Snorkel to Kourtaliotiko Waterfall & Hike, Plakias Crete

You swim behind the waterfall itself, not just toward it.

This snorkeling and hiking activity in Plakias, Crete combines a 300-step descent to a mountain stream, a guided snorkel upstream about 90 meters to a natural lagoon and waterfall, and a swim behind the falling water itself. The trip includes full wetsuits and professional snorkel gear, a professional divemaster guide in English, French, German or Dutch, all photos taken by your guide, and a Cretan lunch in the operator's olive garden afterward. Children from age 6 are welcome; moderate fitness helps, and you'll need to bring your own water shoes for hygiene reasons.

The Experience

The day starts with transport to the trailhead near Plakias, then a short hike down roughly 300 steps to where the stream begins. Once you're in the wetsuits, the guide leads you upstream for about 80 meters along the water itself—part walking, part easy climbing, part swimming—until the stream opens into a natural lagoon. This is where the snorkeling begins: from the lagoon, you swim another 90 meters further into the gorge toward the source, and the waterfall appears ahead, fresh drinking water pouring from the rock face year-round. After the swim and a fruit snack at the water, the hike back takes a different route of roughly 100 steps to return to base.

The walk passes through rare flora and fauna, and the guide watches for aquatic life in the stream. Everyone moves at their own pace—the activity is designed so families and mixed fitness levels can all participate. The wetsuits provide thermal protection, and the professional snorkel equipment is included. A photo session runs throughout, and every image the guide captures goes home with you.

Back at the base, a Cretan lunch waits under the olive trees—the meal is included and a natural way to rest and review the morning while the guide walks through the photos. The whole outing takes about five hours from start to finish. Public transportation options are available nearby if you're not driving yourself.

What’s included

• Full body wetsuits and professional snorkel equipment.
• a professional divemaster or instructor guide.
• all photographs taken during the activity.
• Cretan lunch served in the olive garden.
• transport to and from the trailhead.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Dive2gether Crete

Is this one for you?The hike down and back up, plus the swim upstream, asks for moderate fitness and comfort in water—it's not a passive boat ride, but the pace stays flexible and the guide adjusts for the group. Choose this one if you want to move through the landscape and reach the waterfall under your own power, not just look at it from a distance.

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Top questions

How far do you actually swim to reach the waterfall in Plakias?

From the natural lagoon, you snorkel about 90 meters further into the gorge to reach the waterfall itself, where the freshwater pours directly from the rock.

Can children do this snorkel and hike trip?

Children are welcome from age 6, and the activity is designed so everyone can participate at their own level—the pace is flexible and the water entry is gradual.

What languages does the guide speak?

The professional divemaster or instructor leads in English, French, German, or Dutch, depending on the departure you book.

Is the hike back up as steep as the way down?

The return route is different and covers roughly 100 steps, compared to the 300-step descent at the start, so the climb back is shorter.

What should I bring for this trip to Plakias?

Water shoes are essential for hygiene reasons and you'll need to bring your own; sun protection is also your responsibility, so pack weather-appropriate coverage.