Lygaria: Private Motorboat Cruise with Snorkeling & Swimming

Lygaria: Private Motorboat Cruise with Snorkeling & Swimming — A Detailed Review

When you’re exploring Crete, finding an activity that combines scenic beauty, authentic local flavor, and a touch of adventure is a real win. This private motorboat cruise around Ligaria and Agia Pelagia offers just that. For around $282 per group, up to four people, you’ll spend roughly three hours on the water, visiting some of the island’s most appealing bays, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, swim, and even try your hand at fishing.

What makes this experience particularly appealing is the personal touch. With a certified professional crew, a skipper who’s eager to share his knowledge about Crete, and all necessary safety gear included, you’re far from just another tourist on a crowded boat. We loved the way the guide, Matthaios, made the trip feel intimate and informative, sharing local stories and even offering apricots from his home orchard. Another highlight is the chance to explore hidden caves and secluded beaches—spots that are often inaccessible from land or crowded with day-trippers.

One thing to keep in mind is that this tour is not inclusive of transfers or meals, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. It’s best suited for those who appreciate a small, private setting and enjoy active, engaging experiences on the water. If you’re traveling with friends, family, or a small group, this cruise offers excellent value for a three-hour adventure filled with authentic sights and sounds of Crete.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Small groups ensure intimacy and personalized attention from your guide.
• Versatile Activities: Options for snorkeling, fishing, swimming, and relaxing make this a well-rounded outing.
• Authentic Local Guides: Knowledgeable guides, like Matthaios, add a personal touch with local stories and tips.
• Beautiful Stops: The tour visits stunning bays, caves, and beaches, ideal for photo opportunities.
• Safety and Comfort: Safety jackets, insurance, and snorkeling equipment are included, giving peace of mind.
• Limited Group Size: Max 4 or 8 people enhances the experience and avoids crowded boats.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary and Its Charm

The trip begins at Eurodiving, where your boat is waiting for you. From there, the skipper takes you around the bays of Agia Pelagia and Ligaria, highlighting their unique features. The tour emphasizes exploring areas less accessible from land, which means you’ll avoid the crowds and see crevices, caves, and quiet beaches that only boaters get to visit.

The stops are carefully chosen based on your preferences, whether you want to snorkel in vibrant waters, fish, or just relax on the deck. Your guide will lead you to the clearest waters and most scenic spots, making sure you get the best experience. Many reviewers mention the beautiful snorkeling locations, where they saw many different fish—one said, “we really enjoyed the snorkeling and the guide Mateo was great,” reflecting the quality of the spots visited.

What to Expect on Board

The private boat comfortably accommodates up to four guests, which means plenty of space to spread out or sit close with your travel companions. The boat is equipped with snorkeling gear, a fishing rod and bait, and lifejackets, ensuring safety and fun for everyone. The skipper handles navigation, so you can focus on taking in the views or jumping into the water.

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The Scenic Stops

Agia Pelagia Bay and Ligaria Bay are the first highlights, offering calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. These bays are known for their tranquil beauty—ideal for relaxing or exploring. The tour also promises visits to hidden caves and secluded beaches, which are often memories travelers rave about. One reviewer mentioned, “we saw many different fish when snorkeling,” confirming the quality of the underwater sights.

Snorkeling and Fishing

Snorkeling gear is provided, and the waters near Crete are famed for their vibrant sea life. Some travelers, like Maria Virginia, appreciated the beautiful snorkeling spots and the friendly guide, Mateo. Fishing is another activity offered, with bait and rods included, for those interested in trying their luck.

The Guide and Personal Touch

The reviews repeatedly mention the friendly, knowledgeable guides, like Matthaios, who goes beyond just steering the boat. They share stories about local life, point out interesting sights, and even offer personal anecdotes, making the experience more authentic. One guest noted, “he brought us apricots from his home,” which highlights the genuine local flavor you get with a small-group tour.

Practicalities and Considerations

Since meals and drinks are not included, you might want to bring water, snacks, or a light meal if you plan to stay longer or get hungry. Also, hotel transfers are not provided, so plan to meet at the diving center in Ligaria Bay. The tour runs three hours, with flexible start times depending on availability.

Weather can influence the trip—calmer seas mean better snorkeling and swimming, so check the forecast. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, and travelers should bring essentials like passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, and towel.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for small groups, couples, or friends who want a personalized and relaxed day on the water. If you’re enthusiastic about snorkeling, enjoy scenic coastal views, or want to learn about Crete from a local guide, this trip will fit perfectly. It’s also ideal for those who prefer adventure with comfort—the boat is spacious, and safety features are thorough.

If you’re traveling with kids or looking for a more social or larger group experience, this might feel a bit intimate, but for those who value quality over quantity, it’s a real highlight.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For about $282, you get a customized three-hour journey with a skilled guide and plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and fishing. The small group size means you won’t be pushed around or rushed, and you’ll get to see Crete’s best-kept coastal secrets.

What really sets this tour apart is the authenticity and local flavor, thanks to guides like Matthaios who genuinely love sharing their knowledge and stories. It’s a refreshing break from larger, more commercial boat trips, making it a great choice for travelers seeking a quiet, immersive experience.

However, it’s important to note the lack of included transfers and meals, so plan your logistics accordingly. If you’re comfortable meeting at the starting point and bringing your own snacks, you’ll find this to be an excellent value.

In the end, this tour strikes a perfect balance between adventure, relaxation, and authenticity, making it ideal for small groups of travelers who want to explore Crete’s coastline in a personal, meaningful way.

FAQ

How long is the boat trip?
The trip lasts approximately three hours, offering enough time to explore multiple bays and enjoy snorkeling or swimming.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins and ends at the Diving Center in Ligaria Bay, making it convenient if you’re already nearby.

Is this tour suitable for children or pregnant women?
It’s not suitable for pregnant women. For children, it depends on their comfort with boat trips and swimming; check with the tour provider if unsure.

Are food and drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, so bring your own if you want refreshments during or after the trip.

What safety equipment is provided?
Lifejackets, snorkeling gear, and safety instructions are included, ensuring a safe experience for all.

Can I fish during the trip?
Yes, fishing is available with the provided fishing rod and bait.

Is the boat private?
Yes, the trip is private for your group, enhancing privacy and personalized attention.

Do we need to have prior snorkeling experience?
Not at all. The provided snorkeling gear and calm waters make it suitable for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring?
Bring passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, and a towel. Don’t forget sun protection, as Crete can be quite sunny.

This private boat trip around Ligaria offers an excellent way to enjoy Crete’s coastline with ease and authenticity. Whether you’re after snorkeling, scenic views, or just relaxing on the water, this experience provides genuine value, friendly guides, and memorable moments—all in a small, intimate setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: