Kourtaliotiko Gorge: Snorkel Trip to the Waterfalls

Getting a taste of Crete’s natural beauty doesn’t always mean lying on a beach. For those craving adventure, the Kourtaliotiko Gorge snorkel trip offers a unique blend of water, hiking, and breathtaking scenery—all in just four hours. Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or just love exploring stunning landscapes, this tour promises memorable moments amidst one of Crete’s most scenic spots.

From the moment you start, the experience is geared toward active travelers eager to see waterfalls, explore a gorgeous canyon, and splash around in crystal-clear mountain water. What makes this tour stand out? The knowledgeable guides, excellent value, and the chance to enjoy nature without requiring prior diving experience. That said, a bit of physical activity—mainly climbing stairs—means it’s best suited for those with good mobility.

One thing to keep in mind is the cold water, which can be a shock for some, especially if you’re not used to mountain streams. But if you’re prepared with the right gear, the chilly refreshment quickly becomes part of the fun. Perfect for families, adventure seekers, or anyone who loves authentic outdoor experiences, this tour offers a balanced mix of thrill and natural beauty.

Good To Know

• Active and scenic: Combines water adventure with hiking and sightseeing.
• All skill levels welcome: Snorkeling gear and guidance provided, suitable for non-divers.
• Authentic natural experience: Waterfalls, springs, and lush canyon views.
• Well-organized and small group: Limited to 8 participants for personalized attention.
• Good value: Includes transportation, equipment, water, and fruit.
• Physical activity involved: Climbing stairs and walking through water, so be prepared.

You can check if your dates are available here:

An In-Depth Look at the Kourtaliotiko Gorge Snorkel Trip

Starting Point and Logistics

The adventure begins at Dive2gether diving school in Plakias, an accessible base for the tour. You’ll meet your guides, who are fluent in multiple languages including Dutch, English, French, and German. The group size is kept small—max 8 participants—ensuring everyone gets personal attention and plenty of guidance.

Before heading out, you’ll be fitted with high-quality wetsuits, masks, and snorkels. All equipment is packed neatly into large bags, allowing you to leave your personal belongings safely at the shop with a secure storage service. It’s worth bringing a towel, water shoes, and a small water bottle (which you can refill at springs along the route), making sure you’re comfortable and prepared for the trek and water segments.

The Journey to the Gorge

Using the diving school’s vans, the guides drive you to the start of the gorge, which involves a bit of a climb—over 300 concrete steps—that lead you to a scenic Greek chapel. This staircase is a notable part of the experience, offering a glimpse of local architecture and tradition before descending into the gorge.

The uphill climb might be a challenge for those with knee issues, so it’s good to be aware of this beforehand. Once at the bottom, you’ll start the water adventure, setting your wetsuits and snorkeling gear, ready to explore.

Exploring the Gorge and Waterfalls

The route takes you through hip-deep water along the riverbank, where you’ll pass the first springs. Here, you can drink the fresh mountain spring water directly from the source—a surprisingly refreshing experience that many reviewers loved. It’s an authentic taste of nature that adds to the overall thrill.

Further into the canyon, the scenery becomes even more captivating, with multiple waterfalls and lush greenery. The highlight is reaching the laguna, an area filled with waterfalls cascading into a natural pool, creating an almost surreal setting.

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Snorkeling and Water Play

This is where the tour shines. The guides provide a brief crash course in snorkeling, emphasizing how the wetsuit not only keeps you warm but also provides buoyancy. They ensure all masks and snorkels function properly, giving you confidence in the water.

In the deeper sections, a safety floating line is attached to keep everyone connected and secure. Many participants, including some reviewers, noted how comfortable and safe they felt, thanks to the guides’ professionalism and clear instructions.

Once in the water, it’s splash time. You’ll see waterfalls, swim close to them, and even encounter aquatic life like eels (as one guest mentioned). The water is cold but invigorating, cutting through the heat of the Greek sun. When the cold gets to be too much, there’s a perfect pause in the sunshine to relax, sip on some fruit, and take in the natural beauty.

