Olous Guided Snorkelling Excursion to Discover Olous Sunken Ancient City

Discovering Olous: A Guided Snorkeling Tour of Crete’s Sunken Ancient City

This guided snorkeling excursion to the underwater ruins of Olous offers a fascinating glimpse into Greece’s past without demanding advanced diving skills. Priced at around $65.22 per person, the tour promises an engaging blend of history and marine life, all within a safe and manageable snorkeling depth of about 50-80 cm. With a maximum group size of just eight people, it feels intimate and personalized, making it a great choice for those looking for a relaxed yet enriching experience.

What we really love about this tour is the combination of a well-researched presentation before heading into the water and the small group setting, which ensures guides can give plenty of individual attention. The inclusion of comprehensive equipment—fins, masks, snorkels, and wetsuits—means you don’t need to worry about bringing anything special, and the tour is suitable even for beginners.

That said, one thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s duration is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, so it’s a relatively short adventure—perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or just want a quick but meaningful underwater experience. It’s especially ideal for travelers with moderate physical fitness who want to explore history with minimal fuss and maximum fun.

If you’re curious about ancient civilizations, enjoy marine environments, or are simply looking for a unique activity in Crete, this trip should definitely be on your list.

Key Points

• Shallow Depth for Easy Snorkeling: The site is just 23 feet below the surface, making it accessible without scuba gear.
• Expert-Led Experience: Guides like Julie, Jacky, and Adam are praised for their patience, knowledge, and friendliness.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Fins, masks, snorkels, and wetsuits are provided, ensuring hassle-free participation.
• Small Group Size: Limited to 8 people, offering a more personalized, relaxed atmosphere.
• Historical and Marine Combo: Enjoy an educational presentation about Olous before exploring its underwater remains.
• Suitability for Beginners: Guides are happy to teach snorkel techniques, making it a good first experience.

A Closer Look at the Snorkeling Adventure in Olous

This tour begins at the Diving Center Blue Dolphin Elounda, conveniently located near public transportation options. From there, you’ll board a vehicle that takes you to the site, a short and comfortable transfer that adds to the relaxed vibe of the experience. Starting at 9:30 am, the timing allows you to beat the midday heat and crowds, especially in the summer months.

The Pre-Water Presentation

One of the standout features of this tour is the preliminary briefing about Olous. Our reviews consistently mention guides like Julie and Jackie, who are not only knowledgeable but also approachable. They give a quick overview of the city’s history—how it sank after an earthquake around the second century AD—and what you can expect to see underwater.

This session sets expectations and heightens anticipation, making the snorkeling itself feel more meaningful. As one reviewer noted, “The presentation was good and whetted our appetite for what we might see.” It’s a reminder that understanding the significance of the ruins adds an extra layer of appreciation when you’re floating above them.

Snorkeling in the Sunken City

Once in the water, you’ll float above the remains of Olous, which lie just 50 to 80 centimeters below the surface. This shallow depth is ideal for beginners or anyone who might feel uncomfortable with deeper dives. As we read from reviews, many participants found snorkel techniques easy to learn, thanks to guides like Adam, who was praised for his patience and helpful tips.

Expect to see a variety of fish and marine life, as well as the intriguing ruins of a once-thriving Dorian city. The underwater site is described as “very cool,” with many reviewers mentioning how fascinating it is to see the remains of buildings and walls just beneath the water’s surface.

One guest even remarked, “We got to see loads of fish and learn about the sunken city,” which adds a layer of enjoyment beyond just the visual. Guides are attentive to weaker swimmers, ensuring everyone feels secure and comfortable throughout the experience.

What Makes the Experience Special?

The size of the group, capped at 8, helps create a quiet, intimate environment, allowing you to focus on the surroundings without feeling rushed or crowded. The snorkeling equipment is top-notch and includes wetsuits—valuable for those who prefer a little extra warmth or buoyancy, especially in the early morning hours.

The guided aspect is particularly valuable; guides like Jackie were noted for their extensive knowledge and patience. One reviewer shared how Jackie explained interesting facts about Olous, which made the experience more enriching.

The Return and Reflection

After about 2 hours and 30 minutes, the tour concludes back at the meeting point. Many travelers commented on how the experience exceeded their expectations, often highlighting the value for money. For just over 65 dollars, this is a memorable, educational, and visually stunning activity that combines history, marine life, and gentle adventure.

Why This Tour Works for You

This snorkeling tour is perfect if you’re looking for an easy, accessible way to explore underwater archaeological sites without the need for diving certification. Its small group size guarantees personal attention, and the inclusion of all necessary equipment simplifies planning. Plus, the shallow depths mean you don’t need to be an experienced swimmer—guides like Julie, Jackie, and Adam are praised for their friendly, patient instruction.

The mix of educational presentation and underwater sightseeing makes it suitable for history buffs, marine lovers, or travelers who want a relaxed but meaningful activity. It’s also a great choice if you prefer a more environmentally conscious, less crowded experience—many reviews mention the quietness and the focus on small groups.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour lasts around two and a half hours, so if you’re keen to pack in multiple activities, this might be a shorter window of exploration—though the quality more than compensates for the duration.

Final Thoughts

This guided snorkeling tour around Olous offers tremendous value for a moderate price, especially considering the expert guides and well-maintained equipment. It’s perfect for those who want a safe, educational, and visually impressive activity that sidesteps the complexity of scuba diving. The shallow ruins allow for great underwater visibility and are ideal for beginners or those who want a relaxed, non-intimidating experience.

If you’re interested in combining history and marine life, appreciate small group settings, and want to learn from guides who truly care, this tour will serve you well. It’s the kind of activity that leaves you with a sense of connection to the past and a fresh appreciation for Crete’s underwater treasures.

For anyone seeking a memorable, authentic, and reasonably priced snorkeling adventure, this excursion to Olous stands out as a fantastic option.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is designed for beginners, with guides happy to teach snorkel techniques. The shallow depth of the ruins makes it accessible for those new to snorkeling.

What equipment is provided?
All necessary snorkeling gear—fins, masks, snorkels, and wetsuits—are included in the tour price, so you don’t need to bring anything.

How long does the snorkeling last?
The entire experience is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the presentation and transfer time.

Where does the tour start?
It starts at the Diving Center Blue Dolphin Elounda, near the Elounda Aquila Hotel.

What is the group size?
Groups are limited to 8 participants, which helps keep the experience intimate and personalized.

Can I cancel or change the tour?
This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed. It’s weather-dependent, and if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is there an age restriction?
Minimum age depends on experience and weather conditions, but the shallow snorkeling site and guided instruction make it accessible to most ages.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transport from the diving center to the Olous site is included in the tour.

In summary, this snorkeling trip offers a rare chance to float above Crete’s submerged past, guided by passionate, knowledgeable experts. It’s a perfect mix of history, marine views, and accessible adventure—ideal for curious travelers wanting a meaningful and tranquil experience in Crete.