An extremely expensive experience. Lovely concept, but unfortunately we barely even saw a fish. The small groups were a good idea, but our guide wasn’t aware of where all our group members were in the ocean. The head office was tired, dirty and had no loo roll. Some group leaders were better than ours. We had no idea we were being picked up by taxi, the driver didn’t communicate to ask us. We eventually worked out that another group in the hotel lobby were going in the taxi too.
As you gaze at the clear, turquoise waters of Paphos Harbour, it's easy to imagine Mother Nature has everything under control. But she could do with your helping hand to balance the human impact on the seas. This conservation-based snorkelling experience has been developed exclusively for National Geographic Day Tour guests and invites you and your family to do more than simply admire and swim in the Mediterranean. It's your chance to learn about and care for the sea and everything that calls it home.
You'll begin by meeting a local marine biologist, your guide on this conservation quest. He'll tell you about Dr. Emily Duncan, a National Geographic Explorer, whose research on plastics and the local turtles is the inspiration for this tour. You'll learn about threats to these creatures and the wider ocean's ecosystem and what you can do to help turn the tide and protect them.
You'll set sail armed with a waterproof board and pen to help identify and record different species among the seagrass meadows and rocky reefs. During this guided 90-minute experience, which includes the boat ride and snorkelling time, you'll be on the lookout for rainbow wrasse, blue-spotted cornet fish and endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles. As fun as filling in your fishy bingo card is, you'll be contributing important research to the Citizen Science Initiative and supporting the conservation of precious marine life. Round off the tour with an eco-pledge, empowering you to care for and protect the oceans for generations to come.