Black Rose Pirate Boat: 5-Hour Trip from Heraklion

The Black Rose Pirate Boat offers a lively 5-hour trip from Heraklion that combines the thrill of a pirate adventure with the relaxing joys of sailing along Crete’s coast. Priced at $67 per person, this tour departs from Hersonissos and takes travelers through clear waters to scenic stops at St. Georges Bay, Sissi, Malia, and Stalis. It’s a well-rounded experience that features swimming, snorkeling, and a BBQ meal—all with a splash of pirate-themed fun. While the trip is particularly popular among families, it also suits a variety of travelers looking for a lively day on the water.

One of the key highlights is the dolphin and sea turtle sightings, which add an element of surprise to the voyage. The pirate crew is noted for being friendly and engaging, making the experience enjoyable for children and adults alike. The tour includes snorkeling equipment and pickup and drop-off from select locations, adding convenience to the adventure. However, some reviews note challenges with food choices for children and confusing communication about collection points, so potential guests should plan accordingly. This trip balances fun, relaxation, and a bit of pirate flair for a memorable Crete outing.

Key Points

• Duration: 4 hours, with multiple swimming and snorkeling stops.
• Price: $67 per person, including BBQ meal and snorkeling gear.
• Departure Point: Hersonissos port, with transfer options available.
• Main Stops: St. Georges Bay, Sissi, Malia, and Stalis, offering plenty of swimming and snorkeling opportunities.
• Highlights: Dolphin and sea turtle sightings, pirate-themed activities, and live music.
• Family Friendly: Yes, with face painting and opportunities for children to steer the boat.
• Food: A BBQ lunch is served on board, though some reviews mention the children’s meal could improve.
• Facilities: The boat has 4 toilets, 2 outside showers, and a bar for drinks.

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Embarking from Hersonissos to the Scenic Stops

The Black Rose pirate boat departs daily from the Port of Hersonissos, sailing through the Cretan Sea in clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. The first stop at St. Georges Bay lasts around 2 hours, giving plenty of time to swim, snorkel, and explore. The bay’s calm waters and scenic surroundings make it an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure. Guests can expect warm weather, so bringing a towel and comfortable clothes is recommended.

After the initial stop, the boat continues to the coast of Malia and Stalis for a second swimming session. During this time, passengers enjoy the pirate-themed atmosphere with music, dancing, face painting, and even kids steering the boat—a feature that adds a memorable touch for families. The crew’s lively spirit enhances the overall experience, making it both fun and engaging.

The Pirate Atmosphere and Activity Offerings

The pirate theme is central to this trip, with face painting, music, and dancing creating a festive environment. Kids particularly enjoy the opportunity to drive the boat and receive certificates at the end of the trip, making it feel special and interactive. The crew is praised for being friendly and lively, contributing to a warm, fun atmosphere on board.

Throughout the cruise, the crew keeps the energy high with music and games, making it a lively outing for families and groups. The parrot on board is noted as a quirky addition, adding to the pirate vibe. While some reviews mention confusing communication about pickup points, the overall atmosphere remains light-hearted and entertaining.

The Scenic Stops at St. Georges Bay and Beyond

St. Georges Bay is the main swimming and snorkeling stop, offering around 2 hours of water-based activities. The bay features calm, clear waters that are ideal for snorkeling, with snorkel equipment provided on board. Travelers can expect to see dolphins and sea turtles, which add an exciting element of wildlife viewing.

The trip then moves along the coast to Malia and Stalis, where a second swimming stop allows for more relaxation and water fun. These locations are known for their beautiful beaches and lively seaside atmospheres. The stops are well-paced to balance water activities with sufficient downtime to enjoy the scenery or relax on deck.

A BBQ Meal with Some Room for Improvement

A standout feature of this tour is the BBQ meal served on board, freshly prepared by the crew. The adult food is generally considered tasty, with the barbecue being a highlight for many. However, some reviews highlight issues with the children’s pasta dish, noting that it smells off and could benefit from a menu update.

