Chania: Menies Beach & Chironisia Bay Cruise with Snorkeling

The best part of this four-hour cruise is the chance to reach Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay by boat, avoiding the long overland approach to these remote spots. You get clear water, two proper swim stops, and a glimpse of both ancient Crete and WWII history in one outing.

I like the generous swimming time at Menies, the comfortable boat, and the simple price of $47 per person. I also like that the crew provides masks, tubes, fins, floats, and help for less confident swimmers. The main drawback is size: this can be a busy group cruise, and the ride may feel rough when the sea picks up.

At a glance

• Ancient Menies: Swim beside the site of ancient Diktynna, with Roman remains and an abandoned 9th-century monastery nearby.
• WWII underwater relics: Use the supplied snorkeling equipment to look for a sunken gun and carriage near Menies.
• Two different swim stops: Menies gives you beach time, while Chironisia is a boat-access-only cove with small caves.
• A useful half-day length: The four-hour schedule leaves room for other Chania plans, unlike many full-day cruises.
• Optional hotel transfer: Pickup and drop-off are available from selected hotels in northern Chania, though pickup can be much earlier than departure.
• Practical boat setup: Expect toilets, a small refreshments bar, seating areas, swim gear, and helpful crew members such as Maria.

Setting out from Kolymbari

The cruise begins at Kolymbari harbor, where you look for the Smile Cruises boat. If you are driving, arrive early. Parking at the harbor is limited, and finding a space may take longer than expected.

There are two listed departure times from Kolymbari, 10:15 and 14:30. If you choose hotel pickup, your bus may arrive anywhere from an hour to 10 minutes before the boat departure, depending on where you stay. Check the pickup email carefully, including the spam folder. Some pickup times can be surprisingly early, such as 8:40 for a 10:15 cruise.

The transfer covers selected hotels and stops in northern Chania. You wait on the main road, not necessarily at the hotel entrance, and look for a bus sign showing Menies Beach and Chironisia Bay. Drivers wait no longer than five minutes, so be ready before the stated time.

The coach service makes the trip easy if you do not have a car, but it can add time as the bus collects other passengers. One practical point: several coaches may be working at once, so watch for the correct vehicle rather than assuming the first bus passing by is yours.

At Kolymbari, the crew gives a short safety briefing before departure. The boat is described as spacious, with several seating areas, a refreshments bar, toilets, and room for snorkeling equipment. It can still feel busy when multiple coach groups arrive, but the boat is larger than many people expect.

Cruising along the Rodopou Peninsula

The first cruise toward Menies takes about 40 minutes along the Rodopou Peninsula. This is not just transport between stops. You get open-water views, steep coastal cliffs, and the pleasure of seeing a quieter side of northern Crete from the sea.

The boat may stop briefly to point out a cave or a goat clinging to the cliffside. These small moments add character to the ride, though the guide’s commentary is not always easy to hear. The outside speakers can be weak, especially on the upper deck, where wind and engine noise compete with the announcements.

I would treat the commentary as a bonus rather than the main reason to book. Sit closer to the speaker if learning about the coast matters to you. If you mainly want time in the water and a pleasant boat ride, the limited commentary will not greatly affect the experience.

The sea can be calm, but conditions are not guaranteed. One reported trip had high, choppy waves on the way to Menies, and some passengers became seasick. The crew helped and adjusted the timing at the beach, but you should consider motion-sickness medication if you are sensitive.

Menies Beach, ancient Diktynna, and the WWII cannon

Menies is the main stop, with about 105 minutes for swimming, snorkeling, and time on shore. That is a generous period for a short cruise. You do not have to rush from the water to the beach or choose between snorkeling and exploring the site.

The beach sits near ancient Diktynna, once associated with the important sanctuary of the goddess Vritomartis. You can see remains connected with an ancient Roman temple, along with the abandoned 9th-century monastery of St. George. This gives the stop more substance than a simple swim break.

Do not expect a broad, soft-sand beach. Menies is rocky, with smooth pebbles rather than fine sand. The stones are manageable, but water shoes are one of the smartest things to pack. They help on the shoreline and during the shallow swim from the boat.

The boat anchors roughly six meters from shore. You must swim through shallow water to reach the beach, although the crew may provide baskets or paddle boards to help move belongings. This matters if you have young children, limited swimming ability, or a bulky beach bag. The crew also provides floats and assists swimmers who are less confident.

The underwater attraction here is the remains of a WWII gun and carriage. The relics are not presented as a large museum display. You look for them with a mask and tube in the water, so visibility and your snorkeling ability affect what you see.

Marine life varies. On good days, you may see fish, sea vegetation, or even cuttlefish. On other days, the water remains wonderfully clear but there is less to spot. The snorkeling is best understood as an enjoyable look around a clear cove, not a major reef expedition.

The water itself is the strongest feature. It is blue, clean-looking, and generally inviting for swimming. The long stop lets you swim from the boat, walk onto the pebbles, look around the ancient remains, and return to the water without feeling hurried.

