Olous Guided Snorkelling Excursion to Discover Olous Sunken Ancient City

Discovering Olous: A Guided Snorkeling Tour in Crete

If you’re considering a trip to Crete and love combining history with outdoor adventure, this guided snorkeling excursion to the sunken city of Olous might be right up your alley. While we haven’t tried it ourselves, the reviews and details suggest it offers a memorable peek into a submerged piece of ancient Greece. It’s a chance to see incredible ruins that are just under the water’s surface, without the need for scuba gear.

What we particularly like about this tour is the small group size, capped at just eight participants, which means a more personal and relaxed experience. Plus, the fact that the site is only about 50 to 80 centimeters underwater makes it accessible for beginners and those who might feel a little hesitant about snorkeling. However, a potential drawback is the weather dependency—bad weather can lead to cancellations, so it’s worth planning with some flexibility.

This tour is ideal for history lovers, underwater explorers, or anyone wanting a gentle introduction to snorkeling in a beautiful setting. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a small group, it promises an engaging adventure that combines education with the thrill of discovering an ancient sunken city.

Key Points

• Small Group Experience: Max 8 snorkelers for a more intimate exploration.
• All-Inclusive Equipment: Fins, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit provided.
• Educational Component: Includes a presentation about the site and its history.
• Beginner Friendly: Guides are happy to teach snorkel techniques.
• Accessible Depth: Site is just 50-80 cm underwater, perfect for non-divers.
• Highly Rated: Consistently excellent reviews, with a perfect 5.0 rating.

What to Expect from the Snorkeling Trip

This tour kicks off at the Diving Center Blue Dolphin in Elounda, a convenient starting point that’s easy to reach. From there, you’ll be transported to the site of Olous, a city that was submerged after an earthquake around the second century AD. The presentation upfront sets the stage, offering insights into the history and significance of the ruins, which heightens the anticipation for the snorkeling part.

Once at the site, you’ll don your gear—fins, mask, snorkel, wetsuit—and get briefed on safety and techniques. The site is remarkably shallow, at about 50 to 80 centimeters below the surface, so no scuba gear needed. This shallow depth makes it easier for beginners to stay comfortable and observe the remains of what was once a bustling city.

During the approximately 2.5-hour excursion, you’ll float above the ruins, swimming at your own pace but with a guide nearby in a small group. The guide’s role is both educational and supportive, ensuring everyone feels safe and knows what to look for. Expect to see a variety of fish and interesting structures that tell stories of ancient life.

The Highlights

The main draw is the opportunity to explore the ancient city of Olous from a unique underwater perspective. The remains are said to be quite rich in historical and cultural significance, offering a glimpse into a civilization that thrived long ago. The underwater site is described as “very cool” by some reviewers, who appreciated the clear water and the chance to see ruins up close without diving.

One reviewer noted, “Great tour. Got to see loads of fish and learn about the sunken city. Julie was a fantastic tour guide,” reflecting how engaging and informative the trip can be. Others appreciated the friendly, patient guides—especially important if you’re new to snorkeling or feeling a bit unsure.

The Practical Side: Transport, Group Size, and Price

Starting at the Diving Center Blue Dolphin in Elounda, the tour includes transportation from the center to the site, making logistics easier. The meeting time is 9:30 am, which positions you for a comfortable morning outing. The tour lasts about 2 hours and 30 minutes, giving enough time for a relaxed snorkel without feeling rushed.

At $65.22 per person, this experience offers good value. It covers all necessary equipment and the guided aspect, which is a big plus for beginners or those unfamiliar with snorkeling. The small group limit ensures personalized attention, which many find reassuring and enhances the overall experience.

The maximum of eight travelers is ideal for maintaining a quiet, intimate atmosphere, allowing guides to give more individual tips and checks on your comfort. Several reviews mention how attentive the guides are, checking in on less confident swimmers, which is a thoughtful touch.

The Guide and the Experience

Multiple reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides, like Jackie and Adam, who are praised for their patience and ability to teach. Whether it’s helping you with mask fit or explaining the history of the ruins, guides seem genuinely invested in making sure everyone has a memorable experience.

One guest shared, “Our guide was super friendly and patient. She checked in regularly to make sure we were comfortable,” which helps create a relaxed environment, especially for those new to snorkeling.

The presentation at the start, combined with the underwater exploration, offers a good mix of education and adventure. It’s not just about floating around—it’s about understanding what you’re looking at and appreciating the significance of this submerged city.

Is This Tour for You?

This experience suits anyone curious about underwater archaeology, history, or simply wanting a gentle introduction to snorkeling. It’s particularly appealing for those who prefer a calm, small-group setting over large, crowded tours. Since the site is so shallow, it’s also accessible for beginners or those who may feel uncomfortable in deeper water.

However, it does require moderate physical fitness and the ability to manage water comfort levels. While not heavily strenuous, you should be comfortable swimming with a guide nearby. The tour is weather-dependent, so if poor conditions prevail, you might have to reschedule or wait for a different day.

The Bottom Line

For travelers seeking a laid-back yet fascinating glimpse into history, this snorkeling tour to Olous offers a rare opportunity. The experience combines education, adventure, and stunning visuals—all in a small, friendly group. The guides’ attentiveness and the site’s accessibility make it a solid choice, especially for newcomers to snorkeling or those interested in ancient Greece.

While the price is reasonable for what you get, keep in mind the tour is weather-dependent and limited to small groups—both positives that contribute to quality but require some flexibility. The shallow depth makes it manageable even if you’re not an experienced swimmer, which broadens the appeal.

Overall, if you’re looking for a gentle, educational, and visually engaging activity that balances history with the ocean, this tour checks many boxes. It’s best suited for travelers who appreciate personalized experiences, are open to trying snorkeling, and have an interest in exploring Crete’s submerged past.

FAQs

How long is the snorkeling tour?
The excursion lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including the presentation, transportation, and snorkeling time.

What equipment is provided?
All necessary gear—fins, mask, snorkel, and wetsuit—is included in the price, making it easy to just show up and enjoy.

Is the site suitable for beginners?
Yes, the site is only about 50 to 80 centimeters underwater, so it’s perfect for those new to snorkeling. Guides are happy to teach and assist.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at the Diving Center Blue Dolphin in Elounda, from where you’ll be transported to the site.

What is the maximum group size?
The group is limited to 8 travelers, ensuring a relaxed and personalized experience.

What if the weather turns bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If poor conditions occur, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not explicitly marketed as a family tour, the shallow water and gentle pace make it accessible for travelers comfortable in water, including some older children.

How much does the tour cost?
The standard price is $65.22 per person, which covers all equipment, transportation, and guided snorkeling.

If you’re curious about combining history with some light water activity in Crete, this guided snorkeling tour of Olous seems like a solid, enjoyable way to spend part of your trip. It’s an opportunity to see ancient ruins from a fresh perspective—without the fuss of deep dives or complicated logistics.