Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Sea access changes Crete. This four-hour cruise from Kolymbari takes you to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, two places that are difficult to reach by land. I like the generous swimming time, the calm blue water, and the chance to snorkel near WWII remains. The main drawback is that the boat can carry a large group, and the ride may feel rough when the sea turns choppy.

I also like the price: $47 per person includes the cruise, guide, swim stops, and snorkeling equipment. Hotel pickup can make the day easy, though pickup times may be much earlier than the boat departure, and the bus can feel warm while collecting passengers.

This is a good choice if you want a half-day on the water rather than a long, full-day excursion. Bring water shoes for the smooth stones, arrive early if you drive to Kolymbari, and do not count on a full meal from the onboard snack bar.

Key points to know before you book

• Menies is reached by boat: The beach is not a simple roadside stop, so the cruise gives you access to a quiet corner of the Rodopou Peninsula.
• The WWII snorkeling site is unusual: You can look for the sunken base of a cannon and its carriage underwater.
• Chironisia is a water stop: The boat anchors offshore, and you swim to the beach or into small coastal caves.
• You get a true four-hour outing: The schedule leaves about 105 minutes at Menies and 40 minutes at Chironisia.
• Pickup covers many north Chania hotels: It is convenient, but the bus may collect you up to an hour before departure.
• The water is the star: Expect clear blue swimming areas, fish, sea vegetation, cliffs, and views along the peninsula.

Leaving Kolymbari for the Rodopou Peninsula

The trip begins at Kolymbari harbor, where you look for the Smile Cruises boat. If you drive yourself, arrive early. Parking at the harbor is limited, and finding a space can take longer than expected.

If you choose hotel transportation, the pickup covers selected locations across north Chania, including Platanias, Agia Marina, Maleme, Kolymbari, and several hotels farther east. Check the exact pickup message carefully. A boat leaving at 10:15 can require hotel pickup as early as 8:40, depending on where you stay.

The boat provides a short safety briefing before departure. It has several seating areas, an upper deck, toilets, a small refreshment bar, and space for snorkeling equipment. Some departures feel busy, especially when multiple hotel buses arrive, but the boat is described as spacious enough for the group to move around and get into the water without too much trouble.

The first cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula takes about 40 minutes. This is not wasted transport time. You get open-water views, rocky cliffs, and occasional small details such as caves and goats on the hillsides. If you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the boat moves least and consider bringing your usual remedy. Choppy conditions have caused some passengers to feel ill, especially on the ride toward the bay.

Menies Beach and the ancient site of Diktynna

Menies Beach is the main stop, with about 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and time ashore. That is enough time to do more than simply take a quick swim. You can explore the beach, use the supplied mask and snorkel, and still have time to sit in the sun.

The beach sits at the site of ancient Diktynna. This was once an important religious center connected with the goddess Vritomartis. You can also see remains linked to an ancient Roman temple and the abandoned ninth-century monastery of St. George.

Do not expect a polished resort beach. Menies is rocky rather than sandy, though the stones are generally smooth. Water shoes are one of the best things you can pack. They make the walk from the boat easier and protect your feet along the shore.

The boat anchors about six meters from land, so you need to swim through shallow water to reach the beach. This is manageable for confident swimmers, and the crew can help with floating equipment. Paddleboards and baskets have also been used to help move belongings toward the shore.

The water near Menies is usually the strongest part of the outing. It is clear enough to see fish and sea plants, and the sheltered setting can make snorkeling pleasant. The conditions are not identical every day, though. Some people see plenty of fish, while others find the marine life modest. Think of the snorkeling as an enjoyable extra rather than a serious wildlife trip.

The unusual feature is the WWII material beneath the surface. With the supplied gear, you can look for the sunken base of a cannon and its carriage. Visibility, waves, and your swimming position will affect how much you see, but this gives the stop more character than a standard beach swim.

Chironisia Bay, caves, and a second swim

After Menies, the boat continues for about 15 minutes before reaching Chironisia Bay. This is a smaller coastal stop, reached only from the sea. The boat does not necessarily pull up directly to a beach, so plan on entering the water from the boat rather than walking straight onto shore.

You have roughly 40 minutes here for swimming and snorkeling. The boat may stop near small caves where you can swim with your mask and snorkel. The setting feels different from Menies: less time on land, more time floating in a sheltered bay and looking into the rocky edges.

The crew allows passengers to enter by the ladder or jump from the boat, depending on conditions and your comfort. Floats are available, which helps children and less confident swimmers enjoy the stop without having to stay close to shore.

This second stop is useful because it breaks up the day. Menies gives you the longer beach visit and the ancient remains, while Chironisia offers a short, focused water session. If you want hours of walking, this is not the right excursion. If you want two good chances to swim in clear water, the timing works well.

