From Ierapetra: Day Cruise with Luxury Yacht to Chrissi island

Discover the Unique Charm of the Ierapetra to Chrissi Island Yacht Cruise

The Day Cruise with Luxury Yacht to Chrissi Island from Ierapetra offers an engaging way to explore one of Crete’s most stunning natural sites. Priced at $152.97 per person, this approximately 6-hour tour provides a combination of scenic cruising, island walking, and snorkeling. It is ideal for those seeking a relaxed day in nature, with small group sizes capped at 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

This tour departs from Venetian Fort Kales Str. Samouil 10 at 10:00am, with the actual boat leaving at 10:30am, and returns to Ierapetra harbor around 4:30pm. The highlight is the visit to Chrissi Island, a protected wildlife refuge known for its white sand dunes, cedar forests, and tropical sea colors. While most reviews praise the friendly crew, delicious food, and excellent snorkeling, travelers should note that the two-hour time on the island is a bit limited to fully explore its larger size.

Key Points

• Price: $152.97 per person, including all activities and equipment
• Duration: 6 hours total, with about 2.5 hours on Chrissi Island
• Departure Point: Venetian Fort Kales Str. Samouil 10, Ierapetra
• Highlights: Scenic cruise, cedar forest walk, swimming, snorkeling, and onboard lunch
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience
• Weather Policy: Cancellations due to poor weather are fully refunded or rescheduled

From Ierapetra to Chrissi Island: A Scenic 30-Minute Boat Ride

The tour begins at the Venetian Fort Kales, where the luxury yacht departs at 10:30am. After a 30-minute cruise across the sea, travelers arrive at Chrissi Island at 11:00am. The boat’s comfortable setup combined with friendly crew members ensures a pleasant journey, with snorkeling gear available for those eager to explore underwater life.

The short cruise delivers impressive views of the coast and sets the tone for a relaxing day. The small group format helps maintain a calm and personalized atmosphere, making it easy to enjoy the scenery and chat with the crew. The vessel is noted for being clean and well-maintained, which adds to the comfort for all onboard.

Exploring Chrissi Island: Unique Ecosystem and Beach Relaxation

Once on Chrissi Island, travelers have two full hours to enjoy the natural beauty. The white sand dunes, exotic beaches, and cedar forests are the main attractions. The island is under Natura 2000 protection, emphasizing its importance as a wildlife refuge.

Visitors can walk through the cedar forest or relax on beaches accessible by swimming or walking. The reviews highlight that the beach is rocky, so water shoes and towels are recommended. This time also allows visitors to swim in the crystal-clear waters, which feature tropical colors that capture the imagination.

Lunch and Snorkeling: Delicious Food on Board

After exploring the island, the yacht moves to a different bay where lunch is served onboard with scenic views of Chrissi Island. The food is praised for being plentiful and delicious, making the experience more enjoyable amidst the natural surroundings.

Following lunch, the yacht anchors about 50 meters from shore for snorkeling activities. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, and the underwater environment is known for seeing lion fish, pipe fish, and even a large turtle swimming nearby. The reviews emphasize the good quality of the snorkeling and the helpfulness of the crew, which enhances the overall experience.

Relaxing on the Yacht: Scenic Cruising and Beach Hopping

The private cruise continues after the island visit, with the yacht heading to exotic beaches away from crowded spots. Travelers can relax, enjoy the beautiful scenery, or take in the warm sun as the boat glides along the coast. The pacing of the tour is carefully balanced, allowing ample time for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in the views.

The yacht’s comfortable seating and friendly crew make this part of the journey particularly pleasant. Guests often comment on how well-organized the trip is, with the crew taking great care of everyone and ensuring that all needs are met.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Group Size, and Cancellation Policy

Participants meet at the Venetian Fort Kales, and the activity is designed to suit most travelers, with most people able to participate. The tour is limited to 15 guests, fostering an intimate atmosphere. The confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, and most bookings are made about 7 days in advance.

This tour is non-refundable once booked, but it is canceled automatically in case of bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers is not met. In such cases, travelers are offered a full refund or a rescheduled date.

Authentic and Personalized Experience Led by Friendly Crew

Reviews frequently mention the helpful and friendly crew members, with remarks about how they explain activities and make guests feel welcome. The captain and his brother are noted for their warm hospitality and efficiency.

The small group size ensures personalized attention, and the well-organized nature of the trip helps keep the experience smooth. Many mention the excellent snorkeling, delicious onboard food, and beautiful scenery as highlights.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour the Most?

This luxury yacht cruise is perfect for those who want a relaxed yet engaging day in Crete’s natural environment. It’s especially suitable for families, couples, or small groups looking for a comfortable vessel, scenic views, and easy access to snorkeling. Travelers should be prepared for a rocky beach at the island and should bring water shoes and towels.

While the two-hour time on the island feels somewhat brief for exploring a larger site, the combination of snorkeling, relaxation, and scenic cruising makes this a well-rounded experience. It is ideal for visitors seeking nature, comfort, and good food in a small-group setting.

The Sum Up: A Relaxing Day on the Sea and Shore of Chrissi Island

This day cruise from Ierapetra offers a comfortable and scenic way to visit Chrissi Island, with a friendly crew, delicious onboard lunch, and excellent snorkeling opportunities. The small group size and organized itinerary provide a personalized experience that emphasizes relaxation and natural beauty.

While the time on the island is limited, the privately guided cruise, beautiful beaches, and wildlife encounters make this tour a strong choice for those seeking a leisurely escape. It suits adventurers and casual visitors alike, especially if they value comfortable transportation and friendly service.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of this tour?
The tour costs $152.97 per person, including all activities, snorkeling equipment, and lunch.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 6 hours, from 10:00am to about 4:30pm.

Where does the tour start?
Participants meet at Venetian Fort Kales, Samouil 10, Ierapetra, and the boat departs at 10:30am.

What are the main activities?
The tour includes a scenic cruise, island exploration, swimming, snorkeling, and a lunch onboard.

How much time do we spend on Chrissi Island?
You get about two hours of free time to explore, swim, and walk in the cedar forest.

Is snorkeling good on this tour?
Yes, guests frequently mention good snorkeling with sightings of lion fish, pipe fish, and large turtles.

What should I bring?
Water shoes and towels are recommended because the beach can be rocky.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is dependent on good weather and will be canceled if conditions are unsafe, with full refunds or rescheduling offered.

Can I cancel this tour?
This experience is non-refundable once booked, but it will be canceled automatically in case of poor weather or insufficient participants.

Who provides this tour?
The tour is operated by South Crete Tours, with contact at +302842022892 or [email protected].