Two beaches, one saltwater mission. This 4-hour cruise from Kolymbari takes you to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, with guided snorkeling in crystal-clear water.

What I really liked is the combo: long swim time plus standout underwater stops that feel more than just pretty scenery.

I also like how the day stays punchy and practical, with an optional hotel pickup option in north Chania and a straightforward meeting point at the port.

One heads-up: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so getting to the beach means swimming in shallow water.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Menies Beach: ancient Diktynna area, a Roman temple, and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George above the waterline
• WWII snorkeling: look for the sunken base of cannons and related underwater remnants
• Two boat-only stops: Chironisia Bay is reachable only by sea, so it feels calmer than many shore trips
• Comfort without a full-day commitment: 4 hours total, with generous time at each swim stop
• Onboard basics: snorkeling gear, a refreshments bar, and toilets (useful when you’re on the water for hours)

Why This Menies and Chironisia Cruise Feels Like a Real Day at Sea

Crete’s north coast can look dramatic from shore, but it hits different when you’re moving along it. This cruise turns that coastline into two swim-and-snorkel stops with just enough sightseeing built in to make the day memorable.

You’re not locked into one beach. You get Menies Beach first—paired with underwater WWII finds—and then you head to Chironisia Bay, a small cove you can reach only by boat.

Getting to Kolymbari and the 4-Hour Timing That Works

The whole experience is built around a simple rhythm: a short port start, a cruise out along the coast, then two swim windows, and back to land within about 4 hours.

You’ll meet at the port of Kolymbari, looking for the Smile Cruises boat. If you choose hotel pickup, you’ll be told your pickup time by email, and the driver won’t wait more than 5 minutes after the scheduled pickup.

Boat departures from the port are set for 10:15 and 14:30. The tour duration is short enough that you can still enjoy dinner plans the same day, which is a big deal on a packed Crete itinerary.

The Rodopou Peninsula Cruise: More Than Just Travel Time

Between the harbor and your first stop, there’s a cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula area. This matters because it gives you that first stretch of open-water views before you gear up and commit to swimming.

Expect a safety briefing early on after you board—usually quick, but it’s there to set expectations for how you’ll get into the water and what to do around the boat.

If the sea is calm, this portion feels like breathing room. If conditions are rough, you’ll notice it here, because you’re out on the water before you settle into the swim stops.

Menies Beach: Ancient Diktynna Views Above and WWII Finds Below

Menies Beach is the main event for a reason. You’re dropped into a zone tied to Diktynna, including the area where Crete’s goddess Vritomartis had her most important temple. Above the water, you’ll see references to an ancient Roman temple and a 9th-century abandoned monastery of St. George.

Then there’s the underwater hook. You’ll use the provided snorkeling gear to look for remnants connected to WWII—specifically the sunken base of cannons and related underwater structure. It’s the kind of snorkel stop that gives you something concrete to search for, not just the usual fish-spotting.

How the Water Time Actually Feels

You get a longer swim window here—about 105 minutes. That extra time helps if you’re a beginner, want to relax on the surface, or just want multiple tries at the underwater features.

There’s also a practical reality worth knowing: the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore. So you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach, and it’s smart to come with comfortable beach shoes. One review also recommended water shoes for the rocky feel.

What You Might See (and What You Might Not)

Snorkeling wildlife varies by day, and the tour doesn’t promise a specific “must-see” species. I’d treat WWII structure as the main certainty and fish sightings as the bonus.

Some people reported seeing plenty of fish and sea life, while others said they didn’t catch much underwater action. The good news: even without heavy fish activity, the mix of underwater remnants and clear water can still make it satisfying.

Chironisia Bay: A Boat-Only Cove and Cave-Style Snorkeling

After Menies, you cruise along the coast again—short boat time, then you reach Chironisia Bay. This stop is special because it’s only accessible by sea, which usually means fewer distractions once you’re in the water.

