Crete: Heraklion Market & Creta Aquarium *Skip the Line

Crete, the largest Greek island, offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage. The "Heraklion Market & Creta Aquarium *Skip the Line" tour provides an opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. Visitors can explore the vibrant Heraklion market, strolling through its bustling stalls and historical landmarks, before seeing the fascinating marine life at the renowned Cretaquarium. With convenient transportation and skip-the-line access, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching adventure. But the true highlight may lie in the unexpected discoveries that await those who embark on this journey through Crete’s captivating sights and experiences.

Good To Know

This tour provides access to Cretaquarium and the highlights of Heraklion, including the option to skip the line at the aquarium.
The 6-hour tour is priced from $21.11 per person and includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as a live multi-lingual guide.
Visitors can explore the marine life exhibits at Cretaquarium for 80 minutes and spend approximately 3.5 hours discovering Heraklion’s Liberty Square, Koules Fortress, and local markets.
The tour offers flexibility with 13 pickup locations across popular coastal towns and a cancellation policy that allows for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.
Reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides, the convenience of skip-the-line access at Cretaquarium, and the well-balanced itinerary combining natural wonders and cultural attractions.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers a comprehensive package, including visits to both the Cretaquarium and the city of Heraklion.

Priced from $21.11 per person, the 6-hour tour provides an opportunity to explore the aquarium for 80 minutes, where you can witness captivating shark and dolphin exhibits.

Following the aquarium, you’ll spend approximately 3.5 hours discovering Heraklion’s highlights, such as Liberty Square, Koules Fortress, and local markets.

The tour includes comfortable air-conditioned transportation and a live guide in multiple languages.

Plus, there’s a flexible cancellation policy, allowing you to receive a full refund up to 24 hours in advance.

With the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour offers a hassle-free way to experience the best of Crete.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour offers a captivating itinerary, with participants spending 80 minutes at the Cretaquarium to witness the mesmerizing shark and dolphin exhibits.

After the aquarium visit, the tour explores Heraklion for approximately 3.5 hours. Highlights include strolling through Liberty Square, discovering the historic Koules Fortress, and immersing oneself in the vibrant local markets.

Travelers can also opt for engaging activities like street food tasting and browsing the open-air market for unique souvenirs.

This well-balanced itinerary provides a comprehensive experience, allowing visitors to explore the natural wonders and cultural richness of Crete.

Transportation and Pickup Details

For this tour, participants have a wide selection of pickup locations to choose from, with 13 different points available across popular coastal towns like Malia, Stalis, Hersonissos, and Heraklion itself.

Travelers will be transported in comfortable, air-conditioned buses to the Cretaquarium and Heraklion. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience.

Whether you’re staying in Malia, Gouves, or Ammoudara, there’s a pickup location nearby to suit your needs. With multiple departure points, this tour offers flexibility and accessibility for guests across the region.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as comfortable bus transportation with a live tour guide available in multiple languages. Entrance fees for the Cretaquarium are an additional cost: €12 for adults and €6 for children aged 5-17. Visitors can purchase skip-the-line tickets for the aquarium directly on the bus.

Included	Entrance Fees (Optional)
Hotel pickup and drop-off	Cretaquarium: €12 (adult)
Comfortable bus transport	Cretaquarium: €6 (child)
Live tour guide (multi-lingual)	Skip-the-line tickets

Participants are advised to bring a camera, sunscreen, and cash for any optional activities or purchases during the tour.

Important Information and Recommendations

Visitors should bring a camera to capture memorable moments during the tour.

Sunscreen is also recommended, as much of the time will be spent outdoors exploring the sites.

Bringing cash can be useful for purchasing items at the local markets or trying street food.

However, pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

The tour operator will contact participants the day before with pickup details, so it’s important to check spam folders for the email.

Visiting Cretaquarium

Cretaquarium, a renowned marine life sanctuary, presents visitors with an enchanting 80-minute experience.

Explore the underwater world, witnessing the mesmerizing movements of sharks and the playful antics of dolphins. Skip the line and purchase tickets on the bus, ensuring a hassle-free entry.

Wander through the different themed galleries, marveling at the diverse array of marine species, from vibrant tropical fish to enigmatic octopuses.

Dive into the captivating presentations and interactive exhibits, learning about the fragile ecosystems and conservation efforts.

This aquarium visit is a must-do for nature enthusiasts and families, providing an educational and visually stunning adventure.

Exploring Heraklion

After exploring the captivating world of marine life at the Cretaquarium, what awaits visitors in the historic city of Heraklion? The 3.5-hour exploration offers a glimpse into the vibrant heart of Crete.

Visitors can:

Wander through Liberty Square, a bustling hub of activity, and marvel at the stunning Venetian Loggia.
Discover the iconic Koules Fortress, a 16th-century stronghold guarding the harbor’s entrance.
Immerse themselves in the lively local markets, where they can indulge in traditional Cretan street food and shop for unique handicrafts.

With its rich history, cultural attractions, and delectable culinary offerings, Heraklion provides a well-rounded experience for those seeking to delve deeper into the essence of Crete.

Tour Reviews

Travelers have shared their impressions of this comprehensive tour, offering valuable insights for those considering this experience. The tour receives a solid 3.9/5 rating from 40 reviews.

Guests praise the knowledgeable guides who provide engaging commentary throughout the day. The ability to skip the line at Cretaquarium is also a highlight, allowing more time to explore the aquarium’s shark and dolphin exhibits.

Some note that the tour’s pace can feel a bit rushed, particularly in Heraklion. However, the mix of guided visits and free time is generally well-received.

With convenient pickup locations and the option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides an efficient way to discover Crete’s top attractions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but it’s recommended to wear comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes. Visitors should also bring a light jacket or sweater in case the bus or aquarium are cool.

Can I Purchase Additional Activities on the Tour?

Yes, the tour offers optional additional activities. Travelers can purchase street food tasting and open market shopping in Heraklion during the 3.5-hour exploration portion of the tour.

Is There Wheelchair Accessibility on the Tour?

The tour offers wheelchair-accessible transportation, but wheelchair accessibility at the Cretaquarium and in Heraklion city may be limited. It’s best to contact the tour operator in advance to discuss any specific accessibility needs.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Yes, you can extend the duration of the tour. The tour operator offers flexible options, and you can choose to stay longer in Heraklion or at the Cretaquarium by coordinating with them in advance. Additional fees may apply for the extended time.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy?

According to the tour overview, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also opt to reserve now and pay later if needed.

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The Sum Up

This Crete tour offers an engaging and time-efficient way to discover the highlights of Heraklion. Visitors can skip the lines at Cretaquarium and explore its impressive marine life exhibits before seeing the vibrant Heraklion market and historical sites. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour provides a well-rounded cultural experience in Crete.