Explore Lindos Aboard the Hippo Submarine

Watch Lindos from below the waves. The Hippo Submarine combines a glass-bottom cabin with an easy coastal cruise around St. Paul’s Bay, the Tomb of Kleoboulos, Lindos Beach, and Navarone Bay. I like the clear underwater viewing area and the chance to swim in crystal-clear water without committing to a full snorkeling trip. The Acropolis views from the sea are another strong point.

I also like that the crew keeps the outing relaxed and family-friendly, with air-conditioning, music, a toilet, and one soft drink or bottle of water included. The main consideration is timing: the advertised duration is about two hours, but the listed stops add up to about an hour, so you should allow extra time for boarding and the cruise between points. Underwater visibility also depends on the day’s conditions.

Key Points to Know Before Boarding

• Large glass viewing windows: Sit in the submerged cabin and watch sea bream, sea bass, and other fish through the vessel’s wide portholes.
• Acropolis views from the water: The sea offers a fine angle on Lindos Acropolis, especially when the boat leaves St. Paul’s Bay.
• Fish feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos: The crew throws seafood into the water, bringing fish close to the boat.
• A 30-minute swim stop: Navarone Bay is the main chance to get into the water during the outing.
• Useful onboard comforts: The boat has air-conditioning in the viewing area, music, a toilet, and a soft drink or water for each passenger.
• Pickup depends on the day: Transfers operate on different regional routes depending on the day of the week, so check your hotel’s eligibility before relying on pickup.

Why the Hippo Submarine Works for a Short Lindos Excursion

The Hippo Submarine is best understood as a glass-bottom sightseeing boat rather than a true underwater submarine. You board at St. Paul’s Bay, then spend part of the trip in a lower cabin below the waterline, where large portholes let you watch the seabed and passing fish.

That design makes the trip useful for families, casual sightseers, and anyone who wants to see marine life without handling snorkeling gear. You can stay dry, sit in air-conditioning, and still get a look at the water below. For children, that simple change of viewpoint can be the main event.

I especially like the balance between sightseeing and free time. The boat is not only about looking through windows. You also come back onto the upper deck for views of the Acropolis, pause near the Tomb of Kleoboulos, pass Lindos Beach, and stop for a swim in Navarone Bay.

The price is $35 per person. That is fair if you value the combination of boat transport, underwater viewing, fish feeding, a swim stop, and coastal views. It is less attractive if you only want a quick swim or a basic harbor cruise. The added facilities and the variety of stops make the fare easier to justify for families, since several people can enjoy the outing in different ways.

The boat can carry up to 40 people. That is not an intimate private cruise, but the vessel is described as spacious, with enough room for passengers to use the underwater windows. If you want a quiet, exclusive sail, this is not the right format. If you want an informal shared outing with room for children and grandparents, the size is more practical.

Leaving St. Paul’s Bay at 4:40 pm

The meeting point is Paralia Agios Pavlos, also called St. Paul’s Bay, with the postal code 851 07. The scheduled start time is 4:40 pm, so you should arrive with enough time to find the dock and board without rushing.

The opening section takes place in the submerged deck. This is where you can sit in air-conditioning, listen to music, and look through the large portholes at the seabed beside the boat. As the vessel leaves the bay, the water changes to darker blue, and the view becomes less about a beach scene and more about open sea.

The lower cabin is a practical feature in Rhodes, where an afternoon on the water can be hot. You do not need to spend the whole trip in the sun, and you can move between the lower viewing area and the open deck as the scenery changes.

The crew describes the stops and points of interest during the cruise. You are encouraged to ask questions, including questions about the Acropolis and the best time to visit it. That personal back-and-forth is useful because a boat guide can point out the monument from a viewpoint you will not get while walking through Lindos town.

Seeing Lindos Acropolis From the Sea

The Acropolis of Lindos is the first major visual reward after leaving St. Paul’s Bay. From the water, the monument rises above the white town and steep slopes, giving you a wider view than you get from the narrow streets below.

