Fish-viewing from a submarine feels like magic. On Rhodes, this Lindos Hippo Sub trip lets you watch the seabed through huge portholes, with narration as you cruise by the Bay of Navarone.

I also love the mix of underwater time and a real swim stop, so it is not just looking at photos of fish later. You get a quick peek at Lindos by day too, including the Acropolis in your background for photos.

Just keep expectations realistic: it is a packed 2 hours, and the calm-water swim depends on conditions, so plan to be flexible.

Key highlights you’ll feel fast

• Submerged-deck viewing through big portholes, with space to relax in air-conditioning
• Acropolis views from the water, not the usual viewpoint from the hill
• Tomb of Kleoboulos stop with fish-feeding, including sea bream and sea bass
• Navarone Bay swim time in clear water, plus an easygoing cruise back to harbor
• Small-group feel with a maximum of 40 people

What You’re Really Buying on the Hippo Sub in Lindos

This is a Rhodes outing for people who want the ocean experience without the gear hassle. You sit comfortably inside the submarine’s submerged viewing area, then you come back up for the on-deck sight stops and a swim.

The best part is that the tour works on two levels at once: you get underwater watching and classic sightseeing, all tied to a simple route along Lindos’ coastline. For most people, that is the value. You are not paying just for a boat ride—you are paying for structured stops, commentary, and a swim.

Also, the price is modest for what you get: around $35 per person for roughly 2 hours, with a crew that talks through what you are seeing at each point.

Meet at Paralia Agios Pavlos: Timing and the 4:40 pm Factor

This tour starts from Paralia Agios Pavlos (St. Paul’s Bay area) and returns to the same spot. The departure time is 4:40 pm, which matters more than it sounds.

Late afternoon on the coast often means kinder light for photos and a more comfortable sail than harsh midday sun. It also lines up well with a day of Lindos exploring, then finishing with water time.

The group is capped at 40 people, so it stays manageable. One practical note: pickup is offered, but it is limited to specific regions and days, and your final pickup time gets confirmed by the local operator at least a day before.

Inside the Submarine: Air-Conditioning, Music, Toilet, and Room to Look

When you board, you start in the submarine, where the submerged deck is designed for looking straight down and around. Expect huge port holes, plus a laid-back setup with air-conditioning and music.

This matters because underwater viewing is only fun if you can actually relax. With room to move (and not feeling shoulder-to-shoulder the entire time), you are more likely to get good views of the seabed and fish.

There is also a toilet on board, which you will quietly appreciate on a tour that is long enough to feel like a mini-activity instead of a quick transfer.

Cruising Past Lindos’ Coast: How the Acropolis Looks From Sea Level

After the initial submerged viewing, you come back up and the crew points out what you can see from the deck. This is where the trip earns its sightseeing credibility.

You will observe the Acropolis of Lindos from the water. It looks different when you are looking up instead of climbing stair after stair. The angle also gives you a sense of how the town and the fortifications sit above the bay.

The crew will share insider tips on when to visit the Acropolis if you plan to go up there later. Even if you do not, the water view helps you connect the dots quickly when you are walking around Lindos afterward.

Tomb of Kleoboulos Stop: Fish-Feeding in Practical, Real Time

One of the most praised moments is the stop at the Tomb of Kleoboulos. This is not a museum-style pause. It is a sea-life moment with actual action.

You get fish-feeding, and you can see species like sea bream and sea bass come around when food hits the water. If your idea of a great trip includes hands-on moments (even small ones), this is the part you will remember.

This stop is around 20 minutes, and it also serves a bigger purpose: it connects the underwater “what am I seeing?” question to something you can clearly watch happen. You go from admiring fish to understanding how fish behave in a calm bay environment.

Lindos Beach Stop: The 10-Minute Photo Break That Works

On the way back, you slide past the main Lindos Beach area. The stop here is short—about 10 minutes—but it is set up for easy goals: fresh information and quick photos.

