A boat trip that feels like a shortcut to paradise

Boat time beats beach time in Rethymno. This is a private 7m RIB tour with a licensed skipper, built around two serious swim-and-snorkel moments: Spilies Beach (with cave views) and the boat-only secret beach with fine sand and pebbles. You also get a real change of perspective on Rethymno, cruising back past the coastline with the Fortezza Castle looking down from the sea.

I especially like that the plan is simple and water-focused: you’re given snorkeling masks and snorkels, plus a safety briefing before you start playing in the clear blue. The other big win is flexibility built into how the skipper handles cave snorkeling and timing, depending on conditions.

One consideration: this tour is weather-dependent, and cave snorkeling is only allowed if the skipper decides it’s safe at that moment.

Key points worth knowing

• Private RIB with a licensed skipper: you’re not sharing the route with strangers.
• Spilies Beach cave views: the boat stops outside the caves; you can snorkel in if conditions allow.
• Secret beach by boat: fine sand + pebbles, with rocks offering shade depending on the season.
• Natural photo spot: Kamarola arch: great for pictures without needing a long hike.
• Snacks, drinks, and turquoise cruising: included time to relax on the water, not just swim.
• Fortezza Castle from the sea: you finish with classic Old Town views by water.

From Nearchou 33 to open water fast

Your day starts at Nearchou 33, Rethymno, at the Old Harbour area. From there, you’re quickly out on the water with a 7 meters private RIB, guided by a licensed skipper. This “short hop then play” rhythm matters here: you spend less time getting there and more time actually in the sea.

There’s also a practical modern touch: you’ll use a mobile ticket, and WiFi is available onboard. That’s handy if you want to post a photo while the boat is cruising, or just keep your plans tidy.

Spilies Beach: cliffs, caves, and a controlled snorkeling plan

The first stop takes you toward Spilies Beach, roughly a 30-minute ride from the harbour. The area is known for cliffs and cave formations, and here’s how the tour handles it: the boat stops outside the caves, so you snorkel toward the cave area or stay closer to the beach to wander.

You’ll have about 45 minutes for snorkeling, and about 40 minutes overall at the stop (the timing can feel like “just right” for swimming plus a relaxed look around). If you don’t want to snorkel, you can still enjoy the clear water and shoreline views at a slower pace.

The key detail is safety. Snorkeling in the caves depends on weather and water conditions, and the skipper will only allow it if it’s a safe experience. That’s exactly what you want on a small boat tour: freedom, but not recklessness.

What I’d do if cave snorkeling is on the table

If conditions look good, go for it, but keep it calm:

• Swim at your own pace and treat the caves as a bonus, not a mission.
• If visibility drops or the sea gets choppy, you’ll still have a beautiful swim area and can call it without stress.

Secret beach by boat: fine sand, shade, and Kamarola arch photos

After Spilies, you head to the “secret beach” stop, accessible only by boat. This is where the tour really earns its name: the beach is small and private-feeling, with fine sand mixed with pebbles and clear water.

You get around 40 minutes here, which is enough time to do a full cycle: hop in from the boat, swim, then return for a slower moment on shore. The beach sits under rocks that provide shade depending on the season, so even if you’re there on a bright day, you shouldn’t be stuck baking the whole time.

And yes, there’s a famous photo element: the natural Kamarola arch is a great landmark for memorable pictures. You won’t need a long detour or awkward walking boots—this is part of the natural scenery you see from the beach and while the boat is in position.

Swimming options: boat access makes it easy

One reason this stop feels great is the access. You’re not limited to a far-off shoreline swim. You can jump back in from the boat, then head toward the beach for sunbathing. If you want to snorkel, you can do that too, as long as the skipper’s conditions allow safe time in the water.

Snacks, drinks, and Geropotamos turquoise views

Between the big swim stops and the return to harbour, the tour includes a look at Geropotamos Beach with its turquoise waters. This isn’t just sightseeing at speed—you’ll have snacks and drinks onboard while enjoying the view.

This matters more than people think. On a private boat tour, you’re not just collecting photos; you’re resetting your whole pace. A small snack and a drink in the middle of the sea time can make the whole trip feel longer and easier, especially if you’ve been out walking in Rethymno before the tour.

Fortezza Castle and Rethymno’s Old Town coast from the sea

On the way back, you’ll get a classic Cretan finale: the Venetian Fortezza Castle and the coastal line of Rethymno Old Town from the water. There’s time for pictures near the lighthouse area before you finish back at the starting point.

The sea view is the payoff here. From land, Fortezza is impressive. From the boat, it’s different—your perspective shifts and you can see how the coastline curves around the harbour.

Price and value: $634 private, plus fuel cash after

The price is $634 for the private boat experience (mobile ticket included). For a private 7m RIB with a licensed skipper, that can be good value if you want two things at once:

1) your own time schedule, and

2) direct access to beaches that are hard to reach without a boat.