This is not a land visit, so you will not climb to the Acropolis or enter its monuments during the cruise. Instead, the value is the perspective. You can take photographs from the upper deck and ask the crew when the site is most pleasant to visit.

That advice can help you plan a separate visit. The boat trip itself does not replace time at the Acropolis, but it can work well before or after a walking tour of Lindos. The sea view also gives you a chance to appreciate how dramatically the ancient site sits above the coast.

Bring your phone or camera, but keep it secure on deck. The boat later reaches swimming water, and one family outing even included a lost hat floating away before another person found it. That small episode says something useful: keep loose items tucked away when the boat is moving or when people are entering the water.

Fish Feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos

The first named stop is the Tomb of Kleoboulos, with about 20 minutes allocated there. The crew introduces Kleoboulos as an ancient Greek philosopher associated with the idea that balance is important for happiness.

The main attraction here is not a land visit to the tomb. The boat stops for fish feeding, and seafood is thrown into the water. Sea bream, sea bass, and other fish gather close to the vessel, giving you a better chance to see them through the underwater windows.

You can also help feed the fish if you wish. This is one of the more interactive parts of the trip, especially for children. Instead of waiting quietly for a fish to appear, you get to take part in bringing them near the boat.

Fish feeding is not the same as snorkeling over a natural reef. The animals gather because food is offered, and the view depends on the clarity of the water and where you are sitting. Still, it is a straightforward way to see local marine life without needing a mask, fins, or special skill.

Snorkeling equipment is not included. That is not a serious problem for most people because the fish viewing happens through the boat’s portholes, but you should bring your own equipment if you want to explore during the swim stop.

Passing Lindos Beach With Time for Photos

The boat then moves past Lindos Beach, described as the main beach of Lindos. The stop lasts about 10 minutes, giving you a short look at the beach from the water and a chance to ask about activities in the area.

This is a quick sightseeing section rather than a long beach break. Lindos Beach can be active, and seeing it from offshore gives you a useful sense of its position relative to the town and Acropolis. You also get a good opportunity for a photograph with the Acropolis in the background.

I would treat this as a camera-ready moment, not as time to plan a full beach visit. Have your phone ready before the boat reaches the best angle. If you want to spend hours on Lindos Beach, you will need a separate plan.

The crew can also provide information about activities on the beach and in town. That makes the stop more useful if you are still deciding how to spend the rest of your time in Lindos.

A 30-Minute Swim in Navarone Bay

Navarone Bay is the final major stop and the longest one, with about 30 minutes for swimming. The water is described as crystal clear, and the stop gives you a chance to cool off after the sightseeing portion.

You can swim directly from the boat, but the supplied information does not state that snorkeling gear is provided. Bring your own equipment if you want to look beneath the surface while swimming. Otherwise, the stop is simply a chance to enjoy the water.

This half-hour pause is important to the value of the trip. Without it, the outing would be mainly a short cruise with underwater windows. With it, you get a proper break and a chance to experience the bay rather than only view it from the boat.

The swim stop may not suit everyone. If you are traveling with someone who does not swim, the boat’s viewing cabin and upper deck provide alternatives, but the data does not specify additional water-access facilities. People who prefer a trip with no swimming component may find this section less useful.

The experience also depends on weather. If poor weather cancels the cruise, the operator offers another date or a full refund. That policy is reassuring, but it also tells you to keep some flexibility in your schedule.

Comfort, Crew, and Family Appeal

The Hippo Submarine has several features that make two hours on the water easier. The underwater viewing area is air-conditioned, music is provided, and there is a toilet onboard. One soft drink or bottle of water is included for each person.

Snacks are not included, so bring food if you need more than a drink. The information provided does not specify what snacks may be available for purchase, so do not count on a meal onboard.

The crew is an important part of the experience. They explain the points of interest and invite questions, rather than leaving the outing as a silent boat ride. The family-friendly atmosphere also appears in the way children can take part. On one outing, the youngest child was allowed to steer the boat as it left the bay. That should be treated as a possible crew decision, not a guaranteed part of every departure, but it shows the informal tone of the trip.

