Discover Snorkeling

If you’re looking to add a splash of excitement to your Crete holiday, a guided snorkeling tour around Chania offers just that. It’s a chance to see the island’s vibrant marine life and visit a historically intriguing island, all from the comfort of a well-organized, small-group excursion. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, the detailed descriptions and reviews paint a compelling picture of a memorable experience.

What we love about this tour is the thrilling boat ride that gets you quickly to two fantastic snorkeling spots and the opportunity to feed fish, which tends to delight both kids and adults alike. Plus, the chance to explore Lazaretta Island, once a leper colony, adds an interesting historical twist to the day. A minor consideration might be the duration of around 3 hours, which is perfect for a half-day but might feel rushed for those wanting a more leisurely pace. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy quick, energetic outings and are comfortable with water activities. It’s also ideal for those wanting hassle-free logistics, thanks to included transport, and small group intimacy.

Key Points

• Includes full snorkeling equipment and wetsuits, making it easy to participate without extra gear.
• Short, high-energy trip perfect for travelers with limited time or those wanting a fun half-day activity.
• Visit two distinct snorkeling locations, offering different underwater views and fish populations.
• Small group size (limited to 10), ensuring personalized attention from guides.
• Hassle-free transfer from your hotel to the dive center, removing logistical stress.
• Historical visit to Lazaretta Island, adding an educational aspect to your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose This Snorkeling Tour?

This tour in Crete stands out for its combination of adventure, convenience, and education. The boat ride alone, using a fast RHIB boat, promises a fun and exciting start, especially if you appreciate a little adrenaline. Once at the first snorkeling spot, you’ll find crystal-clear waters teeming with fish—many guests mention feeding the fish as a highlight. The equipment provided is comprehensive, so you won’t need to worry about bringing your own gear.

The tour’s two stops are well-chosen. Mahrerida, the first location, offers calm, transparent waters ideal for snorkeling and quiet observation. The second stop, Lazaretta Island, adds a touch of history—a former leper colony—and a chance to explore a different environment while snorkeling. You’ll also be free to swim around at Lazaretta, spotting fish and enjoying the scenic surroundings, while the guide keeps a watchful eye from the boat.

The Itinerary: From Start to Finish

The experience begins with a pick-up service, which is convenient and removes the hassle of navigating public transport or arranging your own transfer. Once at the dive center, you’ll complete paperwork and get a briefing from your guide. Expect to learn about the equipment and snorkeling techniques—these sessions typically take about 10-15 minutes.

After changing into wetsuits and gear, you’ll board the boats, which are situated just 50 meters from the dive center—an easy walk, saving you from shuttling around. The boat ride is around 20-25 minutes to the first snorkeling spot, providing a quick but scenic trip across the water. The ride itself is part of the fun, giving you a taste of Crete’s marine environment.

First Snorkeling Location: Mahrerida

Once at Mahrerida, your guide will distribute snorkeling gear, and you’ll spend about an hour exploring the underwater world. The water here is noted for its crystal clarity and abundance of fish, making it a great spot for both novice and experienced snorkelers. Feeding the fish adds an extra layer of interaction that many guests find enjoyable.

Break and Refreshments

After the first snorkeling session, everyone reboards for a short break. Light refreshments such as water and a small snack are provided, giving you a chance to relax and chat about what you’ve seen so far.

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Second Snorkeling Location: Lazaretta Island

The boat then sets sail towards Lazaretta, a small island with a compelling history. Here, you’ll have roughly another hour to snorkel, explore, or simply enjoy the scenery. Lazaretta’s quiet coves and historical significance make it more than just an underwater stop—it’s also a little step back in time. The opportunity to feed the fish again and look around Lazaretta adds a nice touch to the experience.

Return Journey

After exploring Lazaretta, the boat heads back to the dive center, where you’ll be transferred back to your original pickup point. The entire trip lasts approximately 3 hours, making it accessible for most travelers looking for a packed yet manageable adventure.

What’s Included & What to Keep in Mind

The tour’s value lies heavily in the inclusive nature—full snorkeling equipment, wetsuits, hassle-free transfers, and guided visits to two beautiful locations. The small group size enhances the experience, allowing your guide to give personalized attention and ensure safety.

You’ll need to bring beachwear—think swimsuit and dry clothes for afterward—plus sunscreen, a hat, and perhaps a waterproof camera. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and we recommend that strollers, alcohol, and drugs are left at home, respecting safety protocols.

Practical considerations:

• Duration is about 3 hours, so plan accordingly.
• The starting times vary; check availability before booking.
• The meeting point is flexible, depending on your hotel, so coordinate with the provider.
• Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance—great for flexible planning.
• The total cost of $90 per person offers good value, considering gear, transfer, and guided visits.

Authentic Experiences and Real Guest Feedback

Many travelers mention how much they appreciated the crystal-clear waters and the chance to feed the fish, describing it as “delightful and memorable.” The boat ride is often highlighted as “thrilling,” with some saying the quick trip adds excitement without feeling rushed. The visit to Lazaretta Island is frequently noted for its peaceful atmosphere and historical interest, making the trip a blend of nature, adventure, and a touch of local history.

Some reviews express that the small group size made the experience more intimate, and guides were described as friendly and attentive—key factors when exploring unfamiliar waters. The convenience of included transportation and gear is often praised as well, allowing travelers to focus on the fun.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Snorkeling Tour?

This tour is a fantastic choice for travelers eager to experience Crete’s underwater world without a lot of fuss. It’s especially suited for those who want a quick, energetic outing that combines adventure, learning, and sightseeing in a manageable timeframe. Perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate small groups and personalized attention, this excursion delivers a good balance of excitement and relaxation.

If you’re after a visually stunning day with opportunities to feed fish, explore a historic island, and enjoy the ease of organized logistics, this tour ticks all the boxes. It offers genuine value through well-chosen locations, comprehensive gear, and the chance to see Crete’s marine life in its natural habitat.

While the trip is not meant for those seeking a leisurely, full-day adventure, it’s an ideal half-day escape that leaves plenty of time to explore other parts of Crete afterward. For anyone wanting a fun, hassle-free way to snorkel and learn about local history, this experience is well worth considering.

FAQ

What is the price of the snorkeling tour?
The tour costs $90 per person, which includes all gear, boat rides, and transfers, making it a good value for a guided, small-group experience.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 3 hours, from pickup to return, with time spent snorkeling at two locations.

Are transfers included?
Yes, hassle-free transfers from your hotel to the dive center and back are included in the price.

What equipment is provided?
Full snorkeling gear—mask, snorkel, boots, fins—and a short wetsuit are included, so you don’t need to bring your own.

Is there a minimum age or suitability for children?
While the description doesn’t specify age restrictions, the tour is suitable for most water-sport capable travelers. It’s not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility issues.

How many people are in each group?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a small, more personalized experience.

What should I bring?
Bring beachwear, sunscreen, and perhaps a waterproof camera or towel for after snorkeling.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point varies based on your hotel, so you’ll need to coordinate with the provider to arrange pickup.

In summary, this Snorkeling Tour in Crete offers an energetic and engaging way to explore the island’s marine environment and history. It’s perfect for those who want a quick, well-organized adventure with plenty of opportunities to see fish, feed them, and learn about Lazaretta Island. With the right expectations, it promises a memorable half-day filled with stunning views and authentic experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here: