Water sports and leisure activities Crete

Mireille, Freddy and their son Yoann run this unmissable diving centre in Crete. These warm Bordeaux inhabitants will welcome you in a professional and secure environment to help you discover the underwater wonders of the bay of Agia Pelagia: a cave with amphoras, schools of juvenile barracudas, or a turtle. If you want to progress, the centre also offers courses to pass your different levels. It is also possible to rent equipment for adults and children interested in diving and the underwater world.

The center is family oriented, friendly and French speaking. In the heart of this mythical region of Greece, the whole team welcomes divers in a relaxed atmosphere. Exploration diving, wrecks, biology, caves... there is no shortage of spots and the instructors, who are very attentive to your safety, know them perfectly. They are attentive, educational and reassuring. The owners of the club do not hesitate to pick you up directly at your hotel. And if you have trouble finding accommodation, they can also help you in your search.

The sandy beach of Matala is organized and pleasant. It is medium sized, but still under the supervision of a lifeguard because the waves can be quite high and the current quite strong. So don't joke and follow the instructions. There are paying umbrellas and deckchairs, a paying parking lot, public toilets, showers and changing rooms (free). But it is not the most beautiful and it is overcrowded in high season.

The other beaches in the area are either, like Komos and Kalamaki in the north of Matala, large and wild, or smaller and quieter because they are less frequented and not easily accessible like Agio Faraggo in the south after the natural park of the same name. Martsalo is a small isolated beach in the south after the natural park and not far from Faraggo. Stena Beach in Agios Markos, and, close to Stena, those of Kali Limenes and five others to the east are also exceptional.

The Red Beach owes its name to the color of the sand. Less frequented, this beach, surmounted by cliffs, is magnificent, especially at sunset. The view of Matala Bay and Kokkinos Beach is superb when you reach the top of the hill that separates them. Nudism. Access possible only by boat from Matala beach or on foot. Turn left before the small parish church of the Assumption of St. Mary and walk for about 20 minutes (it climbs up and down). Bring closed shoes. On site: coffee and deckchairs.

Different programs and courses for beginners and advanced divers throughout the summer with experienced SSI and PADI instructors. A really fun experience in the world of scuba diving for the whole family. Two agencies to take you out to sea near Rethymnon. Quality equipment. Selection of several dive sites: the experienced diver can vary the programs. One of Despina & Dimitris' main concerns is the conservation of the marine environment. Visiting the Elephant Cave with them is an unforgettable experience.

EOS is the association of mountain people of the region, made up of enthusiasts, who organize many mountain outings: hiking, climbing, canyoning, visits to caves ... The association also plays a very active role in the promotion of this kind of activities, sometimes unknown by tourists and Greeks themselves. The members mark out and maintain the paths, manage the refuges, publish magazines... Get in touch with the volunteers and members of the association to organize your mountain outings and other outdoor activities.

Organization of half-day catamaran trips with a lunch break in a tavern in the port of Panormos. Departures from Bali take place every day in season, weather permitting and if there are enough people to board. The cruises are well organized and will take you to beautiful parts of Crete, accessible only by sea. Sailboats and small motorboats can be rented by the hour and for those who cannot navigate: pedal boats, canoes, jet-skis..

Excellent location for this club established since 1995 in the region of Agia Pelagia: Diver's Club Crete is a very experienced diving center in the field of scuba diving teaching and recreational diving. The dives are guided by "divemasters" and are never more than 20 minutes away. Also sea walks or snorkeling trips. The choice of sites is different according to the level of divers while night dives are planned for all levels.

In this diving center opened here in 2016 (the other being in Agia Pelagia), you will find a full range of snorkeling and PMT equipment, masks, snorkels, fins for all levels. There are also flashlights, knives and diving tools, accessories and gift ideas. In short, you will find all diving equipment with prestigious labels (Aqua Lung, Oceanic, Coltri Sub...) and you will be able to book your sea trips, PADI training and other courses to discover the surrounding seabed.

