Lindos: Submarine Cruise with Swimming Stop at Navarone Bay

The clever part of this Lindos submarine cruise is the change of viewpoint. You see the Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay from the open deck, then move below the waterline to watch fish and reef life through the vessel’s underwater chamber. I like the mix of sightseeing and simple sea time, especially the 30-minute swim at Navarone Bay. The main limitation is that the cruise gives you a short look at the underwater world, not a full snorkeling session.

I also like the practical touches: air-conditioning, one included beverage, and free WiFi. The crew puts safety first and helps make the fish-feeding section easy to follow, but you should check your pickup details carefully because transfer service runs only from selected areas on certain days.

Key points at a glance

• See Lindos from the sea: Photograph the Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay from the top deck.
• Watch fish from a dry cabin: The submarine section lets you view marine life without getting into the water.
• Feed the fish: This is a hands-on moment, though your view may depend on which side of the vessel you sit on.
• Swim at Navarone Bay: You get about 30 minutes in clear green water.
• Keep connected onboard: Air-conditioning and WiFi make the two-hour trip comfortable and easy to share.
• Good value at $32.75: The price includes the cruise, swim stop, one beverage, and WiFi, but not food or hotel transfer.

What this Lindos boat trip actually feels like

This is a compact coastal outing rather than a full-day sea excursion. The total time is two hours, with sightseeing around Lindos, a short pass near the Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay, underwater viewing, and a 30-minute swimming stop.

I would think of it as three experiences in one. First comes the classic Rhodes view from the sea. Then you get the unusual submarine-cabin section, where you stay dry and air-conditioned while looking through the windows at the reef. Last comes the chance to leave the boat and swim in Navarone Bay.

That combination makes the cruise useful for people who want more than a standard harbor ride but do not want to book a full snorkeling trip. You get a taste of the coast, a look below the surface, and time in the water without giving up an entire morning or afternoon.

The boat is operated by Hippo Submarine, with hosting in Greek and English. No individual guide names are provided, so you should expect the crew to handle the commentary and practical instructions rather than plan on a named private guide.

Seeing Lindos before going below deck

The first important view is Lindos itself. From the boat’s upper deck, you can photograph the Acropolis of Lindos rising above the town and rocky coast. The angle matters: from the sea, the site becomes part of a wider coastal scene rather than a monument viewed only from the streets below.

You also pass St. Paul’s Bay, one of the most recognizable spots near Lindos. The short boat approach gives you a chance to see the shape of the bay and take pictures without committing to a long coastal cruise.

The stated schedule allows about 30 minutes for the main Lindos boat cruise, followed by roughly five minutes near the Acropolis and another five minutes at St. Paul’s Bay. Those short timings are worth keeping in mind. You will get good photo opportunities, but this is not a slow, narrated tour of every part of the shoreline.

Bring your camera or phone ready before you reach each viewpoint. The boat’s free WiFi means you can upload photos during the trip, although you may prefer to watch the coast rather than spend the whole crossing editing pictures.

The submarine chamber and reef viewing

The underwater section is the feature that sets this trip apart from a regular boat ride. You go below the upper deck into a dry chamber with air-conditioning, then look through the viewing area at marine life around the reef.

This setup works well if you want to see underwater scenery without snorkeling. You do not need to put on equipment or worry about staying afloat. Families can also find it easier than organizing a separate water activity, though young children may need help seeing through the windows depending on their height and where they are seated.

The fish-feeding moment adds a little action to what could otherwise be a passive viewing stop. As fish gather near the boat, you have a better chance of spotting movement and taking pictures. Still, the view is not identical for everyone.

One child on a previous trip watched the opposite side of the submarine and did not see fish until someone pointed them out. That is a useful tip: if the crew directs feeding or viewing to one side, pay attention to where the activity is happening. A language gap can make that harder, so keep an eye on the other passengers and crew signals.

Do not expect an aquarium-style display with constant views in every direction. Marine life is unpredictable, and the boat’s position, light, and seating side will affect what you see. The reward is the novelty of seeing a real reef from inside a moving boat, not a guaranteed catalog of sea creatures.

Thirty minutes in Navarone Bay

The final main stop is Navarone Bay, where the boat pauses for about 30 minutes of swimming. The water is described as clear and green, and this is the part of the trip that gives you a proper chance to get in the sea.

Thirty minutes is enough for a refreshing swim, a few photos from the water, and a chance to cool off. It is not long enough for a relaxed beach afternoon, so keep your expectations in proportion. The stop works best as a welcome break after the boat viewing rather than the sole reason to book the cruise.

You should also remember that the stop is a boat swim, not a visit to a beach with a full range of facilities. The provided information does not specify changing rooms, lockers, or other shore services. Bring only what you need onboard and follow the crew’s instructions around the swimming area.

If swimming is important to you, check the conditions on the day and make sure you are comfortable entering the water from the boat. If you prefer to stay dry, the underwater chamber and upper deck still provide the main sightseeing portions of the trip.

What is included for $32.75

At $32.75 per person, the cruise is priced as an accessible short outing rather than a luxury charter. The package includes the bay cruise, the swimming stop, one beverage, and WiFi onboard.

I think the value is strongest if you want several small experiences in one booking. A regular boat ride would give you the coastal views, but not the submarine chamber. A swimming trip would give you water time, but not necessarily the Acropolis views or the fish-feeding activity.

The included drink is a modest benefit, not a meal replacement. Food and extra drinks cost more and are not included, so plan accordingly. Since the cruise lasts two hours, you probably do not need a full picnic, but you should avoid assuming that lunch is part of the package.

Hotel transfer is also not included as a standard feature. Optional pickup is available only from certain locations and on specific days. If you choose it, you provide your hotel’s full name, and the local operator confirms the final pickup time at least one day before departure.

Pickup days and return arrangements

The meeting point depends on the option you book. The cruise ends back at the meeting point, so confirm the exact starting place before you set out.

The optional transfer schedule is split by region and day:

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

That schedule matters if you are staying outside Lindos. A hotel may appear within the broad area but still not qualify for pickup on the day you want. Get the full hotel name into the booking details and wait for the operator’s confirmation rather than relying on a general map location.

If you make your own way to the meeting point, the activity is simpler. Just allow enough time to find the correct departure location, since the exact point can vary with the option selected.

The trip lasts two hours, but the listed starting times vary. Check the available departures for your date before planning other sightseeing around it.

Comfort, crew, and the small practical details

The boat’s dry submarine section has air-conditioning, which is useful during a hot Rhodes day. You can take a break from the sun without missing the underwater portion, then return to the top deck for open-air views.

The crew’s role is important here. Safety instructions matter before the swimming stop, and the fish-feeding activity works best when the crew clearly directs attention to the viewing side. The experience is hosted in Greek and English, so you can expect those languages for basic guidance and communication.

The crew has also been praised for helping people feel safe and making the trip enjoyable. That is especially useful for families or anyone who feels uncertain about the submarine section or swimming from a boat.

WiFi is included, which lets you post photos during the outing. I would use it as a bonus rather than a reason to stay on your phone. The best moments are the changing views of Lindos, the fish near the chamber, and the short swim stop.

Who will enjoy this most

This cruise suits first-time visitors who want to see several Lindos highlights without spending a whole day at sea. It is also a good fit for families who want an underwater view but may not be ready for snorkeling.

You will likely enjoy it if you like:

• Short excursions with several different activities
• Coastal photography
• Simple wildlife viewing
• Swimming in clear water
• Staying dry while seeing below the surface
• A relaxed boat ride with basic comforts

It may not suit you as well if your main goal is serious snorkeling, long swimming time, or a quiet private boat trip. The schedule moves through several short stops, and the submarine viewing is tied to the boat’s position and marine conditions.

People who dislike fixed group activities should also note that this is a shared cruise. The provided information does not give a group size, so I would not book it expecting a private experience.

Booking advice for a smoother outing

Wear something comfortable for both the upper deck and the swim stop. You will want clothing that works in the sun but is easy to manage after swimming. The exact facilities for changing are not specified, so plan simply and avoid bringing unnecessary valuables.

Keep your phone or camera ready before the boat reaches Lindos, the Acropolis, and St. Paul’s Bay. The photo windows are short, and you may not have time to set up after the boat reaches each viewpoint.

During the submarine portion, watch where the fish are being fed. If you are traveling with a child, point out the active side quickly, since the underwater action may not be visible equally from every seat.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times and pickup availability still need checking before you commit to other reservations.

Is the Lindos submarine cruise worth booking?

I would book this for the combination of views, underwater viewing, and a short swim at a moderate price. At $32.75, you get enough variety to make the two hours feel useful, especially if you are already visiting Lindos and want to see the coast from a different angle.

I would skip it if you are looking for a long snorkeling session or a full beach day. The underwater viewing is brief and dependent on location and visibility, while the swim lasts about 30 minutes.

For most people, the strongest reason to book is the balance: the Acropolis from the sea, St. Paul’s Bay, fish viewed from a dry chamber, and clear water at Navarone Bay. Check the pickup day, confirm the meeting point, and keep your expectations focused on a lively short cruise rather than a full marine expedition.

FAQ

How long does the Lindos submarine cruise last?

The activity lasts two hours. This includes the coastal cruise, underwater viewing, and approximately 30 minutes of swimming at Navarone Bay.

What can I see from the boat?

You can see Lindos, the Acropolis of Lindos, and St. Paul’s Bay from the upper deck. The submarine section provides views of reef areas and local marine life.

Is the swimming stop included?

Yes. The cruise includes a swimming stop of about 30 minutes at Navarone Bay.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer is not included as a standard feature. Optional pickup is available from specific areas and on set days, depending on the option you book.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the bay cruise, the swimming stop, one beverage, and WiFi onboard. Food and extra drinks are not included.

What languages are used during the activity?

The host or greeter service is available in Greek and English.