Ligaria: Snorkeling trip with Motor Boat around Agia Pelagia

Ligaria: Snorkeling trip with Motor Boat around Agia Pelagia

If you’re dreaming of exploring the captivating waters of Crete without the need for extensive training or equipment fuss, this snorkeling trip with Sailing Crete might be just the ticket. With a focus on accessible, safe, and fun experiences, this three-hour motorboat adventure takes you around Agia Pelagia’s beautiful coastlines, offering chances to see vibrant marine life and learn new skills. From families to solo travelers, this tour is designed to be inclusive, with everything provided to make your time on the water simple and memorable.

What I love about this trip is the emphasis on guide-led exploration and learn-as-you-go techniques—even if you’ve never snorkeled before, the friendly crew makes it straightforward. Plus, the small group size keeps things intimate and relaxed, allowing for personalized attention and a more authentic experience. The second highlight is the variety of snorkeling spots—both sheltered and open ocean—each promising different vistas and marine encounters.

However, a consideration worth noting is that this experience does not include food or drinks, so you’ll want to plan accordingly. Also, if you’re looking for a longer or more intense adventure, this 3-hour trip is on the shorter side, making it perfect for a quick escape rather than a full-day excursion.

Key points / Takeaways

• Accessible for all skill levels: No prior snorkeling experience is needed; just the ability to swim.
• Expert guidance: Certified professional crew and safety instructions ensure a secure and learning-rich environment.
• Small group intimacy: Limited to 8–10 travelers, providing personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere.
• Multiple snorkeling spots: Dive into sheltered and open waters, with abundant sea life and marine flora.
• All equipment included: Snorkeling gear, lifejackets, and insurance are provided, eliminating hassle.
• Flexible scheduling and booking: Options for morning or afternoon tours, with free cancellation up to 24 hours ahead.

Entering the Blue Waters of Crete

This snorkeling adventure begins at the Eurodiving center in Ligaria, about 20 minutes from Heraklion. You’ll start with a short van ride—around 45 minutes each way—to reach the coastline and your first snorkeling spot. The journey alone offers a glimpse of Crete’s scenic views, setting the stage for your aquatic exploration.

Once on the boat, the crew immediately sets a professional yet friendly tone. They provide all necessary gear—mask, snorkel, fins—and take the time to give safety instructions. You’ll quickly realize that snorkeling here isn’t about complicated gear or strenuous training. If you can swim, you can glide through the water and get up close to the marine environment.

The guides are known for their knowledgeable, kind demeanor, making the entire experience approachable. Rachel’s review captured this well: “Our captain was knowledgeable, safe, and most of all, very kind! We saw beautiful fish, invertebrates, and even a lionfish in the wild—a real highlight.” This personalized guidance really shines in their small-group model, allowing for plenty of questions and tailored experiences.

The Snorkeling Itinerary – What Makes Each Stop Unique

The trip’s itinerary includes multiple stops, each with its own appeal. The first snorkeling spot is usually in sheltered waters, perfect for beginners or those who want a relaxed start. You’ll see marine life such as colorful fish, sea plants, and invertebrates, especially since the water here is clear and calm.

The boat then moves to more open ocean areas, where the experience becomes a little more adventurous. These spots tend to be more vibrant and lively, with a higher chance of encountering diverse sea creatures. The guides often share brief stories about the marine ecosystem or local history, enriching the experience beyond just the visual.

After about 45 minutes at each stop, you’ll return to the boat, where you can rest and chat with fellow travelers. The entire tour spans roughly three hours, making it a perfect morning or afternoon activity without feeling rushed or overly long.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price of $73 per person, this tour provides everything you need to enjoy snorkeling comfortably. The snorkeling equipment, lifejackets, and insurance are all included, along with a certified professional crew focused on your safety. You won’t have to worry about bringing your own gear or navigating complex safety procedures.

However, you will need to bring some essentials like a sunglasses, sun hat, towel, and sunscreen. The tour does not include food or drinks, so bringing a small snack and water is a good idea, especially if you plan to spend more time in the sun.

Departure and return points are conveniently located at the Eurodiving center in Ligaria. The tour ends back at the start point, making logistics straightforward. If you’re staying in Heraklion or nearby, this short drive makes it easy to incorporate into your travel plans.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is ideal for families with children, as no previous experience is needed, and safety is a top priority. It’s also great for couples or solo travelers looking for a relaxed yet engaging way to enjoy Crete’s coast. If you’re someone who appreciates small groups and personalized attention, this tour checks those boxes.

The stunning marine environment—with the chance to see marine life like fish, invertebrates, and even the occasional lionfish—will appeal to those interested in nature and underwater photography. Plus, the guides’ friendly, knowledgeable style makes it feel less like a tour and more like a shared adventure.

This experience isn’t suited for travelers seeking a strenuous activity or a full-day excursion. It’s best viewed as a quick, quality introduction to snorkeling that fits comfortably into a day of sightseeing.

Why This Snorkeling Trip Is Good Value

At $73, this tour offers a lot for the price. You get expert guidance, all the equipment, safety measures, and multiple snorkeling spots—which means you’re paying for a well-organized, all-inclusive experience. Compared to typical tourist activities, the small group size and personalized approach add to the value, especially considering the quality of marine encounters and safety.

It’s also flexible—morning and afternoon slots are available, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance without penalty. The pay later option allows you to reserve with confidence, knowing your plans can adapt if needed.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Book?

If you’re after a relaxed, safe, and engaging snorkeling adventure in Crete, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suited for families, newcomers to snorkeling, or anyone who wants to explore the local marine environment without the hassle of complicated gear or lengthy training. The small group setting ensures personalized attention and a more authentic experience.

While it’s a shorter trip without food included, the stunning views, marine diversity, and friendly guides make it worth every euro. It’s a perfect way to turn a day in Crete into a memorable aquatic adventure, no matter your age or skill level.

FAQ

Do I need prior snorkeling experience?
No, you just need to be able to swim. The guides provide clear instructions and are experienced in helping beginners feel comfortable in the water.

What should I bring?
Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, a towel, and sunscreen. The tour supplies all snorkeling gear, lifejackets, and insurance, so you only need personal items to stay comfortable and protected from the sun.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, the experience is family-friendly and suitable for all skill levels, as long as children can swim and are supervised.

How long does the trip last?
The snorkeling activity runs about three hours, including transportation and multiple stops. It’s a perfect short activity for a busy day.

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

Are food and drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not provided, so plan to bring a snack and water if desired.

Where does the tour start and end?
The adventure begins at Eurodiving in Ligaria and ends back at the same location, making logistics simple if you’re staying nearby.

In essence, this guided snorkeling trip offers a smart blend of safety, scenic beauty, and accessible adventure. With friendly guides, a small group size, and the opportunity to see Crete’s vibrant marine life, it’s a worthwhile choice for a memorable family outing or solo escape. Whether you’re new to snorkeling or just want a quick, fun exploration of the sea, this tour provides a relaxed and authentic way to enjoy Greece’s waters.