The boat has been praised for having enough space for everyone to reach the submarine windows. That matters because the underwater cabin is the central feature. On a cramped glass-bottom boat, only a few people get a good view at any moment. Here, the spacious layout should make it easier for families to take turns and for children to see the fish.

Pickup Routes and Timing

You can meet the boat directly at St. Paul’s Bay, or you may be able to arrange pickup from selected areas. Pickup is limited by both location and day.

On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, transfer service covers the area from Vlycha to Kolymbia. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, it covers the area from Lindos to Plimmiri. You must provide your hotel’s full name if you select pickup, and the operator confirms the final pickup time at least one day before the tour.

Because the scheduled start is 4:40 pm, do not assume a hotel transfer will have the same departure time. Wait for the confirmed pickup details. If you are staying outside the stated zones, plan to reach St. Paul’s Bay yourself.

The cruise returns to the same meeting point. That makes it easier to combine with time in Lindos, though you should allow for the return before booking another evening activity.

Who Will Get the Most From This Boat Trip?

I would recommend the Hippo Submarine most strongly to families with children. The fish feeding, underwater cabin, chance to swim, and possible chance for a child to steer all add variety. Parents and grandparents can enjoy the views without needing to snorkel or stay in the water.

It also suits couples and adults who want a relaxed coastal view of Lindos. The Acropolis looks different from the sea, and the boat provides a simple way to reach Navarone Bay while adding marine-life viewing along the way.

It is less suitable for anyone seeking a serious archaeological tour. The crew shares information and practical tips, but the main focus is the boat ride, fish, photographs, and swimming. You should visit the Acropolis separately if ancient sites are your priority.

It may also disappoint you if you expect a long underwater expedition. The submerged cabin gives you a view through portholes, not a full underwater journey. Water clarity, seating position, and the movement of fish all affect what you see.

Booking Value and Practical Choice

At $35 per person, the trip gives you several activities in one package: a coastal cruise, views of Lindos Acropolis and the Tomb of Kleoboulos, fish feeding, a stop at Lindos Beach, a swim at Navarone Bay, and a drink. That is good value for a half-day plan, particularly when several members of a family can participate without special equipment.

The 97 percent recommendation rate and 4.8 rating from 63 ratings support the idea that the experience is consistently well received. The strongest praise centers on the friendly crew, spacious boat, clear underwater views, and the way children and older family members can all take part.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes made within 24 hours are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded. The experience needs good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Confirmation arrives at booking. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. The maximum group size is 40.

Should You Book the Hippo Submarine?

Book it if you want an easy, family-friendly view of Lindos from the sea, with a real swim stop and a chance to watch fish without snorkeling. The combination of the Acropolis, glass-bottom cabin, fish feeding, and Navarone Bay makes the $35 fare reasonable.

Skip it if you want a quiet private boat, a serious underwater excursion, or a full archaeological tour. For most people staying in or near Lindos, though, this is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon, especially if you arrive ready for photographs, keep your expectations realistic, and bring snorkeling gear only if you already own it.

FAQ

Where does the Hippo Submarine tour start?

The tour starts at Paralia Agios Pavlos, also known as St. Paul’s Bay, in 851 07, Greece.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 4:40 pm.

Where does the tour finish?

The boat returns to the original meeting point at St. Paul’s Bay.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is approximately two hours. The listed stops include about 20 minutes at the Tomb of Kleoboulos, 10 minutes near Lindos Beach, and 30 minutes for swimming at Navarone Bay.

What can I see through the submarine windows?

You can look at the seabed and watch fish such as sea bream and sea bass through the large underwater portholes.

Is swimming included?

Yes. The tour includes a swimming stop of about 30 minutes in Navarone Bay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is a drink included in the price?

Yes. One soft drink or bottle of water is included for each person.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from specific locations and on specific days. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday service covers Vlycha to Kolymbia. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday service covers Lindos to Plimmiri.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.