Rethymno: Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop

Key Points

• Authentic pirate boat experience: A wooden vessel decorated with a fun pirate theme departs from Rethymno Marina.
• Swimming and snorkeling stop: An hour of leisure in Kefalas Bay with provided masks and tubes, featuring clear waters and fish sightings.
• Includes Greek salad lunch: A light, refreshing meal with a glass of wine or soft drink is served onboard.
• Cost and duration: The tour lasts about 5 hours and costs $65 per person.
• Great for families and casual travelers: Friendly crew, stunning coastline views, and a relaxed pace suit a wide range of visitors.
• Some reviews mention limited snorkeling time: Expect around 30 minutes to 1 hour for swimming if you’re eager to snorkel frequently.

The Rethymno Pirate Boat Cruise with Swimming Stop offers a lively, family-friendly adventure along Crete’s coast. For a reasonable price, travelers enjoy a half-day journey on a vintage wooden pirate vessel, complete with swimming, snorkeling, and a simple Greek salad lunch. This tour is especially appealing for those who love boats, water activities, and scenic coastal views, with many praising the friendly crew and beautiful swim spots.

One key consideration is that snorkeling may be limited to about 30 minutes, which might disappoint snorkelers expecting longer underwater time. No hotel pickup is included, so guests should arrive at Rethymno Marina 30 minutes early to exchange vouchers for tickets. The tour runs in multiple languages, including English, French, and German, making it accessible to international visitors.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Embarking from Rethymno Marina on a Wooden Pirate Boat

This tour departs directly from the marina port of Rethymno, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat. The pirate-themed vessel is a charming wooden boat, designed to evoke classic pirates, adding a playful atmosphere to the cruise. The departure times vary, so booking in advance and arriving at least 30 minutes early ensures a smooth check-in process.

The boat features a friendly crew known for their approachable and welcoming attitude, often engaging guests with stories or letting children drive the boat and take photos. The length of the cruise is approximately 5 hours, providing ample time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and partake in water activities.

The meeting point is convenient for travelers staying in Rethymno, though hotel transfer is not included. For safety, guests should bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and ID or passport. The vessel’s design and crew interaction make this experience lively and engaging, especially for families or those looking for a fun, informal boat trip.

The Route: From Rethymno to Kefalas Bay and Coastal Caves

The cruise heads westward along the Crete coastline, offering views of the Fortezza, a prominent fortress that dominates the city skyline. As the boat moves through the picture-perfect bay of Gerani, passengers get a glimpse of the island’s scenic beauty.

The main highlight is the stop at Kefalas Bay, a tranquil, less crowded spot perfect for swimming and snorkeling. During the approximately one-hour leisure period, guests can jump into the crystal-clear waters directly from the boat, with complimentary masks and tubes provided for underwater exploration.

On the return journey, the enchanting caves of Kefalas and the Venetian harbor are visible, adding a touch of history and natural beauty to the cruise. The route balances beautiful scenery, leisure time, and mild adventure, making it suitable for a relaxed day on the water.

Swimming, Snorkeling, and Water Fun in Kefalas Bay

The swimming stop at Kefalas Bay is the core activity of this tour. The calm, transparent waters make it easy to see marine life, with freely available snorkeling masks enhancing the experience. A typical leisure period lasts around 30 minutes to an hour, allowing guests enough time to swim, snorkel, and unwind.

While some reviews note that the snorkeling time can feel short, the beautiful landscape and fish sightings compensate for this. The calm sea conditions and the availability of swimming tubes make it accessible for all skill levels, including children. Guests should be prepared for a refreshing dip and take advantage of the photo opportunities at this scenic spot.

The Greek Salad Lunch and Refreshments

After working up an appetite in the water, guests are served a light Greek salad lunch onboard, featuring fresh vegetables and traditional flavors. The meal pairs well with a glass of wine or a soft drink included in the tour price.

The lunch provides a simple, satisfying refreshment after swimming, keeping everyone energized for the remainder of the cruise. While drinks beyond the included soft drink or wine are not provided, guests can purchase additional beverages if desired.

Many reviews mention that the lunch is a welcome break in the trip’s relaxed pace, and the Greek salad is appreciated as a classic, tasty meal that complements the seaside experience. The meal’s simplicity matches the overall casual vibe of this tour, making it perfect for a laid-back day on the water.

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Views of Crete’s Coastline and Historical Caves

The cruise offers stunning vistas of Crete’s coastal landscape, including the famous Venetian harbor and caves of Kefalas. These natural and historical sights are visible during the return leg of the journey, providing excellent photo opportunities.

Guests appreciate how the boat’s vantage point allows them to admire Crete’s rugged shoreline and historical landmarks from a unique perspective. The views of the fortress and the rock formations around Kefalas add a sense of adventure and discovery to the experience.

The scenery, combined with sailings along the coast, makes this cruise visually rewarding, especially for those who enjoy taking photographs or simply relaxing with a panoramic view.

The Crew and Captain’s Personality

The crew and captain are frequently praised for their friendly, helpful attitude. Multiple reviews mention that the staff are engaging, often involving guests in driving the boat or taking photos, creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere.

The captain’s humor and kindness enhance the overall experience, making the cruise feel personal and informal. Guests remark that the crew’s professionalism and approachability contribute significantly to their enjoyment, ensuring that even first-time boaters feel comfortable and entertained.

Since no onboard guide presentation is noted, the emphasis remains on casual interaction and the enjoyment of the scenery and activities.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Trip

Guests should arrive at least 30 minutes early at the marina port for ticket exchange. Since hotel pickup is not included, planning transportation to the meeting point is essential.

Bringing swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a copy of your ID or passport helps prepare for water activities and safety checks. The tour does not accommodate guests with mobility impairments, so those requiring assistance should consider this.

Light clothing and sun protection are advisable, especially since waiting in line may involve standing under the sun before boarding, as some reviews suggest. The cruise’s pace is relaxed, perfect for a casual, enjoyable day.

Comparing this Tour to Similar Crete Water Cruises

This pirate-themed cruise is a popular option among similar Crete water tours. It stands out for its authentic pirate boat design, friendly crew, and scenic route. Similar experiences include sunset cruises, sailing catamaran tours with wine and snacks, or evening dinners with live music.

Compared to these alternatives, this tour emphasizes water activities and scenic coastal views over gourmet dining or nightlife. The $65 price point makes it an accessible choice for families and casual visitors seeking a fun water adventure.

Those interested in more comprehensive or luxurious options might explore other cruises with included dinners or extended snorkeling, but the simplicity and charm of this pirate boat trip appeal to travelers seeking relaxed, informal fun.

Final Thoughts on the Rethymno Pirate Boat Cruise

The 5-hour pirate boat cruise from Rethymno offers a lively, scenic water adventure for a moderate price. Its highlight features include swimming at Kefalas Bay, stunning coastline views, and a playful pirate vessel atmosphere that appeals especially to families and water lovers.

While snorkeling time can be somewhat limited, the friendly crew and beautiful stops compensate with excellent scenery and a casual, welcoming vibe. The light Greek salad lunch provides a satisfying break without feeling heavy, maintaining the tour’s informal, relaxed pace.

This tour suits those seeking a fun, easy-going day on the water with the chance to take in Crete’s coast from a unique perspective. It’s an ideal choice for families, first-time visitors, and anyone wanting a memorable boat experience on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The pirate boat cruise, swimming stop, Greek salad lunch, a glass of wine or soft drink, snorkeling masks, and swimming tubes are included.

How long is the cruise?
The entire experience lasts approximately 5 hours, with about an hour allocated for swimming and leisure at Kefalas Bay.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point is at the marina port of Rethymno, in front of the Dolphin Cruises pirate boat. Arriving at least 30 minutes early is recommended to exchange vouchers.

Is hotel pickup available?
No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Guests need to make their own way to the marina.

What should I bring?
Guests should bring swimwear, towels, sunscreen, and a passport or ID. Light clothing is also advisable.

Are there any physical limitations?
The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Can children participate?
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly, and children often enjoy the interactive boat-driving experience and water activities.

How is the crew?
The crew and captain are friendly, helpful, and engaging, often involving guests in driving and photo-taking.

Is snorkeling time sufficient?
Reviews indicate that snorkeling may be limited to about 30 minutes to 1 hour, which is enough for casual underwater exploration but might be short for avid snorkelers.

Are drinks beyond water or wine included?
No, additional drinks are not included and can be purchased separately.

How does this tour compare to others?
It offers a more casual, scenic water experience with a pirate theme, making it stand out from other Crete cruises that may focus on sunset views or gourmet meals.

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