Explore Lindos Aboard the Hippo Submarine

The best part of the Hippo Submarine is its underwater viewing cabin, where you can sit in air-conditioning and watch fish pass through large glass windows beside you. It gives children a taste of snorkeling without masks, fins, or a face full of seawater, while the views of Lindos from the boat add real historical interest.

I like the easy mix of activities: fish feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos and a proper swim in Navarone Bay. I also like the friendly, hands-on feel of the crew, who explain the sights, answer questions, and may even let a child help steer the boat under supervision.

The main thing to consider is that the advertised timing can feel a little unclear. The overall experience is listed at about two hours, while the named stops add up to roughly one hour, with the rest taken by cruising and moving between points. The boat can hold up to 40 people, so this is a shared outing rather than a quiet private cruise.

Key points to know before you book

• Large underwater windows: Sit inside the submerged cabin and watch sea bream, sea bass, and other fish without using snorkeling gear.
• Three very different stops: You get a history-and-photo stop, a fish-feeding session, and a swim in Navarone Bay.
• Excellent Acropolis angle: The view of Lindos Acropolis from the water gives you a clear sense of its dramatic position above the town.
• Family-friendly crew: Children can feed fish, and one family even had the youngest try steering the boat as it left the bay.
• Useful onboard comforts: Air-conditioning, music, a toilet, and one soft drink or bottle of water are included.
• Pickup is limited: Transfers run only on certain days and across specified areas, so check your hotel’s location and the final pickup time carefully.

Why the Hippo Submarine works well for Lindos

Lindos is famous for its whitewashed town and hilltop Acropolis, but the sea gives you a different way to understand the place. From the water, the cliffs rise sharply behind the beaches, and the ancient site becomes a strong focal point instead of something you only see from crowded streets.

The Hippo Submarine combines that view with a short glass-bottom cruise. You are not signing up for a full scuba or snorkeling trip. You are getting a relaxed coastal outing with some history, a little marine life, and time to swim.

That mix is the real value. At $35 per person, the price is reasonable if you want several small experiences in one trip. You get the boat ride, underwater viewing, fish feeding, a swim stop, crew commentary, and a drink. You do not get a meal or snorkeling equipment, so bring your own mask if underwater swimming matters to you.

The boat leaves from Paralia Agios Pavlos, also called St. Paul’s Bay, at 4:40 pm. That late-afternoon departure is useful if you have spent the hottest part of the day exploring Lindos or visiting the Acropolis. It also gives you a calmer, less rushed way to finish a day near town.

Boarding at St. Paul’s Bay

The meeting point is Paralia Agios Pavlos, postal code 851 07, Greece. This is where you board and where the trip ends, unless you have arranged one of the limited pickup options.

Once aboard, the crew introduces you to the vessel and shows you the submerged section. The cabin has air-conditioning, music, and large portholes positioned for views of the seabed. You can sit inside when the sun feels strong, then return to the open deck when you want a better view of the coast.

That choice makes the boat practical for mixed groups. Grandparents or anyone who does not want to swim can stay comfortable below deck, while children and stronger swimmers can make more use of the outdoor areas. A toilet is also available onboard, which matters during a roughly two-hour outing.

As the boat moves away from St. Paul’s Bay, the water shifts from the sheltered feel of the cove to the open blue sea. The quiet underwater view is simple but effective. You are not watching a giant aquarium filled with guaranteed sights, so keep your expectations sensible. Fish appear naturally, and visibility depends on conditions.

The crew describes the points of interest along the route and invites questions. You will get more from the trip if you ask about Lindos, the Acropolis, and the best time to visit the archaeological site.

Seeing the Acropolis from the water

After the initial underwater section, the crew brings you back onto the upper deck for the view of the Acropolis of Lindos. This is one of the strongest reasons to take the cruise, especially if you have already seen the site from land.

From the sea, the Acropolis sits high above the settlement, with its ancient walls and columns set against the bare coastal hills. The view helps you understand why Lindos has been important for so long. The town is not simply a pretty collection of white buildings. It grew beneath a defensible hill and around a natural harbor.

You can ask the crew when to visit the Acropolis for the most pleasant conditions. The tour does not include entry to the archaeological site, so treat this as a useful outside view and a chance to gather tips for a separate visit.

The water-level perspective is also good for photographs. Keep your camera ready when the boat passes the best angle, but remember that the boat may continue moving. A selfie with the Acropolis behind you is one of the easy wins of this cruise.

Fish feeding near the Tomb of Kleoboulos

The first named stop is the Tomb of Kleoboulos, reached along the coast outside Lindos. The crew explains the connection with Kleoboulos, an ancient Greek philosopher associated with the idea that balance is central to a happy life.

The stop lasts about 20 minutes and includes fish feeding. The 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 like.

This is probably the most entertaining part for younger children. The fish move quickly when food hits the water, so the scene feels lively even if you are simply watching from the submerged cabin. It is also a good option for anyone who wants to see marine life but does not want to snorkel.

There is a small limitation here. Fish feeding is a planned activity, not a natural wildlife encounter. If you prefer to observe sea life without attracting it, you may find the underwater views more appealing when the boat is moving away from the feeding area.

Still, the stop gives the cruise a clear purpose. You are not just passing a coastal landmark. You are learning a little about the site, seeing fish at close range, and choosing how active you want to be.

Passing Lindos Beach for photos

On the return route, the boat passes Lindos Beach. This is the town’s main beach, and the view from the water shows its popularity and activity more clearly than the quieter coves do.

The stop is listed at about 10 minutes. It is mainly a viewing and photo opportunity, though the crew can provide information about activities in the area and things to do in Lindos town.

