Discover Snorkeling

Planning a trip to Crete and want to experience its vibrant marine life without the hassle of complicated arrangements? The Discover Snorkeling tour offered by Blue Adventures Diving provides a fun, well-organized way to see some of the island’s best underwater sights. With a three-hour journey, including two snorkeling spots and a boat ride, it’s an accessible option for those eager to explore Crete’s marine charm. The small group size—limited to just ten participants—ensures you’ll get personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

What really sets this experience apart is the combination of exhilarating boat rides and underwater exploration in crystal-clear waters. Plus, the opportunity to feed the fish adds a playful touch that kids and adults alike will enjoy. At the same time, the visit to Lazaretta Island, a site with a history dating back to the 17th century, offers a hint of local culture alongside the scenic views.

The only consideration? The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and you’ll need to be comfortable with water activities. Perfect for active travelers who love marine life, small groups, and authentic experiences, this snorkeling trip is a fantastic way to spend part of your Crete holiday.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.
• Two Distinct Locations: Snorkel in Maherida’s clear waters and explore Lazaretta Island.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Full snorkeling gear, wetsuits, and transfers included.
• Fun and Educational: Guides provide detailed briefings and supervision.
• Scenic Boat Rides: Fast RHIB boats make for an exciting start to each stop.
• Historical Touch: Lazaretta Island’s history adds a cultural element to your adventure.

An In-Depth Look at the Snorkeling Tour

The Booking and Meeting Process

The experience kicks off with a hassle-free hotel transfer—a big plus if you’re unfamiliar with the area or want to avoid the stress of finding your way. Once at the dive center, you’ll complete some paperwork and get a briefing from your guide, who will explain the snorkeling equipment, techniques, and what to expect during the trip.

We appreciate the emphasis on safety and clarity. The guides speak both English and Greek, making instructions accessible for most travelers. You’ll change into wetsuits and equipment, which are provided in full, including masks, snorkels, fins, boots, and short wetsuits—perfect for Crete’s warm waters.

The Exciting Boat Ride

Boarding just 50 meters from the dive center, you’ll hop onto a fast RHIB boat. The 20-25 minute ride to the first snorkeling spot offers a thrill for adrenaline junkies. The boat’s speed and stability make it suitable for all comfort levels, and the views of the coastline from the water are spectacular.

Snorkeling at Maherida

The first stop, Maherida, is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and abundance of fish. The guide will give you your gear then help you get comfortable in the water. The highlight here is the chance to feed the fish, a playful and engaging activity that makes the experience memorable.

Multiple travelers mention how the fish in Maherida seem tame and curious, almost like underwater pets. One reviewer noted, “Feeding the fish was a delightful surprise, and I loved how friendly they were.” The visibility in these waters is excellent—ideal for even beginner snorkelers to enjoy the underwater world.

Expect to spend about an hour here, floating among schools of colorful fish and observing the marine life. The waters are calm and safe, perfect for shallow exploration.

Break and Refreshments

After the first snorkeling session, everyone reboards the boat for a quick break. Water and a small snack are provided, giving you a chance to relax, take photos, and swap stories with fellow snorkelers. This is a good time to ask your guides questions or simply enjoy the scenery.

Exploring Lazaretta Island

Next, the boat heads to Lazaretta, an island with a layered history—once a leper colony during the 17th century. Today, it’s a tranquil spot with rugged landscapes and clear waters, perfect for your second snorkeling session.

Here, you’re free to swim and explore at your own pace while the guides keep an eye from the boat. The opportunity to feed the fish again adds a second playful element, and many reviewers find Lazaretta’s natural beauty and historical aura impressive. Some mention that the island’s landscape is quite rugged, so comfortable footwear or water shoes might be helpful if you wish to explore inland.

The water around Lazaretta also offers excellent visibility, making it a wonderful spot for underwater photography or simply floating and enjoying the scenery. Once everyone is ready, the boat prepares for the return journey.

The Return Trip and Final Thoughts

The boat ride back offers yet another chance for scenic views and maybe a few more laughs. The entire tour lasts about three hours, making it a compact yet fulfilling experience. Upon arrival at the dive center, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel or original pickup location, ending an adventure-packed morning.

The Value of This Snorkeling Experience

At $90 per person, this tour offers good value, especially considering the full snorkeling gear, hotel transfers, and guided supervision. The small group size enhances the personal touch, and the two snorkeling locations ensure variety. The boat ride itself boosts the fun factor and offers a different perspective of Crete’s coastline.

The activity is suitable for most, provided you’re comfortable in water. It’s not recommended for pregnant women, but otherwise, active travelers and families (with older children) will find this a rewarding outing.

What Makes It Stand Out?

• The combination of boat rides and snorkeling delivers an exciting mix of speed and tranquility.
• Feeding the fish is a highlight, adding interaction that’s rare in typical snorkel tours.
• Visiting Lazaretta Island combines natural beauty with a touch of history, enriching the experience.
• The full equipment and hassle-free transfers remove common logistical stress.

What Could Be Better?

Some reviewers wished for more time at each location, but given the tour duration, the schedule is tight. Also, since the waters are calm and the boat is fast, it’s worth noting that those prone to seasickness might want to take precautions.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This snorkel trip is ideal for active travelers seeking a combination of adventure, relaxation, and cultural hints. It’s perfect if you want to experience Crete’s marine life in a friendly, small-group setting without the complication of arranging your own transport. Families with older children, water lovers, and anyone eager for a scenic boat ride coupled with underwater fun will find this tour a great choice.

However, if you’re pregnant or uncomfortable in water, it’s best to seek other options. Also, be prepared to get wet and wear comfortable beachwear—no strollers or heavy gear needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the snorkeling tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3 hours, including transfers, boat rides, and snorkeling time.

Are transfers included?
Yes. The tour provides hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel or specified location.

What equipment is provided?
Full snorkeling gear, including mask, snorkel, fins, boots, and a short wetsuit, is included so you don’t need to bring anything besides beachwear.

Can I feed the fish during the tour?
Yes. Feeding the fish is part of the experience and is enjoyed at both Maherida and Lazaretta.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour is limited to small groups and best suited for older children comfortable in the water. Not recommended for very young kids or pregnant women.

What should I bring?
Just bring beachwear, a towel, and perhaps some sunscreen. No baby strollers, alcohol, or drugs are allowed on the boat.

Final Thoughts

This Discover Snorkeling tour in Crete offers a well-balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery. The high points are the stunning underwater views, exciting boat rides, and the chance to feed friendly fish. It’s a great way to explore Crete’s coastal waters without diving deep or spending hours in the water, making it accessible for most water enthusiasts.

The small group size and full equipment make it a hassle-free option, and the inclusion of two distinct locations—Maherida and Lazaretta—ensures variety. While the schedule is tight, the variety of sights and the added element of feeding fish make it a memorable outing.

If you’re after a relaxed yet active way to spend part of your Crete holiday, this snorkeling tour balances fun, education, and scenic beauty—perfect for those who love the water and want to see Crete from a different perspective.

Note: For more similar experiences, check out other options like boat trips, glass bottom cruises, or paddleboard tours, which can complement your underwater adventures in Crete.