Greece isn’t just about ancient ruins and stunning islands — it’s also a fantastic destination for snorkeling. The country’s crystal-clear waters, varied coastlines, and unique underwater features turn every trip into an aquatic adventure. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced swimmer, Greece offers options that let you explore vibrant marine life, secluded coves, and even volcanic springs. One standout experience is the Santorini Private Caldera Cruise with Lunch & Snorkeling, which combines luxury, scenic views, and underwater discovery in one package.
Our list of the 8 best snorkeling experiences in Greece covers everything from guided day trips around Athens to private boat cruises in Santorini. Each offers a different way to enjoy Greece’s waters, whether by kayak, boat, or on a guided tour. No matter your budget or your sense of adventure, you’ll find options worth considering.
Quick Overview of Top Greece Snorkeling Tours
This list includes a mix of _guided tours_, _private cruises_, and _adventure excursions_. Some tours focus on family-friendly beginner experiences, like the Chania: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling for Beginners by Boat, while others cater to those seeking luxury and exclusivity, like the Santorini private caldera cruise. For active travelers, tours like the Milos 4WD adventure with snorkeling bring together land exploration and water fun. Each tour offers its own highlights, from exploring blue caves to swimming near Marianna shipwreck.
Below, you’ll find detailed reviews of each experience, helping you decide which one best fits your Greek holiday plans.
1. Athens: Snorkeling Riviera Adventure
At number one, this guided snorkeling adventure along the Athens Riviera makes the most of Greece’s proximity to the capital, without sacrificing quality or scenery. For just $90 per person, you get a 3-hour tour led by certified instructors, who ensure safety and fun whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snorkeler. The tour emphasizes comfort, providing buoyancy-enhancing wetsuits and complimentary snorkeling vests that make staying afloat easier. Plus, you can opt for private or group experiences, tailoring it to your comfort level.
What sets this tour apart is the mix of professionalism and flexibility. The guides take you to serene coves and clear waters where marine life is lively enough to keep you entertained. After the swim, you can request photos—an excellent way to remember your underwater adventure. The tour’s feedback of 4.8/5 from 26 reviews indicates a high level of satisfaction, especially for those wanting a hassle-free introduction to Greece’s coastal waters.
Bottom Line: This is great for travelers who want a quick, well-organized trip with the option for privacy or a group, perfect for a half-day escape from the city.
2. Chania: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling for Beginners by Boat
For around 4 hours, this tour in Crete offers a combined experience of snorkeling and scuba diving, making it ideal for first-timers wanting a bit of everything. Known for its small group format and friendly instructors, it scores a perfect 5/5 from 2 reviews. The tour begins with a boat trip around Agios Onoufrios, followed by a safety briefing at the visitor center.
The real highlight is the opportunity to snorkel into the Blue Cave and try scuba diving at a maximum depth of 9-10 meters. The guide explains marine life as you explore, enriching the experience beyond just floating around. After your underwater activities, there’s a snack on board and underwater photos to take home. The tour’s itinerary includes multiple stops for swimming and guided exploration, making it a well-rounded day.
Bottom Line: Perfect for beginners who want both a boat trip and underwater encounters, especially those interested in trying scuba diving without committing to a full course.
3. Athens: Athenian Riviera Kayaking and Snorkeling Tour
This 2-hour tour offers a good dose of adventure and tranquility. For $90, you paddle along Athens’ rugged coastline, exploring hidden sea caves and snorkeling in clear waters. With a 5/5 rating from 2 reviews, it’s clearly a favorite among active travelers who want an authentic experience away from crowded beaches.
The tour begins with a 10-minute safety briefing before you start kayaking, followed by about 30 minutes of paddling through scenic coastlines. Then, you stop to snorkel in the clean, inviting waters and explore the marine life flourishing in the caves. Afterward, you relax on a secluded beach, soaking up the sun and enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
What makes this experience stand out is the combination of physical activity, natural beauty, and the chance to see sea caves and marine life in a setting that feels untouched. It’s suited for those who like water sports but don’t want a full-day commitment.
Bottom Line: If you’re looking for a short, energetic outing that combines kayaking and snorkeling, this tour offers a perfect mix of adventure and serenity.
4. Santorini: Private Caldera Cruise with Lunch & Snorkeling
While this is a pricier option at $2,127 for a group up to four, the luxury of a private cruise makes it worth considering. This tour spans 4 hours on a luxury catamaran, with stops to swim, snorkel, and enjoy a Greek meal with drinks. It’s the ideal choice for those celebrating a special occasion or seeking an exclusive experience.
Starting from the Santorini Old Harbor, the cruise takes you to Red Beach and the volcanic hot springs, combining stunning scenery with underwater fun. You can snorkel near volcanic formations and relax in warm waters, then feast on a barbecue chicken, seafood pasta, and other local dishes. The panoramic views of Santorini’s caldera provide the perfect backdrop for photos.
This tour’s standout feature is the blend of personalized service, scenic beauty, and culinary delights. It’s best suited for travelers who want a luxury experience and can splurge on a memorable day at sea.
Bottom Line: Ideal for special occasions or those craving exclusivity, this private cruise offers top-tier comfort with unforgettable views and underwater adventures.
5. 3h Snorkeling tour: Marianna shipwreck- Parthena- Kastraki
If exploring shipwrecks and remote beaches excites you, this 3-hour tour in the South Aegean is a perfect pick. For $508 per group, up to four people, it offers an intimate, personalized experience focusing on snorkeling near the Marianna shipwreck, Parthena beach, and Kastraki rocks.
The tour takes place on a boat, which means you access spots only reachable by water. The highlight is snorkelling near the Marianna shipwreck, where the rusting vessel creates a fascinating habitat for marine life. You also explore Parthena beach, known for its difficult-to-access spots, and snorkel around Kastraki rocks with your guide’s help.
The small group size and focus on specific sites make this trip ideal for serious snorkelers and those who want to discover Greece’s lesser-known underwater sites. The reviews mention that the experience is well-organized and the guides are attentive.
Bottom Line: For dedicated snorkelers craving unique underwater sights, especially shipwrecks, this tour offers a focused, intimate experience.
6. Athens: Private Daily Cruise & Snorkeling Petalioi Marmari
This 6-hour private cruise is designed for travelers who want a personalized day at sea. Starting from the Marmari area, it takes you through the Petalioi Islands, often called the Maldives of South-East Evia. It’s an excellent choice for those who value privacy, comfort, and scenic variety.
You’ll cruise on a high-performance rib boat, stopping for swimming, snorkeling, and snack breaks. The tour provides drone images and underwater photos, adding a modern touch to your marine adventure. The vibrant marine life and crystal waters make snorkeling here particularly rewarding, especially in the quieter islands away from crowds.
The itinerary includes stops at Marmari, Meganisos, and Schinias Beach, making this a well-rounded day. The tour’s flexibility and exclusivity make it suitable for couples, families, or small groups seeking a more relaxed, tailored experience.
Bottom Line: If privacy and customized service are your priorities, this private cruise delivers a luxurious, memorable day in Greece’s waters.
7. Milos: 4WD adventure with Snorkelling and Lunch
For a full-day adventure on Milos, this 6-hour 4WD tour combines off-road exploration, snorkeling at secluded beaches, and a lunch by the sea. The tour is led by an experienced driver with extensive local knowledge, ensuring you hit spots that most travelers miss.
The itinerary includes about 3 hours of driving, with stops at remote beaches ideal for swimming and snorkeling. After enjoying the underwater world, you’ll have a picnic lunch with fresh, local ingredients, overlooking the sea. The tour is praised for its scenic views and the chance to escape crowded tourist spots.
This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a mix of land and sea exploration in one day. The reviews highlight the personalized guidance and the peacefulness of secluded beaches.
Bottom Line: Best suited for active, curious travelers who want an all-in-one Milos experience away from tourist crowds, with plenty of snorkeling and scenic stops.
8. Athens: Snorkeling Tour
Finally, this snorkeling tour in Athens offers a straightforward introduction to Greece’s underwater world. Priced at $130 per person for 4 hours, it’s a good option for travelers wanting professional instruction and easy access to the sea.
Led by the Divers Society, the tour focuses on swimming in the clear waters of the Aegina Sea while discovering marine life that lurks beneath the surface. With safety and guidance as priorities, this is a safe choice for beginners or those who want a structured, educational experience.
While less elaborate than some private options, the tour’s focus on quality instruction and marine discovery makes it a reliable choice for first-timers wanting to get their feet wet.
Bottom Line: If you desire a well-organized, beginner-friendly snorkeling experience with professional guidance, this tour will serve you well.
How to Choose the Right Snorkeling Experience in Greece
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, fitness level, and whether you prefer a luxury cruise or a hands-on adventure. For a quick introduction close to Athens, the Athens Riviera Snorkeling Adventure is ideal. For a more exclusive, personalized day, the private Petalioi cruise is unbeatable. If you’re eager to explore shipwrecks or remote beaches, the Kastraki snorkel tour offers unique sights.
Timing is also important: summer months (June to September) provide the best visibility and warmth, but many tours operate year-round. Booking early can ensure availability, especially for private and luxury options.
Final Thoughts
Greece’s waters are diverse and inviting, offering everything from easy snorkeling in calm coves to exciting boat excursions with underwater exploration. For travelers seeking value, the Athens Riviera adventure delivers a reliable, enjoyable experience. For those wanting a luxury day at sea, the Santorini private cruise offers unmatched comfort and scenery. Meanwhile, adventurers and land lovers can enjoy the 4WD Milos tour or the sea caves kayaking.
No matter which experience you choose, Greece’s underwater world promises vibrant marine life, dramatic volcanic formations, and warm, inviting waters. Book early, pack your swimsuit, and get ready for a memorable underwater adventure in Greece.