Plakias, Crete: Quality Snorkelling course – family fun

This review explores a highly-rated snorkeling experience in Plakias, Crete, that’s perfect for families and beginners alike. The five-hour half-day course offers a chance to learn the basics of snorkeling with professional guides, explore Crete’s underwater world, and enjoy a fun, safe outing. With a full focus on quality instruction and local knowledge, this tour promises an authentic and memorable introduction to underwater adventures.

What we love about this experience is how tailor-made it feels—guides adapt to your skill level and ensure everyone is comfortable, whether they’re six or sixty. The professional, multilingual instructors are patient and helpful, making sure beginners don’t feel overwhelmed. Plus, the top-quality equipment and the opportunity to keep it for the rest of the day add serious value. A potential consideration might be the group’s maximum size of just eight travelers, which, while intimate, might not suit those seeking large-group socializing. This tour suits families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone wanting a relaxed, guided introduction to Crete’s marine life.

Key Points

• Family-friendly activity suitable for ages six and up.
• Professional guides who adapt to your skill level.
• All equipment included for the morning session, with options to extend.
• Transport and bottled water provided, simplifying logistics.
• Authentic local insights from knowledgeable guides.
• Flexible options for keeping equipment or upgrading to additional sessions.

What to Expect From This Snorkelling Experience

The tour begins at the Dive2gether Crete center in Myrthianos Plakias, a well-regarded PADI dive school. From there, you’ll be transported to the ideal snorkeling spots—chosen carefully based on weather and visibility conditions, thanks to local expertise. This focus on site selection ensures you’ll have the best chance to see vibrant marine life in safe, calm waters.

The main part of the experience is a half-day, tailor-made course designed to teach basic snorkel skills. If you’ve never snorkeled before, don’t worry; instructors patiently walk you through equipment usage and safety tips. For experienced swimmers, the course can be adapted to skip basic instructions and focus on exploring and spotting underwater creatures. The emphasis on personalized guidance means everyone gets the attention they need, from total beginners to those wanting a refresher.

The guided sessions typically include a briefing at the start, where guides introduce you to the local marine environment, then a gentle swim to the chosen site. The guides are multilingual, ensuring clear communication and adding an extra layer of comfort for international visitors. You’ll learn to breathe through your snorkel comfortably and explore the underwater scenery with confidence.

The Equipment and Location

One of the biggest perks of this experience is the top-quality snorkel gear provided. You get your own set for the day, which means no need to worry about shared or outdated equipment. This setup is especially valuable for families, as it allows children and parents to keep their gear for more exploration after the initial instruction.

The chosen snorkeling spots are usually calm and protected—ideal for beginners and young children. The water clarity and marine life are often praised in reviews, with one traveler noting the wonder of observing underwater life after just a morning instruction. The location also offers a local tavern nearby for a lunch break, providing a chance to relax and reflect on the morning’s discoveries.

Transport and Logistics

The tour includes transport from the Dive2gether center to the shore, removing any guesswork about how to reach the snorkeling sites. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation in Myrthianos Plakias, making it accessible for many travelers. The entire activity lasts roughly five hours, with the first part dedicated to instruction and the latter to free exploration if you choose to keep your equipment.

You’ll also receive bottled water during the session to stay hydrated—particularly important when spending time in the sun and water. If you opt to extend your experience with an afternoon session, the same equipment can be used, making it a flexible and fuss-free choice.

Authentic Feedback from Participants

Reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guides. One traveler from TripAdvisor shared, “Eric, Paul and all the crew were fantastic from start to finish,” emphasizing how attention to detail and patience made the experience accessible for their family. They appreciated the advice on focusing on their children’s confidence, which was “wise and appreciated.”

Another reviewer noted, “Snorkeling was wonderful but this is far more,” referencing that the instructors went beyond just basics to foster a sense of adventure. The mention of a “whole new world” opening up underscores how this tour can be a gateway to a lifelong interest in marine environments.

The small group size—a maximum of eight travelers—ensures plenty of individual attention, which participants say enhances safety and comfort. The guides’ local knowledge also means you’ll hear interesting facts about the marine life and the area’s geography, enriching the experience beyond just watching fish swim.

Price and Value

At around $128.81 per person, this snorkeling course offers solid value, especially considering the inclusion of top-notch equipment and personalized instruction. The fact that you can keep your gear for the day makes it even more cost-effective, allowing further exploration at your own pace.

This price is also competitive when compared with other guided water activities in Crete, given the small group size and high-quality guidance. For families or new snorkelers, the educational component combined with safety and comfort makes this experience a worthwhile investment.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families with children ages six and above, who want a safe, guided introduction to snorkeling. It’s also suited for travelers new to water sports, or those who prefer a structured, instructor-led outing rather than self-guided snorkeling. Nature lovers will appreciate the access to Crete’s marine life, and anyone looking for a relaxed, small-group activity will find this an ideal choice.

The Sum Up

This snorkeling course in Plakias offers an excellent combination of professional guidance, top-quality gear, and authentic local insights—all wrapped into a flexible half-day adventure. The focus on safety and personalization makes it accessible for families, beginners, and anyone eager to discover Crete’s underwater treasures without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.

The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, and the option to keep equipment for the rest of the day allows for spontaneous extra exploration. Whether you’re seeking a family-friendly activity or simply want to get comfortable in the water, this tour provides a genuine, enjoyable taste of Crete’s marine beauty.

In short, if you value expert guides, calm waters, and authentic experiences, this snorkeling course is a highly worthwhile addition to your Crete itinerary. It’s a chance to foster confidence in the water, see a different side of the island, and create lasting memories—all in a relaxed, friendly environment.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, snorkeling starts from age six, and the guides tailor the program to your child’s comfort and skill level, making it a family-friendly activity.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers professional guidance, transport from the center to the shore, bottled water, and use of high-quality snorkel equipment for the entire day.

Can I keep the snorkel equipment after the session?
Yes, you can keep the equipment for the rest of the day, allowing you to continue exploring at your own pace.

What if I want to do more than just the morning session?
You have the option to upgrade and include an afternoon session, extending your snorkeling adventure.

How many people are in each group?
The maximum group size is eight travelers, which helps ensure personalized guidance and attention.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from the Dive2gether center to the snorkeling site is included in the tour.

Are photos available for purchase?
Yes, photos taken by the guides are sold separately for 19 euros for the full set.

What should I bring with me?
Bring your own sun protection, perhaps a towel, and comfortable clothes for after the activity. The tour provides all necessary snorkeling gear.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancellations less than 24 hours before the activity are not refundable.

How do I book this experience?
You can book via Viator or directly through Dive2gether Crete’s contact channels—straightforward and hassle-free.

This well-organized, family-oriented snorkeling experience in Plakias offers a wonderful blend of professional guidance and local charm, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore Crete’s underwater world safely and comfortably.