Chania offers some of the best snorkeling in Crete, thanks to its clear waters, rocky coves, and lively marine life. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed guided tour or an adrenaline-fueled ride with a sea scooter, there’s something for every snorkeler here. We particularly like the Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling Tour for its comprehensive experience and excellent reviews. It combines two snorkeling spots with professional guidance, making it ideal for both beginners and seasoned snorkelers.
If you’re craving a more high-tech adventure, the Sea Scooter Snorkeling boat tour adds a fun twist with electric scooters that help you cover more water effortlessly. For those seeking a fast-paced thrill, Discover Snorkeling offers an exciting boat ride and the chance to explore the island of Lazaretta, famous for its clear waters and lively fish.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find reviews and details for each of the top snorkeling tours in Chania. These options include guided boat trips, innovative sea scooter adventures, and fast-paced explorations of underwater environments—all highly rated for their quality and value.
1. Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling Tour
At number one, this 4-hour boat tour combines the excitement of snorkeling with the convenience of hotel transfers. It takes you to two carefully selected snorkeling spots, known for their crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. The tour includes high-quality gear suitable for all levels, ensuring even first-timers can feel confident exploring underwater.
What makes this tour stand out is its focus on safety and personalized attention. The guides are highly experienced, and the gear is designed to keep everyone warm and comfortable, regardless of seawater temperature. The itinerary features pickups from five different locations, including Chania, Platanias, and Souda, making it easy to join. Light snacks and water are provided onboard to keep you energized after your first round of snorkeling.
Guests comment on the professionalism of the crew and the beautiful snorkeling spots, with one saying, “Highly recommend especially for people who might be a little scared trying snorkeling or diving for the first time as the team is very skilled and focused on safety.” The value for money is excellent, given the round-trip transfers, guided instruction, and multiple snorkeling locations.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want a well-organized, safe, and enjoyable introduction to Chania’s underwater world with the convenience of hotel pickups and drop-offs.
2. Chania: Sea Scooter Snorkeling boat tour
For about $119, the Sea Scooter Snorkeling boat tour offers a dynamic experience that’s perfect for those who want to add a bit of speed and fun to their snorkeling. This 3-hour excursion includes the use of electric sea scooters, allowing you to glide effortlessly over the water and explore farther and faster than traditional snorkeling.
The tour is led by attentive instructors who ensure your safety while helping you get the most out of the experience. The scooters remove some of the physical effort involved, making it easier to cover more ground and see more marine life. Participants rave about how easy and enjoyable it is to use the scooters, with one reviewer noting, “A super nice ride. To do again.”
This tour is best suited for travelers comfortable in the water who want to try something new and exciting. It’s a shorter experience than some others, but packed with adrenaline and the chance to see Crete’s underwater world from a different perspective.
Bottom line: If you’re after speed, ease, and a fun twist on snorkeling, the sea scooter tour hits the spot. It’s a terrific choice for adventurous souls or anyone wanting to try snorkeling with a high-tech upgrade.
3. Discover Snorkeling
Ending our list at number three, Discover Snorkeling offers a lively, guided experience that combines snorkeling with a fast boat ride. Priced at around $90, this 3-hour tour is ideal for those looking for an action-packed half-day. It takes you to Maherida, famous for its crystal-clear waters and diverse fish populations, and the mysterious island of Lazaretta.
The highlight is the thrilling boat ride aboard a fast RIB, which adds excitement before you slip into the water. Once snorkeling, you can enjoy feeding fish and exploring the underwater landscape. The guide’s local knowledge enhances the experience, helping you spot interesting marine creatures and navigate the best spots.
This tour is especially suited for active travelers who want an energetic, immersive experience. Reviews mention the clear waters and abundance of fish, with one guest noting, “Feel the excitement of feeding the fish and exploring Lazaretta’s waters.” The tour’s combination of speed, adventure, and underwater discovery provides excellent value for those wanting more than just a casual swim.
Bottom line: Perfect for thrill-seekers and underwater explorers, this tour blends adrenaline with the chance to see Crete’s marine world up close.
$90 per person
How to Choose Your Snorkeling Adventure in Chania
When picking between these options, consider your budget, time availability, and comfort level in the water. The guided boat tour offers a relaxed, all-in-one experience ideal for families or first-timers. If you’re an adrenaline junkie or curious about electric scooters, the Sea Scooter Snorkeling will give you a fun, fast-paced ride. For those craving action and underwater exploration, the Discover Snorkeling provides a lively mix of speed and marine adventure.
Booking early is wise, especially in peak summer months, as these tours are popular and often fill up. Pay attention to your fitness level and comfort with water activities—some tours are more active, while others provide a more leisurely experience.
Final Thoughts
Chania’s snorkeling options range from the comprehensive and safety-conscious boat trip with guided snorkeling to the high-energy thrill of riding a sea scooter, and the exciting underwater discovery of Discover Snorkeling. Each offers a unique way to experience Crete’s underwater beauty, whether you want a relaxed day with family, a speedy adventure, or a mix of both. For most travelers, these excursions promise memorable moments—just remember to book early and bring your sense of curiosity!