Fish-eye views beat any beach tour.

This 3-hour Hippo Submarine trip out of Lindos turns a normal coastal outing into something you can feel in your bones: cool A/C below deck, huge port holes, and seabed views that make the water look surprisingly close. You’ll also get a mix of underwater sightseeing and quick land moments around Lindos, plus a planned swimming stop at Navarone Bay.

I like two things most. First, the crew keeps it lively and readable, from the story set-up at the Tomb of Kleoboulos to the on-board fish-feeding moment where you can see sea bream and sea bass reacting to the seafood thrown from the vessel. Second, you get both angles of Lindos in one go: submarine viewing from below, then deck time to spot the coastline and grab a photo with the Acropolis of Lindos in the background.

The main thing to consider is that the plan depends on conditions. It’s a weather-sensitive experience, and pickup only runs in specific areas on specific days, so it helps to confirm your exact start time and meeting plan ahead of the tour day.

Key things to know before you ride Hippo Submarine

• A short, focused 3-hour format with multiple scenic stops, not a long slog.
• Fish feeding with real underwater viewing through large submerged-deck windows.
• A planned 45-minute swim at Navarone Bay, timed in the middle of the route.
• Lindos highlights from sea level and above-deck including Acropolis photo time.
• Small group size (max 40), which usually means less crowding around the windows.
• Included soda/pop or bottled water, with snacks and alcohol sold separately.

How this submarine tour fits into a Rhodes day

Rhodes is great for walking and for beaches, but it can be the same story over and over if you only do surface attractions. This tour changes the pacing. In about three hours, you shift from Lindos’ harbor area to quiet bays, with the submarine itself acting like your moving viewing platform.

You’ll spend time underwater without doing any snorkeling or swimming with gear. That makes it a strong option if you want water views but you do not want to fuss with a long beach setup.

Also, the vibe is not stiff. The crew tends to be chatty and friendly, and they explain what you are seeing in a way that works even if you know nothing about local waters. I especially appreciate that the experience does not feel like a lecture. It’s more like a guided trip with a clear rhythm.

Meeting at Lindos and getting the timing right

Your tour meets back at the same place it starts, near Lindos, Greece (the listing provides a pinpoint near Lindos harbor area). Start time is 9:30 am, and the total ride runs about three hours.

Pickup is optional but limited. Transfers are available from Lindos to the Plimmiri region on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from Vlycha to Kolymbia on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. If you request pickup, you’ll need your hotel’s full name, and the operator confirms your final pickup time at least one day before the tour.

This matters because the tour window is not huge. If you arrive late or you assume the pickup works every day, you can end up stressed fast. I’d treat it like a morning appointment: check your confirmation, then build in a little buffer time.

On the plus side, the activity is near public transportation, so even if you do not use pickup, you can still plan your way to the dock.

The 3-hour route: what happens at each stop

This tour is built around quick, specific moments. You’re not stuck waiting for long stretches. Instead, each stop has a purpose: story time, scenic viewing, fish action, then land-and-photo, then swim, then a final glide past the main beach area.

Stop 1: Tomb of Kleoboulos + fish feeding

The experience opens with a cultural hook at the Tomb of Kleoboulos. The crew explains the story tied to an ancient Greek philosopher and the message about balance being key to happiness. It’s a short segment, but it gives the tour a local, human scale rather than only focusing on the sea.

Then comes the part you came for: fish feeding. From the water-level and submerged viewing setup, you can see sea bream and sea bass as they quickly come in for the seafood. If you’re traveling with kids, this is often the moment that wins the day. Watching fish respond to the feeding is one of those simple, repeatable nature lessons.

One practical note: fish feeding is best enjoyed if you are ready to watch at the right time. Keep your eyes on the water and listen for when the crew signals the feeding moment.

Stop 2 (Lindos viewing): deck time + A/C submarine comfort

After the first moments, you come aboard in a more “ride and relax” phase. The tour focuses on Lindos and its visible landmarks from the sea.

On the submarine’s submerged deck, you’ll have A/C, music, and the chance to look at the seabed through huge port holes right next to you. This is where the experience feels different from a glass-bottom boat: you are not just looking through a panel far away. You are in the viewing space.

As you leave the bay, you get a sense of the coastline’s depth and the deep-blue look of the water. Then you come back up for land views, including the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. You can ask the crew about history and, more importantly, about when to visit so you can time your own sightseeing later.

The rhythm is smart. You get underwater “wow,” then you get the famous Lindos visuals you can actually connect to photos and your future walk around town.

Stop 3: Agios Pavlos Beach

Next is Agios Pavlos Beach, with a quick stop to see the island’s most popular church. This is short by design, so I treat it as a scenic break rather than a dedicated sightseeing day for the church itself.

If you want this stop, plan to use it as a quick look and a photo moment, then be ready to move on.

Stop 4: Bay of Navarone swim (the key water break)

This is the centerpiece stop: Bay of Navarone. You’ll get about 45 minutes in the water, and the tour specifically includes fish feeding plus the ability to watch creatures gather from the underwater deck setup.

During this window, you can swim in clearer water conditions than many shoreline spots. The time feels just right: long enough to cool off and feel like you did something active, but not so long that you lose the rest of the day’s momentum.

Bring what you need for a quick swim. The tour does not list snacks as included, and it does not mention towel service, so I suggest you arrive prepared like you’re doing a short beach stop.

Stop 5: Lindos Beach glide + Acropolis selfie time

On the way back, the submarine slides through the main Lindos beach area. This is more about atmosphere: you see the activity and energy of the shoreline and town edge.

Then you get a final deck-and-land moment. Make time for that Acropolis selfie. The tour includes a short window to get a photo with the Acropolis of Lindos in the background, and I strongly recommend you do not treat it like a casual add-on. The angle from the water is hard to recreate.

It’s also a good moment to ask the crew for quick guidance on what to do next in Lindos, since you’ll be leaving with fresh views and an easier sense of the town layout.

What it’s really like underwater: fish, windows, and crew storytelling

The standout feature is the underwater viewing experience itself. The submarine has a submerged deck and huge windows that keep the seabed right there in front of you. It’s one reason I think this works so well for people who do not want to snorkel.

During fish feeding, you’ll often spot sea bream and sea bass close to the action. I like that you are not just watching distant movement. The tour is set up so you can see response behavior when food hits the water.

The crew also plays a big role. In the reviews, the staff consistently comes across as chatty, friendly, and willing to talk about the fish and the crew’s own sea experience. That kind of back-and-forth turns the tour from a simple ride into something with context. You learn what you are looking at, and you notice details because the crew points your attention in the right direction.

If you’re sensitive to confined spaces, the good news is that the submarine’s A/C and the music-lounge feel can make the time more comfortable than you might expect. Still, it is a submarine, so it will not feel like a wide-open boat deck.

The swim stop at Navarone Bay: when it feels worth the ticket

The Bay of Navarone swim is why many people book this in the first place, and the tour is built to give you a real break. The schedule includes swimming time, and the water is described as crystal clear in feedback you can feel through the way people talk about it.

I’d plan your swim like this:

• Keep your swimsuit ready so you can jump in quickly.
• Treat it as a short swim, not a long session.
• If you want underwater viewing during the swim window, watch for the timing and where the crew is focusing.

One more practical angle: the tour runs on a weather-dependent basis. If conditions are rough, plans can change. In the best case, you get clear water and a calm-feeling swim. In the worst case, you might lose the day’s main outdoor water time, so build flexibility into your Rhodes schedule.

Price and value: is $47.17 a fair deal?

At $47.17 per person for about three hours, this sits in the “reasonable for a unique experience” category. You’re paying for more than transportation. You’re paying for a controlled underwater viewing environment plus a structured route of multiple stops and a paid swim break.

Here’s what you get that justifies the cost:

• Submarine ride with A/C and music plus underwater deck windows.
• Multiple sightseeing-style stops around Lindos and nearby bays.
• Fish feeding moments that make the underwater viewing more than just scenery.
• A soda/pop or bottle of water included in the ticket price.
• Short, guided story pieces, not only driving from point to point.

Where it can fall short for some people:

• Snacks are not included, and alcohol is only available for purchase.
• The stops are short. If you want long, slow museum-style time, this is not that kind of tour.

For value, I also like the group size. With a max of 40 travelers, you should have a fair chance of seeing the windows without constant elbow-to-elbow crowding.

Who should book this submarine tour (and who should pass)

This tour suits you if:

• You want something different from the standard boat cruise.
• You like marine life but do not want the hassle of snorkeling gear.
• You want photos of Lindos and the Acropolis, with the water perspective baked in.
• You prefer a morning plan that returns you to the same meeting point.

You might want a different plan if:

• You need long time at each stop. The route is quick and intentionally compact.
• You only like very active swimming. The swim is real, but it’s still a single scheduled window.
• You are highly weather-sensitive and hate the possibility of changes if conditions are not right.

If you’re traveling with mixed ages, it’s a decent fit because the submarine time is comfortable and the swim window gives an option rather than forcing full activity.

Small details that make the day go smoother

A few things help the experience feel smoother from start to finish:

• The tour uses a mobile ticket, so you can keep everything on your phone.
• Service animals are allowed.
• The tour is offered in English.
• Communication tends to be easy, and the operator can handle schedule adjustments if needed, including shifting the tour to a nearby day when circumstances change.

Those details matter because a short tour leaves less time to fix problems. When communication and staff flexibility are strong, the day stays enjoyable.

And yes, the kids factor shows up in the vibe. People describe children watching the underwater views with real amazement. Even if you are not traveling with kids, that energy can be contagious.

Should you book Hippo Submarine in Rhodes?

I’d book it if you want a compact morning that mixes underwater views, Lindos landmarks, and a real swim break. The price feels fair for a ride that includes multiple stops, fish feeding, and a structured swim at Navarone Bay, plus A/C comfort inside the submarine.

I would also book it for the learning angle. The crew is friendly and makes the underwater moments understandable. That turns the windows from a passive experience into something you actually notice.

Before you commit, check one thing: the weather. Since the tour requires good conditions, try not to schedule it as your only water time on Rhodes. If you build in flexibility, this can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip.

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Hippo Submarine tour from Lindos?

It’s approximately 3 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $47.17 per person.

Do I get pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is limited to specific locations and days. Transfers are available from Lindos to the Plimmiri region on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and from Vlycha to Kolymbia on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Your final pickup time is confirmed by the local operator at least one day before the tour.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Do I need a physical ticket?

No, you use a mobile ticket.

What stops are included during the tour?

The tour includes stops at the Tomb of Kleoboulos, a Lindos sightseeing segment around St. Paul’s Bay and the Acropolis, Agios Pavlos Beach, Bay of Navarone, and Lindos Beach.

Is swimming included?

Yes. There is a swimming break at Navarone’s Bay, listed as about 45 minutes.

What food or drinks are included?

A soda/pop or a bottle of water is included. Snacks and alcoholic beverages are not included (alcoholic drinks are available for purchase at the bar).

How many people are on the tour?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience start time. The experience also requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. It also requires a minimum number of travelers, with similar options if that minimum is not met.

You Might Also Enjoy

Rhodes: Boat Party Cruise with Live DJBay to Bay Cruise in LindosThe Very Best of Rhodes3-hour boat tour