This is the right moment to get a photograph of the Acropolis from a lower angle. The white town, beach, rocky shore, and hilltop ruins come together in one frame. If you have already spent time walking the narrow streets, seeing Lindos from offshore helps tie the whole setting together.

Do not expect a long beach visit here. You are passing through rather than settling onto the sand. If your priority is sunbathing or water sports, book this for the cruise and use another part of your day for the beach itself.

Swimming in Navarone Bay

The final major stop is a 30-minute swim in Navarone Bay. This is the most active section of the trip and a welcome change after sitting on the boat.

The water is described as clear, and the bay provides a sheltered-feeling setting for a refreshing swim. You can stay onboard if you prefer, but the stop is designed to give you time in the sea rather than just another coastal view.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and anything else you need for getting wet. Snorkeling equipment is not included. You can bring your own gear, but do not assume that the boat will provide masks or fins.

The half-hour duration is long enough for a proper swim without turning the cruise into an all-day beach trip. It should suit confident swimmers and families who want a simple splash in the sea. If you are not comfortable in open water, ask the crew about the setup before getting in and take the sensible option of remaining onboard.

Navarone Bay also adds value to the $35 price. A cruise with only sightseeing would be pleasant, but the swim gives you a direct way to enjoy the coast rather than looking at it from a seat.

What the crew and boat add

The crew is an important part of this experience. The boat is not presented as a silent transport service. The crew explains the stops, shares information about Lindos, and encourages questions.

The friendly approach suits families particularly well. One young child was allowed to help steer the boat as it left the bay, and children can take part in feeding the fish. That sort of participation gives the trip more energy than a simple narrated cruise.

You should still think of this as a shared boat outing. The maximum group size is 40 people, and the vessel is described as spacious enough for passengers to reach the underwater viewing area. Even so, popular departures may feel social rather than intimate.

The onboard details are modest but useful. Air-conditioning helps during the warmest part of the afternoon. Music keeps the cabin from feeling too quiet, and a toilet removes one common worry on a boat trip. One soft drink or bottle of water is included, but snacks are not.

Is $35 good value?

At $35 per person, I consider this a fair price for a short, varied sea trip from Lindos. The value comes from the combination of elements rather than from any single one of them.

You are paying for:

• An approximately two-hour boat outing
• A glass-bottom viewing cabin
• Crew explanations and local tips
• Views of the Acropolis and Tomb of Kleoboulos
• Fish feeding
• A 30-minute swim in Navarone Bay
• One soft drink or bottle of water
• Air-conditioning and a toilet onboard

You are not paying for food, snorkeling equipment, or admission to the Acropolis. If you want a full meal at sea or a serious snorkeling session, this is not the right product.

For a family, the price can compare well with arranging several separate activities. The children have something to watch below deck, something to do at the fish-feeding stop, and a chance to swim. Adults get the coastline and historical views without committing to a demanding water excursion.

The price is less compelling if you only want a quiet swim or only want an Acropolis photograph. In that case, you may prefer to spend the money on a beach day or a land-based visit to the ruins.

Timing, pickup, and practical details

The scheduled start is 4:40 pm at St. Paul’s Bay. Pickup is offered, but not everywhere and not every day.

On Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, transfers are available from the Vlycha to Kolymbia region. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, the transfer covers the Lindos to Plimmiri region. You need to provide your hotel’s full name when selecting pickup, and the operator confirms the final pickup time at least one day before departure.

If you are staying outside these areas, plan to reach St. Paul’s Bay yourself. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

The tour is offered in English. Confirmation is sent at booking, and the experience requires suitable weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time, but late cancellations and late changes are not accepted.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The experience is near public transportation, though the provided information does not specify a particular route or stop.

Because this is a coastal activity, allow enough time to reach the bay before 4:40 pm. A missed boat is harder to fix than a missed museum entrance, especially when the pickup schedule is limited.

Who should book the Hippo Submarine?

I would choose this for families, couples who want an easy afternoon on the water, and anyone who wants to see Lindos from a fresh angle without committing to a full snorkeling trip.

It is especially useful for mixed-age groups. One person can swim, another can watch fish from the cabin, and someone else can stay on deck taking photographs. The air-conditioning and onboard toilet make the trip more comfortable for a broad range of ages.

It also suits people who have already visited the Acropolis. The boat does not replace walking through the ancient site, but it gives you a memorable view from below and helps put Lindos’s setting into context.

I would be more cautious about booking it if you want a small, private experience, a long swim, or specialist marine-life viewing. A boat carrying up to 40 people will not offer the same quiet feel as a private charter. The glass-bottom windows are enjoyable, but sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed.

Should you book it?

Book the Hippo Submarine if you want an affordable, easygoing Lindos outing with three clear highlights: fish through underwater windows, the Acropolis from the sea, and a swim in Navarone Bay.

Skip it if you want a full-day sailing trip, a meal onboard, or included snorkeling equipment. For most families and first-time visitors looking for a change from walking and beach lounging, the combination is strong value. Check the pickup day, arrive at St. Paul’s Bay on time, and bring swim gear and snacks. That is about all the preparation you need.

FAQ

Where does the Hippo Submarine tour start and finish?

The tour starts at Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece, at St. Paul’s Bay. It ends back at the same meeting point.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 4:40 pm.

How long does the experience last?

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

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included. You may bring your own equipment, but snacks are also not included.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One soft drink or bottle of water is included in the fare.

Is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available only from specific locations and on specific days. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday transfers cover the Vlycha to Kolymbia region. Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday transfers cover the Lindos to Plimmiri region. The final pickup time is confirmed by the operator at least one day before the tour.