet private cruise or a full meal on board. Snacks are not included, and the group may contain up to 40 people. Alcoholic drinks cost extra, too.

I would also count the location and timing in the value calculation. The tour starts at 9:30 a.m. and ends back at the meeting point, leaving the rest of your day free. That makes it easier to combine with time in Lindos, provided you do not schedule something that requires a strict immediate departure.

Pickup rules need careful attention

Pickup is offered, but only from certain locations and on specific days. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday cover the route from Lindos to the Plimmiri region. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday cover Vlycha to Kolymbia.

You must provide your hotel’s full name when selecting pickup. The final pickup time is confirmed directly by the local operator at least one day before the tour. Do not assume that hotel pickup is available simply because your accommodation is on Rhodes.

If your hotel is outside the stated areas, plan to reach the starting point at St. Paul’s Bay independently. The meeting point is in Lindos, and the activity returns there at the end.

The activity is offered in English. A mobile ticket is accepted, and booking confirmation is provided at the time of reservation.

Who will enjoy this boat trip most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and small groups who want a lively morning on the water without spending a full day aboard. Children should have plenty to watch, from fish at the windows to the feeding activity and the changing coastal views.

It also suits mixed-age groups. Strong swimmers can enjoy Navarone Bay, while non-swimmers can remain in the lower viewing area or on deck. The air-conditioned interior gives you a break from the sun.

The tour is less suited to people seeking solitude, a private sailing feel, or a detailed archaeological program. The stops are short except for Navarone Bay, and the group may be fairly active around the boat.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The boat is also near public transportation, though the supplied details do not give a full route or schedule.

Booking, cancellation, and weather advice

The experience can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.

Good weather is required. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund. The operator also requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for that reason brings the choice of another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Because the tour is often booked around 16 days ahead, I would reserve early if your Rhodes schedule is tight. Leave some flexibility around the outing if possible, especially if swimming conditions matter to you.

Should you book the Hippo Submarine?

Book it if you want a varied coastal morning with a real swim stop, fish-feeding, and a memorable view of Lindos from the water. The 45 minutes at Navarone Bay give the tour substance, while the lower deck makes it more than a standard sightseeing cruise.

Think twice if you dislike group boats, need a quiet atmosphere, or want a long beach stay at one location. For most visitors based around Lindos, though, the combination of scenery, swimming, friendly commentary, and a roughly $47 price makes this a solid choice.

FAQ

How long does the Hippo Submarine tour last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours and returns to the original meeting point in Lindos.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:30 a.m.

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at the dock in St. Paul’s Bay, Lindos, Greece.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is offered only from specific locations and on specific days. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday cover Lindos to the Plimmiri region. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday cover Vlycha to Kolymbia.

When will my pickup time be confirmed?

If you choose pickup, the local operator confirms your final pickup time directly at least one day before the tour.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a 45-minute swimming stop at Navarone Bay.

Is food or drink included?

One soft drink or bottle of water is included. Snacks are not included, and alcoholic drinks are available to buy at the bar.

Can I see fish from inside the boat?

Yes. The lower deck has large windows that let you watch the seabed and fish from inside the air-conditioned boat.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 40 people.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you are offered another date or a full refund.