Chironisia is smaller, and that’s part of the appeal. You’ll get about 40 minutes of free time for swimming and snorkeling here. Because it’s shorter, I’d use that time with intention: gear up, try the water routes you can handle, and don’t spend it searching for things that need deeper effort.

Small Caves and Snorkeling Routes

The description calls out that you can venture into small caves with snorkeling gear. In practice, that means you might swim toward darker openings or shallow rock formations—just stay aware of your comfort level and keep an eye on the boat.

This stop also tends to feel more “secluded by nature” rather than isolated in a wilderness sense. You’ll still be on a guided trip with others, but the cove’s shape helps it feel quieter once you’re off the deck.

The Boat Experience: Comfort, Space, and the Snack Bar Reality

The boat is the kind that works well for this length of outing. Several people mentioned it was bigger than expected and had multiple seating areas, which helps when the boat is busy.

A few useful onboard details from experience reports:

• You’ll have toilets on the boat.
• There’s a refreshments bar with snacks and drinks you can buy (food isn’t included).
• You’ll find snorkeling equipment provided, including items like masks/gear and flippers as part of the rental setup.

One practical note: some people said the upper deck had no shade, which can be rough on sunny days. If you burn easily, plan to rotate between sun and sheltered spots when you’re not actively snorkeling.

Also, audio can be a factor. One review noted that it was hard to understand the guide’s instructions from the upper deck because speaker quality wasn’t great. If you want to hear well, hang closer to the front/crew area when they brief you.

What I’d Watch For: Waves, Shore Access, and Gear Fit

This tour is built around swimming stops, so a few details can make or break the day.

The shore swim is real

Because the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, you’ll need to manage a shallow-water entry. If you’re not comfortable with that, you’ll feel it more at Menies, since that stop has a longer “water-to-beach” feel.

Rocky beach means shoes help

The Menies shore is described as rocky, though stones can be smooth. Still, the safest move is to bring water shoes so you’re not negotiating footing while holding snorkel gear.

Seasickness can happen when it’s choppy

One review described choppy waves and said some people felt sick, even to the point of a child throwing up. The tour won’t run in poor weather, but you can still get rough water on a day that isn’t a total washout. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider packing what usually works for you.

Snorkel gear fit matters

A couple of comments suggest gear quality is generally fine, but sometimes masks need adjustment or replacement. If your mask doesn’t seal well, raise your hand early. One person specifically praised Maria for quick help with a snorkeling mask.

Who This Cruise Is Best For

This is a good fit if you want:

• A short Crete outing (4 hours) with real swim time
• Two different water environments instead of one long beach stop
• A guided element that includes both cultural context and a fun snorkeling target (WWII remnants)

It’s also family-friendly in tone. Several notes mentioned it works for kids and that snorkeling areas are calm enough for beginners, though that can shift with the sea that day.

If your dream is a car-free day that feels slightly adventurous without being strenuous, this cruise hits that sweet spot.

Should You Book the Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise?

I’d book it if you’re the type of traveler who wants your day to include swimming plus a story under the water. Menies gives you ancient-area context above the water and WWII structure below it, and Chironisia keeps the feeling going with a boat-only cove.

I wouldn’t book it if you strongly dislike any kind of shore swim. Since the boat can’t dock right at the beach and you’ll swim from an anchorage about 6 meters out, you need to be comfortable with that entry.

If you’re coming for clear water, snorkeling gear, and a low-stress schedule, this is solid value at $47 per person for a guided, two-stop experience that’s over fast enough to keep your trip flexible.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the cruise?

The tour runs for about 4 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Meet at the port of Kolymbari and look for the Smile Cruises boat.

What time does the boat depart from Kolymbari?

Departures are listed for 10:15 and 14:30.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included with the cruise.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are not included, but snacks and drinks are available to purchase onboard.

Do they offer hotel pickup and drop-off?

Pickup is optional and only available for select hotels. If it’s offered for your area, you’ll be informed about the pickup time.

Will the boat dock at the beach?

No. The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you’ll swim in shallow water to reach the beach.