The return boat ride takes about 30 minutes. It gives you time to dry off, buy a drink, and watch the cliffs recede before returning to Kolymbari or taking the bus back toward your hotel.

What the boat experience is really like

The boat is larger than some people expect. That is good news for families and anyone who dislikes small, cramped vessels, but it also means this is not an intimate private cruise. Several full coaches may contribute passengers to one or more boats on a busy day.

Some departures feel comfortable and uncrowded once everyone spreads out. Other times, seating and deck space can feel tight. The upper deck has better views but no shade, so bring sunscreen and a hat. The lower areas provide more shelter, though you may prefer the upper deck during the open-water ride.

The onboard bar sells drinks and simple snacks such as crisps. It is not a lunch service. Eat before boarding if you need a proper meal, and bring your own water if you prefer not to buy drinks on the boat.

The guide speaks English and Greek. Crew members are generally helpful with masks, floats, boarding, and safety questions. Maria has been particularly helpful with equipment and passenger concerns. The audio system can be difficult to hear outside, especially from the upper deck, so you may miss some of the spoken information about the sites.

That matters most at Menies, where the ancient setting adds real interest. If the commentary is hard to follow, you can still enjoy the beach and water, but the cultural side of the trip becomes more self-guided.

Swimming and snorkeling practicalities

You receive snorkeling equipment as part of the price. Masks, tubes, and fins are available, and floats help people who are not strong swimmers. The crew also keeps an eye on passengers during the water stops, which is reassuring for families.

Bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and a change of beachwear. Water shoes deserve special emphasis because both the shore and seabed can be stony. Smooth pebbles are easier on bare feet than sharp rocks, but they still make entry and exit less comfortable.

The boat anchors close to shore, not directly on the beach. You should be comfortable swimming a short distance in shallow water. If you are bringing a phone, wallet, or camera, use a waterproof pouch because your belongings may need to be carried from the boat to land.

Children can enjoy this trip, especially if they are happy in the water. Families have found the calm swimming spots and shorter four-hour schedule easier than a seven- or eight-hour cruise. Still, children need to manage the swim from the boat, and parents should be ready to use the floats or stay close during the water stops.

The snorkeling is pleasant but not guaranteed to be spectacular. You might see small fish, sea vegetation, and perhaps the WWII objects at Menies. Conditions can change the view. Clear water and calm weather make a big difference.

Price, timing, and overall value

At $47 per person, this is a strong-value outing if you want transport, a boat ride, two swim stops, snorkeling gear, and a guide in one package. The four-hour length is also a selling point. You can spend half a day at sea and still have time for another activity, a relaxed lunch, or an evening in Chania.

Hotel pickup adds value if you are staying at one of the listed stops and do not have a rental car. The tradeoff is time. The bus collects passengers from many locations, so your total day may be longer than four hours. A few pickup areas can also mean a warm ride and a slower start.

Meeting at Kolymbari is simpler if you are staying nearby or have a car. Just allow time for parking and finding the Smile Cruises boat. Departure times from the port are listed as 10:15 and 14:30, though you should confirm the available time when booking.

The trip does not operate in poor weather. That is sensible for a coastal cruise, but it means your plans should have some flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps the booking flexible.

Who should book the Menies and Chironisia cruise?

I would choose this cruise if you want to see a less developed side of northern Crete without arranging a boat yourself. It suits couples, families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who prefers a short outing to a full-day sea tour.

It is especially good for you if:

• You enjoy swimming more than long guided walks.
• You want two different water stops.
• You like the idea of combining ancient ruins with a beach visit.
• You are staying near the north Chania coast.
• You want a reasonably priced activity with optional hotel transport.
• You are comfortable entering the sea from a boat and walking on pebbles.

I would think twice if you want a quiet private trip, a sandy beach, a full meal onboard, or serious marine wildlife viewing. The group can be large, the commentary may be hard to hear, and rough seas can make the ride uncomfortable.

Final verdict: a smart half-day on the water

For $47, the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise gives you a lot: clear water, two distinct swim stops, snorkeling gear, coastal views, ancient remains, and a look at unusual WWII relics. The best parts are the long stop at Menies, the easygoing crew, and the chance to reach places that are difficult to visit from land.

Book it if you want a practical, good-value sea outing and you are happy sharing the boat with a sizeable group. Pack water shoes, protect yourself from the sun, and check your pickup time carefully. With those details handled, this is an enjoyable way to spend four hours around northern Crete.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart from?

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

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts four hours. Departure times from Kolymbari are listed as 10:15 and 14:30, subject to availability.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included only with the selected transport option and only from certain locations in north Chania. Pickup can take place from one hour to 10 minutes before the boat departure.

What should I bring?

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

Do I need to swim from the boat to the beach?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. The boat also has floats for swimmers who want extra support.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Food and drinks are available to purchase onboard, but the choices are mainly simple snacks and beverages rather than a full meal.