Discover Snorkeling

If you’re heading to Chania in Crete and looking to add a splash of adventure to your trip, the Discover Snorkeling tour might just be your perfect fit. For $90 per person, you’ll spend about three hours exploring crystal-clear waters, spotting a variety of fish, and visiting the intriguing island of Lazaretta. Led by friendly guides, this experience combines a thrilling boat ride with the chance to see Crete’s vibrant marine life up close.

What makes this tour stand out is the fast RIB boat journey—a highlight that adds a sense of excitement—and the opportunity to feed fish, which many find surprisingly fun and engaging. Plus, the visit to Lazaretta, once a leper colony, offers a touch of local history alongside your underwater exploration.

A possible drawback? Since the tour is limited to small groups of no more than 10, it’s quite popular and could potentially fill up quickly, so planning ahead is wise. Also, the 3-hour duration means a brief but packed experience—great if you’re short on time, but perhaps a bit rushed if you’re eager for a more leisurely pace.

This adventure suits travelers who love active outdoor experiences, enjoy snorkeling in clear waters, and want a small-group, personalized outing. If you’re traveling with family (not pregnant women or babies, as noted) or are looking for a well-organized, authentic activity with a local touch, this tour checks several boxes.

This experience made our article of 3 Of The Best Snorkeling Experiences In Chania.

Key Points

• Two snorkeling locations offer diverse underwater scenery and fish feeding opportunities.
• The fast boat ride adds excitement and quick access to the best spots.
• Equipment is full and included, removing the hassle of bringing your own gear.
• The small group size ensures personalized attention and a friendly atmosphere.
• The tour includes transportation from your hotel, making logistics easy.
• Visiting Lazaretta provides a historic and scenic backdrop for your underwater adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Discover Snorkeling Tour

Starting Off: Convenience and Comfort

From the moment you book, this tour aims to simplify your planning. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included, which means no stress about how to get to the dive center. Once at the base, you’ll complete paperwork and meet your guide—likely a friendly local who speaks English and Greek—before getting into your wetsuit.

The equipment is full and top-quality, including masks, snorkels, fins, boots, and short wetsuits—everything you need to comfortably explore the water. Lockers are available for your personal items, so you can focus on the fun ahead.

The Boat Ride: Speed and Thrills

The highlight for many is the 20-25 minute boat trip aboard a fast RHIB—a rigid inflatable boat designed for quick, smooth rides. This isn’t a leisurely cruise, but a lively, exhilarating ride that gets you to the first snorkeling spot in no time.

Travelers have noted that the boat ride is a key part of the experience—a chance to enjoy the breeze and scenic views of Crete’s coastline while gearing up for the underwater segment. This quick trip ensures you spend more time snorkeling and less time traveling.

First Snorkeling Location: Underwater Wonders and Fish Feeding

Once at Maherida, your guide will hand out equipment and give a safety briefing. Here, you’ll get about an hour to explore crystal-clear waters, which are packed with varieties of fish and other marine life.

Many travelers remark how vivid the underwater scenery is—clear water makes spotting fish easy, and the experience of feeding them is surprisingly delightful. One review states, “Feeding the fish was a real highlight, a fun way to interact with the underwater world.” Your guide will keep an eye on safety and help with technique if needed, making it accessible even for beginners.

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Break and Refreshments

After your first snorkel session, everyone boards the boat for a short break—a chance to sip water, snack, and chat about what you’ve seen. The crew provides surface refreshments, which adds comfort and an extra touch of hospitality.

Second Stop: Lazaretta Island’s Hidden Charm

Refreshed, you’ll set sail to Lazaretta, a mysterious island with a rich past—once a leper colony in the 17th century. Here, you’re encouraged to explore freely while the guide keeps watch from the boat.

Lazaretta offers a more relaxed snorkeling experience with another hour to observe marine life and feed the fish again. Many travelers enjoy the scenic backdrop of the island, alongside the chance to see its historic remains. It’s not just about underwater exploration but also about soaking in the environment and history.

Return Journey: Relaxed and Satisfied

After the second snorkeling session, the boat heads back to the dive center, typically taking around 20 minutes. You’ll then be transferred back to your hotel, tired but happy, with plenty of stories to tell about the underwater world of Crete.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour offers full snorkeling gear—masks, snorkels, fins, boots, and wetsuits—so you won’t need to bring your own. The transfer from your hotel simplifies logistics, especially in a busy area like Chania.

The duration is approximately three hours, making it a manageable half-day activity that fits well into broader travel plans. The tour is conducted in small groups (up to 10 people), promoting a personalized experience—a real plus for those who prefer a more intimate setting.

Unlike larger group excursions, this tour emphasizes quality over quantity, focusing on giving each participant a memorable and safe snorkeling experience.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Ideal for first-time snorkelers or those with some experience looking for a guided, well-organized outing. It’s perfect for travelers who value small-group dynamics, professional equipment, and authentic underwater encounters.

Note: The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with baby strollers, and no alcohol or drugs are allowed for safety reasons. Also, if you’re traveling with very young children, check whether the group size and physical requirements are a good fit.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

This Discover Snorkeling tour in Crete offers an excellent balance of adventure, education, and relaxation. The snorkeling locations provide vivid sights and a chance to feed the fish, creating memorable interactions with the marine environment. The boat ride adds a dash of excitement, making the experience more than just a typical snorkeling trip.

The full equipment and hotel transfers make it convenient and hassle-free, while the small group size ensures a more personalized, engaging outing. It is especially suitable for those who want a concise, well-organized activity that combines scenic views, underwater beauty, and a touch of local history.

If you’re in Crete and eager for a fun, active, and authentic experience, this tour offers good value for the price and delivers plenty of the highlights travelers seek.

FAQs

How long is the snorkeling activity?
The total experience lasts about 3 hours, with roughly an hour at each snorkeling location and time for breaks and boat rides.

Is transportation included?
Yes, hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included, making logistics straightforward.

What equipment do I need to bring?
You only need to bring beachwear—the tour provides full snorkeling gear, including masks, snorkels, fins, boots, and wetsuits.

Are there any restrictions?
Yes, the tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with babies or strollers. Alcohol and drugs are not allowed.

What language is the tour conducted in?
Guides speak English and Greek, ensuring clear communication.

Can I feed the fish?
Absolutely! Feeding the fish is a popular and fun part of the experience at both snorkeling spots.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 10 participants, allowing for personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.

In summary, this Discover Snorkeling tour offers a well-rounded, authentic glimpse into Crete’s underwater and historic landscape. It’s perfect for active travelers, families with older children, and anyone eager to combine scenic boat rides with vibrant marine life. Well-organized, friendly, and scenically rewarding—this experience can add a unique splash to your Crete adventure.

You can check availability for your dates here: