Heraklion:Cruise to Chrissi island natural park with pick up

Key Points

• Round-trip transportation includes hotel pickup and drop-off from multiple locations around Heraklion and nearby areas.
• A 6-hour boat cruise takes you around Chrissi Island’s exotic bays, offering ample swimming and sightseeing opportunities.
• Visit Belegrina (Golden Beach) and swim in turquoise waters just 50 meters from the boat’s anchor point.
• Optional lunch available on board for 9 euros, with drinks sold separately.
• The tour lasts between 10 to 12 hours, starting early with a scenic drive along the east coast of Crete.
• A well-rated experience with an average rating of 4.1/5 from over 100 reviews, praised for the guides and exclusivity at the island.

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Heraklion to Ierapetra: Scenic Drive Through Crete’s East Coast

The tour begins with a comfortable bus pickup from 12 locations near Heraklion and surrounding resorts like Malia, Sisi, Kokkini Hani, and others. The two-hour drive through Crete’s east coast offers charming views of the landscape and coastline. This part of the trip provides a relaxed start and a chance to appreciate the island’s scenery before reaching Ierapetra, where the boat cruise begins.

Once in Ierapetra, a 30-minute free stop allows you to explore the southernmost city in Europe. This gives a glimpse of local life and views of the Libyan Sea, setting the tone for the day’s aquatic adventure.

Chrissi Island: Uninhabited Beauty with Pristine Beaches

The highlight of this tour is the 4.5-hour boat cruise around Chrissi Island, a protected area celebrated for its natural beauty. The journey takes you along the south coast of Crete, sailing past exotic bays and offering sweeping views of the Libyan Sea.

On reaching Chrissi Island, the boat anchors 50 meters from Belegrina (Golden Beach), giving you immediate access to one of the island’s most beautiful spots. The island’s crystal-clear waters invite swimming and relaxation, and the absence of inhabitants ensures a peaceful experience. Critics note that at times, the boat might be the only one at the island, enhancing the feeling of exclusivity.

Swimming and Sunbathing at Belegrina & Vougiou Mati Beach

The main swimming spot is Belegrina, known as Golden Beach for its fine sands. Once anchored, guests can swim directly from the boat into turquoise waters, which are praised for their clarity. The shallow waters and soft sands make it ideal for lounging or wading in the sea.

Another stop includes Vougiou Mati Beach, where the scenery continues to impress. The uninhabited nature of Chrissi Island means no commercial developments or crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquility and natural charm of the beaches.

Onboard Dining and Refreshments

An optional lunch is available on board the boat for 9 euros per person. The self-service restaurant/bar offers a variety of options such as salads, sandwiches, pastries, pizzas, and beverages like soft drinks, beers, and wine. A discounted price on meals can be arranged if you ask your guide during the drive to the port.

While drinks are sold separately, the cruise provides a full bar menu to keep travelers refreshed during the day’s activities. The timing and relaxed pace give ample opportunity to enjoy a meal while soaking in the views.

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Returning from Chrissi Island and Ierapetra

After a 1-hour ferry return to Ierapetra, the tour continues with a two-hour coach ride back to the starting points. The total trip duration is 10 to 12 hours, offering a full day of scenery, swimming, and exploration.

The tour concludes with drop-offs at the original pickup locations, including popular resorts such as Malia, Stalida, Gournes Gouvon, and Heraklion, making it convenient for travelers to return to their accommodations.

Practical Details: Logistics and Accessibility

This tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience. The transportation is by air-conditioned bus, led by a professional driver and accompanied by a multilingual guide fluent in English, German, and French.

Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, hats, towels, sunscreen, and beachwear. The trip is suitable for most ages with moderate physical activity involved in swimming and walking on the beaches, though precise accessibility details are not specified.

The Experience with Cretan Odyssey

The tour is rated 4.1 out of 5 based on 103 reviews, highlighting the knowledgeable guides and the sense of tranquility at the island. One notable review mentions that they were the only boat on the island, emphasizing the peaceful and exclusive feeling. Travelers appreciate the timing, scenic drive, and the fact that the island remains uninhabited with minimal crowds.

The guide’s explanations help enhance understanding of Chrissi Island’s natural significance, and the flexible cancellation policy makes booking risk-free with full refunds available up to 24 hours in advance.

Who Should Consider This Cruise?

This tour is perfect for families, couples, or groups seeking a full-day escape into Crete’s unspoiled nature. It’s especially suitable for those who enjoy swimming, scenic boat rides, and relaxing on quiet beaches. The pace is leisurely, with enough time to sunbathe and explore without feeling rushed.

For travelers interested in natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful surroundings, this cruise offers a straightforward way to experience Chrissi Island’s untouched charm.

Final Thoughts on the Chrissi Island Cruise from Heraklion

This 10-12 hour tour provides a well-organized day of sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing in Greece’s southern waters. The scenic drive, guided commentary, and exclusivity at the island make it a memorable choice, especially for those who value natural landscapes and quiet beaches.

While the lunch is optional and at an extra cost, the free time at Ierapetra and the beauty of the beaches compensate for other minor limitations. The reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides and the sense of having the entire island to oneself at times.

This tour offers good value for a full-day excursion that balances scenic travel with the serenity of Chrissi Island’s pristine environment. It suits visitors who want a relaxing, nature-focused experience with the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is between 10 and 12 hours in total, starting early in the morning and returning in the evening.

What is included in the price?
The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation by air-conditioned bus, a professional guide, boat cruise around Chrissi, liability insurance, and the entrance fee to the natural park.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is not included in the base price but is available on board for 9 euros, with options like salads, sandwiches, and pastries.

Can I swim at Chrissi Island?
Yes, the cruise provides opportunities to swim in crystal-clear waters at Belegrina and other beaches, with a 50-meter boat distance from the shore.

Are drinks available during the cruise?
Yes, drinks are sold separately, including soft drinks, beers, and wine.

What should I bring for the trip?
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, hats, towels, sunscreen, and beachwear.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While the data does not specify age restrictions, the moderate physical activity and beach activities suggest it’s appropriate for most ages, with parental discretion.

How do I reserve my spot?
Bookings can be made with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. After booking, a personalized email provides details about pick-up points and times.

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