Lindos: Submarine Cruise with Swimming Stop at Navarone Bay

The clever part of this Lindos boat trip is the underwater viewing chamber. You remain dry and air-conditioned while watching fish gather near the reef, then return to the open deck for sea views of the Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay. It gives you two different outings in one: a short coastal cruise and a simple glass-bottom style wildlife experience.

I like the 30-minute swim at Navarone Bay, where the water is clear and calm enough for an easy splash. I also like the price: at $34 per person, you get a two-hour cruise, one beverage, WiFi, the submarine viewing section, and the swim stop. The main drawback is the meeting point. Depending on your booking, reaching the boat may involve a roughly 10-minute walk along an uneven or precarious path, so allow time and do not assume the boat leaves from the nearest beach taxi rank.

Key points to know before you book

• The underwater chamber stays dry and cool: You can watch fish and reef life from below without snorkeling.
• The Acropolis looks best from the water: The boat gives you a fresh angle on Lindos and St. Paul’s Bay.
• Navarone Bay gets a full 30-minute swim stop: Bring swimwear, a towel, and anything you need for a quick change.
• The crew is a major part of the experience: Safety instructions are delivered in a friendly, often humorous way, and the hosts keep the trip relaxed.
• The tour lasts two hours: That is long enough for a coastal outing without taking over your day in the Rhodes heat.
• Pickup is limited: Optional transfers run on different days for different parts of the coast, so check the exact arrangement before you pay.

Why the submarine boat works well for a short Lindos outing

Lindos is usually admired from land, with the Acropolis above the white village and the bays tucked below it. From a boat, you see the setting differently. The cliff, old stone walls, bright water, and small coves form a much clearer picture when you are looking back toward shore.

This is not a full-day sailing trip or a serious wildlife expedition. It is a compact, easy excursion built around scenery, fish viewing, and a swim. That makes the two-hour length useful. You can fit it between time at the beach, a visit to Lindos village, or a relaxed afternoon at your hotel.

The boat is a hybrid submarine vessel. You begin on the top deck, where you can photograph Lindos and the coast in open air. Later, you go below to the submarine section, which has air-conditioning and viewing windows. You are not entering a narrow underwater capsule or wearing diving equipment. You simply sit in a dry cabin and look through the glass.

That setup suits families especially well. Children can watch the fish without needing swimming confidence, and adults get a break from direct sun. The underwater section is likely to appeal most to younger children, although the reef views and fish feeding add enough interest for many adults too.

The first 30 minutes: seeing Lindos from the sea

The cruise begins around Lindos Bay, with the boat giving you time to settle in and take photographs. The exact departure point depends on the option you choose, so check your confirmation carefully rather than relying on a general map pin.

From the water, the Acropolis of Lindos becomes the main visual focus. You see it from below rather than from the usual approach through the village. That perspective helps you understand the steep setting of the ancient site and gives you room to frame the whole scene in a single photograph.

The coast is also the point of the outing. You are not just being taken directly to a swimming spot. The boat gives you a short coastal look at the bays, cliffs, caves, and pale shoreline around Lindos. If you want a relaxed photo ride rather than a fast transfer, this part earns its place.

There is free WiFi onboard, which is handy if you want to send photographs or post a quick story while you are still at sea. It is a small extra, but it fits the casual nature of this trip. You can take pictures, share them, and still have time to put your phone away before the swim.

Five minutes by the Acropolis

The boat spends a short period cruising near the Acropolis of Lindos. The stated itinerary allows about five minutes for this section, so treat it as a photo opportunity rather than a guided archaeological visit.

You will not tour the Acropolis itself, learn its full history, or have time to climb up from the boat. The value is the view. If you have already visited the site on foot, the boat gives you a second angle. If you have not visited it, this cruise can help you decide if you want to return for the land visit.

Keep your camera ready before the boat reaches the best position. Five minutes passes quickly, and the boat may be moving or turning. The open top deck is the place for broad views, while the lower chamber is meant for the marine life section.

St. Paul’s Bay from the water

The next short cruise takes you past St. Paul’s Bay. The bay is one of the most recognizable coastal spots near Lindos, and seeing its shape from offshore makes the stop worthwhile even if you have already visited the beach.

The listed cruising time here is about five minutes. Again, think of it as a scenic pass, not a long stop. You may have time for photographs and a close look at the cove, but you should not expect to swim here unless the crew specifically changes the plan.

This is one of the best reasons to choose the boat instead of spending the entire day on a single beach. You get several coastal views without walking between them or dealing with steep roads. The tradeoff is that each viewpoint is brief.

The underwater chamber and feeding the fish

The submarine section is the tour’s unusual feature. You go below deck into an enclosed, air-conditioned space and look through the viewing panels at the water beneath the boat. The dry cabin makes this accessible to people who do not want to snorkel or who simply prefer to stay cool.

The crew feeds fish near the viewing area, which brings the marine life closer to the boat. You might see groups of fish gathering around the reef and the hull. The experience depends on the conditions and the fish, so it is best to treat it as a fun wildlife viewing stop rather than a guaranteed close encounter with rare species.

The feeding activity is particularly effective for children. They can see the fish clearly, follow them as they move, and take photographs without putting their heads underwater. One practical point is worth knowing: the viewing area may be arranged on more than one side, and a child watching from the wrong side could miss the fish. Listen to the crew’s directions and move when they indicate the better viewing position.

This part of the boat can feel cooler than the open deck, which is welcome in summer. It also gives you a break from glare and heat. The boat trip has a good rhythm because you alternate between open views above and marine viewing below.

The 30-minute swim at Navarone Bay

The main water stop is Navarone Bay, where you get about 30 minutes to swim. The water is described as clear, green-blue, and surprisingly warm in the warmer months. The bay is the most active part of the outing, so bring your swimsuit under your clothes if possible.

Thirty minutes is enough for a proper swim, but it is not a long beach stay. You will have time to get into the water, float, and take in the setting, but you may feel rushed if changing clothes onboard takes you a while. If swimming is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations realistic. This is a boat cruise with a swim stop, not a day at Navarone Bay.

The stop also breaks up the sightseeing. After the brief coastal passes and the underwater viewing, you get a chance to cool off. The crew keeps the activity organized, and safety is clearly part of the routine. Still, you should follow the crew’s instructions and judge the water for yourself.

A towel and sun protection are sensible. The information provided confirms the swim stop and one included beverage, but not a full meal or a supply of additional drinks. You can buy snacks onboard, and some accounts describe drinks and snacks as reasonably priced, but food and extra drinks are not included in the ticket.

Crew, atmosphere, and onboard comfort

The hosts are frequently praised for being friendly, helpful, and involved. The captain is also described as using humor while explaining the safety rules, which can make the opening briefing feel less formal without making it less important.

You should expect a relaxed boat atmosphere rather than a formal lecture. Music is part of the experience, and the music choices have been well received. The crew interacts with people onboard, helps with the viewing section, and pays attention to safety around the swim stop.

The boat has space for passengers on the deck, although the exact group size is not provided. If you want the best open-deck photo position, arrive at the meeting point with enough time to board calmly. The lower viewing chamber is the key attraction, but some people will prefer to spend much of the trip outside.

The air-conditioning below is a real advantage in July and August. Several people have found the two-hour length just right for the heat. You still need sun protection on deck, though. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water if you prefer to drink more than the included beverage.

Is $34 good value?

At $34, this is a fair-priced short outing if you want several small experiences packaged together. You receive:

• A two-hour cruise around Lindos
• Views of the Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay from the sea
• Access to the underwater viewing section
• Fish feeding and reef viewing
• A 30-minute swim at Navarone Bay
• One beverage
• Onboard WiFi

The price looks strongest for families and first-time visitors who want a simple activity without committing to a full-day cruise. The boat combines sightseeing, marine viewing, and swimming, so you do not need to book three separate activities.

The value is less convincing if you want long periods of snorkeling, quiet sailing, or a detailed history talk. The underwater area is made for casual viewing, and the coastal stops are short. You pay for variety and convenience, not extended time at one reef.

Extra food and drinks cost more. Hotel transfer is also not automatically included. Optional pickup is available only from certain locations and on set days. Transfers operate on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from the Vlycha to Kolymbia area, and Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from Lindos to Plimmiri. The operator confirms the final pickup time directly at least a day before departure.

Meeting point and pickup warnings

Pay close attention to the meeting point shown for your selected option. It may vary, and the optional transfer is limited to specific hotels, areas, and days.

A practical warning: the path from the road to the boat may take about 10 minutes and can feel uneven or precarious in places. The boat is not necessarily close to the St. Paul’s Bay taxi rank. Give yourself extra time, especially if you are carrying bags, walking with children, or trying to catch a fixed departure.

If you choose pickup, provide your hotel’s full name as requested. The local operator confirms the final pickup time with you directly, so keep an eye on your messages before the trip. If you arrange your own way to the boat, confirm the exact meeting location rather than assuming it is at the most obvious beach entrance.

The experience is offered with Greek and English-speaking hosts. The safety instructions and basic guidance are available in those languages.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and anyone who wants a short, low-effort sea outing near Lindos. It works particularly well if you want to see fish but do not want to snorkel, or if you need an activity that combines photographs and a swim.

It also suits a hot day. The air-conditioned underwater chamber gives you a cool break, and the two-hour schedule does not leave you exposed on a boat all afternoon.

You may want a different trip if your priority is serious snorkeling, a long sailing route, a meal at sea, or a detailed cultural tour. The Acropolis and St. Paul’s Bay are viewed from the boat, not visited. The swim is enjoyable but limited to about 30 minutes, and the fish viewing is simple rather than a major reef expedition.

The activity is also a good choice for people who have already seen Lindos from land. The boat changes the viewpoint and lets you photograph the village, bays, and Acropolis from offshore.

Should you book the Lindos submarine cruise?

Book it if you want a well-priced two-hour sampler of Lindos by sea. The best reasons are the dry underwater viewing chamber, the clear-water swim at Navarone Bay, and the friendly crew. The mix keeps the outing moving without making it exhausting.

Skip it if you want a full-day boat adventure or extended time underwater. Also check the meeting point before booking, since the walk to the boat can be longer and rougher than expected.

For most families and casual sightseers, I think the $34 price is justified. You get scenery, fish, a swim, a drink, and a cool place to escape the midday heat. Just arrive prepared for a short swim stop and a possibly awkward walk to the dock.

FAQ

How long is the Lindos submarine cruise?

The cruise lasts two hours.

How much does the experience cost?

The listed price is $34 per person.

What places can I see from the boat?

You can see Lindos, the Acropolis of Lindos, and St. Paul’s Bay from the sea.

How long is the swimming stop?

The stop at Navarone Bay lasts about 30 minutes.

Do I need to snorkel to see the fish?

No. You can watch the fish from the boat’s dry underwater viewing chamber.

Is the underwater section air-conditioned?

Yes. The submarine viewing section is described as dry and air-conditioned.

Is a drink included?

Yes. One beverage is included. Food and additional drinks are not included.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel transfer is not included by default. Optional pickup is available only from specific locations and on certain days.

What languages are used on the boat?

The hosts or greeters speak Greek and English.