{"id":15786,"date":"2021-08-10T11:32:49","date_gmt":"2021-08-10T09:32:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.checkyeti.com\/blog\/?p=15786"},"modified":"2021-08-10T12:01:37","modified_gmt":"2021-08-10T10:01:37","slug":"snorkeling-boat-trips-north-crete","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.checkyeti.com\/blog\/en\/snorkeling-boat-trips-north-crete","title":{"rendered":"The 5 best snorkeling boat trips in the North of Crete"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The sea of Crete is perfect for snorkeling<\/strong> because of its signature crystal-clear waters. Crete makes up the 5th largest island of the Mediterranean region, and its seashore boasts areas with visibility of up to 30 meters<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

In the following article, I will list the 5 best snorkeling boat tours<\/strong> that you can find in the north of Crete<\/strong>. 3 of these spots are included in the European Natura 2000 project that protects their biodiversity, wherefore these areas are becoming more and more relevant and interesting every year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

On this map you can see where the snorkeling spots are located.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"On<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To make it clearer, I have circled the areas with different colours, which you will also find in the titles. Therefore, if you are interested in a specific area, you can click below and go directly to the paragraph you are interested in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Red: Boat trip with snorkeling to Balos and Gramvousa<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Blue: Snorkeling boat trip to the Theodorou and Lazaretta Islands<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Green: Snorkeling boat trip to Empros Yialo e Drepano<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pink: Sailboat trip with snorkeling to Dia Island<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yellow: Boat trip with snorkeling to Spinalonga Island<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Boat trip with snorkeling to Balos and Agria Gramvousa<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"The
\u00a9Cretan Daily Cruises<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

This boat tour takes you to explore a magnificent stretch of land protected by the European Natura 2000<\/strong> programme, which is located in the far north-west of the island. This area, which includes the Balos peninsula and the island of Agria Gramvousa, is home to the monk seal, one of the most endangered animals in the world<\/strong>, and the loggerhead sea turtle <\/strong>(better known as Caretta caretta). Other animals such as wild goats can be easily spotted and are amongst the most photographed features of Balos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Starting from the port of Kissamos, there will be an hour’s cruise to the island of Agria Gramvousa<\/strong>. Here, there will be a first stop of 2 hours<\/strong>. The sea in this part of Crete is simply fantastic. There won\u2019t be any snorkeling equipment <\/strong>onboard, so you’ll want to bring your own<\/strong>, because once you arrive, you won’t be able to resist snorkeling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lagoon of Balos is unique and special because it consists of a peninsula. A narrow strip of sand with sunbeds and parasols divides the sea. On the one side, the water is very shallow and warm<\/strong>, with few fishes, but perfect for taking a dip up to your<\/strong> knees<\/strong> or letting children play safely<\/strong>. On the other side, it is deeper, more colourful <\/strong>and suitable for snorkeling<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moreover, while there is another beach in Crete that is very famous for its pink sand<\/strong> – i.e. Elafonisi<\/strong>, Balos <\/strong>also has stretches of pink sand, turning this bay into a simply magical place.  In any case, you will have 3 hours<\/strong> here to swim and appreciate the sea and the beach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Highlights of the trip:<\/p>\n\n\n\n