Sailing Trips with Cretan Sailing

Clear water, simple food, and a traditional boat. Cretan Sailing offers an easy four-hour outing from Hersonissos, with two swimming stops, snorkeling gear, lunch, fruit, and plenty of time to sit on deck. I like the chance to enjoy Crete from the water without paying for a private charter, and I like the friendly crew, especially Cpt. Panos, George, and Lefteris.

The main catch is that this is not always a full sailing trip in the classic sense. The sails may not be used on every close-to-shore departure, and the boat can feel crowded in high season. The meal is practical rather than special, and the snorkeling equipment may be limited to masks or basic goggles.

Key points at a glance

• An 18-meter wooden boat: The traditional vessel gives the trip more character than a standard motorboat excursion, with space to relax on deck and enjoy the coast.
• Two swimming stops: The cruise normally pauses at St. George Bay and near Stalis, giving you two chances to swim and try the water from the boat.
• A straightforward lunch: Choose grilled chicken, pork steak, or a vegetarian burger, served with salad and bread, followed by fresh fruit.
• Friendly hands-on crew: Cpt. Panos, George, and Lefteris are praised for being helpful, attentive, and willing to assist less confident swimmers.
• A good shared-trip price: At $54.22 per person, the outing is far cheaper than hiring a private boat, though the value depends on how much you care about food and guaranteed sailing.
• A large group at full capacity: The boat can take up to 97 people, so ask about expected numbers if personal space matters to you.

Setting out from Hersonissos at 11:30

You meet at Panoramic view, El. Venizelou 51, in Limenas Chersonisou. The trip begins at 11:30 in the morning and returns to the same point after roughly four hours, making it easy to fit around a half-day in Hersonissos.

The timing works well for a leisurely morning. You do not need to arrange private transportation, although transportation to the meeting point is not included. The starting point is near public transportation, which helps if you are staying in or around Hersonissos and do not have a car.

The boat is an 18-meter traditional wooden vessel. That matters because the boat itself is part of the experience. You are not simply being ferried from one stop to another in a bare-bones craft. There is a more classic Greek holiday feel, with open deck space, a crew moving around to prepare food, and views of the coast as you leave shore.

Still, keep your expectations precise. This is sold as a sailing experience, but the sails are not operated on every daily trip close to shore. Wind and conditions also affect how the boat travels. If your dream is several hours of quiet sailing under canvas, this may disappoint you. If you mainly want a pleasant boat ride with swimming and lunch, the trip makes more sense.

Life aboard the traditional wooden boat

Cpt. Panos, George, and Lefteris handle the trip and provide the welcoming side of the experience. The strongest praise goes to the crew. They are described as friendly and helpful, and that is especially useful when you are getting into the water from the boat or need help with a float.

The crew also has to manage a wide mix of people. Strong swimmers may want to jump straight in, while less confident swimmers need reassurance and flotation support. One person who described themselves as a weak swimmer was given a floatie and was able to take part fully. That is a small but important detail if you are traveling with children or adults who are not comfortable in open water.

Life jackets are provided. Service animals are allowed, and most people can participate. The boat is not limited to a tiny private group, however. The published maximum is 97 people, and even though the operator says it generally uses up to 70 percent of the boat’s capacity, high-season departures can still feel busy.

That crowding issue is the biggest practical drawback. You may have to share the swimming areas with a sizable group, and finding a quiet corner on deck may take some planning. For a more personal experience, the operator also offers private trips that can be adjusted to suit your group, but the price and arrangements would be different.

First stop: swimming and lunch at St. George Bay

The first swimming stop is normally at St. George Bay, about an hour after departure. This gives you time to settle into the boat before changing into swimwear and gathering your mask.

The main pleasure here is simple: you climb or step into clear blue water directly from the boat. There is no need to find a beach, rent a chair, or carry your things across hot sand. You can swim around the boat, cool off, and return to the deck when you have had enough.

After the first stop, the crew prepares lunch on board. The menu is uncomplicated:

• Grilled chicken fillet
• Pork steak
• Vegetarian burger
• Fresh salad
• Bread

The vegetarian option is useful, but you should not expect a long menu or a restaurant-style meal. The food is meant to keep you going during a half-day on the water. Some people find it tasty and satisfying, while others consider the serving plain and the bread a little dry.

That difference in expectations matters. I would value the lunch as a convenient included meal, not as a reason to book the excursion. You are paying for the boat, crew, swimming stops, equipment, and time at sea. The meal is a welcome bonus, but it is not a culinary highlight.

Water is listed among the onboard provisions in the general description, but the detailed inclusions also say bottled water is not included. To avoid confusion, bring your own water unless the operator confirms otherwise. Alcoholic drinks, beer, and soft drinks are not included.

Second stop near Stalis: more water time and fruit

The second stop takes place around Stalis. This is another chance to swim, use the supplied gear, and enjoy the coast from the water. The stop is useful because two separate swimming sessions give you a better chance of finding the conditions you prefer. If the first stop feels windy or crowded, the second may suit you better.