The Return and Photo Opportunities

After a fun-filled time swimming amongst waterfalls, you’ll leave the water, change back into dry clothes, and head back up the stairs to the starting point. Back at the diving school, the guides share photos taken during the trip, which you can purchase for an extra fee—a nice keepsake from this memorable day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour covers transportation, snorkeling gear, water, and fresh fruit, making it excellent value for the price of $97. You’ll need to bring your own water shoes and swimwear, and an admission fee of €10 per adult applies to enter the gorge itself (kids under 18 are free). The small group size enhances the experience, allowing for personalized attention and safety.

What Reviewers Say

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeable guides—particularly Joost, who was described as friendly, committed, and humorous. One reviewer highlighted how the guides made everyone feel comfortable and supported, especially during deeper water sections.

Many also appreciated the stunning scenery, with comments about crystal-clear water, waterfalls, and eels adding a sense of discovery. The water’s coldness was noted but seen as part of the fun, with most guests acknowledging it was worth enduring for the incredible views and experiences.

Practical Tips for Future Participants

• Bring water shoes to protect your feet on rocky or slippery surfaces.
• Prepare for stairs—the route involves climbing around 350 stairs, so good mobility helps.
• Dress in swimwear and bring a towel for after swimming.
• Refill your water bottle at springs along the way for hydration.
• Consider your comfort with cold water; the mountain streams can be chilly but refreshing.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for adventurous families, active travelers, or nature lovers who want to see Crete’s stunning waterfalls from a different perspective. It’s suitable for non-divers too, thanks to the snorkeling equipment and guidance. If you’re comfortable with a little physical activity—climbing stairs and walking through water—you’ll find this tour highly rewarding.

It’s less ideal for those with knee issues or limited mobility, given the stairs and uneven terrain. Also, if you’re sensitive to cold water, be prepared for the possibility of a brisk dip. Still, most guests find the experience invigorating and worth every chilly splash.

Final Thoughts

The Kourtaliotiko Gorge snorkel trip offers a beautifully balanced experience of outdoor adventure and stunning scenery. It’s a chance to explore a lesser-known corner of Crete, away from crowded beaches, and truly connect with nature. The guides are well-trained and attentive, making safety and comfort a priority.

For just under $100, you get an active, memorable half-day packed with waterfalls, mountain water, and underwater fun. It’s a great choice for those who want a taste of Crete’s wild side, with plenty of photo-worthy moments to remember.

Whether you’re a family seeking fun or an adventure-loving solo traveler, this trip delivers authentic experiences, good value, and a healthy dose of outdoor excitement.

FAQ

Do I need to be a good swimmer?
Not necessarily. The guides provide snorkeling gear and ensure all participants feel comfortable. The snorkeling is done in shallow water with safety lines, making it accessible for most.

Is this tour suitable for kids?
Yes, especially if they enjoy water activities and are comfortable walking and climbing stairs. Kids under 18 get free entry into the gorge, but parental supervision is recommended.

What do I need to bring?
Bring a towel, water shoes, a small water bottle, and swimwear. The tour provides wetsuits, masks, snorkels, and fruit.

How long does the trip last?
It lasts about four hours, including transportation, walking, swimming, and relaxation.

Is the water cold?
Yes, the mountain water can be chilly, but many guests find it part of the adventure. The wetsuits help keep you warm.

Are the guides experienced?
Absolutely. Guests praise guides like Joost for their friendliness, commitment, and humor.

Can I purchase pictures taken during the tour?
Yes, photos are available for €19 if you want a keepsake of your adventure.

What’s the level of physical activity involved?
There’s some walking, climbing stairs, and walking through water. Be prepared for about 350 stairs and some slippery patches.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transport from the diving school to the gorge and back is part of the package.

How much does the gorge entry cost?
€10 per adult, paid separately at the entrance. Kids under 18 are free.

This snorkeling trip to Kourtaliotiko Gorge offers a fantastic combination of scenic beauty, outdoor activity, and the chance to experience Crete’s wild waterways. Suitable for those who love a bit of adventure with a splash of nature, it promises an authentic and fun-filled day in Greece.

You can check if your dates are available here: