Snorkeling Plus Paddleboat Trip

Snorkeling Plus Paddleboat Trip, 3 hours, rated 4.7 across 401 traveller reviews.

Overview

This Omega Divers trip packs three water activities into a single three-hour run off Crete's northwest coast. It starts with hotel pickup inside Chania city, a minivan transfer to Almyrida, and a short theory lesson from the instructors. From there the boat heads for beaches that can only be reached by water, where guests swim and snorkel with provided masks, snorkels, fins, wetsuits or shorties, full face masks, and flotation aids.

Between snorkel stops, the crew runs a stand-up paddleboarding session. It begins with a demonstration of paddling basics and balance work, then guests take the boards into the water. The activity is open to all ages, according to the listing. An optional feature is the electric Yamaha sea scooter, a ride of 30 to 60 minutes depending on speed and body weight, available to adventurers aged 12 and up. A GoPro can be mounted on it for underwater footage.

Back on board, staff hand out healthy snacks, fresh fruit, and bottled water throughout the trip. The crew also photographs and films the experience and emails the files afterwards as a souvenir. The trip suits beginners and families, and no snorkeling experience is required.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup starts before the departure time, from hotels inside the city of Chania only. The exact meeting point near the hotel arrives by email.
2. Transfer to AlmyridaAn air-conditioned minivan drives the group to Almyrida Beach, the departure point for the boat.
3. Theory lessonExperienced instructors give a short theory and demonstration lesson before anyone gets in the water.
4. Boat to secluded beachesThe boat sails to beaches reachable only by boat, with views of the coastline along the way. One reviewer describes exploring a cave before snorkeling at two locations.
5. Guided snorkelingGuests snorkel with full equipment provided, while guides point out fish and other marine life and identify species using a book on board.
6. Stand-up paddlingAt one stop the crew demonstrates paddling and balance basics, then guides guests through their first tries on the boards. This is included in the trip.
7. Sea scooters (optional)Guests aged 12 and up can choose to ride electric Yamaha sea scooters for a 30 to 60 minute session. A GoPro can be mounted on the scooter.
8. Return and drop-offThe boat returns to Almyrida and the minivan takes hotel guests inside Chania city back to their accommodation.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help guests get the most out of the three hours.

• Bring your own towel. Towels and personal expenses are not included, so pack one along with sunscreen, a hat, and a swimming costume, as the listing advises. Snacks, fruit, and bottled water are provided on board.
• No experience needed. The listing states clearly that no previous snorkeling experience is required, and the session starts with a short theory lesson. Several reviewers describe this as their first time snorkeling and report loving it.
• Small boat feel. Multiple reviewers describe very small groups, in one case only a handful of people on the boat. That matches the personal attention several others mention, especially guides helping nervous children into the water.
• Photos included. The crew takes photos and a short video during the trip and sends them by email afterwards at no extra charge.
• Weather can shift plans. One reviewer reported windy conditions that kept the boat from its usual spots, though the afternoon still went ahead elsewhere. If weather cancels the activity entirely, the listing promises an alternative date or a full refund.
• SUP takes turns. The paddleboards are shared, and one reviewer noted there was not enough time for everyone in their group to use the two boards.

Common issues. The shared paddleboards are the most concrete complaint: one reviewer said time ran out before everyone in their group got a turn on the two SUPs. Wind can also change the route, as one reviewer experienced when the boat skipped its usual spots. Pickup is only from hotels inside Chania city, so anyone staying elsewhere must drive themselves to Almyrida Beach. The trip is not recommended for pregnant women, unaccompanied minors are not allowed, and the sea scooter option is limited to ages 12 and up. Some travelers also mention they would prefer snorkeling sites with more marine life.

Common Questions