Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay give you two very different slices of Crete’s north coast in four hours. At Menies, you can swim from the boat to a rocky beach, look for ancient ruins on land, and snorkel above the remains of a WWII gun and carriage. At Chironisia, the boat stops in a small sea-only bay where you can swim into little caves.

I like the short, well-paced schedule, especially if you do not want to spend seven or eight hours on a boat. I also like the good value at $47, with snorkeling gear, two swim stops, and optional hotel transfers included.

The main caution is the size of the outing. The boat can carry a large group, and the ride to Menies may feel rough when the sea is choppy. Bring water shoes, arrive early if driving, and do not expect a full lunch onboard.

Key points at a glance

• Two swim stops: You get about 105 minutes at Menies Beach and 40 minutes at Chironisia Bay.
• WWII remains underwater: Snorkel gear is provided so you can look for a sunken gun and carriage near Menies.
• Ancient sites on shore: Menies sits at ancient Diktynna, with Roman remains and an abandoned ninth-century monastery.
• Swim from the boat: The boat anchors about six meters from shore, so reaching Menies requires a short swim.
• Large but comfortable boat: There are several seating areas, a toilet, safety equipment, floats, and a small bar.
• Pickup needs close attention: Hotel pickup times can be much earlier than the boat departure, sometimes by more than an hour.

Why this four-hour cruise works so well

Crete has no shortage of boat trips, but many take most of a day. This one keeps the plan simple: leave Kolymbari, cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula, swim at two quiet coastal spots, and return after four hours.

That timing is the biggest selling point for me. You get a proper taste of Crete’s wild north coast without giving up an entire day. It also works well for families, couples, and anyone who wants a sea outing without a long commitment.

The water is the star. At both stops, expect clear blue water, smooth swimming conditions when the weather cooperates, and enough time to use the mask and snorkel without rushing. Some people see plenty of small fish and sea plants. Others find the underwater life modest, so book this for the clear water, caves, and setting rather than for a major marine-life trip.

The boat itself is larger than some people expect. It has room to spread out, several places to sit, a toilet, and a refreshments counter. On busy departures, it can feel crowded, but the swim stops usually feel more relaxed because large boats do not tend to gather there at the same time.

Leaving Kolymbari and crossing the Rodopou Peninsula

The meeting point is the Smile Cruises boat at Kolymbari port. If you are driving, arrive early. Parking near the harbor is limited, and finding a space may take longer than expected.

The boat leaves from Kolymbari at 10:15 or 14:30, depending on the departure you book. Hotel pickup is available from selected places in north Chania, but the bus may arrive 10 minutes to an hour before the boat departure. Check the email confirmation carefully, including the spam folder, because the pickup time is not the same as the sailing time.

The transfer service covers a long list of hotels and nearby pickup points, from Santa Marina and Platanias to resorts farther west. Drivers wait only five minutes, and the pickup signs identify the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay trip. If several buses are operating, watch for the correct one rather than assuming the first coach is yours.

Once aboard, allow about 40 minutes for the first cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula. This is open-sea time, not a guided shore walk. The crew gives a safety briefing at Kolymbari, and the guide explains the plan in English and Greek.

The sound system can be hard to hear from the upper deck or outside seating. I would treat the spoken commentary as a useful extra, not the main reason to book. Stay near the guide for the clearest instructions, especially before entering the water.

Menies Beach: swimming, ruins, and WWII relics

Menies is the main stop, with about 105 minutes to use as you like. That is enough time for a relaxed swim, snorkeling, a walk along the beach, and a look at the old sites.

The beach is made of smooth pebbles rather than sand. That makes it attractive in a rugged, natural way, but it can be uncomfortable under bare feet. Water shoes are one of the smartest things you can pack. Comfortable shoes are also useful if you plan to inspect the ruins.

The boat does not pull right onto the shore. It anchors about six meters away, so you swim the final stretch in shallow water. The crew provides help for less confident swimmers, and floats or baskets may be available for carrying small items. Still, you should be comfortable getting into the sea and swimming a short distance. If you have young children, stay close during this transfer.

Menies has an unusual mix of nature and history. The beach lies near ancient Diktynna, once linked with the worship of Vritomartis. You can see traces of a Roman temple and the remains of the abandoned monastery of St. George, dating to the ninth century.

Do not expect a large archaeological site with restored buildings and formal paths. This is a remote coastal stop, so the ruins are part of the setting rather than a separate museum-style attraction. I like that combination. You can look at a fragment of Crete’s past, then walk straight back into clear water.

The snorkeling has its own story. Under the surface near Menies, you can search for the base of a WWII cannon and its carriage. The item is not a grand underwater wreck, and visibility depends on sea conditions, but finding a piece of military history below the surface gives the swim a clear purpose.

Snorkeling equipment is included. Masks, tubes, and fins are supplied, though fit and hygiene can vary from one set to another. If you are particular about your gear, bringing your own mask is sensible. Check the fit before leaving the boat so you do not waste time adjusting it at the beach.

The shore time is generous enough for different kinds of visitors. Strong swimmers can spend much of it in the water. Families can combine a swim with a beach break. History-minded visitors can walk up to the old remains. You do not need to do every activity, and that freedom keeps the stop from feeling rushed.

Chironisia Bay and its small sea caves

After leaving Menies, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes before reaching Chironisia Bay. You get roughly 40 minutes here, so this stop is shorter and more focused on swimming.

Chironisia is a small bay reached only by sea. The boat does not dock at a conventional beach. Instead, you enter the water from the boat, using the ladder or jumping from a suitable deck area when the crew permits it.

The water here is the main attraction. With the snorkel gear, you can look along the rocky edges and enter small caves near the bay. These are simple sea caves, not a long underground route, and you should follow the crew’s instructions about where it is safe to swim.

This stop suits confident swimmers who enjoy getting straight into the water. If you prefer a beach under your feet, Menies is the more comfortable stop. If you like swimming from a boat and exploring rocky edges, Chironisia may be your favorite part.

Forty minutes is enough for a good swim, but it passes quickly. Put on your mask and fins before you enter the water, and keep your belongings secure on the boat. The crew can help with equipment, and staff have been praised for being attentive, including Maria, who has helped passengers with mask changes and other questions.

Boat comfort, food, and the size of the group

The boat is modern, clean, and larger than the word cruise might suggest. There are seating areas on more than one level, but the upper deck has little shade. Bring sunscreen and a cover-up, especially for the afternoon departure.

The boat has a toilet and a small refreshments bar. You can buy drinks and snacks, but the food choice is limited. Think crisps and simple refreshments, not a meal. Eat before boarding or bring anything you need, as food is not included in the $47 price.

Group size changes by departure. Some outings feel easy and spacious, while others involve several full coaches and a busy boat. The larger vessel handles the numbers reasonably well, and the swimming areas can still feel peaceful once everyone spreads out in the water.

The crew is a strong part of the experience. Staff help with ladders, floats, snorkeling equipment, and safety questions. A lifeguard may be present, and floats are available for swimmers who are less confident. That support makes the trip more approachable for families and first-time snorkelers.

The boat ride can be rough. The crossing to Menies takes about 40 minutes, and waves can be high when the weather turns. Motion sickness is possible, especially for children or anyone sensitive to boats. Sit in a stable area, watch the horizon, and bring any medication you normally use for seasickness.

Trips are canceled when conditions are poor. That is good for safety, but keep some flexibility in your schedule if the forecast is uncertain. The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead.

Is the $47 price good value?

At $47 per person, I consider this a strong-value half-day outing. The price covers the cruise, two swim stops, snorkeling equipment, and a guide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included if you choose that option and stay near one of the listed pickup locations.

Comparable value depends on what you want from a boat trip. If you need a quiet private cruise, this is not the right product. If you want a convenient way to reach coastal places that are difficult to visit by land, the price makes sense.

The tour also saves you the trouble of finding the rough road access to remote beaches. Menies can be reached by boat, and Chironisia is accessible only from the sea. You pay for transport, water time, equipment, and a crew that handles the practical details.

The weak point is the onboard food. Since drinks and snacks cost extra and choices are limited, plan your meal before you go. That is a small issue on a four-hour trip, but it matters if you are booking around lunchtime.

Who should book this Crete boat trip?

I would choose this cruise if you want:

• A half-day activity instead of a full-day boat excursion
• Clear water for swimming and casual snorkeling
• A family-friendly outing with floats and crew support
• A chance to reach Menies without dealing with remote road access
• A mix of ancient ruins, WWII remains, and sea caves
• Hotel pickup from a selected north Chania location

I would think twice if you dislike group activities, need a sandy beach, or get seasick easily. The beach is pebbly, the boat may be busy, and the crossing can be uncomfortable in rough water.

The trip is also not ideal if your main goal is to see a large variety of fish. You may see fish and sea vegetation, and some people spot cuttlefish, but the underwater conditions change from day to day.

Pack swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, water shoes, and comfortable footwear. Bring water if you prefer not to buy drinks onboard. If you are meeting at Kolymbari, arrive early for parking and boarding.

Should you book Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay?

Book it if you want an affordable, well-organized way to swim along a less developed stretch of Crete’s coast. The strongest reasons are the two separate water stops, the generous time at Menies, the WWII object underwater, and the fact that the whole outing lasts only four hours.

Choose a morning sailing if you prefer an earlier start and more time afterward. Choose hotel pickup if you do not have a car, but read the pickup time carefully. If the sea forecast is poor or you are prone to motion sickness, keep your plans flexible.

For $47, this is a good match for swimmers, families, and anyone who wants a simple coastal outing with a little history attached. It is not a luxury cruise or a private escape, but it delivers clear water, useful equipment, helpful staff, and access to two places that are not easy to reach on your own.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

The cruise departs from the port of Kolymbari. Look for the Smile Cruises boat.

What are the departure times?

The listed boat departure times from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30. Check availability for the exact time offered on your date.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the selected option from specific locations in north Chania.

How early might hotel pickup be?

Pickup can take place from one hour to 10 minutes before the boat departure, depending on your location. The exact time is sent by email.

How long is the cruise?

The activity lasts four hours.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the cruise price.

Do I need to swim to Menies Beach?

Yes. The boat anchors about six meters from shore, so you must swim through shallow water to reach the beach.

Is Menies Beach sandy?

No. Menies is a pebble beach with smooth stones. Water shoes are recommended.

Can I buy food and drinks onboard?

Yes. Food and drinks are available to purchase, but they are not included. The onboard selection is mainly simple snacks and drinks.

What languages are spoken on the tour?

The live guide service is available in English and Greek.