Lindos: 3Hour Hippo Submarine with Swim Stop at Navarone Bay

Exploring the Lindos: 3-Hour Hippo Submarine with Swim Stop at Navarone Bay

Thinking about adding a maritime adventure to your trip to Rhodes? This 3-hour semi-submarine cruise offers an interesting way to see Lindos and surrounding sights from the water, with a chance to cool off in Navarone Bay. It’s a mix of sightseeing, relaxed cruising, and a splash of underwater wonder, perfect if you’re after a family-friendly activity or just want a different perspective of this beautiful corner of Greece.

What really draws people here are the stunning views of the ancient coastline and the underwater glimpses through the submarine’s giant portholes. Plus, the swim stop at Navarone Bay can be a refreshing break in crystal-clear waters. However, it’s worth noting that this tour doesn’t go very far—it’s more about enjoying the immediate coastline rather than exploring distant islands or hidden coves. Overall, it’s a solid pick for those wanting a laid-back, scenic outing that combines boat comfort with a bit of underwater intrigue.

If you’re looking for a relaxed, scenic excursion that doesn’t demand a lot of physical effort, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suitable if you’re traveling with family or prefer an easygoing adventure. That said, if you’re after a tour with more snorkeling gear or longer excursions, you might want to explore other options. Now, let’s break down what makes this trip tick and what you can really expect.

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Key Points

• Stunning coastline views provide a picturesque backdrop throughout the cruise.
• The underwater portholes offer a fun, unique way to see sea life without getting wet.
• The swim stop at Navarone Bay offers a chance to cool off in clear waters.
• Live commentary enriches the experience with stories about the coastline and history.
• The tour lasts around 3 hours, making it a manageable activity in your day.
• The experience is primarily scenic and relaxing, not focused on snorkeling or diving.

What to Expect on the Lindos Semi-Submarine Tour

When you book this tour, you’re signing up for a 360-degree water-based view of Lindos and its surroundings. It’s a pretty straightforward experience, but one that packs in a lot of visual interest. The meeting point is at Vlicha Beach, where you’ll spot the yellow submarine waiting to take you out. From there, your adventure begins with a gentle cruise that’s more about sightseeing than high-speed thrill.

The Itinerary and Experience

The trip kicks off with a brief meet-and-greet with your guide. You’ll get a quick overview of what’s ahead before boarding the semi-submarine. This vessel is essentially a boat with large underwater portholes—think of it as a moving aquarium—so you can enjoy the view of the seabed and any passing sea life without getting your face wet.

As the vessel pulls away from the coast, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Lindos’ ancient coastline. Your guide will share stories about the shoreline’s history, mentioning landmarks like Kleovoulos Tomb, Lindos Beach, and the chapel at St. Paul’s Bay. These sites have their own stories, but from the water, they look especially charming and picturesque, especially with the backdrop of the Aegean.

Underwater Highlights

One of the main draws is watching the sea life through the large portholes below deck. The reviews mention that you can catch sight of local sea creatures as you glide past Lions Head Cove’s reef. While this isn’t a dedicated snorkeling trip, the underwater views can still be quite engaging—especially if you’re a fan of marine scenery.

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The Swim Stop at Navarone Bay

The cruise’s final highlight is Navarone Bay, a stunning spot famous for its clear waters and beautiful surroundings. Here, you have the chance to jump in for a swim and enjoy some time in the calm, inviting waters. It’s a perfect way to cool down after the cruising part of the tour, and the shallow waters make it suitable for most swimmers.

Onboard Comforts and Extras

The vessel offers free Wi-Fi, which is a nice touch for sharing your experience or just checking messages. There’s also a WC onboard, so no worries about comfort during the trip. Included in the ticket is one drink or bottled water, which helps keep hydrated in the sun.

Price and Value

The tour is priced to reflect its relaxed, scenic nature. For about three hours, you get a combination of sightseeing, a swim stop, and underwater glimpses without the need for additional snorkeling gear or long excursions. It’s a good value for those who want a manageable, enjoyable boat ride with some unique viewing opportunities.

Some travelers feel the price is a bit high, especially considering the limited scope of the cruise—it’s really about the coastline and the underwater windows, not extensive exploration. But if you’re someone who values stunning scenery and easy access to marine views without getting wet or diving gear, the cost can be justified.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This cruise is well-suited for families, couples, or travelers seeking a laid-back experience. Since it doesn’t involve strenuous activity or snorkeling gear, it’s accessible and easy, making it perfect for those wanting to enjoy the scenery without much effort. If you’re traveling with kids or elderly relatives, this could be a comfortable, engaging way to see Lindos from the water.

However, if you’re expecting a high-energy adventure or longer distances, keep in mind that this is a relatively short, scenic cruise. It’s more about relaxation and enjoying the views than about adventure sports.

The Downsides to Keep in Mind

One of the common critiques in reviews is that the crew’s enthusiasm might be lacking—some found the staff not very engaging. Also, the tour doesn’t venture far beyond the immediate coastline, which can feel a bit limited if you’re after more distant or diverse scenery. A passenger mentioned that most of the trip is spent going out and back on the same route, which can seem repetitive.

Plus, snorkeling gear is not included, and there’s no mention of the availability for snorkeling or diving, which might disappoint those looking for underwater exploration beyond viewing through the portholes.

Weather can also impact this trip—like all boat tours, it’s susceptible to cancellations or rescheduling if conditions aren’t favorable. It’s best to check the forecast before heading out.

Final Thoughts

The Lindos semi-submarine cruise offers a relaxed, visually captivating experience with great views of the coastline and a peek below the water’s surface. It’s an activity that’s easy to fit into a day of sightseeing or relaxation, especially if you’re in Lindos or nearby Vlicha.

If you enjoy scenic cruises with underwater views and want a gentle, family-friendly outing, this could be just what you’re looking for. It’s especially good if you’re after a mix of sea, history, and some fun in the water, without the need for strenuous activity or snorkeling gear.

However, if you’re expecting a more adventurous or longer excursion, or if you desire more underwater exploration, you might find this tour somewhat limited. Still, for a 3-hour laid-back outing with stunning coastal scenery and a swim stop, it’s a solid choice.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup. You’ll meet at Vlicha Beach or Saint Paul’s Bay, depending on your arrangements.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the views. Snorkeling gear is not provided, so bring your own if you want to snorkel.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally relaxed and scenic, it’s not explicitly marketed as family-specific. However, children who are comfortable in water and enjoy boat trips should find it enjoyable.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts about 3 hours, including the swim stop at Navarone Bay.

Are there any language restrictions?
The live commentary is available in English and Greek.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Does the tour go far from the coast?
No, it mainly cruises along the coastline near Lindos, giving you excellent views but limited distant exploration.

Is there Wi-Fi onboard?
Yes, free Wi-Fi is available on the vessel.

What’s the main highlight?
The underwater sea views through the portholes and the swim stop at Navarone Bay are the main attractions.

Is snorkeling included?
No, snorkeling gear is not included or specifically offered on this tour.

In the end, this semi-submarine cruise is a good pick for those wanting a peaceful, scenic outing with underwater glimpses and a relaxing swim. If you’re after a simple, enjoyable water experience with beautiful views, you’re likely to enjoy it. Just keep in mind its limitations and the no-frills nature of the trip—sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a trip memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: