Agia Pelagia in Crete is a fantastic spot for snorkeling—clear waters, abundant marine life, and a variety of tours to fit different interests and skill levels. We especially like the Crete: Heraklion Snorkeling Tour with Seascooter for its innovative use of a seascooter, which lets you cover more ground and see more marine life. The warm, safe waters of Mononaftis Bay make for a relaxed, enjoyable experience, perfect for those with basic swimming skills. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or trying it for the first time, Agia Pelagia offers options that won’t disappoint.
While all these tours have their charms, the list below covers a broad spectrum—from small-group boat safaris to beginner-friendly snorkeling trips—ensuring there’s something for every traveler. Each experience is designed to showcase the beauty of Crete’s waters, with some offering more personalized attention and others emphasizing accessibility or additional activities.
1. Crete: Heraklion Snorkeling Tour with Seascooter
Starting with the Crete: Heraklion Snorkeling Tour with Seascooter, this tour combines the thrill of snorkeling with the fun of using a seascooter. For around $79 per person, you get a 3-hour adventure that begins with a safety briefing at Agia Pelagia, followed by a scenic drive to Mononaftis Bay. The highlight is the seascooter, which makes exploring underwater easier and more exciting—especially if you’re not confident in your swimming skills but still want to see marine life up close.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of safety, fun, and efficiency. The seascooter allows you to cover more area without exhausting yourself, so you can enjoy a richer underwater landscape. The water here is warm, clear, and safe, making it an ideal environment for snorkeling. The tour includes multiple stops, with 45 minutes dedicated to snorkeling at Mononaftis, a bay known for its vibrant marine life. Reviews note the well-organized nature of the trip and the friendly guide, making it suitable for a wide range of travelers.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a memorable, interactive snorkeling experience with a bit of tech twist, this tour offers excellent value and fun.
2. Heraklion: Boat Safari with guided snorkeling tour
Next up is the Heraklion: Boat Safari with guided snorkeling tour. This 3 to 4-hour trip offers a more relaxed, personalized experience aboard a small boat with a maximum of eight passengers. It’s perfect if you want to combine sightseeing with snorkeling and enjoy a more intimate setting. The tour includes a guided snorkeling stop at a “hidden gem,” where you can explore crevices and reefs that are less crowded than popular beaches.
One of the features that elevates this tour is its flexibility. The boat allows you to visit different points along the coast, with time for sunbathing, swimming, and relaxing on deck. The guided aspect means you’ll learn about the local marine environment from knowledgeable guides, adding an educational touch. The reviews highlight the attentive service, with travelers noting the comfort of the boat and the personalized nature of the trip, making it ideal for couples or small groups.
Bottom Line: For those who prefer a more tailored, luxury experience with snorkeling as part of a broader exploration, this boat safari offers excellent intimacy and comfort.
3. Heraklion: Beginner-Friendly Snorkeling Trip
If you’re new to snorkeling or traveling with children, the Heraklion: Beginner-Friendly Snorkeling Trip is a smart choice. Priced at around $51 per person, this 3-hour tour focuses on making beginners comfortable while exploring Mononaftis Bay. It starts with a safety briefing and includes support from a personal instructor, ensuring your first underwater experience is enjoyable and stress-free.
This tour is especially suited for those who want to learn the basics—like floating, breathing through a mask, and identification of fish and plants—without feeling rushed. The support from trained instructors means you can duck underwater for a quick peek into the marine world if you want. Plus, round-trip hotel transfers make logistics easy. The reviews are modest but positive, with one noting, “The bay is not very big but it was nice,” emphasizing its suitability for beginners.
Bottom Line: This trip offers a relaxed, supportive environment to get your first taste of snorkeling without any pressure.
$51 per person
4. Agia Pelagia: Snorkeling Tour
For those wanting a straightforward, shorter experience, the Agia Pelagia: Snorkeling Tour is a 2-hour boat adventure around the local waters. Starting from the BLUE WATER CLUB, this tour is perfect for a quick exploration of the coast with minimal fuss. It’s ideal for travelers with limited time or those who want a quick taste of Crete’s underwater beauty.
While it doesn’t go into as much depth as longer trips, this tour packs in the essentials—snorkeling gear, a scenic journey, and the chance to relax on deck. It’s a good option if you’re looking for something simple and flexible. Reviews are high, though specific ratings aren’t provided, indicating a positive experience with a focus on the coastal scenery and snorkeling fun.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers short on time who want a quick, enjoyable snorkeling experience.
5. Ligaria: Snorkeling trip with Motor Boat around Agia Pelagia
Finally, the Ligaria: Snorkeling trip with Motor Boat offers a 3-hour adventure for about $73 per person. This guided trip is perfect for beginners and families, with the added benefit of learning snorkeling and skin diving techniques. It includes lifejackets, insurance, and a professional crew, ensuring safety and peace of mind.
The tour involves multiple stops along the coast, with a focus on education and exploration. The guide shares knowledge about local marine life, and the trip is suitable for everyone, including first-timers. Reviewers highlight the captain’s expertise and the chance to see interesting marine creatures like fish and invertebrates, making it a well-rounded introduction to the underwater world of Crete.
Bottom Line: For families or beginners wanting a guided, educational, and safe snorkeling experience, this trip offers solid value and a fun adventure.
$73 per person
How to Choose Your Snorkeling Experience in Agia Pelagia
When selecting a snorkeling tour, consider your budget, time availability, and comfort level. If you’re eager for a tech-enhanced experience, the Snorkeling with Seascooter is hard to beat. For a more intimate, relaxed boat ride, the Heraklion Boat Safari might be best. Beginners or families should look at the Beginner-Friendly Snorkeling for its supportive environment. And if you’re short on time, the Agia Pelagia Snorkeling Tour offers a quick, enjoyable taste of Crete’s waters.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, to secure your preferred time slot. All tours include necessary equipment and safety measures, so focus on what kind of experience you’d enjoy most—whether it’s learning new skills, relaxing on a small boat, or exploring with a guide.
In summary, Agia Pelagia provides an excellent range of snorkeling options—from high-tech adventures to beginner lessons—that suit different budgets and interests. For the ultimate underwater thrill, try the seascooter tour. For a peaceful, guided boat ride, the small-group safari is ideal. If you’re new to snorkeling, the beginner trip offers a supportive introduction. Whatever your choice, Crete’s waters promise a memorable experience—so don’t delay, book early, and get ready to explore beneath the surface.