Lygaria: Private Motorboat Cruise with Snorkeling & Swimming — A Friendly Look
Looking for a way to explore Crete’s stunning coastline away from the usual crowded beaches? This private motorboat cruise around Ligaria and Agia Pelagia might just be what you need. It’s a compact experience, ideal if you want to enjoy some peaceful time on the water, snorkeling, and soaking up local scenery without the hassle of organizing everything yourself.
What stands out most about this trip? First, the personal touch of a private group, which means your crew can tailor the experience a bit and give you more personalized attention. Second, the friendly, knowledgeable guides who are eager to share insights about Crete and make sure everyone feels comfortable and safe.
One thing to consider is the duration — just three hours. While perfect for a quick escape, it’s not a full-day adventure, so if you’re craving more time on the water, you might want to look for longer options. This is a good choice for small groups, couples, or friends wanting a relaxed, guided boat trip, especially if you’re interested in snorkeling and discovering the calmer, lesser-known bays.
This experience made our article of 8 Must-Try Snorkeling Experiences In Heraklion.
Key Points

- Private experience for up to 4 or 8 people, ensuring a more intimate outing.
- Snorkeling gear and fishing equipment included, so no need to bring your own.
- Expert crew provides safety, local insights, and friendly service.
- Short but sweet: a 3-hour trip that’s perfect for a quick, refreshing escape.
- Stunning scenery with stops around Agia Pelagia Bay and Ligaria Bay.
- No meal or drinks included, so consider packing your own if desired.
What to Expect from Your Crete Motorboat Adventure

This tour kicks off at the Eurodiving center located in Ligaria Bay. From there, you’ll hop aboard your private boat, with space for up to four or eight guests depending on your booking. The boat is cozy but spacious enough for comfort, and the crew makes safety a priority, providing lifejackets and insurance — a reassuring touch when you’re out at sea.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Heraklion
The Itinerary Breakdown
Starting Point at Eurodiving
Your tour begins here, where your skipper will give a quick safety briefing and answer any questions you might have. This initial meeting is a good chance to get familiar with the boat and understand what’s planned for the next few hours.
First Stop: Agia Pelagia Bay
This area is known for its calm waters and natural beauty. The boat will cruise along the coast, giving you a chance to enjoy the views. Once there, you’ll have time for swimming and snorkeling. The waters around Crete are known for their clarity and vibrant marine life, so if you love observing fish and underwater scenery, you’ll appreciate this stop.
From reviews: Travelers mention that the snorkeling spots are beautiful, and guides are attentive. One reviewer said, “We really enjoyed the snorkeling tour, the guide Mateo was great and the snorkeling places beautiful.” This suggests you’ll have good visibility and friendly guidance.
Second Stop: Ligaria Bay
Next, the boat will take you along the coast to Ligaria Bay — a quieter, less crowded alternative to some of Crete’s busier beaches. This spot is perfect for relaxing, taking in the scenery, or trying your hand at fishing, with a provided rod and bait.
From reviews: Guests appreciated the ability to learn about local life and the personalized attention from guides like Matthaios, who even shared apricots from his home. It’s this kind of local connection that adds charm to the experience.
Returning to Eurodiving
After spending the allotted time exploring, swimming, and snorkeling, your boat will head back to the starting point. The cruise itself offers lovely views of the coastline, and you might catch sight of some marine life, although as one reviewer noted, sea turtles are a bonus rather than a guarantee.
What Makes This Tour Stand Out

Personalized private group means a more relaxed vibe. You won’t be sharing the boat with strangers, which is great if you prefer a quieter, more tailored experience. Plus, with a professional crew guiding and managing the boat, safety and local insights are guaranteed.
Snorkeling and fishing gear are included, so you’re ready to jump into the water at a moment’s notice. The guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge shine through in reviews, with guests mentioning how friendly and engaging the crew are — making the trip educational as well as fun.
It’s short but sweet: If your schedule is tight, or you just want a taste of Crete’s coastline, this 3-hour cruise hits the spot. The price is reasonable considering the private boat and personalized service, especially if you’re in a group of four.
More Great Tours NearbyPractical Details and Tips
- Price: $282 per group up to 4 (or 8, depending on your choice). Given the private nature, it’s a fair deal, especially if you value exclusivity and personalized service.
- Duration: 3 hours — perfect for a half-day activity.
- Meeting Point: Eurodiving, Ligaria Bay. You’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the starting point.
- What to bring: Passport or ID, sunglasses, sun hat, towel. Remember, no meals or drinks are included, so pack some water or snacks if you’d like.
- Restrictions: Not suitable for pregnant women, but otherwise, anyone comfortable on a boat will enjoy it.
- Flexibility: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds some peace of mind.
Enjoy being on the water? Here are other boat experiences we've looked into in Heraklion
- Sailing Cruise to Dia Island with Meal and Water Activities
- Heraklion: Dia Catamaran Tour, Lunch, Open Bar & Snorkeling
- Heraklion : Spinalonga, Agios Nikolaos , Elounda Boat Tour & BBQ
- Cruise to Spinalonga, Kolokytha Bay & Agios Nikolaos with Lunch
- Rethymno: Sunset Catamaran Cruise with Wine and Snacks
- 4 Hour Fishing and Swimming Boat Experience in Schisma Eloundas
The Real Deal: Authentic, Relaxed, and Scenic

Based on reviews and the offered details, this experience seems to shine in small group settings where you can enjoy the water, learn about Crete from friendly guides, and explore peaceful bays. The boat trips are described as having plenty of space, and the guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
While you won’t find a full-day adventure or gourmet onboard meals, what you do get is a well-organized, safe, and beautiful cruise. It’s perfect for travelers who want to combine some fun water activities with a relaxed pace and personalized service.
Who Will Love This?

If you’re looking for a short, private escape on Crete’s coast, this tour is a solid pick. It works well for small groups, couples, or friends who want to snorkel, swim, and enjoy the sea without much fuss. It’s also suitable if you prefer a guided experience over renting your own boat, especially since the guides are praised for their friendliness and local knowledge.
This trip might not be ideal if you’re after a full-day adventure, gourmet food on board, or traveling with pregnant women or very young children. But for those who want a gentle, scenic, and personalized outing, it’s a friendly way to see some of Crete’s best bays without breaking the bank.
Lygaria: Private Motorboat Cruise with Snorkeling & Swimming
“It was such a wonderful day on the water with Matthaios as our guide. The boat had plenty of space for our group and we learned so much about Crete…”
FAQ Section

Is this a private boat experience?
Yes, the tour is for a private group, accommodating up to 4 or 8 people depending on your booking. It’s designed to give you a more intimate and relaxed experience.
What’s included in the price?
The price covers the private boat, skipper, snorkeling equipment, fishing rod, lifejackets, and insurance. Safety instructions are also provided.
Are meals or drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You might want to bring some water, snacks, or a small picnic if desired.
How long is the tour?
It lasts about 3 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity that fits well into a busy itinerary.
Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling equipment is included, so you can just hop in and enjoy.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you some flexibility.
In the end, this private motorboat cruise around Ligaria and Agia Pelagia offers a simple, friendly way to enjoy Crete’s shoreline. It’s especially suited for small groups or couples who want to see the coast from a comfortable boat, snorkel in beautiful waters, and learn about the area from local guides. It may not be the most adventurous or extensive trip available, but for its length and price, it’s a charming, well-reviewed way to experience Crete’s coastal beauty without the fuss.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Private Tours in Heraklion
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