Snorkeling in Crete
Snorkeling in Crete comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are July to September, with highs around 82°F (28°C) and the sea at about 77°F (25°C).
Photo: Dietmar Rabich, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top snorkeling in Crete
Boat Trip in Crete with Guided Snorkeling and Free Pick up!From $109View 
Sea Kayak & Snorkel tours in West CreteFrom $89View 
Chania: Boat Trip with Guided Snorkeling Tour & SUPFrom $96View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Crete month by month
Averages for Heraklion Port, 2007–2024; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 60 (16) | 61 (16) | 63 (17) | 68 (20) | 74 (23) | 79 (26) | 83 (28) | 83 (28) | 80 (26) | 74 (23) | 69 (21) | 64 (18) |
| Low °F (°C) | 51 (11) | 51 (11) | 53 (12) | 58 (15) | 64 (18) | 71 (22) | 77 (25) | 77 (25) | 72 (22) | 66 (19) | 61 (16) | 55 (13) |
| Rain, in | 2.4 | 1.9 | 1.2 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.6 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 2.1 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 61 (16) | 60 (16) | 61 (16) | 62 (17) | 67 (19) | 72 (22) | 76 (25) | 78 (25) | 76 (25) | 73 (23) | 69 (20) | 64 (18) |
| Sunset (15th) | 5:31 pm | 6:02 pm | 6:27 pm | 7:53 pm | 8:17 pm | 8:36 pm | 8:36 pm | 8:10 pm | 7:28 pm | 6:46 pm | 5:15 pm | 5:09 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Crete?
July to September. Expect highs around 82°F (28°C) and the sea at about 77°F (25°C). The least comfortable months are January and February, when the sea drops to about 60°F.
How warm is the water in Crete?
The sea averages 60°F (16°C) in February and 78°F (25°C) in August. Below about 75°F most people want a wetsuit for a long swim or dive.
Where can I book snorkeling in Crete?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
