Lindos: Submarine Cruise with Swimming Stop at Navarone Bay

Lindos looks especially fine from the water, where the white town, Acropolis, and St. Paul’s Bay come together in one broad view. This two-hour cruise adds a useful twist: you can watch fish through the vessel’s underwater chamber without getting wet, then swim in Navarone Bay.

I like the mix of sightseeing and action. You get clear photos from the top deck, a calm look at the reef below, and a proper 30-minute swim rather than a quick splash. I also like the practical touches, including air-conditioning, a dry submarine section, one included drink, and free WiFi.

The main thing to consider is the viewing setup. Fish may gather more on one side of the chamber, so a small child or anyone seated away from the action could miss some of it. Keep an eye on both sides and ask the crew to point out where to look.

Key points to know before boarding

• Two ways to see Lindos: Enjoy the Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay from the open upper deck, then view the reef from the dry underwater chamber.
• A real swimming stop: You get 30 minutes in the clear green water of Navarone Bay.
• Good value at $32.75: The fare covers the cruise, swimming stop, one beverage, and WiFi.
• Comfortable underwater viewing: The submarine section is air-conditioned, dry, and suited to people who do not want to snorkel.
• Pickup depends on the day: Transfers cover different Rhodes areas on alternating days and are available only from selected hotels.
• Greek and English service: The host or greeter speaks Greek and English.

Why this short cruise works so well in Lindos

Lindos is famous for its hilltop Acropolis and whitewashed town, but the usual land views only tell part of the story. From a boat, you see how the settlement rises above the coast, with the bays forming a natural frame below it.

This cruise gives you that sea-level angle without taking up a full day. In two hours, you get a short coastal tour, an underwater viewing session, and a swim. That makes it a sensible choice if you want something active between beach time, sightseeing, or a hotel afternoon.

I especially like that the boat is not limited to one type of passenger. You can stay on the upper deck for the scenery, sit in the air-conditioned submarine section to watch the marine life, or swim during the final stop. Families and mixed-age groups often need that sort of flexibility, though the fish-viewing area may work better for some seats than others.

The experience is provided by Hippo Submarine, with a Greek or English-speaking host. No individual guide names are provided, so you should expect a crew-led outing rather than a named historical guide or formal walking tour.

Seeing Lindos and the Acropolis from the upper deck

The cruise begins with views from the top deck. This is where you can take photographs of Lindos from a fresh angle, with the Acropolis and coastal cliffs rising above the water.

The boat passes Lindos for about 30 minutes. That is enough time to settle in, take pictures, and enjoy the town from offshore without rushing through the whole visit. If you have already spent time on land, the boat gives you a different sense of the place. If you have not yet visited the Acropolis, this is a preview rather than a replacement.

Bring your camera or phone ready at the start. The upper deck is the best place for wide photographs of the coast, while the underwater chamber is better for fish and reef pictures. Free WiFi lets you upload photos and stories during the trip, a handy feature if you want to share the day without waiting until you return to your hotel.

The cruise includes a 5-minute pass by the Acropolis of Lindos. That may sound brief, but it provides a focused photo opportunity. Do not expect an archaeological visit or time to climb the hill. The value here is the view of the monument in its coastal setting.

A quick look at St. Paul’s Bay

The boat also spends about 5 minutes cruising by St. Paul’s Bay. This is another strong photo stop, especially from the water, where the shape of the bay is easier to appreciate.

The timing is short, so keep your phone or camera close. You will not have a long pause to compose every image. Still, this part adds variety to the route and helps make the cruise more than a simple ride to a swimming spot.

For the best experience, treat these early sections as moving viewpoints. The boat is showing you several coastal sights in a compact trip, not anchoring for long sightseeing sessions at each one. That pace suits you if you want an overview and a few good photographs. It may feel quick if you prefer long stops or detailed commentary.

Watching fish from the submarine chamber

The most unusual feature is the lower submarine section. You go below deck into a dry, air-conditioned viewing area with windows onto the water. This lets you watch local marine life and the reef without snorkeling or sitting in the sun.

That setup is useful for several kinds of passengers. Young children can see underwater life without wearing a mask. You can stay dry if the sea is not your thing. Anyone who wants a break from the heat gets a cool indoor space, while swimmers can change their pace before the final stop.

The crew also gives you the chance to feed the fish. This is likely to attract the marine life closer to the vessel, making the viewing more active than simply looking through the glass. You should pay attention to the crew’s directions and be ready when the fish gather.

One practical point matters here: the fish may not appear equally on both sides of the submarine chamber. A small child once watched from the wrong side and saw little until someone pointed out where to look. If you are with children, help them check both sides, and ask the host to direct your group. This small bit of attention can make the difference between a memorable wildlife moment and a disappointing one.

You can also take photographs through the underwater windows. Reflections and changing light may make some pictures tricky, so I would use the chamber mainly for the experience and take your clearest coastal shots from the upper deck.

The 30-minute swim at Navarone Bay

The final major stop is Navarone Bay, where the boat pauses for about 30 minutes. The water is described as crystal-clear and green, making this the part of the trip built for getting in rather than simply looking out.

Thirty minutes is a useful amount of time. You have enough room for a proper swim, but the stop remains short enough to keep the cruise within two hours. If you love the water, you may wish the break lasted longer. If you are less confident in the sea, the fixed half-hour gives you a clear, manageable window.

