Don't Go Snorkeling in Greece. It's a Fine Place for Diving, Though.

You'll explore many nooks and cave areas, but you won't see many colorful fish when snorkeling in Santorini.

By John Roberts

Don't get too excited about snorkeling in Greece. 

Got it? 

Scuba diving is the much better sport for the waters off Santorini. 

Go ahead and pack some snorkel gear for your trip, but don't expect much. Save those expectations for the Caribbean or other well-regarded snorkel spots. And certainly don't pay for a snorkeling excursion in Greece.  

I am a big snorkeling fan, so I thought I'd try it on my recent visit to Santorini. I should have known I wasn't going to see much in the way of colorful and interesting fish when I was the lone person on the rigid-hull inflatable speed boat who wasn't going to be scuba diving when I went out with Mediterranean Dive Club for a late afternoon outing off the coast of Santorini in the waters of the Aegean Sea. It is a "dive" club not a snorkel club, after all. 

I saw a few tiny fish scattered here and there (and an eel), but the rocky volcanic formations and cave openings along the coast are perfect for the divers, who also spotted octopuses and squid while surveying the waters from depths around 20 to 30 feet. 

I later traveled to several other islands in Greece during a two-week stay in the country and heard time and again from people I chatted with that the snorkeling is not very good and that they think the waters have been overfished. 

In Santorini with Mediterranean Dive Club, I had a pleasant enough time in the water if no spectacular sightings were the result. The company offers snorkeling, beginner diving and certified diving outings. It can teach you to dive with its "Discover" program. It offers free transfers to and from your hotel to its location at Perissa Beach to start the excursions. Each newbie diver receives an instructor who will dive with you. 

On my trip, we had a snorkeler (me), three certified divers and one new diver. Mediterranean Dive Club provided four guides to handle the diverse group. We hit two spots to explore, and the outing included snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.  

You set out from the company's location in Perissa. All gear is provided.

I had fun splashing around, looking at rocks and caves and tiny fishes, though.

I'll always have a good time playing in the waters in the Greek isles in the summer. Next time, though, I think I'll be ready to give diving a try. 

Thanks for reading. 

Travel fit! Travel happy! 

JR