Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Clear water, wild coves, and a short boat ride. This four-hour cruise from Kolymbari takes you to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, two places that are difficult to reach without a boat. I like the generous swimming time and the chance to use the included snorkeling gear around WWII remains. The main drawback is that the boat can carry a large group, and choppy seas may make the ride uncomfortable.

I also like the easy hotel transfers from parts of northern Chania, plus the friendly crew and onboard toilets, shade areas, floats, snacks, and drinks. You should bring water shoes, though: Menies is a smooth-pebble beach, and the boat anchors about six meters from shore, so you must swim the final stretch.

Key points at a glance

• Two swim stops in four hours: You get about 105 minutes at Menies Beach and 40 minutes at Chironisia Bay, making this a useful half-day outing.
• WWII relics underwater: With the provided mask and snorkel, you can search for a sunken gun base and carriage near Menies.
• Menies has more than swimming: The beach sits near ancient Diktynna, with remains linked to the Roman period and the abandoned monastery of St. George.
• Chironisia is sea-access only: This small cove offers clear water, snorkeling, and small caves to explore from the boat.
• Good value at $47: The price includes the cruise, guide, swim stops, snorkeling equipment, and hotel transport when that option is selected.
• Bring water shoes and arrive early: The harbor has limited parking, and the rocky shore is easier on your feet with proper footwear.

Why this four-hour cruise works so well

Crete has plenty of full-day boat trips, but not everyone wants to give up an entire day at sea. This cruise keeps things manageable. You spend roughly 40 minutes cruising out along the Rodopou Peninsula, more than an hour and a half at Menies, another 15 minutes moving along the coast, 40 minutes at Chironisia, then about 30 minutes returning.

That balance matters. You get a proper look at two coastal locations without turning the outing into an all-day commitment. Families with children, first-time snorkelers, and anyone staying near Kolymbari can fit it comfortably into a holiday schedule.

The cruise costs $47 per person. For that price, you receive the boat trip, a guide, snorkeling equipment, two swim stops, and hotel pickup and drop-off if you select the transfer option and stay near one of the listed pickup areas. Food and drinks cost extra, but snacks and beverages are sold onboard.

I consider that a strong price for a half-day on the water. It is not a private charter, and you should not expect a quiet little sailboat. Still, the boat is described as spacious, with several seating areas, toilets, a refreshment bar, and room for swimmers who need floats or other support.

Leaving Kolymbari and crossing the Rodopou Peninsula

The meeting point is the Smile Cruises boat at the port of Kolymbari. The boat leaves at either 10:15 or 14:30, depending on your selected departure. A short safety briefing takes place before the cruise begins.

If you drive, arrive early. Parking at the harbor is limited, and finding a place may take longer than expected. If you choose hotel pickup, check your email carefully for the exact time. Pickup can be anywhere from an hour to ten minutes before departure, depending on your location, and the bus waits only five minutes.

The transfer covers selected hotels and stops around north Chania, including areas near Agia Marina, Platanias, Maleme, Kolymbari, and nearby resorts. The pickup system is useful, but it can involve collecting many people. One report describes a hot bus and a longer collection run, while others found the transport prompt and comfortable.

Once the boat leaves, the first crossing takes about 40 minutes. The views along the Rodopou Peninsula are a big part of the trip. You are not simply being transported to a beach. You are seeing a rough, quiet stretch of northern Crete that is easier to appreciate from the water.

Sea conditions matter here. On calm days, the ride is pleasant and breezy. With high waves, the crossing can feel rough, and one family found the motion difficult enough to cause seasickness. If you are prone to nausea, sit where the movement feels gentler, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider bringing your usual remedy.

Menies Beach: swimming, ruins, and WWII remains

Menies receives the longest stop, about 105 minutes. That gives you enough time to swim, snorkel, sit on the beach, and look around without feeling hurried.

The water is the star. It is usually clear enough for you to see fish and underwater plants, and several people found the snorkeling rewarding. One person even spotted a cuttlefish. Other outings produced fewer fish, so you should treat the marine life as a pleasant possibility rather than a guarantee.

The snorkeling has a distinctive feature: submerged WWII equipment. You can use the provided gear to look for the base of a sunken gun and its carriage. This is not a museum visit with signs and barriers. You are seeing a small piece of wartime history beneath the surface, which gives the swim more purpose than simply floating in pretty water.

Menies also has an older story. The beach lies near ancient Diktynna, a site connected with the temple of Vritomartis, an important goddess in ancient Crete. You can also see remains associated with a Roman temple and the abandoned ninth-century monastery of St. George.

The ruins are not the main event, so keep your expectations sensible. This is first a swimming and snorkeling excursion, with historic remains as an added layer. The guide may explain what you are seeing, though several people found the outdoor speaker hard to hear. Sitting near the guide or inside the main seating area may help.

Getting ashore requires a little planning. The boat anchors about six meters from the beach, so you swim through shallow water to reach the pebbles. The crew may help move belongings with baskets or paddleboards, but you should still pack light and use a waterproof bag for phones and valuables.

The beach itself is made of smooth stones rather than sand. That makes it attractive in a natural, undeveloped way, but it is less comfortable for barefoot walking. Water shoes are one of the best things you can bring.

Chironisia Bay: a smaller stop with caves

After Menies, the boat continues for about 15 minutes to Chironisia Bay. This stop lasts around 40 minutes, and the boat does not necessarily pull directly onto a beach. Instead, you swim from the boat in clear water and explore the cove with your mask and snorkel.

Chironisia is accessible only from the sea, which gives the stop a more remote feel. The bay is small, and you may be able to swim toward little caves along the waterline. These are modest coastal formations, not major grottoes, but they add variety to the second swim.

You can jump from the boat or use the ladder. The crew provides floats and snorkeling equipment, and a lifeguard is reported to be onboard. That combination makes the stop workable for confident swimmers and for people who prefer to stay close to the boat.

The water is generally calm enough for an easy swim, but conditions can change. If the sea is rough, you may enjoy Chironisia less than Menies. The crew can help you with equipment, and the staff have been praised for checking on passengers and assisting with masks.

The short stop also means you need to use your time well. Put on your gear before entering the water, keep your belongings organized, and do not spend the first ten minutes deciding what to do. Forty minutes passes quickly.

The boat, crew, and group size

The boat is larger than some people expect. It may carry passengers arriving from several coaches, and one departure included a group large enough to fill multiple buses. That can make the experience feel more like a popular group excursion than a private coastal trip.

Still, the size has practical benefits. There are several seating areas, toilets, a small bar, and enough room for different types of swimmers. Families appreciated the onboard floats and the calm swimming locations. Other people found the boat crowded, especially at busy times.

I would choose this trip for access and value, not solitude. You can find a seat, move around, swim, and enjoy the coast, but you should not book it expecting an intimate sailing experience.

The crew receives consistently strong praise for being helpful and attentive. Maria is specifically mentioned as assisting with snorkeling equipment and passenger needs. The staff also help swimmers who are less confident and offer support when someone feels unwell.

The weakest feature is the sound system. Instructions can be hard to understand from the upper deck or outside seating. That is not a major problem during the swimming stops, but it can mean missing part of the commentary or safety information. If the guide begins explaining something important, move closer rather than relying on the speakers.

Food, drinks, and what to pack

A small refreshment bar sells drinks and snacks. Think crisps and simple items rather than a full meal. If you need lunch, eat before boarding or bring something appropriate if permitted.

Pack a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and beachwear. Add water shoes if you have them. They help on Menies Beach and make the swim from the anchored boat more comfortable.

A waterproof pouch is useful for your phone, room key, and cash. Since you may swim between the boat and shore, avoid carrying loose items onto the beach.

You should also bring enough water for your own needs. Drinks are available for purchase, but the included price does not cover food or beverages.

For sun protection, the upper deck may have little or no shade. Choose your seat with care and use sunscreen before boarding, then reapply during the cruise. The sea breeze can make the sun feel less intense than it is.

Who should book this outing

I would recommend this cruise if you want:

• A half-day activity rather than a seven or eight-hour boat trip
• Two clear-water swimming stops
• A chance to try snorkeling without hiring your own equipment
• A reasonably priced way to see the northern coast
• Hotel transfers from selected parts of Chania
• A family-friendly outing with floats, a ladder, and crew support
• A mix of swimming, coastal scenery, and a little history

It is also a good choice for first-time snorkelers. You do not need to be an expert, and the water at the stops is inviting. The crew can help with masks, and the boat provides equipment.

I would hesitate if you strongly dislike group excursions, need a quiet boat, or often feel seasick. The boat may be busy, the commentary may be difficult to hear, and the ride can become rough in poor conditions. The trip is canceled when the weather is unsafe, but ordinary wind and waves can still affect your comfort.

The snorkeling is enjoyable, but it is not a professional marine expedition. You may see many fish and sea plants, or only a modest amount of sea life. The pleasure comes from the clear water, the caves, the WWII relics, and the chance to swim in hard-to-reach coves.

Should you book the Menies and Chironisia cruise?

Yes, if you want a well-priced, four-hour water outing with two attractive swim stops. At $47, the equipment, guide, boat facilities, and optional hotel transport make the package good value.

Book it with realistic expectations. This is a busy group cruise, not a private escape. Come early to Kolymbari, check your transfer time, bring water shoes, and prepare for a swim from the boat to shore. If the weather is calm, you get a lively and easy way to see a less accessible side of Crete.

FAQ

How long is the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise?

The cruise lasts four hours. The schedule includes about 105 minutes at Menies Beach and 40 minutes at Chironisia Bay, with cruising time between the stops.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

Are hotel transfers included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only if you select that option and stay near one of the listed pickup locations in northern Chania.

What time does the boat depart?

The listed departure times from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30. Your hotel pickup may be scheduled earlier, depending on where you stay.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can use it at both swim stops.

Do I need to swim to the beach?

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

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase onboard, but they are not included in the tour price.

What should I bring?

Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and beachwear. Water shoes are especially useful because Menies Beach has smooth pebbles.