Crete Chania: Snorkeling & Scuba Dive by Boat with Free Transfer

Summary

Crete boat trip with snorkeling and beginner scuba diving led by locals

You’ll start with pickup from Chania and head out by boat for snorkeling at Marathi’s crystal waters before trying your first scuba dive with a patient local guide. All equipment is provided—even underwater photos—so you can just focus on the feeling of floating beneath the surface. Relax after with snacks on deck as you swap stories and maybe laugh at your own fish-face photo.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling and scuba diving adventure

• Attend theoretical training session
• Board boat for trip
• Snorkel for one hour at Marathi
• Dive to 9-10 meters depth
• Explore underwater with instructor
• Receive free underwater photos

Top questions

Is this scuba diving tour in Crete suitable for beginners?

Yes, no experience or certification is needed. Guides explain everything step by step.

Do I need to know how to swim for this tour?

Basic swimming skills are required for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

Are transfers from Chania included?

Yes, free transfer from Chania is included in the tour price.

What if someone only wants to snorkel?

No problem—snorkelers and divers share the same boat trip together.

How deep do we go during the dive?

The open water dive goes to a maximum depth of 9-10 meters.

Is equipment provided for both activities?

Yes, all snorkeling and scuba gear is included in your booking.

Are underwater photos included?

Yes, professional underwater photos are taken and included at no extra cost.

What should I bring for this tour?

You only need to bring your swimsuit; everything else is provided.

What’s included

Your day includes free pickup from Chania, all rental equipment for both snorkeling and scuba diving (no need to bring anything but your swimsuit), professional underwater photos and video taken during your dives or swims, light snacks and water served on board between activities, plus full guidance from certified local instructors who make sure everyone feels comfortable throughout the trip—even if it’s your first time trying either activity.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to breathe underwater? I hadn’t really thought about it until we were bobbing on a boat off Chania, wetsuits half-zipped, the air smelling faintly of salt and sunscreen. Our guide, Giorgos, passed around masks and made a joke about how we’d look like sea aliens—my friend tried hers on backwards and everyone laughed. The water at Marathi was so clear you could see the pebbles shifting below before we even jumped in.

I’ll admit I was nervous about the scuba part (snorkeling felt easy compared to tanks and all those straps). Giorgos talked us through everything on deck—he was patient, didn’t rush anyone. When I finally went under, there was this strange hush; even my own bubbles sounded huge. Schools of silver fish darted past my mask. At one point, I forgot to kick because I was just staring at the sunlight slicing through blue-green water. Someone tapped my arm—turns out I’d drifted toward a rock covered in tiny orange things (sponges? coral? still not sure). No pressure to be an expert here—just curiosity.

The best bit? My sister stayed topside snorkeling while I tried diving, so nobody missed out. Later we swapped stories over a snack on the boat—she swore she saw an octopus (I’m skeptical). The instructors snapped underwater photos for us too; some are hilarious—I look like a startled goldfish in mine. Oh, and transfers were included from our place in Chania, which meant zero stress figuring out buses or taxis early in the morning.

I still think about that weird calm feeling when you’re floating under all that water, hearing nothing but your own breath. If you’ve ever wanted to try scuba diving in Crete but worried you’d mess up or feel out of place… honestly, don’t. It’s more fun than scary—and way less serious than you’d expect.