Chironisia Bay and its small sea caves

After Menies, the boat cruises for about 15 minutes to Chironisia Bay. This stop lasts around 40 minutes, so it is shorter but still long enough for a good swim and some snorkeling.

Chironisia is a small cove accessible only from the sea. The boat does not necessarily pull onto a beach here. Instead, you enter the water from the boat by ladder or by jumping from the deck, then explore the cove at your own pace.

The bay’s special feature is its small caves. With a mask and tube, you can swim toward the openings and look into the shallow underwater spaces. Follow the crew’s instructions and stay within your comfort level. You do not need strong snorkeling skills to enjoy the clear water, but you should be comfortable entering the sea from the boat or using the ladder.

This stop feels more like a straight swimming break than a sightseeing visit. There are no ancient ruins to explore, and the time is shorter than at Menies. In exchange, you get a quiet cove, open water, and the fun of swimming around a place that cannot be reached by road.

Families can enjoy this stop, especially since floats and safety support are available. Still, parents should consider that access is directly from the boat, and the water is deeper than at the shoreline. The crew is helpful, but each swimmer needs to judge their own confidence.

What the $47 price really covers

At $47, this is a strong-value half-day outing if you want two swim stops and do not need a gourmet meal or a small private boat. The cost includes the cruise, guide, snorkeling equipment, and swim stops. Hotel transfer is included only when you select that option and stay within the served pickup area.

The price does not include food or drinks. The boat sells snacks and beverages, but the selection is limited, more like crisps and drinks than a full lunch. Bring water and eat beforehand if you need something substantial.

The four-hour duration is a major advantage. You can spend the morning or afternoon on the water without giving up a full day in Chania. It also suits families who may find a seven- or eight-hour cruise too long.

The tradeoff is group size. The boat may carry passengers from several coachloads, and some departures feel crowded. At the same time, the swim locations themselves can remain pleasantly free of other large boats, which keeps the water experience from feeling as crowded as the transport stage.

Equipment, comfort, and practical limits

Snorkeling masks, tubes, and fins are supplied. Floats are available, and the crew can help swimmers who are not fully confident. A lifeguard has also been noted as part of the onboard safety setup.

If you are particular about shared equipment, consider bringing your own mask or at least pack a spare snorkel. One concern raised about the gear was hygiene, though other passengers found the equipment useful and easy to replace when a mask did not fit properly.

There are toilets on board, which is valuable on a four-hour trip. The refreshments bar is handy, but do not rely on it for a meal. Seating is available in several areas, while the upper deck offers sun but little or no shade.

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, beachwear, and water shoes. Apply sunscreen before boarding and bring extra for the long Menies stop. The beach is pebbly, and the short swim from the boat makes footwear especially useful.

The boat has a ladder for entering the water, and some passengers jump from the upper deck. You can choose the method that suits you. The crew is there to help, but you should not feel pressured to jump.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this experience if you want:

• A short boat outing rather than a full-day excursion
• Clear water for swimming and basic snorkeling
• Two remote coastal stops without arranging a private boat
• A family-friendly activity with floats and crew support
• A little ancient and WWII context alongside beach time
• Hotel pickup from a selected northern Chania location

I would think twice if you want a quiet, private cruise or a serious archaeological visit. Menies has ruins, but the emphasis is still on swimming. You may also prefer another activity if you dislike boat motion, crowded group transport, or entering the water from a vessel.

The experience suits confident swimmers especially well, but it is not limited to them. The ladder, floats, and crew assistance help, although the six-meter swim to shore and the boat-access-only Chironisia stop mean you should be honest about your comfort in open water.

The tour does not run in poor weather. That is sensible for a coastal trip, but it means your plans need some flexibility. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if the sea forecast is uncertain.

Should you book Menies and Chironisia?

Book it if your ideal Crete outing is simple, active, and reasonably priced: a comfortable boat, blue water, snorkeling gear, two secluded stops, and enough time to swim properly. The ancient remains at Menies and the WWII cannon give the trip a welcome sense of place.

I would book the morning departure if you want the rest of the day free, and I would arrive early at Kolymbari if driving. Bring water shoes, your own drinking water, and motion-sickness protection if needed. If you prefer quieter boats, ask yourself how much the group setting matters. For most people seeking a half-day on the sea, the combination of time in the water, helpful crew, and $47 pricing makes this a sensible Chania choice.

FAQ

Where does the Menies and Chironisia cruise depart from?

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

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts four hours. Listed departure times from Kolymbari are 10:15 and 14:30, subject to availability.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are available with the appropriate option from selected hotels and locations in northern Chania. The pickup point may be on the main road rather than directly at your hotel.

How far before departure might hotel pickup be?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, with masks, tubes, and fins available for the swim stops.

How far is the boat from Menies Beach?

The boat anchors about six meters from shore. You need to swim through shallow water to reach the beach.

Can you reach Chironisia Bay by land?

The bay is described as accessible only by sea. The boat stops nearby so you can enter the water and explore the cove and its small caves.

Are food and drinks included?

No. Snacks and drinks are available to purchase on the boat, but food is not included in the price.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The cruise does not operate in poor weather conditions. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, according to the booking terms.