Lindos: Submarine Cruise with Swimming Stop at Navarone Bay

Lindos looks especially good from the water. On this two-hour submarine cruise, you see the Acropolis, St. Paul’s Bay, and the reefs from two angles: the open top deck and a dry, air-conditioned chamber below. The best part is the simple mix of sightseeing and swimming, with no long commitment.

I like the clear views of Lindos from the sea, since they give you photos you cannot get from the village. I also like the 30-minute stop at Navarone Bay, which gives the trip a proper swim rather than just a quick look at the water. The main thing to consider is that the underwater viewing area may not offer the same fish view to everyone at once, so children may need a little help finding the best side.

Key points to know

• Two ways to see Lindos: Start on the top deck for views of the Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay, then move below to the submarine chamber.
• Fish feeding is part of the fun: You can feed fish and watch marine life through the underwater windows.
• Navarone Bay gets 30 minutes: The swimming stop is long enough for a real dip in the clear green water.
• Comfort is built in: The chamber is dry and air-conditioned, and the boat offers WiFi.
• One drink is included: Food and extra drinks cost more.
• Pickup depends on the day: Optional transfers cover different Rhodes areas on different days, so check the exact arrangement before booking.

Seeing Lindos from a low, wide angle

The cruise gives you a view of Lindos that walking around town cannot. From the boat, the white buildings rise toward the Acropolis, while the coastline opens around St. Paul’s Bay. I like this first section because it is easygoing. You can stay on the upper deck, take photographs, and let the boat do the work.

The top deck is the right place for broad views. You are not looking through glass, so photographs of the Acropolis and the bay should be clearer from here. Keep your camera ready as the boat moves past the main sights, because the cruise only spends short periods near some landmarks.

The listed route allows about 30 minutes around Lindos, followed by shorter five-minute passages near the Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay. Those shorter sections are enough for a look and a few pictures, but not for a long guided visit at each location. This is a coastal viewing trip, not a substitute for visiting the Acropolis on foot.

That distinction matters. If you want time among the ruins, village lanes, and shops of Lindos, plan a separate visit. The boat gives you a fresh view of the setting, but it does not take you ashore for sightseeing.

The submarine chamber and the fish

After the surface views, you go below into the submarine section of the vessel. This is not a full underwater expedition. It is a dry viewing area with air conditioning, windows, and a chance to watch fish around the reef without getting wet.

That setup works well for anyone who likes marine life but does not want to snorkel. You can stay comfortable, keep your belongings dry, and watch the water at close range. Families may find this easier than organizing masks and fins, especially when children want a short look rather than a long swim.

Fish feeding adds a bit of action. Instead of simply watching the reef pass by, you can help bring fish close to the viewing area. The exact view depends on where you sit and which side of the chamber has the activity at that moment.

One practical tip is worth remembering: try to check both sides of the submarine chamber. A child on one side may watch for fish while most of the action happens on the other. Staff can point things out, but the language on board is Greek and English, and a busy boat may make quick explanations harder to follow.

The chamber has free WiFi, so you can upload a photo or short video during the trip. That is a small feature, but it suits this type of outing. You can share the Acropolis view or a fish-feeding moment before you even return to shore. I would still treat WiFi as a convenience, not a reason to choose the cruise.

St. Paul’s Bay and the Acropolis by boat

The pass by St. Paul’s Bay is one of the more attractive parts of the route. From the sea, the curve of the bay and the nearby Lindos setting come together in a single view. It is a good moment to move back to the upper deck if you have been below for the fish viewing.

The Acropolis of Lindos gives the cruise its strongest landmark view. From the water, you can photograph the hilltop setting without dealing with the climb or the crowds around the site itself. The boat does not take you close for a detailed archaeological look, but it gives you a useful sense of how the Acropolis relates to the coast.

I would bring a phone or camera with enough battery for both the upper deck and submarine chamber. You will want the top deck for open views and the lower section for the fish. Since the cruise includes WiFi, you may be tempted to spend time posting, but the scenery is the reason to keep looking outward.

The crew’s role is mainly to keep the trip moving, explain what is happening, and help with the fish-feeding portion. The host or greeter speaks Greek and English. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect a named historical guide or a long lecture about Lindos.

A proper swim at Navarone Bay

The final highlight is a 30-minute swimming stop at Navarone Bay. The water is described as crystal-clear and green, and the stop gives you time to get in rather than simply admire it from the rail.

Half an hour is a sensible length for this kind of cruise. You can swim, cool off, and return to the boat without turning the outing into a full beach day. It also gives children and casual swimmers a clear endpoint. You are not committing to hours in the water.

The stop is best understood as a swimming break, not a beach visit. The information provided does not specify a sandy beach, changing rooms, showers, or water equipment. Bring what you need for a simple swim, and do not assume that food or extra drinks will be available during the stop.

I like the way this portion balances the boat ride. Without it, the experience would be mostly sightseeing through windows. With it, you get a short physical break and a chance to enjoy the water directly. If swimming is your main goal, however, a dedicated beach outing would give you more time.

What the $32.75 price includes

At $32.75 per person, the cruise is priced as an easy half-day-style activity without taking up half your day. The fare includes the bay cruise, the swimming stop, one beverage, and WiFi on board.

I see the value in the combination. You are paying for a coastal sightseeing ride, a marine-life viewing session, a drink, and a swim in one two-hour package. That can make sense if you want a light excursion between other plans in Lindos or nearby resorts.

The price does not include food or additional drinks. This is not a meal cruise, so eat beforehand if you need something substantial. The single included beverage is a useful extra, but you should not treat it as full refreshments for the outing.

Hotel transfer is also not automatically included. Pickup is optional and limited by location and day. If you choose that option, you provide the full hotel name, and the local operator confirms the final pickup time at least one day before departure.

The transfer pattern is important. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, service is available from the Vlycha to Kolymbia area. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, it is available from Lindos to Plimmiri. If your hotel is outside the relevant zone or you book on the wrong day for your area, you may need to reach the meeting point yourself.

The tour can finish back at the meeting point. Some listed resort drop-off locations include properties around Lindos, Pefkos, Kolymbia, Gennadi, and the wider southeast Rhodes coast. Confirm your own option rather than assuming every hotel receives a return transfer.

Timing, comfort, and who will like it

The cruise lasts two hours, but the time passes in distinct sections: surface views, underwater viewing, and the swimming stop. That variety helps prevent the trip from feeling repetitive.

The air-conditioned chamber is a useful comfort feature in the Rhodes heat. You can watch the reef in a dry setting, then return to the deck when you want fresh air and open views. The boat therefore suits people who want to see marine life but do not feel comfortable snorkeling.

Families may find the fish-feeding section especially appealing. Keep children aware that the best fish view may not be directly in front of every seat. Moving your attention from one side of the chamber to the other can make a real difference.

The cruise also suits couples and solo visitors who want photographs of Lindos from the water without booking a long sailing trip. You get the main coastal views, a drink, WiFi, and a swim in a compact outing.

It may be less suitable if you want a quiet, private boat trip. The information does not give a group size, and the underwater viewing area is shared. It may also disappoint you if you expect a full scuba-style experience, a detailed marine biology talk, or a long stop at each landmark.

The 4.7 rating from 120 reviews suggests strong overall satisfaction, and the most praised points are consistent: the scenery, the crew’s attention to safety and enjoyment, and the swimming stop. One practical criticism involved fish being easier to see from one side than the other. That is a small issue, but it is useful advice, especially for families.

Booking and cancellation details to keep in mind

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also helps if you are still arranging your Rhodes schedule.

Starting times vary, so check availability for the day you want. The meeting point depends on the option booked, and the host or greeter speaks Greek and English.

If you select pickup, expect the operator to contact you directly with the final time at least one day before the cruise. Keep your hotel’s full name handy, and check the pickup zone before you pay.

Should you book this Lindos submarine cruise?

I would book this cruise if you want a short, varied outing that combines landmark views, fish watching, and swimming. It gives you a different angle on Lindos, keeps you comfortable below deck, and includes enough time at Navarone Bay to make the water a real part of the experience.

I would skip it if your priority is a long beach session, a private boat, or an in-depth tour of the Acropolis. For everyone else, the $32.75 price is fair for the number of elements packed into two hours. Check the pickup details, watch both sides of the submarine chamber, and keep the final half hour free for the swim.

FAQ

How long does the Lindos submarine cruise last?

The cruise lasts two hours. This includes the boat ride, coastal sightseeing, underwater fish viewing, and a 30-minute swimming stop at Navarone Bay.

What landmarks can I see from the boat?

You can see the Acropolis of Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay from the upper deck. The route also includes a cruise around Lindos and views of the coastline from the water.

Is the swimming stop included?

Yes. The cruise includes a 30-minute swimming stop at Navarone Bay, where the water is described as crystal-clear green water.

Is food included?

No. One beverage is included, but food and additional drinks are not included.

Does the boat have WiFi and air conditioning?

Yes. Free WiFi is available on board, and the submarine viewing chamber is dry and air-conditioned.

Is hotel pickup available?

Optional pickup is available only from specific locations and on specific days. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, transfer is available from Vlycha to Kolymbia. On Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, it is available from Lindos to Plimmiri. The final pickup time is confirmed by the local operator at least one day before the cruise.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.