What’s not included is fuel (€40 paid in cash after the tour). It’s a straightforward add-on, but you should plan for it so you don’t get surprised when you return.

Here’s how I’d think about value: you’re paying for boat time, safe navigation to the best swim zones, and the freedom to stop where the water looks right. The included items—masks and snorkels, safety equipment and briefing, bottled water, and onboard WiFi—help reduce the hassle factor, too. You’re not showing up with gear bags and hoping the water is calm enough to use them.

Also, the tour is not a big-group production. It’s private, so the experience is less about fitting into someone else’s timing and more about what your group wants to do with the water.

The skipper effect: Kostas keeps things flexible

One of the best parts of this tour is the way the skipper runs it. Kostas is mentioned repeatedly in the same way: warm, friendly, and focused on making the trip feel right for the group. The practical piece is flexibility—adjusting what’s possible depending on conditions and taking care with photo moments so you don’t feel like you’re just being rushed through stops.

Flexibility shows up in real details:

• He checks what’s safe for snorkeling in the cave areas.
• He helps you plan the swim time without turning it into a strict schedule.
• He’s been willing to shift timing if weather is better one way or the other.

If you care about getting the most out of limited time on the water, that human touch can be worth as much as the scenery.

Who should book this Secret Beach RIB tour (and who shouldn’t)

This is a solid fit for:

• Swimmers who want snorkeling breaks with provided gear.
• People who want a private experience instead of a crowded boat.
• Families or couples who prefer a guided route but still want freedom in the water.

It’s less of a fit if:

• You have serious mobility issues. You should notify the operator in advance if mobility is a concern, but the tour is not recommended for severe cases.
• You have severe sea sickness. The tour notes that it’s not recommended if you’re prone to bad sea sickness, or you’ll need motion sickness medicine beforehand.
• You don’t know how to swim. Not “no,” but you must wear a life jacket, and the operator notes this obligation.

Service animals are allowed, and the meeting area is near public transportation, which helps if you’re mixing this with other Rethymno plans.

Practical tips so your time in the water feels smooth

This tour gives you masks and snorkels, plus safety equipment and a briefing. Still, a few small prep moves make a difference.

Bring what the sea will test

• Sun protection (and water-friendly footwear if you like pebbles underfoot).
• A towel or quick-dry layer for after your swims.
• Motion sickness medicine if you’re sensitive—since conditions can shift and the boat is moving.

Plan around cave conditions

Cave snorkeling is explicitly subject to weather conditions, and it’s permitted only if the skipper decides it’s safe. So keep a flexible mindset. Even if cave snorkeling isn’t possible that day, you’ll still have Spilies water time and the secret beach stop.

Use your time efficiently at each stop

With about 40 minutes at both Spilies and the secret beach, don’t waste the “on the water” momentum. If you want to snorkel and swim, try to snorkel first, then shore time. If you just want to relax, spend the first part of the stop settling in, then do a short swim near the end.

Should you book Blue Fin Boat Trips to the Secret Beach?

If you want the easiest way to reach the boat-only secret beach and you like a schedule built around swimming, this tour is a strong pick. The price is not cheap, but for a private RIB with a licensed skipper, included snorkel gear, and multiple sea stops (Spilies, secret beach, Geropotamos, Fortezza), it can feel like good value.

I’d book it when:

• you’re visiting in fair weather and you want the most sea time you can fit,
• you care about snorkeling access (with safety checks handled by the skipper),
• you want Rethymno Old Town’s coastline views without dealing with long drives.

I’d skip or rethink it if:

• you’re likely to be miserable with boat motion,
• you’re dealing with severe mobility limitations,
• you’re hoping for guaranteed cave snorkeling no matter what the sea is doing.

FAQ

FAQ

Where does the private RIB tour meet?

It starts at Nearchou 33, Rethymno 741 31, Greece, near the Old Harbour area.

How long is the tour?

The duration is listed as approximately 2 hours.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What’s included in the price?

You get use of the 7m private RIB boat with a licensed skipper, masks and snorkels, safety equipment and a safety briefing, WiFi on board, and bottled water.

Do I need to pay extra for fuel?

Fuel is not included. There is a €40 fuel fee that you pay in cash after the tour.

Are masks and snorkels provided?

Yes. Masks and snorkels are included.

Can I snorkel inside the caves?

You can snorkel in the cave area, but it depends on weather and sea conditions. The skipper allows it only if it’s safe.

What happens if bad weather prevents the tour?

If weather doesn’t allow the operation of the tour, you can reschedule or receive a refund. You’ll be offered alternative timing or another program if possible.

If I can’t swim, can I still join?

You can participate, but the tour notes that people who do not know swimming are obliged to wear life jackets.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues or sea sickness?

If you have mobility issues, you should notify the operator prior to the tour. It’s not recommended for travelers with serious mobility issues, and it’s also not recommended for travelers with severe sea sickness (or you may need motion sickness medicine before the tour).