The stop is also a good reason to bring swimwear and anything you need for a comfortable return to the boat. The supplied details confirm the swimming stop but do not specify onboard changing facilities, storage, or flotation equipment, so you should not assume those features are available.

You get one beverage as part of the fare. Food and extra drinks are not included, so eat beforehand or plan to bring only what the operator allows. The trip is short enough that you do not need a full meal onboard, but a drink is welcome after time in the sun and water.

What the $32.75 price really covers

At $32.75 per person, this is a reasonably priced half-day-sized outing that actually lasts only two hours. The price includes four useful pieces: the bay cruise, the swim stop, one beverage, and onboard WiFi.

The best value comes from the combination. A simple boat ride might give you coastal views, but this one adds the submarine chamber and fish viewing. A basic swim transfer might take you to a bay, but this one adds Lindos, the Acropolis, St. Paul’s Bay, and underwater viewing before you get in the water.

I would book it for the variety, not for a long, slow cruise or a formal lesson about marine life. The itinerary is compact, and the landmark passes are brief. You are paying for an easy mix of views, reef watching, and swimming in one reservation.

The fare does not include food, additional drinks, or hotel transfer. That last point matters. If you arrange your own way to the meeting point, the price remains straightforward. If you need a transfer, check the pickup option carefully because it is limited by location and day.

Hotel pickup and timing in Rhodes

The meeting point depends on the option you choose, and the activity ends back at that meeting point. Hotel transfer is optional, not automatic.

The pickup pattern is specific:

• On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, transfer is available from the Vlycha to Kolymbia region.
• On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, transfer is available from the Lindos to Plimmiri region.

Only selected locations and days qualify. If you choose pickup, you must provide your hotel’s full name, and the local operator confirms the final pickup time directly at least one day before the tour.

This arrangement can work well if your resort is on the route. It is less useful if you are staying elsewhere or want a guaranteed door-to-door service every day. Check the meeting point and pickup area before paying, since getting to the boat is your responsibility if transfer is not included.

Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your date. The total duration is two hours, but you should allow extra time around it if you have a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another timed activity.

Who will enjoy the Hippo Submarine cruise most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a short, easy outing with several different activities. It suits couples who want coastal photos, families looking for fish viewing without snorkeling, and anyone who prefers a gentle boat trip with a swimming break.

It is also a good choice for a mixed group. One person can enjoy the views, another can watch the reef below, and another can swim at Navarone Bay. The air-conditioned chamber gives you a break from the heat, while the upper deck keeps the trip open and scenic.

You may want something else if your main goal is a long swim, serious snorkeling, or a full day on the water. The Navarone Bay stop lasts 30 minutes, and the landmark viewing is brief. This is a compact introduction to the coast, not a full marine excursion.

Children can enjoy the submarine windows and fish feeding, but adults should help them watch both sides of the chamber. That small detail is worth remembering, especially if the boat is busy and the child cannot easily move around.

Practical tips for a smoother trip

Arrive with swimwear, sunscreen, and a phone or camera ready for the early coastal views. Keep your camera secure on the upper deck and be prepared for glare when taking pictures through the underwater windows.

If fish viewing is important to you, move carefully between viewing areas or ask the host where the fish are gathering. The crew speaks Greek and English, so basic help should be available in both languages.

Use the WiFi for quick uploads, but do not let it distract you from the short stops. The Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay pass quickly, and the clearest photo chance may be gone while you are choosing a filter.

Because food and extra drinks cost extra, plan around the two-hour schedule. One included beverage is provided, but it is not a substitute for a meal. If you have a hotel pickup, wait for the operator’s confirmed time rather than relying on a general estimate.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those terms help if your Rhodes plans are still moving, but you should still check the final time and pickup details before the day of the cruise.

Should you book this Lindos boat trip?

Book it if you want three experiences in one short outing: views of Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay, dry underwater fish watching, and a 30-minute swim in Navarone Bay. At $32.75, the included drink and WiFi add practical value, while the submarine chamber gives the cruise a feature you do not get on a standard sightseeing boat.

Skip it if you want extended time in the water, detailed Acropolis touring, or a guaranteed hotel transfer from anywhere on Rhodes. The route is brisk, the swimming stop is fixed at half an hour, and pickup depends on both your location and the day.

For most people staying near the listed resort areas, this is an easy, good-value way to see Lindos from offshore. Keep your expectations focused on variety and simple fun, and you should get the most from it.

FAQ

How long does the Lindos submarine cruise last?

The activity lasts two hours, including the coastal cruise and the 30-minute swimming stop at Navarone Bay.

What sights can I see from the boat?

You can see Lindos, the Acropolis of Lindos, and St. Paul’s Bay from the boat.

How long is the swimming stop?

The boat stops at Navarone Bay for 30 minutes of swimming.

Is the underwater viewing area dry?

Yes. The submarine section is a dry, air-conditioned part of the vessel where you can watch marine life through the windows.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One beverage is included. Food and additional drinks are not included.

Is WiFi available on the boat?

Yes. Free WiFi is available onboard.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer is optional and limited to certain locations and days. If you select pickup, the operator confirms the final time with you at least one day before the cruise.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.