You can ask the crew for practical ideas about what to do on the beach and in town. Then, you get a simple reminder that matters: grab a selfie with the Acropolis in the background while the timing is right.

Short stop can be a downside if you wanted lots of beach time, but it is also why the tour stays on schedule and still makes room for the swim later.

Bay of Navarone Swim: Your 30 Minutes of Real Water Time

The highlight for many people is the swim in Navarone Bay. Once you enter the crystal-clear water, you get about 30 minutes to swim.

This is the part that turns the submarine tour from “cool to watch” into “worth it because you actually did something.” You are not relying only on looking through glass.

Two practical things to remember:

• Snorkeling equipment isn’t included, so if you planned to do serious snorkeling, you’ll need to bring your own.
• Pack for a quick water session: swimsuit, towel, and something to protect your phone/camera from splashes.

If conditions are not ideal, the tour can be adjusted or canceled for safety reasons. When that happens, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Price and Value: Why $35 Often Feels Fair Here

At $35 per person, this tour is priced like an afternoon activity, not a luxury day at sea. The value comes from the mix of experiences in one ticket:

• structured underwater viewing
• guided commentary at multiple stops
• a real swim window
• basic drinks included (a soft drink or bottle of water)

What you’re not paying for is extras like snacks or snorkeling gear, and you should plan accordingly. But overall, the tour feels fair because it uses that 2-hour window efficiently: you are not waiting around between moments.

Also, the experience popularity is visible in booking behavior—this one gets booked about 16 days in advance on average. If you are traveling in a busier season or on a crowded day, booking ahead is the smart move.

What’s Included (and What You Should Plan to Add)

Included:

• crew narration at the stops
• soft drink or bottled water
• air-conditioned submerged viewing comfort
• underwater viewing through large portholes

Not included:

• snacks
• snorkeling equipment

So I suggest you treat this like a seaside outing. Eat before you go, or bring a small snack if that helps you stay comfortable during the afternoon-to-evening timing.

Best For Families, First-Timers, and People Who Don’t Want Snorkel Prep

This tour tends to be a strong match for families because it offers multiple ways to enjoy the water—watching fish and then actually swimming. It is also a good choice if you want ocean time but do not want to deal with fins, masks, and all the little prep chores.

It also fits well if you are visiting Lindos and want a different angle on the Acropolis and the coastline. Looking at the Acropolis from the water gives you context for what you will later see from town streets.

Most people can participate, and there are options for service animals. The starting point is also near public transportation, which helps if you are not using pickup.

Practical Tips So the Tour Feels Easy

• Bring a small layer: even in summer, sea breezes can cool you during the deck moments.
• Wear water-friendly footwear if you might step around near the swim area.
• Keep a hat handy. One funny downside of any beach-and-water activity is that small items like hats can float away.
• If you care about photos, make sure your phone battery is ready before you enter the swim window.

Should You Book the Lindos Hippo Submarine?

Book it if you want an affordable way to see Lindos from the sea, watch fish up close through portholes, and still get a meaningful swim. The submarine format is comfortable, and the route gives you multiple memorable moments in about 2 hours.

Skip it if you are expecting long beach time, or if your day plan depends on snorkeling gear being provided. Also, since the swim is weather- and condition-dependent, it helps to travel with a flexible mindset.

If you fit the vibe—ocean views, simple water time, and a guided experience—you will likely find this one a good use of an afternoon in Rhodes.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Lindos Hippo Submarine tour?

It lasts about 2 hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece and returns to the same meeting point.

What time does it depart?

The start time is 4:40 pm.

How much does it cost?

The price is $35.00 per person.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but only from specific locations and days. The operator confirms the final pickup time at least one day before the tour.

What languages are offered?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included in the ticket price?

You get crew descriptions at the stops and a soft drink or bottled water.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

How long do you get to swim?

You get about 30 minutes for swimming in Bay of Navarone.

What if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there a limit on group size?

Yes, the maximum is 40 travelers.

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