Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Explore the breathtaking northern tip of Crete with a 4-hour cruise from Kolymbari in Chania. This tour, priced at $45.17 per person, takes you to two secluded beaches—Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay—where crystal-clear waters invite swimming and snorkeling. The journey is led by knowledgeable guides and includes visits to historical ruins, such as the remains of a Roman temple and WWII artifacts. While the trip is quite popular, it’s best suited for those comfortable with boat travel and short swimming distances, as the boat anchors about 6 meters from shore for beach access.

This cruise stands out for its combination of natural beauty, historical remnants, and the chance to snorkel in peaceful, rarely crowded spots. The inclusion of snorkeling gear, snorkel stops, and a scenic boat cruise makes it an engaging choice for travelers eager to explore Crete’s coast from the sea. Keep in mind, food and drinks are available for purchase onboard, and the tour is weather-dependent, so check conditions before booking.

Key Points

• Duration: 4 hours, with multiple snorkeling and swimming stops
• Price: $45.17 per person
• Departure: From Kolymbari port, with optional hotel pickup in north Chania
• Highlights: Menies Beach with WWII sunken relics, Chironisia Bay, ancient Diktynna ruins, Roman temple remains, and a 9th-century monastery
• Includes: Snorkeling equipment, guide, cruise, swim stops, and optional hotel transfer
• Limitations: Food and drinks are extra; weather conditions may cancel or alter plans

You can check availability for your dates here:

Starting Point at Kolymbari Port

The tour begins at the port of Kolymbari, where the Smile Cruises boat awaits. You’ll be greeted by the crew for a safety briefing, after which the boat departs for a scenic cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula. For those with hotel pickup included, drivers will wait no longer than 5 minutes past the scheduled time, with pick-up points carefully noted in your email.

Scenic Boat Ride Along the Rodopou Peninsula

The cruise from Kolymbari offers around 40 minutes of relaxing sailing along the Rodopou Peninsula. This stretch provides stunning views of rugged coastlines and the turquoise waters of Crete. It’s a perfect time to settle into the boat’s comfort, enjoy the fresh air, and get ready for the day’s highlights.

Visiting Menies Beach on the Ancient Diktynna Site

The first beach stop is Menies Beach, where the boat anchors approximately 6 meters from the shore. Here, you can swim in crystal-clear waters and snorkel over relics from WWII, including the sunken base of cannons and a carriage. The beach is located on the site of ancient Diktynna, home to a significant temple dedicated to the goddess Vritomartis. Visitors also see the remains of an ancient Roman temple and a 9th-century monastery of St. George.

The 105-minute stop provides plenty of time for swimming and snorkeling. The shallow waters make it easy to explore. However, swimmers should be comfortable with shallow water to reach the shore, as the boat remains offshore slightly.

Cruising Back to the Rodopou Peninsula

After the first beach visit, the boat heads back along the Rodopou Peninsula for about 15 minutes before continuing to the next snorkeling spot. This cruise offers another chance to enjoy the stunning coastline and possibly spot local wildlife or scenic views from the deck.

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Discovering Chironisia Bay’s Hidden Caves

Next, travelers visit Chironisia Bay, a small, secluded bay accessible only by sea. The 40-minute stop here allows snorkelers to explore the bay’s small caves and underwater formations. The waters are calm and inviting, perfect for those interested in underwater exploration. Because the bay is only reachable by boat, it offers an intimate setting away from crowds, with plenty of opportunity to dive into the deep blue and discover underwater features.

Return Cruise and Final Stop at Rodopou

The boat then cruises back towards the port of Kolymbari, with a 30-minute scenic ride along the coastline. This segment gives everyone a chance to relax, take photos, and enjoy the views as the tour winds down.

Tour Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour concludes with drop-off at over 40 locations in the area, including hotels like Minoa Palace Resort and Porto Platanias, among others. The entire experience is designed to be flexible, with options for hotel pickup and drop-off in north Chania or just meeting at the port.

Participants should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear for the stops. Since the boat anchors offshore, swimmers should be comfortable swimming shallow waters to reach the beaches. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility issues or who are uncomfortable in open water.

Guides and Crew

The guides are noted for being knowledgeable and friendly, with many reviews praising their informative and helpful manner. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the crew is attentive, assisting with equipment if needed. Some reviews highlight the guide Maria, who offers extra help with snorkeling gear and makes the experience smoother for beginners.

Weather and Booking Flexibility

Since the tour depends on weather conditions, cancellations can occur if the sea is too rough. Booking is flexible, offering full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance. The activity is available with live guides speaking English and Greek, enhancing the overall experience with local insights.

Comparing Similar Crete Tours

For those interested in exploring more of Crete by sea, similar experiences include boat trips with meals, sunset cruises, and guided snorkeling tours. These options often include additional amenities like lunch or dinner and may visit other islands or coastal sites.

Final Wrap-Up: Is This Tour Worth It?

This 4-hour cruise offers a mix of natural beauty, history, and underwater adventure at a reasonable price. The secluded beaches and clear waters provide excellent snorkeling opportunities, especially at Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. The expert guides and relaxed pace make it suitable for first-time snorkelers or those simply wanting a scenic day on the water.

While food and drinks are extra, the included snorkeling gear and well-planned stops deliver great value. The limited duration ensures you experience the highlights without feeling rushed, making it an ideal option for a quick yet fulfilling Crete sea adventure. This tour is well-suited for travelers seeking natural beauty, historical sites, and underwater fun in a friendly, accessible setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the tour price?
  The tour costs $45.17 per person.

• How long does the tour last?
  The entire experience lasts around 4 hours.

• Are hotel pickups available?
  Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are available at select locations in north Chania, with details provided upon booking.

• What should I bring?
  Participants should bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and beachwear.

• Can I snorkel at Menies Beach?
  Yes, the snorkeling gear is provided, and you can explore WWII relics and underwater structures.

• Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
  Because of the shallow water access and snorkeling, it is better suited for swimmers or confident water enthusiasts.

• What happens in case of bad weather?
  The tour may be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are poor; full refunds are available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

• Are food and drinks included?
  No, food and drinks are available for purchase onboard but are not included in the price.

• How many stops are there?
  The tour makes two main beach stops: Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay.

• What makes this tour special?
  The combination of secluded beaches, historical ruins, and excellent snorkeling make this a memorable seaside adventure in Crete.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
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