The most popular water activity in Heraklion is windsurfing, due to the constant waves on the northern coast of Crete. The favorite spot for surfers is Malia Beach (about 35 kilometers from Heraklion), where Dolphin Water Sports is located.
Amoudara Beach, next to the Dolphin Bay Hotel, is home to a windsurfing school.
The pebble beach of Palekastro (12 kilometers from Heraklion) is ideal for diving, as the sea is deep and very clear. A large diving center (European Diving Institute) is located in the village of Agia Pelagia.
Water skiing and wakeboarding lessons in Heraklion are available at Amoudara Beach (30-50 EUR for 3.5 kilometers). There you can also rent a canoe or go snorkeling (10-15 EUR).