The meal is included in the ticket price, making it a convenient and tasty way to refuel after swimming. Guests can also purchase drinks from the bar, which enhances the social atmosphere on deck. It’s worth noting that the BBQ is a key part of the experience, but the food quality for kids might be a point to consider for families.

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Practicalities: What to Bring and How to Prepare

Guests are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a towel, comfortable clothes, and swimwear to make the most of the water stops. The boat is equipped with 4 toilets, 2 outside showers, and a bar for drinks, ensuring basic amenities are covered.

The free transfer service is available only in certain areas of Crete, so travelers outside these zones should plan for an additional fee if they require transfer. Check the availability and location details when booking to ensure smooth pickup and drop-off. The tour lasts 4 hours, with check availability to see the exact starting times.

Accessibility and Family-Friendly Features

This tour is described as family-friendly, with activities like face painting and the chance for children to drive the boat. It caters well to families with children and groups of all ages, including older adults. The crew is fully engaged with all passengers, creating a welcoming environment.

However, some reviews point out a lack of access for guests with disabilities to get on or off the boat for swimming and snorkeling. This may be a consideration for travelers with mobility challenges. The overall vibe is fun and engaging, suitable for those looking for a lively day at sea.

Comparing This Trip to Similar Crete Sea Tours

This pirate-themed boat trip from Hersonissos offers a unique blend of water activities and entertainment, setting it apart from more traditional cruises. The dolphin and sea turtle sightings add an extra element of excitement, especially for nature lovers.

In comparison to other local experiences, this tour emphasizes family-friendly activities and a lively pirate atmosphere. It’s a good value at $67 for what includes snorkeling gear, a BBQ meal, and multiple stops. For those seeking a relaxed yet fun day on the water with a touch of adventure, this trip fits the bill.

Final Thoughts on the Black Rose Pirate Boat Adventure

The Black Rose pirate boat provides a balanced experience of sailing, swimming, and entertainment in Crete. The friendly crew, scenic water stops, and inclusive BBQ meal make it a solid choice for families and groups wanting a fun-filled half-day. The pirate theme adds a playful touch, especially appreciated by children.

While some reviews note food quality issues for kids and communication quirks, these do not overshadow the overall enjoyment of the trip. The value for money and multiple water activities make this tour worth considering. It is particularly suitable for families, adventure-seekers, and those wanting a lively day at sea.

For a lighthearted, engaging, and scenic cruise experience in Crete, the Black Rose Pirate Boat offers a reliably enjoyable outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Black Rose Pirate Boat trip?
The tour costs $67 per person, which includes the boat trip, snorkeling equipment, and a BBQ meal.

How long does the trip last?
The trip lasts approximately 4 hours, with multiple stops for swimming and snorkeling.

Where does the tour depart from?
The departure point is Hersonissos port, with pickup and drop-off available from selected locations.

What are the main stops during the cruise?
Stops include St. Georges Bay for swimming and snorkeling, as well as visits to the coasts of Malia and Stalis.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with activities like face painting, certificates, and opportunities for kids to steer the boat.

What amenities are available on the boat?
The boat is equipped with 4 toilets, 2 outside showers, and a bar for drinks.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
Some reviews mention no means for guests with disabilities to get on or off the boat for snorkeling, which may affect accessibility.

What is included in the BBQ meal?
A delicious BBQ lunch is provided, although some reviews note it may not fully satisfy all dietary expectations, especially for children.

Do I need to bring anything specific?
Guests should bring comfortable shoes, a towel, swimwear, and comfortable clothes for water activities.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later for flexibility.

Is there a dress code for the trip?
Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for swimming and lounging on deck is recommended.

How is the overall experience rated?
The tour holds a 4.1 out of 5 rating based on 145 reviews, indicating generally positive feedback with some noted areas for improvement.

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