Chania: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling for Beginners by Boat

If you’re dreaming of trying out scuba diving or snorkeling for the first time while visiting Crete, this tour might just fit the bill. While we haven’t personally joined, from the glowing reviews and detailed descriptions, it sounds like a well-organized, friendly introduction to underwater fun—especially suited for those new to the experience or traveling with friends or family members who want to get a taste of the sea without diving deep.

What really caught our attention are the small group sizes—max 2-3 divers per instructor—which means you get a more personalized and less intimidating introduction to diving. Plus, the boat trip around Agios Onoufrios and the chance to snorkel in the stunning Blue Cave make this experience both scenic and engaging. The only potential consideration? Since weather conditions can affect the schedule and locations, flexibility is key if you’re planning around specific sights.

This tour is best suited for beginners, non-swimmers, or those hesitant about diving but eager to see what it’s all about. It’s also a great choice if you’re traveling with friends or family who want different levels of activity—some may snorkel, others dive—while everyone shares in the boat trip experience.

Key Points

• Perfect for beginners with small, personalized groups
• Includes both snorkeling and shallow scuba in calm, clear waters
• Scenic boat trip and visits to two distinct locations
• Learn marine life basics from knowledgeable guides
• Flexible options for snorkelers and first-time divers
• Weather-dependent changes may occur, so stay flexible

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience in Detail

This tour is structured around giving people a gentle but memorable intro to underwater exploration, without the need for prior certification or experience. From the start, the focus on small groups—up to 2-3 divers per instructor— ensures no one feels lost or overwhelmed. The friendly, patient guides are key to making nervous first-timers feel comfortable, and their expertise shines through in reviews like James’s, who mentioned the guides being fantastic and very patient.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day kicks off with pickups at six different locations, making it convenient whether you’re staying in Agia Marina, Souda, Daratsos, Kounoupidiana, Chania, or Kalathas. Once everyone is gathered and transferred to the instructional center, you’ll receive a safety briefing and a brief theoretical training—no long lectures, just enough to understand what you’ll experience.

After this, the group heads out on the boat cruise—about 10 minutes to the first stop. The boat itself is a nice way to start the day, offering a chance to enjoy the fresh air and scenic views around Agios Onoufrios.

Stop 1: Snorkeling in the Blue Cave

The first stop is all about snorkeling into the Blue Cave, an eye-catching spot that promises beautiful visuals and a sense of adventure. You’ll spend about an hour exploring this cave’s interior, seeing marine life and marveling at the shimmering water. Many reviews highlight how accessible and enjoyable this part is—no previous experience needed.

This stop is perfect for families or groups with mixed interests: some may just want to snorkel and relax, while others might be eager to learn about marine life from the guides. The manageable duration makes it ideal if you’re not looking for a full-day adventure but still want a taste of underwater exploration.

Stop 2: Open Water Dive at Macherida Beach

The second main activity takes you to a different location for the scuba experience. After a brief rest and snacks on the boat, you’ll head to Macherida Beach for approximately 1.5 hours of guided scuba. You’ll be diving in an open water area full of marine life—sponges, corals, fishes, and possibly some turtles, according to the description. This part is where you get to try scuba diving at a maximum depth of around 9-10 meters, which is perfect for beginners.

Based on reviews, the whole experience feels very safe and manageable, with guides who are attentive and patient, making nervous participants feel at ease. One reviewer, Henrik, called it “great for first timers,” emphasizing how simple and straightforward the experience was.

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The Boat Trip and Scenic Views

Aside from the activities, you’ll enjoy a relaxing boat ride with fantastic views of Crete’s coastline. The boat trip itself is a highlight, allowing you to unwind and take in the scenery. The tour also includes a snack and bottled water, which is a nice touch to keep everyone refreshed.

Each stop provides opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging on the boat. The flexibility to do different activities simultaneously makes it a great outing for groups with varying comfort levels in the water.

Equipment, Safety, and Photos

The tour provides all necessary scuba and snorkeling equipment, which simplifies planning. The fact that diving insurance and underwater photos/video are included adds value, especially since you’ll be able to relive your underwater moments later.

Safety is a clear priority, with small groups allowing the guides to give more individual attention, and the entire experience being dependent on weather conditions—so some adjustments might happen. You should bring your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear, and note that lunch is not included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone who’s never snorkeled or tried scuba diving before, this experience offers a relaxed, low-pressure introduction. It’s suitable for non-swimmers or those with some water apprehension, thanks to the guided instruction and shallow depths. It’s also a good fit for families or friends who want to share the experience without everyone needing to do the same activity.

Note: This isn’t suitable for children under 8, pregnant women, or individuals with certain health conditions like heart problems, epilepsy, or mobility issues. The tour emphasizes safety and comfort for beginners but is not designed for those with serious health concerns.

Pricing and Value

While the exact price isn’t detailed here, the inclusion of all equipment, insurance, underwater photos, and the boat trip suggests it offers good value for a 4-hour adventure. Compared to individual rentals or separate activities, bundling everything together makes it convenient and often more economical.

The small group size and personalized attention are big pluses, especially for nervous beginners or those wanting more guidance.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This Experience?

This Chania tour is a fantastic introduction to underwater activities for those curious but cautious. The combination of snorkeling, shallow diving, scenic boat rides, and the chance to learn marine life basics makes it appealing whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family.

If you’ve ever wanted to see what it’s like underwater without committing to full certification or long dives, this experience offers a friendly, manageable way to dip your toes in the water—literally. The guides’ reputation for patience and professionalism means you’ll be in good hands, even if you’re nervous.

However, keep in mind that weather can influence the schedule, so flexibility is important. If you’re seeking a relaxed, beginner-focused tour with a personal touch, this might just be the perfect fit.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not for children under 8 years old, due to the nature of the activity and safety considerations.

Do I need to be a good swimmer?
You don’t need to be a strong swimmer, but basic comfort in water is recommended. Non-swimmers may want to consider snorkeling instead of diving.

What should I bring with me?
Swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, beachwear, and possibly a hat or sunglasses for sun protection during the boat trip.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. You’ll be provided with a snack and bottled water during the trip.

How long does the experience last?
The full tour is about 4 hours, including transfers, safety briefing, boat trip, snorkeling, and diving.

What’s the maximum depth for the dive?
Around 9-10 meters, perfect for beginners.

Are the activities weather-dependent?
Yes, the schedule and locations may change depending on weather conditions.

Can I join if I’ve never tried diving before?
Absolutely. This tour is designed for beginners, with instruction and small groups to ensure comfort.

What language is the tour conducted in?
The activity is offered in Greek and English.

If you’re ready to get a glimpse of underwater Crete with no pressure and plenty of guidance, this tour seems like a solid choice. It’s all about creating a friendly, memorable introduction to the ocean’s wonders, with safety and fun at the forefront.

You can check availability for your dates here: