Seeing Lindos from below is pure magic. This hippo submarine tour pairs glass-bottom seabed viewing with simple comfort—A/C inside, music on board, and an easy swim in Navarone Bay. I love the underwater port holes angle: it feels like snorkeling without the wet hassle.

I also like the flow of the route. You look out over the Acropolis of Lindos and the Tomb of Kleoboulos from the water, then you get a short photo stop on Lindos beach. The one real thing to watch for is that the tour requires good weather, so plans can shift if conditions are poor.

Key things that make this tour worth your time

• Glass-bottom cabin views: you can spot fish from inside, even if you’d rather not float face-first in the water
• A/C comfort + music + room: the viewing deck is set up so everyone can see, not just the people in the front
• Fish-feeding at the Tomb of Kleoboulos: sea bream, sea bass, and more come in fast
• A swim stop in Bay of Navarone: about 30 minutes with a straightforward dip before heading back
• Acropolis photo moments from the water: a different perspective than the usual hillside viewpoint
• Up to 40 people: smaller group size keeps it calmer than big day-trip boats

Entering the Lindos coastline from a hippo submarine

Lindos is famous for its dramatic seaside views. Most people see it from land—stairs, walls, and that big Acropolis silhouette. This tour flips the angle. You spend the middle of your time in a submarine cabin designed for watching the seabed right beside you.

That matters because it changes what you notice. Instead of focusing only on rocks and buildings, you start noticing the water. The seabed, the fish activity, the way light works at different depths—small details that are hard to appreciate from a regular boat.

If you like the idea of a sea day but you want to avoid the usual snorkeling logistics, this is a strong match. You get the “underwater viewing” part, plus a scheduled swim. No awkward guesswork, no chasing fins.

St. Paul’s Bay boarding: what you do first

You meet at Paralia Agios Pavlos, at the dock area by St. Paul’s Bay. The start time is 4:40 pm, so the whole trip has a late-afternoon feel—nice for sitting back on board and taking photos without the harshest midday glare.

Once you’re on, the crew gets you oriented and brings you to the submerged viewing area. You’ll be able to relax inside with A/C while you listen to music and look out through the large port holes. This is the heart of the experience: you’re not trying to “find” wildlife. You’re watching what’s already moving in the water near the boat.

And since the route begins in St. Paul’s Bay, you’ll gradually transition from “boarding excitement” to a calmer rhythm as you leave the harbor area. The water turns that deep blue look that always makes people pause their phones for a second.

Glass-bottom views: your best chance to see fish without gear

The submarine setup is built for simple viewing. You don’t need snorkeling equipment to enjoy the main show. In practice, that means you can keep your day easier: no assembling gear, no worry about sand, and no fighting with mask fit.

The payoff is that fish can be visible in close range while you stay seated. You get a clear view through the glass, so you’re not guessing where the fish went. It also works well for kids and multigenerational families, since different ages can participate without everyone needing the same comfort level with swimming.

One practical tip: if you care about photos, move slowly when you reposition—glass reflections are real. Take a shot, then adjust your angle and let the crew’s pace do the work.

Stop at the Tomb of Kleoboulos: fish-feeding and a story stop

After leaving the bay, you head toward the Tomb of Kleoboulos area. This is where the tour turns from scenery to something more interactive.

At this stop, the crew describes what you’re seeing and brings you into the fish-feeding moment. You’ll see sea bream, sea bass, and other fish coming up quickly when seafood is thrown into the water. If you’ve ever wanted the fun of feeding fish but not the chaos of a crowded beach scene, this setup is a good compromise.

There’s also an extra layer here: the crew talks about the philosopher linked to Kleoboulos and connects the stop to a simple life idea about balance. It’s not a long lecture, but it gives meaning to what might otherwise look like just another underwater viewpoint.

Time is limited—about 20 minutes—so think of this as a concentrated “watch + interact” break rather than a long exploration. Bring the energy for a quick moment, then get ready for the next scenery stop.

Lindos Beach photo stop: short walk, big backdrop

On the way back, you cruise past the main beach of Lindos. Then you get a brief break on the beach area with about 10 minutes available.

This is mainly about two things:

• a quick sense of life in Lindos (activities, people, the beach scene)
• a photo with the Acropolis of Lindos in the background

That fast stop is useful if you want land photos but you still prefer your water time to be planned. It’s also a chance to stretch your legs after time inside the submarine.

What to manage: with only 10 minutes, you won’t have time for a deep beach mission. Think “grab photos and enjoy the view,” not “full exploration.”

If you’re traveling with kids, this short window often helps a lot. They can switch from watching fish indoors to seeing the shoreline without draining everyone’s energy.

Bay of Navarone swim stop: the part that turns it into a proper sea day

Then comes the best “I’m on vacation” moment: the Bay of Navarone swim. You get about 30 minutes in the water, in clear surroundings that make the colors pop.

This is where the tour earns its simplicity. You don’t need snorkeling gear for the main viewing experience, but you do get time to actually swim. So you can choose your comfort level:

• stay in swim-depth and enjoy the water
• or take a more active dip and make it feel like a beach day

Bring a towel plan. Even if you don’t have to change clothes, you’ll want to be comfortable after your swim. And if you lose anything (hats are common), keep an eye on the water surface—on a boat like this, things can float.

