The 5 Best Crete Boat Tours

1.Boat Trip to Spinalonga with Swim Stop

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 3,031 reviews · 4h 30m · from $29Our pick

Board Nostos Cruises in Agios Nikolaos for a guided afternoon across Mirabello Bay. Swim from the boat in Kolokitha Bay, hear about Olous and Barbarosa’s cave, then spend about 90 minutes on Spinalonga, including a 30-minute guided walk and free time.

“Excellent value for money,Very friendly crew on the boat,all information translated into a few languages.Good drinks selection at reasonable prices. Tour guide on the island inckuded .Would definitely recommend”

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2.Chania/Rethymno: Balos & Gramvousa With Pickup & Boat Ticket

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 1,703 reviews · 9 - 12 hours · from $50

Travel by air-conditioned bus from Chania or Rethymno to Kissamos, then cruise to Gramvousa and Balos Lagoon. You get time to hike to the Venetian castle, swim, snorkel, and eat aboard the boat. Guides such as Donia keep the long day organized in several languages.

“Nice trip to two popular destinations, we had quite enough time in each of them, considering how much the transportation takes. The ship had some food and drink options, and natural water was surprisingly cheap (0.6 eur per 0.5 l). Snacks are expensive in the port, better buy something in advance. Air conditioning wasn't regulated in the bus, it was cold inside (it was late September). The ship jumped a lot on the waves, so if you know you might be seasick, take some pills before it, the guide also offered them to us in the bus.”

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3.Sailboat Cruise to Dia Island with Drinks & Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 1,405 reviews · 1 hour - 390 minutes · from $35Top rated

Join a shared half-day yacht trip from Heraklion to Dia Island with lunch, wine, soft drinks, snorkeling gear, SUP boards, and fishing equipment. Private cruises and a shorter coastal sail are also available. Crew members including Stavroula, Dennis, and Mido help keep the trip relaxed and well organized.

“A memory for a lifetime. the staff were super professional and accommodating. the sailing was smooth and beautiful and the sea was Cristal clear and just the right temperature.”

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4.Chania Areas/Kalyves:Gramvousa Island & Balos,Boat Tkt Extra

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 992 reviews · 10 - 12 hours · from $23

Travel by air-conditioned coach from Chania, Kalyves, or nearby resorts to Kissamos, then cruise to Gramvousa and Balos. You get time to swim, hike to the Venetian fortress, and relax on deck. The boat costs extra from Chania, while some Kalyves and Almyrida options include it.

“Really nice guide and welcoming, was a comfy ride to the port and back. Our guide was really friendly and kept us informed and updated with the itinerary and what to expect. The Gramvousa Island was amazing, definitely recommend walking up to the Fortress first and then spending the rest of the time on the beach. Note there are no cafes or food on the island, only one small souvenir shop. Spent 2.75 hours which was a good amount of time to do both. It’s worth noting that you can’t actually go into the Balos beach due to the new conservation rules unless you swim to it from the boat.…”

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5.Semi-Submarine Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 670 reviews · from $18Best value

Board an air-conditioned semi-submarine at Agios Nikolaos port for an underwater look at Agioi Pantes Island. An audio guide in five languages explains the fish and marine life, while the open upper deck gives you broad views of the bay. Sea turtles, dolphins, and seals are possible but not guaranteed.

“Amazing...... really recommend doing this activity...well worth the money.”

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