An experienced and reliable scuba diving center for all levels, always in small groups and in complete safety. Founded in 1993, the center also offers its services at Panormo, located at the Club Marine Palace. Atlantis Diving Center offers a variety of programs and courses for beginners and advanced divers throughout the summer months with experienced SSI and PADI instructors. A sensational experience in the underwater world. The center provides free pick up and delivery to all hotels in Rethymno.

Created in 1993, this 5-star PADI center for beginners and experienced divers is located in the Nea Hora district and has offices in the old Venetian port. Instructors of different nationalities focus on safety. Excursions are made on board their recent 25m boat. It allows families and friends to accompany the divers. The brands Mares, Cress, Sherwood, Scubapro are sold in the shop at interesting prices. The centre is open in season, from April to October, depending on the year.

Since 1995, the Kissamos Diving School, one of the first in Hania, very professional, offers PADI, Dan Europe... courses, in complete safety and for all levels. Beginners start in the small fishing port next door. Activities all year round on request. Also offers a shop for material and equipment. Diving points: 70 miles from the bays of Kissamos and Hania to Paleohora via Elafonissi, Livadia, etc.

A very professional and multilingual diving centre offers you the opportunity to discover the dazzling underwater richness of Crete. Excursions are frequent as there are caves to visit and 25 dive sites around Agia Pelagia. If you book on the website at least one week in advance, you will receive a discount. The transfer is assured but limited to the area between Fodele and Gouves. Possibility of diving at sunset.

Dutch scuba diving school, experienced and very serious, open from April to October, for all levels. For beginners or confirmed divers, in small groups and in complete safety: dives, certification, training courses, equipment rental. French-speaking team. A half-day program is set up for beginners who are welcome as well as the whole family. A really enjoyable and well organized experience in the world of scuba diving.

It was a great experience to dive in this club, which is quite big, but perfectly organized and has enough staff for a very safe supervision. Safety, yes, but also conviviality. There is indeed an excellent atmosphere and the instructors (many of whom speak French) know how to put you at ease. Let's go over the numerous Padi courses available (the whole range in fact) to appreciate the diversity of the spots proposed. There is really something to satisfy the most demanding divers.

Reliable centre for all levels, which organizes dives on very interesting sites, in small groups and under the guidance of an experienced and professional instructor-guide. It also offers programs and courses for beginners or advanced PADI training, Open Water courses (first level of scuba diving), Scuba Diver courses for beginners, among others. Rental and sale of equipment. Book well in advance in July and August!

A spot recommended by windsurfers from all over the world: new equipment rental, lessons from French-speaking instructors and good atmosphere. The spot, created in 2004 by Hannes and Davina, respectively of Austrian and English origin, is frequented by many fans from Europe and elsewhere. Evenings are frequently organised in the centre for a convivial moment. The centre offers yoga sessions, on the beach, for beginners as well as... yogis! Climbing and mountain bike tours are also organised.

Installed on the left side of Vaï beach since 1992, this water sports club guarantees your entertainment and safety. It is one of the best yacht clubs in Crete and with good reason. A team of experienced professionals is behind the great list of water sports and games on offer: jet-skiing, water-skiing, towed buoy or banana, floating sofa, crazy octapus, flyboard, windsurfing, among others. Windsurfing courses start at the beginning of May. Several offers are proposed on the site.

ASS is located in Almyrida, an old fishing village famous for its beach and excellent traditional tavernas. The structure offers single and double kayaks, paddles, windsurf boards and catamarans (hobbie cat 16) for hire. The ASS offers individual rentals, private lessons and even the possibility of joining groups for supervised activities. The staff are professional and very pleasant. A guarantee of quality: ASS is a partner of UCPA, and all our instructors are state-qualified.

This scuba diving centre, created in 1987, is located in the heart of the Minos Beach Hotel. In addition to diving courses, the renowned Pelagos centre also offers water sports equipment for hire: sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, etc. For those who like to be more adventurous, the centre also offers "donut" and "banana" outings, as well as motorboat trips to Mochlos, the island of Spinalonga or the bay of Mirabello. Boat rentals without a licence for the day are also available.