Rethymno Sea Kayak & Snorkeling Tour: An Expert Review

Crete, Greece, it’s almost like a beautiful canvas painted with the colors of history and the shimmering blue of the Mediterranean. If you find yourself drawn to its shores, specifically to the town of Rethymno, perhaps you’re thinking about an experience that combines a bit of physical activity with exploring marine life? The ‘Rethymno Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Tour’ tends to be a very popular option for those very reasons. What follows, is that this isn’t just a surface-level glance, yet it’s more like an overview from someone who’s looked into every nook and cranny, making it that you can make an educated choice for your holiday. Let’s take a look!

What’s Included in the Tour

So, what does this tour throw in, then? Often, tour operators like to package in various bits and pieces that enhance the overall experience, isn’t it? Generally, when booking a Rethymno Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Tour, that you will receive:

Kayak Equipment: This typically involves a sea kayak (usually a tandem kayak for two people, or single kayaks), paddles, and a life vest. They sometimes supply waterproof bags too.
Snorkeling Gear: Naturally, this includes a mask, snorkel, and fins, that are well-maintained for comfortable viewing.
Guidance: You’ll more or less have a qualified guide leading the tour. They are normally trained in sea kayaking and first aid, which is certainly reassuring.
Safety Briefing: Before you set off, it’s extremely typical that you’ll get a comprehensive safety briefing, which tends to cover paddling techniques, safety procedures, and what to do in case of emergencies.
Snacks and Drinks: Tours quite often include light refreshments, such as water, juice, and some fruit, very much to keep you energized throughout the trip.
Photos: Some tour operators, too, will snap photos during the excursion, sharing those moments with you after the trip. What a cool perk, very much to capture the memories without you needing to worry about your own camera!

The Kayaking Experience

Kayaking in Rethymno, that can be just magical, isn’t it? Paddling along the Cretan coastline is often a unique way to see the island from a completely different angle. The usual starting point tends to be near the Venetian Harbor, and from there, the guide then leads the group along a route designed to show off the landscape. Often, these trips take you to spots only accessible by sea, making for an exclusive experience. During my experience, the water actually was exceptionally clear, giving an unobstructed view of the rocks beneath, almost so it’s perfect for spotting the little fish darting around. That the kayaks themselves are fairly stable, even for people who are new to kayaking. I mean, it’s still a workout, granted, that if the sea is calm it’s manageable for most fitness levels.

The rhythm of the paddle dipping into the sea, that feels almost therapeutic, right? You often see the coastline in its full splendor, a tapestry of beaches and interesting rock formations. Plus, the guides know so much, that they are quite often brimming with information about the local history and ecology, so expect little stories and insights about Crete, adding another layer to the experience.

The Snorkeling Adventure

Of course, the snorkeling bit of the tour can be something special too, eh? After a relaxing kayak, the group then often stops at a pre-selected snorkeling location. Those locations, too, are usually picked for their clear water and abundance of sea life. Now, Crete isn’t exactly the Great Barrier Reef. You will not encounter extremely vibrant corals, but what is really there, is a fascinating collection of smaller marine species, that is fascinating.

Even at fairly shallower depths, that you might encounter colorful fish, starfish, and sea urchins, then. The visibility often plays ball, that can make it easier to watch the underwater life. So it is that the guides also give instructions on the proper use of the snorkeling equipment. If you’re new to snorkeling, it is possible they might offer advice on breathing techniques too, and tips for staying comfortable in the water, to let you fully appreciate the experience, which, often, you will.

Swimming in the cool, transparent water is great, just being a part of the aquatic environment can feel magical too, that is actually the case. Each location, too, will provide you something slightly different. Sometimes you find small caves to investigate from the outside, then other times it’s just following schools of fish darting around. Even in case you don’t have an underwater camera, trust me, you’ll remember it.

What to Bring With You

Right then, getting ready for this adventure is very much like packing for any watersport-centered activity, in some respects, yet there are some important things that make the experience smooth, really:

Swimsuit: Arguably the most obvious one, right? Bring a swimsuit that fits you comfortably for kayaking and swimming.
Sunscreen: Crete sunshine, it is incredibly strong, eh? Use a high SPF sunscreen, that will save you from the sunburn. Also, bring it with you.
Hat and Sunglasses: A hat will often keep the sun off your face, and polarized sunglasses really cut down the glare from the water.
Towel: Very useful, when you hop out the water, to dry. Try to use a micro-fiber one.
Water Shoes: Should the shoreline have many rocks, that the water shoes should save your feet from cuts.
Waterproof Camera/Phone Case: Really want to take pictures? In that case, protect your equipment.
Change of Clothes: Usually there is the opportunity for you to freshen up once the tour concludes. Don’t forget to bring new clothes.
Water: Generally speaking the tour operators supply drinks, yet bring water along anyway.

Tour Operator Quality and Safety

So, let’s consider something quite vital. That tour operators, that will vary considerably, in short, that means you should choose a trustworthy one. Look for a company with positive reviews, which typically highlight experienced guides, that actually supply quality equipment, as well as, really care about safety. You can ask what their safety protocol is. Does the business make the equipment seem maintained?

What you’ll notice, really, is the guide. Their training and demeanor, that are of great value. They tend to know what they’re talking about, too. They’re actually watching over people and that their brief is extremely complete. Safety rules shouldn’t be treated as a recommendation only; so be aware.

Who is This Tour For?

Actually, who will particularly benefit, when taking this kayaking and snorkeling tour? Should that question be crossing your mind, alright then, it caters, largely to a mixed range of adventurers. Now, beginners can get to do it too. Even should you have limited or even no kayaking background, this should be still enjoyable. Almost everyone is capable of managing it with the assistance from the leaders. Fitness levels aren’t often tested excessively, that makes it accessible for those wanting medium physical activity while on holiday.

Now then, people actually enjoy observing wildlife, who really prefer being out and on the ocean. The mixture of kayaking and being underwater that supplies two unique ways to absorb scenery is actually quite delightful, that I do appreciate personally. Perhaps you’re also looking at something you do, along with somebody else, say for example your partner or just friend(s); and then it might really be for you.

Alternative Tour Options in Rethymno

Perhaps the kayaking is not what you want exactly; fortunately Rethymno and the neighborhood do have things going too. You get boat rides to beaches near at hand along with guided walks too. In the event the water’s fine nevertheless snorkeling’s off that it is likely there will be just straightforward snorkeling. And should really getting physical actually feels not the greatest you may like taking simple walking guided historic city excursions!

Check out regional travel agencies, also. Find something that speaks towards interests and just what precisely degree comfort needed if exploring Crete. It’s just ensuring vacations would work on you personally not forcing any awkward peg, arguably. Vacations really should really be regarding enjoyment without struggle, by the way.

Final Thoughts

The Rethymno Sea Kayak and Snorkeling Tour, basically, supplies one cool approach to witness some gorgeous scenery plus wildlife! Almost definitely worth taking into consideration just as much while scheduling any type trip specifically should certainly possibly like outdoorsiness. Keep these tips present, select decent traveling and packing with that thought in place just as there definitely, arguably! And here is wishing for unforgettable holiday in Crete actually!