If you’re the type who likes to “do something” on a tour rather than just look, this swim stop is the payoff that makes the ticket feel more than a sightseeing ride.

What the submarine ride feels like: comfort, space, and onboard basics

The submarine itself is designed for relaxed viewing. You’re not cramped into uncomfortable angles for long periods. People report plenty of room for passengers to reach the viewing windows without a constant squeeze.

Inside, you’ll have A/C, and there’s music on board, which keeps the mood easy—especially on a family outing. There’s also mention of a toilet on board, which is a big quality-of-life point on a tour where you’re sitting and viewing for stretches of time.

On the refreshment side, your fare includes one soft drink or bottle of water. In practice, this keeps the tour from feeling like a bring-your-own-only situation.

One more detail worth knowing: this is a smaller operation (maximum 40 people). That doesn’t make it private, but it often means less jostling and a calmer feel at the viewing port holes.

Price and value: why $35 makes sense for what you get

At $35 per person for about 2 hours, the value comes from stacking three things that normally cost extra time or effort:

1. Underwater glass-bottom viewing (no snorkeling gear needed)
2. A targeted wildlife moment (fish-feeding at the Kleoboulos stop)
3. A scheduled swim (so it’s not only a ride)

This matters because Lindos is busy. When you’re on the island, you often have to choose: either a sightseeing boat or a beach day, not both. Here, you get a blend—views, fish, and water time—without turning the day into a logistical puzzle.

You also get crew interpretation at each stop, so you’re not just watching random scenery. You’ll know what you’re looking at and why it’s worth a glance.

Timing that works: starting at 4:40 pm

A 4:40 pm departure can be a sweet spot. Late afternoon usually gives you:

• better photo light than mid-day
• a less intense heat level while you’re on the water
• a smoother transition to evening plans back on shore

You’re also doing this as a short outing. So if you’re pairing it with dinner or a quick walk around Lindos later, the timing gives you flexibility.

Pickup days and reaching the dock without stress

Pickup is offered, but it’s day-specific and tied to limited areas. If you want transfer service, you’ll need to know the pattern:

• Monday / Wednesday / Friday / Sunday: pickup from Vlycha to Kolymbia region
• Tuesday / Thursday / Saturday: pickup from Lindos to Plimmiri region

If you choose pickup, you’ll be asked to add your hotel’s full name, and your final pickup time is confirmed by the local operator at least a day before the tour.

If you’re not in the pickup zones (or if pickup doesn’t match your day), you’ll still have a straightforward fallback: meet at Paralia Agios Pavlos (St. Paul’s Bay). It’s listed as near public transportation, so it’s not hard to reach even if you’re moving around the area.

Who this tour suits best

This is the kind of outing that fits a lot of travel styles.

Families are a strong match. The submarine layout makes it easier for kids to watch fish from comfort, and you don’t need snorkeling proficiency to enjoy the underwater part. Some families also report that the youngest in their group even got a chance to steer the boat out to sea—while that’s not something you should count on, it shows the crew knows how to keep younger passengers involved.

If you’re an adult who wants a break from crowded boat tours, the up-to-40 cap helps keep things calmer. And if you like nature but don’t want to spend your day coordinating gear and water time, the glass-bottom focus is a win.

Practical tips before you go

• Wear swim-friendly clothes you can rinse or change easily later. You’ll do at least one swim stop.
• Bring basic sun protection. You’ll be outside near the dock and on open deck during parts of the trip.
• Expect a short schedule at each stop. This tour is designed for “see and do” rather than long, wandering exploration.
• Don’t plan on snorkeling equipment being provided. If you want it, bring your own.
• Bring a phone-case plan. Water stories happen on boats, and reflections can make photos tricky anyway.

Also, because the experience requires good weather, keep an eye on conditions. If things are rough, the operator may cancel and offer a different date or a refund.

Should you book the Hippo Submarine tour around Lindos?

Yes, if your priority is an easy sea experience with underwater viewing, a fish-feeding moment, and a real swim stop—all within about two hours.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if you’re only interested in long time on land or you need lots of flexible time at each stop. The land breaks are brief, and the swim window is scheduled—so you won’t turn this into a full beach afternoon.

For most people, though, this is a smart way to see Lindos and its famous coastline from a fresh angle without making your day complicated.

FAQ

What does the Hippo Submarine tour cost?

The price is $35.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

It runs for about 2 hours.

What time does it start?

The start time is 4:40 pm.

Where do we meet?

Meet at Paralia Agios Pavlos, 851 07, Greece (St. Paul’s Bay area).

Is pickup available?

Pickup is available, but only from specific locations and days. Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Sunday it covers Vlycha to Kolymbia, and Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday it covers Lindos to Plimmiri. Your final pickup time is confirmed by the operator at least one day before.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

No. Snorkeling equipment is not included.

Is there time to swim?

Yes. There is a swim stop at Bay of Navarone for about 30 minutes.

What is included in the ticket price?

The crew describes all stops and points of interest, and you receive one soft drink or bottle of water.

What happens if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.