The Best Spots for Snorkeling in Greece

The endless blue of the Greek seas offers refreshing dives and countless hours of exploration. Great waters, abundant seabed, shipwrecks, and corals make the ideal setting for diving and snorkeling in Greece. 

Fun, safe and easy, snorkeling is the ideal alternative for people who can not dive or feel more comfortable on the sea surface. It can spice up your Greece island-hopping adventure and offer precious moments of fun and excitement. Those moments will transform your romantic vacations into a story waiting to be told.

Here our luxury travel planners show you the best spots for snorkeling in Greece to include in your itinerary for your couple’s vacation in Greece.

What is snorkeling?

Before exploring the best spots for snorkeling in Greece, let’s make sure we know the definition of the sport. Defining snorkeling is especially important for those who don’t happen to live near the sea.

Snorkeling is a water activity in which you get to admire the magic of the underseas. If you’re a young couple in Greece, it’s a wonderful way to bond over mother nature. Its asset rests on the fact that you can do so without diving into great depths. Instead, with the help of a snorkel, a mask, and flippers, you swim on the surface and marvel at the underwater world of the Greek seas. Most importantly, snorkeling doesn’t require any special skills; all you need to know is how to swim. It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Greece. To keep yourself safe on your trip to Greece, make sure you choose equipment from a reputable company that has pristine hygiene practices.

When is the best time to go snorkeling in Greece?

Spring, summer, and early autumn are the best months to attempt a journey into Greece’s unique underwater world. Waters offer excellent visibility during those times, from 6 to 50 meters depending on the season and the diving point.

For the most part, the waters of Greece are warm during most times of the year. The temperature ranges from 16 to 23°C, around 60 – 74°F. On the other hand, the Mediterranean climate of Greece is hot and dry from July to September, with an average temperature of 27°C (80° F).  

Regardless of the optimum time for snorkeling, even if you decide to have an attempt in the middle of winter, you’ll be able to do so. That happens because, during winter, the temperature of the waters decreases to an average of 6°C (43°F).

As a result, for you not to freeze, you should be equipped with the appropriate thermal equipment. You can decide on the proper equipment depending on when and where you choose to snorkel. 

Best places for snorkeling in Greece

The striking Greek coastline offers countless opportunities for snorkeling. In fact, they’re so many someone can have difficulty choosing the best for them. That’s why we have put together a list of the best snorkeling spots in Greece.

It is our goal to make your life easier. We want to offer you the chance to experience our country in the best way possible. 

Snorkeling in Chios

The beautiful island of Chios has some of the most beautiful underwater caves, colorful corals, and rock formations. It also boasts shipwrecks for fans of the adventure. It is considered ideal for beginner snorkels since its waters have good visibility and its temperatures are mild for the most part.

The regions of Elinda, Prasonisi, and Trachili are some of the most popular snorkeling spots on the island. Therefore, those are the spots you cannot miss if snorkeling is on your to-do list, especially if you’re a beginner. 

Snorkeling in Santorini

The cosmopolitan island of Santorini is one of the best Greek islands for couples, has stunning beaches, and is one of the best snorkeling spots in the country. Due to the volcano, the bottom of Santorini’s sea is remarkably fascinating.

In addition, the high salt content of its waters makes cruising and snorkeling in the region quite a relaxing experience. Among the top snorkeling options on the island are Cape Tripiti, Taxiarchis -with its famous shipwreck- and the reef in the area of Adiavati.

Snorkeling in Zante (Zakynthos)

Another one of the most popular destinations in Greece for snorkeling is the island of Zakynthos or Zante. This Ionian island boasts some of the most incredible snorkeling spots you can encounter. It truly has one of the most beautiful seabeds and fascinating marine worlds, especially in the southwestern part of the island.

Worth mentioning is also its internationally renowned National Marine Park. The rich flora and fauna combined with the crystal clear turquoise waters and its caves make the ideal background for dreamy dives.

You can swim next to a Caretta-Caretta turtle or a Monk seal if you are lucky since both species are famous for occupying Zante’s beaches. 

Snorkeling in Kalymnos

Kalymnos is a less-popular island of Greece that belongs to the Dodecanese complex. It is best known as ‘the island of sponges,’ as it is traditionally the source of catching, processing, supplying, and exporting natural sponges in Greece. Expectedly, Kalymnos has a rich seabed with reefs, caves, and shipwrecks.

As a result, it creates the dream setting for those who love exploring the mystic depths by snorkeling the Greek seas. The area of Therma – Pithari, the famous diving park, the sponge farms in Kastelli and Kambi, and the area Diapori of Leros are the areas that attract the most divers and snorkelers. As a result, these are where you want to be when visiting the quiet island.

Snorkeling in Crete

Of course, Greece’s largest island couldn’t be excluded from the list. In majestic Crete, there are numerous shipwrecks and trunks of planes that testify to the island’s history. There are also dozens of fantastic places for snorkeling and diving located in the Gulf of Souda.

What’s more, you’ll find incredible Greek snorkeling spots on the rocky shores from the region of Kalyves to the one of Georgioupolis.

Among them, the underwater Elefanton cave -which translates to ‘the cave of Elephants’ in Greek, the beach of Skinaria, the cape of Spatha and the cape of Gramvousa, the beach of Voulisma in Lassithi, and the shores of Cape Sidero and Koufonisi are the best choices for your snorkeling adventures.

Read also: Crete Honeymoon; The Ultimate Guide and The Best Greek Islands for Hiking and Nature-gazing

Snorkeling in Kea

The island of Kea is a vast amusement park for diving lovers, thanks to its underwater wealth. It is one of the closest islands to Athens, the capital of Greece, which adds to its allure.

The morphology and biodiversity of the seabed, and the role of the island in Greece’s history as a site of many shipwrecks, have created a unique setting for exploration. It is perfect for both experienced and amateur snorkeling in Greece. In addition, there is a diving center on the island, where you can find information about diving tourism.

Among the many shipwrecks Kea hosts, the most remarkable is Titanic’s sister ship, a hospital ship called ‘British,’ a French ocean liner called ‘Burdigala”,’ a wheeled steamer called ‘Patrice,’ and a German Junkers 52 aircraft of World War II.

Koundouros, a large reef in the homonymous bay, offers one of Greece’s most impressive snorkeling experiences. The island of Spanopoula, near the island’s north coast, is the ideal place to see up close large exotic fish.

Snorkeling in Corfu

Beautiful Corfu, this enchanting island full of history and natural beauties, is ideal for snorkeling and allows you to explore its fascinating underwater treasures. The island ranks at the top regarding its aquatic activities. The beaches, the coves, the capes, and the endless drylands are heaven on earth for all sea lovers.

The sea warms up a lot from June onward, and everyone can comfortably engage in any underwater activity they like. So whether you are looking to snap underwater photos or to wander for hours with a mask and a snorkel, the seabed of Corfu is exactly what you’re looking for.

Snorkeling in Kefalonia

Kefalonia hides many underwater secrets. Its seabed is a vast museum that hosts tragedies from Homer’s epics, shipwrecks from the Venetian times, and the time of pirates, as well as remnants of two world wars. Two of them -the most impressive- are located just two kilometers from the capital of Kefalonia, Argostoli.

Shipwrecks are an amazing hiding place for marine life. There, you will find shrimp, octopus, moray eels that stick their heads out of the holes of the barrels, and any other small or large fish found in the Greek seas. It is an ideal dive for all levels of divers and snorkelers, offering generous, once-in-a-lifetime experiences for everyone.

Snorkeling in Paros

Popular and with the Cycladic ambiance dominating the scenery, Paros is another stunning destination for snorkeling.

The main destinations for your snorkeling adventures in Paros are the reefs in Prasonisi, Dryonisi, and Pyrgaki Bay.

Also, the gorge at Akros Makronisiou and the shipwrecks of Beaufighter and the merchant ship Marianna. 

Paros’ seabed is full of surprises. In the cave in Panteronisi, an incredible underwater cave with stalactites awaits you.

There, you can take off the mask and admire the majesty of nature. The reef of Tripiti also ends in a cave and is more than worth a visit.

Paros boasts terrific places where the Greek marine life unfolds: impressive, serene, and wonderful.

Don’t leave Greece without experiencing the underwater landscape of Paros. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Read also: The Ultimate Paros Honeymoon Guide

Snorkeling in Mykonos

Mykonos is ideal for those who love snorkeling. There, you can find organized diving centers and shops with diving equipment. The best months for snorkeling on the island are September and June.

That is because then, the waters are pretty warm, and good visibility allows you to see to the bottom of the sea. As an additional bonus, the boats and yachts in the ocean are few and far in between during those months. 

The seabed of Mykonos and the surrounding rocky islets are impressive. They are full of small and large fish, reefs, dry, broken slabs, and algae full of life. Unfortunately, there are also several well-known shipwrecks.

The most popular is the ship ‘Peloponnese’ which sunk to the bottom in 1930, and the old cement factory ‘Anna II’ which has been there since 1995. The rocky islets of Prasonisia and Tragonisi, with their amazing sea caves, are also a sight to behold. 

Read also: The Ideal Beaches for Couples in Mykonos: Love & Seaside Bliss

Snorkeling in Pavlopetri

We couldn’t complete the list of the best snorkeling spots in Greece without mentioning a place, not on the Greek islands. Pavlopetri is located in the Peloponnese, specifically, the region of Laconia.

Opposite Elafonisos, Pavlopetri has been hiding for over 5,000 years the most ancient underwater city in the world, which has been recognized as a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site.’ However, people only discovered this ancient city in 1967, and the fact that it remained unknown for so many years is because access to it is challenging.

It is located 4 meters below sea level, while it also happens to be incredibly well preserved. Due to its remarkable historical heritage and one-of-a-kind beauty, it is the ultimate destination for diving and snorkeling in Greece, especially for history buffs who want to get introduced to the vastness of Greek history from up close.  

It is not about looking for rubies and diamonds, nor any buried treasure. It’s about looking for freedom of movement fundamental knowledge. Most importantly, it is an initiation into another world—a magical and mysterious world dominated by the liquid element.

Attempt a snorkeling adventure during your visit to Greece or your Greek honeymoon, and you’ll never look back.