The crew serves a fresh fruit platter after the second stop. This is a lighter finish than the grilled meal and helps break up the time spent in the sun. Bring a cover-up and use the shaded areas when available, since four hours on open water can feel longer than expected.

Snorkeling is part of the appeal, but equipment details need careful attention. The supplied gear may consist of masks or goggles, and several people found that there was no snorkel tube. That means you can look below the surface, but this is not a full guided snorkeling session with high-quality equipment.

Conditions also affect what you see. One person reported seeing many fish, while another found little to see. Both experiences are believable. Visibility, water movement, location, and simple equipment all make a difference. If snorkeling is your main goal, bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them, or ask the crew exactly what will be available before boarding.

What $54.22 really buys you

At $54.22 per person, this is positioned as an economical shared boat trip. The strongest value comes from combining several costs in one outing: a traditional boat, crew, two swimming stops, basic snorkeling equipment, lunch, snacks, and fruit.

A private boat would normally cost much more, so this is a sensible choice if you mainly want time on the water rather than complete privacy. You also avoid the planning work involved in arranging your own boat, finding swimming locations, and organizing food.

The value becomes less convincing if you expect a polished sailing voyage, a generous meal, or a small group. The boat can be busy, the snorkeling gear is basic, and the meal is modest. You may feel the price is high if you compare it with a simple beach day, but the comparison is not quite fair. This includes a boat ride and crewed service, not just access to the sea.

My practical view is this: book it for the water time and easy format, not for luxury. If you would happily spend a half-day swimming from a wooden boat and eating a basic grilled lunch, the price is reasonable. If you want silence, personal attention, or a serious sailing experience, put the money toward a private charter instead.

When the weather changes the plan

The captain’s first duty is passenger safety, and weather can change how the trip feels. Windy conditions may affect the route, the use of sails, and the comfort of the ride. The crew may make announcements over the boat’s speakers when conditions become rough or less suitable.

This is not a weatherproof activity. The trip requires good weather, and a cancellation caused by poor conditions comes with the option of another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.

For your own comfort, check the forecast and avoid treating the cruise as a fixed must-do on the final day of your holiday. A spare day gives you more flexibility if weather interrupts the plans.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend Cretan Sailing to people who want an uncomplicated taste of Crete from the water. It suits couples, families, and small groups of friends who would rather share a boat than pay for a private one.

It is also a good fit for mixed swimming abilities. The crew provides life jackets, and flotation help may be available for people who are not strong swimmers. You can participate without needing to be an expert in snorkeling or sailing.

Families should consider the group size and open-water setting. Most people can participate, but the experience is not a private family outing where the crew can focus only on your children. Keep a close eye on young swimmers and listen to the crew’s instructions.

I would be less enthusiastic for anyone seeking a quiet, high-end cruise. The possible crowding, basic food, limited snorkeling gear, and uncertain use of sails are real limitations. The boat can still be enjoyable, but it is a relaxed shared excursion rather than a luxury charter.

How to make the most of your four hours

Arrive ready to swim. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes, bring a towel, and pack sun protection. A cover-up will help between stops, especially when the wind picks up after you leave the water.

If you own a comfortable mask and snorkel, consider bringing them. The provided equipment is useful, but it may be limited to goggles or masks without a snorkel tube.

Bring water unless the operator confirms that it will be supplied. Soft drinks, beer, and alcohol are not included. You may also want a small waterproof pouch for valuables, although the provided information does not specify storage arrangements.

Choose your deck position early if having a preferred seat matters to you. On a busy departure, the best places can go quickly. Be realistic about the lunch: it is grilled meat or a vegetarian burger with salad and bread, followed by fruit. It is convenient, fresh, and plain.

Finally, ask before departure whether the sails will be used that day. This avoids a common misunderstanding and lets you judge the boat ride on its actual plan.

Should you book Cretan Sailing?

Book this trip if you want two pleasant swimming stops, a traditional wooden boat, friendly crew service, and an included meal at a shared-trip price. The swimming is the heart of the outing, and the crew’s willingness to help makes it accessible to people with different levels of confidence in the water.

Skip it if you want guaranteed sailing under canvas, a small private group, or a memorable lunch. The experience can feel crowded, and the snorkeling setup is basic. At $54.22, I see it as a fair way to spend half a day at sea, provided you value the swimming and boat time more than polished extras.

FAQ

Where does the Cretan Sailing trip start?

It starts at Panoramic view, El. Venizelou 51, Limenas Chersonisou 700 14, Greece. The boat returns to the same meeting point.

What time does the boat leave?

The scheduled start time is 11:30 am.

How long does the trip last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Are lunch and snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. The trip includes use of snorkeling equipment and lunch with a vegetarian or non-vegetarian choice, salad, bread, and fresh fruit. The equipment may be limited to masks or goggles.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic drinks, beer, and soft drinks are not included. Bottled water is also listed as not included in the detailed inclusions, so you should confirm arrangements or bring your own.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.