Snorkelling in Greece: 12 Best Destinations
If you’re a nature lover or just a fan of the sea, snorkelling in Greece is a great way to experience a whole new underwater world! The breathtaking turquoise waters make snorkelling one of the best activities to do in Greece – in fact, Greece has some of the best snorkelling in the world. Whether you’re in Greece with kids or Greece with teens, this is one of the favourite family activities in Greece that isn’t to be missed.
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Does Greece Have Good Snorkelling?
The sea around Greece is warm and teeming with nature, making snorkelling in Greece some of the best snorkelling you’ll find anywhere in the Mediterranean Sea! This article includes some of the best snorkelling spots globally, both on the Greek mainland and on the Greek islands.
The 12 Best Places to Snorkel in Greece
Wondering where to snorkel in Greece? I have you covered. Explore the underwater world of Greece with our guide to the top 12 snorkelling spots across the Greek islands.
From the coral gardens of Crete to the mysterious shipwrecks and rocky coves around Kos, each destination offers a glimpse into the Greek islands’ marine life and stunning natural beauty.
Ideal for families and snorkelling pros alike, these locations promise clear, warm waters filled with fascinating sea life and beautiful underwater landscapes.
1. Snorkelling in Lefkada – The BEST Greek Island for Snorkelling
Lefkada is a popular destination for snorkelling in Greece—in fact, some have claimed it’s some of the best snorkelling in Europe! It’s a less-visited island overall than others, but this makes snorkelling in Greece even more fun as you’re not surrounded by other tourists all the time.
Ammoussa Beach on Lefkada is one of those places where tourist numbers tend to be a bit lower than elsewhere. This is partly because the beach is further away from the nearest town than many other beaches.
Couples and families will love the two secluded beaches offering snorkelling, swimming, and all-day fun.
Best spots: Ammoussa Beach, Agiofilli Beach
Snorkelling Gear: There are several places to rent snorkelling gear throughout Lefkada, especially near beaches.
2. Snorkelling Paros
Amazing underwater finds are waiting under the seas in Paros, one of the best Greek islands for snorkelling. The Pateronisi underwater cave is filled with stalactites, and you can take off your mask to look around when you get there. The stunning Tripiti Reef has another cave to visit.
There’s impressive marine life throughout the island’s underwater circuit, too! Next door is another impressive island, so don’t forget to check out Antiparos’ best snorkelling.
Best spots: Prasonisi, Dryonisi, Pyrgaki Bay, Akros Makronisou Gorge, the Beaufighter and Marianna shipwrecks.
Snorkelling Gear: If the tour doesn’t provide a snorkelling kit, then there are many places in the centre of Paros and near the beaches for snorkelling Paros style!
3. Snorkelling in Santorini, Greece
Many would argue that this tourist paradise is the best Greek island for snorkelling, and Santorini snorkelling is certainly popular!
The water’s high salt content makes the diving and snorkelling experience relaxing and different from anywhere else! The island is considered a romantic destination, and the nearby underwater volcano makes it an essential visit for snorkeling in Greece.
Best spots: Cape Tripiti, Taxiarchis shipwreck, Adiavati reef
Snorkelling gear: There are many places to rent snorkelling gear near the coasts of Santorini!
Read More:
Santorini in One Day: A Day Trip
How to get from Santorini to Paros
4. Snorkelling in Corfu
Snorkelling Corfu style is great for those interested in a historic and beautiful island atmosphere! Some of the Corfu snorkelling spots are the most famous in the world.
There are coves, caves, beaches, underwater shipwrecks, and more, and the seas are beautiful and warm to explore.
The underwater marvels also place this at the top of the rankings for the best Greek island for snorkelling – in fact, it’s the top island for aquatic activities in general.
Best spot: Avlaki Beach
Snorkelling gear: You can rent or buy snorkelling gear near Avlaki Beach, while some other beaches don’t have the option.
5. Crete Snorkelling
The best snorkelling in Crete is hard to pin down because Crete snorkelling is some of the best snorkelling in Greece. Snorkeling Crete style means exploring Greece’s biggest island’s rocky shores and underwater life.
You’ll find shipwrecks and even remains of planes! There are amazing snorkelling and diving spots in the Gulf of Souda and from the regions of Kalyves to Georgioupolis. Snorkelling Olous Crete is also recommended when snorkelling Crete style!
You can even go Elafonsi snorkelling nearby.
Best spots: Elefanton Cave, Skinaria Beach, Spatha and Gramvousa Capes, Volusma Beach, Cape Sidero, and Koufonisi.
Equipment: Gear can be rented all around Crete, both near the beaches and in specialised shops in towns.
Read More: Things to do in Crete
6. Kos Snorkelling
Some of the nicest Greek coasts are found on the island of Kos—all 100 km of coastline! It offers a variety of snorkelling opportunities, from amazing marine life to fascinating underwater rock formations and caves, bubbles from volcanic gases, and more.
From the island, you can see Turkey across the sea, and there are many further watersports for boating, swimming, and diving fun.
Best spots: Camel Beach, Limnionas Beach, Psalidi Beach, Paradise Beach, Lambi Beach
Snorkelling gear: The Kos coastline offers options to rent or buy snorkelling and scuba equipment.
Planning a trip to Kos? Make sure you read these guides:
Where to Stay in Kos for families
7. Naxos Snorkelling
There’s one major reason more than any other for those who choose to go snorkelling in Naxos, which makes it unique amongst Greece snorkelling and Greece scuba diving – and that’s the amazing undersea sunken ship.
The Marianna Wreck sank in 1981 after colliding with the Amaras Rocks. The ship is 100 meters long, and the rear is fully intact – experienced divers can even go inside and see the ship’s cargo!
Even young and inexperienced divers and snorkellers, though, are able to get close to the ship on a line. The ship also offers tons of amazing sea life and natural sights to see.
Best spots: Agios Nikolas Reef, Graviera Reef, Calypso Reef, Marianna Wreck
Snorkelling gear: There are several places along Naxos coastlines to rent equipment
Planning a trip to Naxos? Make sure you read these guides:
The best family accommodation in Naxos
8. Kefalonia Snorkelling
Snorkelling in Kefalonia is unlike anywhere else in Greece. The snorkelling tours on this island take you deep into a natural underwater museum filled with remnants of Ancient, historic, and modern Greece, from war remnants to shipwrecks – including pirate ships!
Kefalonia is also said to be home to several key locations from the Odyssey, and you can see some of the mysterious sights underwater there, too.
The natural life around Kefalonia includes octopuses and eels that live in the wrecks and many more different kinds of marine life! It’s also east of Kefalonia, so you can get a boat to nearby islands.
We also recommend snorkelling Zakynthos, where you’ll have the chance to see loggerhead sea turtles in top spots like Gerakas Beach, Kalamaki Beach, Laganas Beach, Cameo Island, and Dafni Beach.
Best spots: Argostoli, Dafnoudi Beach, Emblisi Beach, Myrtos Beach, Xi Beach.
Snorkelling gear: Gear can be rented at many points around Kefalonia, especially near the beaches.
Planning a trip to Kefalonia? Make sure you read these guides:
Beautiful Towns and Villages in Kefalonia
Where to Stay in Kefalonia for Families
How to Travel from Athens to Kefalonia
9. Rhodes Snorkelling
The diversity of options, from Faliraki snorkelling at Kathara beach to the pretty swimming sights of Kallithea, makes Rhodes the perfect spot for families on their first snorkelling in Greece adventure.
Many people visit Rhodes each year for its amazing sites on and around the island! In addition to wrecks, natural formations, and marine life, the waters around Rhodes are some of the clearest, most beautiful, and gentlest for families looking to explore.
Best spots: Ladiko/Anthony Quinn Bay, Kathara Beach, Kallithea Beach, Oasis Beach, Haraki Beach, Stegna Beach, and more.
Snorkelling gear: There are several snorkelling rental options, diving clubs, and academies on the northern tip of the island near the city of Rhodes. Several are also scattered down the northeast and some lower east coast of the island. It might be harder to find elsewhere, but don’t forget to check!
10. Halkidiki Snorkelling
Halkidiki may not be a Greek island, but its stunning underwater sites are not to be missed. In addition to a variety of wildlife and undersea scenery, you’ll find remains of ancient civilisations just under the surface!
In fact, if you explore the harbour at Toroni with your snorkelling mask, you’ll find a large portion of an underwater city that once stood tall above the waves over three thousand years ago! You’ll find other underwater treasures wherever you look.
Best spots: Porto Valitsa, Pirate Bay, Porto Koufo, Erika Underwater Cave
Snorkelling gear: Gear can be rented, and instructors can be found dotted all over the shores at Halkidiki
11. Snorkelling in Mykonos
Mykonos is a party island! Compared to the hustle and bustle of the party island, its underwater scene is like a whole other world! If you’re on the southwest of the island, expect buzzing beaches, celebrities, and big spenders all over.
To the northeast, though, where it is quieter, you’ll find some of Greece’s most amazing snorkelling and swimming.
Best spots: Lia beach, Agios Sostis beach, Paralia Kalo Livadi
Snorkelling gear: The shores and beaches are filled with scuba and snorkel rental places all around Mykonos.
Tip: When in Mykonos, consider doing a Mykonos sunset cruise (read our guide for the top recommendations). The sunsets in Mykonos are not to be missed.
12. Milos Snorkelling
Milos is a highly popular location for snorkelers, swimmers, and divers, especially because of its unique geology, which includes huge white stone stacks that plunge into the sea, sheer cliffs, and beautiful grottoes.
The island’s two main towns on the western coast offer easy access to many of the amazing inlets that are great locations for snorkelling. To get to other parts of the island, it’s best to go by boat – with snorkelling trips too!
Best spots: Tsigrago Beach, Paralia Agios Ioannis, Kleftiro, Sarakiniko, Papagragas sea Caves
How to Get to Milos: You can reach Milos by ferry from nearly all of the Cyclades islands. Read our guide on how to get from Athens to Milos here.
Snorkelling with Kids and Teens in Greece
Families of all ages can get involved with snorkelling and scuba diving, another beloved pastime in Greece. Most of the best places to snorkel in Greece will provide a kid’s snorkelling kit and lessons for beginners, including kid’s snorkelling masks and kid’s snorkelling fins.
The tours we link below are some great ones to pre-book, but don’t forget to ask locally about tours and lessons! Some of the best snorkelling in Greece can be done on hidden gem tours that only locals know about.
FAQs About Snorkelling in Greece
Which Greek island has the best snorkelling?
Lefkada is famous for offering some of the best snorkelling in Greece, with less crowded spots like Ammoussa Beach and the busy Agiofilli Beach. It’s known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine environments that appeal to both novice and experienced snorkelers.
Should I snorkel in Greece?
Absolutely! Snorkelling in Greece offers the opportunity to explore some of the world’s clearest and most biologically rich waters, making it a must-do activity whether you’re a novice snorkeller or an expert.
Is Santorini a good place to snorkel?
Snorkelling in Santorini is well worth it. The island’s unique volcanic activity creates fascinating underwater environments teeming with diverse marine life. The best places to snorkel in Santorini are Cape Tripiti, Taxiarchis Shipwreck, and Adiavati Reef.
Are there coral reefs in the Greek islands?
Coral reefs surround the Greek islands, especially near Crete and the Dodecanese Island group. These reefs are bursting with colourful marine life and provide stunning underwater scenery.
Is Athens good for snorkelling?
Yes, Athens has some incredible snorkelling spots nearby. The Athenian Riviera, along with areas like Cape Sounio and Vouliagmeni, offers beautiful, clear waters where you can enjoy a variety of sea life and good swimming conditions.
Is snorkelling in Greece safe?
Yes, snorkelling in Greece is generally very safe, with calm, clear waters in many areas. As with any water activity, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and consider local conditions, such as currents and weather. Some snorkelling spots are only recommended for advanced snorkelers, so make sure you do research before you visit.
