Greece, with its sunny climate and clear, warm waters, offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the Mediterranean. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or trying it for the first time, Greece's diverse marine life and stunning underwater landscapes promise an unforgettable experience. Here's everything you need to know about snorkeling in Greece, including the best spots and the best time to dive in.
10 Best Islands to Go Snorkeling in Greece
1. Zakynthos
Best Snorkeling Spots: Navagio Beach, Marathonisi Island (Turtle Island), and Keri Caves.
Snorkeling in Zakynthos is famous for the endangered loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta), particularly around Marathonisi Island. Snorkelers can also spot colorful fish, octopuses, and vibrant coral formations. The island offers a variety of underwater caves and rock formations to explore. The waters around Navagio Beach are particularly clear, offering excellent visibility.
2. Crete
Best Snorkeling Spots: Elounda, Balos Lagoon, and Chrissi Island.
The waters around Crete are home to various fish species, including parrotfish and groupers, as well as sponges and soft corals. You might also encounter Mediterranean monk seals in quieter areas. Balos Lagoon is famous for its shallow, turquoise waters, making it ideal for beginners. Chrissi Island, known for its golden beaches, provides a more secluded snorkeling experience.
3. Corfu
Best Snorkeling Spots: Paleokastritsa, Nissaki, and Agios Gordios.
Corfu’s rocky seabeds are teeming with marine life, including starfish, sea urchins, and a variety of fish. The waters are exceptionally clear, allowing for great visibility. Paleokastritsa is particularly popular for its underwater caves and grottos, which provide a unique snorkeling experience. The calm waters of Nissaki are perfect for relaxed snorkeling sessions.
4. Santorini
Best Snorkeling Spots: Red Beach, White Beach, and Kamari Beach.
The volcanic nature of Santorini’s seabed provides a unique environment where you can find small fish, sea anemones, and occasional sightings of rays. The waters are deep, but very clear. The contrasting colors of the sands at Red Beach and White Beach add to the surreal experience of snorkeling here. The volcanic rock formations underwater are a significant attraction for snorkelers.
5. Rhodes
Best Snorkeling Spots: Anthony Quinn Bay, Lindos, and Kalithea Springs.
Rhodes offers a rich diversity of marine life, including schools of small fish, moray eels, and colorful corals. The waters around Anthony Quinn Bay are particularly known for their clarity. Kalithea Springs is renowned for its underwater scenery, including caves and arches, while Lindos offers snorkeling with a historical backdrop, as the Acropolis of Lindos overlooks the bay.
6. Milos
Best Snorkeling Spots: Sarakiniko Beach, Kleftiko, and Papafragas.
Milos is less known but offers a pristine underwater environment with small fish, sea urchins, and clear waters that allow for excellent visibility. The geological formations are the star here, with dramatic cliffs and underwater caves. Kleftiko is famous for its stunning rock formations and caves, making it an ideal spot for adventurous snorkelers. Sarakiniko, with its lunar-like landscape, offers a unique snorkeling experience in shallow waters.
7. Mykonos
Best Snorkeling Spots: Paradise Beach, Super Paradise Beach, and Agios Sostis.
Mykonos is home to a variety of fish species, including wrasses, damselfish, and the occasional sightings of larger species like rays. The clear waters make for great snorkeling conditions. Paradise and Super Paradise Beaches are lively spots with plenty of amenities, while Agios Sostis offers a more tranquil snorkeling experience away from the crowds.
8. Kefalonia
Best Snorkeling Spots: Myrtos Beach, Foki Fiskardo, and Antisamos Beach.
Kefalonia's waters are rich with sea turtles, colorful fish, and octopuses. The area around Foki Fiskardo is known for its vibrant marine life and excellent visibility. Myrtos Beach, with its dramatic cliffs and white pebbles, offers a stunning setting for snorkeling. Antisamos Beach, surrounded by lush greenery, provides a serene environment with crystal-clear waters.
9. Naxos
Best Snorkeling Spots: Agios Prokopios, Agia Anna, and Mikri Vigla.
Naxos offers sightings of various fish species, sea urchins, and occasional octopuses. The waters are clear, especially around Agios Prokopios, making it a great spot for observing marine life. The beaches of Naxos are known for their golden sands and calm waters, perfect for a leisurely snorkeling experience.
10. Ios
Best Snorkeling Spots: Manganari Beach, Agia Theodoti, and Koumbara Beach.
Ios is home to a variety of small fish and some of the clearest waters in the Cyclades, offering excellent visibility for snorkeler. Manganari Beach is particularly well-known for its shallow waters, making it ideal for beginners. The island’s quieter beaches provide a peaceful snorkeling environment.
Cost of Snorkeling in Greece
The cost of a snorkeling tour in Greece depends on type of destination, vessel, number of people in the tour, facilities given on the tour and if it is a guided or an unguided tour. The price of these range from EUR 45 to EUR 1500. Apart from specific snorkeling tours, there are some day trips to greek destinations that give snorkeling gear as a facility which gives you an opportunity to explore the activity on the side. To book snorkeling tours you can contact local tour operators, local adventure sport agencies, or online intermediaries that offer such activities.
Best Time to Snorkel in Greece
The best time to snorkel in Greece is from May to October when the water temperatures are warm, and the weather is generally stable. During these months, marine life is more active, and visibility is at its best.
- Spring (May - June): Warm weather starts to settle in, and the waters begin to warm up. It's a great time to snorkel with fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.
- Summer (July - August): The peak tourist season with the warmest water temperatures. Beaches can be crowded, but it's the perfect time for a family vacation with endless sunny days.
- Autumn (September - October): The weather is still warm, but the crowds start to thin out. The sea remains warm, making it an ideal time for a more tranquil snorkeling experience.
Tips for First-Time Snorkelers
- Equipment: Make sure to rent or buy high-quality snorkeling gear. Many beaches have rental shops nearby.
- Safety: Always snorkel with a buddy and stay aware of your surroundings. Be mindful of currents and weather conditions.
- Respect the Environment: Avoid touching or disturbing marine life and coral reefs.
- Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided snorkeling tour, especially if you’re a beginner or unfamiliar with the area.
Snorkeling in Greece offers an incredible opportunity to explore a vibrant underwater world teeming with marine life. From the turtle-rich waters of Zakynthos to the serene coves of Kefalonia, each destination promises unique experiences. Plan your trip between May and October to make the most of Greece's warm, clear waters. With the right preparation and a sense of adventure, your snorkeling adventure in Greece is sure to be unforgettable.