Notos day sailing cruise

Discover the Notos Day Sailing Cruise in Crete’s Chania Bay

The Notos Day Sailing Cruise offers a private, seven-hour adventure along the stunning coastline of Crete, departing from Chania’s Old Harbour. For $903 per group of up to 4 people, this trip delivers an intimate and relaxed way to explore some of Crete’s most beautiful spots. Led by a skilled skipper, the tour includes snorkeling, a light lunch, and refreshing drinks—all in a private setting designed for comfort and exclusivity.

This tour is perfect for those seeking a personalized experience on the water, away from crowds. With its carefully curated stops at Maherida Beach, Thodorou Island, and Lazaretta Island, you’ll enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing in untouched natural environments. A few considerations include the need to bring towels and sunscreen, as these aren’t included, and the tour does not offer transfers. The flexibility of reserve now & pay later makes planning easy, especially for travelers with changing schedules.

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Key Points

• Private 7-hour sailing tour from Chania’s Old Harbour
• Stops at Maherida Beach, Thodorou Island, and Lazaretta Island with swimming and snorkeling
• Includes a light lunch, fruits, soft drinks, water, wine, and beer
• Led by an experienced skipper with fuel included in the price
• Tour starts at 10:00 AM, with flexible scheduling based on availability
• No transfers included, so plan transportation to the meeting point

Starting Point at Chania’s Old Harbour and Initial Cruise to Maherida Beach

The Notos sailing adventure begins promptly at 10:00 AM from the Old Harbour in Chania. After boarding the beautifully maintained sailing boat Notos, the group sets sail toward the crystal-clear waters of Maherida Beach, a tiny, pristine cove that’s hidden from the wind. The boat’s sheltered location makes it ideal for swimming and snorkeling, offering an intimate view of Cretan underwater beauty.

Within less than an hour, travelers arrive at this untouched spot, famous for its secluded shore and calm waters. The natural charm of Maherida makes it an excellent first stop, especially for those looking to relax and enjoy some peaceful swimming. The boat’s shade and onboard amenities ensure comfort during your time in this quiet corner of Crete.

Exploring Thodorou Island: Spotting the Endangered Kri Kri Goat

Next on the itinerary is the beautiful island of Thodorou, a small landmass known for its endangered Kri Kri goats. Here, the crew encourages guests to swim and snorkel while admiring the island’s rugged scenery. The skipper provides masks and snorkels so everyone can explore the vibrant underwater life surrounding the island.

While appreciating the natural habitat of the Cretan wild goat, travelers enjoy some downtime in a setting that feels remarkably untouched by human activity. During this stop, the crew prepares a light snack, which is served with wine or beer under the shade of the boat’s tent, making it easy to unwind and take in the scenery at leisure.

Relaxing on Lazaretta Island with a Sandy Beach and Snorkeling

The cruise continues to Lazaretta Island, famous for its small sandy beach and clear waters. Once anchored here, guests are invited to swim to the beach and enjoy snorkeling in the inviting underwater views. The shallow waters and sandy bottom make this spot ideal for a leisurely swim and exploration.

The natural beauty of Lazaretta makes it a favorite for relaxing and soaking up the sun. The crew recommends swimming all the way to the island’s tiny beach, which offers a peaceful setting to lounge and enjoy the crystal waters of the Aegean Sea.

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Midday Break with Snacks, Drinks, and a Comfortable Shade

During the cruise, a light snack is served aboard the boat, complemented by fruits, soft drinks, water, and alcoholic beverages like wine and beer. The skipper prepares the snack under the shade of the boat’s tent, offering a perfect pause amidst the day’s activities.

Guests can relax, chat, and enjoy the scenic views while sampling the refreshing drinks. The onboard shade and space make the experience comfortable even during the peak sun hours, ensuring everyone stays cool and refreshed as the boat continues its journey.

Return to Chania’s Old Harbour at 5:00 PM

The sailing trip concludes around 5:00 PM as the boat anchors back at the Old Harbour in Chania. The relaxed pace of the day allows travelers to unwind from the cruise and take in the vibrant sights of Chania as they prepare for the end of their private boat experience.

Throughout the day, the skipper ensures smooth navigation and offers informative commentary in English, German, or Greek, making sure all guests are comfortable and well-informed.

Practical Details: What’s Included and What to Bring

The Notos Day Sailing Cruise includes essential amenities such as fuel, masks, snorkels, water, soft drinks, fruits, wine, and beer. Towels and suncream are not included, so travelers should bring their own for comfort and protection from the sun. The meeting point is at the wooden pier at the Old Harbour, and no transfer is provided, so plan transportation accordingly.

The tour is designed for private groups, ensuring personalized service and flexibility. It’s important to note that the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those prone to seasickness, due to the boat setting and physical activity involved.

Flexibility and Booking Options for a Stress-Free Experience

One of the main advantages of this tour is the availability to reserve now and pay later, offering flexibility for travel planning. Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it a risk-free option if plans change unexpectedly.

The 7-hour duration offers a well-paced adventure, balancing sightseeing, swimming, and relaxing time. The starting times are available based on your schedule, with details to be checked upon booking.

What Sets the Notos Day Sailing Cruise Apart from Other Crete Tours

This private sailing trip stands out through its customized experience in a small group setting, with a focus on intimate stops and authentic natural beauty. It emphasizes snorkeling and swimming in untouched spots, with the skipper providing a relaxed, informative approach.

Compared to other tours, this cruise offers all-inclusive drinks and snacks, a light lunch, and the opportunity to see endangered wildlife on Thodorou Island. The price reflects its exclusive, private nature, making it ideal for travelers seeking a more personal sea adventure.

Final Thoughts on the Notos Day Sailing Cruise

The Notos Day Sailing Cruise offers a relaxed, private way to explore Crete’s coastline, featuring beautiful stops at Maherida Beach, Thodorou Island, and Lazaretta Island. It combines snorkeling, swimming, and scenic sailing with comfort and personalized service.

While it does not include transfers, the focus on exclusivity and intimate experiences makes it a strong choice for those wanting to enjoy Crete from the water without the crowds. The light lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear are all part of the package, ensuring a seamless day of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the Notos Day Sailing Cruise?
The cruise costs $903 per group of up to 4 people.

How long does the tour last?
The tour runs for 7 hours, starting at 10:00 AM and ending around 5:00 PM.

What locations are visited during the cruise?
Stops include Maherida Beach, Thodorou Island, and Lazaretta Island.

What is included in the price?
The price includes skipper, fuel, masks, snorkels, water, soft drinks, fruit, wine, and beer.

Are food and drinks available onboard?
Yes, a light snack and drinks (including wine and beer) are provided.

Are transfers included?
No, transportation to the meeting point at the Old Harbour is not included.

Is the tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or those prone to seasickness.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring towels, sunscreen, and beachwear for comfort during swimming and lounging.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides operate in English, German, and Greek.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The tour is private and priced for up to 4 people per group, with no mention of minimum group size.

How can I book the tour?
Reservations can be made with the “reserve now & pay later” option for flexibility.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby