Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

Two blue-water stops, one easy half-day. This four-hour cruise from Kolymbari takes you to Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy a part of northern Crete that is difficult to reach by land. I like the generous swimming time and the chance to see WWII gun remains underwater, while the $47 price keeps this outing easy to fit into a busy holiday.

I also like the family-friendly length and the helpful crew, with snorkeling gear, floats, toilets, and a small bar on board. The main caution is the boat size and the open-water ride: it can feel busy, and rough seas may make some passengers seasick.

At a glance: what makes this cruise worthwhile

• Menies Beach has more than clear water: You can swim, snorkel, visit ancient remains, and look for the sunken base of a WWII cannon and carriage.
• Chironisia Bay is reached only by sea: This quiet cove gives you a second swim stop, with small caves to explore from the water.
• You get real time in the water: The schedule allows about 105 minutes at Menies and 40 minutes at Chironisia.
• The trip suits a short holiday schedule: Four hours is enough for two coves without taking up a full day.
• Hotel pickup covers many north Chania areas: Pickup is available from selected hotels, though the bus may arrive as much as an hour before departure.
• Water shoes are a smart addition: Both stops can involve rocky or pebbly shorelines, and the boat anchors about 6 meters from land.

Leaving Kolymbari for the Rodopou Peninsula

The meeting point is the Smile Cruises boat at Kolymbari harbor. If you are driving, arrive early because parking around the harbor is limited. The boat departure times from the port are 10:15 and 14:30, and the cruise itself lasts about four hours.

You can also select hotel pickup and return from many locations in north Chania. The route includes stops around Platanias, Agia Marina, Maleme, Kolymbari, and several hotels toward Chania. Pickup is not always close to the boat departure time. Depending on your hotel, you may be collected from one hour to 10 minutes before sailing, so check the email confirmation carefully, including your spam folder.

The bus uses designated points, often on the main road rather than directly at a hotel entrance. Look for a sign naming Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes, so you need to be in position early.

Once aboard, expect a safety briefing of about 10 minutes. The boat is described as spacious and modern, with several seating areas, though the group can be large. Some departures include multiple coach groups, and the boat may feel busy even when there is enough room for everyone.

The first cruise along the Rodopou Peninsula takes about 40 minutes. This is scenic travel rather than a rapid transfer. You will feel the wind, see the rough northern coast, and get a different view of Crete than you would from a road. If you get seasick, sit in a stable area of the boat, keep your eyes on the horizon, and consider bringing any usual motion-sickness remedy.

The sea is often calm enough for children and first-time snorkelers. Still, conditions can change. One July departure had choppy, high waves, and several people felt ill, including a child. The captain and crew helped, but no boat trip can promise perfectly smooth water.

Menies Beach: swimming beside ancient Diktynna

Menies is the main stop, with about 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and time on shore. It lies near ancient Diktynna, a site linked with the goddess Vritomartis. You can see remains associated with an ancient Roman temple and the abandoned 9th-century monastery of St. George.

The history here is not presented as a long land tour. This is primarily a swim stop, with the ruins adding a useful sense of place. If you enjoy combining water time with a little archaeology, Menies gives you more to notice than a standard beach break.

The beach itself is pebbly and rocky rather than soft and sandy. The stones are generally smooth, but water shoes will make entering the water and walking along the shore more comfortable. Bring a towel and beachwear, since the boat may anchor about 6 meters from the beach and you will need to swim through shallow water to reach land.

That short swim is manageable for confident swimmers, but it matters for families, anyone carrying valuables, and anyone who is not comfortable in open water. The crew may provide baskets or paddle boards to help move belongings ashore, but pack lightly and keep anything important protected from splashes.

The water is the star here. It is usually clear enough for fish and sea vegetation, and the calm coves can feel reassuring for children who are learning to use a mask and snorkel. You can also jump from the boat or use the ladder, depending on your comfort level.

Searching for the WWII cannon underwater

The snorkeling at Menies has a particular point of interest: the sunken base of a cannon and its carriage from WWII. You are not simply swimming around a marked reef. You have something specific to look for, which gives the stop a small sense of discovery.

The provided equipment includes masks, snorkels, and fins. Floats are also available for swimmers who want extra support. The crew can help with equipment, and Maria is specifically praised for quickly replacing a faulty mask and assisting passengers.

Do not expect a formal wreck-diving expedition. This is a surface snorkeling activity, and visibility, waves, and your own swimming ability will affect what you see. Some people spot many small fish, cuttlefish, and underwater plants, while others find the marine life less plentiful.

The speaker system may make instructions difficult to hear, especially from the upper deck or outside seating. Pay attention during the briefing, and ask a crew member to repeat anything unclear. The staff are reported to be helpful, so there is no reason to guess about safety instructions or equipment use.

The upper deck offers a good view but has no shade. On a bright Cretan day, sunscreen, a hat, and regular water breaks matter. The lower seating areas may be a better choice if you want protection from the sun or tend to feel unwell at sea.

Cruising onward to Chironisia Bay

After Menies, the boat spends about 15 minutes moving along the Rodopou Peninsula toward Chironisia Bay. The second stop lasts around 40 minutes, giving you another chance to swim and snorkel without repeating the whole Menies routine.

Chironisia is a small cove accessible only by sea. The boat may not pull directly onto a beach here. Instead, you will likely enter the water from the boat by ladder or jump, then swim in the bay.

The cove has deep blue water and small caves that you can explore with your mask and snorkel. This makes Chironisia feel different from Menies. Menies combines shore time, ruins, and a longer beach stop. Chironisia is more about staying in the water and looking around the rock edges.

Forty minutes passes quickly, especially if you want to swim, snorkel, and explore the caves. The crew may point out features along the coast during the journey, including a cave or a goat perched on the cliffside. The guide speaks English and Greek, though the sound system is not always clear.

Because Chironisia is reached only by boat, this stop offers the strongest feeling of getting away from the usual beach circuit. It is not an isolated private charter experience. Several groups may be on board, but the coves themselves may have fewer large boats than the main resort beaches.

What the boat provides during four hours

The boat is large enough to include seating areas, an upper deck, toilets, snorkeling equipment, and a small refreshments bar. You can buy drinks and snacks during the cruise, but the food selection is limited, mainly crisps and similar light items.

Bring your own water if you prefer a larger supply or have specific dietary needs. Food and drinks are not included in the $47 price. This is worth knowing before you board, especially if you are traveling with children.

The vessel has bins, and the crew keeps an eye on swimmers. A lifeguard and floats have helped families feel more comfortable, especially when children are using the water equipment. You should still supervise children closely, since both swimming stops involve open water and, at Menies, a short swim to shore.

There are several ways to enjoy the boat. Sit inside or in a shaded area for part of the trip, then move outside for the views. The upper deck is appealing for photographs, but it has no shade and may make the speaker announcements harder to follow.

The size of the group is the main trade-off. Some departures have two or three full coaches arriving together, and not everyone will get a quiet corner. On the positive side, the boat has enough seating and deck space that the activity does not necessarily feel cramped. If you prefer a small private boat, this is not the right format.

Is $47 good value for this Crete boat trip?

At $47 per person, I consider this strong value for a four-hour cruise with two swim stops, snorkeling equipment, a guide, and optional hotel transport. You are paying for a boat ride, but also for access to Menies and Chironisia, places that are hard to combine without your own boat.

The value improves if you are staying outside Kolymbari and use the hotel pickup. A separate taxi or rental car, plus parking and a private boat arrangement, could make a self-planned visit more complicated. The included transfer is especially useful for people staying in the listed north Chania hotels.

If you are staying in Kolymbari, meeting at the harbor is simple. You can avoid the long pickup circuit and arrive directly at the boat. Give yourself time to find parking and locate the Smile Cruises vessel.

This is not a luxury cruise with a full meal, private seating, or a small party. Snacks and drinks cost extra, the group can be sizeable, and the sound system needs improvement. The price reflects a practical shared excursion, not a private sailing day.

The best way to prepare

Pack light, since you may swim between the boat and shore at Menies. The most useful items are:

• Swimwear and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Water shoes for the pebbly beach
• Comfortable shoes for the short shore visit
• A waterproof case or bag for valuables
• Motion-sickness medication if you need it
• Extra drinking water if you prefer more than the bar provides

You do not need to bring snorkeling equipment unless you prefer your own. Masks, snorkels, and fins are supplied, and floats are available for less confident swimmers.

Try to arrive early for the morning departure, especially if you are driving. If you use pickup, wait at the stated point on the main road before the scheduled time. Do not assume the bus will stop for long or pull into a hotel driveway.

The outing may be canceled in poor weather. That is sensible for a coastal cruise, but it means you should avoid scheduling it as the only activity on the final day of your holiday if you need a fixed plan.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this cruise if you want clear water, plenty of swimming, and a half-day schedule. It works well for families because the stops are not intimidating for many children, floats are available, and four hours is easier than a seven or eight-hour boat day.

It also suits first-time snorkelers. You can use the gear at two locations, enter by ladder instead of jumping, and ask the crew for help. Strong swimmers may enjoy jumping from the boat and exploring the caves, while less confident swimmers can stay near the vessel with a float.

The trip is less suitable if you dislike boats, sun, or pebbly beaches. It is also not ideal if you want a quiet, intimate cruise with personal guiding. The group can be large, and the guide’s commentary may be hard to hear outside.

If your main goal is marine life, keep your expectations sensible. The water can be excellent, with fish, cuttlefish, and sea plants possible, but this is not a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The underwater cannon remains at Menies give the snorkeling a focus, while Chironisia offers caves and rock formations.

Should you book Menies and Chironisia?

I would book it for good water time at a reasonable price, especially if you are staying in north Chania and want a simple half-day plan. The two stops feel different, the boat has useful facilities, and the crew receives consistent praise for being kind and attentive.

Choose the morning or afternoon departure based on your schedule, but check the pickup hour rather than assuming it matches the boat time. Bring water shoes, protect yourself from the sun, and prepare for a group outing rather than a private escape.

Skip it if choppy seas would ruin your day or if you need a sandy beach and a quiet boat. For everyone else, this is an efficient way to reach two beautiful coastal spots, swim in clear water, and see a less accessible side of Crete without paying for a full-day cruise.

FAQ

How long does the Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay cruise last?

The cruise lasts four hours, including the boat rides and both swimming stops.

Where does the boat leave from?

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

What departure times are available from Kolymbari?

The listed departure times from the port are 10:15 and 14:30.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

How early might hotel pickup be?

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

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included. Floats are also available for swimmers who want extra support.

Do I need to swim from the boat to Menies Beach?

Yes. The boat anchors about 6 meters from shore, so you need to swim through shallow water to reach the beach.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, beachwear, comfortable shoes, and water shoes if possible. Extra drinking water may also be useful because food and drinks are sold separately.

Can the cruise be canceled because of weather?

Yes. The cruise will not operate when weather conditions are poor. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.